by chorr » Sat Jul 16, 2022 6:40 am
Imma do a very quick, the good, the bad and the ugly alright?
The good: Lalela winning. I mean it shouldn't been a surprise at all and it was a sight to behold. First Ebony queen of this organization, and a damn good one. I can already feel how iconic she would be come Miss South Africa, and I am excited as hell for her. Hope she comes to Philppines before her reign ends! I thought Praew, and Kim placing as a RUs were also nice, and despite their limited English, both did exceptional. Loved Vietnam's dress. Venezuela's RU placement is well deserved, she did really good during the prelims. She reminds me so much of a Filipina queen I can't remember who. Personally, I am happy with Alison's placement and she winning the Talent award was also well deserved. Solid top 12.
The bad: That stage really killed the vibe for me. The camera angles were also weird. It was past 4am already here in Philippines when I called it and stopped watching after the first cut was done. I thought the production of MS, from what I saw in Dindi's time was a lot more faster. This edition is filled with sponsor product placements, unnecessary banter and chitchat, and entertainment numbers that are remotely entertaining. The forced chemistry between the hosts are bordering cringe. While pre-pageant activities are nice, I find it sus how several mini competitions can propel a girl to a final placement, specifically the one that brings money via votes, via "influencing" and chatting i.e. fans engagement.
The ugly: That crown does nothing for Lalela. A glorified fruitbowl, that's what it is. Horrible top 24 filled with questionable placements and exclusions. Czech Republic and India not making the top 5 is just an insult to word beauty, hence it goes to the ugly section. The speech rounds are also blah.
Looking back, I am yet to figure out this pageant. Is it just a final show with predetermined winners? Are the girls judged during competition rounds like Miss Universe, or are they like ME where the backstage also factors in selecting the winner? Does facial beauty and winner's glow on the final or prelim night matter? How heavy are the popularity and money making via votes are in relation to final placements? Is the winner politically selected? I have sooo many questions but I guess I need to watch more of it for me to understand.
Truth bombs, truth bombs everywhere!