Divirtam-se!
7
31 Maio 2008
Miss Universe 2008
One step closer | |||||||
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Thanh Nien: You have hosted many beauty contests. Are there any differences you see in the organizing of the Miss Universe Vietnam (MUV) pageant compared to others? Anh Quan: I am lucky to have acted as an MC at several beauty contests including Miss Earth 2007’s Special Contest in Vietnam, Miss Jewelery 2007, Miss Vietnamese Photogenic 2007 and the Supermodel Contest 2008, among others. Each contest was different purposes and characteristics. But at the MUV pageant, I see the organizers and judges have to work very seriously to choose an ideal beauty who will represent Vietnam at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant to be held for the first time in the country in July. Organized by Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV), the Cat Tien Sa Company and Unicorp., the pageant’s grand finale is scheduled to be broadcast live via HTV9 at 8:30 p.m. tonight. The prestigious organizers are all ready for the crown night despite having little time for preparation. Famous singers and artists are also set to entertain the audience. The finale contest, however, will be held at Nha Trang’s beautiful island resort Vinpearl Land. The transport, therefore, will be a little bit inconvenient, which might influence the number of audience members who come for the show. How will you handle the pressure of entertaining and what will you wear? Anh Quan: I have such a great colleague, Quynh Huong, who has been my partner for several other large-scale programs. Huong and I will wear Ao dai in addition to the Western-styled dress and vest. Ao dai for women is very common, but this time, I want to showcase Ao dai for men. Wearing the traditional long tunic, I feel more confident and proud of our country’s value. We want to express our pride in contributing to the country on its first time hosting this prestigious international pageant. I feel no pressure other than how to express my gratitude for such a wonderful chance. I hope that Huong and I will help make an unforgettable night. Quynh Huong: The pageants always include sub-contests for best Ao dai, party gowns, swimming suits, and a question-answer period. Therefore, we are under the pressure of making this pageant stand out from the rest. Besides choosing elegant outfits to wear, we also have to be able to improvise on stage to engage and entertain audiences. Many viewers who saw the semi-finals on TV said they were less than impressed with the chosen contestants. What is your assessment of the group of hopefuls who will compete in the grand finale? Anh Quan: The 20 girls selected for the final night include professional models and those who have won beauty titles. There are amateurs as well. Therefore, it’s out of the question to expect perfection from all of them on stage. Above all, we respect their enthusiastic participation, which proves their love for the country. Quynh Huong: I think there will be surprises tonight. The girls are clever enough to feature the best of their beauty and talent at the grand finale, which determines much of their achievement. Do the experts and judges favor a particular contestant to win tonight? What are the requisites for the winner? Anh Quan: Many are saying they have high expectations for four of the contestants – singer-turned-actress Thuy Lam whose birth name is Nguyen Thuy Trang, supermodels Vu Nguyen Ha Anh, Hoang Khanh Ngoc, and Vo Hoang Yen. The winner must give a professional performance, have good background knowledge and especially, be fluent in English. In your opinion, will the Vietnamese representative at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant be the one who possesses modern and dynamic beauty or the one who demonstrates traditional graceful charm? Quynh Huong: Open-minded people would love a Vietnamese representative who has personality, and a modern, dynamic beauty. But as a Vietnamese woman, I hope a graceful and traditional girl wins. It’s a real dilemma. Reported by Luu Hong http://www.thanhniennews.com | |||||||
Italia
Gallipoli capitale del fascino con la finale di Miss Mondo Italia
Saranno in 52 a sfilare in piazza Moro a Gallipoli il 7 giugno per contendersi l'ambito titolo
di Roberto Zarriello
Solo una, fra tutte, sarà la prescelta da una prestigiosa giuria di cui fanno parte, tra gli altri, Franco Scaglia, presidente di Rai Cinema in qualità di presidente di giuria; Riyo Mori, la giapponese Miss Universe 2007; l’attrice Lucrezia Lante Della Rovere, Bob Krieger, il noto fotografo autore dei più bei ritratti dei personaggi famosi; lo stilista Elio Fiorucci; Edilio Rusconi, giovane esponente dell’editoria italiana e altri personaggi del mondo del cinema, dell’imprenditoria, della moda e della cultura.
Miss Universe Italy: un concorso internazionale – moderno - innovativo.
Un’edizione di alto livello ad iniziare dalla conduttrice Claudia Gerini che non si limiterà a presentare ma sarà con le Miss protagonista dell’evento. Tutto all’insegna della bellezza e del prestigio.
Dalla location agli stilisti, dalla giuria agli ospiti. Spettacolare la scenografia ideata per l’occasione. Spettacolari anche gli abiti che sfileranno.
Le Miss indosseranno abiti di Galliano, costumi da bagno Sportmax, mentre Claudia Gerini sfoggerà raffinati capi di Gianfranco Ferrè.
La vincitrice parteciperà alla finalissima di Miss Universe che si terrà il 14 Luglio in Vietnam.
La miss candidata a Miss Universe rappresenterà l’eccellenza della bellezza italiana, l’unicità della donna “Made in Italy” e competere con le Miss che arriveranno alla finale da novanta paesi del mondo.
Dovrà essere non solo bellissima ma anche attenta a tutto ciò che accade nel mondo e consapevole delle proprie scelte.
Ed è per questo motivo che le candidate di Miss Universe sono tutte rigorosamente maggiorenni. In questa direzione va anche l’istituzione dei 4 premi lavoro, veri e propri contratti nel settore pubblicità, cinema e moda.
In gara per i premi tutte le 24 finaliste. Il Premio Cinema, il Premio Moda, il Premio Pubblicità e il Premio Turismo, per la vincitrice del concorso Web.
“La donna protagonista dell’Universo”: L’evento è concepito come un percorso storico che dal primo Concorso in California nel 1952 ai giorni nostri, racconta con immagini suoni e parole gli eventi, l’arte, la moda il glamour, tutto al “femminile”.
Donne protagoniste: da Valentina Tereshkova a Patti Smith, da Frida Kahlo a Mary Quant, da Madonna alla…Regina Elisabetta.
Coreograficamente accompagnato dal corpo di ballo, tutto rigorosamente femminile, della Compagnia di Teatro e Danza Metis.
Suoni e musiche di due bellissime deejay. Intervistatrice dal foyer e dal back-stage la top model Camilla Sjoberg.
Regia di Cristiano D’Alisera, autori Manolo Bernardo e Armando Perna. Oltre 400 gli invitati speciali che assisteranno alla serata trasmessa in esclusiva da Sky Vivo.
Programma Riccione una città in festa, per l’occasione Riccione si trasforma in una città in festa con numerosi eventi.
Mercoledì 28 maggio: Conferenza stampa: Comune di Riccione – Miss Universe Italy ore 11.00, Palazzo del Turismo.
Giovedì 29 maggio: Semifinale del Concorso presso Opéra - Zona 134, ad invito (40 semifinaliste verranno votate e 24 di loro più la Miss Web saranno le finaliste il 31 maggio).
Venerdì 30 maggio: Eventi collaterali organizzati in diversi punti della città.
Sabato 31 maggio: Finale Nazionale Palazzo dei Congressi ad invito.
Domenica 1 giugno: Sfilata delle Miss vincitrici per la città
http://www.clandestinoweb.com/Miss World Italy
Gallipoli capitale del fascino con la finale di Miss Mondo Italia
Saranno in 52 a sfilare in piazza Moro a Gallipoli il 7 giugno per contendersi l'ambito titolo
di Roberto Zarriello
Passerella di miss
Una giuria di esperti le ha selezionate e adesso per le 52 finaliste inizieranno una serie di prove in attesa del giorno dell'incoronazione. Nel frattempo potranno dedicarsi ai corsi di visage e ai giri di shopping ma dovranno anche trovare il tempo di studiare. Prevista infatti anche una speciale fascia di "Miss Mondo Informazione".
Alle miss verranno consegnate tre tracce con tematiche di attualità (legalità, ambiente e ruolo delle donne) e spiegato le modalità di relazione attraverso un saggio breve di tipo giornalistico. Le prove saranno giudicate da un'apposita giura tecnica composta da giornalisti di importanti testate nazionali e della tv. Appuntamento fissato quindi per il 7 giugno nell'incantevole scenario naturale di Punta Pizzo per eleggere la miss più bella ma anche la più colta.
http://www.lecceprima.it
Utar student crowned Miss Malaysia Universe
By YIP YOKE TENG
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman student Levy Li Su Lin was crowned Miss Malaysia Universe 2008, beating 13 other contenders.
The 20-year-old representing Terengganu, who is also a part-time model, is heading to Nha Thrang, Vietnam for the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant in mid-June.
The crowd favourite also clinched five of the 16 subsidiary titles at the beauty pageant held at The Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley yesterday.
Her interpretation of the pageant's theme “Real women behind the beauty” won her rapturous applause.
Winning smiles: Miss Malaysia Universe 2008 Li (centre), flanked by first runner-up Thor (left) and second runner-up Chan, posing for photographers in Kuala Lumpur Friday. “Beauty must come in a whole package and it is just as its letters suggest – B, brain; E, elegance, A, attitude, U, unique, T, tall that means standing tall and be confident, and Y, yourself,” she said.
Jean Thor Jean Nee, 23, from Federal Territory, and Valerie Chan Hsueh Yi, 23, from Sarawak, won the first and second runner-up titles, respectively.
http://thestar.com.my/
30 Maio 2008
Miss Universe Japan 2006 Kurara Chibana
Chanel "Mobile Art" Opening Reception
TOKYO - MAY 30: Miss Universe Japan 2006 Kurara Chibana attends the Chanel 'Mobile Art' opening reception at Yoyogi Olympic Plaza on May 30, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/ WireImage) 
Miss Universe pageant will distinguish Vietnam: Deputy PM
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Deputy PM Nhan told a meeting earlier this week the pageant is a national event and it serves as an opportunity to publicize the special qualities of Vietnam, particularly to promote the domestic tourism industry. He asked all relevant agencies to fulfill their tasks and assist the administration of central coastal Khanh Hoa province and the local organizing committee in hosting the event. As the economy is still facing steep challenges, the state did not allocate a budget for the event. The organizing committee should instead generate income from advertising, said Nhan, adding that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism still could request the state for an advance if necessary to organize the event. Representatives at the meeting, including government officials and members of the organizing board, discussed the contents of a nine-minute clip that will be broadcast live at the event on American channel NBC as well as many other television channels around the world. They encouraged local businesses to participate in making the clip in order to present the best images of Vietnam to the world. Organizers also confirmed at the meeting that work on infrastructure projects necessary to host the event in Khanh Hoa’s capital of Nha Trang are going as scheduled. The Crown Convention Center, a deluxe theater with 7,500 seats, is currently under construction with the support of US specialists and is expected to be finished by June 15. High-quality roads and lighting systems are also being built. Five-star accommodations for all contestants and members of the organizing board are already completed. The Ministry of Public Security pledged to maintain security nationwide during the beauty contest, while the Ministry of Information and Communications was given the responsibility of promoting the event to international audiences and tourists in conjunction with local media outlets. Nguyen Cong Khe, Thanh Nien’s Editor-in-Chief, said preparations for the traditional ao dai show in Ho Chi Minh City, the swimsuit competition in Nha Trang, the Gala Dinner and the charity gift auction are all finished. On behalf of Miss Universe Vietnam’s organizing board, Khe promised that the board would select the best contestant to represent Vietnam at the prestigious international pageant. Reported by Da Ly ttp://www.thanhniennews.com | |||||||
Miss Universe Vietnam competitors in bikinis
VietNamNet Bridge – Miss Sea Tourism, a sub-competition of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008, was organised on May 28.
The contest took place very quickly and the winner will receive VND21 million. The winner will be announced on the final night, May 31.
On May 29-30, competitors practiced on the major stage to prepare for the final night on May 31.
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29 Maio 2008
Não há nenhuma possibilidade, diz miss Brasil sobre "Playboy"
A miss Brasil 2007 negou a possibilidade de posar nua para a "Playboy". Natália Guimarães falou com os jornalistas ao chegar para a cerimônia de entrega do sexto prêmio Tim de Música, no Theatro Municipal do Rio.
Segundo informou hoje a coluna Mônica Bergamo, na Folha, a revista tem sondado a miss para sua edição especial de aniversário, em agosto.
"Nem estava sabendo. Fiquei sabendo hoje de manhã, quando abri o computador e vi isso. Não tem nenhuma possibilidade, nenhuma mesma", disse Natália aos jornalistas.
Ela chegou acompanhada do músico Leandro, do grupo KLB. Questionada sobre as bandas que costuma ouvir, a miss respondeu: "KLB".
folha.uol.com.br
Miss Angola 2007
>A bela modelo Micaela Reis tem 19 anos e nasceu no Barreiro
Miss Angola é capa de revista<
Beleza negra e escaldante. Micaela Reis, Miss Angola em 2007, é a capa da ‘FHM’ portuguesa que vai para as bancas no próximo dia 2 de Junho.
Esta é a primeira vez que a revista masculina traz na capa uma mulher negra. No ano passado, com apenas 18 anos, Micaela foi ainda dama de honor no concurso Miss Mundo e alcançou um meritório sétimo lugar na Miss Universo. Filha de pais angolanos, Micaela Reis nasceu no Barreiro e sempre viveu em Portugal até há dois anos, quando venceu a Miss Portugal-Angola e partiu para o país de José Eduardo do Santos a fim de participar no concurso Miss Angola. Acabou por vencer.
Actualmente a viver em Angola – devido a compromissos relacionados com o título de Miss – Micaela esteve em Portugal no dia 13 de Maio a fotografar exclusivamente para a revista no Buddha Bar Lisboa. O resultado é surpreendente .correiomanha.pt
Miss Universo en el tiempo
Miss Universo en el tiempo
Las últimas 16 reinas de belleza
 |  Getty Images La actual Miss Universo, la japonesa Riyo Mori. |
 | De 1993 a 1997 |
 | de 1998 a 2007 |
El próximo 15 de julio en la paradisiaca ciudad de Nha Trang en Vietnam, se realizará el certamen de belleza más importante del planeta, donde más de cien mujeres de todo el mundo lucharán para conquistar la corona de Miss Universo 2008.
¿De qué continente será la reina este año?, para comenzar las apuestas juntamos a las últimas 16 Miss Universo y así saber cual es el perfil que buscarán en esta ocasión los jueces.
Latinas, europeas, africanas y asiáticas, han portado en los últimos 15 años el título de Miss Universo. En cada uno de los eventos los jueces se han enfocado en distintos estándares de belleza.
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En 1993 el concurso se llevó a cabo en México, donde la representante de Puerto Rico, Dayanara Torres, se alzó con la corona de Miss Universo, dándole a los boricuas el tercer título real. Dayanara actualmente es una consentida de los puertorriqueños y de la prensa mundial.
Filipinas fue testigo de la primer corona de Miss Universo para India en 1994, la afortunada fue Sushmita Sen, quien en esa época tenía 19 años, y hoy es una reconocida actriz en su país.
Una morena nacida en Texas, Chelsi Smith fue Miss Universo 1995, en Estados Unidos. Al siguiente año, los latinos festejaban junto con Venezuela la cuarta corona de Miss Universo, Alicia Machado se convertía en la mujer más bella del planeta.
Para 1997 de nueva cuenta el país anfitrión coronaba a su nueva reina, nacida en Hawaii, de tez blanca y cabello obscuro, Brooke Mahealani, quien actualmente es actriz de televisión
de 1998 a 2007
| De 1993 a 1997 |
| de 1998 a 2007 |
Honolulu recibe a las mujeres más bellas, pero sólo una se alzó con la corona de 1998 y fue Wendy Rachel Fitzwilliam de Trinidad & Tobago, quien le dio a su país el segundo título. En 1999 Botswana, país de África enviaba por primera vez a una concursante, Mpule Keneilwe Kwelagobe y regresó a su casa como Miss Universo.
En el año 2000, India recibe su segunda corona, Lara Dutta era la mujer más bella. Para el siguiente año de nueva cuenta los puerorriqueños celebraban a su nueva Miss Universo, Denisse Quiñones.
La isla del encanto se vestía de manteles largos para recibir a las mujeres más bellas del planeta y fue testigo del primer título para Rusia, Oxana Fedorova era Miss Universo 2002, pero sólo mantuvo el reinado por unos cuantos meses. La primer finalista, la panameña Justine Pasek fue coronada como la nueva reina por Donald Trump en una conferencia en Nueva York.
Una más para los latinos y en esta ocasión fue para la dominicana Amelia Vega, que se proclamaba Miss Universo 2003 en Panamá. Para el 2004 la sede del concurso fue en Ecuador. La representante de Australia, la rubia Jennifer Hawkins, era la nueva soberana.
Tailandia le dio la bienvenida a las representantes de todos los países en el 2005. En la noche final todo parecía indicar que una latina de nueva cuenta sería Miss Universo, pues las cinco finalistas eran: Miss República Dominicana, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Venezuela, Miss México y Miss Canadá, pero fue esta última la que les arrebató el título.
En el año 2006, la ciudad de Los Ángeles fue la sede de las candidatas. Una joven de 18 años nacida en Puerto Rico, Zuleyka Rivera se convirtió en la mujer más bella del universo.
La actual Miss Universo 2007, la japonesa Riyo Mori recibió el tíulo internacional en la ciudad de México, siendo la segunda corona para el país oriental. Con diversidad en estilos de belleza, ¿quién podrá ser la reina 2008?
http://www.univision.com/
Natália Guimarães rouba a cena durante lançamento de novela
Ex-miss Brasil será uma mulher-aranha na trama “Os Mutantes – Caminhos do Coração”
Laís Rissato
Natália Guimarães; Rodrigo Faro; Thiago Gagliasso; Cláudia Alencar e Raul Gazolla; Antônio Pitanga e Alexandre Avancini
Natália Guimarães roubou a cena durante o coquetel de lançamento que reuniu o elenco da nova novela da Rede Record, “Os Mutantes – Caminhos do Coração”, na noite desta terça-feira (27), no salão de convenções do Hotel Windsor, na Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. Usando um vestido decotado com estampa de oncinha, a ex-miss Brasil, que fará Ariadne, uma mulher-aranha que tem o poder de invadir a mente de suas vítimas, contou como vem se preparando para a personagem.
“Estou fazendo musculação e andando bastante na areia fofa para me preparar, já que agora moro num flat na praia da Macumba, no Recreio, e gravo muitas cenas pendurada em cabos de aço. Uma vez, fiquei seis horas na mesma posição e foi um sufoco, tem que ter preparo físico! Mas o papel foi um presente, vou me dedicar ao máximo à novela”, contou Natália, que vai fazer par romântico com o ator Théo Becker.
Ao ser questionada sobre os beijos técnicos, ela garantiu que eles existem. “No começo eu fiquei na dúvida, mas agora vi que os beijos não são de verdade (risos).” E como ela faz para conciliar o namoro com o cantor Leandro, do KLB, que mora em São Paulo? “Não curto muito essa coisa de distância, mas Deus tem nos ajudado e estamos nos vendo com uma certa freqüência.”, garantiu ela.
No elenco de “Mutantes” também estão Babi Xavier, Maytê Piragibe, Raul Gazolla, Antônio Pitanga, Cláudia Alencar, Flávia Monteiro, Thiago Gagliasso, entre outros.
http://revistaquem.globo.com/
27 Maio 2008
Miss America
Tibetans beauties
Former Miss Tibetans in exile watch the
Former Miss Tibetans in exile watch the events during the last day of the mock Olympics in Dharamshala on May 25, 2008. A mock 'Olympics' organised by Tibetan exiles took place in northern India despite calls to halt anti-China protests as a mark of respect to earthquake victims. The alternative games, which has just 23 participants, comes less than three months before the real Olympics in China and will feature sports such as swimming, archery and shooting. AFP PHOTO/ Manpreet ROMANA (Photo credit should read MANPREET ROMANA/AFP/Getty Images) 
Miss Universe: New faces from Singapore, Panama and Thailand
| 09:55' 27/05/2008 (GMT+7) | ||||||||||
VietNamNet Bridge – The three countries organised national Miss Universe contests to choose their representatives for the upcoming Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam.
Gawintra Pothijakra, 22, 1.76m, a student in Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2008.
Shenise Wong, 26, has become the new owner of the Miss Universe Singapore 2008 crown. With knowledge and experience at several local and international beauty contests (Miss International 2002, Miss World 2005), Shenise is confident to represent Singapore at the competition in Vietnam.
Panama also announced the name of its Miss Universe, Caroline Dementiev Justavino, 19, a model, swimmer, an MC and a law student.
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Miss Malaysia Universe
Finalists shape up for the big day
By CHOONG MEK ZHIN
MENTION the phrase “beauty pageant”, and images of beautiful women with even hotter silhouettes spring to mind. Thus, with this in mind, the finalists of the Miss Malaysia Universe 2008 descended en masse on a local fitness centre for some exercise to tone up their figures. 
Popular: The treadmill is a big hit with the finalists as they get to watch television while exercising. 
Raring to go: The finalists are all smiles and feeling positive before the start of the workout.
Miss Sabah Cassey V. Pilos, 21, said she had an exercise regime back home in Tawau.
“I go jogging thrice a week and try to visit the gym as often as I can. Getting to exercise with the girls now is really fun.”
Popular: The treadmill is a big hit with the finalists as they get to watch television while exercising. The Kadazan lass, who is an accountant, never imagined she would win the state pageant and is thankful that she has been given the opportunity to compete for the title that she believes will open a lot of doors for her.
Thirteen of the 14 finalists spent the whole morning in a personal training session and body combat class conducted by Celebrity Fitness.
Celebrity Fitness marketing manager Michael Andreas said as the official fitness club for the pageant, access to the gym was given to them to help them prepare for their big day.
“We chose the body combat class for them because it's an empowering cardio workout that will help increase their metabolism and energy,” Andreas said.
This is the first time the gym is sponsoring the beauty pageant.
Andreas added that Miss Malacca Jezamine Lim was unable to make it because she had to sit for her final exams in college.
The tallest contestant, Jean Thor Jean Nee, 23, representing the Federal Territory, believes that winning is not the important thing in such a pageant.
Raring to go: The finalists are all smiles and feeling positive before the start of the workout. “It's the polish we get that's most important. The experience counts a lot. I'm glad that I finally got to learn how to use gym equipment properly,” Thor said, adding that “to be happy is to be beautiful”.
http://thestar.com.my
26 Maio 2008
Book explores beauty behind the pageant
Duong Ky Anh, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong (Vanguard Newspaper), has served as a juryman for Miss Viet Nam for the last 20 years. Cam Giang talks with him about his new book and his journey to find the next beauty queen.
Inner Sanctum: What urged you to write your latest book, Miss Viet Nam – behind the stage?
I intended to write the book a long time ago, so I’ve been keeping all kinds of materials since my first days of working as a jury member. With this book, I want to help Vietnamese girls understand and participate in Miss Viet Nam, a significant and interesting cultural activity. I expect that the book could orient their concept of aesthetics in their unceasing efforts to make themselves more beautiful. Today, many girls accept that they must pay any cost to have a good-looking appearance. But the real beauty should come from their souls, their minds and their personalities, or there would be tragedy. In my book, the cases of several beauty contest competitors serve as clear examples.
Inner Sanctum: Nowadays, along with more and more beauty contests being organised, numerous girls are dubbed "beauties". However, in the final page of the book, you write, "Beauty is rare, and beauty often comes under suspicion..." Can you clarify your point of view?
The beauties I mention here are the comprehensive ones, beautiful from the inside out. Usually, there are only one or two in a sea of people, and it’s tremendously difficult to find them.
However, when these girls attend a beauty contest, they are met with suspicion by outsiders and face the question: what is your motivation? In fact, the top-priority reason for most beauty contests is to honour beauty itself, and all the girls who decide to attend such contests are looking for a chance to shine, to be discovered. It’s unnecessary to turn it into a subject of strict judgement, isn’t it?
Inner Sanctum: Through your book, readers can get an honest insight into your feelings as a jury member, and also as a man who has to work frequently with beautiful girls. Has your heart ever been stirred by one of the contestants, and if yes, what did you do about it?
Honestly, during my time as a juror, there was more than one moment when I felt my heart becoming excited. However, the only way to respond to such feelings was to overcome them and respect what I already had. The fights with myself were sometimes extremely fierce, particularly when I went abroad with some beauty queens to attend international events (laughs).
Take, for example, the time I went to the US with Miss Viet Nam 1994, Nguyen Thu Thuy. We had to remember all the time to keep a far-enough distance. Let’s imagine if something had happened; I would have been no longer who I was, and she would have no longer been Thu Thuy, a representative of the beauty of Viet Nam.
Inner Sanctum: The concept of beauty always changes over time. Comparing the first contest when you served as a jury member to the most recent time, how have the standards of beauty changed?
The first change that can easily be recognised is the height of the beauty queens. Previously, a Viet Nam beauty contest required an average height of only 1.59m. But now, it is 1.8m. Another change is the educational background of the contestants. In the past, the highest qualification found among the beauty queens was a bachelor’s degree. Now, it’s a Master’s degree.
Inner Sanctum: If the concept of beauty changes over time, do you think it’s necessary to frequently bring new blood onto the jury board?
I think what a jury board needs is both experience and new perspectives, so it’s not necessary to have all young people working as jury members. It’s correct that the way younger people see something as beautiful is different from their elders. But to discover the greatest beauty from among 100 contestants is not an easy task, and requires the eyes of professionals, those who are often more experienced or older.
Inner Sanctum: Might it be the case, however, that if a more seasoned juror doesn’t keep up to date with the present concepts of beauty, then he will lag behind? After 20 years of working as a jury member, have you experienced any changes in the way you judge beauty?
Yes, I have. In fact, what I regard most highly is the charm within beauty. At any time, charm remains an irresistible attraction, an inevitable part of beauty. However, what is charming changes along with time. Previously, naive, kind, gentle and even obedient-looking girls were often highly regarded. But now, I prefer those appearing keen, intelligent, knowledgeable and generous. Life has changed, and the exemplary women of this time should have suitable characters to react to new aspects of society.
Inner Sanctum: Can you reveal something about the upcoming Miss Viet Nam 2008, in which you will be a member of the organising board as well as a juryman for the 10th time?
This year, Miss Viet Nam will be organised on a larger scale, with more contestants and an alternative crown worth US$15,000 for the winner. In addition of the titles featured in former contests, this year there will be a "Miss Earth" title to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle, which will be required from the future Miss Viet Nam.
Inner Sanctum: Miss Universe is going to be held in Viet Nam this year. Do you have any remarks on the weaknesses of Vietnamese contestants in comparison with their foreign competitors in previous international beauty contests?
Regarding their physical appearance, the Vietnamese girls were not less attractive than those from other countries. However, regarding their ability to use English, their bearing as well as their interview skills, they had trouble competing with their counterparts.
This is understandable, as the exposure of most Vietnamese people to the behavioural conventions of these media spectacles remains low. Added to that, a large number of Vietnamese girls are still influenced by the values of a conservative lifestyle, the culture of a time that didn’t encourage people to open up their lives and affirm themselves.
I think only when they overcome such weaknesses can Vietnamese girls gain higher positions in international beauty contests. — VNS
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn
I WILL BE THE NEXT MISS UNIVERSE —STEPHANIE OFORKA
STEPHANIE OFORKA
FIRST Runner up at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2008 pageant - the newly crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (Universe), Stephanie Oforka - will represent Nigeria in the 57th Miss Universe beauty pageant that will be held at the Crown Convention Center (Diamond Bay Resort) in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14, 2008. Inspired by Agbani Darego's success at the Miss World pageant, the beauty queen is confident that she would become the first Nigerian to come back home with the Miss Universe crown.
“I will come back home with the crown. I will be the first Nigerian to bring that crown home. I am really working hard to make that possible,” says the twenty year old.
You would recall that the best attempt by Nigeria at the world class beauty pageant was a sixth place by Agbani Darego in 2001.
Stephanie reveals that she did not believe that she could win any beauty competition, but when I got to the camp with other girls, she realized her potential and what she could do to help project Nigeria on the global scene.
She also revealed that she's gradually adjusting to her new status as 'beauty queen'. “I have to watch what one does these days because you do not know what and how people may react to you. In everything I do, I have to be very careful. I have to comport myself more because people are looking at me now.”
“Even in school, I have to work extra hard at my studies so noone would perceive me as a dullard who parades herself as queen,” says the Geology undergraduate of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri.
The most beautiful girl in Nigeria 2008 (MGBN 2008), was held on the March with top five contestants emerging as beauty queens: MBGN Model, Sandra Idugboe; MBGN Ecowas, Uchechi Ejiogu; MBGN Tourism, Ure Obowu; MBGN Universe, Stephanie Oforka; and MBGN World, Adaeze Igwe.
http://www.modernghana.com/
“I will come back home with the crown. I will be the first Nigerian to bring that crown home. I am really working hard to make that possible,” says the twenty year old.
You would recall that the best attempt by Nigeria at the world class beauty pageant was a sixth place by Agbani Darego in 2001.
Stephanie reveals that she did not believe that she could win any beauty competition, but when I got to the camp with other girls, she realized her potential and what she could do to help project Nigeria on the global scene.
She also revealed that she's gradually adjusting to her new status as 'beauty queen'. “I have to watch what one does these days because you do not know what and how people may react to you. In everything I do, I have to be very careful. I have to comport myself more because people are looking at me now.”
“Even in school, I have to work extra hard at my studies so noone would perceive me as a dullard who parades herself as queen,” says the Geology undergraduate of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri.
The most beautiful girl in Nigeria 2008 (MGBN 2008), was held on the March with top five contestants emerging as beauty queens: MBGN Model, Sandra Idugboe; MBGN Ecowas, Uchechi Ejiogu; MBGN Tourism, Ure Obowu; MBGN Universe, Stephanie Oforka; and MBGN World, Adaeze Igwe.
http://www.modernghana.com/
Participants ready for Miss Malaysia Universe pageant
By TAN KARR WEI
THERE is more to beauty pageants than looking beautiful for the cameras.
The 14 contestants in the 2008 Miss Malaysia Universe Pageant can attest to that, having been given an eventful week of activities leading up to the finals on Friday.
According to pageant organising chairperson Alice Lee, the activities were important for them to get to know the contestants better in view of the little time they had before the big day.
Taking things in stride: The 14 contestants are ready to take on the challenge in the Miss Malaysia Universe Pageant on Friday. “The theme this year is “Real Women Behind the Beauty”. We're looking for a suitable lady to represent Malaysia. It is not easy so we use these activities to judge their character, mannerism and social skills. Beauty is from head to toe and also from within,” said Lee.
From media interviews to exercise sessions and competitions for the subsidiary titles, the young ladies are taking it all in their stride.
Levy Li Su Lin, 20, said that time management was crucial as she was a full-time student at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and a part-time model.
Being in front of the camera is nothing new to her because, as a broadcasting student, she had tried her hand at hosting TV programmes and emceeing.
“Just go with the flow, be confident, be friendly and take it as an experience of a lifetime,” said Li, who is representing the state of Terengganu.
Being the youngest in the group did not intimidate lanky Janice Yong Yan Hui, 19.
“People tend to look out for things like the youngest or the oldest contestants,” said the 174cm lass who is representing the state of Selangor.
Yong admitted that being in a beauty contest could be stressful but she is quite used to a busy lifestyle, as she is a full-time Psychology student who also teaches ballet and contemporary dance to young kids.
“You just need to be confident and strong to handle the stress and the criticism,” she said.
Soo Wincci, 22, who is currently studying for her MBA and Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP), considers the pageant a networking opportunity.
“This is also a chance for me to fill this chapter of my life with some wonderful experiences,” said Soo, who is representing the state of Pahang.
The winner will receive a cash prize of RM25,000, a crown, trophy and personal appearance assignments.
She will also get designer outfits worth RM60,000 to participate in the Miss Universe Pageant in Nha Trang, Vietnam from June 17 to July 15.
Miss Malaysia Universe will take place at The Gardens Hotel and Residences, Kuala Lumpur.
http://thestar.com.my
Miss Terra Venezuela 2006 invade treino da seleção italina
Marianne Puglia chama a atenção de jogadores da seleção italiana (Crédito: Reuters)
O treino da seleção italiana, que se prepara para a Eurocopa, foi animado neste domingo em Coverciano, no interior da Itália. Duas beldades invadiram o gramado em trajes, digamos, sumários e correram em direção aos jogadores. Infelizmente para eles, os seguranças foram mais rápidos e seguraram as moças.
O único felizardo foi o lateral Zambrotta, que ganhou um beijo da bailarina Lisa, conhecida por suas performances nas ruas de Milão. A outra desinibida que invadiu o treino foi a venezuelana Marianne Puglia, "Miss Terra Venezuela" em 2006.
oglobo.globo.com
notinha.com
25 Maio 2008
Kwintra Phothichak, Miss Thailand Universe 2008
AFP PHOTOs (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Miss Brasil 2008
De babá a celebridade Natália Andrele nasceu em uma pequena casa de madeira de apenas 60 metros quadrados, na zona rural de Roca Salles, interior do Rio Grande do Sul, onde vivem 7,4 mil habitantes. Ela acordava às 4 h todos os dias para ir à escola, distante 15 quilômetros da sua casa e, à tarde, ajudava o pai na plantação de milho, mandioca e feijão e no pequeno pasto de porcos e vacas. À noite, ela preparava queijo junto com a sua mãe, feito com o leite colhido nas primeiras horas do dia, e na pequena cozinha rústica do casebre alternava as tarefas domésticas com a criação do irmão mais novo. A família comia o que plantava e raramente tinha estrutura para comercializar a colheita. A plantação era freqüentemente destruída pela geada e chuvas de granizo. Não era raro faltar alimento em casa. Este enredo triste de menina pobre do interior, supostamente condenada a um destino de privações e miséria, é a história da atual Miss Brasil. Na noite do dia 13 de abril, Natália foi coroada no concurso mais cobiçado e disputado pelas 27 mais belas mulheres brasileiras. O passado áspero nada tem em comum com a vida de luxo e glamour que leva hoje a bela gaúcha de 22 anos, 1,75 m, 53 quilos, 58 cm de cintura e 90 cm de quadril. Há um mês e meio, ela conhece famosos, ganha presentes caríssimos e freqüenta lugares que só existiam nos seus sonhos. Participa de eventos beneficentes em todo o País, recebe propostas para campanhas publicitárias de grandes grifes, freqüenta jantares nos melhores restaurantes de São Paulo e do Rio de Janeiro e exibe jóias caríssimas, entre colares de brilhantes e brincos de diamantes. “Muitas destas coisas eu nunca tinha visto na vida, só pela internet”, confessa Natália, que jamais sonhou ter um cachê de R$ 18 mil, apenas como “presença vip”. Nos eventos, conheceu atores globais como Guilherme Gorski, Leonardo Miggiorin, Flávia Alessandra, e já desfilou com Deborah Secco. Assistiu de camarote aos shows de Roberto Carlos, Johnny Rivers e Charles Aznavour, e ficou hospedada em hotéis cinco-estrelas em São Paulo, como o Mofarrej e o Bourbon Resort, para onde levou também toda a sua família. Um dos seus grandes sonhos se realizou na semana passada. Pela primeira vez, Natália viajou ao Exterior. Seguiu, na quarta-feira 14, para o Canadá, onde irá ao Festival Brazilian Ball, uma espécie de carnaval canadense do qual participam 1.800 pessoas. Ela é uma das convidadas, ao lado de outras misses brasileiras. Natália irá aproveitar para, nesta viagem de dez dias, conhecer os pontos turísticos canadenses. “Estou emocionada porque sempre sonhei em conhecer outros países. Esse é só o primeiro país de muitos que eu ainda quero conhecer, principalmente o Egito”, disse ela, horas antes de embarcar. Em seguida, Natália volta ao Brasil para se preparar para o grande momento de sua vida: o Miss Universo, que ocorre no dia 15 de julho, no Vietnã. A expectativa é alta, principalmente depois que a sua xará e antecessora, Natália Guimarães, ficou em segundo lugar na disputa, marca alcançada até então apenas pela lendária Martha Rocha. Caso vença, ela vai morar nos Estados Unidos, sob a supervisão do milionário Donald Trump, que detém os direitos do evento. Ao comparar o conto de fadas que vive hoje com o passado de dificuldades, Natália lembra emocionada da luta que travou para alcançar o patamar da mulher mais linda do País. “Eu economizava tudo o que ganhava para nunca faltar dinheiro”, conta. Ao completar 16 anos, ela concluiu o ensino médio e se mudou com a família para a zona urbana da cidade, num terreno comprado com a venda do trator e da roça. Para ajudar nas despesas de casa, a miss trabalhou como babá e recepcionista no hospital da cidade, e ganhava um salário mínimo. Decidida a investir no sonho de ser modelo, aos 19 anos foi morar sozinha na cidade gaúcha de Encantado. Concluiu um curso de cosmetologia e conseguiu um emprego numa clínica de estética. “Cheguei a trabalhar das 6 h às 23 h, com apenas uma hora para o almoço”, lembra. Com o salário na clínica, conseguiu fazer o seu primeiro book. As fotos foram publicadas no site de relacionamentos Orkut, no álbum dela. Natália nem sequer tinha um agente e, a apenas dois dias para o fim das inscrições do concurso de Miss Rio Grande do Sul, Evandro Herz, preparador de misses, a localizou entre os muitos perfis de modelos no site. “Fiquei impressionado com uma beleza tão natural e tipicamente brasileira. Percebi uma luz diferente nela”, afirma Herz, que, com 20 anos de profissão e um olho clínico para talentos, já preparou seis misses nacionais e recebe álbuns de mais de cinco mil meninas por ano. Mas o sucesso também tem seu preço, no caso, a distância da família. Logo após o concurso, ela se mudou para um apartamento na zona sul do Rio de Janeiro e tem apenas um fim de semana livre por mês para encontrar a família e o namorado gaúcho. “Apesar da distância, estamos sempre juntinhas no coração”, diz sua mãe, Silvana Maria, que mora na mesma cidade onde tudo começou. “Sei que agora sou um exemplo para muitas meninas pobres do interior, uma prova de que os sonhos podem virar realidade”, diz a bela gaúcha que, apesar do glamour, ainda sonha em se formar em medicina e comprar uma casa confortável no vasto gramado verde da zona rural onde nasceu.
Pobre na infância, a miss Brasil encarna o sonho da Cinderela e hoje vive entre globais, ganha dinheiro e faz sua primeira viagem ao Exterior
CARINA RABELO
CONCURSO Natália agora irá se preparar para o Miss Universo, que acontece em julho
http://www.terra.com.br
Miss Scotland
Good grace: the finalists together ahead of the event. Photograph: Robert Perry
Miss Scotland: Ya beauty!Published Date: 25 May 2008
By Mike Wade
Gone are the days when judges wandered between contestants with tape measures. This year's Miss Scotland finalists are already successful women... and beautiful of course
THE squad of young men leering from the balcony can hardly believe their eyes. All their birthdays have arrived at once. Below them, three blonde-haired young women are cutting a swathe through the crowded lobby of a grand hotel in Glasgow city centre. Even under a weight of suitcases, they move with grace and style.
Fair enough, you might think: young men are bound to admire young women. But on the day of the Scottish Cup Final, sights like these could have a disastrous impact on the Queen of the South football team, ahead of kick-off at Hampden. "Concentrate, concentrate. Keep your focus," yells Guy Beaumont, the club doctor, from the foyer. The players grin, sidle off and pretend to talk about the game.
In our post-feminist, post-ironic, post-modern age, this is precisely the kind of impact you should expect Miss Scotland contestants to have. Bimbos no more – a group of rather brainy individuals in fact – but still show-stoppingly beautiful.
"I was up against lawyers, doctors, psychologists and a vet," says Nieve Jennings, last year's winner of the Miss Scotland title, who has already sashayed across the lobby in a body-hugging, hooped dress."It's old-fashioned to think it's just about dumb blondes. Everyone knew what they were doing and wanted to be there."
Beauty contests have come a long way since their 1960s heyday, when more than 20 million viewers in Britain tuned in to the annual Miss World pageant. Then, male adjudicators circulated among the contestants with tape measures as if they really were buying cattle. One old black and white film shows Alan Whicker musing with a fellow judge about the appearance of a contestant's thighs. "They are a little fat, aren't they? She's a little robust."
That was never the kind of chat to impress bra-burning militants. In 1970, feminists hurled smoke bombs and flour at the stage during the Miss World parade. For years afterwards, beauty pageant organisers in Britain and America were on the defensive. So, while the Eurovision Song Contest ripened like a fine old cheese, competitions like Miss Scotland became much coarser and less palatable. A few years ago, an event like this would have been served up as little more than soft porn entertainment for the lads mag generation.
It's not like that now. Miss Scotland has been deconstructed, reconstructed and relaunched as something aspirational. After 20 weeks of preparation and a final intensive weekend for these last 10 women, tonight's Miss Scotland final will be played out in Glasgow's plush Princes Square mall. A crowd of 2,000 will have paid up to £600 for a table while business sponsorship to the tune of £100,000 will have been pumped into the event.
Natasha Groundwater epitomises this year's entrants, a finalist from among more than 2,000 hopefuls in a competition organised by the Scottish Sun. Aged 24, she's come all the way from the Orkney islands, a place she's rarely left in her life. Cajoled to enter by her mother, she's now revelling in a tournament which could change her life. Her uncle has been canvassing local support by putting up posters in his Kirkwall bakery.
"I thought because I didn't do modelling that I might feel nervous or not hold my own, but it hasn't been like that whatsoever," says Groundwater, who works as a dental assistant. "There is a lot more to it than just your looks. There's personality in there, what you can contribute as Miss Scotland, how you can make the role successful."
In our foul-mouth age of reality TV, contestants like Groundwater come gift wrapped with a certain innocence and respectability. What's more – and this really is the charming bit – the contestants actually enjoy each others' company.
"People expect a lot of bitching in these competitions. But we get on – we've all kept in touch, all through the training weekends and the trips, we've been there for each other," says Lisa Ingram.
Some of these women already work as models, but most are students or graduates. Sara Pender, from Knightswood in Glasgow, is studying social sciences at Strathclyde University; Sam Morrison is a third year student of textiles at Glasgow School of Art; Lisa Ingram is a qualified radiographer. In other words, these are already successful women, says Michelle Mone, whose lingerie company MJM is a first-time sponsor of the event this year. "This really is beauty with brains and that's fantastic."
Of course, it's about women's figures as well. "I don't think a size 24 girl is going to win Miss Scotland or Miss World," concedes Mone. "Unfortunately. That's just a reflection of the society we live in. But I don't want a size zero to win either. They need to be healthy, real women, with hips and busts and without the false hair or the surgery. Girls with a natural beauty that you'd be able to see if you met them on a desert island."
It's an enticing thought for the men hanging around the hotel lobby. But is that another problem for them? Haven't these young women just become objects, something on the meat rack, as their critics would tell them? Not at all, they say. These girls do not feel patronised; nor do they think they are pandering to their admirers' baser instincts.
"If you're feeling comfortable, I don't really see why you'd bother about that. I think it's just a great opportunity," says Ashley Scott, a language student from Gourock, who sounds genuinely surprised by the notion that she might be a sex object. Stacey Sharp, 21, who works in a pharmacy in Baillieston, is more blunt. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I don't think it's a meat market at all. I think it's fab. I honestly don't know what to say to that at all. It's just ugly people who say that."
"Each of us has a unique and individual look," says Brown, looking around. Some have little tattoos, others have belly-button piercings. Sharp has short hair. "There's a diversity which really helps, especially in the final."
But for all the camaraderie, there's no doubt each woman wants to take tonight's prize. They all know that victory in competitions as modest as Miss Scotland can be the first step out of their day jobs and lecture halls. Oprah Winfrey was once Miss Black Tennessee; Cybil Shepherd won Miss Teenage Memphis; Sharon Stone was crowned Miss Crawford County.
It's women like these who should be the contestants' role models, says Jennings. She graduated from Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre Arts last year and is qualified to teach dance. But winning last year's contest has lifted her into a different kind of career. For starters, she's modelling bras professionally for Mone's Ultimo range, and talks confidently about a career in TV and film.
Yet for all their optimism, these women will never convince all of the people. There's a certain world view that says life is more than a beauty contest, or as Jenni Murray, the former Woman's Hour presenter once put it, "parading around in front of a cattle market is also a form of misogyny".
Give it a rest, says Mone. "You can be too PC – next they'll be wanting women to go to bed with bovver boots and Y-fronts. Let's not get into women's rights, and how it degrades women. Women and men are different. I love being a woman, being feminine and glamorous. This competition is to celebrate a woman who's got good looks, a great figure and who is intelligent and can represent her country. We need something like that."
"It's not about how you look – its about how you are on the inside," says Jennings, with a killer smile. For the older, fatter people in the bar, it's a consoling thought. For the Queen of the South players, if they could only hear, it would be a heck of a chat up line.
Tantrums and tiaras
• Beauty contests flourished in seaside resorts after the Second World War. More than 4,300 people braved rain to watch the first Morecombe Bathing Beauty Queen contest in 1945.
• The first 'Festival Bikini Contest', held in London, was won by Sweden's Kiki Haakonson, despite the fact that 21 of the 26 contestants were British. The name was changed to 'Miss World' in 1952.
• The 1980 Miss World winner, an 18-year-old German called Gabriella Brum, abdicated after just 17 hours, allegedly at the behest of her 52-year-old boyfriend.
• In the 1986 'national costume' round, the US's Halle Berry, right, wore a stars and stripes bikini. "It's very unfair," fumed Miss Holland. "I'm totally concealed by wearing the Dutch traditional costume with clogs."
• When Miss France was declared the winner in 1953, Marina Papaelia of Egypt had a tantrum, screaming: "I think she stink!" before collapsing in rage.
http://news.scotsman.com/
Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World
Derena Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World
Derana Mini Pageants – The 12 finalists were whisked off to the picturesque Amaya Lake in Dambulla for 5days of mini pageants inclusive of Miss.Personality, Miss.Beautiful Skin/Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss.Talent and Miss Photogenic. It was not mere fun and frolic for the young beauties as they had to partake in many activities from dusk till dawn including innumerable photo shoots etc. Despite the strenuous itinerary the girls displayed verve and panache each time they stepped out. The Miss. Talent contest in itself was varied and interesting as the girls displayed talents such as singing, dancing, painting, beauty culture even cooking which kept us glued to the stage.
Derana was instrumental in providing the svelte lasses with this wonderful opportunity thus providing a platform for further commitment towards the pageant and creating a sense of bonhomie amongst the contestants.
Nayana Karunaratne of Salon Nayana fame, former Miss Sri Lanka Rozanne Diaz and the Derana team inclusive of Sharmala , Naradha, Narmadha,Ravi and others have played a vital role in the stunning transformation of the reticent contestants who initially walked through the doors in order to participate in the Derana Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2008 pageant. As the weeks unfold the finalists will undergo strenuous training in preparation for the grand final which will be held on July 24, 2008 at Waters Edge.http://www.island.lk/
Miss World 2007 - Zhang Zi Lin,
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 24: Zhang Zilin arrives at the 'Palermo Shooting' premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2008 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
24 Maio 2008
Miss France 2000 - Sonia Rolland
French actress and former miss France 2000 Sonia Rolland poses as she arrives to attend the screening of US director Steven Soderbergh's film 'Che' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 21, 2008 in Cannes, southern France.
Dressing Miss Universe
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Thanh Nien: So far, how many ao dai (traditional Vietnamese tunics) have you been working on to complete the Miss Universe 2008 collection? Vo Viet Chung: My collection will have over 85 ao dai and I have been working with 30 artisans and staff to make the last dozen. The Miss Universe 2008 contestants will try them on as soon as they arrive in Vietnam next month. It is said that your collection costs hundreds of thousand of dollars. Is that true? Many people have asked me that question.
But to tell the truth, it is invaluable. I say this because it not only takes money, time and effort, but also our great endeavor. My staff have been working on the collection since last November, when the Vietnamese hosting committee appealed to designers. I am a perfectionist and I can’t accept anything less than the best. The competition must have been stiff to become the official ao dai designer for the prestigious pageant. Are you feeling the pressure yet? Besides me, four other designers desired to dress the beauties. Hosting the Miss Universe 2008 pageant is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Vietnam to promote its charming image. My colleagues and I have a burning dream of contributing to the event as well as to our national pride by introducing to the world our spectacular traditional long tunics. Finally, I became the pageant’s official ao dai sponsor. The Vietnamese hosting committee signed a contract with me on May 19. The organizing board is allowing me to make all decisions related to my designs. Their respect makes the pressure greater. What gave you the courage to make such an expensive collection six months before you were legally recognized as the official pageant designer? Competition is harsh in the fashion industry, especially on a world-class stage, but I always had a belief that I would be chosen. I am confident in my creativity and prestige as well as my products’ value. It’s not the money or effort, but the challenge to satisfy the country’s expectation. There are over 85 ao dai in the collection. It is hard to believe that a designer could make each one different from the others in such a large collection. Were you afraid of repeating the styles and techniques? Even though it is a big collection, I have had over six months to create it. The time was long enough for my creativity and for my research on the contestants’ countries and cultures. Over 80 contestants will be arriving from different ethnic backgrounds. I had to read numerous documents to find out what the most outstanding features of these countries were. I also had to look at the traditional clothes of these countries and then filter the most special things to use in my ao dai collection. I want to showcase to the world the international value of the traditional Vietnamese gown showing its charm of both traditionalism and modernism. Until now, you have not met with any of the contestants to measure them. How can you be sure they will fit them? It was very hard for me to get accurate measurements for all of the contestants from the organizing board. I also had to seek information about the colors of their skin, hair and eyes to choose the most suitable materials. However, the title beauties have standard measurements and I used international-quality elastic material to make dresses that can fit any form. It’s not difficult at all to design an ao dai to flatter a woman’s curves, especially for the most beautiful women in the world. The contestants will feel exceptionally comfortable wearing the dresses on stage. Reported by Luu Hong | |||||||
Iraq war veteran wins Mr. California USA pageant
Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
Jeremy Buraglia is all smiles as he is announced the winner of the first-ever Mr. California USA pageant. Buraglia served a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq as an Army sergeant and now is studying law enforcement at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Jeremy Buraglia, 21, wins the renamed Mr. Seal Beach competition and a $1,000 scholarship. The pageant's founder says it's not about beauty: 'We want a good role model.'
The new Mr. California USA's girlfriend had a suitably fond comment after the gold crown was placed on his head."It's really neat," Yahira Rojo, 20, said when Jeremy Buraglia became the first recipient of the title. "It's something new, but he's been there before; we were the prom king and queen" in 2005.
Earlier this year he entered what was then the Mr. Seal Beach pageant at the urging of his grandmother. "People label everything, and you don't have to match the label," Buraglia said of the all-male pageant. "Everybody expects things to be cookie-cut, and that's not how the world is."
Somewhere along the line, the second annual Mr. Seal Beach contest morphed into the first-ever Mr. California USA pageant, and, voila!, last weekend the future crime fighter was crowned a king.
"We call it a scholarship pageant, not a beauty pageant," insisted founder Sarah Ahmadinia, who says she changed the event's name to broaden its range.
The idea came to her, she said, while watching her 21-year-old daughter Maryam become the 2007 Miss Seal Beach. "I saw it was a good opportunity for the girls," said Ahmadinia, 46, who also has a son. "My daughter enjoyed it; I saw how much it did for her and thought, why can't boys do this?"
Online research, she said, turned up only one other "Mr." pageant not based on bodybuilding or ethnicity; that one is in nearby Downey. So Ahmadinia put up $30,000 to get the proverbial red carpet rolling, and aligned the Seal Beach pageant with the Mr. USA franchise.
Last year's pageant drew 35 participants, but they eventually dwindled to 14 under the misguided sneers of their peers. This year's field began with 22 entrants, gradually whittled down to a dozen, ages 7 to 22.
The contestants are divided into four categories: Little Mr., ages 5 to 8; Junior Mr., from 9 to 12; Teen Mr. from 13 to 17; and Mr., ages 18 to 25.
Like their female counterparts, they are judged in personal interviews, casual wear, formal wear and, finally, on their answers to questions asked onstage. One key difference is that males are not judged in bathing suits. "I didn't think it was appropriate," Ahmadinia said.
Looks also aren't paramount. "It's not a beauty pageant," she repeated. "It's about how they present themselves. I tell the judges to look for someone who is genuine and willing to support the community; we want a good role model."
During their yearlong reign, the pageant kings and their runner-up princes are expected to participate in charitable events. They also represent the community at social functions. Winners in each division receive scholarships ranging from $400 to $1,000.
The money was a big motivator for Buraglia. When friends expressed surprise at his decision to compete, he'd tell them, 'Well, do you want to give me money for school?' "
Other contestants cited different reasons for entering.
"On TV, all you see is girls doing pageants," said Kennith Salazar, 13. "I wanted to show people that pageants aren't just for girls."
Cyrus Mohseni, 14, said he hoped the event would further his goal of becoming a professional soccer player. "I'll learn to be more responsible, be more of a role model and meet new people," he said.
And what of the inevitable teasing from friends?
"I tell them there's nothing wrong with trying to get further in life," Cyrus said. Besides, said the 6-foot-3 contestant, "they don't tease me as much as they would other kids because I'm bigger than them."
No teasing was evident at the final event, attended by more than 200 people in the Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater at Cal State Long Beach. There was, however, lots of bragging.
As the contestants, escorted by beauty queens wearing jeweled crowns and gowns, paraded gamely around the stage dressed first as baseball players, golfers or surfers, and later in white tuxedos and dark suits with ties, their fans cheered them on.
"If you were given a million dollars," Cyrus was asked during the onstage questioning, "what would you do with it and why?"
"Buy all the judges whatever they wanted," he responded immediately in his bid for the Teen Mr. California USA crown.
He lost that title to Kennith, but the would-be soccer star did manage to tie for the division's best-dressed sash by wearing a white suit and vest. Other sashes awarded in each division recognized the prettiest eyes, best hair, nicest smile and most congenial.
The undisputed overall winner, though, was Buraglia, who walked away surrounded by an entourage of beauty queens and soldiers.
"It's exciting," the new Mr. California USA said of his unprecedented status. "I'm ready. I think I won because I'm outside the box."
http://www.latimes.com
david.haldane@latimes.com
Miss France 2005, Cindy Fabre
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 23: Former Miss France 2005, Cindy Fabre arrives for the 'Il Divo' premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2008 in Cannes, France.
Getty Images
23 Maio 2008
Beauty Olympics Preempts China Olympiad
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Beauty Olympics Preempts China Olympiad
By Kimmy Zhang Robins, Special to the Manila Times
Miss Philippines
Krystle Ann Dizon shows
off the centuries-old
Iron Pagoda
Sure, the whole of China (and the world!) is excited over the coming Olympic Games to be held in Beijing but a different Olympics recently took China by storm. It was the annual Miss Tourism Queen International Beauty Pageant participated in by 112 beautiful delegates from around the world. The latest to make it to the prestigious group of grand slam pageants, Miss Tourism Queen International takes its place among the top pageants in the world—Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth. It broke its own record of 108 contestants joining last year.
The contest reportedly started off on the wrong foot. Many of the contestants were not warned of the late March to mid-April weather in China , particularly in Zhengzhou , Kaifeng , and Luoyang . It was freezing! The girls complained that they had to brave the cold wearing their flimsy evening gowns during the evening gown competition which was won by Miss Venezuela . Thanks heavens the swimsuit competition was held indoors or the girls would have frozen stiff!
Then seemingly from out of nowhere, Miss United States of America suddenly quit, complaining about lack of sleep hours, taxing schedules, and limited food for the contestants and vegetarians like her. Many contest franchise holders and national directors were alarmed and checked on their candidates only to find out that the girls were actually having a grand time with the best accommodations and overabundance of sumptuous food. And although young girls will be young girls (and to them gourmet food goes by the name of McDonald’s), they nonetheless enjoyed the five-star food prepared by the hotels. Then Miss South Africa withdrew for serious private matters she had to attend to back home while Miss Korea withdrew for rather unclear reasons.
The show had to go on and as in the previous years, China showed off her most beautiful tourism attractions, wowing the girls. One thing discernible in all the places the girls visited was the sincere eagerness of the Chinese to please. The whole community from the senior citizens to the youngest children was involved in the welcoming festivities. China always spotlighted their remarkable culture and art which the girls found exotic and intriguing. As the contest finals drew near, the girls have bonded and have become close friends. But the competitive spirit was still there with almost everyone keeping an eye on the coveted crown, especially the driven South American beauties and some of the African delegates.
The finals night was spectacular as the Chinese producers and TV crew left no stone unturned to come up with a truly spectacular show. The stage was so huge and gigantic that the contestants were dwarfed by its sheer size. Using the latest in laser and computer technology, the theater was transformed into a Chinese Disneyland. But some members of the press were actually surprised that the show looked more like a musical presentation than a beauty pageant. The pageant proper took only a small part of the show while international performers were flown in to entertain the people: the international band Michael Learns to Rock, pianist Richard Clayderman from France, Miss Tourism Queen International ’04 Zabina Khan and her troupe of 22 dancers (yes, all flown in from Mumbai), Coco Lee and Soon Nah singing the Olympic theme song, the world famous Shaolin Boxers from the Shaolin Temple in Henan, plus hundreds of dancers and traditional Chinese performers.
Miss Tourism Queen International must be the most expensive beauty pageant to mount as the organizers fly in all the contestants, press, and media people, and take care of all the food and accommodations. A late-bloomer in the beauty contest field, China is finally hit by the beauty contest fever with even the big producers like Miss World holding their competitions in the mainland. Determined to promote the entire country as a top tourist destination, China is succeeding by leaps and bounds through all the events, pageants and conferences held there almost non-stop.
The Miss Tourism Queen International crown went to Miss Peru , Silvia Vanessa Cornejo Cerna, joining the roster of past winners from India , Greece , the Philippines (our Justine Gabionza won the crown in 2006), and Russia Miss China Tong He, was first runner up, followed by Miss Canada Sahar Biniaz, Miss Montenegro Dasa Zivkovic, and Miss Japan Akemi Fukumura. Although Miss Philippines Krystle Ann Dizon did not make it to the top 20, she placed first runner-up to Miss Thailand as the Miss Tourism Queen of Asia.
http://www.manilatimes.net/
Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 set to shine
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Organized by Ho Chi Minh City Television, Unicorp., and Cat Tien Sa Company, the semifinal round of the beauty contest is scheduled for Saturday. Contestants will perform in categories of Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress), swimsuits, and evening gowns. In addition to prizes for Beauty Queen and First and Second Runners-Up, worth VND210million (US$13,125), VND180 million ($11,250) and VND125 million ($7,812) respectively, the organizers will also honor Miss Congeniality, Miss Ao Dai and Miss Photogenic, among others. The winner of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 will receive a diadem worth $12,000 and represent Vietnam at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant, scheduled to be held in Nha Trang in July. The grand finale will be broadcast live via HTV9 television channel on May 31. Reported by Da Ly http://www.thanhniennews.com | |||||||
A Croatian is Australia’s New Miss Universe
BRAVO, LAURA!
VIDEO: A Croatian is Australia’s New Miss Universe
It would be great to reach the success of my predecessors, but at the moment I am the over the moon to be here, concluded Laura.
The 21 year old Australian of Croatian descent Laura Dundovic is the new Miss Universe of Australia. It seems that not only has she delighted the public with her looks, but with her avocation of using less hairspray in order for people to help the environment. Laura is a third-year student of psychology from Sydney.
- It would be great to reach the success of my predecessors, but at the moment I am the over the moon to be here – said Laura, after she won in the competition between 28 other girls.
The director of the Deborah Miller said that the standard of the competition this year is one of the best.
- The girls all have stage presence, poise, charisma, beauty, and intelligence said Miller.
Laura will represent Australia in Vietnam during July.
http://www.javno.comJapan and South Korea beauties hit the catwalk before Miss Universe pageant
South Korea's Lee Ji-sun, left, and Japan's Hiroko Mima pose for photographers at the fashion show in Tokyo on Thursday. (Mainichi Photo)
Miss Universe Japan Hiroko Mima and Miss South Korea Lee Ji-sun appeared at a fashion show promoting Lycra stretch fibers on Thursday in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old Nihon University senior Mima and the 24-year-old Lee, wearing dresses using Lycra fibers and designed by renowned American fashion designer Zac Posen, walked down the catwalk at Laforet Museum Roppongi.
The two beauty queens said they were in the middle of training under the supervision of Miss Universe Japan National Director Ines Ligron for the upcoming Miss Universe 2008 pageant to be held in Vietnam in July.
"I think Lee is very elegant. She is my role model. I want to represent the beauty of Asian women. I promise to turn my confidence into charm to get a good result at the (July) contest," grinned Mima.
"Hiroko is beautiful in appearance but boyish inside. I want her and myself to compete in the final," Lee replied.
Among other guest performers at the fashion show were Aoi Nakabeppu, Toray's official swimsuit model for 2008, and popular dancers Kazumi and Ryoshin.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp
Hungary 2008
Newly-elected Miss Universe Hungary 2008, 24-year-old university student Jazmin Dammak (R), of receives her crown by former beauty queen Ildiko Bona (L) in Budapest on May 22, 2008 during the final of a joint beauty contest, named the 'Queen' organized by Miss World Hungary and Miss Universe Hungary associations. Dammak will represent Hungary in the next Miss Universe beauty pageant in Vietnam . AFP PHOTO / ATTILA KISBENEDEK (Photo credit should read ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty Images)
Newly-elected Miss World Hungary 2008, 24-year-old university student Szilvia Freire, is crowned by former beauty queen Krisztina Bodri (L)in Budapest on May 22, 2008 during the final of a joint beauty contest, named the 'Queen' organized by Miss World Hungary and Miss Universe Hungary associations. Freire will represent Hungary in the next Miss World beauty pageant in Ocober 2008 in Kiev, Ukraine. AFP PHOTO / ATTILA KISBENEDEK (Photo credit should read ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty Images)
Lara Dutta: Funny Girls Can Be Beautiful, Too
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 By R.M. VIJAYAKAR Special to India-West MUMBAI — She won the Miss Universe crown in 2000. Became a top star after a 2003 debut in “Andaaz.” And today, Lara Dutta is known as a comic female actor par excellence, besides being brand ambassador for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s The Art of Living. Indeed Lara Dutta’s packed a lot into her eight years of fame and five years in cinema. Fresh from her trip to hometown Bangalore and her parents on her birthday April 16, the actress with both brains and beauty, who could match a Shah Rukh Khan (with whom she co-stars in his home production “Billoo Barber” after doing SRK’s 2005 co-production “Kaal”) in articulate conversational pace, unwinds in a freewheeling phone chat with India-West. Ler mais |
Belezas Brasileiras Blog
Isabeli Fontana
Mister Brasil International
Miss Colombia
Miss Singapore
Miss USA
Miss Panama ...
Mister Brasil International
Miss Colombia
Miss Singapore
Miss USA
Miss Panama ...
Modelos e miss vão jogar futebol em partida beneficente
Elas participam hoje, no Ginásio Almeidão, no Dirceu, da 1ª Partida da Beleza Solidária.
Uma das grandes paixões da Miss Piauí 2007, Amanda Costa, depois dos estudos, é o futebol, esporte que ela conciliou, inclusive, quando estava com a coroa de mulher mais bela do Estado, no ano passado.
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| Marinna Lima e Amanda Costa - miss Piauí 2008 e miss Piauí 2007, respectivamente |
Bela e boa de bola, Amanda Costa mostra agora que também é uma pessoa solidária e se preocupa com o bem-estar de pessoas menos favorecidas. Prova disso, é que ela teve a idéia de organizar a 1ª Partida da Beleza Solidária, que entrará em campo hoje, a partir das 17h, no estádio Almeidão, no bairro Dirceu.
“A partida era para ser no Albertão, mas como já havíamos marcado a data e o estádio está fechado, tivemos que transferir para o Almeidão”, diz.
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A equipe que irá entrar em campo logo mais está sob o comando da Miss e traz outras tão belas quanto Amanda, como a vocalista da banda Bali, Lilly Araújo e a Miss Piauí 2005, Verônica Scheren. Vale ressaltar que durante a partida, elas enfrentarão o time feminino de futebol do Medplan.
A entrada para a primeira Partida da Beleza Solidária será um quilo de alimento não perecível e segundo Amanda, este é um evento beneficente cujo principal objetivo é arrecadar alimentos, materiais de higiene e limpeza, que serão doados à Vila do Ancião. “Esses donativos já estão sendo arrecadados desde que começamos a divulgar o evento, mas a idéia é que possamos aumentar hoje essa quantidade na bilheteria do estádio”, diz.
Além disso, a organização do evento pede que sejam feitas doações de outros objetos que beneficiarão a Vila do Ancião, como cadeiras de rodas, calçados, roupas e outros.
Por Péricles Mendel
periclesmendel@cidadeverde.com
22 Maio 2008
Miss Universe Ghana
Yvette Nsiah is a University at Albany student with a love of singing and a major in Africana studies.
The 5-foot-7-inch junior added a new title to her resume last month: Miss Universe Ghana.
That means Nsiah is looking forward to an unusual summer job. She'll travel to Vietnam to represent the West African nation in the Miss Universe Competition.
The July event -- "some of the world's most beautiful women," gushes the press release -- will be televised live on NBC. Donald Trump is the executive producer. Past winners of Trump's pageants recently got their own TV series, "Pageant Palace."
"I'm not very interested in reality television," Nsiah, 21, told Campus Notebook. "I'm a very private person. I'm down to try anything, at the same time."
Nsiah is new to the pageant world. She was born here but moved back to her parents' native Ghana around age 9. Her family owns hotels in Ghana.
Nsiah followed her brother's path to UAlbany. She won an "African Queen" pageant on campus last year, and it was through the person who made her dress for that competition that she learned of the Miss Ghana event.
She wore a tight-fitted, off-shoulder, low-backed African print dress and answered queries like, "Describe your perfect evening."
Nsiah described herself as an outgoing person with a big smile and a passion for "world issues." She has an education minor and is interested in becoming a counselor for children.
Asked if she was famous in Ghana, Nsiah laughed and then remembered how she had to get a professor's permission to miss class to compete in the African pageant last month.
"I came back to school the day after I won," she said.
New programs offered New programs at local colleges:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute plans to offer undergraduates the chance to extend their financial aid and earn both a bachelor and master's degree in five years. The so-called co-terminal degree program is one of the first in the country to be created with extended financial aid, according to the school. The degrees can be in the same or different subjects.
The Sage Graduate School is adding an online master's in applied behavioral analysis, a treatment for autism. It's a branch of psychology rooted in the study of human behavior that can improve language skills and socialization.
Digging up the past Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings recently honored UAlbany classics professor Michael Werner for his volunteer work as city archaeologist.
The mayor praised Werner's role in "overseeing the development and implementation of the city's comprehensive archaeology policy."
Outside Albany, Werner is director of the Viminacium Archaeology Field School, a teaching, excavation and research project at a Roman legionary base near the Danube in Serbia.
Marc Parry can be reached at 454-5057 or by e-mail at mparry@timesunion.com.http://www.timesunion.com/
Miss Universe Vietnam: the pageant of old faces
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VietNamNet Bridge – There are many familiar faces among 32 girls who enter the semi-final round of Miss Universe Vietnam pageant, which will take place in the coastal city of Nha Trang on May 24.
The qualifier round of the Miss Universe In this round, 22 candidates will be selected for the finals, which will start from May 25 to choose The final night will be held at the The organizing board has raised bonus value to nearly VND700 million, including over VND320 million for the beauty queen. The pageant makes a record when over half of the 32 candidates hold at least one title at a beauty contest in previous beauty contests. Girls who exceptionally enter the semi-final round include: Miss Fashion 2008 of Binh Duong Province Mac Thi Anh Thu, the first runner-up of Miss Fashion 2008 Van Hoa Thu Hang, the Bronze and Golden Cup winners of the Vietnam Supermodel 2008 Pham Dinh Minh Trieu and Vo Hoang Yen, the first runner up of the Miss Sea pageant 2007 Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Trang, and the first runner of Miss Talent at Miss Earth 2006 contest Vu Nguyen Ha Anh. Apart from the 6 special competitors, 11 of the 26 remaining girls who passed the qualifier round are also prize winners of beauty contests, for example Hoang Khanh Ngoc, the Golden Prize holder of the Vietnam Super Model 2004, Doan Le Hang - Miss Jewelry 2007 Tran, and Duong Thuy Linh - the Bronze Prize winner of Vietnam Supermodel 2004 contest. Here are some “old faces” at Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 semi-finals.
Son Ha http://english.vietnamnet.vn/ | |||||||||||||||||||
Miss Universe: More Than A Game
Greg Gliddon
21May08
NUMBER ONE: Psychology student Laura Dundovic, 21, from NSW was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2008. Picture: MARK STEWART.
WHEN free passes to the Australian Miss Universe Pageant arrived at the Melbourne Leader office, sports reporters Greg Gliddon and Laura Jolly jumped at the chance to rub shoulders with the A list.
STANDING on the red carpet with a sudden feeling of importance and holding our black VIP passes our patience was tested by a seemingly over-zealous security guard.We have arrived at Australias Miss Universe pageant held in the luxurious Trak showroom in downtown Toorak.
As we slowly neared the entrance, Laura in her best bogan-tone impatiently snapped, "This would never happen at the Logies
We were there to see yet another great sporting event, complete with behind the play rib-ticklers, snide backhanders and the potential of an all-in-brawl and injury.
Promised champagne and canaps, we were shocked to discover that the canaps were actually fruit on a stick. "Where are the meat pies? we asked.
Former Chantoozie Tottie Goldsmith tried to set the mood although no one was listening, Jon Stevens warbled Hot Chilli Woman, although no one really cared, the crowd were there for one thing, the babes.
While were not used to the skills and tactics that one needs to win a beauty pageant, from what we can gather it involved a lot of prancing and strutting in high heels, wearing next to nothing and actually being able to form a sentence.
"What happened to the talent contest? we wondered.
A total of 29 beauties from all around the country paraded in their ball gowns, bikinis and something known as shapewear, although were still not entirely sure what that is.
As with all great gladiatorial contests, the competitors treaded warily of each other in the opening half, taking it one dress at a time.
The highlight was home-town hero Melanie Adams dazzling the audience with a touch of fairy dust in the bikini contest.
We were certain she would make it through to the top eight.
After some more screaming from Jon Stevens the finalists paraded once more.
We were stunned to discover the 19-year-old pole vaulter Adams had missed out.
Feeling short-changed, we decided to drown our sorrows in more free champagne.
But of course, the show went on. We needed to discover who was worthier than our Melanie.
Like all great match-ups, the tension rised in the second half as the premiership pretenders were found wanting in the question section.
Comments like using "less hair spray to stop global warming, inviting "Kylie Minogue to the 20/20 Summit and the use of "help 24 times in the space of 30 seconds didnt help some.
The contenders remained cool in the crisis however.
During the last quarter, time-on went for an eternity as the judges deliberated the final score.
At the end of the night, it was a flawless, rather than spectacular performance that won, with psychology student Laura Dundovic from New South Wales accepting the tiara from 2007 winner Kimberley Busteed.
With the game over, all there was left to do was head to the bar.
We soon be-friended Nova FM presenter and comedian Akmal Saleh and hopped on his arm into the VIP area.
Proud of our efforts in sneaking in, we soon discovered we were actually invited
Our friendship gathered momentum until an ex-Big Brother decided to interrupt our little group.
Akmal sideled off, we broke free of the intruder and sipped the night away.
The next day, it was back to the trakkie dacks and runners as we stumbled into reality.
http://www.melbourneleader.com.au/
21 Maio 2008
Miss Madrid, Claudia Moro, candidata a Miss Universo en Vietnam
- La gala tendrá lugar en Vietnam.
- Competirán concursantes de 90 países.
Claudia Moro, 1ª Dama de Honor de Miss España 2008, representará a España en el próximo certamen Miss Universo 2008, que se celebrará del 17 de junio al 14 de julio en Vietnam. La gala final será retransmitida en directo por las cadenas Telemundo y NBC, y tendrá lugar en el en el Crown Convention Center, en el Diamond By Resort, en Nha Trang.
Miss Madrid 2007 partirá para Vietnam, donde competirá con bellezas de más de 90 países, el próximo 18 de junio. Ya instaladas en Vietnam, las candidatas a Miss Universo 2008 visitarán ciudades como Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long y Nha Trang y serán recibidas por autoridades del país.
Un cerebro privilegiado y un cuerpo excepcional
Claudia Moro tiene 22 años, una estatura de 1,90. Sus medidas son 93-65-94, su color de pelo es castaño y sus ojos marrones.Compagina su trabajo como modelo con sus estudios de Derecho y Administración de Empresas.
Debe sus espectaculares piernas a la genética y a la practica diaria del deporte. Practica el spinning y el aerobic, y ha bailado durante diez años de su vida de forma regular. Come como un lima, pero intenta tener cuidado con los dulces. No sólo quiere ser una top model, también sueña con ser abogada, juez o notario.
Durante este certamen, Claudia Moro lucirá diseños de Manuel Odriozola, aunque el traje de flamenca de Pilar Vera, calzará zapaos de Sacha London y lucirá joyas de Liska.
http://www.20minutos.es
Miss Mundo 2007, Zilin Zhang, será Embaixadora da L´Oreal
MILÃO, 20 MAI (ANSA) - A atual Miss Mundo, a chinesa Zilin Zhang, irá fazer parte da equipe da gigante dos cosméticos L'Oreal Paris como nova embaixadora da marca na Ásia.
Segundo Youcef Nabi, diretor geral da L'Oreal Paris: "esta escolha está de acordo com nossa filosofia de promover todas as expressões de beleza e feminilidade, neste caso a beleza chinesa. Esta é a primeira vez que uma mulher chinesa é eleita Miss Mundo, a beleza chinesa é agora reconhecida em todo o mundo".
A L'Oreal foi a primeira marca a contratar garotas propaganda afro-americanas, como Kerry Washington e Beyoncé Knowles, e uma das primeiras a contratar representantes de origem árabe como Rachida Brakni e Afef Jnifen na Europa.
Em 1996 foi também a primeira marca no mundo a usar atores e atrizes chineses, como Gong Li, como embaixadores mundiais.
Já muito popular em seu país, Zilin foi escolhida também para carregar a tocha olímpica dos próximos Jogos de Pequim. (ANSA)
http://www.ansa.it/a
Melissa Marty es Nuestra Belleza Latina
P.Perdomo/Univision Online
Giselle acompañó a Melissa mientras recibió la corona
MIAMI, FL – La cadena de televisión Univision celebró anoche el final espectacular de la segunda exitosa temporada de Nuestra Belleza Latina, un programa que combina el glamour de una competencia de belleza con la emoción de la televisión de realidad. El final, presentado por la popular celebridad de Univision, Giselle Blondet, fue una eliminatoria de mucho suspenso para las seis finalistas, quienes esperaron conocer su destino frente al público del estudio durante la grabación en vivo. Televidentes en todo el país votaron, cautivados, por su concursante preferida y coronaron a Melissa Marty de Puerto Rico Nuestra Belleza Latina 2008.
Nueva reina
Además del título, Melissa ha ganado la oportunidad de su vida con un contrato como la más reciente figura de televisión de Univision, además de $200,000 en dinero en efectivo y premios. Los patrocinadores de esta temporada, entre los cuales están AT&T, JCPenney, Garnier Fructis, Maybelline New York, Sony y State Farm, también están otorgando a la ganadora de Nuestra Belleza Latina una variedad de premios y dinero.
Melissa Marty es una versátil maestra de kickboxing, aeróbicos y ballet, y ex “Miss Caguas”. Tiene una licenciatura en comunicaciones y recientemente fue presentadora de un programa local de televisión en el que tuvo la oportunidad de desarrollar sus aptitudes y amplió sus conocimientos sobre el mundo de la televisión.
“Nos gustaría felicitar a Melissa Marty por este gran logro y rendir homenaje a todas las concursantes por su arduo trabajo y perseverancia durante toda la competencia”, dijo Alina Falcón, vicepresidenta ejecutiva y gerenta de operaciones de Univision Network. “Nos complace muchísimo haber tenido una segunda temporada sumamente exitosa de Nuestra Belleza Latina, lo que se debe en gran parte a la participación de los televidentes en la competencia. También nos gustaría agradecerles en especial a nuestros patrocinadores, quienes fueron un aspecto integral del éxito que logramos hacer de este programa”.
De las muchas mujeres que dieron audiciones en todo Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico, sólo 12 finalistas, representantes de las mujeres hispanas más carismáticas, inteligentes y cautivadoras, fueron seleccionadas para concursar. Se enfrentaron unas a las otras semanalmente en una reñida competencia que sometió a prueba su carácter y determinación. Tras una serie de eliminatorias, 6 finalistas pasaron al final espectacular: la ganadora, Melissa Marty; en segundo lugar, Emeraude Toubia, méxico-libanesa de Brownsville, TX; en tercer lugar, Dayamí Padrón, cubana de Miami, FL; en cuarto lugar, Zoila Ceballos, dominicana, de Nueva York, NY; en quinto lugar, Leticia Castro, mexicana de Las Vegas, NV, y en sexto lugar, Manuela Arbeláez, colombiana, de West New York, Nueva Jersey.
Nuestra Belleza Latina retornará la próxima temporada con más entusiasmo que nunca y se prolongará a dos horas completas los domingos de noche, para ofrecer a los televidentes incluso más glamour y momentos emocionantes, con más contenido que nunca antes y mayor participación de los televidentes.
Univision Móvil ofreció integración móvil completa a los suscritores de AT&T, lo que incluyó momentos culminantes después del programa y video entre bastidores. La cobertura móvil del programa también incluyó un sitio dedicado de WAP, contenido descargable de las finalistas, alertas de SMS y la oportunidad de votar por su concursante preferida por medio de mensaje de texto.
Univision.com también ofreció votación por internet y un vistazo íntimo a la vida de las concursantes, con entrevistas exclusivas, videos y un juego interactivo.
http://www.univision.com/
20 Maio 2008
Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz
10th Annual Gen Art Styles International Design Competition
NEW YORK - MAY 19: Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz arrive at the 10th Anniversary of Gen Art's Styles International Design Competition at Hammerstein Ballroom on May 19, 2008, in New York City. (Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images) 
Miss World - Zi Lin Zang
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| PRESIDENTIAL BEAUTY: President George Maxwell Richards enjoys the good company of reigning Miss World Zi Lin Zang as she paid a visit to President's House in St Ann's yesterday. Author: AZLAN MOHAMMED | |
President George Maxwell Richards yesterday extended sincere condolences on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago to reigning Miss World Zi Lin Zang whose home country, China, was devastated by an earthquake last week.
Approximately 50,000 people are feared dead with more than 220,000 being injured.
Dressed in a black, strapless dress and flanked by members of the local Pageant Company, Zang yesterday paid courtesy calls on both President Richards at President’s House in St Ann’s, Prime Minister Patrick Manning at his Whitehall office.
Speaking during Zang’s visit, Richards lamented what had happened with respect to the earthquake, saying that he had visited the country and met with China’s President Hu Jintao a few years ago.
“I express deep sorrow with the disastrous nature of what has happened in China.
It is a country which I have visited. I, myself, had the pleasure of meeting your President and I was most impressed” said Richards.
He explained that like himself, China’s President had an engineering background and added that the top eight positions in China’s hierarchy were filled by engineers.
He added that because of their engineering foresight, work was now being done on the most significant project — ‘The Three Gorges Dam.’ The Three Gorges Dam, which is the world’s biggest hydro-electric project, has been promoted as the best way to end centuries of floods along the basin of the Yangtze Yang and to provide energy to fuel the country’s economic boom.
“It is the world’s largest engineering project and the largest project undertaken by man” said Richards.
He also extended congratulations to Zang for her “remarkable achievement” saying that this country was a land of beautiful women in which she would fit in comfortably.
Zang later visited Prime Minister Patrick Manning at his Whitehall office.
However, photographers only were allowed to cover the visit while reporters were denied entry.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/
Miss Universo panameña Justine Pasek contraerá nupcias en el mes de junio
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La panameña Justine Pasek miss Universo 2002 viajará en el mes de junio a la ciudad de Los Angeles, California en donde se comprometerá matrimonialmente con un conocido empresario griego anuncian medios panameños.
La modelo profesional, que llegó a Panamá, recientemente, le dirá el sí al matrimonio en una ceremonia civil privada junto a amigos y familiares. Se dijo que semanas después, Justine regresará a Panamá para la ceremonia nupcial.
Se informó que Justine conoció a futuro esposo años atrás cuando todavía ostentaba la corona de la mujer más bella del mundo.
http://www.estrelladepanama.com
La modelo profesional, que llegó a Panamá, recientemente, le dirá el sí al matrimonio en una ceremonia civil privada junto a amigos y familiares. Se dijo que semanas después, Justine regresará a Panamá para la ceremonia nupcial.
Se informó que Justine conoció a futuro esposo años atrás cuando todavía ostentaba la corona de la mujer más bella del mundo.
http://www.estrelladepanama.com
Mr Universe Australia is no Jake Wall
Model future ... Laura Dundovic and Brock McDermott.
By Michelle Cazzulino
May 20, 2008 12:00am
WITH a university degree behind him and a career in property investment banking ahead, Brock McDermott laughs off any suggestion he's set to become Australia's next Jake Wall.
But the 21-year-old from Sydney's northwest does share one thing in common with the model and TV presenter: both are attached to women who have been crowned Miss Universe Australia.
Laura wins Miss Universe Australia
While Jennifer Hawkins' boyfriend has had four years to get used to the idea, Mr McDermott was yesterday organising leave from work that would allow him to watch his girlfriend, Laura Dundovic, compete in the final of the international competition in three weeks.
The Sydney couple met at a Year 7 bowling party, but did not become an item until three years ago, after becoming reacquainted during a night at Castle Hill RSL.
Laura Dundovic is thrilled to be crowned Miss Universe Australia and is enjoying the excitement the day after. Pic. Rebecca Michael
Ms Dundovic, a third-year psychology student who has put study on hold to pursue her modelling career, had worked hard to achieve her goals, Mr McDermott said.
And he was delighted she had taken out the Miss Universe Australia title last week. He joined a number of her relatives at the event in Melbourne, but after a brief celebration, was back at his desk in Sydney the next morning.
"It was great. We had a bit of a cheer squad with her family and her cousins - everyone was down there," he said.
"My mates haven't let me live it down, that's for sure. It's certainly been very full-on since - it's very exciting. I'm pretty proud of her. Hopefully it all goes well and we'll just take it as it comes."
Regardless of the outcome of the international final, which will be held in Vietnam in three weeks, Mr McDermott said Ms Dundovic deserved all the accolades that had come her way in recent times.
While he was happy to watch from the sidelines, he said their relationship wouldn't be affected by his girlfriend's newfound stardom. "She's a pretty amazing person - she's kind-hearted and always willing to help out - if anyone wants anything," he said.
"I think the only impact it'll have on us is that she's going to be a bit busier and I won't see her as much."
http://www.news.com.au
19 Maio 2008
Beleza de Vanessa Vidal silencia preconceitos
Vanessa Vidal é a primeira deficiente auditiva a participar do concurso Miss Brasil. Deu visibilidade à questão da inclusão e ofuscou a vencedora, Natália Anderle (Foto: Fábio Lima)
Segundo lugar no concurso para miss Brasil, ela colocou na ordem do dia a inclusão como caminho para a paz“A falta de um dos sentidos nunca me impediu de crescer, evoluir amar e ser feliz”. A afirmação é de Vanessa Vidal, 25 anos, que literalmente roubou a cena no concurso para Miss Brasil 2008. Deficiente auditiva, oralizada e estudante de duas faculdades, nela até mesmo a diferença concorre para despertar atenções.
E o protótipo de isolamento ou tristeza, esperado em quem não recebeu o dom de ouvir, cai por terra. E não só pela beleza, mas também pela simpatia, inteligência, alegria e meiguice. E, ainda, pela firmeza com a qual demonstra defender a luta pela acessibilidade para as minorias.
“Fiquei muito feliz, e também a comunidade surda do Brasil, pois é mais uma grande conquista de inclusão social”, lembra. Embora já tenha conquistado o título de Miss Ceará, os desafios de Vanessa não param aí. Ela se prepara para participar do concurso Miss Brasil Beleza Internacional, que será no Japão, no mês de outubro.
Vôos mais altos
Novos vôos não estão descartados. “Quem sabe, ser atriz ou entrar para a política, pois trabalho com pessoas com deficiência”, anuncia, explicando já fazer parte de um grupo de voluntários. “Abraço mesmo a causa dos deficientes”. Esse é um dos motivos do sentimento de vitória que a invadiu com as colocações em concurso de beleza. “Precisamos viver em harmonia e em paz”.
Natural de Fortaleza, Vanessa tem boas lembranças da infância, isso graças ao carinho e apoio da minha família. “Principalmente minha mãe, que tudo fez e faz para o meu crescimento. Fui uma criança amada”. Enfatiza terem vindo da mãe Eudóxia Lima os estímulos fundamentais nos estudos.
Contudo, considera que enfrentou dificuldades devido à surdez, apesar de ter freqüentado escolas especiais e recebido um importante acompanhamento fonoaudiológico. A Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) — “a minha língua oficial” — ela só pôde aprender aos 13 anos. “Houve muito esforço, mas sou oralizada”, lembra, com orgulho. “Tenho uma boa leitura labial, sou bilíngüe, falo em Libras e em Português, então tenho uma comunicação plena”, afirma.
O primeiro trabalho foi como modelo e, embora não relate, enfrentou preconceitos. “A vida não é fácil, principalmente quando se tem alguma limitação (...), mas sempre lutei pelo meus ideais, pelos meus sonhos”, depõe.
Informa que, hoje, sua agenda está agitada, um pouco sem tempo até para as coisas do coração, mas já namorou rapazes surdos e também ouvintes.
FIQUE POR DENTRO
Surdez: o que prevê a legislação brasileira
O Decreto Lei Nº 5.626, de 22 de dezembro de 2005, disciplina o apoio ao uso e difusão da Libras (Língua Brasileira dos Sinais). E seu artigo 26, determina que o poder público, as empresas concessionárias de serviços públicos e os órgãos da administração pública federal, direta e indireta, devem garantir às pessoas surdas o tratamento diferenciado, por meio do uso e difusão de Libras e da tradução e interpretação de Libras. O parágrafo primeiro desse artigo diz que as instituições acima devem dispor de, pelo menos, cinco por cento de servidores, funcionários e empregados capacitados para o uso e interpretação da Libras.
Dentre outras coisas, o decreto lei prevê, no artigo 29, que o Distrito Federal, os Estados e os Municípios, no âmbito de suas competências, definirão os instrumentos para a efetiva implantação e o controle do uso e difusão de Libras e de sua tradução e interpretação.
Para ler matéria completa, clique aqui
http://diariodonordeste.globo.com/
Miss World 2007 Zi Lin Zhang
Miss World 2007 Zi Lin Zhang, of China, sits with four year old Arianne Acevero, after Zhang arrived to participate in the 25th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, in Chagunas, Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday May 18, 2008.
(AP Photo/Shirley Bahadur)
Miss World 2007 Zi Lin Zhang, of China, participates in the 25th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, in Chagunas, Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday May 18, 2008.
(AP Photo/Shirley Bahadur)
Depois da vitória, Miss Centenário quer estreitar laços entre Brasil e Japão
Karina Eiko Nakahara acredita que ainda existe um certo preconceito contra os japoneses. A cirurgiã-dentista de 26 anos vai ser representante do centenário da imigração.
Juliana Cardilli Do G1, em São Paulo
Juliana Cardilli/G1
Sem dormir direito na noite deste sábado (17), após ser escolhida a Miss Centenário Brasil-Japão, a paulista Karina Eiko Nakahara, de 26 anos, ainda começava a planejar seu futuro como a representante da colônia japonesa nas comemorações do centenário da imigração no Brasil. A cirurgiã-dentista e bancária ainda não sabe como vai fazer para conciliar seus trabalhos com as novas obrigações de miss, mas já tem definido um de seus objetivos. “Quero ajudar nas dificuldades e deixar a cultura japonesa mais evidente. Ainda existe algo que não sei se é preconceito, que é o fato de o descendente de japonês, mesmo nascido no Brasil, não ser considerado brasileiro”, explica.
g1.globo.com
18 Maio 2008
Glamour girls
2008 Cannes Film Festival Chopard Hosts Vicky Christina Barcelona Party
CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 17: Miss Colombia Valerie Dominguez attends the premiere after party of ''Vicky Christina Barcelona'' hosted by Chopard during the 2008 Cannes Film Festival at the 3.14 Beach Club on May 17, 2008 in Cannes, France. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage) 
XV años de la belleza mexicana
Nuestra Belleza México está de fiesta
|  Eric Kenney/Univision Communications Inc. Lupita Jones se siente orgullosa de todas las reinas de belleza mexicanas. |
| El éxito no fue fácil |
| Se cuelan a la semifinales |
| Falta poco para la corona |
Después de coronarse como Miss Universo en 1991, Lupita Jones fue nombrada directora del concurso de belleza nacional, el cual bautizó como Nuestra Belleza México. Desde 1994 hasta el día de hoy, el certamen ha visto desfilar a las mujeres más hermosas del país azteca.
En la emisión inaugural del certamen que se realizó en Jalisco, resultó ganadora Luz María Zetina, del Estado de México y se convirtió en la primer Nuestra Belleza México.
| Fotos | ||
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El concurso es realizado en un estado de la República con el objetivo de promover el turismo. En 1997 se realiza en Guerrero, donde obtiene la corona Kathy Fuentes y su objetivo era conquistar el título de Miss Universo. Nuestra Belleza Mundo fue Blanca Soto, originaria de Monterrey, la cual actualmente es una cotizada modelo internacional.
Por segundo año consecutivo el estado de Guerrero es el marco para recibir a todas las candidatas. La representante de Nuevo León, Silvia Salgado es nombrada la mujer más bella del país y fue semifinalista en Miss Universo. Vilma Zamora, representó a sus paisanos en Miss Mundo, que se llevó a cabo en Seychelles.
En 1999 la directora general inicia un programa de apoyo a las personas más necesitadas. Fue el estado de Tlaxcala el que se vistió de manteles largos para la gala final, donde resultó ganadora Leticia Murray, nacida en Sonora. Dannet Velasco del Distrito Federal, fue la representante de México en Miss Mundo.
Para ler mas clique aqui
http://www.univision.com/
Miss World saddened by China quake
By CAROL MATROO Sunday, May 18 2008
It was a bittersweet moment for reigning Miss World 2007 Zi Lin Zhang as she arrived in TT on Friday night as she spoke about the devastation which rocked her native country, China, last Monday.
“I am very happy to be here, but it has been very difficult because my country, as you know, had a terrible earthquake. I hope I can come here to be able to do more for my country...I will try my best to do my work. I try my best every day,” she said in halting English.
Zhang is in TT to address the 19th National AIDS Candlelight Memorial to be held in Chaguanas, tonight.
The petite Asian beauty, dressed simply in a sleeveless top and a flowing, printed skirt, with flat ballerina shoes on her feet, arrived at the Piarco International Airport at about 9.30 pm.
She was greeted in the airport’s VIP lounge by chairman of the National AIDS Co-ordinating Committee Angela Lee Loy, TT organiser of the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants Peter Elias, former Miss World Giselle La Ronde-West, Miss TT/ World 2007 Valene Maharaj, Miss TT/World 2008 Gabrielle Walcott and Miss TT/Universe 2008 Anya Ayoung Chee.
Zhang was accompanied by chairman of the Miss World Organisation Julia Morley.
Zhang said more than 20,000 people have already died because of the earthquake. The death toll is estimated to reach as high as 50,000.
“All of us work hard very much and we wait for the response for the earthquake and the people. I don’t know how to do it, but I will try my best,” she said.
Assisting her in trying to comprehend and respond to questions from the media, Morley said Zhang had limited ability in speaking English... and the fact that Zhang thought that Trinis spoke “funny” did not help.
Morley said the people were pulling together and the government was trying to sort out what was needed.
“Zi Lin has friends in the area so it is very hard for her. We talked about whether she should go home or not, but she thought she could do more useful things here,” Morley said.
Zhang said she hoped she would be able to help the people in the Caribbean become more aware about HIV/AIDS. The Caribbean has the dubious honour of being ranked second highest in the world, after Sub-Saharan Africa, in terms of the number of HIV/AIDS victims.
“Miss World is a big title for me so I want to use my title to give all of the world more information about HIV/AIDS,” she said.
Again assisting Zhang with her response, Morley said HIV/AIDS awareness was as important for the old as it was for the younger generation.
“Information should start with the grandmother and go through the family. There should be family conferences, there should be awareness without trying to be crude or disrespectful.
“It is a terrible thing when your husband, or wife, or child has AIDS and how can you stop it? By talking about it, by educating people, but most importantly helping the people who’ve got AIDS with the right drugs and the right nutrition,” she said.
Morley said people needed to be better educated to better understand HIV/AIDS and suggested the need for a “full frontal attack” in the battle against the virus.
“We need not to be shy, we need to be respectful — how you do that with such a subject that is so delicate,” she said.
http://www.newsday.co.tt
Miss Centenário Brasil-Japão
Representante de Mogi das Cruzes é eleita Miss Centenário Karina Eiko Nakahara, de 26 anos, foi eleita nipo-brasileira mais bela do país.
Karina Eiko Nakahara, de 26 anos, foi eleita nipo-brasileira mais bela do país.
Concurso ocorrido no Ginásio do Ibirapuera a elegeu entre 20 candidatas.
Do G1, em São Paulo
Já vestindo a faixa de Miss Centenário Brasil-Japão, Karina Eiko Nakahara, de Mogi das Cruzes, na Grande São Paulo, comemora sua vitória (Foto: Daigo Oliva/G1)
g1.globo.com
Bancária de Mogi das Cruzes é eleita Miss Centenário Brasil-Japãog1.globo.com
Publicidade
MITCHEL DINIZ
colaboração para a Folha Online
A bancária Karina Eiko Nakahara, 26, foi eleita a Miss Centenário Brasil-Japão na madrugada deste domingo. Recém-formada em odontologia, Karina tem 1,76 m de altura, pesa 56 kg e é natural de Mogi das Cruzes. Ela foi escolhida entre 20 finalistas que disputavam o título.
Eleita, foi coroada pela ex-Miss Brasil Natália Guimarães, que também foi jurada do concurso. "Foi muito difícil escolher", afirmou Natália, que diz ter levado em conta a "graça" e a "postura" das candidatas ao avaliá-las.
Com o título de Miss Centenário Brasil-Japão, Karina passa a ser símbolo das comemorações pelos cem anos da imigração japonesa no Brasil e participará de eventos relacionados ao tema. Karina também foi premiada com um carro zero e uma viagem a Punta del Este, no Uruguai, com todas as despesas pagas. "Estou muito feliz em ter conseguido realizar esse sonho", disse a Miss, que é neta de japoneses imigrantes.
Karina conta que conviveu diariamente com a essência das tradições japonesas até o ano passado quando a avó, com quem morava, morreu. Ao falar da "batchan", termo em japonês para "vovó", Karina se emociona e chora. "Eu queria muito que ela estivesse aqui hoje, muito", diz a miss em prantos.
Vencedoras
Além de Karina, outras quatro concorrentes foram premiadas. Em segundo lugar ficou Natalia Miura Catrochio, 17, natural do Paraná. Juliana Midori Higa, 18, de São Paulo, ficou em terceiro. A gaúcha Tsuellen Harumi Assanuma, 25, e a paranaense Laís Naoko Higashi, 16, foram a quarta e quinta colocadas, respectivamente.
Entre as concorrentes também havia candidatas do Rio de Janeiro, Distrito Federal, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, Pará, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Santa Catarina, Rondônia e Pará. As misses tinham entre 15 e 27 anos, todas descendentes de imigrantes japoneses, e chegaram à final após serem classificadas em concursos regionais.
A cerimônia que elegeu a Miss Centenário Brasil-Japão foi realizada no ginásio do Ibirapuera (zona sul de São Paulo). O evento contou com a presença da primeira-dama do Estado, Mônica Serra, do desenhista Maurício de Souza e da apresentadora Sabrina Sato, que apresentou a primeira parte do concurso. A programação foi encerrada com show da banda KLB.
folha.uol.com.br
Miss Singapore Universe dropped from TV
Singapore - Television viewers will no longer watch the Miss Singapore Universe contest with its competing beauties vying for the coveted title, The Sunday Times said. The event with 16 finalists will still go on Tuesday night, but as a dinner show at the Marriott Hotel.
MediaCorp, which has been producing the show for seven years, cited plunging viewership and declining sponsorship money.
The international Miss Universe contest will be held in Vietnam in July.
Ratings have been declining consistently over the last three years by up to 32 per cent compared with its peak, a MediaCorp spokesman told the newspaper.
"Sponsorship interest has also declined and it has been a show with negative returns for some years now," he was quoted as saying.
"While we do telecast shows even if they have negative returns, the significant fall in ratings and commercial support attests to a decline in viewer interest," he noted.
The show attracted 290,000 viewers in 2004, according to market research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres. The figure was down to 248,000 last year.
It reportedly takes about 750,000 Singapore dollars (555,000 US dollars) to produce the show.
The title's local franchise holder, event company Derrol Stepenny Promotions, has had to select the beauties, find sponsorship and put together a show on its own.
The organizers resorted to online forums, social networking site Facebook and modelling agencies to find applicants. He declined to reveal the final number. Last year it was more than 100.
"I just want the show to go on," said Daryl Pang, the company's business and promotions director, "as long as it's not cheap-looking and everyone enjoys the night."
All 20 tables at the hotel's ballroom costing between 2,000 Singapore dollars (1,481 US dollars) and 5,000 Singapore dollars (3,703 US dollars) have been taken, he said.
The winner will receive 5,000 Singapore dollars (3,703 US dollars) and 17,650 Singapore dollars (13,074 US dollars) in products and services.
Miss Singapore Universe 2007
Pang expressed hopes more sponsors will participate next year.
"Singapore is a small country," he was quoted as saying. "If we don't support one another, who is going to support us?"
http://www.earthtimes.org/
17 Maio 2008
Mr. USA
Off the runway, ladies, Mr. USA is on the way
Jessica Heslam By Jessica Heslam
Boston Herald Media Reporter
Reporter Jessica Heslam covers the media for the Boston Herald.
Photo by Courtesy
Jake Hill of Plymouth made it to the top 10 in last year’s Mister Universe pageant.
There he is, Mr. USA.
A Milton man is determined to bring the first-ever all-testosterone Mister USA pageant right here to Boston.
Who says sashes and swimsuit competitions are just for women?
“It’s the male equivalent of Miss USA. I’m looking for a role model for men,” said pageant organizer Rafa Delfin, 47. “It’s very rare to have a male beauty pageant in America. Male beauty pageants are very big in Latin America.”
Delfin, a communications consultant for Verizon, is conducting a nationwide search for male contestants. He’s also the director of Critical Beauty, a Boston-based pageant news site and pageant consulting firm.
So far, he has four contenders and is hoping for a dozen.
And yes, there will be a swimsuit competition as well as a formalwear contest and interview.
The winner will compete at Mister International in Taiwan in September. The deadline to apply for Mister USA 2008 is June 10.
While Delfin said though the title has been around for some time, this will be the first Mister USA pageant. His company took over Mister USA a few years ago and it’s not associated with Donald Trump’s Miss USA.
Delfin himself handpicked last year’s Mister USA - Jake Hill, 24, of Plymouth - who placed among the top 10 at the Mister International 2007 pageant in Kuching, Malaysia. Hill will had over the sash and be a judge at this year’s Mister USA contest.
“It was awesome,” Hill said of his pageant experience. “It was an opportunity of a lifetime just to be able to travel over there.”
Contestants must be between the ages of 21 and 30, at least 5-foot, 9-inches tall and have a “handsome face, well-toned body, pleasant personality and good manners.” They can’t be married or have children and must be a natural born man.
Delfin, who has been watching Miss Universe and Miss America since he was a kid, wants Mister USA to someday win the international crown. The Mister USA pageant is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at Estate nightclub in Boston. For more information visit http://www.misterusa.criticalbeauty.com/Become-Mr-USA.html.
jheslam@bostonherald.com
http://news.bostonherald.com
Miss Universe 2009
| VN designer working on ao dai for Miss Universe | ||||
| 07:37' 17/05/2008 (GMT+7) | ||||
You have signed a contract to be the sole designer of ao dai for Miss Universe pageant. Could you share your happiness with us?
When I was a small boy, each time I watched international pageant contests on TV, I dreamed that one day they would wear my clothes and that dream has become reality. This is the greatest happiness and luck for me in my over 10-year career.
How special will be your designs for the contest?
I will design 85 ao dai for 85 contestants from all over the world. Each design will have its own characteristics and will be different from the others. Each ao dai will be a story, which shows the cultural uniqueness of each country.
I divide them into four collections based on the four seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. When my ao dai go to stage, you will see a colourful picture of nature and a splendid flower garden of Mother Nature.
I want to present to contestants and introduce to international friends a special gift: unique designs that appear for the first time at a Miss Universe pageant. They are my passion, my sentiment and my soul.
But how can you find the essences of all 85 countries within a few months to show them in your designs?
It was very hard for me to get accurate measurements of all contestants from the organising board. I also had to seek information about the colours of their skin, hair and eyes to choose the most suitable materials.
My ao dai will hold closely to the body to help show-off competitors’ body curves. The colours will be various to render the four seasons. I will keep the frame of Vietnamese traditional ao dai and add some suitable renovations. I want to prove that ao dai is not an old thing. It is very modern and romantic.
Learning of the cultures of 85 countries has taken a lot of time. I have to read documents and find out what are the most outstanding features of these countries. I also have to look at traditional clothes of these countries and filter the most special things to use in my ao dai collection, which I call “Miss Universe”.
Most of them are imported products which are used by well-known fashion brands in the world. I have spent over $100,000 on materials.
Are you investing in this collection alone or with others?
I’m the sole sponsor of ao dai for the pageant so I have to pay for everything. It exceeds my ability a little bit (smile), but it is no problem because I can realise my dream and can introduce Vietnamese culture to the world through my ao dai designs.
You said you want to introduce Vietnamese culture to the world. What do you think if some say you also want to advertise your name to the world?
(Smile) You think I need to be famous? No, I don’t need it anymore. Designing ao dai is my passion and it is in my heart and my blood already. So I want to be the designer of ao dai for competitors of Miss Universe pageant at any cost.
Is there a lot of pressure to design nearly 100 ao dai for an international beauty contest?
The pressure is great but it has decreased a lot. But I’m willing to accept pressure because I can live with my passion. This is a valuable opportunity for me and it may be the only opportunity in my life. Despite many challenges, I still feel very happy. The organising board is allowing me to make all decisions related to my designs. Their respect makes the pressure greater.
I’ve finished 60 designs. I’m very happy because I’ve finished nearly three-fourths of the load. I’m working on the last 25 designs.
I’m requested to make 85 designs but I will make over 90 designs so I can change designs if necessary. When competitors come to Vietnam to try on ao dai, if I see any design that is not suitable for them, I will change it.
How about the ao dai for the Vietnamese girl?
I’ll surely make something very special for that ao dai. But I will not reveal anything about it. But I can say that the design will emphasise the familiar gentleness, loveliness and pureness of the Vietnamese girl, but it will be unforgettable.
(Source: NS) http://english.vietnamnet.vn |
Beauty with a cause
Saturday, May 17 2008
EFFORTS to raise AIDS Awareness in Trinidad and Tobago are getting a significant boost this weekend with the visit to this country by reigning Miss World Zi Lin Zhang, of China.
Since being crowned Miss World in Sanya, China, last December 1, Zi Lin has travelled the world promoting HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention, working with children and adults who are HIV positive and promoting positive living with HIV.
The statuesque beauty, who arrived in the country last night, is spending today in Tobago. She is scheduled to deliver the feature address at the National Candlelight Memorial ceremony at Chaguanas Community Centre from 4 pm tomorrow.
On Monday Miss World 2007 will pay courtesy visits to President George Maxwell Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning. A visit to the Cyril Ross Nursery is also planned.
Her visit to TT was made possible by Peter Elias, local Miss World Pageant franchaise holder and the Miss World Organisation
A secretary from Beijing, she beat out a field of 106 beauties from around the world to cop the title. At six-feet tall, Zi Lin was the pageant’s tallest entrant, towering over the field both literally and figuratively. She was born in Shi Jia Zhuang City in Hei Bei Province, China, and later moved to Beijing where she now makes her home. When she’s not travelling or reading, she’s at the track keeping fit with 100-meter jumps and hurdles and triple jumps.
She had been one of the hot favourites to win the title and copped the Miss World Top Model 2007 title, one of the fast track events of pageant.
Zi Lin is the first Chinese to have won the Miss World title. She is a graduate of China’s University of Science and Technology with a degree in Business Administration and was working in a Beijing based company before making it to the final of Miss World 2007.
Zi Lin likes fruit, chocolate, and ice cream and likes to travel, read, write and watch movies. Her personal motto is “Where there’s a will there’s a way.”
She is the 57th winner of Miss World beauty pageant since its launch in 1951. In the finals she had to face Miss Trinidad and Tobago Valene Mahataj, as well as Miss Angola, Miss Mexico and Miss Sweden. Almost all of them were favourites for the crown. She is the ninth winner of the Miss World title from the Asia Pacific region.
There was a special focus on HIV/AIDS during the pageant. In addition to being held to coincide with World AIDS Day on December 1, the pageant presented a special tribute to the fight against AIDS, with a televised speech from former South African President Nelson Mandela.
This year marks a quarter of a century since the discovery of the first case of HIV in Trinidad and Tobago and in this regard.
During her visit, Zi Lin will participate in local observances of the 19th National AIDS Candlelight Memorial.
The main event, which takes place tomorrow in Chaguanas, will include a Candlelight Memorial Concert and Health.
In San Fernando, South AIDS Support in collaboration with Ward Two of the San Fernando General Hospital hosted a Health Fair at the San Fernando Hospital Car Park, yesterday. In Arima today, The REd Initiatives will host a Health Fair and Candlelight Concert at The Arima Borough Corporation Car Park (opposite FCB) with a Candlelight Procession to follow around the Princess Royal Park The final supporting event will be held at Woodford Square, tomorrow by Community Action Resource (CARe). The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial began in 1983 when a few men in San Francisco decided to hold a memorial and march to bring public attention to a mysterious disease that was causing early and unexplained deaths.
Over the years, the Candlelight Memorial spread beyond the United States. In 2007, the Candlelight Memorial was commemorated by small and large groups in more than 1,500 events held in 119 countries. This annual event, coordinated worldwide by the Global Health Council, commemorates the lives lost to AIDS, demonstrates support for people living with HIV/AIDS and mobilizes community based responses to HIV/AIDS.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/
Miss Brasil dá dicas de cuidados com a pele no frio
Para evitar envelhecimento precoce, Natália Anderle recomenda beber água com freqüência.
Ingestão de alimentos com vitamina B também é uma medida importante.
O frio é responsável pelo ressecamento da pele do rosto e do corpo de uma maneira geral. Para ajudar as leitoras do G1 a lidar com essa situação, a Miss Brasil 2008, Natália Anderle, formada em cosmetologia e estética, dá dicas de hidratação e cuidados especiais com a pele nessa época do ano.
“O frio resseca a pele e a impede de produzir a oleosidade natural que hidrata e que serve como proteção para a pele. A água quente usada durante o banho também desidrata, além dos tecidos de lã, que removem a camada superficial de proteção da pele e modificam seu ph. O resultado disso tudo é muito ressecamento, o que nos exige cuidados intensos”, explica a miss Natália ao G1.
Para evitar prejuízos à beleza, a miss recomenda beber água com freqüência, “já que hidratação também vem de dentro”. Outra dica importante é usar sabonetes neutros, que não desequilibrem o ph, e evitar esfoliações intensas, que acabam por danificar o manto natural de proteção da pele.
A ingestão de alimentos com vitamina B, que aumentam a produção de oleosidade de forma natural, também é uma medida importante. A vitamina pode ser encontrada em alimentos como brócolis, mamão, amêndoas e derivados do leite.
"Nossa pele, nosso corpo e organismo, em geral, precisam de cuidados durante todo o ano. Temos que incorporar esses cuidados à nossa rotina diária para prevenir o envelhecimento precoce, manchas, ressecamento e outros males que possam surgir eventualmente”, diz.
Para a miss, todas as estações do ano exigem cuidados básicos. “No verão é preciso dar mais atenção à proteção solar porque os raios incidem de forma mais intensa. No inverno, o sol também está presente e exige cuidados, mas considerando todos os fatores, o inverno exige mais da mulher para manter a pele vistosa, sedosa e hidratada”, afirma.
Confira as dicas da miss
- Hidrate a pele diariamente com hidratantes e emolientes específicos para seu tipo de pele. O ideal é consultar um dermatologista para saber qual produto é específico para você;
- A limpeza da pele deve ser feita com sabonetes que tenham ph neutro, com aplicação de tônico específico para seu tipo de pele depois da limpeza;
- Antes de dormir, aplique hidratantes com nutrientes;
- Evite o uso de água quente para lavar o rosto porque ela desidrata a pele;
- Beba muita água;
- Evite esfoliações intensas que desgastem o manto de proteção natural da pele;
- Consuma alimentos com vitamina B, como brócolis, mamão, amêndoas e derivados de leite;
http://g1.globo.com/
Miss World 2007
El 4 de mayo, cuando la antorcha Olímpica llegue a Sanya para su primera etapa del relevo doméstico, Zhang correrá junto con la estrella china de la NBA Yi Jianlin y otros famosos. “Finalmente seré una portadora de la antorcha”, comentó una Miss Mundo excitada a China Daily. Desde que Beijing ganó la puja para las Olimpiadas, Zhang, quien en aquel entonces era una atleta amateur que había entrenado brevemente con Liu Xiang, campeón mundial de corredor de vallas, había deseado durante mucho tiempo ser una portadora de antorcha para las Olimpiadas de Beijing. “Ser parte de las Olimpiadas es un sueño para casi todo el mundo en el planeta,” declaró Zhang. “Pude sentir el entusiasmo de millones de personas en mis recientes viajes a varios países de todo el mundo.” Como Miss Mundo, Zhang ha sido invitada a 57 destinos diferentes del mundo para recaudar fondos para los niños pobres. Durante los últimos cuatro meses, ella ha viajado a muchos países, incluyendo Corea del Sur, Irlanda y la República Checa. Su reciente visita a Iowa, Estados Unidos, ayudó a recaudar 3,46 millones de dólares para Variety – La Organización Benéfica de Niños. Aparte de mejorar su inglés en estos viajes al extranjero, Zhang, una graduada universitaria de la Universidad de Ciencia y Tecnología de Beijing, señaló que el viaje la ha expuesto a un mayor número de personas en necesidad de lo que tenía previsto. “No había pensado en lo que haría después de mi responsabilidad como Miss Mundo terminase,” expresó ella. “Sin embargo, en mi último cumpleaños, ya sabes, una ocasión cuando este tipo de pregunta aparece en tu mente, me surgió esta idea.” Zhang celebró su vigésimo cuarto cumpleaños el 22 de marzo, día en que rodó el video musical para El Mundo Me Sigue, la canción de antorcha olímpica cantada por Zhang y otras cuatro modelos para las Olimpiadas de Beijing.
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Denise Quinones, Miss Universe 2001
Brazil's Dona Flor is back in Spanish on NY stage
Soap opera star Francisco Gattorno (R) and actress Denise Quinones perform in the play "Dona Flor y sus Dos Maridos" at the Spanish Repertory Theater in New York City May 11, 2008. REUTERS/Joshua Lott
NEW YORK (Reuters) - When one of New York's premier Spanish language theaters needed to celebrate its 40th anniversary, the company turned to a Brazilian classic.
The Spanish Repertory Theatre took the 1966 Jorge Amado novel "Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos" (Dona Flor and her Two Husbands), adapted it to Spanish from the original Portuguese, added a Latin American TV and film star, and found a hit.
Now titled "Dona Flor y Sus Dos Maridos" in the adaptation by Veronica Triana and director Jorge Ali Triana, the play premiered in late March and was originally scheduled to run through June but was extended through the end of September due to high demand.
It is performed in Spanish with simultaneous translation in English via headsets.
"When we started working with Dona Flor, many told us of the difficulty of trying to bring to the stage a story that had folk undertones, seemed so local and so specific of a province in Brazil," said Ali Triana, who is also Colombia's National Theater director.
"But the incredible response by the public tells just the opposite: Flor's dilemma is very universal and almost every one can relate to it."
http://www.theusdaily.com
16 Maio 2008
Miss América Latina
República Dominicana, sede de Miss América Latina
Competirán 33 representantes de igual número de países en la edición número 24 del certamen
Notimex
El Universal
Cancún
Yadira Patiño, de 24 años, es la representante de México en el concurso(Foto: Tomada de missatlantico.com.uy)
República Dominicana será sede de la edición número 24 del certamen Miss América Latina, informó en esta ciudad Chere Alayeto, directora de relaciones públicas del concurso.
Al visitar este destino turístico para promocionar el certamen, la ejecutiva comentó que tras dos años de realizarse en el Caribe Mexicano, ahora se desarrollará en República Dominicana este evento que reúne a mujeres que buscan una dimensión distinta en su superación intelectual y profesional.
Precisó que se espera la participación de 33 representantes de igual número de países que buscarán la supremacía en el certamen.
Refirió que Miss América Latina inició en 1981 como una competencia local entre jóvenes latinoamericanas para seleccionar la representante de Miami a un concurso en México.
Al segundo año el entusiasmo por la competencia aumentó al punto de que periodistas de Panamá, Colombia y Venezuela fueron atraídos al evento.
Mencionó que a partir de 2002 una nueva dimensión surgió del certamen, cuando se abre la participación a todo el planeta para que tenga representación con delegadas latinas residentes o nacidas en cualquier país.
Dijo que la mexicana seleccionada para la competencia de este año es Yadira Patiño, de 24 años, originaria de San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, de ocupación modelo.
Indicó que la joven ha tenido un espacio siempre destacado en este tipo de concursos, ya que la superación en la que está inmersa ha permitido que hoy se conozcan muchas de las oportunidades de desarrollo que ha lograd
15 Maio 2008
Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic
Miss Universe wants to make her mark
The newly crowned Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic hopes to follow in Jennifer Hawkins' stiletto steps.
The 21-year-old student from Sydney won the crown ahead of 28 other girls at a ceremony in Melbourne last night.
"I was shocked, to be honest. There were so many amazing girls this year," she told the Seven Network this morning.
She said Hawkins, who was Miss Universe four years ago and parlayed that into a successful modelling and television career, had been an inspiration.
"I think before beauty pageants used to cop a lot of flak, but Jennifer Hawkins has done so much for it," he said.
"Miss Universe Australia now is just amazing and we have her to thank for that. Probably because she did so well. That encouraged me.
"If I could have anything like she did, I'd be over the moon."
The international final of Donald Trump's Miss Universe pageant will be held in Vietnam in July.
http://www.theage.com.auPhoto: priscillas.com.au
Miss Universe 2008 Riyo Mori and Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart
2008 American Image Awards
NEW YORK - MAY 14: Miss Universe 2008 Riyo Mori and Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart arrive at the 2008 American Image Awards on May 14, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images) 
Natália Guimarães faz sua primeira cena de beijo na TV
Durante as gravações da novela "Caminhos do Coração", a ex-miss conversou com a QUEM e contou sobre a estréia como atriz
Valmir Moratelli
Assim que soube da presença da imprensa no set de gravações da novela "Caminhos do Coração", na terça-feira (13), a ex-Miss Brasil Natália Guimarães estremeceu. Além de ser sua primeira vez interpretando na frente de um jornalista, aquela era também sua estréia numa cena de beijo. “É nervosismo em dobro”, disse Natália.
A simpática mineirinha que no ano passado quase conquistou o título de Miss Universo está, desde o início do mês, no elenco fixo do folhetim da Record. Na trama de Tiago Santiago, ela é Mulh, a mulher-aranha do grupo de mutantes do mal. Durante a manhã de terça-feira, QUEM acompanhou com exclusividade a gravação do capítulo que vai ao ar nesta sexta (16), num sítio em Vargem Grande, Zona Oeste do Rio.
De tão nervosa, Natália precisou repetir a cena diversas vezes – um rápido encontro no meio do mato com Théo Becker, o homem-cobra, que termina num beijo roubado por ela. Usando repelente pelo corpo para afastar os mosquitos e calçando com uma sapatilha de borracha para não machucar os pés, Natália foi se soltando aos poucos. “Quero sensualidade, Nat. Tem que ser o encontro perfeito entre a cobra e a aranha. Use suas patas poderosas”, pedia o diretor Guto Botelho.
Num dos intervalos, para mudar as câmeras de posição, os atores aproveitavam para beber água e repetir a dose de repelentes. “Já passou no corpo todo? Senão você vai ser almoço dos mosquitos”, brincou Théo com a ex-Miss. Enquanto Natália repassava o texto sozinha, Guto pedia paciência a Théo. “Temos que ser muito generosos com ela, porque está começando e já pegou uma cena difícil como essa”, disse.
Natália não usou maquiagem especial para gravar, os efeitos que a transformam num aracnídeo são apenas de computação gráfica. No final da manhã, a nova atriz falou com exclusividade à QUEM sobre essa experiência e confessou: “Apesar de ser uma aranha na novela, morro de medo delas”. Leia trechos da entrevista:
QUEM: Uma semana depois de começar a gravar, por que ainda está tão nervosa?
Natália Guimarães: Estou chegando agora, conhecendo todo mundo. É a primeira vez que estou com um papel importante, tendo que lidar com os diretores e autores, fazendo amizade com os outros atores. Tudo é novidade.
QUEM: Como surgiu o convite para ingressar na novela?
NG: Recebi, na verdade, um convite da emissora para fazer o teste para o elenco. Não sabia qual seria o papel, muito menos imaginava que seria a escolhida. Foi um dia após o Miss Brasil, estava muito cansada, sem dormir direito, sem comer...
http://revistaquem.globo.com/
14 Maio 2008
Miss Universe Austalia
MEET Laura Dundovic, a 21-year-old psychology student from Sydney, who beat 28 other hopefuls in Victoria last night to be crowned this year's Miss Universe Australi
A PSYCHOLOGY student from Sydney was crowned Miss Universe Australia at a lavish event in Toorak, Victoria last night.
Laura Dundovic, 21, beat 28 other hopefuls from across the country to take out the title - the same one that launched Jennifer Hawkins' career four years ago.
Galleries: Lovely Laura | See who she beat
She attributed the win to her supportive family and boyfriend - who were all in the audience - and hard work.
"I have always worked hard at what I do and that probably paid off tonight," Dundovic said.
"It would be great to reach the success of my predecessors, but at the moment I am the over the moon to be here."
Over two hours of competition the women strutted their stuff on the catwalk in evening wear and skimpy bikinis.
They also answered questions from the judges, including boxer Kostya Zu, such as how they would improve Australia and who would they have invited to the recent 2020 Summit.
Answering a question about improving the environment, the third-year university student said people should use less hairspray.
Miss Universe Australia national director Deborah Miller said the standard of competition was one of the highest ever.
She said the event's profile had been growing every year thanks in part to the success of past winners Jennifer Hawkins and Erin McNaught.
"It is incredibly hard. The girls all have stage presence, poise, charisma, beauty, and intelligence," Ms Miller said.
Dundovic will fly to Vietnam in July to represent Australia in the international final sponsored by US tycoon Donald Trump.
The runner up was Queenslander Michelle MacNamee.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
http://www.news.com.au
Aishwarya Rai: The Highest Paid Actress in Bollywood?
Beauty is a rare commodity, sought after by those with the most power within the most influential industries, in this case the Indian Film industry…
It’s no secret that some of the most beautiful women in the world hail from India, Aishwarya Rai (Miss World 1994), Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe 1994), Diana Hayden (Miss World 1997), Yukta Mookhey (Miss World 1999), Priyanka Chopra (Miss World 2000), Lara Dutta (Miss Universe 2000)… need I go on??Life has been tested and proven to be easier for those that are better looking. Not only do these aphrodite’s have a more, so called wonderful life, but they can make our own lives a little sweeter. If a great looking woman smiles at you on a train on your way to work, you think “awww… she’s nice”, and that could make your day. However, have you ever have a woman who looks like she’s been slapped with an ugly stick smile at you? You may instantly think “oh good god when’s my next stop?”… and something like that could ruin your day.
One of India’s first and finest exports, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is now one of India’s highest paid beauties, why, well it’s not because her acting skills are mind blowing (she just about hits “ok”), maybe it’s because she is the pure definition of beauty. She is rumoured to be receiving almost £1.5m (40 million R.s/$3m) for one film - her proposed stint as Rajnikant’s leading lady in Shankar’s “Robot”. One and a half million may not scare Julia Roberts into feeling threatened from her title as highest paid female Actress in Hollywood: she asks for £10m/$20m per film, that is 260 million R.s. However this is another new record breaking booty shaking moment, for the global beauty icon, that is Rai.
Now if getting paid for being beautiful is on the rise, then two competing women are fighting for that slice of Indian bread, Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor. All three can be categorised as the same type of actress: all three equally as beautiful, all three completing the same number of movies, and all three being more delicious than a Häagen-Dazs Strawberry Cheesecake and Cookies & Cream spread over freshly baked hot waffles with strawberry and cherry syrup!
Even though Kareena and Bipasha came into the industry a few years after Aishwarya, and neither hold any crowns to their name; they are all now competing for the top “crore”. These two have been dominating the screens with more persistence than a door to door window salesman.
It is rumoured that Kareena is billing 3.5m crore (35m rupees), but then there’s Bipasha who’s nipping at Kareena’s heals earning an estimated 2-3m crore (20-30m rupees) per movie, there is a lot of competition and a massive rise of gorgeous actresses following in the foot steps of the original beauty icon, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
But when you’re one of the most beautiful women in the world, married to an idol (who is the son of a legend), have a Miss World beauty pageant crown sitting on your head, have a decade of movie experience with almost 40 hit films under your belt, not to mention blazing past your competitors with how much money you can command on set and off set, you can guarantee that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s beauty comes without any beasts.
http://www.insidedesi.com/
Miss Australia Universe 2008
FASHION gurus have declared two South Australians as serious contenders to win the beauty quest title which made Jennifer Hawkins famous.
SA's Miss Universe entrants Lauren Tscharke (right) and Melody Le at Alexis George, Unley.
Lauren Tscharke, 22, and Melody Le, 18, flew out of Adelaide at the weekend to represent SA at the Miss Universe Australia final in Melbourne today.
If one of them wins, they will travel to Vietnam to compete for the Miss Universe crown in July.
The lovely contestants in pics
Last week local fashion designer Pat Georgiou and stylist husband George, from Alexis George, gave the pair some star treatment, by providing them with glamorous evening wear and custom fitting the couture creations to their enviable shapes.
George said the girls were "perfect" clotheshorses, and thinks they are in with a great chance. "We spent some time trying on a variety of styles," he said. "They look good in anything you put on them."
On the big night, Melody, who plays Twinkle on Channel 7 show The Fairies , will be wearing a full-length off-white gown with feather trim. "I love the intricate detail and the fabrics," she said. "And it's such a privilege to be able to wear South Australian designers and represent them nationally."
Lauren, who is an occupational therapy student, will be wearing a dress in teal lace.
"It's just stunning, and I could never afford something like it as I am a student, so it is so generous, and I feel very special in it," she said.
The young hopefuls, both signed with Tanya Powell Model Agency, are also wearing Speedo in the swimwear category.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FINALISTS:
Melody Tuyet-Mai Le
Lauren Tscharke
NSW FINALISTS:
Laura Andon
Laura Dundovic
Allira Jaques
Katherine White
Lorraine Hudson
Lauren Gillis
VICTORIAN FINALISTS:
Sophie Bullen
Melanie Adams
Jaimi Greely
Linsey Rose
Danielle Stott
Mena Lovin
Jane Powell
QLD FINALISTS:
Dayna Perandis
Megan Wishart
Jana Peterson -
Michelle MacNamee
WEST AUSTRALIAN FINALISTS:
Shannon McGuire
Samantha Lee
Rebecca Johns
Kristal Hammond
TASMANIAN FINALISTS:
Amanda Kannegiesser
BROOME FINALIST:
Talissa Kinoey
TOWNSVILLE:
Jessica Passmore
Racheal Finch
NT
Katharina Fehringer
13 Maio 2008
Miss Philippines-Earth 2008
Second time a charm for new Miss Earth
MANILA, Philippines -- It was a night of sweet vindication for Karla Paula Henry who was chosen Miss Philippines-Earth 2008 on Sunday, besting 40 contestants from all over the country and Filipino communities abroad.
The 22-year-old model from Cebu joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in March but failed to advance to the semifinal round.
On Sunday night, she not only bagged the P250,000 prize, she will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth contest where she will compete with 90 international delegates.
For two years now, the Miss Philippines-Earth pageant has crowned women who failed to win in the Binibining Pilipinas contest.
Jeanne Harn, last year’s Miss Philippines-Earth, had joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2004 and lost.
Henry will serve as ambassadress of the environment and is expected to take on projects and activities seeking to save the earth.
Emphasis on intelligence
Previous titleholders toured the country’s public schools telling children about the harmful effects of global warming and educating them on ways to alleviate ecological degradation. They also campaigned against smoke-belching and conducted clean-up drives along the country’s coastlines.
Because of these serious responsibilities, pageant organizer Carousel Productions made changes in the process of selecting the winners. While other pageants put emphasis on a contestant’s physical beauty, the Miss Philippines-Earth contest gives more importance to a contestant’s intelligence and personality.
Carousel also hoped that by inviting local government units to send delegates this year, it could reach more people with its advocacy.
Executive vice president Lorraine Schuck said: “After the pageant, these ladies will go back to their hometowns and initiate environmental projects. We would not have been able to broaden our reach if we continued with our former scheme of conducting regional pageants.”
Best of nature
On pageant night, contestants were asked how they would explain the degradation of nature to simple folk.
Henry gave this winning answer: “I will educate them by giving them an example… through my example I will give nature the best [of] me.”
The other winners are just as committed to the environment.
Melanie Felix, who represented the Filipino community in the US East Coast, was proclaimed the first Miss Pagcor Tourism International Ambassadress and brought home P250,000 in prize money.
Air, water, fire
Marie Razel Eguia was crowned Miss Philippines-Air.
Marian Michelle Oblea, who was adjudged Best in Evening Gown and Best in Talent, was hailed as Miss Philippines-Water.
Kristelle Lazaro who won Best in Cultural Attire was crowned Miss Philippines-Fire.
Legazpi City’s Venus Raj won as Miss Philippines-Ecotourism.
Indang’s Jaydielou Dilidili was adjudged Miss Congeniality.
Nikki Martin from the Filipino community on the US West Coast won Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit.
With reports from Yna Nivero and Pam Sevillahttp://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/
Eleita a Miss Porto Alegre 2009
Michele Francine Monaco será a representante de Porto Alegre no Miss RS
Foto:Alexandre Godinho, Divulgação
Michele Francine Monaco será a representante da Capital no Miss RS 2009
A Miss Porto Alegre 2009 foi eleita na noite desta segunda-feira, no Grêmio Náutico União. A estudante Michele Francine Monaco, 19 anos, será representante da Capital no concurso Miss Rio Grande do Sul 2009, a ocorrer em junho do ano que vem, em Gramado.
No concurso, realizado no Teatro do Grêmio Náutico União, a estudante de Enfermagem Andressa da Silva Behenck, 20 anos, ficou com o título de Primeira Princesa, enquanto Caroline Werner, estudante de Direito de 21 anos, foi a Segunda Princesa.
Michele se sagrou vencedora entre 15 concorrentes que foram avaliadas por um corpo de jurados em desfiles de passarela, em trajes de gala e maiô. Ela recebeu a faixa e a coroa da Miss Porto Alegre 2008, Karol Romana Petry.
ZEROHORA.COM
Trumpland
Project Sunshine's Fifth Annual Gala At The Waldorf Astoria
NEW YORK - MAY 12: (L-R) Miss Teen USA 2007 Hillary Cruz, Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart and Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori arrive at Project Sunshine's Fifth Annual Gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on May 12, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic) 
Miss Universe Australia finalists get in swim
May 13, 2008 12:00am
THIS is one group of girls who hardly need figure helping body suits.
But in the name of fashion ten of the Miss Universe Australia finalists yesterday slipped into crystal embroidered Bella Bodie Shapewear in preparation for the crowning ceremony in Toorak tomorrow.For the first time in the pageants history the girls will be judged in shapewear and, of course, swimwear and evening wear.
Victorian entrant 18 year-old Danielle Stott said the glamorous bodysuits were super skin tight and an effort to get into.
"They suck in all the nasty bits to make you look a bit slimmer," she said.
At 6ft Ms Stott stands heads above the other 28 entrants but the Lakes Entrance teenager has also put her height to use on the volleyball field - Ms Stott is a member of the Australian Senior Womens Volleyball team.
The girls will face the judges, which include Herald Sun columnist Lillian Frank and super lightweight champion Kostya Tszyu tomorrow.
http://www.news.com.au
12 Maio 2008
Decidida a triunfar como actriz de telenovelas
Se encuentra activa en el modelaje en México, donde participó en el desfile del diseñador Jorge Castellanos. (Suministradas)
sábado, 10 de mayo de 2008
Eliezer Ríos Camacho / Primera Hora
Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006, siempre ha demostrado su capacidad para trazarse metas altas y trabajar para alcanzarlas.Por eso no sorprende que ya haya hecho suyo al hablar el llamado “acento neutro” que enseñan en la Escuela de Capacitación de Televisa, donde se encuentra estudiando actuación desde el pasado mes de enero, cuando se mudó a la capital de México.
De esta manera, la hermosa boricua sigue persiguiendo su sueño de convertirse en actriz, si bien ya había comenzado a educarse en ese arte en la ciudad de Nueva York, luego de haber entregado su título de belleza internacional el verano pasado.
“No había querido hablar de mi mudanza a México hasta que no sintiera que me funcionara, pero me ha ido muy bien. He trabajado y estudiado mucho, sobre todo en mejorar mi acento mexicano neutral”, comenta mientras suelta una carcajada.
Todo por alcanzar una meta muy palpable, que es la posibilidad de formar parte del elenco de una telenovela, que comenzaría a grabarse en suelo azteca entre septiembre y octubre próximos, a cargo del productor Nicandro Díaz.
“En Nueva York había comenzado a estudiar actuación, pero era más dirigido al cine. Sin embargo, fui becada por Televisa y eso me ayudó a tomar la decisión de trasladarme a México. Ambas experiencias me han ayudado mucho. Ahora puedo decir que he encontrado mi talento y eso es muy importante, porque me siento que tengo una dirección. Realmente soy un poco desesperada y en México vi que tenía oportunidades más palpables y siento que lo mejor es aprender mientras uno trabaja”, explicó.
Zuleyka afirma que en México se ha sentido muy a gusto, por la recepción que le han dado desde que visitó este país, donde le tocó entregar su corona de Miss Universe. Sin embargo, a nivel profesional es consciente de que la competencia es fuerte, porque allí el talento nacional tiene prioridad, aparte de que hay mucha gente siguiendo el mismo sueño de fama en el mundo de las telenovelas.
“Tienes que dar el máximo porque sí hay mucha competencia. De México puedo decir que me encanta su gente, lo único a lo que no he podido adaptarme del todo es a los cambios de clima y al tráfico”, expresa.
Sin embargo, en esta nueva aventura, Zuleyka no está del todo sola, pues en la Escuela de Capacitación de Televisa también estudia actuación su novio Jaime Mayol, mientras que Uma Blasini, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2007, se encuentra estudiando para desempeñarse como animadora y maestra de ceremonias para televisión.
A la par con su preparación en el campo de la actuación, Zuleyka continúa considerando nuevas ofertas en el modelaje. Recientemente viajó a Turquía donde interesan que sea la imagen de una línea de joyería fina. Mientras tanto sigue siendo la imagen de Chrysler en Puerto Rico y cumpliendo con diversos compromisos individuales para la firma Swarovski.
Como parte de sus estudios en Televisa, Zuleyka Rivera ya ha comenzado a grabar escenas típicas de los melodramas televisivos junto a otros compañeros de estudios, lo que la mantiene muy entusiasmada.
http://www.primerahora.comVietnam speeds up for Miss Universe
| 17:07' 12/05/2008 (GMT+7) | ||
MUO’s expert presents stage design for Miss Universe 2008 finals
Leading the high-ranking expert group of Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) is Vice Chairwoman Rachel Frimer.
The group worked with the Vietnamese organsing board of Miss Universe 2008 on the construction pace of the Crown Convention Centre and other preparation tasks.
According to the Vietnamese partner, 80% of the Crown Convention Centre is completed and equipment installation will begin in early June.
“We are working day and night and will complete the Crown Convention Centre in late May as scheduled,” affirmed James Dunne, MUO’s Design Manager cum Construction Supervisor in Vietnam.
Nguyen Quoc Toan, Vice Head of the Miss Universe 2008 organising board, said the construction of the press centre is finished, with a private zone for the US’ NBC channel, which will air the final of Miss Universe 2008 live on the morning of July 14 (Vietnam time).
MUO’s designers plan to build a 1,000sq.m stage for the final contest, with Vietnamese bamboo and lanterns as the major patterns. The stage background will feature Vietnamese cultural symbols, including Dong Son bronze drum, Khue Van Cac, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang sea and images of Vietnam shot by NBC.
The stage design will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approval, said Le Xuan Than, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa province, which is hosting the event.
During the two-week trip, a film-making group will shoot clips in HCM City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, etc., which will be compiled into a nine-minute video clip about Vietnam to be broadcast on NBC.
Film makers will return to Vietnam in mid June to film competitors of Miss Universe 2008. A group of experts of MUO will come to Vietnam this month and will stay here till the pageant closes.
The MUO’s working group led by Rachel Frimer will leave Vietnam on May 16. “This is the last field trip. We have nearly completed preparations for the Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam,” she said.
Vo Tien http://english.vietnamnet.vn/ |
Miss Venezuela 2007
Miss Venezuela 2007: “Ningún país tiene lo que tenemos aquí”
Dayana Mendoza aseguró que después de conocer Los Roques nada puede ser más bonito en el mundo. A sus 21 años, esta morena de ojos verdes se está preparando arduamente para representarnos en el Miss Universo 2008
FLORÁNGEL FARÍAS
PUERTO LA CRUZ.- Mientras espera que llegue el 13 de junio, día en el que se subirá a un avión que la llevará a Vietnan donde se celebrará el Miss Universo 2008, la Miss Venezuela 2007, Dayana Mendoza, se prepara para esta contienda internacional, donde medirá su belleza y talento con las representantes del resto de los países del mundo.
Antes de contestar algunas preguntas, la joven caraqueña de 21 años aprovechó para recordar que el Miss Universo se verá en Venezuela el 13 de julio, a las 9:00 de la noche. “Voy a estar un mes en Vietnan para cumplir con eventos y entrevistas. Durante ese mes se elige a la ganadora, no la noche final, así que prácticamente al bajarme del avión comenzará la competencia.
La esbelta morena ojos verdes confesó que se está preparando arduamente de lunes a lunes -hace poco tenía el domingo libre pero ya no- antes de irse de viaje.
“El entrenamiento es intensivo y estoy tomando clases de inglés, oratoria, peluquería, maquillaje, protocolo y pasarela”.
Pero a pesar de sus ocupaciones, esta belleza venezolana se tomó un tiempo para visitar Puerto La Cruz y así compartir con el público oriental.
¿Cuál es el lugar que más recuerda?
- Los Roques es lo mejor, en paisajes, en su gente. Después de haber estado allá no he visto lugar más bello. Todos los países son bellos, pero después de conocer Los Roques, ninguno tiene lo que tenemos nosotros en Venezuela.
¿Qué le pareció el viaje hasta allá?
- Fuimos en avioneta, es muy poco tiempo desde Caracas. Fui por motivos de trabajo para una sesión de fotos, y nos acompañaron unos norteamericanos, pero fue espectacular.
¿Cuándo viaja dónde le gusta hospedarse?
- Yo soy muy familiar, me gustan más las posadas por la atención que sus dueños y trabajadores le ofrecen a los clientes. Definitivamente prefiero posadas que hoteles.
Y en gastronomía ¿cuál es la que mejor recuerda?
- En Los Roques los desayunos eran arepas, el desayuno criollo o el americano, y frutas lo que quisiera. Yo generalmente pido el americano y frutas. Pero en general me encanta la pasta, la carne y la sopa de mariscos. La comida de Perú también es espectacular, menos la chicha andina, me sabe a remolacha y lo juro que no me gusta para nada, porque tengo una anécdota familiar con la remolacha y no la puedo ni ver después de grande.
¿Ahora a dónde le gustaría ir y por qué?
- Me gustaría conocer Egipto o Israel, no sé me atrae mucho esa cultura. Saber que siempre estuvieron allí y que prácticamente vivieron todo lo que estamos viviendo nosotros ahora, pero sin toda la tecnología y los avances que disfrutamos nosotros en estos tiempos. Me parece muy curiosa.
Mi lugar favorito
Los Roques Un paisaje único
Ubicado al norte de Venezuela, en Naiguatá, estado Miranda, el Archipiélago Los Roques reune más de 50 cayos y 300 bancos de arena, en forma de atolón.
Según datos geográficos, el archipiélago forma un rectángulo de 36.3 kilómetros y es el Parque Nacional más grande en el Caribe, con una extensión más grande que las Islas Vírgenes.
Entre todas las islas pertenecientes al archipiélago, la más importante es gran roque, no tanto por su superficie , puesto que hay otras que la superan en su tamaño, si no por contener la mayor parte de la población en la zona y ser el centro comercial de las islas, administrado por sus propios habitantes.
Paraíso natural
Aunque la variedad de flora y fauna es muy limitada en las áridas superficies terrestres, el archipiélago Los Roques es un paraíso para los aficionados al buceo y snorkeling. La pesca de Bonefish (macabí) también es un atractivo importante bastante atrevido y con mucho acción.
http://www.eltiempo.com.ve/n
Miss Venezuela sí se realizará en el Poliedro de Caracas
lunes, 12 de mayo de 2008
El productor del máximo certamen de belleza venezolana, Joaquín Riviera, señaló que - luego de solventado algunos problemas - el concurso Miss Venezuela se realizará en el Poliedro de Caracas el próximo miércoles 10 de septiembre.
El día de hoy Riviera tendrá una reunión con representantes del recinto para evaluar aspectos relacionados con la escenografía, sonido e iluminación.
La jefa de Prensa de Miss Venezuela, Soraya Castillo, aseguró que ya están seleccionadas aproximadamente 15 de las 28 muchachas que participarán en el concurso y se estima que para mediados de agosto se conozca el nombre de todas las candidatas.
Soraya Castillo también comentó que la actual Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, se está preparando fuertemente para el Miss Universo que será el julio en Vietnam.
http://elnuevodia.com.ve
Life as a Queen — MBGN (Universe)
Come the month of June 2008, newly crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (Universe) Stephanie Oforka will attempt to do what no Nigerian lady has done, win the Miss Universe crown.
Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Stephanie Oforka
Excerpt
How are you doing today?
I’m fine, thank you.
Your looks have changed a whole lot if you’d agree with me?
Hmm, all things have changed for me. Right now, I‘m a queen, so it follows that everything has to change in every aspect. These days I get so much acknowledgments and favours from people, everywhere I go to.
You never really shared the experience of how the family reacted to your new status
My family?
Everybody was happy, my Dad and Mum especially. My mum is just overwhelmed that she has a daughter who is a Queen. No longer am I allowed into the kitchen to perform some of the usual house chores that I used to do.
And every morning when she wakes up, it’s prayers and special supplications to God for giving her a daughter who has brought pride to the family. It’s also a very fulfilling moment every time I see her praying and thanking God.
Can you mention some of the chores you were used to, that you don’t do anymore?
Before I became queen I used to wake up early to tidy up the house and cook for the family, Mummy insisted I do all that every morning. And apart from that, I’m also not allowed to dish for myself from the pot, my mummy does that for me. The truth is, I’m waited upon like a true queen.
And what is it like being a queen?
Yeah the life of a queen is cool. The title has brought me closer to my friends. And even those who I don’t know before, now want to talk with me and everybody wants to be my friend now.
What are some of the things you were used to doing then that you wouldn’t do now?
Emm, In school I used to eat in the canteen but now I don’t do that anymore.
Why?
Because you don’t know what and how the people may react to you. Some might wonder why as
Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Stephanie Oforka
Even in school, I have to work extra hard at my studies as no one would want to associate with a dullard who parades herself as queen. I need to impress a lot of people now.
You are going for Miss Universe, when is that?
June. I will be leaving in June, but the pageant is actually taking place in July.
And how’s your preparation coming?
Well, I have been working hard at it.
How prepared are you?
I’m not fully prepared right now, but in the following weeks to come, I’d be ready. For now I’m trying to get my acts together.
The Miss Universe thing is not a joke, so what is the possibility of Nigeria winning the crown through you?
I’ll come back home with the crown. I will be the first Nigerian (just like Agbani Darego did at Miss World) to bring that crown home. And I’m really working hard to make that possible.
What are the qualities you have that could make you become the next Miss Universe?
The qualities I have?
Yeah . . .
Well, I know I’m beautiful and pretty.
Not good enough, a whole lot of beautiful ladies will be competing against you.
What more do I say, I know I will make it by the grace of God.
You had a near disaster experience at the IQ test at the last pageant what went wrong?
Stage fright may be. You know that was the first time I‘d be standing in front of that kind of crowd. It wasn’t so easy you know. I couldn’t smile and I just managed to hold myself on that stage. I’m telling you that I’m a shy person to the extreme.
Shy girls sometimes are most dangerous?
Laughter.
When you were amongst the last five on that stage, how did you feel?
I felt really good although my heart was beating really fast. But I was really happy that I could get that far.
Did you think you were going to win?
At a point yes, especially when they started calling my name, Taraba, Taraba. Indeed I started crying when I was leaving the stage at that point.
You were crying because of the crowd reaction or what?
Well I didn’t believe what was happening to me because I never believed I was capable of doing what I was doing on the stage that night. The Ovation and other things made me to burst into tears. Everybody knew I was there and I felt blessed to be there.
And when it was just the two of you left?
I felt happy to be there, but feeling of either becoming the queen or the first runner-up was simply overwhelming. At that point, it didn’t matter to me anymore, the crown could have gone either way.
Did you think that you’d become queen when you picked the form?
I didn’t actually pick up the form myself. My friend did it on my behalf.
And did this friend of yours take part in the pageant?
No. First you have to understand that I didn’t pick the form because I didn’t believe in myself. But the people around me believed so much in me. They actually got the form for me but I filled it myself and they took it back. I didn’t know I was going to make it. When I got to the screening, I was like, Oh my God. But when I got screened in, I was like Oh my God again, I’m already here.
And I said to myself whatever comes out of it, I will take it. If I don’t make it, fine, and if I make it fine. I didn’t look at myself and say, I know I’m going to be the next MBGN, but I knew the people believed in me.
So when the other girl was chosen as queen, did you feel disappointed?
I was happy. I knew there were five crowns to be won and I got one out of it.
You have sponsors, do you know who they are?
Yeah. First Lufthansa German Airline is flying me, Hyundai provided my ride, Amigo takes care of hair, La Casera, Nestle Virgin Nigeria, Visafone and 21ST Century are all part of ensuring that my reign is without a hitch.
And who is your designer?
Momo Couture of course
Virgin.
Now what’s your beauty routine like?
I really don’t have any beauty routine. I just try to dress up. I mean, look dressed up.
I’m really talking about you as queen, but you as a person. What you do to keep looking beautiful?
Nothing really. Like I said, I just make sure I sleep. I don’t joke with my sleep. I rest and I eat the right food.
And what about your make-up routine?
Not much
No make-up?
I use make-up but not so much. Every morning when I wake up, I say my prayers first, and I move straight into the bathroom to brush my teeth. And to clean up my face I use Clear Essence. I use it once in a week, because it’s good for my skin. I also make sure I have my bath twice in a day.
What about your kind of cream?
I use Montana. I have been using that every time and I have not changed.
I know you have a lot of fans now, how do you handle them?
I try to be nice to everyone. I try not to be rude and I treat everybody that comes around me equally.
Has there been any embarrassing moment with the guys?
Yeah at the Airport and this happened some weeks ago. There was this guy, who saw me and called out to me , Miss Taraba. And when I stopped briefly he went on to tell me he saw me on the final day of the pageant on TV.
He wanted my telephone number which I refused to oblige him with. He kept following me about and this was getting really embarrassing, until I decided to give him my publicist’s number. Of course, you know what that means. He’s no longer bothering.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/
Will Jennifer Hawkins play a round?
HER man Jake Wall has been revealed as a swinger. So who could blame Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins if she decided to play a round?
WHO knew Jennifer Hawkins' bloke Jake Wall was a swinger? The golfing kind, that is.
One half of the glamour couple was spotted pitching about Kooindah Waters Golf Resort on the Central Coast over the weekend with friends.
With Wall rarely out playing Hawko's handbag on the social circuit these days, Confidential wonders whether the Myer babe has joined the ranks of the world's golfing widows.
We're sure she wouldn't be short of partners if she ever decided to play a round.
Or 18.
http://www.news.com.au/
Seoul wins for Miss Earth 2008
Carousel Productions announced that the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant will be held in Seoul, South Korea after winning the bid against Sweden, Australia, Nepal, The Philippines and Singapore.
Korea, Republic of (Press Release) May 8, 2008 -- This is the first time that the coronation night will be held outside the Philippines since its inception in 2001, except last year that other activities was held in Vietnam.
Miss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness.It is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national level competitions to participate in the world finals.
Those who participate in the pageant are involved with environmental causes. The pageant winner is expected to become involved with international environmental projects. These projects are also promoted during the pageant's broadcast. The delegates also take part in tree planting ceremonies, environmental and cultural immersion programs, sponsor visits and tours. Miss Earth is based in the Philippines.
Over 90 contestants are expected to arrive for the said pageant which will be held on November 9 in Seoul, South Korea.
http://www.free-press-release.com/
11 Maio 2008
GOLD Coast glamour girl Kimberley Busteed has had a blistering end to her reign as Miss Universe Australia.
SHE'S back ... Miss Universe Australia Kimberley Busteed has returned from Olivia Newton-John's charity walk along the Great Wall of China.
She's back from Olivia Newton-John's charity walk along the Great Wall of China just in time to hand over the crown to this year's winner to be announced in Melbourne on Wednesday. Kimberley trekked 70km of the wall over five days.
"I had a blister before I even got there because I'd worn a new pair of heels the week before I left," she told Qconfidential.
But at least Kimberley packed hiking boots for the occasion, unlike US comic Joan Rivers.
"She rocked up in pink stilettos. She wasn't happy about having to wear hiking shoes. She's hilarious," Kimberley said.
She said walking the wall was "really, really hard" and "really, really steep".
Also among her group was actress Sigrid Thornton, music legend Sir Cliff Richard, Allison Cratchley, Nicky Buckley and hubby Murray Bingham, Melinda Schneider and muso James Reyne.
"Sir Cliff sang a heap of songs but it took us five days to get James Reyne to sing. He just said 'You don't ask Ian Thorpe to swim'. On the last night we got a bit of liquor into him and got him to sing."
Another Sunny State stunner Jana Peterson is a finalist in this year's Miss Universe Australia pageant.
"It has been such a massive year for me. It'll be sad to close that chapter," Kimberley said.
http://www.news.com.au/
Tanvi Vyas, Miss India Earth 2008
Tanvi Vyas, Miss India (Earth) 2008, poses during the launch of a degree programe in Retail Management at the Global Retail School in the northern Indian city of Chandigarh May 9, 2008.
REUTERS/Ajay Verma (INDIA)Siera Robertson wins Miss Guam Universe
May 10, 2008
1:50 p.m., May 10 -- Siera Robertson is Miss Guam Universe. The 18-year-old Yona resident beat out a field of 15 other beautiful, young women to take the crown.
First runner-up was Jennifer Neves. Second runner-up was Danielle Leon Guerrero.
www.guampdn.com
10 Maio 2008
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Miss Universe Australia
'Universe' the prize as Hawkins wannabes sashay for the sash
The Miss Universe Australia contestants (from left): Jane Powell, Sophie Bullen, Linsey Rose, Melanie Adams and Jaimi Greely.
Photo: Craig Sillitoe
Tom Reilly
May 11, 2008
TO SOME, they represent the degrading act of women parading themselves half naked for male pleasure. To others, they are a shortcut to celebrity and cash. Either way, the beauty pageant is back and enjoying a revival.
Five years ago the organisers of Miss Universe Australia struggled to attract more than a few hundred young women ready to don bikinis in search of the title. This year, 4812 came forward to claim the crown, with the winner to be decided in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
Deborah Miller, organiser of this year's event, admits most entrants want to see their name up in lights or splashed across a glossy magazine. "A lot has to do with the rise of celebrity. Girls in their teens and 20s see glamorous girls in magazines and on TV and think, I'd like to do that."
During the '90s and earlier this decade it appeared that beauty pageants were in their death throes. Perhaps because of feminist outrage at girls being judged on their bodies or perhaps because of indifference from would-be competitors, the contests were dying out.
Then came Jennifer Hawkins. The former cheerleader won the Australian title in 2004 and collected the Miss Universe title in Ecuador later that year. Since then, the 24-year-old is estimated to have earned more than $12 million while becoming one of Australia's most recognisable faces. As her star has risen, so has the stock of pageants.
Grant Dwyer, who organised the Australian leg of the pageant Hawkins won, remembers calling around modelling and promotions agencies to drum up fewer than 200 suitable girls. "After Jennifer's victory it suddenly became acceptable to take part in pageants. Australia's whole attitude to them changed," he said.
The re-emergence of the contests is no surprise to Professor Kay Saunders, co-author of A Crowning Achievement, an anthropological and historical study of the Miss Australia quests, which ran from the 1950s to early '90s. "A lot of these girls will be thinking, I can be the next big thing. Somebody like Jennifer Hawkins has achieved so much they believe they can follow her, and that all ties in with the rise of celebrities," she said.
All 28 women taking part on Wednesday are hoping a win will propel them into the big time.
Melbourne-based model Jane Powell, a recent honours graduate, said a win would help her career, while pole vaulter Melanie Adams, 19, hoped the publicity would earn her sponsors as she attempted to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.
"I just missed out on the team for Beijing by one spot and, while I'm dedicated to my sport, it would be a help to get some backing," she said.
http://www.theage.com.au/
Miss Mundo 2007 na Nova Zelândia
World Beauty arrives in New Zealand after Carrying the Olympic Torch
Report by Melissa Chandler + Photographs by Vince Heperi
Just days after carrying the Olympic torch on its journey to Beijing, Miss World Zi Lin Zhang has touched down in New Zealand. 
The 24-year-old Chinese woman arrived in Auckland yesterday for a six-day visit, during which time she will pass on advice to newly crowned Miss World New Zealand Kahurangi Taylor. Click here for large version of this image.
Miss Zhang is traveling with Miss World chairwoman Julia Morley, and together they will meet New Zealand organisers of the competition.
“I’m so happy to be in New Zealand – this is my first time and everyone has been telling me how beautiful your country is,” Miss Zhang says.
The talented all-rounder has had a jammed-packed schedule since being crowned Miss World last December, but one of the highlights has been carrying the Olympic torch across Hainan, a tropical island off China’s southern coast.
This has been a dream of Miss Zhang’s since she was a child. However, she hadn’t expected to carry it in her role as Miss World – she thought it would be as an Olympic competitor. Up until four years ago, she was a champion hurdler, with hopes of competing at the Games.
The torch will travel through more than 100 cities and scenic spots in China, heading for the Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing on August 8 this year. Miss Zhang will also have a part to play at the ceremony.
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
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Along with thousands of other Chinese celebrities, she entered a competition to sing at the opening – and won.
She’s also a champion for charities. In the five months since she took the crown, Miss Zhang has raised $US20 million ($NZ25 million) for people in need the world over. She hopes to hit $US30 million ($NZ38.8 million), which would be the most ever earned by a Miss World.
The Miss World competition has been running since 1951 and, since 1971, the contest has raised $US 800 million ($NZ1,036,000,000) for charities around the world, embracing the “beauty with a purpose” motto.
During her New Zealand visit, Miss Zhang will be attending many functions, including the Variety of Academy of Awards at Sky City Theatre tonight.
After her Miss World 2007 reign is over, the tall beauty wants to continue her studies – she already has a Bachelor of Arts – and has thoughts of becoming a teacher like her mother, who is a professor in Beijing.
In the meantime, her life continues to be a whirlwind of high-flying events. When Miss Zhang leaves New Zealand on Thursday, she heads for France to be a guest of honour at the Cannes Film Festival.
Melissa Chandler is a Witt journalism student.
http://www.scoop.co.nz
Miss Venezuela 2008 - 2009
El Miss Venezuela sí será en El Poliedro de Caracas
 |
SONIBERTH JIMÉNEZ
EL UNIVERSAL
"Tenemos buenas noticias: las dos o tres pequeñas condiciones en las que no estábamos de acuerdo se han solucionado. El Miss Venezuela sí va al Poliedro y se celebrará el miércoles 10 de septiembre", confirmó a El Universal, el productor del máximo concurso de belleza venezolana, Joaquín Riviera.
De esa manera finaliza el conflicto que mantuvo en vilo el lugar de la celebración del magno evento este año. Eso sí: Joaquín Riviera no quiso revelar cuáles habían sido los puntos en desacuerdo entre la junta directiva de El Poliedro de Caracas y Venevisión, canal que produce y transmite el concurso.
Este lunes, el reconocido productor tendrá una "reunión técnica" con representantes del domo de La Rinconada para evaluar exigencias de Venevisión relacionadas con la escenografía, sonido e iluminación en el recinto.
La jefa de Prensa de Miss Venezuela, Soraya Castillo, aseguró que ya están seleccionadas aproximadamente 15 de las 28 muchachas que participarán en el concurso y se estima que para mediados de agosto se conozca el nombre de todas las candidatas.
Soraya Castillo también comentó que la actual Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, se está preparando fuertemente para el Miss Universo que será el julio en Vietnam.
http://www.eluniversal.com/
09 Maio 2008
Miss Universe 2008
| Promising faces at Miss Universe Vietnam | ||
| 10:56' 09/05/2008 (GMT+7) | ||
Model Pham Dinh Minh Trieu, a competitor at Miss Universe Vietnam VietNamNet Bridge – Only six days remain for Vietnamese girls to apply for the first Miss Universe The Gold Award winner of the Vietnam Supermodel Contest 2008 Hoang Yen hasn’t revealed yet whether she will participate in the pageant or not but the Bronze Award and the Best Body prize winners Pham Dinh Minh Trieu and Lam Thu Hang have registered already. The second runner-up of Miss Ao Dai 2006, Phan Thi Diem Chau, is also a bright candidate, alongside some outstanding students from the Some model agencies like John Robert Powers, PL, Venus, Viet Supermodel and Lala will send models to this contest. Most registered competitors are over 1.70m high, well-educated and speak English well. The deadline for registration is May 15. The qualifier round of the northern region will take place on May 16, and the southern region, May 18. Around 30 competitors will be picked from these competitions for the semi-final contest at Vinpearland, where they will show-off their bodies in ao dai, swimsuits and night gowns and show their knowledge |
