Miss Universe 2015 candidates start the preliminary competition in swimsuits

The preliminary competition of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant is currently underway Thursday morning (Manila time), with 80 beauty queens vying for the crown. 

The pageant opened with the candidates introducing themselves in silver and gold dresses. Fully supported by her fans, Miss Universe Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach received one of the loudest cheers. Even the show organizers have taken notice, tweeting: "#MissUniverse Philippines has a few fans in attendance — it's easy to understand why."

#MissUniverse Philippines has a few fans in attendance — it's easy to understand why. https://t.co/yUyoFUsT3l pic.twitter.com/h92wyDpT5g

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2015

Erika Albies, Zak Soreff, Nischelle Turner, Rocky Motwani, Erin Brady, Julio Caro, and Keiko Uraguchi serve as the judges for the preliminary competition, kicked off by the beauty queens showing off their figure in swimsuits.