Miss Universe 2024 Preliminaries: A Night of Triumphs and Special Awards

The 73rd Miss Universe pageant's preliminary competition, held in Mexico, saw 126 contestants from across the globe showcase their national costumes, swimsuits, and evening gowns. The event culminated in a special awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions to the pageant. This year's event showcased not only the beauty of the contestants, but also their dedication to social causes and their national pride.

Philippines Crowned Best National Host Tour Country

In a surprising yet well-deserved win, the Philippines was awarded the prestigious title of Best National Host Tour Country. This accolade recognizes the Philippines' exceptional hospitality and the memorable welcome extended to Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, during her visit earlier this year. The award was graciously accepted by pageant manager Jonas Gaffud on behalf of Miss Universe Philippines, currently represented by Chelsea Manalo. This win underscores the Philippines' reputation for its warm and welcoming culture, cementing its position as a beloved destination for international events.

A Testament to Filipino Hospitality

The Miss Universe Philippines organization proudly announced the win on social media, highlighting the significant effort made to showcase the best of Filipino hospitality. Their statement expressed gratitude for this unexpected award, further emphasizing their dedication to providing a positive and memorable experience for all involved. The warm welcome extended to Miss Universe 2023, undoubtedly, played a crucial role in securing this coveted award. The entire organization is optimistic about more good news to come in the main event.

A Half-Filipina's Double Celebration: Shereen Ahmed's Sparkling Success

Adding to the Philippines' success, Miss Universe Bahrain, Shereen Ahmed, a half-Filipina, celebrated a double triumph. Not only did she captivate audiences with her stunning runway presence, showcasing a traditional Bahraini bridal look and a Burkini-inspired swimsuit, but she also secured a silver award in the Voice for Change competition. This competition emphasizes social advocacy, and Shereen's impactful message supporting single mothers resonated deeply with judges and audiences alike.

Voice for Change: Amplifying Important Causes

The Voice for Change competition underscores the commitment of Miss Universe delegates to address critical social issues. Shereen's dedication to supporting single mothers exemplifies the initiative's goal of using the pageant platform to raise awareness and inspire positive change. She is joined by six other Silver Winners: Anouk Eman (Aruba), Saran Bah (Guinea), Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand), Matilda Wirtavuori (Finland), Snit Tewoldemedhin (Eritrea), and Raegan Rutty (Cayman Islands). Juliana Barrientos (Bolivia), Ana Gabriela Villanueva (Guatemala), and Davin Prasath (Cambodia) are the Gold Winners of this competition. The competition's global reach is a testament to its effectiveness in empowering women and promoting social good.

Other Notable Victories at the Preliminaries

Beyond the Philippines' success, other nations also earned accolades during the preliminaries. Canada's Dennis Dávila received the Best National Director award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and dedication. Puerto Rico's Yizette Cifredo earned the Beyond the Crown Award, showcasing the contestants' efforts beyond the typical pageant events. Vietnam was also acknowledged for their impressive national pageant, solidifying their position in the world of beauty pageants.

A Celebration of Global Talent

The Miss Universe 2024 preliminaries provided a platform not just for showcasing individual beauty, but for celebrating the talent, dedication, and social consciousness of contestants from around the world. The awards underscore the values of the Miss Universe organization and its commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions and leadership.

Awaiting the Grand Finale: Fingers Crossed for Chelsea Manalo!

With the preliminaries concluded, the anticipation for the Miss Universe 2024 coronation night is reaching fever pitch. Chelsea Manalo, representing the Philippines, is poised to make her mark, carrying the weight of the nation’s hopes on her shoulders and striving to win the coveted crown. Her advocacy for the families and children of Filipino migrant workers, as well as her elegance and grace, are sure to be highlighted during the final night. The journey has been one filled with hard work and determination, and we wish her all the best for the final night.

The final night promises an electrifying spectacle of beauty, talent, and grace. The world waits with bated breath to see who will be crowned the next Miss Universe. The journey to the crown has been remarkable, full of individual triumphs, and collective celebration. We await the coronation night with hopeful anticipation.