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The Nina Ricci Alagao
Story
by Nicholo Paulo G.
Ventura
• PART II
•
Nicosia, Cyprus__  Such that Nina Ricci
Alagao was classified as a hot contestant in Miss Universe
2000, the Filipinos’ enthusiasm for the pageant briskly
materialized in the air. One of the most visited and reliable
pageantry websites back then was Tom’s Page of Miss Universe
Mania. The website offers surfers a detailed look of the
proceedings in the pageant and presented the top favorites for
the crown. Nina was among the few featured in the website’s
spotlights. Aside from Miss Philippines, Letticia Murray of
Mexico, who won the Best in National costume, was also touted
as a serious delegate. Before flying to Cyprus, Letticia
underwent rigorous training under Miss Universe 1991, Lupita
Jones.
Throughout the span preceding the finale, it
wasn’t really Nina who got much attention from the press in
Cyprus but the very striking and stylish Lara Dutta of India.
However, Nina was always compared and pitted against Lara.
Many pageant fans eagerly glued themselves for internet feeds
from Cyprus. Predictions say that its either Miss India or
Miss Philippines who will emerge as Miss Universe. From
thereon, the hype for Nina built up.
• Miss Universe 2000
Preliminaries •
The preliminaries ensue and we saw images of
Nina in her two-piece magenta swimsuit. During the evening
gown competition, she sported a backless gold gown with silver
liners and tinsels that was designed by Alfredo Barraza.
Observers including myself thought that her hairstyle with
matching extensions plus her poor make-up didn’t give any
justice to her gorgeousness during the very crucial
preliminaries. Many fans were also wondering why her packaging
was somewhat off beam. Nevertheless, not a soul’s eagerness
fade.
 At long last,
the pageant finals arrive. The opening number was impressive
as it highlighted a mythical theme that harmonizes the
historical venue of the event. The 79 candidates turned
goddesses were each presented while carrying gleaming
balls.
The meantime queen of the Philippines finally
appears in the opening number and she was looking extremely
beautiful. Her bronzed skin was equally radiant as the glowing
ball. So much anticipation heightened as the host Sinbad
announces the TOP 10 semifinalists. Imagine over a million
hearts of Filipinos beating for Nina Ricci.
 Miss Spain
Helen Lindes was called first. Followed by the stunning Miss
Colombia, Catalina Acosta. Miss Zimbabwe Corrinne Crewe and
Miss Estonia Evelyn Mikomagi who seemed pleasant surprises
were next in line. Still, no Miss Philippines as the strong
ones Miss Venezuela, Claudia Moreno, Miss South Africa,
Heather Hamilton and Miss USA, Lynnette Cole were each called
respectively. Then another unexpected Miss Canada, Kim Yee
enters the TOP 10. Hearts beat faster as the striking Indian
Lara Dutta was called next. Now, are they saving the best for
last? More hearts beat louder than drum rolls, but alas, no
Philippines was called as France’s Sonia Rolland took her
place in the top 10 (sighs....).
 _ _ What happened at the end of the day?
The professional model from India who was notionally set as
tough rival of Nina walked away with the title effortlessly.
The highly criticized Claudia Moreno who was regarded by her
fellowmen as perhaps the ugliest representative of Venezuela
placed second, while the controversial Spanish sensation Helen
Lindes, who was nearly disqualified for posing nude, ranked
third.
After the shake-up of Nina’s exclusion
sank, as usual, we ended up crying over spilled milk, pointing
fingers and putting the blame on certain matters.
If you say that the
mystery of Nina Ricci Alagao’s exclusion remains unsolved,
well, here are the answers in all your questions. Read
more....
• PART
III - Unraveling the lingering mystery •
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