Sofia Rudyeva wins Miss Russia-2009

MOSCOW, March 9 (Itar-Tass) -- Sofia Rudyeva, 18, from St. Petersburg has won the title of Miss Russia-2009. The jury of the contest, which was at the Manezh Exhibition Hall in downtown Moscow on Saturday, elected Rudyeva from 50 most beautiful young women of the country. However, the names of the winners were announced only on Sunday. The conditions of the contest were such.

First Vice-Miss became Svetlana Stepankovskaya from the Krasnodar Territory. Second Vice-Miss – Kseniya Shepilova from Kokhmy in the Ivanovo region.

Sofia Rudyeva will represent Russia at the forthcoming Miss World beauty pageant.

Svetlana Stepankovskaya from the Krasnodar region of Russia took the second place, whereas Ksenia Shepilova from the town of Kokhma, the Inanovo region, came third. In addition to the tittles, the girl obtained a unique opportunity to choose any educational institution of the world where they would like to study free of charge.

Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela, and Miss World 2008, Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia, attended the ceremony as guests of honor. The jury – Olga Slutsker, the president of World Class fitness clubs, Alena Doletskaya, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, pop singer Dmitry Malikov, restaurant keeper Arkady Novikov, fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin and Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza – were quick in making their decision. Dayana Mendoza announced the winner.

Sofia Rudyeva has been in the modeling business for several years already. She took part in a number of professional fashion shows.

Miss Russia Pageant is a Russian beauty pageant for young women. The pageants have been running since the year 1993, however it did not take place in 1994 and 2000. Since 2007 Miss Russia finalists represent Russia in both Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. Russia has a total of 3 major international pageants winners: Miss World 1992, Miss Universe 2002 and Miss World 2008. Miss Russia 2007 Ksenia Sukhinova was declared Miss World 2008 at the grand finale in Johannesburg on 13th December, 2008.

St. Petersburg Model Crowned Miss Russia

An 18-year-old model from St. Petersburg has won this year's Miss Russia title by humming a song from composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

Sophia Rudyeva was chosen from 50 contestants by a jury in Moscow's Manezh Central Exhibition Hall on Sunday.

The winner seemingly impressed the jury not just by her long, dark hair and her near-perfect vital statistics of 88-60-89 but also by her ability to improvise music.

In a so-called intellectual contest, pop singer and juror Dmitry Malikov asked if she could name her favorite composer and render some of his music. Rudyeva promptly mentioned Rimsky-Korsakov and hummed "The Flight of the Bumblebee," an interlude from the composer's "The Tale of Tsar Sultan" opera, written in 1899-1900, RIA-Novosti reported.

Rudyeva made headlines already last week when she beat her native peers, Miss St. Petersburg and Miss Leningrad Region, at a casting for the show in Moscow.

Her entry was helped by a change of the contest's regulations, which formerly stipulated that only winners of regional contests could participate, Komsomolskaya Pravda reported.

This year, anybody could sign up for a casting by filling out an application form on the web site Miss-Russia.ru.

Rudyeva took a prize of $100,000, which she said she would largely give to charity, and a chance to represent Russia at the next Miss Universe and Miss World contests.

The winner of the last Miss Russia contest, in December 2007, Ksenia Sukhinova, won the Miss World contest held in December 2008 in South Africa.

Sukhinova and the current Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela, both appeared at Sunday's contest, RIA-Novosti reported.

Miss Russia was not the country's only beauty pageant to coincide with International Women's Day, which was celebrated Sunday.

Rosatom, the country's atomic industry conglomerate, announced on its web site Friday that Yekaterina Bulgakova, a 25-year-old legal adviser at a nuclear research facility in the Ulyanov region, had won the annual Miss Atom contest for the most beautiful nuclear industry worker.

A women's prison in Selo Gornoye, a town about 160 kilometers from Vladivostok, held a Lady Spring 2009 beauty contest on Thursday.

The beauty pageant business is back

Another set of national beauties was crowned during the 2009 Binibining Pilipinas pageant at the Araneta Coliseum last Saturday night (telecast was on GMA 7). It turned out that it was the beauty contest’s 45th anniversary, but I only found out about that when host Iza Calzado said so toward the end of the three-hour show.

No, there was no grandness to the production, but director Al Quinn still put together a very cohesive show.

The opening number, however, was overextended — with the contestants dancing in what looked like light, but colorful overcoats that they eventually peeled off to reveal casual clothes that they wore while introducing themselves to the Araneta crowd and to the viewers at home.

I don’t know if it was my TV set or the lighting in the coliseum, but no one looked impressive in that part of the show, except maybe for Rich Asuncion, who I thought that time was a cross between Pilar Pilapil and a now very pretty Imee Marcos. And it was only then that I found out her real name was Richelle Angalot. To think I’ve known her this long — she being part of our group that graces openings of Flawless branches all over the country.

When the show got into the swimsuit competition — with the contestants doing the mandatory poses in a resort in Batangas — I thought most of the shots were unflattering. Was it the camera angles that showed most of the contestants with bulging midsections? It was either that or the contestants had too much Pizza Hut.

Then I saw the tale of the tape flashed on one side of the screen: Some of the girls had waistlines as wide as 26”. You could actually mount a flat screen on each of them. To the pageant organizers, send the winners to Gold’s Gym — pronto.

The program, of course, had other features aside from the contestants parading around the stage. This being the pageant’s 45th year, they gathered as many former Binibining Pilipinas winners as possible. Great idea, but messy and tedious in execution.

The cameras could not locate the former titlists. They were either on the wings of the stage waiting for their duties as presenters or scattered all over the coliseum. Some of the names called by host Paolo Bediones probably weren’t even in the venue — like Pilar Pilapil, for example.

In one segment of the pageant — still in line with the organization’s 45th year — handsome glass trophies were presented to the Pinay beauty queens who brought home major international beauty titles. Only three were honored in that portion of the show: Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran and Aurora Pijuan.

Of course, Gemma Cruz wasn’t there because when she won Miss International, Binibining Pilipinas was not yet the local franchise holder of the then Long Beach-based international beauty pageant (besides, didn’t she picket outside the Araneta Coliseum during an edition of the Binibining Pilipinas in the ‘70s and denounced beauty contests as a mere exploitation of women?). But baffling was the non-appearance of Melanie Marquez, while the absence of Precious Lara Quigaman only confirmed rumors that she is at odds with the Binibini organization after she and other beauty queens put up their own pageant last year.

But back to the real stars of the program: The contestants vying for the three major titles at stake. After the presentation of special awards, they were made to parade in evening gowns to the tune of a jazzed-up Hindi Kita Malimot, the arrangement of which worked well for the segment.

Then it was time to reveal the 10 semi-finalists and 2007 second runner-up Abby Cruz, who joined a second time hoping to finally bag one of the crowns, wasn’t in the list. Abby is actually even prettier now, but at 5’5” she was easily dwarfed by the taller candidates. But I have to give it to Paolo for not letting the unfortunate turn of events for his girlfriend Abby affect his job as pageant host. He went on with the show like a pro — like he didn’t have to do a lot of comforting later that night. His female co-hosts Iza and Carlene Aguilar also carried on with their duties like veteran special events emcees.

After the announcement of the 10 semi-finalists came the much-awaited question and answer portion. To the disappointment of the Araneta Coliseum hecklers (and even those at home), there was no Janina San Miguel. Playing it safe, none of the girls winged on and on and most of them kept their answers short and rushed to end their statements with their that’s-all-thank you safety net.

But while grammars were correct and their sentences were well put together and made for pleasant listening, most of the answers were lacking in substance. Very Chiz Escudero — you know, nice to listen to, but is there actually anything there?

But I did admire the contestants even more by the time they got to this round because — for all that pressure (what with the crowd waiting to boo and jeer them with one single slip of the tongue) — they got out of that alive and in one piece. And quite frankly, some of the questions that came from the judges were crappy and didn’t deserve decent answers.

As the pageant got deeper into the night, I noticed that the girls were finally getting prettier. Not just pretty, but lovely. Maybe because there were just 10 of them and that made it easier to dissect every face and figure.

Right before the names of the winners were announced, I had finally placed my bets (I was slow that night). Second runner-up was Regina Hahn, daughter of one-time TV personality Chiqui Brosas, who earlier was 1975 Binibining Pilipinas and fourth runner-up in that year’s Miss Universe pageant. Regina has great personality and maybe should have joined the contest earlier. This close to getting a title was first runner-up Richelle Angalot, who probably should join again another time (or wait for one of the winners to get into trouble and assume the crown).

The Binibining Pilipinas-International title was given to Melody Gershback, who, with her very mestiza features, is so doll-like — very much the kind of look they favor in Miss International. For Miss Universe, they are sending Pamela Bianca Manalo, sister of Binibining Pilipinas-World 2002 Kate Manalo and niece of former Binibining Pilipinas-International Nini Ramos Licaros, who was the producer of Eh, Kasi Babae in the ‘80s.

Chosen to represent the country in the Miss World contest is Marie Ann Umali, another pageant repeater, but is now a big winner — thanks to the unmatched regal bearing she displayed that night of the contest.

Also a big winner was the pageant show itself. In spite of those little rough edges along the way, it was basically smooth and entertaining. The telecast of the coronation night also scored 18.7 percent, which was high enough considering the fact that it started airing at almost 11 p.m. (Eat, Bulaga! and Startalk both went overtime because of the tribute to Francis Magalona and pushed the primetime schedule back.)

Apparently, the interest in beauty pageants is back and the Binibining Pilipinas organizers have Janina San Miguel from last year to thank for that.

Miss Philippines crowned

MANILA - WINNERS for this year's Miss Philippines beauty pageant were crowned in the Philippines on Sunday.

Businesswoman Melody Gersbach, 23, will represent the country in Miss International. Flight attendant Pamela Bianca Manalo, 22, was chosen to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, and tourism graduate Marie Ann Umali, 22, for Miss World.

The three ladies beat 24 others to the crowns at the competition finals, which took place at Quezon City in Manila.

The beauty pageant took place on Saturday March 7, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The program was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Iza Calzad and broadcast live in the Philippines over GMA channels.

In total there were three Binibining Pilipinas 2009 winners, the other two winners were Melody Gersbach, crowned Binibining Pilipinas-International and Pamela Bianca Manalo, crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe.

Marie-Ann Umali also won the Best in Long Gown and Miss Photogenic plum contests during the pageant. (A talent competition was also held, a week earlier.) She competed against 23 finalists to win the crown; one finalist of the original, Sandra Inez Seifert, was disqualified when it was discovered she had posed for a provocative photo spread in a men’s magazine.

As Binibining Pilipinas World, Marie-Ann Umali will now go on to compete in the Miss World pageant in South Africa later this year.

The beauty pageant, which stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning, March 8, also featured guest appearances from JC Tiuseco, Aljur Abrenica, Dingdong Dantes and the PMA Choir. Additionally, the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. honored the legendary fashion designer Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), Margie Moran (Miss Universe 1973) and Aurora Pijuan for their noteworthy contributions to Philippine culture and society.


Marie-Ann Umali is 22 years old. She was born in Batangas City, Batangas, in the Philippines. She is 5′7″ tall and her measurements are 35-25 1/2-36.

She received a B.S. in tourism and graduated from DLSU College of St. Benilde and she aspires to become a flight attendant and to open and run her own restaurant. She has previously competed in other beauty pageants: 2006 Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas (3rd Runner up) and 2006 Bb. Pilipinas Candidate.

When asked during the pageant what her idea of fun is, she said it is being yourself and living a positive outlook on life.

Now having achieved a goal, Marie-Ann Umali is Miss Philippines and a promising future awaits.

Ms. Earth bets to join DZMM's 'run for nature'

Before the race for the Ms. Earth crown, Ms. Earth 2009 contestants will run and take part in the “DZMM Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan Year 10” on March 8. As nature-lovers, the ladies gave their support for DZMM’s annual marathon for the benefit of the environment.

Last year, proceeds of the fun-run went to the maintenance and protection of over 400 trees in the La Mesa Watershed, the water repository of 12 million Metro Manila residents.

Before the gun goes off, there will be warm-up exercises led by fitness expert Dan Cabiling of Gold's Gym with “Wowowee’s” ASF Dancers.

The race, which will start and end at the Quirino Grandstand, will pass through Manila’s historical districts.
Joining the beauty queens in the run are DZMM anchors Ted Failon, Cory Quirino, Tintin Bersola, Julius Babao, Korina Sanchez, plus thousands of professional runners, athletes, health enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and students.
To cap the event, DZMM will not only award the fastest finishers of the marathon but will also honor ten outstanding environment advocates or the “Kapamilya Para Sa Kalikasan.”

These are citizens from the government, non-government organizations, and the private sector who have made significant contributions to the cause of conservation.

Over P 100,000 worth of cash and prizes will be given away on race day for the male and female placers in the 3k, 5k, and 10k categories. For the 10k race, 4th to 10th placers will also receive prizes from DZMM.

Previous “Takbo” champions will also vie for the Hall of Fame award to be given to former winners.

“The annual success of Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan is the success of every Filipino. Every step, every stride of our runners is for our environment,” said DZMM station manager Angelo Palmones.

DZMM will also award the largest contingents from government agencies, non-government organizations, and academic institutions, as well as the first student finishers and the oldest runners in the field.

The top ten registered families to complete the race will also receive prizes.

To join the “DZMM Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan Year 10,” simply call the secretariat at (02) 9244101 local 5603, 5674, or 5638 or visit the DZMM website at www.dzmm.com.ph.

Jennifer Hawkins lights way for future Miss Universe beauty queens

Times are tough when a former Miss Universe doesn't have a job on television. But don't expect Jennifer Hawkins to be standing in the dole queue any time soon.

Five years after reaching the very top of the beauty pageant business -- and it is a business -- she is still the most bankable star in the country, with estimated earnings of around $7 million a year in endorsements and appearances.

Not bad for a 25-year-old former cheerleader from Newcastle.

Even though her shows Make Me a Supermodel and The Great Outdoors have been shelved, there's no chance Channel 7 will let her go.

In fact they'll probably give her any role she wants. Anything to stop the other networks stealing her away. News, Jennifer? Why not!

There are many, many beautiful women in this country, so why is Hawkins so popular? What makes her stand out from all the other clothes horses who have ambitions of a career on the box?
For starters, she's actually good, unlike some other Aussie pin-ups who've tested the TV waters -- in a bikini, of course -- only to be sent packing back to the catwalk.

Sure, Hawkins has the distinction of having held the title as the most beautiful woman in the world.
But she also has something much more valuable: the brains to know that other women hold the key to her success on the small screen.

Yes, we know blokes love her. That much is obvious.

But what makes Jen so remarkable is that most women do, too. Perhaps not in the same way as the blokes, but what I mean is she isn't threatening to women -- you wouldn't mind having a yarn and a glass of wine with her.

She is a non-threatening beauty. And that's the key for beauty queens to turn a catwalk career into something a little more enduring -- likeability by both sexes equals bankability.

Gorgeous women who succeed always risk falling victim to that quirky Aussie trait, the tall-poppy syndrome.

We've all done it. It's when we decide that someone is getting too big for their boots, or stilettos as the case may be, and they need to be cut down to size.

And other women are more often than not the worst offenders. We are particularly vicious when it comes to our own sex.

There's nothing new to seeing beauty queens on TV. American television networks are absolutely chockers with high-profile women who have a sash at home in the cupboard.

Even Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin was crowned Miss Wasilla in 1984.

But now, in Australia, years after the death of the iconic Miss Australia Quest, we're seeing a new wave of ambitious and beautiful women. Women who are not ashamed to use their beauty and brains as a shortcut to a career.

Go to any beauty pageant, quest or ``Miss fast car/bikini'' competition and most of the entrants will tell you their ambition is to be on television.

And why not? A sash and a title, once considered a little daggy, is now proven to be a very effective entree into the television world.

It's a great way to get through the door, but without personality or talent, it's generally a short stay.
Erin McNaught, Laura Dundovic and Kimberley Busteed are all recent Miss Universe Australia title-holders, who are trying their luck in television. Time will tell if they make it.

Without doubt, the resurgence in the beauty quest or pageant is due to the success of Jennifer Hawkins.

She turned her title into the most remarkable career, in which she is not only wealthy but liked and respected by both sexes. Not even accidentally flashing her G-string-clad bottom to the world during a shopping centre parade could hurt her. In fact, it made her all the more human.

She's not just the glossy goddess gracing the pages of our Myer catalogue. She's flesh and blood, just like us.

Models are a dime a dozen on television; beauty queens are something quite different.

Open Letter to P.M. Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia - MILLENNIUM pageant

Your Excellency Mr Prime Minister,

I write to you to bring to your attention a serious miscarriage of justice and violation of trust and ethical behavior that simply has no excuse and defies all rationale behavior for Government Officials of the federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

In 2007 as you and the great nation of Ethiopia were all aware a special event marking Ethiopia's Millennium the Ethiopian International MILLENNIUM pageant was organized in Ethiopia, that event saw 37 International Beauty queens visit Ethiopia for the first time and promoted Ethiopia to the world and experiences Ethiopia's Tourism and cultural attractions.

Sir, that event did not happen by accident, we were contacted by Officials of the Ministry of Culture of Tourism to produce the event for your government, we submitted a budget and cost estimate as well as a final invoice for the production of that event, we were told by the State Minister for Culture and Tourism Mohamuda Ahmed Gass that Ethiopian Government regulations did not permit us to be paid in advance for the event, but once the event was done we would be paid, trusting the State Minister Mohamuda Gass to be a man of his word and Integrity, and we believed him and the government of Ethiopia to be honest and trust worthy, we gladly produced the event , we paid for clothes, crowns, sashes, gifts etc for the visiting Beauty Queens expecting to be reimbursed and paid for our services once the event was concluded per the Informal agreement entered into and guaranteed by State Minister Mohamuda Gass & the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on 11th October 2007, sadly and regrettably as of today's date, we have not be paid even a single penny, nor have any of the winners of that event ever been paid any of the prizes, neither have the hosting and production fess been paid by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in short nothing was ever paid to us by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the Ethiopian Millennium Pageant we produced 18 months ago the line constantly repeated is "WE SIMPLY DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY" " THERE WAS A BUGET DEFICIT". "SHEIK ALAMOUDI HAS STILL NOT PAID US."

The Ministries of:
CULTURE AND TOURISM,
FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
INFORMATION,
TRADE AND INDUSTRY,
Federal Police Commission,
Ethiopian Airlines,

All sat on the so called "Organizing committee", set up for this event by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to solicit funds for the event and all benefited from the presence of the Queens in Ethiopia, as did the People of Ethiopia, The same Government officials were only to happy to be first in line to be photographed posing with the Visiting Beauties, glowing statements were made in the press by Government Ministers on "How vital this event was to improving Ethiopia's poor international image", however once the event concluded not one of the same officials from the Organizing Committee have had the moral and ethical behavior to see that the matter of paying my company for the services obtained fro us, is concluded in an honorable & Ethical everyone of them seems to have just hidden under their desks or behind their secretaries, and are now "too busy" to discuss or sort this serious matter out and we are simply being told to exercise patience, Officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have even resorted to blaming Sheik Al almoudi Claiming Al almoudi Promised but failed to help them pay some of the cost.

With the greatest amount of respect the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism is a Federally funded Ministry and not an extension of the Sheiks business empire, it is not called Minsitry of Midroc so any supposed promise made by sheik Ala mopudi or not , this should not be used a any excuse for the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism not paying what it owes us since the deadline of December 4th 2007.

Your Excellency we have been waiting since October 2007, we are now in February 2009 and nobody in the Ethiopian government seems wiling or prepared to see that this matter is settled 18 months later, how can that be? I for one never believed that the Ethiopian government does not operate ethically and honour its word, especially in the face of overwhelming evidence of the very good and positive deed that was done, but sadly here we are 18 moths later left with the final option of taking this matter and the Ethiopian Government to Court. We have rendered the service to the nation of Ethiopia for it's Millennium, that is not in doubt, but the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is working overtime on finding every excuse under the sun not to pay us, they have even blamed SHEIK ALAMOUDI for promising to pay some of the cost but not paying, Blamed a budget deficit, simply said "We have no money".

Nobody, Ethiopian Government Minister or not has any right to use and abuse his position of authority to obtain any services from anybody, and then not pay for them, I don't eat in a restaurant in Ethiopia then say" I have no money to pay when the bill is presented to me", if I did I would surely be arrested for theft of services or any other criminal charges, so why should government officials deceive and obtain service from me and then say they don't have money to pay when the invoice is delivered 18 months ago? Nobody is above the law, how ever even after we have rendered a wonderful service to the Government and people of Ethiopia for your Millennium, the excuses go on and nobody wants to pay for the services.

When dealing with matters of money, one would expect Ethiopian Government Ministers and officials to be highly ethical in their conduct at all times, in this case I would respectfully ask what happened to the 1.8 million birr the State Minster and his "Committee" collected from sponsors, that money also simply disappeared and was never paid to my company for the Promotional service it rendered?, or how the State Minster can say he spent 150,000 Birr on "Advertising" but then claim to have sold only 63 tickets from the 5 shows we held for this land mark event, but the halls were full to capacity every time?, and then to add insult to injury send an official letter to the Ethiopian Ambassador in London on 11th January 2008 ref: 2/3-72/126 denying that "The Ministry of Culture and Tourism had any say in the implementation of Miss Tourism of the Millennium".

The evidence is all around us, and a picture speaks a thousand words but i attatce a few. In addition no independently audited accounts for any of the money collected by the Ministry or taxation records have ever been released or show to us, every penny just seems to have disappeared. All attempts to get Mohammed Diriri the Minister of Culture and tourism to resolve this matter have also fallen on deaf ears and he has simply erected a wall of silence

Your Excellency, I write to you as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to use your good office to see that this matter is concluded without the need to go to litigation, Budget deficit or not, Sheik Alamoudi's supposed promise and failure keep his promise to help pay for the event as claimed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism or not, officials at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism were 100% aware of all their financial obligations required to bring this event to Ethiopia, it was never cost free or a charity event, and State Minister Mohamuda Gass issued a written guarantee to pay. If Officials of the Ministry of Culture of Tourism were financially irresponsible and mismanaged the finances and production of this wonderful event, they should be held fully accountable for there actions be the Government of Ethiopia, But neither I should or any of the Visiting Beauty queen should be made to pay for, or suffer any financial loss their shortcomings.

Sir, it is not in Ethiopia's interest for this matter to go to Litigation in International courts ,as it will be very embarrassing for the Ethiopian Government to explain why it obtained promotional services 18 months ago, but has still not paid even one penny to the organizers, so after 17 month we simply and respectfully request ask that the total sum for the production and the sponsorship money collected and that is still owed to us by the Ministry of Culture of Tourism is paid without any further excuses or delays.

Respectfully

The Ethiopian Life Foundation
London. England

I’m from Bacolod, too, Bb. Pilipinas bet says

Sandra Inez Seifert, a contestant in the 2009 Binibining Pilipinas pageant Saturday, grew up partly in Bacolod City.

“I introduce myself as coming from Bacolod and Negros Occidental because I grew up there, too,” she said in a telephone interview yesterday.

Seifert was born in Taipei, Taiwan, to Zenaida Revilla and is a registered nurse who had also participated in the Elite Model Look 1998 pageant.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said Seifert, whose mother is a friend of former Candoni Mayor Liberty Manzano, called him up to let him know that that she had joined the pageant.

She speaks fluent Ilonggo, Zayco said.

There are 24 contestants vying for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas.

The annual Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant is a project of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization. The pageant was envisioned as a prestigious fund-raising activity for projects that would benefit orphans, indigent families and other less fortunate members of Philippine society.

The coronation night is set on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The winners who will be crowned Binibining Pilipinas International, Binibining Pilipinas Universe, and Binibining Pilipinas World will serve as the official Philippine representative to the three different international pageants.

Past beauty queens produced by the pageant are Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969; Margie Moran, Miss Universe 1973; Aurora Pijuan, Miss International 1970; Melanie Marquez, Miss International 1979; Ruffa Gutierrez, Miss World 2nd Princess 1993; Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe 1st Runner-up 1999; and Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2005.

Jaws drop at Bb. Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) parade

“The most beautiful batch of ladies” was how Paolo Bediones described this year’s roster of Binibining Pilipinas candidates.

Paolo, who’s hosting the annual pageant with Iza Calzado, sounded very sincere — and not just because his girlfriend is rejoining the contest.

Jaws dropped as the ladies paraded in their red printed peek-a-boo Mossimo swimwear at the Sunset Pavilion of Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City last week. Pageant veterans, show biz figures and audacious newcomers are among this year’s contestants.

Paolo’s girlfriend, Abegail Cruz, was second runner up in 2007 and a GMA 7 talent. She is joined by Bianca Paz, who is Polo Ravales’ current flame. Also in the roster is Carisheila Kuijpers, Joross Gamboa’s rumored sweetheart and Estee Lauder Model Search winner in Malaysia.

Other returning candidates are former semifinalists Marie-Ann Umali and Jaysel Arrozal and Miss Philippines-Earth semifinalist and Mutya ng Pilipinas runner up April Love Jordan.

The following local beauty title holders have gotten into the fray: reigning Miss Bicolandia Melody Gersbach; Mutya ning Kapampangan 2007 and former Bb. Pilipinas contestant Keann Mallari; Miss Oriental Mindoro 2007 Diana Arevalo; Miss Cebu 2006 Stephanie Señires; Miss Makati 2006 Marie Lorraine de Guzman; Miss Cebu runner-up Priscilla Mae Honorio; and Quezon City queen Gizelle Rivamonte.

The competition could be made tougher by Regina Hahn, Miss Universe runner-up Chiqui Brosas-Hahn’s daughter, and Bianca Manalo, Miss World finalist Katherine Manalo’s sister and niece of Nini Licaros, the first woman to be crowned Bb. Pilipinas-International.

To make the judges’ job even more difficult are former “Walang Tulugan” host Sandra Seifert, “Starstruck” contestant Rich Asuncion (who’s using her real name Richell Angalot) and Miss Teen Philippines runner-up Priscilla Navidad, the hearing-impaired teen housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition.”

Neophytes Barbara Salvador and Cheryl Oliveros, on the other hand, might stage upsets.

The pageant selects the country’s official representatives to the Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International beauty contests.

The outgoing queens are hopeful that this year’s batch will produce winners abroad. Although they have their own bets, they all agree that the contestants are all beautiful and intelligent.

Miss International semifinalist Patricia Fernandez sees at least three contenders who could be short-listed for her title. “I noticed that judges in the Miss International focus on the eyes. They also do not want heavy or muscular women. They prefer cute and charming ladies,” Patricia told the Inquirer.

Danielle Castaño, who replaced Janina San Miguel as the country’s Miss World bet, thinks of four contestants who could inherit her title. “Miss World judges look for someone athletic, who could attract attention right away. She must also be humble, nice and a good role model for the youth,” said Danielle.

Jennifer Barrientos finds two ladies who fit the Miss Universe standards. “In Miss Universe, most of the ladies have modeling backgrounds. But they are not super thin. They are super sexy with a lot of character. They also embody the country they represent,” Jennifer said.

The coronation night is on March 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. GMA 7 airs the event at 10 on the same night.

Countdown begins for Miss India beauty contest

Mumbai, Feb 28 (ANI): It is countdown time for the Miss India 2009 pageant in Mumbai.

Sixty-five dazzling contenders appeared at an event on Friday ahead of the contest, which is to be held on April this year. The sixteen finalists will be announced on March 9.

Some of the contestants were excited and enjoying the media attention.

‘It’s the most renowned and well known contest in the country. Just being a part of it, is amazing. I really hope that I am selected. I am really looking forward to the training,’ said Ridhima Shahni, a nineteen-year-old aspirant from Pune.

These contestants are to be put through an intensive training programme to ensure that the eventual winners fare exceptionally well at international pageants.

The finalists will undergo a month-long training under the supervision of experts and professionals.

Contestants are imparted training in catwalk, skin and hair care, make-up and grooming, diet and fitness, speech and diction, workshop on Indian heritage, culture, music and art.

‘I tell them one thing, keep and maintain your Indian values and Indian culture that at end of the day when you go abroad and integrate in the modernization, globalization, you will that is what will make you the winner,’ said Marc Robinson, a contestant director.

India first won a Miss World title in 1966 with the crowning of Reita Faria. Thereafter, it took another 28 years for an Indian woman to secure another world beauty title.

In 1994, Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe crown, while Aishwarya Rai secured the Miss World title. Both are now Bollywood actresses.

Ms. Mantucket Beauty Pageant March 9

The Rotary Club of Nantucket is delighted to invite the public to the sixth annual "Ms. Mantucket" pageant on Monday, March 9, 2009, 6 p.m. at the Faregrounds Restaurant, 27 Faregounds Road. Tickets are $50 per person and will be available at Faregrounds Restaurant beginning February 23 or from any Rotarian.

"Ms. Mantucket" is a fun, locally sponsored event featuring 12 goodnatured businessmen - willing to regale the crowd with their sense of humor and "inner-beauty." Originally started by the Nantucket Students for Guatemala - as a benefit for the Gods Child Project, a day school in Antigua, Guatemala - the Rotary Club of Nantucket assumed responsibility for this event in 2008 and was able to raise more than $20,000 for the Rotary student scholarships. For more information about Ms. Mantucket and The Rotary Club of Nantucket, visit us on-line at www. nantucketrotary.org.

This event would not be possible without the support and commitment of our sponsors and willing contestants: Ms. Pudley's Pub - Bill Puder; Ms. Nantucket Independent - Dan Drake; Ms. Beauty Bar - Jeff Beamish Jr.; Ms. Vaughan, Dale, Hunter, Stetina & Beaudette - Bob Bates; Ms. Suzanne's Hair Design - Tri Gauvin; Ms. Nantucket Vineyard - Kevin Mohler; Ms. Sperry Tents - Hartley Batchhelder; Ms. Brock Insurance - Tony DiSavino; Ms. St. Peter Construction - Tristram Marks; Ms. Jordan Real Estate - Frank Hanlon; Ms. Inquirer & Mirror - Norm Berthelette and Ms. Nantucket Bank - Mark Latter. I

Tough for VN to choose representatives for int’l pageants

VietNamNet Bridge – This year, it will be a hard job for Vietnam to choose contestants for international beauty contests like Miss Universe and Miss World as the new rules only allow one national beauty contest a year – the Mrs. Vietnam pageant.

According to the regulations on the organisation of beauty contests in Vietnam, dated December 30, 2008, as of 2009, Vietnam will have only one national beauty contest, one regional, sector level beauty contest. Provincial pageants are permitted to be held every two years.

In recent years, Vietnam has had three national beauty contests: Miss Vietnam, Miss Vietnam Global and Miss Universe Vietnam. According to the new regulations, these contests will not be organised in 2009 because Mrs. Vietnam 2009 was licenced to be the sole pageant.

The Chief of the Performance Art Agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Le Ngoc Cuong, said the Mrs. Vietnam 2009 pageant must be licenced this year because in 2008, the government approved the Mrs. World 2009 pageant in Vietnam. Vietnam needs to hold a national beauty contest to choose a representative for the Mrs. World 2009.

Moreover, the agency received applications for organising beauty contests 2009 last October and at that time, the agency didn’t receive any application except for the Mrs. Vietnam 2009, Cuong said.

“It is quite funny that each year Vietnam will have only one national beauty contest because each pageant has its own criteria. Mrs. Vietnam is for married contestants. It will be a loss for young girls if only Mrs. Vietnam 2009 is licenced next year,” said former Chief Editor of Tien Phong Newspaper, who has been the chief organiser of many national beauty contests, Duong Xuan Nam.

The vice chief of the Performance Art Agency, Nguyen Van Khanh, suggested that the Miss Vietnam Global, Miss Universe Vietnam, etc. should change their scale from national to regional or sectoral to get a licence.

However, Duong Xuan Nam, one of the founders of Miss Vietnam Global pageant, said it is impossible to lower the scale of Miss Vietnam Global because this contest is open to contestants from home and abroad.

Respecting the new rules, the Deputy General Director of the Universe Joint Stock Company, Chi Bao, stated that the firm would not organise Miss Vietnam Universe 2009. He also said that it is impossible to change the scale of the pageant because in that case, the winner of this contest will fail to meet conditions to attend the international Miss Universe pageant.

The new rules are said will cause difficulties for Vietnam in choosing representatives for international beauty contests this year. But Cuong said: “Vietnam doesn’t need to have too many beauty contests while its organising skills are unprofessional. Moreover, not all international pageants require national-level contestants.”

At the same time, Elite Vietnam stated it would stop buying the copyright to send Vietnamese representatives to Miss World and Miss Universe 2009.

Managing Director of Elite Vietnam, Thuy Nga, said: “This decision was considered in 2008 and Elite Vietnam wants to focus on modelling.”

However, she admitted that choosing contestants for Miss World and Miss Universe 2009 will be difficult.

VietNamNet/VNE/NLD

Angolan placed third in beauty pageant in Finland

Luanda, – Angolan contestant Sílvia Daiana Alfredo Neto was placed third in international beauty pageant “Queen of Hearts 2009”, recently held in Helsinki (Finland) and participated by representatives of nine countries. 

According to a press release from the Angolan Embassy in that country, delivered to ANGOP this Monday, in Luanda, Daiana Neto, took part in the event by dressing a typical outfit of an Angolan women of the ethnic “Mumuila” group, of the southern Huila province.

The note stresses that with her choreography (comprising glass beads and skirt manufactured out of Samakata fabric) illustrating Angola’s flag colours, which are red, yellow and black, Silvia Daiana Alfredo Neto delighted the public and convinced the jury through her physical and intellectual attributes.

According to the document, with this achievement, the Angolan representative, whose victory corresponds to the category of second Lady of Honour has received a proposal to become a model.

“Queen of Hearts” is an international beauty contest that also recognises woman‘s inner beauties with the purpose of highlighting values such as good manners, compassion and trustworthiness of women of different nationalities living in Finland.

Model hopes to win Miss Galaxy UK beauty pageant

A Norwich woman is raising money for charity after getting through to the national final of a beauty pageant.

Ann-Marie Woodyatt, 29, has been named Miss Norfolk Galaxy after she entered the competition organised by Galaxy Pageants UK. The blonde model and events organiser has only been modelling for three years, and has never entered a similar competition before.

She is organising a charity ball on April 7 at Dunston Hall to raise money for Sparks, the children's medical research charity. She is involved in producing a 2010 calendar to raise money for cancer research.

She said she never thought she would have any success in the first round of the competition, which was based on sending photographs to the organisers along with information about herself. She said: “To find out I had won and had been crowned Miss Norfolk is a really big deal for me. It is amazing.”

The Miss Galaxy UK final is in Manchester on March 29. If she wins, she will be flown out to Florida for a week in July to take part in the international Miss Galaxy competition.

Tickets for the charity ball are available through her website, www.missmarie.co.uk

Miss Atom 2009: Russia's Nuclear Bombshells

Female employees from Russia's nuclear energy industry are competing for the Miss Atom 2009 title this month. The event's sponsors hope the beauty pageant will help dispel the industry's negative image.

Imagine, if you will, a bikini clad beauty queen strutting out of lake, with giant cooling towers belonging to a nuclear power facility dominating the background. Odd perhaps? Not, apparently, in Russia. There, women working in the country's nuclear industry compete for the annual title of Miss Atom.

The beauty pageant, now in its sixth year, is generously financed and well established. There are no anti-nuclear protestors who show up to sling rotten tomatoes at the contestants. Instead, it seems that this bold strategy of fusing atomic energy and Russian bombshells is just another part of life -- or at least a marvelous ploy.

"We want to show the general public that the nuclear industry is an industry like any other," Ilya Platonov, who heads up Nuclear.Ru which runs the event, told ABC News. "Ordinary people work in it, including young, attractive women."

Platonov also admits that the pageant is also an image campaign aimed at dispelling the image of a dangerous and threatening nuclear power industry.

The range of contestants for "Miss Atom 2009" is vast. Many look quite ordinary, lacking the perfect features often associated with beauty contests. Several, though, are astonishingly beautiful. In profile photos, some sling themselves across cars and desks or strike sexy poses in front of machines and oceanscape backgrounds while others wear silly hats or simply sit at office desks.

In personal statements, the ladies divulge passions for activities such as dancing, growing cactuses, travel, and sports. Some, like Julia Leonova of Siberia, add a bit more flare: "I can be a tiger, who spreads fear with a flash of my teeth, or an eagle who flies free through the sky…I can play a hundred different roles -- but choose only those I like," she writes.

Svetlana, an engineering student who goes to modeling school and won last year's "Miss Elegance" title, seems to embody winning characteristics: Her interests included fitness, hairdos and world peace. "I wish the world wasn't full of so many negative things, but rather with peace, friends and love," she writes.

In this competition, a good dose of patriotic love for the Fatherland never hurts either. One contestant sent in a photo of herself enthusiastically waving a Russian flag. Another contestant, 25-year-old Kristina Pogosjan, stated, "I don't need to go to modeling school. After all, I work for 'Atomtrudresurcy.'"

Pageant sponsors include the Atomenergoprom corporation, which was founded two years ago and has close ties with Rosatom, an agency that controls both the civilian and military branches of the industry -- and thus practically all Russia's nuclear material.

Rosatom recently announced plans to build 40 new nuclear reactors at a cost of $60 billion. With these plans, Russia will raise the share of atomic energy in its mix from 17 percent to 25 percent. The country already has 31 active reactors. The future of atomic energy in Russia seems secure.

Vietnam may not join Miss World, Miss Universe 2009

VietNamNet Bridge – Elite Vietnam has refused to repurchase the copyright to send Vietnamese candidates to the Miss World, Miss Universe 2009 pageants. This means that Vietnam may miss the two big beauty contests this year.

Elite Vietnam Managing Director Thuy Nga said the firm’s withdrawal was planned in 2008, and is not because it is afraid of the new strict rules issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on beauty contests.

Under the new rules, there will be only one national beauty contest, Mrs. Vietnam 2009. Other contests will be local-level events. Contestants at Miss World and Miss Universe must be winners of national contests.

“If we want, we can choose beauties from previous years. But this is not a good method. It’s time to solve the problem at its roots,” she said.

Miss Vietnam Global 2007 Ngo Phuong Lan, who refused twice to take part in the Miss World pageant, said that if she was invited to attend an international beauty contest in 2009, she would have to refuse because she is busy with a new job and new life in Vietnam.

The first runner-up of the Miss Universe Vietnam 2008, Hoang Yen, said she was willing to represent Vietnam at any international beauty contest.

Win! Win! Tickets to Miss India Worldwide pageant

More than 26 beauties, including Miss India SA Kasrivia Nagesar, are set to compete for the prestigious Miss India Worldwide crown in Durban this week.

The Sunday Times Extra is giving five lucky couples an opportunity to attend the Miss India Worldwide pageant and gala dinner at Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World on Valentine’s Day, February 14. To win a set of tickets, answer the following question: “Who is the SA entrant for the Miss India Worldwide pageant?”

E-mail your answer, with the subject line “Miss India Worldwide”, to kznextra@sundaytimes.co.za by no later than 12pm on Tuesday February 10.

Miss Alabama USA learned confidence in pageants

No matter the outcome, Rachel Philippona knows exactly what she wants to eat the day after the Miss USA pageant.

She’s been craving a big cheeseburger with some French fries. And after going down a list of possible desserts, sundae, cheesecake, hot apple pie, she settled on a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream.

“I would be in heaven,” Philippona said.

It was a lighthearted moment for the 19-year-old, the current Miss Alabama USA. These days, the Dothan resident is practically living at the gym, making healthy food choices and working with an interview coach to prepare for the April 19 Miss USA pageant. Philippona leaves Dothan on April 3 for Las Vegas where she will represent Alabama in the pageant.

The winner of Miss USA goes on to compete in Miss Universe.

Never big on pageants as a young girl, Philippona enjoyed being on stage in high school theater and choral productions. But she said she was still shy when it came to people. She entered her first pageant at 16, winning the 2006 Miss Dothan title. She won the essay, interview and evening gown awards. Philippona went on to win first place in the National Peanut Festival pageant. She was later crowned Miss Alabama Forestry.

The experience gave Philippona a confidence she still carries.

She and her mom, Elisa Philippona, spoke of Rachel trying for Miss USA. With her family’s encouragement, Philippona set her sights on the Miss Alabama USA title, even choosing to go to college at Troy University’s Dothan campus to stay close to home after graduating from Northview High School in 2007.

But life took a tragic turn a year ago. Elisa Philippona died suddenly on Jan. 16, 2008, at the age of 41.

“Pageants were always our way to bond,” Rachel Philippona said. “ ... That was our girly thing.”

Philippona went on with her preparations as she thought her mother would want. She said she learned a lot and grew a lot in those months before the November Miss Alabama USA pageant in Birmingham. Philippona said she knows her mother would have been proud of her.

“It was very bittersweet,” Philippona said of winning the crown. “She was the first person I thought of ... She had a very distinct cheer. I could always tell where she was in the crowd.”

But she wasn’t without support. A local committee organized to help Philippona get to the state and national pageants, and many of the members are people who are friends with her or or had known her mother. Committee member Mary Carnes was in Birmingham when Philippona won her Miss Alabama USA crown.

“It was magical ...,” Carnes said during a recent congratulations party held for Philippona. “We knew from the minute she walked on stage that she was going to win.”

While the Miss Alabama USA system designates breast cancer awareness as the pageant’s platform, Philippona said a personal crusade should she win the Miss USA title will be Special Olympics. She worked as a special education aide in high school and volunteered for local Special Olympic games.

“They teach me more than I could ever give back to them,” Philippona said.

Philippona will turn 20 on April 6 while she’s in Las Vegas competing for Miss USA. She hopes she’s a positive role model for girls and other young women. And even if she doesn’t win the crown, she knows she will have given it her all.

“Confidence is a huge thing,” she said. “Nobody’s perfect ... I’ve really learned you never know what’s possible.”

————————————
Who is Rachel Philippona?

2009 Miss Alabama USA

• Age: 19
• Born: Dothan
• Family: Father, Reinier Philippona; mother, the late Elisa Philippona; brother, 16-year-old Alex. Her family heritage is Greek.
• Education: Graduated Northview High School in 2007; Attends Troy University Dothan; Studying biology.
• Career goals: She hopes to get a master’s degree in speech pathology and work with children.
• Hobbies: Travel and cooking.

Local teen represents York Region in Canada beauty contest

Amanda Calaminici wants you to know she's more than just a pretty face.

True, the Richmond Hill teen is a beauty contest winner, and she has the kind of smile that lights up a room.

But Miss Calaminici says she, and the 15 other winners of Miss Teen Canada-World Ontario Pageant, have much more to offer than just good looks.

"Sure there's a glamourous side to it," she says of her recent crowning as Miss Teen Canada - York Region. "But there's more to it than that. All the girls are honour students, or university students, and they're talented in so many aspects."

Winning a berth amongst this talented group was a shock, the 17-year-old says. On Dec. 7, when her name was called from among 41 other teens from across Ontario, "I just froze. As much as you want to win, you really don't expect it ... I never thought that I'd get this far."

Her friends are equally excited.

"They all think it's as big as Miss America. It's not; it's a small show, really. But they're all so supportive of me."

This is just the second year for the fledgling Canadian show. The provincial competition, a Winter Carnival-themed pageant showcasing the achievements and beauty of Ontario teens aged 13 to 19, was held at the St. Lawrence Centre for Performing Arts in Toronto.

Contestants were judged in swimwear, evening gown and personal interview competitions, and performed a choreographed dance routine.

The top 16 finalists, who hail from a variety of locales including Peel, Durham and Niagara, along with York Region's Miss Calaminici, move on to represent their regions of Ontario at the Miss Teen Canada-World National Pageant this summer.

"The girls are all so nice. It's rare that you'd get 42 sweet girls all in a room together, but they were all really nice."

The contest is new to Canada, she says.

"Pageants are much bigger in the states, for some reason. They're much smaller here. And in the U.S. they ask more political questions. We just don't do that here."

The provincial contest involved a whirlwind of workshops teaching the girls how to make speeches, give interviews and walk on stage. As well, Miss Calaminici said, "everyone went to the tanning salon and had their nails done, and we had to learn the choreography."

The choreography was the easy part, she says, given that she's been involved in dance since she was three years old. "Although it was a little awkward, getting up on stage in a bathing suit," she laughs.

For Miss Calaminici, the most nerve-wracking part of the competition involved preparing for the personal interviews by judges - answering questions about time management and parental support. "They're not trying to stump you, but sometimes you freeze up."

The judges were looking for well-spoken, intelligent and friendly personalities, she said.

Her first duty, as Miss Teen Canada - York Region, was to take part in the opening ceremonies this weekend at Richmond Hill's Winter Carnival.

Miss Calaminici is a Grade 12 Arts York student, studying dance at Unionville High School. She works part time coaching gymnastics at the Academy of Sport and Fitness, is a member of the Ovation Performing Arts Academy in Richmond Hill, and was a competitive dancer for seven years at Dansecore in Richmond Hill.

"I always loved watching pageants."

She remembers enjoying the contestants' display of talents "and they were all so beautiful, and especially with Miss America, they were intelligent women too. These aren't just models. They're really talented and have intelligence."

Miss Calaminici is looking forward to the Canada-wide pageant set for July, when she will spend a week touring with the 50 contestants, and will compete for prizes in the talent segment. She is preparing a pointe solo called 'Sleeping Beauty'. Cash and prices totaling $25,000 will be awarded.

The winner will represent Canada at the largest international teen pageant - Miss Teen World.

The national contest doesn't come cheap. It will cost Miss Calaminici $2,000 to enter. She has been in contact with the Town of Richmond Hill and various local services she frequents - tanning and hair salons, manicurists and dentist - hoping to find sponsorship.

"It's not a charity, so it's difficult, especially in a recession. But anything would help."

Her long-term plans include university, and possibly more beauty pageants.

Will it help her in her career? She laughs.

"Well, it won't help me get a job, but maybe it will help me in interviews, and getting self confidence being on stage, and learning how to dress properly and speak properly.

"I guess it's a chance to see what I can do in my community, to get involved."

Anyone inquiring about sponsoring her should contact mcalaminici@live.ca. Those who wish to can vote for the People's Choice Award at www.missteencanadaworld.com.

Entry open to Miss Jamaica Universe 2009

Entry is now open to the Miss Jamaica Universe Beauty Pageant 2009. Young Jamaican women between 18 and 26 years of age are invited to apply if they have beauty of face and body, a keen awareness of the world around them and the grace and confidence to represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe Pageant. Contestants should never have been married, or had children.
April Jackson

For this, the first competition since last year's groundbreaking event, which saw April Jackson emerge the winner from 25 finalists, all the stops are being pulled to ensure that the high standard of 2008 is maintained or even surpassed. Last year's coronation show attracted more than 5,000 patrons at a sold out event, which saw new age R&B superstar Keyshia Cole perform in Jamaica for the first time ever.

Jackson won over $1 million in cash as well as a brand new BMW motor car. Clearly the 2008 event realised its target of a world-class production, thus ensuring that the local event mirrored the international pageant's pre-eminence in the world of beauty contests.

This year's planned prize package is likely to be similar to last year's, even if not exactly the same as the event's organisers seek to attract Jamaica's best talent. A show-stopping entertainment package is also in the works and more details in this regard will be announced in the coming weeks.

Now in its 57th year, the Miss Universe competition provides the opportunities for women to be personally enriched through the organisation's year-round support of all aspects of their lives, from their own personal career goals to social and humanitarian causes and work. Interested applicants to the Miss Jamaica Universe pageant 2009 should enter online at www.missjamaica universe2009.com.

Uganda: Miss India Pageant Comes to Kampala

Kampala — THE most beautiful Indian woman could be anywhere in the world. That is why the organisers of the Miss India Worldwide Pageant are looking everywhere.

The Indo-Asian community of Uganda, for the first time, will host the Miss India-Uganda 2009 pageant, under the theme: Miss India-Uganda, beauty and brains. The Warid Telecom-sponsored pageant will take place tomorrow at the Golf Course Hotel.

The winner will represent Uganda at the glamorous Miss India Worldwide pageant on February 14 in Durban, South Africa.

The Uganda event, organised by the Indian Women's Association, has attracted seven finalists.

Usha Rajesh Nair, of Impresario events, the event managers, says all contestants are girls of Indian origin and residents of Uganda.

The reigning Miss India Worldwide, Farisha, is expected in Kampala to crown the winner.

2009 Miss Taiwan Beauty Contest to be launched in April

Taipei,(CNA) - The first round of competition in the 2009 Miss Taiwan Beauty Contest will be launched in April, organizers said Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Taipei, Lina Pan, president of the Republic of China Beauty Consultation and Development Association, said the first round of competition is scheduled to be held at the beginning of April, while finals will take place in July at the Grand Hotel in Taipei.

"We will select suitable candidates during the preliminary stage of the contest from the northern, central and southern areas of the country," said Pan.

Aspiring contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, taller than 160 cm, unmarried, must never have given birth, and must have high-school education or higher, Pan said.

The organizing committee will accept registrations for the contest until March 15, she said.

"In the Miss Taiwan Beauty Contest, which is held once every two years, we are very particular about the transparency of the judging process," said Pan. The organizing committee has always done its best to make sure that the judges' decisions are fair and objective, she added.

Pan said that in light of the tight economic situation, the organizing committee has lowered the registration fee for the beauty contest from the usual NT$3,000 (US$90) to NT$1,000.

According to Pan, in a new segment that has been added to this year's competition, the contestants will be required to wear a costume that represents their own heritage.

"The costumes can range from traditional Chinese dresses to indigenous outfits," said Pan, adding that the new category was designed to promote Taiwan's rich and diverse culture.

According to the event's organizers, the winner of this year's Miss Taiwan Beauty Contest will receive a prize of NT$300,000 (US$8,892) and will have a chance to participate in local and international charity and cultural exchange events.

 

- by Luis Yu