A Miss World and Miss Universe Back to Back Crown

Although Miss Earth and Miss International are considered part of the Big 4 of the international pageants -- with Miss Supranational emerging as a major pageant as well -- in terms of prestige and patronage, the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants are considered to be most coveted.

But because of the difference between the vision of the pageant organizers, it rarely happened that a country bags both Miss World and Miss Universe pageant title in the same year. One possible explanation for this is because of the difference with the pageant format. Another reason is a possible conflict of interest. When a Miss Universe or a Miss World is crowned, most of the charity projects they have are poured in to the winning country itself.

Also, the Miss World pageant is run by Julia Morley with its headquarters based in England. Looking at the pageant history, the panel of judges pick the winner form a third-world country if not from a pageant powerhouse country. Most of the winners are from Asia, or black representatives from Jamaica and Africa. Venezuela of course is an exception as candidates from this country, almost and if not always define and set the dimension the competition in a beauty pageant.

Miss Universe on the other hand is based in USA. Whilst the pageant is consistent with it's format, the judges' decision is based on the merit of the competition.That means that it's anybody's ball game as the competition goes along.

But comes deliberation, it seems it's an unspoken rule that there should be no Miss Universe and a Miss World from the same country for the same year.

Miss World started in 1951 while Miss Universe in 1952. With it's more than 60 years of pageantry, there are only 5 instances that both a Miss World and a Miss Universe hailed from the same country.

First was France in 1953. Christiane Martel was crowned Miss Universe on July 17 while Denise Perrier became Miss World on October 19.

Second was Australia in 1972. Kerry Ann Wells became Miss Universe on July 29, while Belinda Green was crowned Miss World on December 1.

Third was Venezuela who made it back to back in 1981. Irene Saez was crowned Miss Universe on July 20, while Pilin Leon became Miss World on November 12.

Then India who made it twice in 1994 and 2000. Miss Universe Sushsmita Sen on May 20, and Miss World Aishwarya Rai on November 19, 1994. In 2000, Lara Dutta became Miss Universe on May 12, while Priyanka Chopra was adjudged Miss World on November 30.

It's interesting to note that India garnered the Miss World crown 4 times in a span of seven years; 1994, 1997, 1999 and year 2000.

Philippines almost had the same feat in 1973. Margarita Moran was crowned Miss Universe on July 21 while Evangeline Pascual became the 1st Runner Up in Miss World on November 23.

On that year however, whilst a lot were expecting for that pattern, a different trend happened. Philippines' 1st Runner Up in the Miss Universe 1973 pageant was USA's Amanda Jones, while Miss World 1973 Marjorie Wallace's 1st Runner Up was Philippines Evangeline Pascual.

It's also on this year that the Miss World was dethroned but the title was not offered to the 1st Runner-Up. Evangeline Pascual was offered the function and the responsibilities, but not the title itself. When she declined the offer, Jamaica's Patricia Teresa Yuen Leung took over, being the 2nd Runner-Up. Had the crown been offered,  it would have been a back-to-back title for the Philippines that year.

Now, what's the point I'm raising all these? Philippines has been associated with the Miss Universe pageant which means that there's no point for Miss World to choose Philippines for the title as it wouldn't be that sensational. But with Philippines trailing behind for the crown the past 3 years, isn't it coincidental that the Miss World 2013 pageant was held ahead of the Miss Universe pageant, which in past history always held in November? Isn't it providential that this is to pave the way for Miss Universe Organization to give Philippines it's long awaited 3rd Miss Universe crown?

Or, could it be that Philippines chance for the 3rd Miss Universe crown has been diminished because of the us getting the elusive Miss World crown earlier on?

Well these are just analyses based on patterns in the past. If in fact these coincidences in the past has a semblance of that happening in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, hopefully it would be for the best of Ariella Arida. I was right with my forecast of a first Miss World crown by Megan Young this year. Getting it right with a possible back-to-back this time might be another feat.