This is a great pageant, it's getting better and better, day after day.Yesterday I was honored to have dinner with Misses Universe 77 and 98, Wendy Fitzwilliams and Janelle Commissiong, both from Trinidad & Tobago, and all eight preliminary judges. Although I consider it to be early to be sure of anything, I can say that Renata's chances are very high. Before they knew I was from Brazil, they talked about the candidates in general, and mentioned how impressed they were by Miss Brazil. It is an excellent sign that we can almost for sure expect her among the 10 semi-finalists.
The contestants have just rehearsed for the last time before tonight's show. I am in the press room with journalists from many countries. Besides Renata, my favorites, in no particular order, are: Botswana, Hungary, Russia, Panama, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, USA (it's a pity she's so short), Sweden (she can be Miss Universe!), Slovak Rep., Czech Rep., Philippines, Israel (top 10 for sure), and France. There are some other with great possibities, among who are Canada and Belgium. Australia was a huge deception. Japan is not that bad.
I will let you know how the Presentation Show went. Until then!
( Roberto Macedo is a journalist from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, who is about to finish the first book ever about the history of Miss Universe and Miss Brazil. He is covering the pageant for Brazil's major newspapers and magazines. )
The real competition started yesterday afternoon. In alphabetical order, one by one of us entered the room in which we would remain for some 45 minutes or so, face to face with preliminary judges. They were 8. Each interview lasted for 4 minutes. The judges made us feel comfortable and asked us all kinds of questions. One judge, for instance, spoke to me only about soccer and the Brazilian national team. Lucky me to be a soccer fan! Another one asked me to say a good and a bad word. I came up with fraternity and envy. We won't get anywhere by ourselves, and we should never envy, instead, make the best out of what we have in hands. A question that caught me by syrprise was, "If you had to be an animal, which animal would you be?". I said that I would be a bird. it is the symbol of freedom and liberty, something many of us strive for at given moments in our lives, as a country or oneself. I also talked about how much I want to be a judge or a state attorney, the importance of a strong family background for society as a whole, and how much I believe that perseverence, and a strong believe in God and in ourselves is what take us where we want to get. I left that room knowing that I did an excellent job. One third of our preliminary score is now in a computer. By Friday, only 10 of us will be still in the run. Yesterday we also got to vote for Miss Congeniality. Many girls deserve this title, however, my vote went to my dear friend and roommate Veronica, who's been family to me in the past two weeks. We will know who the winner was on Friday, during the presentation show. Until then! (Miss Brazil, Renata Fan)
An African Queen for the Universe? -Yesterday I watched the Miss Universe delegates' fashion show and today I met some of them during lunch. To see them in pictures was one thing; to see them here was a whole other story. It was also very insightfull to watch the show with local people. It was interesting to learn who are their favorites and their thoughts on most contestants.
The Latins were a little bit of a deception to me. Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico didn't look too good; I also expected more from Bolivia; Peru and Honduras surprised me in a positive way, however, I still don't think they will make the top 10; Panama is very ellegant and pretty, but she's the typical Latin contestant. Miss Brazil was a great surprise - beautiful, charming, full of personality with a fresh and unique look. Misses Brazil, Greece and USA were the most energetic. They were sassy, very upbeat. Venezuela is stunning and will easily make the top 3. She acts as if she was running for Trinidad & Tobago presidency by kissing babies, talking to everyone in the streets, etc. She is the biggest favorite down here. Philippines is the strongest Asian contestant, although Korea is also very cute. India looks much better in person, she is smart, and very friendly to the other contestants. She is another local favorite for top ten. Something interesting: USA and Colombia are in nobody's lists in Trinidad & Tobago. They actually complain that Miss USA is the ugliest they've ever seen. Among the Europeans, Great Britain, Finland and Slovak Rep. stand out. France needs a little more personality. As I mentioned before, Greece is the other one who's projecting. Ukraine could surprise many people and Spain looks better than I thought. Let's not forget Miss Israel: she is charming, sexy, fashionable, outstanding and friendly, plus, she's controversial! Jews don't like her because she's Arabic; Misses Lebanon and Egypt don't like her because she doesn't talk about being being an Arabic enough; The girl deserves a break, by all means! Bahamas is the one Caribbean i bet will do well, very cute. Now, my big favorite so far, and by far, is MISS BOTSWANA. What a nice surprise! She is spectacular! Eloquent, smart, well travelled, and knows how to move and dress. She's another trinis' favorite; actually, she is many people's favorite... (Greg Borowsky, missologist from Buffalo, New York)
Crowd favorites - Yesterday's Parade of Nations was just incredible! Thousands of people screaming for their favorites while we smiled and waived to them. At moments like that it is hard to express how incredible it is to take part in such a wonderful and unique event. The people of Trinidad & Tobago are just amazing! I was happy to see a few Brazilian flags in that sea of human beings, nonetheless, it was clear that Venezuela and the local contestant, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, were the crowd favorites. People could probably hear these two countries' names from miles and miles of distance.
Today we participated in a fashion show, telecasted on national television a few hours later. I felt great and had lots of fun. Something curious that happened during the show was a blackout! The lights were back in a few seconds though. Tomorrow the real competion begins with the preliminary judges' interviews, one by one. I feel that I am ready and hope to do well. I will soon let you know how I think I did.
Until next time! (Renata Fan)
Miss Brazil's latest report - The tension and excitment are growing in Trinidad & Tobago. It is hard to imagine that in less than one week 75 of us will not be running for the crown anymore. We have been rehearsing for next Friday's preliminaries and for the final night four hours a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. In that occasion, we will be presented in groups of 14; I am in the first group. Regarding the final night, the opening number includes a difficult but beautiful choregraphy. We will enter the stage to the sound of Calypso and other Caribbean sounds. The same happens for the swimsuit competition. The interview competition will be the same as last year's: each girl was assigned another one. We have to leran as much as possible about each other's countries. My partner is beautiful Miss Botswana. Evening gown will happen to the music of Julio Iglesias Junior. Everything is coming along beautiful!
Although as I already said all contestants are wonderful, there are some who will certainly do well. Miss Bolivia, for example, is probably the most photographed here in Trinidad. My personal favorites are France, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. They are simply gorgeous! Peru, Panama, Angola and Greece (who may surprise many people) are the trendiest; Bahamas is growing on popularity; Slovak Rep., Hungary and Estonia are strong possibilities; so are Israel and Philippines; and of course, I hope one of the ten spots will be mine :) Nevertheless, all 85 are beautiful, and anything could happen!
Henrique read some 30 e-mails you sent to me with words of encouragement and great tips. I don't know how to thank you all! From the bottom of my heart, thanks for your love and support and until next time! (by Renata Fan, Miss Brazil)
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Miss Brazil 96 says who her favorites are - You may remember me from Miss Universe 96, in Las Vegas, and Nuestra Belleza 96, which I won. I just reviewed the pictures of all contestants for Miss Universe 99 and I have my top 10 list. I have to begin with Susana Barrientos, Miss Bolivia, who competed against me in NBI 96 and finished in second place. She is looking great! Her yellow dress is beautiful and I can bet that she will be a finalist. Miss Venezuela has a perfect body, Miss France looks like doll, and Mexico has one of the most beautiful faces of the pageant. Miss Slovak Republic looks like a topmodel, beautiful! Philippines and Puerto Rico will also make it, and so will Israel and the USA for political reasons. My favorite, of course, is Miss Brazil. I was a judge in a pageant won by Renata two years ago, she looked great then, and she looks even better now. Renata is ready to win Brazil's third Miss Universe crown. Her major obstacle will be Miss Bolivia. I must say most contestants this year are trully beautiful, more than when I competed. I will cross my fingers for Renata! (by Maria Joana, Miss Brazil 96)
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Global Beauties selects Miss Photogenic - I got together with other six friends to pick Global Beauties Miss Photogenic for Miss U 99. It wasn't easy, but at the end, we gota a winner: Miss Colombia. ALthough Renata, Miss Brazil, didn't look her best in the Miss Universe official pageant, she was able to finish in 3rd place, which was excellent. Another favorite, Miss Puerto Rico, finished in second. For complete results, click here. (by Henrique Fontes)
Today the group was divided in two. Some 40 girls, including Misses Venezuela and Uruguay, went to Tobago. The rest of us went to San Fernando and San Jose. In San Fernando we enjoyed a beautiful carnival presentation. There were lots of Latins, including a group of Brazilians. I must say that wherever we go, the prople here are incredible! Trinis are very hospitable and are always smiling. I am in love with this country! Later we went to San Jose, where for the first time in my life I danced salsa! It was a fun evening. We were also introduced to Scott, our coreographer. The guy is very energetic, we all liked him a lot. By the way, rehearsals haven' started yet. The food here is excellent, but too "hot" at times. I still didn' get used to see drivers in the right side of cars!
Regarding the 86 contestants, they are all beautiful and very diverse. Miss Russia arrived today. She has the longest hair of the pageant. It reaches her legs! She is very pretty. Miss USA is the shortest girl of the group. Her best friends are New Zealand, Australia, Austria, and Croatia. Miss Australia, by the way, looks like an international "top model". She is a favorite. from Europe, I still think France is the strongest contestants, although Hungary is also gorgeous. Miss Slovak Rep. has one of the most beautiful faces of the pageant, while Greece and Great Britain are also getting positive comments. Miss India and I exchanged a few words yesterday. She is very ellegant. Miss Philippines stands out among the girls from the Far East, and Miss Israel caughts lots of attention. The girl is always laughing and making jokes, besides, she is very charming. From Africa, I have to say that I am very impressed by Miss Ghana and Nigeria' s beautiful and exotic outfits. Miss Angola, already a good friend of mine, is lovely. The girls from Latin America and the Caribbean get lots of attention from the media. Bolivia, who finished in second in Nuestra Belleza 96, when my good friend Maria Joana won it, speaks great Portuguese. She is beautiful. Colombia and I are good friends. We travelled together in the bus to San Fernando. She looks like a doll. Honduras is very impressive. From the Caribbean, Bonaire is beautiful and exotic, Aruba has a lovely face, and I love Miss Curacao! We became such good friends! Trinidad is also a favorite. Now, if it is too early to have an opinion on who the top 10 will be, one thing is for sure: Venezuela will be up there. She is gorgeous, a knock out! Besides, she has a wonderfull personality, very sweet.
Thanks for all the support and nice messages. I am very happy and it has been a sensational experience so far. Until next time!
Today the current Miss Universe, Trinidad & Tobago's own Wendy Fitzwilliams, welcomes all candidates in a private party to take place at the San Benedicto monastery, the oldest in the Caribbean (1912). Miss Brazil Renata Fan, along with a few other girls, will film at a touristic location. The segment will be shown during the final night presentation. (Henrique)
The pageant has been oficially open today. Most Latin contestants share rooms at the Holyday Inn with other Latins: Panama with Nicaragua; Brazil with Uruguay; Argentina with Bolivia; Colombia with Puerto Rico, etc. Miss Argentina had some problems to arrive to Port of Spain. Her plane went to Tobado, and subsequently, she had to spend a few dollars to buy a ticket to Trinidad's capital.
Venezuela arrived on a private plane yesterday night, with 6 suitcases and a box. The local press already has some favorites, among which are Hungary, Anett Garami, South Africa, Sonia Raciti, Puerto Rico, Brenda Lopez, and Trinidad and Tobago, Nicole Dyer. Yesterday the contestants chose Speedo sportswear and tried on red bikinis and one-piece swimsuits. (Julio)
MAY 8 - Renata's first day and her favorites so far; Misses Venezuela and Colombia join the group. (by Renata Fan)
We had a great time on the plane getting to know each other and an excellent reception when we got to Trinidad. I had the chance to meet my roomate, Miss Uruguay, who is very nice and just came back from Germany, where she was the second runner-up at the Miss Intercontinental pageant.
Today we had our official internet pictures taken; I am happy with my photo. Other girls joined the group not long ago. I heard Misses Colombia and Venezuela arrived this evening, but they have not been introduced to the group yet. All contestants look absolutely beautiful, however, based on a first impression, my favorites so far are: France (#1), Panama, Honduras, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago, and Curacao.
It was 5:17 AM when Renata's flight arrived to Miami's International Airport. I picked her up at the airport along with Maria Joana Parizoto, Miss Brazil and Nuestra Belleza International 1996. We took Renata to Ocean Drive, so that she could have a little taste of Miami. The Brazilian beauty queen ate breakfast in News Cafe, where we talked about Miss Universe and she carefully listened to all advice given by Miss Brazil 96, who in 1996 finished in 18th place at tha pageant. After eating and taking a few pictures, we headed to the Brazilian Consulate.
Both Renata and Maria Joana were welcomed by Deputy Consul Regina, head of the Cultural Division, and Deputy Consul Regina Bugane, head of the Consular Division. Both were impressed by Renata's charm and intelligence. After meeting all other diplomats and officers, Renata was introduced to the local press.
Many reporters asked Renata dozens of questions. She showed that she is able to handle herself very well under pressure by brilliantly discussing matters ranging from social problems in Brazil to the war in Kosovo. When asked if she spoke English, she answered: "Although I speak little English, I do not think it is going to be a problem. I think it is very important to speak our own language abroad, it is part of our culture. I know I will be able to communicate with the other girls inspite of the language barrier. I just hope Miss Universe have good tranlators for the interview section! (laughs)". And so do we, once this 21year-old Law student (she will graduate in December) really knows what she talks about.
At noon we had lunch with Marcio Tellaria, Miss Nicaragua's Coordinator, and Ariel Roman, a missologist from Colombia. Once again Renata asked many questions and advice. Both Marcio and Ariel agreed that Renata has all it takes to win the Miss Universe crown.
IT IS TIME TO LEAVE...
3:30 - We were back to the airport and in a little more than an hour Miss Brazil would be leaving to Trinidad. When waiting to do the check in, she met Miss Japan, who was very sweet and reamined with Renata until they entered the plane. Many other contestants left on the same plane. Renata left everyone she met in Miami with high hopes to see her coming back with the Miss Universe crown. We all wish her the best of luck!
FIRST IMPRESSION
I was able to meet (or at least see) some of the contestants who left with Miss Brazil to Trinidad and Tobago. The ones who impressed me the most were Misses Panama, Bahamas, Sweden, and Canada. Others included Japan, Jamaica, El Salvador, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Honduras. Misses USA and Angola had already entered the plane when we got there.
