Will 2004 Miss Earth join (local) showbiz?

Miss Earth 2004, Priscilla Meirelles of Brazil, arrived on Aug. 9 to fulfill more "earthly" duties and responsibilities related to the environment. She will crown her successor on Oct. 23 in the four-year-old (newest) international beauty contest organized by Carousel Productions. More than 80 beauties from around the earth will compete, making it the third biggest beauty search following the Miss World Contest and the Miss Universe Pageant. Next year’s event might be held either in China or in Chile.

A senior medical student in her country, Priscilla has quit her studies during her reign. She has done commercials and appeared on TV. Asked if she’s interested in joining (local) showbiz, the 35-24-35 charmer said she would love to. If she did, she’ll join the ranks of international beauties who have graced the local silver screen.

Here’s the list prepared by Funfare’s "beauty experts" Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib:

• Armi Helena Kyro Kuusela – Miss Universe 1952, married Filipino businessman Virgilio Hilario in May 1953. She starred in Now and Forever, the only movie she made here. Her launching movie was filmed in Finland entitled The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.

• Mariela Perez Branger of Venezuela – First runner-up Miss Universe 1967, starred with Chiquito and Bernard Bonnin in the film Arizona Kid shot entirely in the US.

• Amparo Muñoz – Miss Universe 1974 was already an actress in her native Spain. She did Hayop sa Ganda with Gloria Diaz in 1985.

• Helen Morgan of Wales – Miss Universe 1974 first runner-up and dethroned Miss World of 1974. She starred in Isang Gabi sa Buhay ng Isang Babae.

• Johanna Raunio of Finland – Second runner-up Miss Universe 1974, second runner-up Miss International 1974, starred opposite Chiquito and Raul Roa in Lorelei where she played a mermaid.

• Maureen Ava Viera of Aruba – Fourth runner-up Miss Universe 1974, was paired with Francis Arnaiz in Miss Aruba Went to Town and in Sa Pagitan ng Dalawang Langit, she co-starred with Dante Rivero.

• Dayanara Torres Delgado – Miss Universe 1993 and semi-finalist Miss International 1992, is the most popular beauty queen in Philippine show business. She hosted Eezy Dancing and ASAP. She did one episode for Maalaala Mo Kaya opposite Cesar Montano. Her movies were certified blockbusters. She starred with Aga Muhlach in Basta’t Kasama Kita, Gary Valenciano in Hataw Na and Cesar Montano in Type Kita Walang Kokontra.

• Michelle Van Eimeren of Australia – 11th placer, Miss Universe 1994, did the movie opposite husband Ogie Alcasid entitled Manolo and Michelle wherein she played a mermaid. She has hosted morning shows for ABS-CBN and GMA 7 (Brunch).

• Viveca Babajee of Mauritius – Miss Universe 1994 candidate, was about to start a career in the Philippines but went home after her participation in the 1994 Manila Filmfest scam. She will always be remembered as the lady who said "Take it Take it," pertaining to the envelope that contained the name of the winner of the Best Actress award.

• Brenda Robles of Puerto Rico – Miss Universe 1994 candidate, was romantically linked to Richard Bonnin during the pageant in Manila. She returned several years later and had a series of pictorials and press releases announcing her entry into showbiz, but nothing materialized.

• Joyce Giraud of Puerto Rico – Miss World 1994 candidate and second runner-up Miss Universe 1998, did several TV guestings (Eezy Dancing) but did not pursue her showbiz career here.

• Anne Sidney of the UK – Miss World 1964, already had a workshop with director Jun Raquiza. She was to film Manila East in 1976 but the shooting did not push through.

• Eva Arni of Papua New Guinea – Miss Asia 1976, starred with Joseph Estrada and Rita Gomez in Gising na Ang Mga Anghel.

• Voralat Suwanalat of Thailand – Miss Asia-Pacific 1997, hosted several editions of the Miss Asia-Pacific after her reign. She was supposed to do a movie with Rudy Fernandez but nothing materialized.

• Catarina Rodriguez of Costa Rica– Miss Universe 1993 candidate and Miss Asia-Pacific 1993 semi-finalist, hosted GMA Supershow with German Moreno.

• Thea Froejkaer– Miss Denmark-Earth 2004, was romantically linked to Jomari Yllana. She hosted Sports Unlimited with Dyan Castillejo and Marc Nelson.

• Susan Powell– Miss America 1981, played Eliza Doolittle in the musical My Fair Lady staged in Manila.

• Carolyn Suzanne Sapp– Miss America 1992, starred with Andrew E. in Bikini Watch.

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