Miss Panama Maricely Gonzales may not be creating a lot of stir these days at Miss World but she could be a surprise to us all. The silent Panamanian may be en route to clinching a place in the semis by unconventional means. She may not be in the short list of Beach Fashion and Top Model but she is a semifinalist at the Talent Competition. It may be a tough and unconventional way but surely her chances are way better than other overhyped girls who failed to place in any of the preliminary contests.

Maricely is a 24-year-old beauty who represents a country where two years ago its beauty pageant community nearly slipped into oblivion. The interest of beauty pageants in this country has hit the all time low such that organizers have decided to make the entire pageant into a reality show. Whether it was a flop or a hit was something difficult to discern. What is apparent however is that the Miss Panama pageant is now a stronger institution and has wholly subscribed to the idea of Big4. There is now only a single pageant that selects representatives to four major pageants – Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss Earth and Miss International.

This great change at the Panamanian beauty scene has reinforced that idea that there are only four major pageants – no more and no less. It also reinforces the fact that Panama is seriously considering to emerge as a formidable Central American nation when it comes to pageantry. The results of its Miss Universe 2011 campaign are very much encouraging.

Thus far, Maricely remains a dark horse. As mentioned, her strong chance comes from the Talent Contest. If she emerges as the winner, it is pretty clear she can handle the semis. Of course, realistically speaking, that depends how she managed to rank in other contests. She was not in the Top Model and Beach Fashion semis’ lists and such lowers her odds. Her World Designer Dress could divide opinions. It is an all white gown with metallic add-ons. The long sleeve and no-slit skirt looks too conservative but saved by the generous opening on the bodice. The metallic add-ons seem to be in harsh contrast with the clean canvas.

Don’t discount her yet of course. Maricely will remain in contention and could pull an upset. Her pageant experience is something that she counts on. She is no stranger in the world of pageantry and that could be her ultimate salvation in order to hurdle the tough competition.