And World Peace!

Host:What is the one most important thing our society needs?

Gracie Hart: That would be... harsher punishment for parole
violators, Stan.

[crowd is silent]

Gracie Hart: And world peace!!!

This dialogue and the rest of the movie Miss Congeniality has turned watching Miss Universe Pageants into a joke, at least for me. I used to be so serious about it way back when I was young but little by little you learn to be sarcastic, suspicious and doubtful about the contestants' sincerity. Oh sure, they're all made up and glued to perfection on camera. What I'd like to see is the off cam bitching and cat fighting. Haha, too much reality tv for me! But I guess that's what people love about reality tv, although most of the time scripted and overrated, it portrays real emotions and dilemmas.

I accidentally caught the last 15 minutes of this year's Miss U Pageant which I was delighted to know was held here in Los Angeles. I didn't have a clue, I just know it was to be held at some point, in a far away exotic place.

The final five was not really that impressive, especially Miss Switzerland. I don't know, they all look alike. I would have wanted Miss Japan to win because aside from being charming and cute, it would have given Asian countries a chance to be recognized as well. Coz it's always the usual Miss Venezuela, Spain, Puerto Rico, I mean, geez give it a rest, we know they're beautiful! Give others a chance! I didn't see Miss Philippines but I read she won Miss Photogenic, not bad. At least may award! She looks cute in this snapshot.

As I was reading through the pageant's official website, I was surprised to see Santino Rice, former contestant of my fave reality show Project Runway, to be one of the judges. That's why people are dying to be exploited in reality shows, the payoff is just priceless. You can't get anymore exposure than that!

Ok, here's Miss U 2006 with her fake tears and phony cries. I bet she'd sell that $250,000 crown if she had the chance. (I am so bad)



MISS PUERTO RICO, ZULEYKA RIVERA CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE® 2006 DURING LIVE NBC TELECAST ON JULY 23RD

Can you believe this? She's only 18!!! When I was 18, I still didn't know what to do with my life, let alone winning Miss U. What an over-achiever!

And the line-up is so Hollywood! Carson from Fab 5 is one of the commentators. The judges had stars from reality shows and the girl from Deal or No Deal, WTH? I just thought it was way too hollywood for me. What happened to distinguished panel of judges?

Pardon the sarcasm and sour graping, I've totally been brainwashed by Miss Congeniality.