Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Nola of USA was crowned by Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India. Image: Facebook/Anne Jakrajutatip
MANILA, Philippines — Much has been said about the Philippines ending its 12-year uninterrupted placement in the Miss Universe pageant this year, but that was still not the longest streak ever recorded in the global tilt.
The Filipino streak in the global tilt started in 2010 with Binibining Pilipinas Venus Raj, who eventually finished fifth in the competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States. The highlight of the Philippines’ decade-long campaign were the victories of Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray as Miss Universe in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
The streak ended in the 2022 Miss Universe pageant held in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila). Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi failed to advance to the semifinal round in the most recent edition.
While a 12-year streak may be remarkable in itself, it still pales in comparison to the 22 uninterrupted placements recorded by the United States from 1977 to 1998.
The US also recorded an 18-year streak from 1958 to 1975, and currently holds the longest-running active streak in the Miss Universe pageant that started in 2011 and was sustained by the newly-crowned winner R’Bonney Gabriel.
The US also holds the record for having the most Miss Universe winners at nine, followed by Venezuela with seven winners.
Venezuela also recorded the second longest uninterrupted placement in the Miss Universe pageant, with a 21-year streak from 1983 to 2003.
Gray, who was a backstage correspondent during the most recent staging of the competition, attempted to appease the Filipino fans who may have been upset with the streak ending for the country. “Guys, you are not alone. The Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia, I know you might be really feeling a bit disappointed right now, but we always have next year,” she said. EDV