Leila Lopes of Angola is 2011's Ms. Universe

Ms. Angola's Crowning Moment for Africa

One of the strong contenders during the Top 10 Finalists, Ms. Angola was crowned this year's Miss Universe. After watching them all compete, I do believe she deserves to be the winner. To be perfectly fair, this year's pageant proved to have the best Top 5 finalists and answers to the questions. The top 10 also includes: Laury Thilleman (France), Shamcey Supsup (Philippines), Zilin Luo (China), Sherri-Lee Biggs (Australia), Priscila Machado (Brazil), Olesya Stefanko (Ukraine), Sheldry Saez (Panama), Johanna Solano (Costa Rica), and Laura Goncalves (Portugal).

Shamcey Supsup made her countrymen proud

I am moved by Ms. Philippines' answer to the question, if she would be willing to change religions for the man she loves. Since majority of us are Catholics, it is a tricky question since it involves faith and emotions at the same time. She answered proudly, (and no interpreter, to boot) "I would not change my religion because I love my God who created me and if that person truly loves me, should love my God too." And that led her to her 3rd Runner Up Title, above Ms. China.

The Top 10 Miss Universe Finalists

Coincidentally, our very own Ms. Lea Salonga, was the one who asked Ms. Angola her winning question. She was followed by Ms. Ukraine (1st Runner Up) and Brazil (2nd Runner Up). Ms. Panama won the Best National Costume award, Ms. Montenegro was voted Ms. Congeniality and Ms. Sweden as Ms. Photogenic.

Eighty-eight countries competed for this year's Miss Universe.