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Post by samuel on Feb 17, 2013 0:53:00 GMT -5
The pageant has already started and finals will be on the 24th. Little surprised LA is back after a 8 year hiatus.. but this year's rep. is a darkhorse. She is currently in my top 5, kicking out 15. Toronto since Miss Chinese Toronto doesn't look as pretty as I expected.
My favorites for the pageant so far are 9. Melbourne, speaks Cantonese, has a sweet look and TVB will most likely like to sign her (if they signed last year's winner, this year's winner should be a no-reject), 6. Kuala Lumpur, dubbed as Malaysia's Fala-look-alike and great figure (alt. I still prefer Lenna last year), and 5. Hong Kong. Carat has a hometown advantage and with the relatively weak (not as competitive) competition this year, Carat has a big chance to win. I think she will make top 5 and possibly top 3.
4. Foshan also is sending a strong delegate and alt. many criticize her for doing plastic surgery, I don't think TVB will care that much nowadays......... last year's Mel. rep. had some surgery and yet she was signed. It is NOT 1987 anymore, even if a contestant has surgery, she doesn't need to withdraw.......
16. Vancouver isn't as strong as her previous counterparts but Fairchild prepares their girls well so I wouldn't be surprised if she makes it far (she can speak Cantonese, a plus for TVB!). So as Toronto who I consider to be a darkhorse.
Unfortunately, it seems like USA will not win back-to-back, Chicago and Seattle's representatives aren't that strong facially... Before the pageant, I liked New York a lot but she had poor styling and.. I don't think she will make it far.......
So far, my predictions are:
Winner: 9. Melbourne
1st RU: 6. Kuala Lumpur
2nd RU: Hong Kong
4th place: 4. Foshan
5th place: 7. Los Angeles
Top 10:
6th: 15. Toronto
7th: 16. Vancouver
8th: 2. Bangkok
9th: 11. New York
10th: 13. Singapore
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Post by psmarcus on Feb 20, 2013 4:25:57 GMT -5
my predictions
Winner: Ms KL
1st : Ms HK
2nd : Ms Melbourne
4th : Ms Foshan
5th : Ms Bangkok
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 1:58:32 GMT -5
OK, it's time for Samuel to post his fearless predictions. After reviewing all of these girls and what is considered (to me) one of the shortest amount of time the girls spent in HK (they arrived 10 days before finals), I made my predictions based on photos + facial beauty + sash factor + performance overall and media attention.
Let me begin with my top 10 predictions.......
In 10th place is Miss Singapore.
She maybe criticized for being a little too skinny, but I think she looks decent and should be able to crack top 10. In a fierce battle for 10th place is Miss Auckland who barely missed my list. Misses Chicago, Manila, Montreal, Seattle, and Sydney are competitive too but they ranked 12th - 16th on my list (PLEASE note, not in that particular order).
In 9th place is Miss New York.
I think Vivian has decent interview skills and has a decent chance to make top 5. Coming from New York myself, I hope she can continue New York's consecutive placements at that pageant since 2010. She has a fair chance of winning.
8th place is Miss Foshan
Originally I had her as high as 4th place and considered placing her in top 3 but she seems a little timid in front of the camera and a little bit underweight (as noted by the HK newspapers today). She has facial beauty (I think the judges will overlook the question of whether she committed plastic surgery or not) but her body and interview skills are some of her weak points. However, I can see her performing well.
7th place is Miss Toronto
She has a great figure, radiant smile and if she speaks Cantonese in interview, that would help her more. I had her in my top 5 at once but fell after other delegates started to shine. Would not be surprised if she makes top 5 though since Fairchild trains their girls well.
6th place is Miss Bangkok
I liked her look, quite sweet, but then some people on Weibo said she looks like a man (transgender), thus I took her out of top 5. However, over the past few days, she looks more and more better on camera and in photos, hence I would not be surprised if she makes top 5, possibly even top 3 (like Ginney in 2006). I don't think the chances are high though since she can't speak Chinese (major disavantage) but who knows??
TOP 5:
5th place is Miss Los Angeles
She has a very good smile and A GREAT STORY. She suffered from a disease at the age of 6 and had to get surgery or else she will not survive. The scar is still on her body as of today and I am certain that scar will help her in front of the judges (shows courage and spirituality, similar to Miss Illinois Teen USA 2005 who placed 3rd runner up at Miss Teen USA 2005). Her exotic looks makes her stand out as well and I'm sure she made a good impression on the judges (she seems quite friendly, NOT SURPRISED SHE WON MISS FRIENDSHIP!! I HAD HER 2ND FOR THE AWARD, AFTER MISS HONG KONG). Her chances of winning?? Not impossible, if she has a good interview and shines, she can win but like Miss Bangkok, overcoming the language barrier is tough.
4th place is Miss Vancouver
I have to be honest and say Vancouver wasn't on my top 5 until today. WHY? Because she isn't as facially strong as past Miss Chinese Vancouvers and she lost out a little on body. HOWEVER, Eric Tsang and Kelly (last's year MCI) complimented her and immediately she is a favorite for the crown. I MADE A CONNECTION WITH HER and LINDA CHUNG in 2004 who was also a darkhorse but ended up winning the title!!! She speaks Cantonese and fits the criteria TVB is looking for - A NEW-STAR ACTRESS, similar to Christine Kuo and Eliza Sum (who btw are relatively popular in Hong Kong now!!). Hence, I can understand if Vancouver makes if to the top 5 and possibly even top 3. I don't think she will win but there are always surprises so we'll see.
2nd runner up................................... Miss Kuala Lumpur
At first glance, I think she looks sweet and looks more like Gin Lee (Malaysian-HK singer), than Fala Chen. I didn't consider her facially pretty at first but the HK press started to label her as a favorite and I looked more into her photos and she does have good preparation. Interview will be her strongest point since recent Miss Astro Chinese International winners excel in these areas (that's how Belle reached 1st runner up in 2010) and so she should have no problem making top 5. She also knows how to pose well and seems really calm (like Eric Tsang said), therefore I think she has a good chance to make 2nd runner up. Can she win? Yes, it's possible.
1st runner up.................... Miss Melbourne
Jacky............. days before the girls arrived, I looked at their crowning pics and when I saw Jacky, I picked her as the winner. She has all the qualities TVB is looking for - speaks Cantonese and most importantly, facial beauty. I think she has the prettiest face in this year's pageant. I had her as winner from pre-arrival until today. What happened??
I saw some of her swimsuit photos and like the HK press indicated, she looked underweight (I can see some of her bones). Given how important swimsuit body is (that's how Alyssa C. got eliminated in Miss Universe 2011 despite being a favorite and Cynthia (Miss New York Chinese 2010) not advancing to the top 6 despite a GREAT interview shows how important the swimsuit competition is).
In addition to that, there was also some gossip of Jacky partying and swearing (?? not sure what she said) but maybe this has made some negative image in the judges' minds. Nevertheless, she has all the qualities TVB is looking for to be the NEXT TVB actress and "female goddess" so I will not be surprised if she still wins despite being a little skinny and some gossip. THEREFORE, I placed Jacky as 1st runner up, I can see her winning it all but can also see her not making top 3 (hopefully not though because she does have a camera face). WITH THAT SAID, I WILL ALSO ANNOUNCE THAT SHE IS MY PICK TO WIN THE SPECIAL AWARD, "the CELEBRITY of TOMORROW" award. The award will be voted by a panel of judges consisting of former MCIs, MSHKs, and HK actors/actresses, etc. TVB should want to sign Jacky (they signed last year's Miss Chinese Melbourne!!).
FINALLY, my pick for MISS CHINESE INTERNATIONAL 2013 is......
Miss Hong Kong, Carat Cheung!!
I at first was hesitant to pick Carat because I think she has a disavantage.. being the hometown girl doesn't necessarily guarantee a win or even a top 3 placement nowadays (look at 2010, 2012, 2005, etc.) but her pageant experience, training from Fairchild TV, confidence, and figure will certainly boost her chances of winning! And actually, being the hometown girl may become an advantage for her because she has the crowd on her side!
In addition to that, she seems to be most-well rounded contestant. Speaks Cantonese, great figure, pageant experience, interview skills, hometown advantage, and gap between wins (last time HK won was 13 years ago) and so the judges may feel it's time for HK to win.
Can Carat take it all tonight?? I say she has a good shot at making at least top 3 and wouldn't be surprised if she takes it all.
OK, those are my predictions for this year's pageant. May the best girl win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 2:07:53 GMT -5
Miss Chinese International 2013 Predictions:
Winner: 5. Hong Kong
1st runner up: 9. Melbourne
2nd runner up: 6. Kuala Lumpur
4th place: 16. Vancouver
5th place: 7. Los Angeles
Top 10 semifinalists:
6th place: 2. Bangkok
7th place: 15. Toronto
8th place: 4. Foshan
9th place: 11. New York
10th place: 13. Singapore
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 9:59:20 GMT -5
I honestly don't know what is TVB thinking?? I am quite furious about the results.. although I expected Vancouver to make top 3 (after the SUCKY top 5 was announced), I didn't expect her to win it all!! I hate to say this but... I have a feeling the results were rigged. Everybody have that feeling?
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 10:04:46 GMT -5
I actually regret waking up at 7 am to watch the pageant live online.......... the image was bad and the speed was slow... kept on lagging but really wanted to see the pageant live but if I knew Vancouver would win, I probably wouldn't have watched it.
Why??
Her talent wasn't as good as the other girls (Bangkok maybe the only one who didn't do as well in talent), but Toronto, HK, and KL all had good talents. But.............. she managed to win in the end.
Facially... not as strong as her previous counterparts and interview was decent.
Hate to say this but..... really have a feeling TVB wanted to sign her and hence that is why she won. I can't find a reason to justify her win except that she's from "Vancouver" and she had a okay interview.
HK was calm, KL had a good smile, Melbourne was robbed (despite the skinny body), Toronto (who at first didn't want to see her take Jacky's top 5 spot but in the end accept her making the cut because her talent was good) all failed to win...
Sigh................ sadly, sooner or later, I have a feeling the pageant will be discontinued because the interest is quite low already and even if cities send competitive delegates such as KL, Melbourne, and even HK this year, they lose... and they lose to Vancouver (their 6th win now which I am still scratching my head over). Rigged........ rigged.....
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 10:10:39 GMT -5
And it was quite a letdown to see Melbourne get eliminated. She has star quality, facially prettier than Vancouver (despite being underweight) so............... with that said, it is shameful to see Vancouver place higher than her. Well... hope TVB signs her, she will definitely be more popular (if not more successful) than the winner.
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 10:15:25 GMT -5
The results (HOPE SOME PEOPLE CAN COME IN AND DISCUSS THE PAGEANT!!!!!):
Winner: Vancouver
1st RU: Kuala Lumpur
2nd RU: Hong Kong
Top 5 Finalists: Bangkok and Toronto
Top 9 Semifinalists: Los Angeles, Melbourne, Seattle, and Sydney
The Celebrity of Tomorrow award: Toronto
Miss Friendship: Los Angeles
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 10:21:41 GMT -5
And.. I have to say the Celebrity of Tomorrow award was a big joke............. Toronto had a good talent (yes better than Melbourne) and she stood out but facially... I thought Los Angeles and Melbourne had it..................................................... they look like celebrities or your so call "The Celebrity of Tomorrow" and not Toronto.........
But, I do admit, I grew to like Toronto after she performed her talent and after HK was 2nd RU, I thought she had it. But.... when Vancouver was announced, I knew TVB has made a wrong decision (or the judges) because her talent was mediocre, body was FAIR (not good as compared to Bangkok, HK, or KL) and SHE MANAGED to nail a 6th victory for Vancouver?? HMM, I EXPECT more from this MCI powerhouse and they sent her and she managed to win?? REALLY??? I honestly question the integrity of the pageant and hate to say this.. but the pageant may have been rigged.
No wonder nobody cares about it anymore... because Vancouver keeps on winning!?!? Sooner or later, TVB will screw themselves up because other cities will not send representatives (LOOK AT 2012'S NUMBERS, YES 28 BUT many of the cities sent TWO winners to the pageant). Interest is already declining after Eliza's win (who I didn't quite justify at first but yes, facially she is good) and yet TVB continues to let Vancouver win.
Very disappointed in the panel of judges and TVB..... very disappointed.
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Post by samuel on Feb 24, 2013 10:30:03 GMT -5
And for many who took note of my pre-pageant commentary ("wouldn't be surprised if Van. makes it far or wins), please do know I am furious and more than surprised.
If she performs well and wins, no problem but already I see flaws in her performance but yet she wins..
1. Weak talent, mediocre at best
2. Skinny body, not as good as compared to KL, HK, Bangkok, even Toronto!
3. Fair interview (thank god she knows how to speak Cantonese, if not, no chance)
4. Sash factor (coming from Vancouver really helped her, quite frankly, if she took Foshan's spot and Foshan represented Vancouver, I am sure she would NOT have made it)
These are all factors or flaws so to speak in her performance, since I can't justify her win, I am furious.
Melbourne was robbed also (despite the weak talent) because her interview was quite good and she really has the face of the pageant. Unfortunately, she made top 9 only and has to go back to Mel. holding a side award.................. beauty wasted (similar to Miss Amsterdam in 2010). AND YES, forgot to say, Europe did NOT send a winner to the pageant, kind of signaling that TVB is NOT properly directing the pageant and interest is declining because of TVB crowning Vancouverite winners.
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Post by bookie on Feb 24, 2013 22:36:06 GMT -5
TVB probably forgot about the pageant and then suddenly remembered to invite contestants. The contestants had only about or less than a month to prepare.
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Post by samuel on Feb 25, 2013 14:14:29 GMT -5
I don't think so... there was talk about the pageant last year and Vancouver had enough time (in Dec.) to crown a girl and sent to HK 2 months later. Why didn't Miss China Europe go? Because it wasn't even held......... yes, it should of been held in summer or fall. Just goes to show how the interest is declining which is truly unfortunate...
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Post by samuel on Feb 25, 2013 14:30:40 GMT -5
OK, finished watching the pageant on tv last night (the webcast was slow, lagging, and image wasn't that good).
Some of my perceptions changed, but some remains the same. HK did not perform as well as expected but I thought Vancouver had a rather weak talent.. if she incorporating more jumping or jump-roping into the dance, that would of been much better. Such a talent (also to Bangkok and KL too, just to be fair) would stand no chance if they competed in Miss America... but going back onto MCI, the winner's talent was fair, it showed off her youth (which helped), other than that, not much special...........
I would have crowned KL alt. some may think her dance was more masculine and didn't show off her feminine.. nevertheless, I thought her talent was special and she has a good smile.
Toronto really grew on me after watching her talent and hence even though she took Melbourne's top 5 spot (btw, her talent was good too!!), she did perform better than her in talent, thus I justified her top 5 placement. THEN, after seeing her talent with the others, I was convinced she should of made top 3 because it was MUCH better than the other talents. Too bad her interview wasn't that good and hence didn't make it. But, Vancouver was overscored.
HK did not perform as well in interview, talent was quite good when you don't compare it with Toronto (her body is more soft), hence, she deserved her placement.
TOP 3 placement before watching pageant on tv (lagging webcast only):
Winner - HK
1st RU - KL
2nd RU - Van.
Top 3 placement after watching pageant on tv
Winner - KL
1st RU - Toronto or HK
2nd RU - HK or Van.
Any of the combinations above would have been great but unfortunately, Vancouver won in the end. I still compared her interview with Melbourne (who spoke fluent Cantonese also) and I thought Vancouver had a okay interview... Eric T. actually played her in the beginning by not answering her question (I thought points should be deducted there), but yet people say she had the best interview............ she did finish her interview with a good answer tho., that I admit.
Mel. was unfortunately robbed (Bangkok was great though) but she should of made top 5. I would have placed the girls in this order (had Mel. advanced to top 5, replacing Bangkok):
WINNER - Kuala Lumpur
1st RU - Toronto
2nd RU - HK or Melbourne
Top 5 - HK or Melbourne in 4th place, Vancouver - 5th
And, for some reason, Vancouver looks inconsistent in some photos... she looks WAY better on tv than in photos (hence I didn't think she will do well).
LOOK at her official portrait on tvb.com. When she doesn't smile (show her teeth), she looks not-so-pretty............... no wonder she kept on saying cheese last night...... I am pretty sure many of you agree that Gloria is the least facially beautiful Miss Chinese Internationals from Vancouver (possibly even less beautiful than 2002's winner......). Bernice, Linda, Leanne, and Eliza (who I grew to like after the pageant) look more beautiful.
Well, we're see if she look more beautiful after her reign (or as the year passes), such as Miss Universe 1985 (much more beautiful after she passed her title in 1986) and Dayanana Torres.
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Post by samuel on Feb 25, 2013 14:32:16 GMT -5
And, my top 9 picks would had been:
Bangkok, Los Angeles, Seattle (pleasant surprise), and Singapore
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Post by samuel on Feb 25, 2013 14:42:55 GMT -5
And yes, some things I wished TVB could have done:
1. Announce the top 9 rather than left-right thing.. it was so obvious which side would of made it....... I felt sorry for no. 4 Foshan and no. 11 New York
2. TRANSPARENCY NEEDED - Wished the judges score or AT LEAST the judging process would have been explained. For example, how are the girls scored?? From 1-100?? Or do they follow the Olympics/Miss Universe format, 0 to 9.999?? WHEN THE TOP 9 GIRLS competed for the last top 5 spot, were their original scores erased?? I really want to know if Toronto advanced based on her great talent ONLY (were scores of the top 9 discarded) or because she had the highest average over the other 4 remaining semi-finalists AFTER talent was considered too??
This matters because I thought Mel. did better in interview than Toronto (who laughed a lot) and if interview counts A LOT, Melbourne should of still advanced even if her talent wasn't as good as Toronto.
PERCENTAGES - how much does talent count in the contestant's overall score?? Swimsuit?? Interview?? EVEN MISS AMERICA discloses this but MCI doesn't........
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