Miss Universe 2011 is Miss Angola

Oh I didn't guess the winner this year. Angola came totally unnoticed at least for my eyes until her name/country was called for the 5th spot in the Top 16. She deserves it though. Her beauty is not common and she's got that x-factor in her. Looking at the remaining 5 ladies, she was my other bet if Miss Philippines won't bag it.

Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe Monday night and this is first for her country. “Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lopes said when asked her interview question.

For those who haven't watched here's the Top 16 list: (I correctly predicted 11 - not too bad)

After the swimsuit competition, it was narrowed down to 10:

After the evening gown competition, the list was cut in half:

At this point I was pretty confident that the Philippines will bag the crown but much as I am dismayed, Miss Angola deserves the spot too. I just hope next time there wouldn't be any questions about religion or anything that is not generic. I just think that question is too tricky because some of the judges may not share the point of view of the contestant and they might not like the response no matter how flawlessly it was delivered (with no interpreter at that). But I applaud her for saying what she really feels. I like how she did not answer with a canned statement. And oh, Lea could have thought of a more thought-provoking question, something that a kindergarten pageant queen can't answer. Just saying! 

All is well that ends well...Miss Angola was proclaimed the winner. First runner-up was Miss Ukraine, 2nd runner-up Miss Brazil, 3rd runner-up Miss Philippines and 4th runner-up Miss China.