A video posted by Dyan Castillejo (@dyancastillejo) on Jan 27, 2017 at 2:48am PST

Margie Moran, Miss Universe 1973, picked Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina as one of the favorites to win the 65th Miss Universe competition after seeing Medina's performance at the preliminaries, held at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News' Dyan Castillejo, Moran said Medina stood out when she took the stage for the national costume and long gown rounds. "She projected very well in her costume, and the long gown," Moran said.

She added that she also favors Miss Universe Indonesia Kezia Warouw, Miss Universe Thailand Chalita Suansane, and Miss Universe Brazil Raissa Santana.

Moran, however, singled out Miss Universe Myanmar Htet Htet Htun, who earned the loudest applause and cheer for the national costume round as she managed to mount a puppet show and act like a puppet using her outfit. "Myanmar was so original," Moran gushed.

• RELATED STORY: Gloria Diaz names her top 5 Miss U bets

The top 12 of the 65th Miss Universe competition will be determined by their combined scores from the preliminaries and online votes. One can cast their online ballot on the official website of the Miss Universe competition.

The result will be announced at a coronation night, scheduled on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Photos courtesy of Solar, LCS, MUO