Miss Venezuela has won Miss Universe 2008, besting three other Latinas (Miss Colombia, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Mexico) and Miss Russia for the title in a colorful pageant in Vietnam.

When the fifteen semi-finalists were announced I was a bit disappointed like thousands of Pinoys watching worldwide, though I wasn't surprised. After all, Miss Philippines wasn't in any of the online list of Miss Universe 2008 favorites I have read and I knew she had a very slim chance of making it even in the top fifteen. Still, the inclusion of Asian candidates, Misses Japan and Vietnam, in the group was a welcome development.

When the semi-final competition started I immediately knew why these candidates were selected. They were more than beautiful. They had oomph, poise and, most of all, they were sexy. These were evident in their posed shots flashed onscreen and, most especially, in the
swimsuit competition. Their walks, poses and pirouettes spelled "look at me, I'm beautiful and sexy". After being trimmed down to the last 10, they sashayed in their evening gowns and milked some more of that x-factor out of every step and turn. The gowns were a big factor too. Did you see what Misses Mexico and Dominican Republic were wearing? Wow! It was at this point that I started rooting for Misses Mexico and Colombia to win. Though they eventually landed in the top five, with Miss Colombia going as far as first runner-up, they fell a bit short.

Miss Universe 2008: Miss Venezuela Wins

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But a big story here was the fall of Miss USA. As her name was called a second time in the gown phase, she slipped on the steps and fell to her butt. The expression on her face said it all, embarrassment, disappointment and the realization that that spelled the end of her quest. I felt for her. Though she desperately tried to mask this, many of us watching could sense her disappointment. This is the second time that a Miss USA candidate has fallen in the Miss Universe evening gown phase. Was it just a year ago when it also happened? (See video below) I think they both stepped on their long trains to cause the slip.

Miss Universe 2007: Miss USA Falls

Miss Universe 2008: Miss USA Falls

I was counting on Miss Colombia or Miss Mexico to win. I think they looked more natural as opposed to Miss Venezuela's heavily made-up face and who knows how many surgeries! However, the judges have spoken and we have to accept it. Maybe she'll end up to be a good Miss Universe after all. (Photo credits: yahoo.com)

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