It was the first real opportunity for the media and pageant observers, as well as fans, to see the delegates "in action". Stage presence is one of the key factors in winning a pageant such as Miss Universe.

Contestants were earlier rehearsing for the event. Miss Philippines, Carla Balingit, fell from the catwalk and was not expected to model lastnight.

The press and special guests invited for Mikimoto's reception Wednesday night had the chance to photograph and exchange a few words with Miss Universe 2002, Panama's own Justine Pasek. Justine arrived at 7:30 PM and was received with a long round of applauses. After a few minutes dedicated to photos' shooting, the journalists present at the event had 15 minutes to interview her.

Among other things, Justine said that what she will miss the most when she crowns her successor on June 3 will be her Miss Universe family and her extensive charitable work as Miss Universe.

When asked about her future plans, Justine stated that she still doesn't know if she will "stay home", or take some job offers abroad. "I don't know what's going to happen. Probably I will be here and there, trying to conciliate both things", said the beautiful (and visibly exhausted) Miss Universe.

Justine exhibited the original Miss Universe crown, created by Mikimoto.

The private airplane which brought Miss Venezuela, Mariangel Ruiz, to Panama, landed at the city's International airport at 3:45 PM, almost two hours later than was expected. She was then taken to the host hotel, where some 150 people, among which were fans and press members, were waiting for her.