Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, 18, bested contestants from over 80 countries and territories, bagging the Miss Universe 2009 crown.  Last year’s winner, Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza, also a Venezuelan crowned Fernandez in the two-hour event held at the Bahamas.

Unfortunately, our country’s bet in this year’s beauty contest, Bianca Manalo, reportedly one of the highest rated contestants online did not make it to the Top 15 finals or win any special awards.

The big winners were

• First Runner-Up:       Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz
• Second Runner-Up:  Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha
• Rest of Top Five:        Miss Australia, Rachel Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez

Special Awardees were

• Miss Thailand, Chutima Durengdej – Miss Photogenic Universe Awardee
• Miss China, Wang Jingyao – Miss Congeniality Universe Awardee