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| 06.03.07 | Saturday
Posted 8:25 PM, 06.03.07 (Boston time)
"My emotions were running high with excitement..."
Hello everyone,
I am now back in Los Angeles and am just beginning to return to my normal routine.
As you all know, the pageant takes all the emotion, out of me.
Back tracking: On Saturday evening, after the national directors meeting and
dinner party, I presented the very first annual Critical Beauty Award for Best National Director to Inés
Ligron of Tokyo-Paris, for her outstanding work with her Miss Universe Japan Organization. It was a very
simple ceremony, with about 6 cameras aimed at us. She gave me her two-cheek kiss and was happy and proud to have accepted
this honored award. It was a framed certificate and a crystal apple with a marble base stand.
Two days later, Inés told me that she has been telling everyone (other directors) about her special award.
On Sunday, I went on a tour of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I had heard and known about this
shrine for decades, and now I was there in person. From there, my friend Miguel Castro-Rivera and I drove to the Pyramids. When we got
back to the hotel later that afternoon, a few of the delegates met upstairs with their national directors.
At this time, my memory was a blur. Later that night at the hotel, Donald Trump arrived in the hotel,
surrounded with four body guards. They immediately went into the bar section, and Mr. Trump was surrounded
by four former Miss Brazil titleholders, one prettier than the other, having their photos taken with him,
and smoochy-kissed each another. This is his trademark: being surrounded by BEAUTIFUL women.
I noticed that his hair was more blonde, wearing a crispy white shirt, and had the looks of a Palm Beach playboy
- most attractive. As he walked his way through the lobby, I applauded him in approval for his business
achievements, and he gave me the "thumbs up" gesture! I was happy to do that for The Donald!
Monday was the day of the dress rehearsals, and it was very lackluster. But as I had been told,
the actual international telecast would be the real excitement. During the dress rehearsals, Brazil, Japan, and
Angola were among the mock 15 semifinalists. Hollywood stud Mario Lopez wore tight jeans and a sweater-type body shirt
during the entire rehearsal. Vanessa Minnillo, former Miss Teen USA, wore the actual gowns
that she wore for the telecast. I also felt that they were somewhat lackluster, but were not during the
telecast. There were hardly many people in the audience. Miguel and I were sitting in the second row,
front center. Three rows back were Inés Ligron, Claudia Luenta of Cali, Colombia and Alexander
González of Venezuela. At one point, I saw Inés telling Riyo which moves to make. They must have some secret code!
From there, we went back to the Camino Real Hotel to take a short siesta to regain some energy
for the finals. We were driven in an MUO automobile to the venue where there were a few protesters. I wanted to
tell them - if they did not like beauty pageants, then just not to attend them.
When we entered the Auditorium, the Telemundo Special on the Latin beauties was being shown.
During this time, the countdown for the telecast started, and was announced during intervals. Most exciting, I thought!
Choreographer Scott Grossman came on stage, getting everyone excited and prepared,
to applaud their hearts out so the world could feel our emotion. I hope that it did come through! Then it was countdown, 5-4-3-2-1... and then "LIVE from Mexico
City, the 2007 MISS UNIVERSE Pageant!" My emotions were running high with excitement and sentimentality, this
being my 49th MU pageant to witness.
When the contestants were announced in their national costumes, a women in her mid-40s booed Miss USA.
I said to myself, "What is that all about?" I gave her an icy stare, then when they went to commercial break,
I looked at her, and BOOED her! That bee-yotch! How dare anyone boo my MU pageant contestants? We were on our seats,
when the 15 were announced and most surprised with 5 that were chosen! When that was over, I said to Miguel
and Husam, "What happened to Greece and Italy?" Then a few minutes passed and I said, "Oh my goodness, what
happened to Puerto Rico?" They were also surprised that she did not make it either. So goes a beauty pageant.
We all know how it ended. When USA fell, it happened so fast that I could not register
what had actually happened. I said, "Something like that can really frazzle someone, to the point that they would lose their memory and
train of thought!" Brazil and Angola both knew how to work the camera, especially for Brazil - the camera really
flattered her. Her face was gorgeous, breathtaking - a real South American beauty. We thought that Brazil,
Korea and Venezuela would be the final three, fighting for the crown.
During the entire telecast, it was most exciting and nail-biting for us, and surprised
not knowing how the finals would turn out. We figured who the first five would be eliminated, and were satisfied with the judges's decision.
On the final runway walk for Riyo, she really nailed it when she stomped, raised her gown and gave a 'come hither'
look at the camera. Did I mention that Riyo was wearing real jewels from Bulgari? When Inés first shown
them to me when she arrived at the hotel, I asked her if I could touch the necklace to bring it good luck!
I believe that everyone was very satisfied that Riyo was crowned the 56th MU titleholder, 48 years after
the beautiful Akiko Kojima had won in Long Beach, California. Before she was announced, I noticed Inés was
trying to run towards the front, but the security guards did not allow her to go any further!
The MISS PHOTOGENIC award: Sorry to write this, but this award is now a BIG JOKE! Please, fans in the Philippines,
I am not attacking or jealous of any of you, but really, this is ridiculous. If the Philippines does not win,
then it goes to Puerto Rico. If the online voting were to choose MU, then the Philippines and Puerto Rico would
win every year. Let's give the decision back to the international press and camera people to choose Miss Photogenic.
From there, we hailed a taxi. When it arrived, the father of Miss Peru had tried to take it over,
and the security guard lady told him that he would have to hail the next taxi. He claimed that his Miss Peru daughter
had become very ill. I did see them when they returned to the hotel, and she did appear to have been a little off!
The hotel lobby became filled almost within 10 minutes. We had to show the security guard our hotel keys,
to allow her to break the barricade. When Korea arrived, the press cameras and lights were upon her, and
she stated that she was very happy. Poor Miss Mexico was being consoled by her entire family and friends.
I told her sister (who then gave me a hug of consolation, with tears, in her eyes) that she should be
very proud of Rosa María, who did a wonderful job representing her country. I also gave her mother a hug,
and she appreciated it very much. As we know, at this time of any pageant, there are many broken hearts.
Since there was no coronation ball, many of the contestants were wandering about the hotel, with NO chaperones. At this
time of the pageant, they are "free agents", and not the concern of anyone! Many just went out of the hotel,
or in the hotel restaurants. We finally got to bed around 12 midnight, and I fell asleep as soon as
my head hit the pillow.
On Tuesday morning, I bid farewell to my friends from Brazil, including, Boanerges Gaeta, Jr. the national
director of Brazil; I had tears in my eyes, as well as other friends. I did ask Boanerges the night before
if he felt horrible that Brazil placed second, and he said no, and that he was proud and pleased
with their first runner-up status! I was able to greet the national director of the Philippines, Arturo
Marquez and his charming wife. I guess, this is it for the 2007 MU pageant. Only God knows where it
will be held in 2008. I also spoke to María García of Telemundo Los Angeles, who just finished her
interview with Riyo, and told me that we will have fun with her during her year of reign, seeing
her in all of her Guccis, Poochies, Louis Vitton, Ungaro, Chanels. Do you get the picture?
Also, I now am hearing that one of the South American trainers is now claiming that he trained Riyo,
and that is why she won! No comment!!!
My best wishes to you all and have a wonderful year.
Yours sincerely,
WILLIAM PRENDIZ DE JURADO
| 05.26.07 | Saturday
Posted 1:47 PM, 05.26.07 (Boston time)
"...not much happening..."
Sorry to write that there is not much happening here at MU 2007. The
only writing material is that of the many people in the lobby of the hotel. I did not go to the rehearsals yesterday
and don´t know if I will go today.
Last night, the girls met again with their National Directors and no
one was screamed at; the delegates were all well-behaved.
I forgot to tell you, that Maria Rocio Stevenson, who was Miss
Colombia 2001 for Miss International is here in Mexico, covering the pageant for a
Colombian television station. When I went up to her, I asked her, "Do
you remember me?" She replied, that my face was familiar. Then I told her that I was at her 2001 IBC pageant in
Tokyo. She asked me to contact her whenever I find myself in Colombia again.
This is about it. I have not heard of any cat fights between the
girls, but did hear one at a local bar last night - both wanting a
someone who is here in Mexico City. My goodness, no one has ever fought over me!
Have a good day and stay well and happy.
WILLIAM PRENDIZ DE JURADO
| 05.25.07 | Friday
Posted 5:37 PM, 05.25.07 (Boston time)
"Greece is fabulous."
Wednesday night, the Presentation Show went as planned. When I
arrived at the National Auditorium, there were press people interviewing the many Colombians here to root their
Miss Colombia. I find this most emotional, the real meaning of MU and the competition. I was also there,
waiting to give my friends their tickets to enter the event.
Lupita Jones, MU from Mexico, arrived with her people, and was being
interviewed by the press, giving her opinions, and stating that she has nothing to do with the event and NO
tickets to give anyone. She still holds her aura of an international celebrity!
As we were entering, our cameras were taken away from her and had to
be checked in. What was that all about? I was so taken aback by it that I wanted to tell the guard,
"Keep the camera if you want to!"
Eight of us fan-friends all sat together. Zuleyka Rivera, the current MU,
wore a beautiful red dress, but I noticed that she looks better in person and that the camera does not flatter her.
She was the co-emcee for the show. The show was boring and had no excitement to it; many of those who
were with me also felt the same. I made the comment, that "maybe we have seen too many of them?" They all agreed with me.
Here are my comments of those who stood out for me:
Angola has a beautiful face. France also, but her evening gown was
horrible. For decades now, the French delegates have the most horrible evening gowns. How is this possible
when France boasts of having the world's best designers? Greece is FABULOUS! What can I say? Her face is
breathtaking. Japan, also most stunning, and was wearing jewels from
Bulgari. I also understand that her gown was a Gucci. Korea has the most beautiful face and will give Japan
a run for her money. Mexico, of course, had the lion's share of the applause; she has a very ethnic
Mexican and beautiful face. Kazakhstan is also a beauty. Puerto Rico has been
trained to the nth-degree, and had the most beautiful gown of the evening. The bottom of it blew in the wind.
During that segment of the competition, she had that pucker-lip pose. Tanzania, in my opinion, can
win the whole prize. Her face is so fresh, uncomplicated-looking, young and bouncy personality. The majority of
my chips on her! Thailand is also great, but the lighting showed what could be a manufactured
nose! USA has a strong stage presence and will also do very well in the competition. Venzuela has a movie star looks;
her gown is a more elaborate reflection of the 1997 Miss Venezuela's gown, though a little stiff-looking for me.
Brazil is also beautiful and many liked her silver-colored gown. Germany, also a fresh-looking beauty,
nothing is over done with her. India is very pretty, but I felt that she was somewhat arrogant in her body language.
Indonesia, also beautiful. Italy, has a fresh look and reminds me of European royalty - aristocratic!
Paraguay has lovely eyes. Bolivia wore a beautiful gown.
We left the Auditorium before the show ended to get our cameras and
made a mad dash back to the Camino Real Hotel. The lobby was filled to capacity. To my surprise, a few of
the delegates were allowed to mingle with the common public and had many photos taken. I was told by one the chaperones
that the hotel was supposed to have a room for this meeting, but did not come through with it.
It was exciting to see everyone enjoying themselves.
My dear friend Miguel Castro-Rivera arrived that night and was
amongst the throngs of people and excitement. He also met all the fans who had arrived here in Mexico City.
Yesterday was spent in two convents. Miguel's sister is a nun from that order
and it was an emotional and reality check experience. It was a far cry from the MU pageant. These nuns care for children
and the poor.
Last night, there was a meeting upstairs with the National
Directors and their girls. When they came from it, the chaperones rushed them to the elevator and to their rooms.
Miss Angola started going to the other side, and her chaperone screamed out loud, "Angola come here!
we must leave!" The chaperones are all very lovely ladies and take their jobs seriously, wanting to care for
the delegates, if not, only God knows what a mess it would be!
This is it for now. Until next mail, stay well and happy.
WILLIAM PRENDIZ DE JURADO
| 05.23.07 | Wednesday
Posted 5:27 PM, 05.23.07 (Boston time)
"...everyone has been very nice and kind to me."
Last night, the girls were brought in through a different entrance, so
the fans were not allowed to enjoy seeing them returning. Zuleyka arrived with her three body guards, and society
lady/chaperone. I had heard that her chaperone comes from one of the major high society families here
in Mexico City, and that the MUO is using her since she understands the mentality of the natives here! The guards used their arms to shoo away those who were in their path. Zuleyka
had her smiling sparkling eyes on everyone. My goodness, would they even do that for Queen Elizabeth II or the Pope?
Last night, I welcomed Inés Ligron, the National Director of Japan,
and was so happy to see me. She had been flying for 25 hours and she felt tired. She was so joyous seeing all
the faces of friends that she had met through the MU pageants. She told me, "This is what I love about thís
annual event!" She has high hopes for her Miss Japan, and I just wish them both the very best.
The lobby last night looked like LAX during the holiday time - everyone
talking, hugging one another, showing huge smiles on their faces. During these events, I keep hopping from one to
another, when I see a familiar face, I just wanted to greet them. I must say, that everyone has been very
nice and kind to me.
This morning, the delegates had a 6:30 breakfast call, then left the
hotel at 7:30 for the National Auditorium for rehersals and for tonight´s "Show de Presentación" which
starts on the dot, at 7:30, I think. They post their time differently here in Mexico.
This is it for now.
Saludos desde Mexico City!
WILLIAM PRENDIZ DE JURADO
| 05.22.07 | Tuesday
Posted 8:44 PM, 05.22.07 (Boston time)
Hola desde Mexico City!
This morning, the delegates had their personal interviews and they were all
"done" up for it. Tonight they were guests of the First Lady of Mexico, and left the hotel about 6:45 PM. The security
did not allow us inside where they were gathered to leave. I told one of the men that I was a
guest of the hotel, and he looked at me funny, then asked me to go outside. When this is all over with, I want to
write to the MUO to give us SOME slack, I do not mean that we would direct a photo shoot, but
really, give us some JOY with the delegates! I know with this world of crazy
and sick people, they must be very careful.
All of the girls were really dressed up tonight, Miss Estonia Viktoria Azovskaya is a very tall
and beautiful blonde, and one of the fans told me that she will be Miss Universe
2007. I´m very sorry to say that I was not able to absorb many of
the young ladies, but many gowns were beautiful. The bald delegate, Miss Tanzania Flavia Matata had
a gown, gold and yellow in color, that Grace Kelly would have worn. They must be prepared to have some super tape to use with the crown, if
she wins the title of MU 2007. Lupita Jones, MU 1991, was also on the bus and had her hair done very well tonight.
Zuleyka Rivera wore a brown-colored gown and her eyes were sparkling as well. Justine Pasek, MU from
Panama is also here and will be part of the panel of judges for tomorrow night's first round of judging. She is always
very gracious and friendly.
The majority of the internationl fans and directors are in town now.
The lobby is filled with chatter and excitement. Sorry to say, the hotel has NO air conditioning in the lobby,
so it feels like we´re in a hot house.
This is my report for tonight. Stay well and happy.
WILLIAM PRENDIZ DE JURADO
| 05.21.07 | Monday
Posted 6:43 PM, 05.21.07 (Boston time)
Greetings from Mexico!
It is my great pleasure to once again be reporting for Critical Beauty
on MISS UNIVERSE 2007 - this time from Mexico City...! Here I go:
My plane arrived yesterday, May 20th, at 1 PM here in Mexico City, a
direct flight. The Mexico City airport is a huge mess, everyone running with their heads cut off.
I was met at the gate by a very nice young man, whose name is Sammy.
He is a friend of a friend of mine, Miguel Castro-Rivera. Miguel will be arriving here on Wednesday,
Husam will be arriving on Friday. From there, Sammy drove me to the Camino Real Hotel which as you all know is
the official hotel for MU 2007. The electricity was not working at the hotel, for some 5 hours, so the bell hop
had to escort me to my room, using a flash light! Before going upstairs, many of the contestants
were returning from the National Costume show, which was held outside.
With her silhouette, I noticed Miss Colombia, Eileen Roca and screamed,
"Miss Colombia!" She then stopped to talk to me for a few seconds. I showed her my beaded-hand-made-bracelet,
and hand-woven bag that I got on one of my visits to Bogota. After that, I greeted Miss Israel and
wished them both loads of success. As in the past, the girls are whisked away and pulled by their arms
by their gracious chaperones (they are now called "delegate supervisors.)
From there Sammy give me a quick tour of the exclusive part of Mexico City,
then we had a typical Mexican lunch, very tasty, may I add. When I got back to the hotel I noticed a few familiar faces:
Oswaldo from New York City who is a Colombian, and the Panamian hairdresser who has come
for the past few years to coiffe the beauty delegates. Puerto Rican director, the fashionable Magali Febles
has also arrived with her large entourage always kissy-kissy to the pageant groupies which include me also,
I guess! Denis Davila, Canada's director was also there, as was his
assistant Marcio Telleria from Miami, Florida.
This list will increase today as the clock continues to click by. This
morning I noticed and greeted María García who is a reporter for Telemundo Los Angeles who is here to
do her reporting as well as Zoraida Noriega C. from El Heraldo news from Barranquilla, Colombia; she did a
quick report about me and my love for MU for the past 49 years. She was amazed, needless to say!
A few of the contestants were in the lobby, but all rushed by their
adoring public. Let me get back to you later with my news. This is official: there will not be a Coronation Ball
this year - the first so for the past 56 years. Time changes all!
My best wishes to you all,
WILLIAM PRENDIZ DE JURADO
