Pageant News Archives #1 (December 2002 - March 2003)
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Pageant News Archives #5
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Pageant News Archives #3
Pageant News Archives #2
Pageant News Archives #1
Miss Ethiopia World 2003
Yodit Getahun, an 19 year-old from the town of Dire Dawa in Amhara province was crowned Miss Ethiopia World 2003. She stands 1.68 m tall and likes reading and movies. She was awarded a colour television and videocassette recorder (VCR) and will take on the title, Ambassador of HIV/AIDS. Though the amount is not determined, she will also receive money. The Miss Ethiopia World Beauty Contest was held on Wednesday, March 12th at the Sheraton Addis. The contest brought together girls from Addis Ababa, Debrezeit, Nezareth Dire Dawa,and Ambo that were between the ages of 16 and 25.
Height, brains and the way the girls presented themselves were some of the criterion used on this year's Miss Ethiopia beauty contest. Among the judges were, Antonio Fiorenti a famous photographer, Chachi Tadesse, an Ethiopian artist and humanitarian and Gigi designer of Ethiopian traditional dress. "It is going to be hard to pose in front of all those people, but it sure is going to be fun," one 17 year old contestant from Addis said. Though many of the girls experienced stage frights in the beginning, they managed to get over it by the time the competition reached the question and answer stage.
The competition, which was presented by DJ Kin of FM radio, started out with the contestants introducing themselves and then coming on stage with a newly designed swimsuit made from traditional Wolaita dress. The girls were then randomly chosen to perform the Ethiopian traditional dance 'Iskista' and then followed by the question and answer program. "She is a very pretty girl, well spoken and a wise one at that. She has a good chance of representing Ethiopia in the Face of Africa and Miss Universe contests after I speak to those organisations for the criteria," Mr. Andy Abuliem of Ethiopia Life Foundation and organiser of the event told the Daily Monitor.
"Yodit is expected to create a network with some other organizations to try and help the situation with HIV/AIDS. DJ Kin and Chachi Tadesse are working in this program, so she will be working closely with these two people; especially Chachi, who will be her mentor in this field," Mr. Abuliem added. The next beauty contest will be held in January or February, according to Mr. Abuliem. The organisers will need a three-month recruiting time so that the next program will cover all the regions in Ethiopia evenly.
Miss USA 2003
Susie Castillo, Miss Massachusetts USA, was crowned Miss USA 2003 on Monday, March 24th. She is 23 years old, comes from Lawrence, Massachusetts, and is an office manager, interior designer and model. She is a 2001 graduate of Endicott College, where she majored in Interior Design, which focuses on designing interior architectural environments. While at Endicott, Ms. Castillo captained the women's volleyball team. She also received the Capstone Award during her senior year. Her community service to date and goal as Miss USA is to help erase stereotypes about Latinos in the United States, as she herself is a first-generation American, whose parents came from Puerto Rico, and Spanish was her first language. She was crowned Miss Massachusetts Teen USA at age 17 and won the Clairol Style Award at the 1998 Miss Teen USA Pageant. Susie will not be going back to her roots for the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant in Panama City, Panama in early June.
The pageant, televised for the first time ever on NBC (After approximately 35-40 years on CBS), finish second in the night for 18-49 year-old viewers, despite an ongoing war being a concern at the moment. The First Runner-Up was Miss Alabama, Michelle Arnette; Second Runner-Up: Miss Texas, Nicole O'Brian; Third Runner-Up: Miss Michigan, Elisa Schleef; and Fourth Runner-Up: Miss Tennessee, Beth Hood.
In addition, top ten semifinalists included: New Mexico, Alina Ogle; South Carolina, Anna Hanks; Hawaii, Alicia Michioka; Indiana, Tashina Kastigar; and Oklahoma, Star Williams. Miss Washington, Breann Parriott, was named Miss Congeniality; Miss Minnesota, Sarah Cahill, was voted online as Miss Photogenic.
Previously, 6 contestants (Utah, New Mexico, Minnesota, Louisiana, Michigan and North Carolina) competed on the show Fear Factor for $50,000 during three gruesome rounds in which they: 1) Went head first into a deep pool with weights attached to see how long they could last, where New Mexico's Alina Ogle and Utah's Kelly Chapman were cut, then 2) Fished in a pool of fish skins for a thermos full of squid guts, which they had to eat (and complete the task in the fastest amount of time), in which Michigan's Elisa Schleef was cut, and 3) Ride on top of an oil tanker (in motion) for as long as possible. Louisiana's Brittney Rogers was named the winner in the final round, and gave half her winnings to charity.
Miss Bahamas Universe 2003
Nadia Johnson, a member of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2003 on Sunday night. She was previously a student Miami-Dade Community College, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design Technology. She also dabbled in modelling, but left the field by choice. She was a runner-up in last year's Miss Bahamas Universe Pageant.
Miss Northern Marianas Islands 2003
18 year-old Northern Marianas college student Kimberly Nicole Castro Reyes was crowned Miss Northern Marianas Universe 2003 and 18 year-old Mt. Carmel High School studentNancie Rae King Ripple was crowned Miss Northern Marianas International 2003 at the 28th Miss Northern Marianas Beauty Pageant held Saturday at the Theater Hall of Hotel Nikko.
First runner-up was Olivia Aloka Tebuteb, who also won the Spirit Award and was named Miss Congeniality. Rota’s Flavian Barcinas Hocog was Miss Photogenic.
This year’s pageant theme was “Beauties on Broadway.”
After they made it into the “magic three,” Ripple, Reyes, and Tebuteb were asked one final question: “How can you make a positive impact to the community as reigning queen?” Reyes said she will help “fight against teen suicide” by talking “to the youth and telling them that there are many ways to solve their problem.” She added, “I want to tell them that there are many people who care for them. I will be personally there for them to show that I care.”
Ripple said the fight against drug abuse will be her focus. She said the manamko’ also need the care and love of the young generation.
Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2003
Celia Bissong Ohumotu was crowned with the title of "Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2003" on Saturday night. 500 guests attended the event, at the Eko Le Meridien hotel in Lagos' upmarket Victoria Island district. Celia is 19 years old, 1.80 m tall and comes from Cross River State in Nigeria's far southeast. The show's organisers, Silverbird Productions, say that two years ago they decided to encourage girls with the tall, slender outlines seen on the catwalks of Paris or Milan, rather than the more curvaceous forms traditionally regarded as the height of attraction in Africa.
Nigeria's premiere pageant is not to be confused with Miss Nigeria, a separate event whose winners do not compete abroad. After the success of Agbani Darego and Chinenye Ochuba, now the task of promoting Nigeria's standing in international pageant circles falls on Celia's elegant shoulders - which climb at an angle of 20 degrees to her neck, as laid down in the rulebook. "It is a delight winning the contest although the responsibilities and challenges associated with my new status are enormous," she gushed, as friends and well-wishers descended on her in a storm of air-kisses and flashbulbs. The pageant, once considered taboo and radical, is now embraced by families wishing to show off their daughters. Thanks to Nigeria Business Day.
Miss Spain 2003
Eva Maria González Fernández, a 22 year-old, 1.76 m tall model representing Sevilla won the crown of Miss Spain 2003, in a televised event which was hosted by singing sensation Paulina Rubio and included former Miss Spain Lorena Bernal among the judges. The televised event is a major telecast which attracts more than half of Spaniards. Sevilla is home to Spain's last two Miss World delegates, Lola Alcocer and Macarena Garcia, as well as Miss International 1999 Princess Carmen Fernandez Ruiz. Miss Sevilla also won Miss Beautiful Hair, and as a forerunner to her final crowning, was almost unanimously chosen by the judges as Miss Elegance (Each judge revealed his vote) during the pre-galaFirst Runner-Up was María Teresa Martín Bueno, Miss Malaga. She is 22 years, 1.75 m tall and will go the Miss World Pageant in China in December. Miss Salamanca, Patricia Nieto, was named Second Runner-Up. . The six finalists were given points from 1 - 6 by each judge (In the style of Eurovision) with 73 points for Sevilla, 53 for Malaga and 43 for Salamanca. Although not officially announced, the other three were ranked as follows: Maria Carrillo Reyes, Miss Cordoba, was Third Runner-Up; Fourth Runner-Up was Tarragona's Laura Dulce; Fifth Runner-Up was Madrid's Lourdes Simon. Spain's delegates to Miss International and Miss Europe, among other pageants, will be designated at their own discretion. Completing the final twelve were: Barcelona, Castellón, Cuenca, Las Palmas, Tenerife, and Zaragoza. Thanks to Agustin Rosa.
Miss Singapore Universe 2003
Miss Singapore Universe 2003 is Contestant number 20, Bernice Wong Bernice is 1.77 m tall and 24 years old. She is a banker and a model. She is a Political Science Graduate from the National University of Singapore. She might want to pursue a career in entertainment Runners-Up were No. 15, Jun Chua, and Number 18, Celeste Valdes Lim, respectively.
First runner-up Jun Chua won $3,000 in cash and second runner-up Celeste Valdes Lim won $2,000 in cash. Five subsidiary titles were also given out: Miss Beautiful Eyes (Jun Chua), Miss Photogenic (Josephine Tan), Miss Elegant (Celeste Valdes Lim), Miss Body Beautiful (Poppy Tan), and Miss Sunshine (Bernice Wong).
The grand finals were held earlier this evening at the MediaCorp TV Theatre and telecast ‘live’ on MediaCorp TV Channel 5. MediaCorp artiste Andrea De Cruz, Wheel Of Fortune’s Eunice Olsen, who was Miss Singapore Universe 2000, and Thai star Tin Chokkamolkij hosted the prestigious beauty pageant. The guest performers included jazz chanteuse Claressa Monteiro, classical group Tang Quartet and MediaCorp artiste and former Miss Singapore Universe, Jamie Teo, who performed as part of a Taiwan-Singapore girl band, One Fifth. Thanks to Mediacorp Singapore.
Grasim Mr. India On The Verge
Celebrating it's nine-year anniversery, the Grasim Mr. India Contest has gathered 28 contestants from across the country through elimination rounds for this year's pageant. The past two weeks of training for the contest at The Resort in Mumbai with bigwigs like Sabira Merchant, Prasad Bidapa, Mickey Mehta has been great fun for the guys, but on March 22nd, they will get set for a grand spectacle. It is expected the pageant will be televised by Sony Entertainment Television. Among the contestants is Sachin Verma, 24 years old and from Pune, who was studying Software Engineering, when he decided to take up modelling. He is a former runner-up of the Gladrags Manhunt North India zonal. Among the delegates' activities have been a visit to the Spastics Society.
The Grasim Mr. India Pageant is responsible for sending winners to the Indian-based Mr. International contest. It also sent contestants to the now-defunct Mr. World Pageant, and the Mr. Intercontinental pageant, as well as the Mr. Tourism International Pageant.
Gladrags Megamodel and Manhunt Set To Go
In a smaller-than-usual contest, 11 women and 15 men will compete for the April 6th (prelims) and 13th (finals) Gladrags Megamodel and Manhunt contest. The winners will represent India in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant in Germany and the Manhunt International Pageant in China this December. Among the contestants is Rohini Banerjee, who finished 2nd at the 2002 Miss India Worldwide Pageant, representing India, not to mention holding titles such as 'Campus Princess 1998' and 'Miss Valentine," and having a professional portfolio of assignments.
The Gladrags Megamodel contest is known for being much different from the Femina Miss India Pageant. Contestants are expected to be very tall, with ultra-slim figures (Onstage swimsuit rounds are a staple of Maureen Wadhia, the organizer) with intellect being a minor factor in judging. Former winners Lara Dutta and Aditi Govitrikar went on to supermodel status in India and to win international crowns. Last year, winner Rakhee Chaudhury committed suicide near the end of the year. The Gladrags Manhunt contest sends winners to Manhunt International, having achieved numerous runner-up titles and a title with Rajeev Singh. Former winners such as Dino Morea and John Abraham have made a lasting impression as ramp and print models and actors. Let's see where this star-search ends this year.
Polish Delegate to Miss Universe 2003
Despite sending the winners of the Miss Polonia Beauty Pageant to both the Miss Universe and Miss World Pageants in recent years, the organization has decided that it's delegate to Miss Universe 2003 will be Iwona Makuch, First Runner-Up in Miss Polonia 2002. Iwona is 20 years old, speaks English, it 1.75 m tall and measures in at 85-60-88 (cm). For six months prior to the Miss Polonia Pageant, she worked as a model in Japan. Thanks to David from the World of Miss for this piece of news.
Miss Madagascar Universe 2003
Joyce Ramarofahatra, 20 years old, was elected Miss MadUniverse 2003 on March 15th during a gala event in Ankerana. Nirina Rasoamanarivo and Therika Angeline Soamiarisoa were First and Second Runner-Up, respectively. Multimedia, organizer of the Miss Madagascar pageants since 1993, who sent delegates to Miss World in 1999, 2000, and 2001, organized the event. Many attendees were disappointed by the event, as an electricity outage plunged things into darkness, and the show began 3 hours late! Nonetheless, Joyce will be her country's first delegate to Miss Universe in decades.
Bb. Pilipinas 2003
Carla Gay Balingit (# 23), 19 years old and 5'7", was named Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2003 at a glittering function in Manila tonight, March 15th. Carla graduated from the University of the Assumption-Pampanga high school and the Holy Angel University in Angeles City. She was an active member of the Travel Guild and the University dance troupe. She adores Mariah Carey and her music, most especially, "Can't Take That Away" and "Through the Rain." She also found time to compete in and win 8 local and regional pageants prior to her Bb. Pilipinas stint. She hopes to follow the footsteps of Miriam Quiambao, her role model.
Maria Rafaela Verdadero Yunon (# 19), 21 years old and 5'9", was named Bb. Pilipinas-World 2003. A former Miss Philippines-Australia, Mafae graduated from the Catherine McAuley School and the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She joined pageants to help raise funds for charity. She started working at age 12. Her long list of work credentials include stints at the donut shop, a chicken and chips counter, a Burger King (Australia) outlet and a hotel belonging to the NOVOTEL chain where she worked as a bar lady. Her work experience allowed her to thrive under multiracial and multicultural circumstances. She is sensitive to the feelings of people around her as she can relate to people from all walks of life. Her aunt Desiree Verdadero was a Miss Universe runner-up to eventual winner Yvonne Ryding of Sweden.
Jhezarie Javier (#12), 21 years old and 5'8", was named Bb. Pilipinas-International 2003. Jhezarie ("Jherry") prayed and asked for a sign before embarking on her quest for a Bb. Pilipinas title. She got it after completing the nine Misa de Gallo masses last December. Jherry is a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Santo Tomas where she was crowned Ms. Thomasian Personality 2001. According to her, she joined the Bb. Pilipinas to impart the values of St. Thomas Aquinas to the youth. Currently, she studying the possibility of opening a restaurant café in Antipolo.
Congratulations to all three winners and thanks to the Bb. Pilipinas web site.
Miss Croatia Universe 2003
Ivana Delac, 19 years old, won the Miss Croatia Universe Pageant recently. Runners-Up were Katarina Marendic and Daniela Jelusic. Thanks to Michael Knittel.
San Antonio Heat Wreaking Havoc on Pageant Girls' Hair
If you think the misty, foggy weather is more appropriate to Seattle than to South Texas, think again, says Miss Washington of the Miss USA 2003 pageant. Breann Parriott is from just outside Seattle, and while she is familiar with rainy days, she says she has no idea what to do in the humidity.
"We don't get the same heat," Parriott says. "So every once in a while we have a muggy day, but it's rare. It's usually just wet and cold." The humidity means her naturally wavy, bobbed hair is now approaching full-on curly.
"When it curls, I just scrunch it and hope it looks OK," she said with shrug and a laugh, waiting to be introduced at the mayor's welcome dinner held Wednesday evening at Sunset Station. Her fellow delegates are having similar beauty issues. Miss Nebraska, Jessica Candy Perea, says her long hair is holding up, but only with the aid of myriad hair products. Not that she's complaining — she said the heat and humidity are a nice break from her home state. "Here it's so much nicer. There are palm trees. In Nebraska, there's snow and sleet and everyone has a cold," Perea says. "I can stand the humidity for the heat. It's worth it."
The weather context is a bit different for Miss Hawaii, Alicia Malia Michioka. While delegates from the northern states may bask in the warmth, if not the sun, of San Antonio, Michioka bundles up against the elements. "It's nice, but last night was a bit cold for me," she said. "I'm not used to temperatures in the 50s." While she might have to don a wrap or two during her stay, the humidity is not dampening her spirits — or her hair routine.
"In fact, my hair's better here because it's a bit more humid in Hawaii." Her advice to other contestants (and residents struggling against the frizzies): "Pull your hair back. It's the best you can do. That's why I always have my hair up." Miss Arizona, Nafeesa Leilani De Florias, appears to have taken Michioka's words to heart. When asked her plans for surviving the mist, she shrugs. "I will learn to be an expert in the topknot." Thanks to MySanAntonio.com
Miss Bulgaria 2003
Iva Kitova was crowned Miss Bulgaria 2003 during the most prestigious beauty pageant in Bulgaria, organized by Visage and Intersound Model Agencies. She will go to the Miss Europe 2003 Pageant in December. The contest took place on Women's Day March 8 at International Exhibition Center in Sofia. Teodora Burgazlieva, Miss Bulgaria 2002, crowned her successor Iva, who is 18 years old from Sofia. Mladena Koleva, 17, from the Black Sea town of Burgas and Maria Sheytanova, 18 from the town of Pazardzhik were ranked second and third respectively. Forty beautiful girls, aged between 17 and 21, from across Bulgaria vied for the title Miss Bulgaria 2003. They were selected at a casting among a total of 853 candidates.
Tatyana Andreeva, organizer and president of the beauty competition Miss Russia, arrived in Bulgaria to be on the contest's jury. The former Miss Bulgaria and Miss World 1995 semi-finalist spent Sunday protesting against wat in front of the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, almost nude.
The pageant appears to no longer hold the franchises of Miss World or Miss Universe, as another "Miss Bulgaria,"(http://www.missbulgaria.org/) run by representative to Miss Universe 2001 Ivaila Balavoka, claims that it will send it's winners to Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Earth 2003. This pageant will be held on March 30th and has whittled down nearly 1000 girls to about 30 finalists. Miss World 2001, Agbani Darego, will be in attendance. There is a strong possibility that the nude photographs of Teodora Burgazlieva, Miss Bulgaria 2002, may have prompted international organizers to change franchise-holders in Bulgaria.
Miss Norway 2003
Froken Norge, the national pageant of Norway, was held on Sunday, March 2nd and televised all over the nation on TV Norge. The winners were: Miss Norway World, Elisabeth Wathne (contestant number 3), a 20 year old, 1.72 m blonde from Mandal. For the title of Miss Norway Universe was Hanne-Karine Sørby (contestant number 14), a 24 year-old, 1.74 m brunette from Porsgrunn. SMS voting took part in this year's election of a winner, which included Steven Morley of Miss World, Tennis Star Bjorn Borg, and the President of Miss World Colombia among it's actualy judges. Former Miss Universe Mona Grudt was a presenter. Thanks to TV Norge.
Miss Nicaragua 2003
Claudia Salmerón Avilés, a 24 year-old Managua resident, won the Miss Nicaragua Universe title on March 1st, 2003. She stands tall at 1.76 m and is graduated in Political Science and Economics. On the other hand, 21 year-old Hayley Britton Brooks from Bluefield won the title of Miss Nicaragua World. She stands at 1.71 m in height and is a third-year communications student. Marisela Rodriguez Zuniga, 21 years old and 1.72 m, won the title of Miss Nicaragua International. She is a third-year English Systems student. All 3 will represent the nation at their respective pageants in 2003. The pageant was held at the Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío, and included swimsuit, evening gown and fashion show segment. Thanks to Henrique Fontes.
Miss El Salvador 2003 |
| Miss Ahuachapan, Diana Renee Valdivieso Dubón, was elected Miss El Salvador on Friday, February 28th. Miss Cabanas, Sally Denisse Ruiz Romero, finished as First Runner-Up while Miss San Salvador, Ana Vilma Marchelli Quintanilla, took Second Runner-Up honors. Completing the "Top Six" were Miss Sonsonate, Miss Cuscatlán, and Miss Santa Ana. The winner will represent El Salvador in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, and also picked up a number of sub-titles, including Miss Integral, Miss Internet, Most Beautiful Eyes, and Mejor Silueta. The three-hour gala was televised all over the nation.
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Virgin Islands to join Miss America Pageant |
| Pageant officials announced Wednesday there will soon be 52 women competing for the coveted rhinestone tiara. The U.S. Virgin Islands will send its first representative to the nation's oldest beauty contest in 2004. The contest is traditionally between representatives of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The last new franchise awarded in the Miss America competition was the 1950 inclusion of Alaska. Contestants from Hawaii were allowed to participate before the islands became a state. The 2004 pageant will be the first time in Miss America's 82-year-history a Virgin Islands representative has taken the Atlantic City stage. The U.S.V.I., with a total population of approximately 107,000 people, is a territory of the United States and its residents are U.S. citizens. The pageant did not solicit the new franchise, but was approached with the idea by a group headed by Shannon Boy Skokos, a Virgin Island's attorney who had competed in the 1993 pageant as Miss Arkansas. The application went through the same process as any other franchise request and was eventually approved by the Miss America Organization. "It's a very solid and talented management team," said George Bauer, CEO of the Miss America Organization. "Everyone was impressed." Franchise holders are not charged a fee. Miss U. S. Virgin Island's debut in the pageant was set for 2004 to give the new pageant organization time to get organized. A preliminary pageant must involve at least five contestants for the winner to qualify to participate in the Atlantic City event. The decision to allow a contestant from the small Caribbean islands has opened the door to contestants from other U.S. possessions and dependencies. Future pageants could conceivably see contestants from Puerto Rico, American Samoa and Guam, Bauer said. "We are not going to solicit franchises from these other areas, but a door has been opened," Bauer said. "We're a very inclusive organization and we want to take advantage of the ability to reach more young women with more scholarship dollars." Those involved in the pageant program aren't complaining about the increased competition. "I think it's a great idea," said Frances Skinner-Lewis, who runs the Miss Illinois Program and is the current head of the National Association of Miss America State Pageants. "If you are going to be representative of all of America, then all of America needs to represented, whether it's a territory or a state. I think any time you can put the focus on empowering women and providing scholarship opportunities for more women, that's certainly a good thing."
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Miss Universe Hungary 2003 |
| Viktoria Tomozi, 1.77 m tall and 20 years old, was elected Miss Universe Hungary 2003. Runners-Up were Eszmeralda Lakatos
and Veronika Orban. Thanks to Michael Knittel.
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Peru gets ready for 2003 |
| All the buzz is about Peru. The country, which celebrated a long-awaited success by Marina Mora in the 2002 Miss World Pageant, has big plans for Miss Peru 2003. According to indications by pageant organizer Jessica Newton, Miss Peru Universe 2003 will be elected in the last week of April. The election will be a closed ceremony, possibly only open to the press. Rumors are that due to disappointment with the 40 contestants who have been gathered to compete, the eventual winner for that title will be Claudia Ortiz de Zevallos, the first runner-up in last year's pageant, who was originally designated for Miss International, but then ended up 5th at the Miss Earth Pageant. On May 3rd, Frecuencia Latina will present a live gala for Miss Peru World 2002. Expectations are to have the top three of Miss World gather, which includes Azra Akin, Natalia Peralta and of course, Marina Mora. President of the Miss World Pageant, Julia Morley, has likewise been invited. Expectations are falling on favorite Maria Ines de Cerdena, a popular model, to take that title and go the Miss World Pageant.
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Ex-beauty queen back on beat |
| ST. PETERSBURG Sept. 28. Russia's ousted Miss Universe faced the public for the first time since her return from the United States, slamming contest organisers and denying reports she had grown too fat. Oxana Fedorova, draped in black silk and diamond jewellery, told reporters yesterday that she would commit herself to her career as a police officer after being stripped of her title for failing to carry out her responsibilities. But the 24-year-old sharp-shooting policewoman, the first Russian to hold the title, denied reports she had gained weight, become pregnant or married secretly after being elected in May. ``Whoever saw me before can say I did not put on seven kg. And of course, I am not pregnant,'' Ms Fedorova told a news conference in Russia's second city, flanked by her police force superior. ``I dream of becoming a mother, and maybe I will — it would be wonderful, but not now.'' And she had not acquired a husband. ``This is simply not true,'' she said. ``Anyone can check this very simply by asking at the registry office.'' Ms Fedorova, replaced this week by Miss Panama in a New York ceremony, said the Miss Universe contract had been unclear and made available to her only in English. ``I did not in fact sign any contract — I was sent one in English after I won the contest,'' she said. ``I am Russian and normally I should have been sent a contract in English and Russian, as far as I understand.'' The dark-haired Ms Fedorova, who sparked a wave of patriotic pride when she won the title, said she considered herself no more than an ordinary Russian girl. ``I count myself among regular girls who were luckier or unluckier, as the case may be,'' she said. Ms Fedorova's supervisor, the head of the St. Petersburg Interior Ministry University, said he was glad to see the beauty queen return to her studies. She is due to defend her thesis later this year. ``I hold Oxana in very high regard as a professional policewoman,'' Viktor Salnikov said. ``She herself chose to give up show business and to return to work on her dissertation.'' Ms Fedorova told the conference that her removal had been rooted in a dispute with organisers over a two-month break for her to defend her doctorate. |
Massive Turnout at Miss Bulgaria Casting |
| The Miss Bulgaria casting thrown this weekend saw massive turnout as girls from all parts of the country flocked to Sofia to apply for participation in the beauty contest. The selection was organized by fashion model agencies Visage. If seeded, the candidates get the right to take part in the Miss Bulgaria contest which winner will represent the country at the next Miss Europe event. The organizers of the casting considered Bulgarian beauties aged between 17 and 25 who have not yet heard the wedding bells. The candidates that numbered more than 300 underwent brief interview and a measurement session. Only forty girls will be allowed to the glamorous event.The exact date of the contest is not yet set. It is expected to take place either in April or in May. The beauty contests gained popularity in Bulgaria after the fall of communism in Bulgaria thirteen years ago. The most successful Miss Bulgaria is Evgenia Kalkandzhieva - the chief of the Visage agency that currently runs the contest in the country. She was rated sixth at the international Miss World contest.
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Miss Guyana Universe 2003 |
| Delegate Number one, Leanna Damond came out Number one in the Miss Guyana Universe pageant that was held at the Natural Cultural Centre last night. Standing at 5'10", Leanna dazzled the crowd with her elegance and provoked loud cheering every time she walked on to the stage. This crowd reaction was also evident when Ulex Atwell, Annalisa Reynolds and Marita Persaud made their entrance. However, in the end The judges chose Leanna Damond as the winner. There was a tie for the first runner-up position which was given to Ulex Atwell and Shevon Thomas jointly. The third runner-up was Marita Persaud while Danielle McIntyre took the fifth position. The Miss Congeniality prize was awarded to Amanda Barnwell. Damond got the best body prize while Kandasie Issacs won the best smile award. Juliana Fortune was awarded for having the best hairstyle.
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Will Miss Universe be held in Australia? |
| Sydney is set to be crowned as the new host of the Miss Universe pageant. U.S. organisers of the 52-year-old beauty contest have taken the unusual step of asking Australian authorities to submit a bid for Sydney to become the host city for the next two years. The picturesque backdrop of Sydney, its world-class facilites and perception as a stable democracy with a high level of security, have swung organisers to back the pageant in Australia. If the Sydney City Council and NSW government decide to accept theinvitation, the city would be in the running to host the pageant in May of 2004, and possibly also 2005. At the moment, it is believed Rome and several major cities in Asia are among the other bidders for the pageant. Miss Universe spokesman Ray Rodriguez yesterday confirmed the pageant, co-owned by New York property tycoon Donald Trump and the NBC television network, had asked Sydney to make a bid to become the host city. Mr Rodriguez said safety had increasingly become an issue in the wake of the riots in Nigeria last year when the rival Miss World contest had to be moved to the UK. Courtesy of the Melbourne Herald Sun |
Miss Germany Makes Peace Trip to Iraq |
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - With the threat of war looming, Miss Germany Alexandra Vodjanikova flew into Baghdad on Thursday, saying she wanted to meet with Saddam Hussein to discuss peace. Stepping off the plane at Saddam International Airport wearing a black shirt and black pants, Vodjanikova, 19, said she would like to visit hospitals and meet with Iraqi children during her three days in Iraq. ``I want to meet Saddam Hussein about the peace,'' she said. ``I will go to see hospitals, meet the children and all the people of Iraq.'' Anti-war activists have been coming to Iraq in recent weeks to denounce a possible U.S.-led military attack. The United States and Britain have massed about 200,000 troops near Iraq in preparation for a possible war. Germany is strongly opposed to military action against Iraq, and says U.N. weapons inspectors should be given more time to do their job. Courtesy of Michael Knittel. |
Canadian Miss World Franchise passes hands |
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(Vancouver, BC – February 20, 2003) SP Productions Inc. has been granted the exclusive rights to send a Canadian representative to the Miss World™ contest. The organization, headquartered in Vancouver with branch offices in Toronto, is thrilled to have been chosen as Canadian franchise holders. Miss World™, now entering its fifty-third year, is the world’s largest and most respected international beauty competition. Following the principle of Beauty With a Purpose, pioneered by International President Julia Morley, the organization has raised over £150 000 000 (C$ 320 000 000) for children’s charities across the globe, benefiting hundreds of thousands of children in need. The pageant is the most watched annual television event in the world, with an international audience of over 2 billion on all five continents. “I am delighted to award SP Productions Inc. the franchise and wish them all the best of luck,” said Julia Morley. The staff of SP Productions Inc. – comprised of Jason Smith, Caroline Frolic, Traci King and Jimmy Steele – possess over forty years of experience in the pageant world between them. “We are so delighted to have the opportunity to spread the message of Beauty With a Purpose,” said Jason Smith, Director of Communications and Production. “Our team will produce an event that will benefit children's charities across the country and will endeavor to promote young women as dynamic, goal-oriented and fashionable.” Former Miss World™ first runner-up, Connie McNaughton, now working with Tribute Entertainment Media Group will be assisting SP Productions Inc. with media and promotion across the country, and will serve as chairperson of the judging panel at the Canadian finals. The organization is proud to already count the support of dozens of civic, charitable and corporate organizations across Canada. The national finals are scheduled for August in Vancouver, and the new MISS WORLD CANADA will compete at the 2003 Miss World™ Contest in Hainan, China in late autumn. Courtesy of Jimmy Steele.
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Miss Malawi 2003 |
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The Miss Malawi Pageant was held at the Le Meriden Mount Soche on January 24th, 2003. The winner was Mable Pullu, who is the sister of Malawi's first Miss World entry, Elizabeth Pullu. Last year's winner, Blandina Mlenga, could not go to the pageant due to the financial difficulties, but hopes are higher of sending a delegate this year. The pageant was an elegant affair featuring traditionalwear, eveningwear and beachwear designs by Emma Designs. Around 10 girls took part in the pageant. Ms. Pullu was considered a controversial winner due to her relation to her sister, but also as daughter to Miss Malawi 1979. There was a lot of criticism over her election. Courtesy of Malawi Here.
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Miss Finland 2003 |
| The winner of Miss Finland 2003 was 20-year old Anna Strömberg. She is 5'9". Runners-Up were Piritta Hannula
and Suvi Hartlin, respectively. Anna Strömberg will now represent Finland in Miss Universe. Her runner-ups will go to Miss Europe and Miss International respectively. Thanks to Michael Knittel. |
Miss Costa Rica 2003 |
| Andrea Ovares Lopez, a 21 year-old law student, was crowned Miss Costa Rica 2003. Her Runners-Up were Karolyne Howards and Marianela Zeledón, respectively. 11 finalists from across the nation competed for the title at the auditorium in the national childrens' museum. Andrea now looks forward to crossing the border into Panama for the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant in June. Shirley Álvarez, Miss Costa Rica World 2002, was one of the boycotting contestants of Miss World 2002, but could not come back to the pageant as she was already involved in Miss Asia-Pacific 2002 at the same time. As a result, she has been allowed to wear her title for one more year and represent Costa Rica at the 2003 Miss World Pageant.
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Miss Canada organizer turfed by Miss World |
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OTTAWA - The organizer of Miss Canada International has been told she no longer holds the franchise to provide Canada's contestant to Miss World. Just two weeks ago, the beauty pageant's president, Sylvia Stark, dismissed Ottawa's Lynsey Bennett as Miss Canada International. But now it appears it's Stark's turn to go. "I no longer work with Sylvia. I am not renewing the franchise with her. She's no longer my franchise holder," says Julia Morley, the chair and chief executive of Miss World, who says she severed ties with Stark in December. A month later, Stark struck down Bennett's reign. Morley calls that decision "ridiculous and insensitive," praising Bennett's courage during the bloody and deadly riots that halted the Miss World pageant in Nigeria last November. It was the third time a Miss Canada lost her crown under Stark's organization. Miss World's decision to cut Stark had to do with the fact that Stark expected her winners to pay for their own clothes, hotels, and travel—expenses that Bennett says have amounted to over $20,000 in the short time she was Miss Canada International. Morley says she's now looking for a Canadian organization that can give young women more support. "I think we must look to having a proper organization with proper organizing skills, and look for partners who are going to enhance Miss World," says Morley. Numerous calls to the Miss Canada International office went unanswered. Meanwhile, the lawyer for Bennett's family says Lynsey Bennett is still considering legal action against Stark.
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Femina Miss India 2003 |
| On January 31st, 2003, at the Goragaon Sports Complex in Mumbai, India, three winners were elected at the 2003 Femina Miss India Pageant. Twenty-six beautiful young ladies from across India were chosen through months of castings and had been preparing since early December in intense training for the show. At the end of the day, it was Delhi's Nikita Anand who was crowned Femina Miss India Universe 2003 and will go to Panama for the 2003 Miss Universe Pageant in June. She is a 19 year-old undergraduate pursuing her degrees in Fashion Design and Information Technology. Mumbai's Ami Vashi, an American science graduate from Los Angeles, was entitled Femina Miss India World 2003 and will try to become India's sixth Miss World in November on the Chinese Island of Hainan. She currently works as a financial analyst and came to India in the fall and entered by chance. Finally, Mumbai's Swetha Vijayraman Nair was the final winner of the night, taking the title of Femina Miss India Earth 2003. Swetha is an Indian citizen for grew up for a while in Mumbai, but eventually moved to Dubai and upon graduation, came back and settled in Bangalore for a modelling career. She was Miss India-United Arab Emirates 1999, and went to the Miss India Worldwide Pageant in New Jersey, where she was among the final five. She will now again go international, for the 3rd Miss Earth contest in the Philippines. Parmita Katkar from Bangalore and Shonali Nagrani of Delhi will be designated later in the year for the 2003 Miss Asia-Pacific and Miss International contests.
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Miss Universe Canada 2003 |
| 25 year-old, 5'8" Leanne Cecile of Ontario province was elected Miss Universe Canada 2003, in a brand new pageant under a new director, Denis Davila. She is a pharmacy student who intends to become a clinical pharmacy specialist. 46 young women from across Canada competed at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's John Bassett Theatre for the title. First Runner-Up was Natasha Noreiga of Markham, Ontario, with Clarissa Bégin of Toronto, Ontario as the Second Runner-Up. Nazanin Afshin-Jam of Vancouver, British Columbia and Gurdeep Dhaliwal of Calgary, Alberta were Third and Fourth Runners-Up, respectively. |
Mrs. India 2003 |  |
Hindustan Times Photography
Even if the pageant was quite some time ago, I have just gotten hold of photos of the 2002 Gladrags Mrs. India winner, Tanya Soni from Secunderbad. The pageant was held at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and Tanya, who was one of two girls who lucked out in the Hyderabad zonal final, won the title. She is not a stranger to contests, as she was a runner-up in Gladrags Megamodel in the late 90's AND a contestant in Femina Miss India 1998. She was a model and air-hostess, who eventually married pop star Piyush Soni. The 2002 Mrs. World Pageant in Romania was cancelled, and Tanya will now go on to Las Vegas, U.S.A. in June 2003 for the Mrs. World Pageant |
Reina Internacional Del Cafe 2003 (Coffee Queen)
Jan. 12th: Portugal Starts the Year |
from the official web site
Miss Portugal, Raquel María Da Silva Pinto Loureuro, a television presenter who is 5'11", won the International Coffee Queen competition held annually in Manizales, Colombia as part of festivities. She was a contestant in Miss Portugal 2000. The Runners-Up were Miss Brazil, Priscilla Do Santos; Miss Panama, Carolina Miranda; Miss República Dominicana, Carol Arciniegas; and Miss Spain, Lidia Sánchez Zaforas.
Miss Europe 2002
Dec. 29th: Russia Wins |
from India's HotPress
Miss Europe 2002 was crowned in Beirut, Lebanon on December 28th. She is Miss Russia, Svetlana Koroleva. She was the successor to dethroned Miss Universe Oxana Federova as Miss Russia. Svetlana will serve for the next year as Europe's queen of beauty, and as planned beforehand, will not go to any other pageants.
First Runner-Up was pageant veteran Natascha Borger, Miss Germany. Second Runner-Up was Esra Eron, Miss Turkey, who was Second Runner-Up to reigning Miss World Azra Akin. Miss Holland, Kim Kötter finished as Third Runner-Up after barely missing the Top Ten of Miss Universe 2002. Miss Romania, Adina Dumitru completed the top five.
The Top Ten was completed with contestants from Estonia, France, Great Britain, Denmark and Poland. The Top Fifteen was finished with delegates representing Belarus, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania and Ukraine. Miss Photogenic was awarded to Miss Spain, Gemma Ruiz. Miss Elegance was won by Miss Turkey, Esra Eron, while Miss Personality went to Miss Austria.
Viewers from around the world may watch the taped Miss Europe Telecast tommorrow, the 29th, at various times throughout the night. TV5, the French Channel will provide further details on how to see the pageant.
Femina Girls Drop Out
Dec. 26th: Three Girls Officially Leave |  |
from India's HotPress
It came as quite the surprise, but in the last week 3 contestants of the 29 Femina Miss India 2003 contestants, 'disappeared.' This may have just been a glitch, but it seems we have confirmation that these 3 contestants, former Miss Teen Anjhula Singh, Shaheen and Vanessa Rodrigues, all left the competition for personal reasons. Accordingly, the contestants have a certain date within their preparation by which they may drop out without any legal complications. Anjhula Singh, a student at Lady Sri Ram College, could not get permission to put off her work for the pageant, and had to choose education. She will return to the contest in 2002 if it is possible. Newcomers to the pageant world, Shaheen and Vanessa, could not deal with the rigorous daily schedule and necessities put in place for contestants, and had to leave the competition as well. It is a shame to see these girls go, but now we have 26 contestants left for the event. The preliminaries will be held on the 24th of January, with the finals on the 31st of January. Sony will begin promotion in the following week for the pageant.
Filipina Clinches Tourism Title
Dec. 25th: Miss Tourism World 2002 |
from Al Javeri Online
Miss Tourism World Philippines, Michelle Reyes, was chosen Miss Tourism World 2002 in Ankara Turkey, while Model of the Universe Russia, Marina Tarakhovich was announced Model of The Universe 2002. The Miss Tourism World 2002 and Model of The Universe 2002 World Final Competitions took place in the exquisite ballroom of the DEDEMAN BÜYÜK ANADOLU HOTEL.
The Miss Tourism World 2002 1st Runner-Up was the stunning Miss Tourism World Turkey and Miss Tourism World Croatia, Darjana Iljkic, was picked as Miss Tourism World 2002 2nd Runner-Up. Miss Tourism World Croatia had already picked up the Miss Teen Tourism World 2002 title at the Miss Tourism World 2002 World Final Competition.
The Model of The Universe 2002 1st Runner Up was the stunning Model of The Universe Bosnia and Herzegovina, Suzana Marjanovic and Model of The Universe Slovakia, Jana Vitazkova, was picked as Model of The Universe 2002 2nd Runner Up.
Miss Tourism World Europe won by Miss Tourism World Romania, Ana Alexandra Stoain. Miss Tourism World Asia won by Miss Tourism World Thailand, Titaporn Sornplaeng. Miss Tourism World Africa won by Miss Tourism World Ghana, Beverly Asamoah Jecty. Miss Tourism World South America won by Miss Tourism World Uruguay, Dieiny Gonzalez. Miss Tourism World Central America won by Miss Tourism World Puerto Rico, Elisadel Figueroa. Miss Tourism World Platinum Model won by Miss Tourism World Kenya, Vivien Maina. Miss Tourism World Best National Costume won by Miss Tourism World Cayman Islands, Naidelys Eden.
Miss Universe 2003/Miss World 2003: Curacao
Dec. 19th: Miss Curacao 2003 |
from the Miss Curacao International web Site and RJ Isa
A new Miss Curaçao Universe was chosen last night. She is 21 year-old Vanessa Van Arendonk, who represented Curacao in Miss International 2001 in Japan. She will now go on to represent her small island in another Big-3 pageant at Miss Universe 2003 in Panama. The First Runner-Up was Angeline da Silva de Goes, who will probably represent her country at the Miss World Pageant in China depending on the decision of the directors. Second Runner-Up was Ana María de Freitas.Miss Congeniality and Miss Caribpics.com was Elise Eman. Miss Elegance was the eventual winner, Vanessa Van Arendonk. Miss Photogenic and Miss Best Body went to Angeline da Silva de Goes. Ana María de Freitas was chosen Miss Popularity.
West Africa's Beauty Convention
Dec. 18th: Miss CEDEAO 2002 |  |
from the Press of Cote D'Ivoire
22 year-old Fortes De Pina Wilza, Miss Cape Verde, was elected Miss CEDEAO 2002 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Dakar, Senegal on Saturday, winning with 119 points. Miss CEDEAO is a pageant among the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) nations. This year, ten contestants were represented. Miss Cote D'Ivoire barely beat Nkechi Iwuchukwu, Miss Nigeria, who had 118 points, followed by Second Runner-Up Miss Ghana, Sandra Ankobiah, with 115 points. Mariétou Camara of Senegal and Mlle Lydie Gonçalves of Benin were finalists.The contestants introduced themselves to the audience, which was followed by a traditional presentation in West African costumery, evening gown and speech, and swimsuit competition. The final five competed in one more segment before the coronation. Azebian Yannick, Miss Cote D'Ivoire who earlier claimed she was "boycotting" Miss World 2002 (despite not having registered), was among the non-finalists.
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