When Miss Philippines Rachel Peters bowed out after the top ten, pageant-loving Filipinos had various sentiments given a political comment she made prior to the finals.
READ: Rachel Peters: Give Mocha Uson a chance
Despite being divided about Peters’ comment, Filipinos remained supportive. And after her loss, many were left disappointed as Peters had indeed proven herself to be a strong candidate.
WALANG MAGPAPA-PARLOR TODAY. GALIT LAHAT NG SANGKABAKLAAN!
— Jakey Espina (@jakeespina) November 27, 2017
However, audiences continued to support other contenders, and based on online reactions, it seems Miss South Africa and Miss Jamaica won Filipinos’ hearts.
Miss Jamaica, a ‘woman of substance’
When Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett was announced as second runner-up, it was met with jeers; she had impressed audiences with her strong and socially relevant responses.
Even her Wikipedia page says “we all know she should have placed 1st in the Miss Universe Pageant”:
When the 21-year-old beauty made it to the top three, she didn’t just talk about herself; she shed light on the differently-abled by discussing her foundation for the deaf.
TV host Vice Ganda was a fan — he even quipped that her afro would best hold the large crown.
Mas secured ang korona sa ulo ni Jamaica. Walang laglag! Go Jamaica!
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) November 27, 2017
Jamaica bet ko!!! Kafez ni Margie Moran.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) November 27, 2017
South Africa for me gave the best answer. But i love Jamaica!
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) November 27, 2017
Netizens called her a “woman of substance” and “grounded and principled.”
A woman of substance! I’m super duper rooting for you Ate Girl. Lavern lang! 👏 Jamaica for Miss Universe 2017 👑
— Liezel Dulay ツ (@iamzeldulay) November 27, 2017
Grounded and principled. Miss Jamaica is the reason why a pageant like Miss Universe is still relevant in the society.
Truly, it’s always more than just the crown.#MissUniverse
— Von Yacob (@heycaloy) November 27, 2017
Miss South Africa shines with confidence
At 22 years old, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was also a crowd favorite, with her easy confidence and passionate answers.
She had Miss International Philippines Mariel de Leon’s vote.
In love with #MissUniverse #SouthAfrica ❤️
— Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) November 27, 2017
TV host Bianca Gonzalez also appreciated that Nel-Peters brought up the gender pay gap:
Wonderful answer. SOUTH AFRICA for the win! #genderpaygap
— Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca) November 27, 2017
Love it! You go girl! Beautiful, great story, a calm confidence. #SouthAfrica
— Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca) November 27, 2017
She wowed netizens when she discussed how she could empower women.
South Africa essentially saying “Miss Universe is confident. Miss Universe can inspire others & help others overcome their fears. Miss Universe is a cool girl. Miss Universe is me.” PAK GANERN #MissUniverse #SouthAfrica
— Rachel Hermosura (@chasingrach) November 27, 2017
One also analyzed that she was consistently able to highlight her best qualities for the role.
Bakit maganda sagot ni Miss South Africa? They are all applying for the job of being the Miss Universe. As the employer, MUO, I’ll post/tell the qualities I need for the position. That’s what SA did in her answer.
— Renz Catembung (@AntoineRenz) November 27, 2017
And some looked to the bright side: her last name is also Peters, so in a way, they say, the Philippines still won.
I just noticed that the new @MissUniverse last name is Peters. Unfortunately her first name is not RACHEL! Congrats South Africa Miss Universe 2017! We love you @rachelpeterssx! 🇵🇭
— Anthoniette (@an2netC) November 27, 2017
At the end of the day, Miss Universe is much more than being beautiful, as captured by this tweet that Venus Raj would be proud of.
I think the major, major lesson today is that beauty, more than how you look, entails being of service to the world-the universe, rather.
— Jai Cabajardashian (@jaicabajar) November 27, 2017
Congratulations to all the confidently beautiful candidates. JB
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