Reacting To Miss Grand International 2023 Finals. Also Miss International 2023 & Miss Universe 2023

This group chat was conducted via Zoom on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10:00 PM EST. My guests include Lenka Vomocil, Mrs. National Universe 2022; Emma and Guru of the Pageant Gurus; Wilfredo Lopez, runway coach and pageant mentor; Melvyn Noronha, costume designer; Ed Dominguez, formerly of Global Beauties; George of the Pageant Empress; and Noemi Melendez, national director of Miss International Cuba and co-director of Miss Grand Cuba.

TIMESTAMPS
2:45 - George enters the chat room
4:07 - Wilfredo enters the chat room
4:36 - Ed enters the chat room, he explains the current turmoil in Panama
7:39 - Wilfredo says that his sister Michelle enjoyed Rafa's MGI finals reaction
8:20 - Lenka enters the chat room
9:49 - Rafa says that Lenka has been a great help and influence to the Miss Grand Czech Rep Organization
11:25 - Rafa reads viewers comments - "cooking show"
12:25 - Ed gives updates on Miss World; he is the license holder for Panama
13:29 - Melvyn enters the chat room
15:03 - Melvyn comments on the Miss World postponement
15:43 - Noemi enters the chat room
16:10 - Guru enters the chat room
16:36 - Emma enters the chat room
19:10 - Guru comments on Miss World postponement; he says there will be a dry spell after MGI finals. but Rafa mentions Miss Earth finals in December. Melvyn says ME is growing; he criticizes the medal awards. Wilfredo criticizes the mini-competitions of ME without any weight on the finals. Rafa says he tries to love all pageants because they are opportunities for women. He thinks ME has been stable even during the pandemic. There will be a new crown for ME.
25:00 - Who watched the finals of Miss International? Did you see any changes in this year's edition?
25:43 - George comments on the poor marketing and production of MI
27:14 - The Japanese pianist
28:07 - Guru on lack of engagement on social media
28:24 - Melvyn loves the photoshoot
29:30 - George says he couldn't connect with the contestants
30:27 - Lenka compares the stage to school stage in Czech Rep; she likes the winner. Guru agrees.
32:10 - WIlfredo agrees with George; he criticizes the selection of judges and selection procedure; what he thinks of Colombia and Venezuela
34:54 - Rafa says Colombia is always the bridesmaid never the bride
35:20 - Rafa and Noemi on Cuba. Noemi says Cuba didn't have the votes and she was disappointed by Cuba not placing. She didn't like the production and camera shots. She has no material of her girl competing.
40:01 - Rafa asks how many pageant bloggers went to cover MI
40:40 - George doesn't like the lack of diversity in top 15; Wilfredo agrees; Rafa says that Japanese culture is homogenuous; he mentions the Japanese woman judge with bangs who always judges every year. Lenka mentions Cape Verde 2022 who made top 3; she explains that white skin symbolizes royalty in Asia. Skin whitening products are popular in Asia.
46:30 - Rafa asks the group if they have used skin whitening products; he asks the same to the viewers. He said Filipinos use them. Lenka says as a commercial model she would promote the products but not use them. Guru and Emma ask why. Melvyn says Lenka is paid to model any product. Noemi says she was a Camel cigarette girl but she never smoked. Melvyn says you cannot follow everyone blindly.
50:26 - Melvyn asks if the MI results have been manipulated. Emma thinks that MGI is rigged and she now puts MGI in the last place. Guru says Myanmar's top 5 placement is pure business. Melvyn says Nawat works really hard. Lenka says the Q & A doesn't count.
55:10 - Wilfredo on social media following. Ed and George selected Peru because of her huge following. Colombia's energry waned after four weeks. He's happy for Angola.
57:38 - WIlfredo on MI's dark-skinned contestants; Melvyn recommends an all-black judging panel
58:18 - George is happy that Peru won and explains her victory; he doesn't like the speech round; he gives his MU top 10 pre-arrival favorites before he leaves the chat room
1:02:42 - Czech Republic, Netherlands
1:04:24 - Wilfredo says the competition starts from day 1; just because you fumble in Q&A shouldn't be the reason to erase your great overall performance. He cites Andrea Meza and MU 2020 results
1:06:48 - Czech Republic; shout out to Crown Sisters for great coverage of MGI. Rafa observes that Czech had glassy eyes; she is also a chain smoker
1:07:47 - Philippines - reasons why she did not place
1:09:03 - Guru asks why Czech placed even though she broke the rules by smoking. Emma agrees with Guru. She doesn't think it's fair. Rafa explains the MGI rules. Emma becomes defensive (says she's a smoker). Melvyn says not being punctual can affect one's chances of advancing. Intense disagreement between Melvyn and Emma. Melvyn says Nikki didn't bring the grand factor. Rafa says the staff advised Nikki to give more energy but she said no.

(CONTINUED IN COMMENTS SECTION)