Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003

I did not like the girl who won Miss Universe 2003, Amelia Vega of Dominican Republic. It was not that she was not pretty. She wasn't my type. These things can't be explained. 

I felt she was overwhelming -- her expressions, her actions and I thought she looked too hard (the makeup made her almost look like a pretty boy) -- too polished. Maybe it was the result of her culture or her family upbringing. All that packed into an 18-year-old life. Wow!

But just a few months ago, I saw her again as a judge at Miss Universe 2011 and was astonished to see such a beautiful Miss Universe. I got curious and found out that she is already an established entrepreneur and singer.

This time, I couldn't believe how I much I admired her beauty NOW but I had the opposite feelings when she won in 2003!

I don't know much about Latin music. Most of the commercial artists who come from the Western World (North America) are usually pretty talented -- but not pretty.

It is as though the stereotypical American producer do not go for beauty, but just want singers who are either famous for their voices or can make an impact with their characterizations e.g. Lady Gaga, Pink, Amy Housewine, Adele.

The only female singers I find pretty AND talented nowadays are Taylor Swift and Katherine McPhee.

So I was rather surprised that such a beautiful (really beautiful) woman like Amelia Vega is able to produce a commercial album and get away with it (even though the Latin Music industry might approach business differently from the  English Music industry).

But all praises to Amelia Vega. I now am interested to look at her...hahaha! 

At last, a decent Miss World winner, Ivian Sarcos, Miss World 2011

I totally forgot about the Miss World finals. 

I did read about it a few days ago, and then today, I chanced upon the final video while surfing facebook. And so, of course, I straightaway wanted to know who won. I had no clue who the final contestants were. I saw a pretty tanned girl in the final lineup and was surprised that she was announced as Miss World 2011.

Oh, wow! At last, a decent winner. Miss World always harps about it's Beauty With A Purpose -- yeah, yeah, yeah....they need to justify their beauty. But I don't really care that it's about that.

Let them use their year for charity if they want to, but everyone knows this is still supposed to be a beauty pageant, and audiences are here to see beauty, and contestants are here to also compete based on their charismatic, beautiful presence. 

Many previous winners were really beautiful, that was what I liked previously about Miss World, even though I did not like the presentation of the competition. But I really could not accept the winners of 2009 (Gibraltar) and 2010 (USA).

We need beauty in this world -- an icon, a symbol, a fantasy, a hope. She embodies it as far as we can see for now. 

The new Miss World, Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela, is an orphan who grew up in a nunnery. Now she is  Miss World. That's hope for you. 

Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, Miss World 2004

Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia was one of the more beautiful Miss World winners that I liked. 

This Peruvian lady, who has the looks of a movie star, like Kate Beckinsale and Elizabeth Hurley, is nicknamed Maju, and is also known as Maju Mantilla. 

She is a popular model and celebrity, and is reported to be getting married in early 2012.

In the Center is Maju Mantilla, and the tallest is the gorgeous 2007 Miss World, Zhang Zi Lin.