Vietnam can’t lose with Miss Universe 2008

Dr. Doan Thi Kim Hong and Paula Mary Shugart, Chairwoman of the Organising Board of the Miss Universe pageant contest

VietNamNet Bridge – The government has approved Vietnam as the host of the Miss Universe pageant 2008. With $15 million in funding needed, where will the money come from? Dr. Doan Thi Kim Hong, Chairman of the CIAT Advertising and Trade Fair JS Company, which is one of three organising partners of the Universe JS Company, outlines some details.

The government has approved organisation but has it agreed to financially support the event?

According to our plan, which was approved by the government, the funding will be raised by the member companies. However, we can only organise this event with the approval of the Government and under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other relevant agencies.

Miss Universe 2005 in Thailand was half financed ($7 million) by the Thais Government and the rest by organisers but it still incurred a loss of over $1 million despite available infrastructure. Have you and your partners considered the financial burden of this contest, as we have to build all new facilities?

Our funding was raised by the three member companies of the Universe JS Company, the CIAT Advertising and Trade Fair JS Company, VIET CEO, and Hoan Cau Nha Trang. We have arranged the $7 million necessary for the contract between us and the Miss Universe organising board.

After signing, we will set up our own board that will raise funds through sponsorships and investments from both local and foreign companies.

It is estimated that the pageant will draw over 500 businessmen wanting learn about Vietnam’s business and trade environment. Despite possible difficulties and losses, this event will focus international attention on our country and should heighten Vietnam’s global status. That alone meets our definition of success.

As both businessman in and citizens of Vietnam, we are proud of doing our part to market Vietnam’s image to the world.

Do you think that local and foreign companies will invest in this event?

The Universe Company is prestigious and its members have substantial experience in acquiring valuable sponsorship. CIAT has 20 years of experience organising events. We have held many international festivals in Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Dak Lak so we have diverse and strong relationships with local and foreign companies.

I hope that businesses will see it this as a wonderful opportunity to advertise their brands, not only at home but also to the rest of the world.

What worries you the most about your upcoming October negotiation?

How to meet the deadlines, but with the support of the Government, I feel assured. Moreover, the Miss Universe board expects Vietnam to host the pageant; all that is left are the details.

Sources: Gia Dinh & Xa Hoi) and Vietnam Net Bridge

Miss Earth: “I’ll return to this beautiful country”

VietNamNet Bridge – “I hope next time the Miss Earth pageant contest will be held in HCM City of Vietnam,” said Miss Earth 2006 Hil Hernandez Escobar.

Before coming to Vietnam, what did you imagine about our country?

Miss Earth 2006 Hil Hernandez Escobar: I learnt some knowledge about Asia, typical areas of Asia, including Vietnam while I was at school. My knowledge about Vietnam is not much but before visiting your country, I learnt some information about your country through Miss Water Catherine and on the Internet. I know that Vietnam has many attractive tourist sites. I have had interesting days in HCM City. The friendliness of people here is wonderful.

Before coming here, I heard that a big bridge in your country collapsed, killing and injuring many people. That’s very sad. We have sought more information from our guide and we participated in a fund-raising activity at the tourism exhibition to help the victims.

How is your feeling about HCM City after two days?

Miss Earth-Water 2006 Catherine Untalan: HCM City has so many motorbikes, which surely impacts the environment. But I know that your city has solutions to deal with this current traffic situation, for example building new roads. I think it will contribute to changing your living environment for the better in the future.

Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: HCM City is a peaceful, safe and friendly city. Today we went shopping. Though it was short it was very interesting. On the way, the thing that surprised me was that your city has so many motorbikes, which is very different from our country, which only has cars.

I also know that your country is campaigning for the selection of Ha Long Bay as a world natural wonder.

Will you vote for our Ha Long Bay? During your trips to other countries will you campaign for the local people to vote for Ha Long Bay?

Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: Sure (in Vietnamese language), I’ll surely do it.

You said that you will return to Vietnam. When will you return and what will you do to help Vietnam in environmental protection in the role of ambassadors of goodwill for the environment?

Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: I’ll return to this beautiful country but I’ll come back alone, not with any organiser. I’ve asked myself why I have not done much campaigning about environmental protection. But now I am thinking of the task that I can do immediately: organising operations to advertise tourism of Vietnam and Chile. However, my ability is limited so I need the help of everybody here.

Miss Earth Singapore Nicole Chen: Next time in Vietnam I will launch a movement to protect the health of passers-by. Motorbike drivers in Vietnam need special gauze masks to prevent dust from going into their lungs.

Miss Earth-Water 2006 Catherine Untalan: I think we should diminish the use of plastic-made products because this material is difficult to recycle. For example, if you drink water in bottle like this, we should not use straws. Or when we go shopping, we should not use plastic bags.

What places in Vietnam will you go next time? Will you visit Ha Long Bay?

Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar: Next time if I have more time, I will spend the whole time visiting your country.

Miss Earth Singapore Nicole Chen: It takes just one hour to fly from Singapore to HCM City so if I can, I will come here every month.

A question for Miss Earth Hil Hernandez Escobar. Apart from beauty, what makes you feel self confident and what points of yourself are you not satisfied with?

I’ve gone to many countries and learnt about them but I think I still lack knowledge. Nobody is perfect.

On this occasion, I would like to talk about the Miss Earth pageant contest that I won last year. The last Miss Earth attracted contestants from 90 countries.

I hope next time, Miss Earth will be held in HCM City of Vietnam. That would be a way for us to express our interests in this beautiful country. The workload is huge with contestants coming from dozens of countries and their assistants. But if you try, you can do it.

Source: Vietnam News Bridge

Vietnamese woman stands tall at Asian beauty contest

Tall Vietnamese beauty Tran Thi Huong Giang is becoming a stand-out among the 30-plus contestants gathered in Hong Kong for the 2007 Miss Asia pageant, which wraps up Oct. 28.
The 20-year-old, who is a media studies student at Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Social Sciences and Humanities and at 1.8 meter tall, is the second tallest competitor after Miss Uzbekistan.

From Hong Kong she spoke with Thanh Nien.

Thanh Nien: How have you got on with the other girls since coming here a week ago?

Huong Giang: I would say that the contestants are not only beautiful but also really friendly. Japan’s Mikako, 16, has a good sense of humor, while Canada’s 25-year-old Jessica amazes me since she can speak some Vietnamese. I like chatting and I am easy going enough to get along well with everyone here.

Thanh Nien: Jealousy among contestants is common in most beauty contests. Is it happening here too?

Huong Giang: So far, I am sure there hasn’t been any here. The organizers are professional and fair.

Thanh Nien: Does your height give you more confidence and increase your chances of winning?

Huong Giang: It might be an advantage. Besides, I feel confident because of my intellect and dynamism. My friends here are beautiful and there are only a few prizes. Therefore, winning will depend on several factors.

Reported by Da Ly - Translated by Luu Hong

Source: Thanhnien News

"African Models Have What It take To Be At The Top"

Rosemary Chileshe is Zambia-born international model living and working in the United Kingdom. A highly sought-after international model whose face adorns several products ‘marketing efforts. As one of the faces of Sleek cosmetics her image has been used worldwide and she successfully led Sleek Campaign in Ghana for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Rosemary is spokesperson for many brands.

She won the 2003 Miss Zambia UK beauty pageant. She represented Zambia at the Miss World Beauty Pageant 2004 hosted in China. Rosemary; she was this year’s Zambian envoy to Miss Universe 2007 Beauty Pageant, held in Mexico City, 28th May 2007. She’s been actively involved in charitable work as well as promoting the image of her mother country - Zambia. Outside her modeling commitments, she continues to utilize her influence as a goodwill ambassador with a solid foundation to help the fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty worldwide, with particular attention to Zambia. In July, 2007-Rosemary, Carl Ellis - a fashion designer and Miss Universe Zambia Team visited Orphanages - Kalingalinga (Lusaka). She also addressed an international audience at a Commonwealth Forum to commemorate World Aids Day 2006.

The story of this young Zambia star actually started as a beauty queen. Since she hit the catwalk in the UK in early 2000 it didn’t take long that she got signed on. After winning Miss Zambia UK 2003, Rosemary became a hot cake sought after by many agencies and designers alike, increasing the numbers shows in London, Manchester and around the UK that she was invited to.

Rosemary is a Commercial Property Surveyor. She’s the epitome of commitment, hard work and beauty. Our correspondent, Gbenga Teejay Okunlola, caught up with her recently. Find below interview he has for you.

TV: Tell our readers briefly about your family and educational backgrounds.

ROSEMARY: The other side of my profession is Property Surveying. I come from a family of Doctors, Engineers, Teachers, Accountants and those pursuing careers in law.

TV: It’s been a few years since you were crowned Miss Zambia UK. Would you say that was a turning point in your life?

ROSEMARY: No, winning Miss Zambia UK in 2003 was a progression to the next chapter. I had been actively involved in modeling prior to then. I was assigned to a Modeling Agency in Manchester that is where everything began; I was introduced to the industry, both its negatives and positives.

TV: Have you changed much since being crowned? If you have, in what ways? Do you enjoy being different? Is it ever an issue that you’re so much more elegantly dressed than your peers?

ROSEMARY: I am still the same Rosemary I have always been; of course with time, you pick up new interests; hence you evolve in your conduct. If anything I have probably changed the meaning of a Crown than the “crowning” changing me, I always say “it is not the crown that makes a person, it is the person wearing it who gives it meaning”. Being different on the other hand is a common factor to everyone; we are all designed in a unique format to everyone; so I definitely do enjoy being me, no one else out there can carry out a task, manage a project etc. the way in which I would; we have different thought processes.

In terms of being more elegantly dressed than my peers: dressing is a personal thing, at the end of the day, you wear what you feel comfortable in; and as a result, you look admirable to everyone else; you can not say “I am more elegant than the next party”, it’s a matter of opinion.
TV : How did you become a professional model? What are your dreams and expectations in modeling profession?

ROSEMARY: Modeling takes a lot of time and discipline. I was initially assigned to a Modeling Agency in Manchester where I was trained and groomed in the basic requirement. I then moved on to do various types of work in beauty pageantry as well as fashion shows. I always make it a point to learn something new from any projects I get involved in. My dreams are not only for me to be a well sought after Model / Ambassador worldwide but to encourage everyone else to follow their dreams, we have all got talents given to us, we just need to take time to realize them and act upon them. My expectations are not of the industry but of myself; you should never expect to get more out of something than you are prepared to put in!

TV : At one time or another, almost every young person dreams of becoming a famous model or actor. What advice would you like to give others who would like to pursue the same line of career as you?

ROSEMARY: It’s interesting you are asking me this; I am actually in the process of holding seminars to encourage young girls in the Yorkshire and Humberside areas, from 8 - 16 on the same issues. I would say it is fundamental to follow your dreams, no matter what you desire to do, I would urge for the basic areas to be covered in Education. Get your education covered, take time to analyze what you want to do and follow it through. Nothing will come easy, you need to exercise patience and allow room for disappointments; it’s through all of these that you will rise up. Once you have your educational background covered, you will always have that to come back to once your dream has reached its expiry lifespan or you realize modeling or if being an actor was not a desired route for you any longer.

TV : What’s the most fascinating experience you have had so far in your career?

ROSEMARY: I have had quite a few. I have to say, I am a very blessed young lady! Every experience encountered has been memorable. Miss World contest offered me opportunity to meet amazing people during the contest; it was not only sharing a stage with Lionel Richie, but also meeting him and sharing a conversation with him! At Miss Universe, it was meeting Mr Donald Trump and again, amazing girls with inspiring ambitions. In my charity work, I have met many humbled people both young and old, it is amazing how many dreams and desires everyone has and the determination they have in making them all a reality is overwhelming.

TV : Many young aspiring models lack self-confidence to build a healthy self-esteem, would you say training is the key ingredient to success? What do you think are the qualities to becoming an established model?

ROSEMARY: There are many aspiring models who lack self-confidence; I know this from my own observation of the industry and from girls writing to me via my website
(www.rosemarychileshe.com).For most of them, lack of self confidence is as a result of lack of support or not knowing where to go for help; for some it is simply being overwhelmed by the amount of personal time and effort they have to invest. Training is important but not necessary a key ingredient because every task calls for a different skill, you need to be adaptable to change and be willing to be taught. The qualities, in my view, of becoming an established Model range from self management, being disciplined and persistent. If you set your goals early on, you will know what paths to follow and when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to various assignments. Some girls are set on being Models but have no real idea what that means for them; so they get caught up in saying “yes, yes” to everything, they lose their path and become history after a short while in the limelight.

TV : What do you think of African models in comparison to their western counterparts?
ROSEMARY: I believe African Models have what it takes to be at the top. They should not even give room to the thought that since they are Africans, they cannot be as good or as successful. In this industry, however, it a bit unfortunate we have to work twice as much to get to the same level as other counterparts; but that is okay, it means we get so experienced, we almost become a threat!

TV : Overall, despite difficulties in getting sponsorship and adequate support from their governments, many African models still thrive on the world stage due to their courage, tenacity, perseverance and sheer hard work. So, could they make ideal ambassadors for their nations? Could they be suitable role models for African youth?

ROSEMARY: Yes, they would definitely make ideal ambassadors. This all gets down to the person as an individual. The fact that they choose to carry on for the love of what they believe in, whether there is support or not, as apposed to doing something because it looks good, basically for show, warrant them that role.

TV : Tell me what the negative and positive sides in this industry are.

ROSEMARY: Well, I guess like in every industry there is always negative and positive sides. In the modeling industry, I feel the negative is that discrimination is still actively there for minorities. You could be 100% better than the person next to you; however a bigger chunk of your selection process also lies heavily on your ethnic background. The positive sides in my view are the opportunities you get; you are more able to be a spokesperson for your peers, you get a platform to reach out to so many people.

TV : You are Co-founder of the charity organization-R.O.C Foundation, tell me more about it and your partnership with Carl Ellis?

ROSEMARY: I have always been a dedicated charity worker. HIV/AIDS Awareness is an area I feel more of us need to step up and do our bit in educating one another. Carl Ellis is a fellow Zambian, experienced in fashion design and an accountant by profession. We teamed up initially to work on his Mother Africa Fashion Label, where I am currently the face of the label, which is getting a lot of press attention worldwide, especially as it is debuting at South Africa Fashion Week from late August to early September. In getting to know one another, we realized we shared the same passion for our motherland and we both desperately wanted to do something to raise HIV/AIDS Awareness. We decided to set up the ROC Foundation -www.therocfoundation.com with an aim of raising the HIV/AIDS Awareness worldwide and alleviating poverty. Our recent trip back to Zambia was purely focused on finding an existing charity, orphanage etc in Lusaka, one in greater need of financial support so that for 1 year, through the ROC Foundation, we can raise funds and feed it back to that charity or orphanage.

TV : You’ve been involved with some social responsibility and remarkable projects. Are other African celebrities like you in the Diaspora doing positive things for the motherland?

ROSEMARY: I believe so, there are so many people doing remarkable work for charity but they are not “documented” or captured in the public eyes. I admire such traits in people; they do the work and offer their assistance because they simply want to help, they are not seeking credit, it’s the best way to be I believe…. because God sees all that is done.

TV : Has your parents been supportive? Were they proud of you when you became a professional model?
ROSEMARY: Yes, very much! my whole family have always been supportive and encouraging …..

TV : What subjects interested you most as a schoolgirl?

ROSEMARY: Mathematics, English and Business Management. Were my favorites’ because I believed it would offer me a wider choice in specialist routes; as a result, my degree at university was Business Property Management, I now work in a Property Surveying company

TV : There’s widespread corruption amongst African Leaders, Does the thought of entering the political arena ever flash across your mind? Do you feel a strong personal commitment to change in Africa?

ROSEMARY: No, politics is not for me. There are people born for the job, I am not one of them. I do however have a personal desire to change a lot of areas in Africa ;only where my expertise are called for, you can only do so much as an individual.

TV : Models have become extremely powerful as role models, and often something as simple as a change in skirt length can be interpreted as having political significance. What’s your take on that?

ROSEMARY: There are different image you need to portray in various scenarios. If you want to be taken seriously in a business meeting for example, it makes sense to be dressed appropriately, be it, in a suit or a long skirt etc. The bottom line is that you need to “dress the part“; clothes are powerful in their own rights, they could either break you or make you!

TV : Do you have any plans in the pipeline for a fashion label targeting the Africans?

ROSEMARY: Definitely, no definite dates have been penciled for that yet; however plans have been discussed on the subject matter. Currently you could say I am learning the robes whilst fronting the Mother Africa Fashion Label.

TV : How would you describe Beauty and Elegance?

ROSEMARY: Very typical, however it is in the eyes of the beholder! Everyone is beautiful in their own rights, Elegance is a personal trait.

TV : Lack of African/Black Models on Runway. Is this reflective of the industry?

ROSEMARY: Sadly, yes, the Industry calls for patience and persistence; I believe things will change, though slowly but surely.

TV : When you get to a certain point in your career would you become very vocal about the need for more black models in fashion shows and on magazine covers?

ROSEMARY: Most definitely, I am pushing myself to get there first as I believe this is the best way to voice the concern and to show that it can be done. A lot of the times, it is best to have actions than words.

TV : Other than being home of the Victoria Falls and many other magnificent waterfalls, spectacular wildlife, superb safaris, great adventures, rich culture and friendly people, what makes Zambia different from other African nations?

ROSEMARY: Its vast potential for growth, flare of talents, creativity and innovation of its people in trades and textiles.

TV : Tell us things we don’t know about you. And what’s your Christian life like?

ROSEMARY: I am a well rounded person. Monday to Friday, I work 9-5:30 as a Property Surveyor currently dealing lettings, acquisitions and disposals of Industrial Units. My weekends are mostly consumed with travel in respect of my fashion and charity work. I worship with New Apostolic and very active in my work on Sundays, I am in church where I sing soprano in the choir and assist with the Sunday School children from the ages of 10+.

TV : How do you think you managed to break through in modeling and achieve not just success, but early success?

ROSEMARY:I believe my achievements have been through taking time to realize what my aspirations are and being focused enough to be able to turn down certain assignments because they do not fit my desired work ethics.

TV : Miss Universe 2007, (the 56th Miss Universe pageant) was won by Riyo Mori of Japan. As Zuleyka Rivera was crowning Riyo Mori with the official Mikimoto crown, it slipped from her grasp and nearly fell to the floor. Mori was able to catch the crown. What were you thinking in that split moment?

ROSEMARY: “Ooops”, no, I was just so happy for her, with many people on the stage, I did not even see the crown slipping until afterwards in photos etc. I was busy cheering on in the background, the whole experience was overwhelming, the moment of the crowning was a mixture of excitement and being relieved it was all over and I would be going home soon. We were there for a whole month of hard work; it was great whilst it lasted.

TV : Where would you like to see the Rosemary Chileshe in ten years’ time?

ROSEMARY: Rosemary Chileshe is a brand, so you will be seeing her face on billboards, on international runways and fronting cosmetic brands etc..Her name will also be linked to a number of charity activities through her charity - the ROC Foundation. I am also a motivational speaker….. my aim is to move into that arena and encourage the youth to be the leaders that they are for our future generations!

TV : What’s your normal day like?

ROSEMARY: Consumed with hard work from early mornings till late evening and where time permits, spending quality time with loved ones, friends etc.

TV : Are you into any relationship? Is there a Mr. Right at the moment?
ROSEMARY: Yes I am and I believe God has blessed me with a wonderful partner in life.

TV : How do you brace yourself up for some unwelcome opposite sex attention?
ROSEMARY: I never tolerate it, I am very upfront and always make it clear from the beginning that I am all about the business at hand.

TV : Who is your role model and why?

ROSEMARY: First and foremost, our heavenly Father, only through him is everything possible; my family as a whole because they are supportive and always encourage me to follow my dreams and finally but not least, my friends, through their achievements and dreams, am also inspired to move forward.

TV : What’s your definition of a ‘classy woman’?
ROSEMARY: Confident; one with self respect; being able to laugh at her own misfortunes; taking responsibility for her own mistakes etc being mysterious and business minded.

TV : When people ask what you do for a living, how do you describe your occupation?
ROSEMARY: I tell them, “I do everything from Property, Fashion to Charity work”. In more straightforward terms, I am a Property Surveyor by 9 - 5:30 profession and on my other side; I am an established Fashion Model and a dedicated Charity worker.

TV : Can you talk about what those benefits were that you saw in the early stages of your modeling career?

ROSEMARY: Having a platform to stand on and be heard.

TV : What else would you like to add?

ROSEMARY: Through my charity work, I was awarded GAB (Gathering of Africa’s Best) Award in 2006. You can visit my website and view all of my past work and future assignments on: www.rosemarychileshe.com; also you can read about my charity- the ROC Foundation - www.therocfoundation.com

Source/Credits: Gbenga Teejay Okunlola and Modern Ghana

Yendi Phillips - A PURPOSED-FILLED BEAUTY

By Garfene Grandison & Janelle Nelson

Photos: Joseph Wellington

The newly crowned Miss Jamaica World, Yendi Phillips is no doubt full of joy, beauty and confidence. Despite the stigma that is attached to beauty queens, Yendi proves to be a truly genuine individual in her own right, or as the Jamaican people call her, a true "artical" queen. Just a month after beng crowned Miss Jamaica World 2007, Yendi is still feeling blessed and says her father is even more elated than she is over her winning the Miss Jamaica World pageant.

Yendi spoke to us here at TEENage about her upcoming trip to Sanya, China on November 1st, in preparation for the last day of competition on December 1st. Here's what this "beauty with a purpose" had to say:

TEENage (TA): Why did you decide to enter the Miss Jamaica World Pageant?
Yendi Phillips (YP): Not because I thought it's based on being the most beautiful. There are a lot of things I envision for Jamaica, and the Miss Jamaica World competition was a platform from which to work.

TA: What are some of the challenges you faced during the pageant?
YP: Definitely not becoming disheartened, being able to stay focused. More than anything, to continue to grow through the entire process, both socially and psychologically. Apart from that, the grooming and speech lessons were a great challenge.

TA: Were there any embarrassing moments during the competition?
YP: (Laughs). I got a wedgy in front of the three judges. but I quickly pulled it out then laughed it off.

TA: What are you doing now in preparation for the Miss World competition?
YP: I'm in the gym all day, every day (21/2 hours in the morning and an hour in the evening). It might be hard to believe, but I'm a ruffian, so I do speech and grooming lessons daily.

TA: Have you learnt any Chinese in preparation for the competition?
YP: Yes, I learned how to say thank you: 'Xiexie' and hello: 'Ni hao'. However, I will be starting Chinese lessons soon so that I might be a bit more fluent in the language.

TA: What is your daily diet like?
YP: Take notes, 'cause the Jamaican people mus' sorry fi mi (laughs). I need to have six small meals a day to keep my metabolism high. So, meal 1: breakfast, half a cup of old-fashioned oatmeal, sweetened with a half of banana, no salt, no sugar, no milk. Three hours later: meal 2. A cup of some form of fish - normally tuna or sardine, fibrous and starchy vegetables - usually sweet potato and maybe lettuce and tomato and a piece of corn. Three hours after that, I repeat the same meal. Meal four: a protein shake. Meal five: proteins and vegetable; no starchy carbs. Meal six: five egg whites. I am not allowed to consume any salt, sugar, juice of any kind or pastry, (laughing). You know how long I want a cheese patty. So Jamaica, don't feel it's an extremely glamorous life all the time.

TA: Do you see yourself as a role model?
YP: Yes, absolutely (laughs). I think I have accomplished a lot at such a young age. I can say that my name can't be called in any scandal because I'm extremely focused and I think about what I do. The sky's the limit.

TA: How do you feel knowing that many TEENage girls consider you to be their role model?
YP: I feel fine because I saw myself as a role model before. I feel extremely privileged that people look up to me.

TA: We know that your mother died a couple of years ago, but how do you think she would feel about you winning the Miss Jamaica World title?
YP: She would be very proud. I have very supportive parents.

TA: It has been rumoured that you are hosting a benefit in aid of the Hurricane Dean victims. Is there any truth to it?
YP: It's a celebrity fashion show and a fundraiser intertwined to help those affected by Hurricane Dean. It will be on the 21st of October at 6:00 pm at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Present will be celebrities from all aspects of the different industries such as sports and entertainment. Designers who will be present at this benefit are Uzuri International, Carlton Brown and Nia Lis. To add to the excitement of the whole event, I will also be showcasing my wardrobe for the Miss Universe Pageant in China. Also to note, on the 20th of October there will be a book drive for libraries that were damaged during Dean. It will be tied in with my "beauty with a purpose" campaign for China.

TA: How will the money be distributed?
YP: It will be given to the respective ministries so that they can allocate the funds where they see fit.

TA: Beauty queens always try to portray an image of "Oh, I love children". Is this fake?
YP: Well, no, it isn't for me. I have taught kids from three to 18 at Edna Manley Junior Department. I think that it is important to nurture our children.

TA: Have you represented Jamaica before?
YP: Yes, I have in many respects. I remember as early as 11 years old when I travelled to Finland to represent Jamaica in a dance conference. I also represented my country in several other dance conferences. Attending school abroad [to pursue her Masters at University of Rochester in New York], in a way, was representing Jamaica.

TA: Do you think those experiences will help you in China?
YP: Of course, I think in life everything allows you to take something to the next level. I have no regrets because in everything, there is a lesson to be learnt.

TA: Will you use dance as your talent piece in the competition?
YP: (Laughs). I can't sing or act or twirl a baton, so yes, I will be dancing.

TA: Who will choreograph your dance piece?
YP: Sudanne Brown and myself. It will be a Jamaican modern dance with a little traditional music from Bob Marley and Buju Banton.

TA: What are some of the things people say to you when they see you on the streets?
YP: I hear a lot of people saying "you is a real 'artical' Miss Jamaica, down to earth, really natural and yuh a bring home di crown."

When TEENage asked the past student of St Andrew High School for Girls what advice she would give to girls who suffer from low self-esteem, Yendi had this to say: "People would never believe this, but I am one of those girls.
However, it is very important to understand how significant it is to love yourself, especially from within - you have to find the things you love and appreciate and focus on them. I also think it's important to be spiritually grounded. I am spiritually grounded and I love myself."

Yendi remains optimistic and has promised to make a supreme effort in China. "I will try my best to do as best I can to represent my country."

Source: The Jamaica Observer

Tanisha Vernon is Miss Belize Universe and Larriean Samuels is Miss Belize Earth

The Miss Belize pageant was held this past Saturday in Belize City and Tanisha Vernon won the title. She will now represent Belize at the Miss Universe pageant in 2008. Yesterday she paid us at visit and told us she is all excited about her new title.

Tanisha Vernon,Miss Belize Universe:

“Right now I’m overwhelmed with enthusiasm. I’m feeling wonderful. It’s definitely an honor to be given this position. And it’s not only a position but it’s a job that you have to maintain and I hope at the end, I can represent my country to the fullest. I think my maintenance of confidence and my hard work and I always kept it in my mind that I’m in it to win it. I maintained my objective and that’s basically what helped me to pull through.”

Vernon told us also that during her reign she plans to work very much with community groups.

Tanisha Vernon,Miss Belize Universe:

“My plan of action is to be more active in my community, work more in Alliance with AIDS. It’s an organization that deals with HIV/AIDS. I noticed that it’s a universal problem worldwide and Belize is one of the Central American country that has one of the highest percentage of HIV/AIDS. And to be apart of that,it’s definitely a task. I mean I have friends and relatives that died from this disease and so I’m faced with it first hand; not only behind the scenes but I see the up close and personal effect that it has on people’s lives. Also with orphanage, being more active in schools, probably reading to the children,help with future pageants at the tertiary and secondary level, and give motivational speeches to those young ladies that probably want to be or vie for the title next year in 2008.”

Love News also spoke with new Miss Belize Earth, Larriean Samuels. Samuels said she is honored to be an ambassador for Belize and that during her reign will try to fulfill all her responsibilities.

Larriean Samuels,Miss Belize Earth:

“It was a very exciting and a little bit nerve-racking experience, and I am very honored to be an ambassador of this country. It’s more of a prestige job I would say,that not any women has the opportunity to do here in Belize. I was very determined and very hungry. I took instructions very well, advice I listened and I executed and I would definitely say that that helped me to win the pageant and being very focused.At this moment I am open. During the course of my reign I’m sure there will be many opportunities that are open. I will experience and I will be aware of things that I didn’t know before and from then I would choose but right now at this moment I am interested in business but in dealing with the environment and everything you never know where your passion may change to a whole 360.”

In the case that either Vernon or Samuels cannot fulfill their duties the first runner up Jesse Medina will take up the post. Medina plans to assist in community service and promote the tourism sector in Belize.

Source: Love FM

Dazzling Dias

SUNIL D'CRUZ (Contributor)


In an interview with our writer in Muscat, Miss India-World Sarah-Jane Dias says she's all set to represent her country at the Miss World pageant in China.

MISS INDIA World Sarah-Jane Dias was recently on a week-long break to Muscat to visit her parents Eustace and Yolanda and sister Ellen-Rose. She had her hands full, hosting the 'Anup Jalota Live in Concert' show, attending functions meeting dignitaries, launching new vehicles and meeting her childhood friends.

At the age of 14, while at school in Muscat, she won the Miss India-Oman crown. Having won the Miss India-World 2007 title, the 24-year-old who loves music and travelling. is all set to represent India at the Miss World pageant in China.

Excerpts from an interview:

Having spent your childhood schooling in Muscat, how does it feel to be back on your first visit as Miss India-World?

It is an unreal feeling. As a child, I always had this dream, something that I would watch on TV. It's nice to come back home. Muscat will always be my home. It's nice to have friends and others coming to you, congratulating you, appreciating you. It's like a dream.

How are you preparing for the Miss World pageant?

The Miss World pageant will be held on December 1 in China. I will be leaving India for China on November 1. Right now, I am taking diction classes, catwalk classes and fitness classes in India. Everything that a Miss World contestant would need is taken care of, including hair and teeth by the experts. So I am fully equipped for the Miss World pageant.

What are the factors that contribute towards being a winner in a beauty contest?

It's not just beauty. One has to be very presentable, well spoken. But what surpasses everything is confidence.

What would be your advice to those having stage-fright?

Practice makes perfect. Keep facing the camera, keep participating, keep practicing. It will make you more comfortable.

Which of the former Miss Worlds from India, Reita Faria, Aishwarya Rai, Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey and Priyanka Chopra, do you look up to?

All of them. It takes a lot of courage and strength. I look up to any woman who has participated in a Miss World pageant.

You are a multi-talented personality. Singing, dancing, anchoring, acting and modelling are your passions. Which do you enjoy doing most?

(laughs) Don't make me choose. But I would say singing.

How would you look back on your stint as a VJ on Channel [V]?

It was the best job I ever had. I enjoyed every bit of the three-and-a-half years that I was on Channel [V]. They were very supportive all through and allowed me to leave the job at short notice to participate in the Miss India contest.

You are in an off-beat career, instead of a usual 9 - 5 job.

How do you look at it?

I would never be able to do a 9 - 5 job though I have the highest regard for those who do. I am a Sagittarian and am basically restless and need a change. Every day is different for me. No two days are alike.

Are you open to acting in movies?

Yes I am open to acting in Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

Who would you like to be marooned with on an island?

Bob Marley. Music is my life and will always be. Ever since I was a child, I just love music.

What are the causes would you like to take up should you win the Miss World crown?

Animals, children, senior citizens, Aids awareness. Global warming is reaching an alarmingly dangerous level. But one doesn't need to wear a crown to take up causes. I'd never say no if someone needs help.

Source: Khaleej Times Online