This article is for the Ms. Universe Crazed Filipino fanatics. In a few months, the 2008 Ms. Universe will once again be one of the most anticipated primetime show in the Philippines. Can we finally secure our 3rd crown? Or would it be another heartbreak for us Pinoys? Below is a brief history of the Ms. Universe and list of winners from its inception in 1952.
The winner of the “Miss America 1951” pageant, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose in a swimsuit from its major sponsor, Catalina swimwear. As a result, the brand’s manufacturer Pacific Mills withdrew from Miss America and set up the Miss USA and Miss Universe contests. The first Miss Universe Pageant was held in Long Beach, California in 1952. It was won by Armi Kuusela from Finland, who gave up her title to get married to a Filipino tycoon, Virgilio Hilario, shortly before her year was complete. Until 1958 the Miss Universe title (like Miss America) was post-dated, so at the time Ms. Kuusela’s title was Miss Universe 1953.
The pageant was first televised in 1955. CBS began nationally broadcasting the combined Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants from 1960 and, separately, from 1965. In 2003 NBC took over the television rights. The main pageant was held consecutively in the continental US from 1952 to 1971. Since then, the pageant has been held in locales around the world.
