Team Cebu dazzles at ‘disappointing’ MUP Prelims
CEBU, Philippines — Already disgruntled pageant fans waited past midnight of Tuesday, May 21, only to be met with further disappointment with what they thought were shoddy camera work and an over-all production that left much to be desired at the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024 Swimsuit and Evening Gown Preliminaries.
Held at the Manila Hotel on Sunday (May 19), it was live-streamed over Empire Philippines’ YouTube channel hours after the original announced schedule of 6 pm on Monday (May 20).
“Even with enhanced capacity, our computers and hardware were not enough to handle almost four hours-worth of footage, hence the delays,” the MUPH Organization explained in a statement posted Monday on its social media accounts.
Earlier in the day, they also apologized for the “technical difficulties” that resulted in a similar delay to the streaming of the closed-door preliminary interviews of the 53 candidates.
“Unsa to Miss Universe Philippines? Unsa to inyong panning shots? Gaduwa duwa tong cameraman?” lamented pageant fan Adrian Diongzon on the Swimwear and Evening Gown preliminaries in a Facebook post.
“Wala to niagig rehearsal? Ayaw ko ingna wa mo kita sa first batch palang sa intro? Muuntol if pan left to the next contestant? Nindot sad nga style…Cge mo’g workshop sa inyong girls, kalimot namo’g workshop sa camera shot.”
Similar sentiments flooded the MUPH social media page.
“The introduction of candidates was disappointing, as the transitions were poorly executed. The camera just moved from one candidate to the next, giving a low-budget feel to the production,” wrote a netizen with the Facebook handle RA Sato.
“During the swimsuit segment, most shots focused on the contestants’ feet, making it hard to appreciate their performance. In the evening gown segment, the beautiful gowns were underutilized, with most shots being only half-body. Additionally, the exclusion of the Special Awards was frustrating!”
The ladies representing Cebu though, did not disappoint in looks and performance, notably Cebu’s Kris Tiffany Janson who was resplendent in an emerald green bedazzled gown by designer Harvey Cenit.
Talisay City’s Mary Josephine Paaske emerged as a “Gumamela Josefina” in a number by designer Kathlen Anne Dres that mirrored the red tropical hibiscus.
Her favorite flower as a kid, Paaske said, “Indeed forged in the most challenging circumstances, last night allowed me to give it my all and show the universe that I have already blossomed into a bolder, stronger Josephine. No longer just a delicate flower, I stand grateful and proud of who I am today.”
Bantayan Island’s Juvel Mangubat Ducay’s gown by Art Don, meanwhile, drew inspiration from the ‘Bawod’ (waves) of her famed hometown. Mandaue City’s Victoria Leslie Ingram looked fierce in a midriff-baring ensemble by Allen Soco, while Toledo City’s Kim Irish Placibe also dazzled in a cut-out design by Noel Estopito.
The successor of Michelle Dee will be determined tonight, May 22, at the awaited finals happening 8 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena. This year’s title-holder will represent the country at Miss Universe in Mexico later this year.
This evening’s hosts are Alden Richards, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, Gabbi Garcia, Tim Yap and American TV presenter Jeannie Mai. Among the performers are “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. The World” Top 4 finalist Marina Summers, OPM band Lola Amour, and Thai actor Win Metawin.
The finals will be streamed via via Empire.PH’s YouTube channel, while a delayed telecast will be aired on Sunday, May 26, 9 am nationwide and 9:45 a.m. in Central and Eastern Visayas on GMA Network. — (FREEMAN)
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