Text by R. Galvez [@the4ofustraveling] / Graphics by Krizza Enriquez [@kxxenriquez]
After its two-year hiatus, Miss International will conduct its first pageant since the pandemic. Sireethorn “Bint” Leearamwat, whose reign holds the record for being the longest in any of the Big5 Pageants, will finally pass the crown and title to a new winner this December. The list of candidates is not yet complete, but the panel of beauty experts and analysts have already a pretty good idea on who will shine in Japan this December.
The panel agrees that Miss International should take the opportunity to create history. India for example, long considered as a beauty superpower nation, can make history this year and win its first ever Miss International crown. Miss India International Zoya Afroz fits the profile of what Miss International is looking for in a winner. Not only she is a Bollywood actress and a model, but she is also a seasoned beauty pageant contestant whose experience will definitely boost her confidence.
However, Miss International can swing back to its usual preference during the 80s and the 90s wherein European beauties dominate. The last time a European won the crown was way back in 2008. This year, Miss Poland International Sylwia Stasińska could bring the prestige back to the continent. The 24-year-old gorgeous blonde with mesmerizing blue eyes is considered as a formidable opponent in this year’s competition.
The pageant can also continue its pre-pandemic trend focusing on East and Southeast Asian market. If that is the case, then this will work in favor of Miss International Philippines Hannah Arnold. She is wearing a sash which is very strong considering that the Philippines has already six crowns in its kitty.
Latinas could also reclaim their clout in the pageant. Currently, the strongest contestant from the Latin American region is Miss International Ecuador 2022 Valeria Gutiérrez. The 22-year-old stunner has a perfect combination of Latina flair and a comely beauty. She will definitely become an instant hit in Japan!
Still, beauty experts and analysts are hoping that Miss International will finally adapt to the changing times. A black African winning the Miss International crown will make headlines around the world. The 2nd runner-up finish of Evelyn Namatovu in 2019, Reabetswe Sechoaro in 2018, and Eunice Onyango in 2015 are all indications that the pageant is going to the right direction. The time is ripe for a winner from Africa and this year, Miss Cape Verde International Stephany Amado could be that girl. Her barbie-esque beauty is gaining attention among the missosologists and do take note that she is her country’s first ever contestant at Miss International.
It will be interesting how Miss International 2022 will conclude this December. It may be too early to feel the pulse of the pageant but there is no doubt that frontrunners are emerging. Here is the full list of the Miss International 2022 1st Hot Picks.
- India – Zoya Afroz
- Poland – Sylwia Stasińska
- Philippines – Hannah Arnold
- Ecuador – Valeria Gutiérrez
- Cape Verde – Stephany Amado
- Vietnam – Phạm Ngọc Phương Anh
- Dominican Republic – Celinee Santos
- Mexico – Yuridia Durán
- Indonesia – Cindy May McGuire
- Venezuela – Isbel Parra
- Romania – Ada-Maria Ileana
- Germany – Jasmin Selberg
- Malaysia- Giselle Tay
- Namibia – Erika Kazombaruru
- Spain – Julianna Ro
