Miss Universe 2013: Miss Philippines Ariella, Miss India Manasi favourite

The stage is all set in Moscow's Crocus City Hall to crown the Miss Universe 2013.

The pageant is airing on November 9 (Saturday) and the preliminary round featuring contestants from 85 countries have been wrapped up.

Click to read: Essential guide to Miss Universe 2013

The obligatory ballgown and bikini round for the Miss Universe 2013 competition took place at Crocus Hall in Moscow, Russia on Nov 7.

Now that the crucial Miss Universe prelims are done, few names are immerging as hot favourites.

(Reuters)

Miss India Manasi Moghe:

Miss India Manasi Moghe has been making waves at the Miss Universe contest in Moscow, Russia. Manasi (22), has proved to be a very strong contender in a
number of rounds leading up to the finale.

She flaunted her toned body confidently in the bikini round and gracefully carried off a lehnga (long traditional skirt) in the national costume round. She was also one of the few chosen to walk the ramp for designer Tony Ward. This Indian beauty is already grabbing eyeballs at the Miss Universe Pageant.

Besides her gorgeous looks and talent, Manasi's good nature and attractive personality is also winning hearts of co-contestants. Miss USA 2011 Alyssa
Campanella has also named Manasi as one of her favourites for the crown.

(Reuters)

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida:

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida has a huge chance of bringing home the 3rd ever Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. Ariella “Ara” Arida continued to live up to her frontrunner status after winning the top prize in the Miss Universe 2013 glam shoot.

Of the 86 candidates who had their pictures taken for the winter-themed photo shoot, 15 were chosen as “Ice Princesses” and among them Miss Philippines was
ultimately named “Ice Princess”.

The 5’7” chemistry graduate from Laguna is one of the most in-demand contestants with major sponsors (like Yamamay, Tony Ward, Mercedes Benz and Nobu) always requesting for her to grace their events.

It seems the Latinas are grabbing most of the attention and they are a force to reckon with this 2013.

The Europeans, meantime, pose the biggest threat to a Latina win; but don’t be surprised if an Asian or Eurasian snatches the prize.

(Reuters)

Miss USA Erin Brady:

Miss USA Erin Brady showed off a 'Transformers'- inspired national costume in the national costume parade for the Miss Universe pageant.

Erin Brady's unusual Optimus Prime outfit in the national costumes round was much discussed earlier in the week - but in the ballgown round Erin played it safe but sexy in a vampish strapless red number with plunging neckline, sequins and embroidery.

Erin Brady grew up in East Hampton, Connecticut. Before winning Miss USA, Erin was working as a financial accountant.

She cites her biggest accomplishment as moving out on her own at the age of 17. Erin enjoys cooking, skiing and running. She is currently training for her first marathon next year.

Considering Miss Universe 2012 is an American, expectations are high from Brady. Recently, she is a great supporter of breast cancer awareness program in association with Bright Pink.

(Reuters)

Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez:

An interesting beauty, this one. In spite of her angular jaw-line, Patricia Yurena Rodriguez has one of the prettiest faces in this year’s collection of international beauties.

Her performance in the prelims was captivating. This 5’8” Tenerife native is a volunteer fund raiser for Red Cross in Madrid.

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