10 years ago, our very own Miriam Quiambao almost captured the crown of Miss Universe pageant.

That was the last time that a Philippine delegate made it to the semifinals of the most prestigious pageant in the world. From 2000 to 2008, our delegates were cut and three of them only managed to bring home 3 photogenic special awards via an internet poll.

It’s been 10 years and no one was able to break the Miss Universe curse. They say we are sending the wrong contestants. Some blame it on the poor quality of our evening gowns. And a number of people are pointing the finger to our national director for Miss Universe, Miss Araneta, for sabotaging our chances in the pageant.

In the Grand Slam ranking of Global Beauties, the Philippines is one of the Top 10 best-performing countries in the 5 major international beauty pageants: Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth, Miss International and Miss Tourism International. In this decade alone, we have produced a Miss International, Miss Earth and Miss Tourism International winners. We’ve placed in the finals of Miss World a handful of times. But we have no luck in Miss Universe.

And then Bianca Manalo won Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2009. She was sent to Colombia for training and stuff and she surprised everyone when she landed in Bahamas in full fighting form. From being a plain-jane beauty, Bianca became a stunner. She’s got excellent catwalk skills and she’s being compared to a porcelain doll. She’s even tagged as the best Philippine delegate since the new millennium. What’s even better is that she’s been tagged as the best delegate from Asia this year!

Bianca’s family name is “manalo” and in English, it means “winner.” Will it translate to the third Miss Universe crown for the country? Can Bianca finally break the curse and enter the Top 15 of Miss Universe 2009?

What do you think?

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bianca in her evening gown:
Bianca in her national costume: