Live Blogging the Miss Universe Pageant: The 77 delegates paraded in their national costume. After introducing themselves one by one, they graced the stage in their tadashi cocktail dresses. The stage: This year's hosts: Vanessa Minnillo and Mario Lopez The 15 Semi-finalists: Venezuela Czech Republic India USA Thailand Korea Nicaragua Japan Mexico Brazil Tanzania Angola Denmark Slovenia Ukraine (Video after the jump)

What!?? No Miss Philippines???? I demand a recount! hehehe

Moving on…

Ukraine, Denmark and Czech Republic were quite a surprise. Our beautimometer predicted 9 of them…not bad but not remarkable. Russia, Italy, Dominican Republic, Serbia, South Africa and Spain were snubbed.

Anyway…

The panel of judges were introduced. Heroes’ “Ando” is one of them, great news for Miss Japan. Dayanara Torres is also one of the judges. And some South American judges which can boost the latinas. Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan is also one of the judges.

The Top 15 compete in their swimsuits. Brazil, Tanzania and Korea were among the ladies who received the highest scores with 9.5, 9.2 and 9.4 respectively.

TOP 10

Brazil
India
Japan
Angola
Venezuela
USA
Korea
Tanzania
Nicaragua
Mexico

Mexico, for the damage control hehehe. I kinda prefer Thailand than India in the top 10 para maiba naman. Venezuela & USA – sash factor. I’m loving Tanzania right now. 4 latinas in the top 10, 3 Asians, 2 Africans, 1 USA and ZERO Europeans. No wonder European countries are pulling their candidates one by one, year after year.

I have a gut-feel that Korea is gonna win this! She’s absolutely stunning! But our Beautimometer is rooting for the English speaking Miss Venezuela. We will see. The question and answer portion will break all expectations.

EVENING GOWN COMPETITION

Brazil – 9.125
India – 7.825
Japan – 8.943 (The Oprah Windfrey gown)
Angola – 8.363
Venezuela – 9.510

OMG, USA stumbled and fell on her butt. The crowd loved it!!!

USA – 8.754 (The Mirriam Quiambao strategy)
Korea – 9.183
Tanzania – 8.488
Nicaragua – 7.674
Mexico – 7.850 (crowd favorite, of course!)

So based from the scores, the TOP 5 would be:

Venezuela
Brazil
Korea
Japan
USA

2 latinas vs 2 asians vs USA

Miss Photogenic: Miss Philippines (Hooray! 3 years in a row!)

Miss Congeniality: Miss China

FINAL ROUND: Question and Answer

Brazil gave the best answer, i think, about which is more important following your heart or following your mind.

Korea’s question is about having superpowers and what would it be. Her answer has something to do with missionary work and water.

USA was booed by the crowd.

Venezuela’s question was: would you rather have a relationship with a man who’s spontaneous and wild or the one who plays it safe. She chose neither.

Japan did well. Her question was: What was one lesson you learned as a child that still affects your life today. Her answer was: I’ve been dancing as a child. I lived my life growing up among many students and teachers. I learned on how to always be happy, to be patient and be positive and this is what i want to teach to this generation.

4th Runner-up – Miss USA

3rd Runner-up – Miss KOREA

2nd Runner-up – Miss VENEZUELA

1st Runner-up – Miss BRAZIL

MISS UNIVERSE 2007 is Miss JAPAN

Indeed, this year is ASIAN year in Miss Universe.

Top 10 Up-Close:

Coronation video:

Watch out for Miss World. PHILIPPINES is a shoo-in for the crown. (fingers crossed)