The coronation night of an international pageant was talked about on social media on Thursday evening because of its unique way of announcing the top three candidates.
Philippines’ Annabelle McDonnell finished as the first runner-up of Miss Charm 2023 during its coronation night held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on February 16. She is followed by Mis Charm 2023 second-runner-up Olivia Tan.
Brazil’s Luma Russo was crowned Miss Charm 2023, besting 37 other candidates in the competition.
Amid the cheers for the winners, several Filipinos took notice of how the top three finalists was announced.
Instead of conventionally announcing the names on the microphone, a skilled draftsman did a live painting onstage to reveal the candidate who advances to the finals.
This brought more tension and excitement at the venue as they watch the draftsman finish each portrait.
Viewers of the live stream also expressed amazement over the artistic approach of the pageant.
“The first ever Miss Charm 2023 will be known as the pageant that elevated the Top 3 announcement. NOW THAT WAS ONE HECK OF A REVEAL!” a Twitter user said.
“HAHAHAHA DI NIYO KAYA TOP 3 ANNOUNCEMENT NG MISS CHARM,” a Pinoy on Twitter also commented.
“Pageant na may konting Pilipinas Got Talent moments. Boogsh!” a blogger on Instagram said.
“Pilipinas Got Talent” is a talent search show in the Philippines that was adapted from the “America’s Got Talent” franchise in the United States.
Some viewers also shared a video snippet of the moment Annabelle advanced to the Top 3 after the artist completed a stunning portrait of her in front of the audience.
“PASOK SA TOP 3! Annabelle McDonnell Philippines in her dramatic inclusion to the Top 3 of Miss Charm 2023,” one Filipino said on Twitter.
PASOK SA TOP 3!
Annabelle Mcdonnell Philippines🇵🇭 in her dramatic inclusion to the Top 3 of Miss Charm 2023#MissCharm2023 #Philippines pic.twitter.com/NYr5g1O1fb
— 🫶🏻 (@laurceeeee) February 16, 2023
Miss Charm organization also uploaded the full video of this artistic performance on its Facebook account.
Several Filipinos, meanwhile, showered Annabelle with congratulatory remarks after her first runner-up finish in the pageant.
“Annabelle, I have no words. The whole Philippines is so proud of you,” one of her supporters expressed on Twitter.
During the final question and answer portion, Luma, Annabelle and Olivia were asked about their perspectives on the meaning of life and what they live for.
The 22-year-old Misamis Oriental model said that for her, the meaning of life means putting the community first before herself and becoming an inspiration for the youth.
“The meaning of life is to be of help to one another. It is all about putting the community first oneself. I’ve learned this growing up as an orphan and I’ve certainly learned this more being with the Vietnamese people tonight. I think that the purpose of my life is to be of help to one another,” Annabelle said.
“In the struggles of the youth I see myself and I relate to them. I hope with my success here tonight, they see themselves in me and they believe in themselves more because of me,” she added.
Annabelle was the first runner-up of Miss Universe Philippines 2022. She was later appointed the country’s representative for the international Miss Charm contest.
Pasay City’s Celeste Cortesi won the title for last year’s edition of MUP.