VOTE FOR ME! Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon is wishing us Merry Christmas and asking for our support. Photo from The Official Miss Universe Facebook page courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

MANILA, Philippines - The Miss Universe Preliminary Competition is happening on December 13, 7 pm in Las Vegas (December 14, 11 am Manila time). All 89 candidates will compete in their swimwear and ballgown.

The event will determine the 16 semi-finalists that will be announced on pageant night on December 19 (December 20 Manila time). A big factor in the selection of semi-finalists is the amount of online votes each candidate gets at the Miss Universe website.

Designer Jian Lasala is one of the many Miss Universe fans who have been following the pageant closely, year after year. With hours before the preliminary competition, Rappler asks Jian for his bets for top 16.

Here they are:

1) Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

2) Miss Malaysia Kimberley Legget

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

3) Miss South Africa Melinda Bam

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

4) Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

5) Miss USA Olivia Culpo

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

6) Miss Cayman Islands Lindsay Japal

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

7) Miss Bahamas Celeste Marshall

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

8) Miss Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

9) Miss Australia Renae Ayris

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

10) Miss Paraguay Egni Eckert

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

11) Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

12) Miss Czech Republic Tereza Chlebovska

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

13) Miss Ukraine Anastasia Chernova

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

14) Miss Kosovo Diana Avdiu

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

15) Miss Croatia Elizabeta Burg

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

16) Miss Lithuania Greta Mikalauskyte

Photo courtesy of The Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP

According to Jian, his list is based on the pre-pageant photos (swimwear, evening gown, glamshot) and activities (welcome party and video interviews).

We asked Jian what he thinks Janine should wear at the preliminary competition in order for her to stand out.

"Something that would complement her morena skin color, like yellow, vermillion, red or silver," says Jian. "Not white — it'll make her look flat amidst the other contestants and on TV."

He also suggests that the gown be body hugging to show off Janine's great figure.

"I heard that she might wear something in powder blue," Jian tells Rappler.

Designer Jian Lasala. Photo from his Facebook page

But why did he pick Venezuela as his number one?

"Her performance so far," says Jian. "Her outgoing personality is also very natural."

Jian is quick to add that Miss Philippines Janine has an edge:

"She has a sophistication and charisma," says Jian. "She has to beat the odds and do her best."

Who do YOU think will be in the top 16? Let us know by posting your comments below! - Rappler.com

You may also want to read:

Miss Universe 2012: Janine Tugonon and Care4Kids

Miss Universe 2012: Miss PH Janine Tugonon's childhood pics

Miss Universe 2012: Miss PH on Pacman, new vid and pics

Miss Universe 2012: Ms PH visits Pacman

Miss Universe 2012: Janine Tugonon in ballgown

Miss Universe 2012: Janine Tugonon video interview

Miss Universe 2012: Janine Tugonon in swimwear

Miss Universe 2012: Shamcey Supsup is 'On the Scene'

EXCLUSIVE: Jonas Gaffud — The man behind the beauty queens