PAGEANT Circle

Mariela Cerros was crowned Miss Mundo Nicaragua 2021 in a national competition that aired from the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Managua on Saturday, May 22. The 22-year-old marketing student from Nueva Segovia bested 11 other finalists to win her national title. She succeeded Sheynnis Palacios who will compete at Miss World 2021 in San Juan, Puerto Rico later this year. Kendal Suárez and María del Pilar Sequeira were named first and second runners-up, respectively, while Katherine Mora, Lyska Cuthbert, and Jatzary Salvatierra completed the Top 6. The new Miss Mundo Nicaragua will represent her country at the 71st Miss World (Miss World 2022) competition. Photos: Miss Mundo Nicaragua

Shyraa Roy has made history when she was named Miss Trans Pakistan 2021 over the weekend. The 25-year-old singer, actress, and producer based in Dubai became the first-ever transgender woman to hold the national beauty title in Pakistan. Shyraa is known for playing Sania in "Aks," Mohini in "Mohenjodaro" and a cameo role as Natasha in "Saaho." Her music singles include "Raat" and "Kamli." "It was unbelievable and I was shocked and I’m still amazed that something like this is even possible," she said in an interview about winning her title. It is indeed a "new era and a step forward to break stereotypes" for a country where transgender people and other marginalized minorities suffer discrimination and violence. According to BBC News, a series of court rulings have recognized the third gender in Pakistani law since 2009, but implementation is problematic.  "Socially, transgender individuals continue to be treated

Sean van Noordwyk bested 14 other finalists to be named Mr World South Africa 2021 in a competition held on Saturday, May 22 in Johannesburg. The 26-year-old actor and model from Gauteng succeeded former Mr World South Africa and Mr World 2019 first runner-up Fez Mkhize. In a post on his social media page, he shared that taking each other into consideration is the only way we can possibly achieve unity especially during this difficult time of the pandemic. "Placing yourself in your neighbor’s shoes. Spreading as much love, kindness, and hope that we possibly can," he said. Sean will represent his country South Africa at the next edition of the Mr World international pageant. Photos: Mr World South Africa / Instagram

Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco lashed out at the team behind Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens for allegedly spreading rumors about him trying to sabotage her chances at the Miss Universe pageant with late arrivals of ill-fitted gowns. Miss Universe Canada's MGmode Communications said, "The truth needs to be told! The gown was sent late by Michael’s team, and when it arrived none of them fitted! We were able to fix one for the finals but the one for prelims, we didn’t have time." In a lengthy social media post on Saturday, May 22, Michael cried foul and responded, "You have been spreading fake news about me and my team being unprofessional days before the pageant but I chose to be quiet and calm. But this time, I need to stand up for me and my team, as it is just so unfair." The designer to Hollywood celebrities, royalties, and wealthy clients, who hails from Catbalogan, Samar (Philippines) said he has been dressing up Canada's representatives a

After three successful years, former Miss Universe Denise Quiñones has resigned as national director of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico organization. Under her directorship, Puerto Rico managed to achieve high placements at Miss Universe with Kiara Ortega (Top 5), Madison Anderson (first runner-up), and Estefanía Soto (Top 10). Wapa Televisión, franchise holder of Miss Universe made the announcement on Saturday, May 21. The network will continue to work with the reigning queen and prepare for the staging of the national competition's next edition that will kick off casting early next month. Prior to becoming an actress, Denise was crowned Miss Universe 2001  at Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez in Bayamón. She was the fourth representative from Puerto Rico to win the pageant. Photo: Denise Quiñones / Instagram

Adriana Moya has been officially announced by The Finalists organization on Saturday, May 21 as Miss Grand Costa Rica 2021. The 26-year-old architect from San Pedro, Montes de Oca, succeeded Gabriela Jara and will represent her country Costa Rica at Miss Grand International 2021 possibly in Bangkok later this year. No stranger to beauty pageants, Adriana was named first runner-up during the 47th edition of Miss Intercontinental in Manila, Philippines. "It will be my fourth time representing Costa Rica internationally, but the butterflies still feel the same and the emotion is the same," she wrote on social media. "I can't wait to live for the last time, together with you, one of my greatest passions," she added. Photos: Adriana Moya / Instagram

Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh has on the weekend arrived in Puerto Rico together with Miss World Organization's Julia Morley ahead of the Miss World 2021 competition on the island later this year. They were welcomed by former Miss World from Puerto Rico and Miss World 2021 organizer, Stephanie del Valle. It was Toni-Ann's first official trip since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions happened. The Jamaican beauty said she was very excited about her visit as Puerto Rico is so much like her own country. During their official visit, they will attend meetings with local government officials and look at various locations to be selected for the 70th edition of the international pageant. Miss World 2021 is scheduled to be held on December 16 at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan. The event is aiming to promote the Caribbean island as a tourist destination to an expected two billion viewers worldwide. Photos: Miss World