“Seems like the entire Philippines is here,” commented one of the judges during her evening gown presentation – which happened again during the announcement.
The crowd roared when Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach came out with her blue number designed by Albert Andrada, which instantly stood out in a sea of mostly white and red gowns.
Also in the Top 5 are France, Colombia, Australia and USA.
Most of the delegates – Colombia, Japan, Thailand, Australia, France and Curacao – opted for the gowns they wore in the preliminaries. USA, Venezuela and Dominican Republic all changed into white gowns.
USA looked divine in her white gown with cape. Colombia still shone in her sparkly number. Australia wore a sheer gown with gold details. France presented a seductive red gown.
Out of the race now is Venezuela, who wore a gown reminiscent of that Gabriela Isler won in in 2013.
In the background, Band Perry performed. The ladies who did not make the cut participated again.
Top 5 in the online scoring were Philippines, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Thailand and USA.
On Facebook, Andrada said: “Awwww I was so touched! As soon as Madam SMA saw Pia’s gown for the finals, she took my hand and held it so hard w/ a whisper… “thank you”. Got teary eyed not only because I am happy but I know that this is the beginning of a good journey for the Filipino designers in international beauty contests. #thankYOULORDforusingme #regaininghertrust #natcosandeveninggown#tearyeyed #prayforvictory #toGODbetheglory #thankyoubpci”