'Ball' looks forward to biggest day

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

Paradorn Srichaphan might have no matches to play for the rest of the season, but he has loads of off-court errands to keep him fully occupied before his wedding.

Still nursing a nagging wrist injury, the groom-to-be has so many things to do for the biggest day in his life when he will marry Canadian Natalie Glebova, the 2005 Miss Universe.

The guest list still has to be completed and the invitation cards printed, while the wedding venue has yet to be chosen.

Being so busy making arrangements, the former world No 9 has to delay returning to the tennis circuit.

"Everything is going just fine. We will have a normal wedding, nothing huge like everyone expects,'' said Paradorn, who has been taking a break to heal his tendonitis since March.

Rumours had spread through the Internet and tabloids that their romance had turned sour and the wedding might not happen. But the couple have just had a wedding photo-shoot in a studio, underlining their bonds are still strong.

"She is happy. We have lots of fun together,'' said Paradorn.

The day they will say "I do" is set for November 29 in Bangkok. VIP guests will include reigning Miss Universe Riyo Mori from Japan and two former top 10 players, Tommy Haas and Nicholas Kiefer from Germany.

Despite his absence from the upcoming Thailand Open, Paradorn plans to deliver wedding invitations to fellow players. For him, it's agony to skip the home tournament where he dreams of lifting a trophy in front of his fans.

"It's a pity that I have to give a pass it this year. But fans still have big names like Raphael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to root for. I suggest fans go and watch these guys,'' said the two-time semi-finalist of the country's only ATP Tour event.

As tennis is in his blood, "Super Ball" cannot help catching up with "who is hot, who is not" at the ongoing US Open, where he reached the fourth round in 2003.

"I miss the Tour and imagine that I was there. Hopefully, I can get back to the Tour as soon as possible." But the five-time ATP Tour winner is still nursing a wrist injury. "The wrist is coming along slowly. It's getting better, but I'm not going to play until next year. And I'm not going to rush,'' said the currently 110th-ranked player, whose earliest comeback event could be the Australian Open in January next year.

Paradorn believes he still has the game and the ammunition to return to the elite group. "It's a challenge to do well again after the injury. Hopefully I will get back into the top 50 again."

Source: The Nation

Music, Air and Light: HOMES to Launch the Plaza Costa del Este at the Famed Vizcaya Gardens

Homes Real Estate is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Plaza Costa del Este located in the heart of Panama, an exciting mixed-use tower combining the talents of Latin America's most renowned designers, architects and developers. The exclusive and over the top September 8 launch gala in Miami, Florida, will feature a performance by Grammy award-winning Salsa sensation, Gilberto Santarosa and a special appearance by the former Miss Panama and the title winner of Miss Universe 2003, Justine Pasek.

(PRWEB) September 3, 2007 -- Homes Real Estate is proud to reveal the launch of the highly-anticipated Plaza Costa del Este, a gleaming tower of air and light on Panama City's waterfront.

The exclusive gala event to mark the project's launch will take place September 8 in Miami, Florida, at the famed, historical Vizcaya Gardens. This invitation-only gala will introduce South Florida's elite to the innovative and awe-inspiring architecture and design that will be The Plaza Costa del Este in Panama. Miami's finest tastemakers will join in the celebration as HOMES, the world's leading brokerage and development firm, opens their newest office on the famed Biscayne Boulevard. The evening of cocktails, dancing, and live music will be completed with a performance by Grammy award-winning Salsa sensation, Gilberto Santarosa and an appearance by the former Miss Universe 2003, Justine Pasek.

Featuring the clean, sleek lines of architect MusAsvat, this mixed-use project integrates function with the pleasure of the senses. Hotel accommodation and management are provided by The Octagon Group, a European landmark with a strong philosophy, redefining the boutique hotel with unique, carefully chosen details and ultimate comfort for the business traveler.

Set on the waterfront overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Plaza Costa del Este is located in Panama's hottest residential district. Just minutes from downtown Panama and the Tocumen International Airport, residents will enjoy the tranquility and luxury of ultimate living, with access to all of Panama City's finest amenities and the tropical beauty beyond. Gilberto Santarosa, one of the first proud owners of a condominium in the The Plaza-Costa Del Este, remarks, "I am extraordinarily proud to be part of this project. I am proud to call it my home."

Developed by A2SN, a development group responsible for many of Panama's most successful projects, the tower will combine luxury two-storey lofts, condominium apartments, as well as 150 five-star boutique hotel quarters for the `high-end traveler.

All residents and guests will have access to the complex's Spa, Sky Beach and Business Center, as well as an exclusive Beach Club on Contadora Island, the jewel of the Pearl Islands Archipelago. The Plaza's entertainment complex also includes a Theater, on-site restaurant and swimming pool.

HOMES and The Plaza Costa Del Este will undoubtedly deliver an evening that will represent the decadence, beauty and social scene that Miami has become known for.

About Homes Real Estate

Homes Real Estate is a pioneer of the integrated, multi-service approach to real estate investments abroad. Our management team offers a combined 50 years real estate expertise in both the Central and North American markets.

For more than five years, Homes has offered clients inside access to the burgeoning real estate market in Panama, emphasizing quality both in its offerings and in client care.

Our experienced staff provides clients with expert assistance and insights into every aspect of living, buying and investing in Panama, now considered one of the best business and retirement destinations in the world. We believe our clients should have access to the widest range of professional services can under one roof, and we consider ourselves to be the leading source of comprehensive real estate services in Panama today.

Homes offers thorough expertise in all legal, immigration and visa services, helping clients to secure their investments and gain residency abroad. We also offer a full range of financial services to ensure our clients can conduct their business transactions smoothly and worry-free.

Our team includes fully licensed brokers and developers in the Republic of Panama, with a portfolio of the most exclusive projects available in Panama today. From beach front to mountain top, vacation getaway to urban destinations, we help clients find exactly what they are looking for -- and more.

We have six locations to serve you: Panama City, New York, Miami, Toronto, Venezuela and Spain.

Source: E-Media Wire

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

Richa Adhia’s coronation draws mixed reactions

By Abdallah Msuya

RICHA Adhia was announced Vodacom Miss Tanzania 2007 on Saturday night, drawing mixed reactions from the audiences as some cheered, while others muttered words of disproval.

The 19-year-old led a clean sweep of the top three positions for the Dar es Salaam beauty queens. Lilian Abel from Kinondoni finished second, while Queen David from Temeke finished third.

But the judges’ decision in everything is final, and Richa will therefore fly the Tanzanian flag at the Miss World beauty pageant later this year in China.

She received the crown together with a brand new RAV 4 car worth 45m/- and 8m/- cheque.

Richa particularly impressed the panel of judges, led by Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego, with her confidence and articulate answers to questions.

Richa, who was dressed in white long dress, was asked about her favourite colour to which she responded ‘white’, explaining that the colour symbolized peace and cleanness for her.

After the Q&A session, which involved the best five, and colourful performance by the THT group, Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego, who was the chief judge, stepped forward to announce the winner.

“Vodacom Miss Tanzania 2007 is contestant number 6, Richa Adhia!” the Nigerian beauty queen announced, attracting cheers and murmurs.

The nervous Adhia stepped forward to thank hundreds of fans packed in the Leaders Club grounds before replacing Wema Sepetu from the Queen’s chair.

Some fans gave her a cold shoulder but many others who don’t consider race as an attribute for winning Miss Tanzania, cheered the new queen.

Members of the jury were Agbani Darego (chairperson), Prashanti Patel, Jacqueline Ntuyabaliwe, Irene Madeje, Sophia Dianaku, Salum Kombo, Leons Mtauna, David Minja, Christian Masiaga and coordinator of the judges, Ramesh Shah.

Source: Sunday News

Ex-Miss Universe Sushmita Sen plans autobiography

MUMBAI, India -- Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen has decided to write an autobiography with the tentative title "The Butterfly."

A former Miss Universe, Sen said she has begun writing chapters, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

She said the inspiration for the title came from one of her favorite sayings -- "what the world calls the end of a caterpillar's life, God calls a butterfly."

"I have written some portions of it," The Times of India newspaper quoted Sen saying. "And yes, the working title is called 'The Butterfly.'"

A model-turned-actress, Sen was crowned Miss Universe in the Philippines in 1994 and has since acted in 30 Hindi-language movies.

Sen plays a widow in an updated version of a Bollywood classic "Sholay," or "Embers," to be released this week.

She played a rock star in her last film, "Zindagi Rocks," or "Life Rocks," and a prostitute in an earlier movie "Chingari," which also translates to "Embers" in Hindi.

Sources: Philippine Daily Inquirer and Associated Press

To Miss Universe —and beyond!

By Anna Theresa Licaros

MY most distinct memory of the Miss Universe pageant this year was of Miss France holding a cheeseburger served us at Hard Rock Café Mexico. Holding half a burger with her delicate fingers, she looked at me and said: “Ye know, Tu-ress, ze first thing I learn to zay in eve-ree langu-egh is ze word, hamburger.”

I looked at her, nodded and bit into my burger. I was so hungry after all that walking up and down the Basque de Chapultepec in four-inch heels. It’s not easy being a beauty queen. Try fitting a mirror, lipstick, lip gloss, face powder and extra eyelash glue into a tote and carrying it around with poise while negotiating palatial staircases in your heels and miniskirt. Every day was a marathon for us at Miss U.

Meanwhile, Miss France continued her train of thought: “Like here in Mexico… zey call it hamburguesa. What about you, Tu-ress? What do zey call it in ze Philippines?” I was taken aback. I’m a pretty articulate person with above average capacity for witty retorts, but in this pageant, all sorts of questions were hurled at me from nowhere!

It was like the question and answer portion, only worse: they were mostly everyday stuff about me and my country that I never really thought about before joining the pageant. I tried to buy some time by sipping my Coke light, sin hielo (without ice), lest I find myself running to the loo every five minutes. I struggled for the Filipino word for hamburger: Ham-barger?

Oops, too late. Someone mentioned another topic and the conversation shifted. Ham-barger, it was. I reeled at the thought of how this might affect how the Philippines is perceived by the next person Miss France meets if she repeats this conversation. That was my everyday reality as Miss Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant. I ceased to be just Theresa or Tu-ress to Rachel/Miss France. I became the Philippines.

Early on, I became aware of what representing my country really means. Having to wear the banner “Philippines” across my breast every single day kept me on my toes, careful of how I’ve been projecting myself and everything I say or do. To some extent it was scary, but also a source of pride. Every smile I flashed, each pose I struck was with the thought that it should be my best because this wasn’t just about me anymore.

For the most part, the other contestants were fantastic. Contrary to popular belief that women who join beauty pageants are airheads or bimbos, most are college graduates with full time jobs in their own countries. They are opinionated and know what they want.

When I came back from Mexico, I was always asked if acts of sabotage really took place during the pageant. (Reportedly the most controversial in years, the 2007 Miss Universe pageant saw Miss USA being booed by some Mexicans unhappy over a pending immigration bill in the US; Miss Sweden pulling out after complaints in her country described the contest as degrading to women; and Miss Mexico being asked to change costumes because the original was deemed in poor taste.—Ed.)

I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any such incident firsthand. The closest thing to intrigue that I encountered was a remark from a fellow candidate, perhaps meant to psych me out. During one rehearsal, I was called onstage to do the evening gown pattern, after which I had to look at the camera and pose. Suddenly, everyone was clapping and cheering. I must have done something right, I thought.

Indeed, when I got off stage, Miss Tanzania approached me, saying “Girl, that was an amazing face!” Most everyone thought so, except for Miss Bolivia who told me flat out: “You look dead onstage. Your eyes are just blank. Maybe you should, like, move your eyebrows or something.” Just friendly advice, she said, because she wanted me to do well. That was odd, I told her; another candidate had just told me the exact opposite. Miss Bolivia simply rolled her eyes and said I should trust her instead. Well, I thought afterwards, when you do something significant, you’ll get both good and bad reactions.

As an insider, I also learned that the Miss Universe organizers and production team wanted to veer away from the traditional pageant look and feel. They discouraged stiff and exaggerated posturing and encouraged sexy, relaxed, fluid and model-like movements. A Miss Universe, said our catwalk teacher, Lu Sierra, must know how to smile. She hated it when the contestants sported sexy I’m-gonna-eat-you-alive looks. The pageant organizers had a “look” in mind and I was personally sold on the subtle but sexy model’s stance they advocated.

There were so many things to learn and it wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were really days when I just wanted to put a paper bag over my head and not wear any makeup. I had to keep telling myself that I was in Mexico to do a job and that the job requires me to put on makeup at five in the morning. So I’d just shake off whatever negative feelings I felt, play some dance music and sing along while putting on my pageant face. That was how I got through the doldrums.

Apparently, I did that so well that some contestants would ask me to close my eyes so they could check out my eye makeup. They said they liked the way I blended the colors. One photographer even took a photo of my right eye. Just my right eye! He said it looked so beautiful that he wanted a shot of it. My thanks go to Jay Lozada, Allen Rosales, Lia Ramos and Jenny Tan for selflessly sharing their makeup tips with me.

That kind of team work, of collaboration, also defined my Miss Universe experience. There were so many teachers who shared their knowledge with me, as well as family and friends who flew all the way to Mexico to become my cheering squad and support group. I got a lot of joshing when I gave my guest list: 25 people strong. Not bad for a Pacific islander who lives roughly 12 time zones away.

It was the kind of support that others could only envy. My roomie, Miss Thailand, wanted to “borrow” a brother because she didn’t have any family around during the pageant. I gladly obliged, telling the bunso (youngest) in our family to go wild when Thailand gets called. I think he did go wild —for all the girls—so that was substantial compliance.

The reality of representing one’s country can be daunting, but it also enhanced me as a person. While it might have been a source of insecurity to pose beside Barbie look-alikes, it boosted my confidence nonetheless. I looked at them and felt I deserved to be there. Cheesy, I know, but when I stood there in high heels beside the most beautiful women in the universe, something changed. I was no longer a passive participant to whom things happen; instead, I chose to embrace the experience and learn from it. That made all the difference for me.

More than just another beauty pageant, this year’s Miss U put things into perspective for me. In a nutshell, my 30 days in Mexico with 76 other women from all over the world was a crash course in culture, diplomacy, confidence, and worst of all, geography. I’ll always remember— with amusement tinged with shame—how I had managed to put so many countries in the wrong continent and historical era and unwittingly displayed such ignorance by asking the delegate about it.

So, I asked Miss Egypt, “You’re from Cairo. How are the pyramids?” She smiled and giggled: “They’re in Giza.” Getting my witty retort mode back, I countered: “Well, maybe if you’d take me around the Middle East one of these days, it won’t be so confusing.” As she wiped her fingers on a tissue, Miss France interjected: “Isn’t Egypt in Africa?”

Licaros is a junior at the UP College of Law. She plans to visit Egypt and see the pyramids next summer, and find out how they say “hamburger” in Arabic.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pageant organisers appeal for support

FRANCISTOWN - Although there were a lot of doubting Thomases, when 19-year-old Mpule Kwelagobe emerged Miss Universe 1999, her achievement brought pride to the nation sending shockwaves through the whole world.

Batswana were so proud of her achievement that even composed songs, slogans as well as naming their newly born babies Mpule, and for a short while beauty pageants were held in high esteem.

However all that was short lived. The popularity of beauty pageants has waned. As the search for a new Miss Botswana begin, the organisers, despite their commitment and need to improve the pageant, they still decry lack of support from the nation at large.

We are trying very hard to make something of the Miss Botswana pageant but without the nations support it is hopeless. Miss Botswana is a national event, but people think that it is a Botswana Council of Women event.

We need Batswana to rally behind us as well and not only associate themselves with beauty queens after they had won, said one of the organisers, Daisy Botsoba in an interview during an audition in Francistown, recently.

Ms Botsoba said Batswana are the ones who can brand the Miss Botswana pageant adding that if we could encourage those girls who have the qualities of a beauty queen to enter that would help, she said.

She said most people still feel that beauty pageants are a waste of time especially in Botswana, where many still believe that winners of such pageants are cheated and do not get the promised prizes.

Ever since I got involved with the pageant there has never been a time when winners did not get their prices, its just that people do not understand procedures followed in the pageants, she said.

She appealed to girls between the ages of 18 and 23 to come for auditions, adding that they should enter the pageant for a good cause not greed.

The girls should understand that being Miss Botswana is a huge responsibility in that you become the countrys ambassador. They should enter the pageant with the aim of flying the Botswana flag high as well as showing the spirit of volunteerism, she said.

However there are those who still view the pageant as a waste of time and not appealing. I dont see any point in having the pageant because no one benefits from it, we only benefited when Mpule won but really there was and still there is nothing to consider when you think of Miss Botswana, said Naledi Moatswi.

Ms Moatswi also said culture has a major role to play when it comes to beauty pageants as such events were never in Setswana culture taken in high regard.

Concurring with Ms Moatswi, Lucy Dibeela said Miss Botswana does not work out as those who compete are unsuitable.

Wrong people audition for the pageant, and I think the organizers should put more effort in looking for girls. They should look at the Nokia face of Africa arrangement and try doing something of that sort to look for contestants, she said.

She disagreed with the statement that Batswana were not doing enough to support the pageant, attributing the problem to the organizers of the pageant.

The public should feel the Miss Botswana vibe, people should want to get involved with it but the organizers are cold and the pageant is cold too, she said.

However there were those who felt the pageant was a good thing and with time it will improve. BOPA

Source: BOPA Daily News Archive