Man Of The World 2017, Mostafa Elezali Shows Support To Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray

Something old, something new, something exciting! 

We first caught up with Mostafa in June 2018 when he still holds the Man of the World title; now, his career life is like a whirlwind. So what's new with him? Well, there's a lot of changes, and they are compelling! But first, let's ask him about Catriona Gray's recent win as the fourth Miss Philippines to take home the Miss Universe crown. 

Let's Talk About Miss Universe 

Today, Catriona embarks the official first day as Miss Universe 2018. As a pageant titleholder himself, Mostafa remarks, "They are all well deserving to be on TOP 5," when asked of his thoughts about the finalists choice this year. And his opinion regarding transgender in pageants? He answered, "I'm not against any gender as long as they respect other's private life."

Mostafa has known of his support to Catriona and her participation at Miss Universe pageant. Ever wonder how they met? Well, here's the story, "I met Catriona through my manager who introduced us, we are acquaintances but what I know about her is that she is a friendly person." Mostafa added, "Her attitude, I believe is an epitome of a true Filipina. She is really friendly and smiles a lot, and is very accommodating." We asked if he has an inspirational message to Catriona as the new Miss Universe, "Stay humble, and make the Philippines proud," he says.  

Speaking of Miss Universe, are we expecting more news about you and Catriona?

Maybe next year because I heard that my manager would co-manage her.

His New Career in the Entertainment Industry

You are now pursuing your goals in your acting career by signing up with Star Magic. How are they building up your celebrity image? Are you taking workshops?

I'm undertaking Tagalog and acting workshops for the meantime. So I hope it will fast track my career as I work hard to study Tagalog.

As a pure foreigner in Philippine Showbiz, do you think this path will help you join the big ranks of stars in the near future? 

I believe so, by working hard and being humble because showbiz makes people famous.

You have just joined ABS-CBN Star Magic and Cornerstone Entertainment, the most prominent Talent Agency in the Philippines, will we see you soon in a movie with one of Cornerstone’s biggest talents?

I’m not sure but yes I will once I manage the language and acting skills.

Any movies or shows you're currently shooting? Can you share your roles in these films?

I have a guest appearance in the movie, "The Girl in the Orange Dress." It's a romance flick which is included at the Metro Manila Film Festival, something like the Oscars in Philippine Film Industry. Also, I am currently shooting in an "I-Flix" series (which is equal to Netflix). The title of the series is "Mystified," and I play the role of Lucifer. These are few of the roles I was offered.

You are the first Man of The World titleholder, first Male Egyptian winner in an International pageant, first Muslim to win a Male pageant, the first pure foreigner in the Philippine Entertainment Industry. Will we expect another first from you?

Hahahahaha! You don’t know me yet. I’m excited to make history so I will work hard to make something new in the showbiz. I wanna surprise my audience.

Any inspirational message to your fans who have followed you and continue to support you in your endeavors?

Keep supporting me, and I will always make you proud.

By: Joyce Cortez

PageantLIVE and Ask The Crown Exclusives. PageantLIVE is known for exclusive interviews, and we pride to have and maintains on publishing our original contents. 

Miss Universe 2018 Final TOP 10 Predictions

It will go down to one lucky lady! Who will take home the crown? 

Tonight is the night!! Tune in at 7/9PM ET on FOX.

Final TOP 10 Predictions

By: Joyce Cortez and Natalie Mc Govern

Miss Universe 2018 TOP 20 Post Preliminary Competition

Miss Universe 2018 preliminary competition was held on the 13th of December at IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Finals competition and coronation will be telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, December 16th, from the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

TOP 20 Post Preliminary Competition

TOP 3 Strongest Contestants 

1. Miss Philippines - Catriona Gray. This girl came to win! Miss Philippines started strong, and she maintained being a dark horse. We think Catriona is a total package that Miss Universe could ever have - if she wins. Catriona researched the whole Philippines culture and even rediscovered the history of the pre-colonial Philippines, which she showcased in her National Costume. Based on her social media posts, she was involved in designing her gowns, bags, and accessories for the competition.

Catriona debuted her album, "We're In This Together," to raise funds for Young Focus Philippines. Young Focus’ “DNA” is all about education: educating children all the way from preschool to college. Young Focus believes that education is the most effective way to end poverty in a child’s life. (Source: Young Focus Philippines)

2. South Africa - Tamaryn Green. It won't be a surprise if South Africa will have a back to back win. As a medical student and a Tuberculosis survivor, she has been instrumental in the fight against the disease. Tamaryn says, "The world is on the cusp of a global push to deal with this killer disease. I am very grateful to have the power of Miss South Africa platform – which is so much bigger than I could ever have imagined – and to be in a position to make my voice heard. Because of my title, I have an opportunity to help as many people as I can."

3. Thailand - Sophida Kanchanarin. Sophida graduated Magna Cum Laude at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas with the Degree of Business Administration in Finance. At age 23, she became the youngest female manager in TMB Bank. She advocates professional credibility in female leaders, Equal Pay, and the Gender pay gap.

By: Joyce Cortez and Natalie Mc Govern
Photos: Wasan Puengprasert
HO/The Miss Universe Organization

The Meaning Behind Miss Universe Philippines, Catriona Gray's Nonconforming National Costume

Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines carried the whole country on stage. Her National Costume represents the three largest islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

"I want to represent the Philippines in all forms," Catriona told ABS-CBN News Dyan Castillejo. She added, "When people see the Philippine sash, it's just a word on a sash, but really, we're made up of so many different places and so much different aspects to our culture."

She collaborated with various artists in the Philippines where she says, "We researched. We consulted historians."

Fans around the "universe" have mixed reactions. But will this be the start of an elaborate, more in-depth concept of National Costumes in the future?

These videos explained how Catriona came up with her nonconforming  National Costume.

Furthermore, she told Vogue Thailand that her accessories represented Mindanao, while her body suit and the Christmas lantern behind her represented the Visayas and Luzon.

The Miss Universe 2018 National Costume Show was held on the 10th of December at Nongnooch Pattaya International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in Thailand.

Will Catriona bag the fourth Miss Universe crown for her country? 

Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. 

By: Joyce Cortez
Photographer: Patrick Prather
HO/The Miss Universe Organization
Videos: Catriona Gray's Youtube Channel, Cat-Elle

TOP 10 Miss Universe 2018 National Costume

Miss Universe National Costume Show is an international tradition where contestants display an authentic costume of their choice that best represents the culture of their home country. The show allows us to discover the different cultures around the world, the universe rather.

When it comes to National Costume criteria, there are four things to consider: originality, creativity, color coordination, and presentation.

The Miss Universe 2018 National Costume Show was held on the 10th of December at Nongnooch Pattaya International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in Thailand.

Top 10 Favorites

1. Thailand -  Sophida Kanchanarin. Miss Thailand's costume is called "Change the Icon of Siam," a symbol of Thai tradition and way of life. Chang means "elephant" in Thai, and she incorporated the majestic animal into her white and gold costume, which was also reminiscent of a royal Thai.

2. India - Nehal Chudasama. Miss India's costume symbolizes women empowerment. Her dramatization adds a special effect on her presentation. Her costume weighs 105 lbs.

3. Jamaica - Emily Sara-Claire Maddison. We love this unconventional costume from Miss Jamaica. She incorporated traditions and Jamaica's achievement in the Summer Olympics highlighting Usain Bolt's iconic winning pose.

4. Russia - Yulia Polyachikhina. Miss Russia's costume represents a woman of nobility. Simple and peaceful.

5. El Salvador - Marisela De Montecristo. The Flower & Palm Festival of Penchimalko inspired the costume. On the first Sunday of May every year, the small town of Panchimalco, lying close to San Salvador, celebrates its two patron saints with a spectacular festivity, known as “Fiesta de las Flores y Palmas.” Although the origin of this event came from pre-Columbian Maya culture and used to commemorate the start of the rainy season, nowadays the festival honors Catholic saints, the Virgen del Rosario and the Virgen de la Concepcion.

6. Mexico - Andrea Toscano. The Jaguar queen, representing the Jaguar of Mayan culture. The jaguar, to the Mayans, was a powerful symbol of ferocity, strength, and bravery. Since the big cats can see well at night, it symbolizes perception and foresight. As a god of the Mayan underworld, the jaguar ruled the celestial forces of night and day.

7. Sweden - Emma Strandberg. Miss Sweden's costume marks the 150th year of bilateral friendship and trade agreement of Sweden and Thailand, in the year 1868. This agreement was the starting point for diplomatic relations between the two countries. The original document is kept at Riksarkivet in Stockholm.

8. Zambia - Melba Shakabozha. Miss Zambia's costume represents the annual N’cwala Traditional Ceremony in the Eastern province of Zambia. The ceremony marks the beginning of the harvest and as thanksgiving to their God and ancestors. During the thanksgiving ceremony,  groups of dancers clad in traditional attire, armed with spears and dressed in animal skins to display their skills.

9. Laos - On-anong Homsombath. Miss Laos' costume is called the stream of generosity. Despite global modernization and technology, daily life in Lao and a great deal of Lao culture are still profoundly influenced by Buddhist thinking, attitudes, and behavior.

10. Brazil - Mayra Dias. Miss Brazil's costume honored the Amazon rainforest in her country by transforming into a blue and yellow Macaw tropical bird to represent the need for environmental protection. Her elaborate costume featured thousands of feathers and took three months to make.

By: Joyce Cortez

Photographer: Patrick Prather
HO/The Miss Universe Organization