The 61st edition of Miss Universe will take place at the PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 19, 2012. A total of 89 women are vying for the title as the successor of Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopez, 26, of Angola.

Based on the available videos, photos and information online, I and my colleague Erica Diaz Mendoza Lao scored the candidates separately then we combined our scores. Here are our predictions:

3rd crown for the Philippines?

by Jillianina Estevez

Representing the Philippines, Gloria Diaz and Margarita Moran won Miss Universe in 1969 and in 1973. I predict that the Asian country will win its third crown this year. Here are my Top 10 candidates:

1. Janine Tugonon (Philippines)
2. Olivia Culpo (USA)
3. Gabriela Markus (Brazil)
4. Irene Esser (Venezuela)
5. Elizabeta Burg (Croatia)
6. Helen Getachew (Ethiopia)
7. Ana Yancy Clavel (El Salvador)
8. Sara Chafak (Finland)
9. Renae Ayris (Australia)
10. Elizaveta Golonova (Russia)

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3rd crown for India?

by Erica Diaz Mendoza Lao

Representing India, Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta won in 1994 and in 2000, respectively. I believe the country will win its third crown this year. Here are my Top 10 candidates:

1. Shilpa Singh (India)
2. Janine Tugonon (Philippines)
3. Helen Getachew (Ethiopia)
4. Chantal Zaky (Jamaica)
5. Olivia Culpo (USA)
6. Irene Esser (Venezuela)
7. Melinda Bam (South Africa)
8. Karina Gonzalez (Mexico)
9. Gabriela Markus (Brazil)
10. Renae Ayris (Australia)

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CONAN Daily’s predicted Miss Universe 2012 winners

I and Erika combined our scores. We neither did a deliberation nor made adjustments. Based on our combined scores, we predict that these candidates will make it to the Top 10 but will not move to the Top 5:

• Chantal Zaky (Jamaica)
• Karina Gonzalez (Mexico)
• Shilpa Singh (India)
• Renae Ayris (Australia)
• Elizabeta Burg (Croatia)

We predict that these will be the winners:

Irene Esser (Venezuela)

predicted Miss Universe 2012 fourth runner-up

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Gabriela Markus (Brazil)

predicted Miss Universe 2012 third runner-up

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Helen Getachew (Ethiopia)

predicted Miss Universe 2012 second runner-up

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Olivia Culpo (USA)

predicted Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up

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Janine Tugonon (Philippines)

predicted Miss Universe 2012