Miss Universe 2021: All You Need to Know | Condo Tips

Dec 24, 2021

Filipinos hold the title as the most dedicated Miss Universe fans in the world, which is evident in its annual staging. Miss Universe season is like a regular holiday for Filipinos (aside from Pacquiao’s match, and NBA finals) where most of the people are glued to their TV screens, hoping for the word “Philippine” to be announced. Such enthusiasm is indeed paid off as the Philippines holds the longest ongoing semi-finals streak in Miss Universe History - thanks to Gomez’s recent finish. But what does Miss Universe actually bring to the table for such hype, and why is it relevant not only to Filipinos but to the world?

The Miss Universe Organization and its core

Primarily, the prestigious crown cries for glitz, glam, and fame. The titleholder itself jumps on the pedestal shortly after being crowned - to be telecast to almost 150 countries is a testimony in itself. But apart from that, being a spokesperson of the causes of the company holds a huge chunk of the responsibility. The actual work really starts after the anticipated “first walk”, and as a Miss Universe, the winner should embody not only being an empowered woman but most especially the values and brand of the organization; what exactly are these values?

Run by women for women

The MUO (Miss Universe Organization) established its brand as a platform for empowering women around the world. For seven decades and hundreds of participants, its annual staging is not just a search for a woman with poise and charm but a tradition of lending the candidates’ voice for their respective advocacies. Such purpose was further strengthened since Donald Trump, the previous owner of the pageant, exited for his Presidential bid last 2016. The organization runs with new management, IMG, and is now headed by Paula Shugart and a pool of empowered women with diverse backgrounds. With its recently concluded 70th anniversary show, MUO is indeed still at the top in committing and uplifting women, building their ambitions, confidence, and influencing women to be a catalyst for future success.

Pool of opportunities

Aside from the crown, the sash, the title and the platform, each of the queens will be exposed to an open door of opportunities. The winner will become a brand ambassador not only of the organization but of various commercial brands. She will become the face of different products all over the world and will travel for advocacy purposes. The new Miss Universe will indeed be treated like a queen during her reign -- a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

HIV/AIDS, Smile Train, Best buddies.. and more

Through a dedicated international platform of philanthropic relationships, MUO emphasizes the significance of getting involved and giving back. The duties of the new Miss Universe will be focusing on helping through awareness campaigns into certain causes like HIV/AIDS (this is Pia Wurtzbach’s personal advocacy, too), leadership management for physically challenged individuals, and children with cleft lip and palate. During the pageant proper, all of the candidates were also exposed to these charitable activities. 

The Philippines' 12-year streak, the longest in history

For more than a decade, the Philippines penetrated semi-finals placement and two titles courtesy of Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018). As a result, the Miss Universe hype is undeniable for the Filipino people when the season comes. Here’s a short recap of the country’s bets from 2010 up to now.

Venus Raj (2010)

Venus Raj’s 4th runner-up placement sealed the long drought of the Philippines in Miss Universe and from there the country’s streak catapulted. Pageant enthusiasts called her “the drought breaker” with her exemplary performances in swimsuits and evening gown round. Venus’ inclusion in the semi-finals strengthens the Filipinos eagerness to clinch such a coveted crown. 

Shamcey Supsup (2011)

Shamcey, who is also the current national director of the country’s Miss Universe franchise, solidified the semi-final streak - thanks to her million-dollar smile and the infamous tsunami walk. It is not only her clean performance that brought her to the semis but also her fluency and wit which became her advantage in the closed-door interview.

It is not that known to most of the fans that close-door interviews hold a high percentage of scoring in the selection process. This eventually became the country’s edge in securing a spot for the first cut.

Janine Tugonon (2012)

Miss Universe Christmas edition happened in 2012 and Janine Tugonon’s 1st runner-up finish is indeed one of the best Christmas gifts for Filipinos. Just one step short in clinching the crown, Janine’s exemplary performance marks her as one of the strongest candidates that the Philippines ever produced. 

Ariela Arida (2013)

The 2013 edition happened in Moscow, Russia which is also a sort of homecourt for the Philippines, thanks to the enthusiastic energy of OFWs. Ariela’s placement through online voting ensured that Filipinos are the best fans of Miss Universe.

Mary Jean Lastimosa (2014)

Veteran pageant contender, MJ Lastimosa, represented the country in its 63rd edition in Doral, Florida. She managed to continue the semi-final finish but failed in securing a top 5 spot, but nonetheless, MJ still delivers a flawless performance.

Pia Wurtzbach (2015) Winner

After three decades the Philippines took home its third crown, thanks to Pia Wurtzbach. Such an edition became one of the most remarkable not only of Pia’s regal performance and undeniable wit but also of the crowning mess.

Maxine Medina (2016) Host Delegate

The 65th edition was held in the Philippines which became an advantage for Maxine. The loud cheers of Filipino fans filled the venue as the country’s bet advanced from top 16, top 9, up until top 6. Unfortunately, Maxine didn’t emerge into the final round, but witnessing Pia passing the crown in her own country still satisfies the Filipino fans.

Rachel Peters (2017)

Peter’s top 10 finish, even though unfortunate for not advancing to the top 5, still continues the Philippines on a going streak. Still, a great finish as the Philippines' success in the Miss Universe pageant extends to eight years.

Catriona Gray (2018) Winner

Shortly after Wurtzbach’s victory comes one of the well-prepared candidates in the history of Miss Universe, Catriona Gray. With her well-calculated moves and fully creative team, Gray’s victory became one of the blueprints of every succeeding Miss Universe candidate.

Gazini Ganados (2019)

The country's streak continues with Ganados’ top 20 finish where she had the opportunity to share her advocacy during the open speech round. With the pageant’s new format, Gazini Ganados failed to showcase her pasarela prowess in both swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Gazini’s placement marks the Philippines semi-finals finish for a decade.

Rabiya Mateo (2020)

Rabiya Mateo won the Miss Universe Philippines crown under new management. The franchise was separated from its long-time holder, the BPCI (Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.) after being bought by an unknown business tycoon. Rabiya’s top 21 finish is kind of surprising given the hype and expectations of the fans, but nonetheless, Mateo still gave a good fight.

Beatrice Luigi Gomez (2021)

The pageant’s 70th edition recently concluded with the Philippines advancing to the top five after two years. Beatrice’s genuine smile, added with Luigi’s oozing confidence paves the way to her dark-horse victory. Thanks to her, the Philippines now holds the longest ongoing semi-finals finish for 12 years.

India’s Victory after 21 years

It was 2001 since the last time India won the Miss Universe title courtesy of Laura Duta. After 21 years, 21-year-old Harnaaz Sandhu took home the most prestigious crown on its 70th edition in Eilat, Israel. Besting 79 candidates, the pageant veteran became the third Indian Miss Universe - she can now sit beside Sushmita Sen and Laura Duta.

Harnaaz is a model and an actress where she starred in some Bollywood films. She also holds a degree in Information Technology and is currently taking Masters in Public Administration.

This 21-year-old beauty is not new in the field of beauty pageants. Since then, she has received titles such as Miss Chandigarh2017, Miss Max Emerging Star India2018, and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019. She was only crowned Miss Universe India 2021 last October the same year.

Huge prizes, the chance to travel around the world, countless press conferences and media tours, and a luxury condo living in New York awaits the new Miss Universe.

The most prestigious condo living for the most prestigious crown

Every Miss Universe titleholder will enjoy not only the media exposure but also luxurious living in the Big Apple, thanks to their New York apartment. Indeed, a new home fit for a queen.

Prizes

Miss Universe is not just a title but also a job. Here is the list of prizes that the new queen will win:

  1. Groceries, transport, and the like during her one-year stay at the Miss Universe apartment.
  2. A team of assistants, makeup artists, and the like at her beck and call.
  3. One year’s supply of makeup, hair products, shoes, clothes, jewelry, skincare, and more.
  4. The opportunity to model for the best photographers to build her modeling portfolio.
  5. Professional styling, nutrition, dermatology, and dental services.
  6. Access to exclusive events, parties, premieres, screenings, castings, and more.
  7. All-expense paid traveling privileges, including hotel accommodation and food.
  8. Traveling the world—again, for free; and
  9. A one-year stay at the Miss Universe apartment in New York City, which she’s expected to share with Miss U.S.A.

The new Miss Universe must have a new home where she can feel like a queen, thus a luxurious condo living has a huge chunk of the prizes

But how about those who do not have plans to join the pageant, or don't have any interest in pageants at all? Worry no more! There are great options here in the Philippines where a Miss Universe-like stay is achievable. There are numerous condos in the Philippines where everyone can experience luxurious condo living fit for a queen. 

Sky Arts Manila, one of the most prestigious condos in the Philippines, caters to an ideal all-in kind of lifestyle. It has a number of special features that round out the urban condo living experience. Future occupants will be able to enjoy a well-integrated live-work-play lifestyle thanks to the indoor and outdoor amenities. Coming home to the soothing environment of the project's open spaces, where you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Manila Bay and an eagle's eye view of the City of Manila, is a dream come true.

Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit oriented locations and developed business districts.   

At Vista Residences, unit owners can take advantage of the property’s centrality. The properties of Vista Residences are strategically located near the country’s premium universities and CBDs, making them an attractive investment for both local and foreign investors.

Living in Vista Residences enables you to enjoy convenience, where everything is pretty much within walking distance or a few minutes away from the property; comfort because the project features and amenities are designed to deliver comfort at all times, which makes condo living a worthy investment; security that is 24/7 and CCTV monitoring, which makes the residents safe and secure within the property.

In line with Vista Residences’ thrust to offer convenience among its residents, it also features an AllDay Convenience Store and Coffee Project in all its projects.

For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.

Other blog

Try our loan calculator and find your future home!