Miss World Contestants Tour South Africa

THE 112 Miss World contestants yesterday departed Johannesburg, for a tour of South Africa for location and beachwear filming.

Today the beauties will tour the host country until Friday 28, November when they return to Jozi. On November 29, there will be a Beach Beauty fast track event where the winner will automatically advance to the semi finals of the Miss World contest.

The following day, there will be a Miss World Talent Show and on World AIDS Day (December 1), they will pay a visit to a hospice.

A Top Model and World Designer Fashion Show is scheduled for Wednesday December 3. On Friday December 5, Miss World sports will be held and the winner in this category also gains automatic entry to the semi-finals. Monday December 8, the beauties will have an annual Miss World party and on December 11, 12 they will have dress rehearsals which will precede the finals the following day at Sandton Convention Centre. On Sunday 14 December, the beauties leave Johannesburg for their respective countries.

Continental Queens of Beauty

The judges of the Continental Queens of Beauty, a fast event in the Miss World contest in Johannesburg have selected their favourite 40 so far.

The ranking is updated every three or four days. All the judges are Miss World followers and will be paying close attention to all candidates as the competition unfolds.

Each of the judges was requested to divide his/her top 40 favourites in eight groups of five candidates. The five contestants in the first group (top favourites) get eight points each, the five in the second group, get seven points and so on, until the five contestants in the eighth group, each earning one point.

All the others do not receive any points. The highest scored in each region will become Continental Queen of Beauty for her region regardless of overall placement.

In the Africa region, Miss Angola, Miss Uganda, Miss Namibia and Miss South Africa are in the judges' top 40.

By Nombulelo Matsebula (In the picture is Miss Swaziland, Tiffany Simelane, to Miss World 2008.) 

Miss World: Vietnamese contestants in top five bet to win

Online betting groups are active also during international pageants especially in Miss Universe and Miss World. Now, that Miss World is heating up, these online betting houses are now up again. As early as now they have chosen some of their favorites to win the contest. I've read in a Vietnamese paper that their representative is one of the earliest shoo in. Let's take a look and observe.

Miss World: Vietnamese contestants in top five bet to win

Vietnamese representative at the Miss World pageant contest in South Africa, Duong Truong Thien Ly, is now in top five contestants who are bet to be the winners of the contest by seven bankers.

Thien Ly and Miss Trinidad & Tobago are bet for 1/12 and 1/15 by two bankers Bet 365 and Betfair.

Banker Stan James ranks Thien Ly at the third position at the betting rate of 1/14. Centrebet put Thien Ly at the 15th position, with betting rate of 1/25.

Thien Ly is in the top 5 for banker Paddy Power, at the rate of 1/12. She shares the fourth position with Miss Ecuador, with banker Boylesport, at betting rate 1/12, and also at the fourth position with Miss Trinidad & Tobago, betting rate 1/13, with banker Gamebookers.

Thien Ly is appreciated more highly by bankers than other Vietnamese contestants at Miss World, like Miss Vietnam Pham Thi Mai Phuong in 2002, and Miss Vietnam Mai Phuong Thuy in 2006.

According to the official website of the Miss World 2008, one more title – Miss People’s Choice - will be presented to the contestant who wins the highest votes by the audiences. This contestant will admit the semi-final round (15 best contestants).

Miss World 2008 Welcomed in Joburg

 

  

The City of Joburg today welcomed the first group of contestants of the Miss World 2008 Festival at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

The Miss World 2008 Festival hosted by the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC ), is a month-long affair comprising of several pageants within a pageant culminating in the Finals scheduled for 13 December at the Sandton Convention Centre.

In a press conference attended by among other dignitaries the Mayor of Joburg, Amos Masondo, CEO of the JTC, Lindiwe Mahlangu, reiterated the positive spin-offs an event of this magnitude will have on the socio-economic landscape of the country.

"One of the reasons we were so excited when the appointment to host the event came, is the massive marketing opportunities and global exposure of the beauty, variety and cultural diversity of our country.

"We have a detailed activity schedule for the ladies which includes, amongst others, visitation of various provinces, a tour of Johannesburg, a Charity Ball, a photoshoot at the iconic Mandela Bridge, tree planting in Soweto, a hospice visit on World Aids Day (1 December) and many others.

"Remember that beauty pageants have gone beyond their classic definition and have become much more involved in many other worthy causes, hence the phrase 'beauty with a purpose'", Miss World 2008 will have a direct impact on a number of Joburg NGO's ranging from those focused on the empowerment of disabled people to those whose mission is to better the lives of troubled youth, says Mahlangu.

According to Julia Morley, CEO and Chairperson of the Miss World Organisation (MWO), MWO looks forward to working with the city of Joburg to promote their world class facilities.

"Our goal is to bring more visitors to your vibrant city so that they too can enjoy the sights and sounds of Joburg and its hospitality," says Morley.

Vietnam May Not be Represented in Miss World 2008

Vietnam is getting little attention lately from the beauty pageant fans all over the world. Thanks to the controversy involving the winner of Miss Vietnam 2008 who apparently did not finish high school. Pageants have a tall order on this qualification. A candidate should at least a high school graduate. 

I remember last year, the Philippine representative to Miss World, Margaret Wilson, was initially questioned by some. Apparently, she did not finish high school but it turned she did.

Going back to Miss Vietnam, since the winner Tran Thi Thuy Dung (left picture) does not meet this criteria, Vietnam is in dilemma. They are not sure whether their country will be represented in the Miss World 2008 or not.

It was approved that Vietnams's representative to the Miss Universe 2008 - Nguyen Thuy Lam - which incidentally took place in Vietnam will represent this country in Miss World but because of a commitment with her studies, she can't make it now.

Thuy Lam (right picture) is the first Vietnamese to penetrate a semi-final slot in the Miss Universe pageant but she failed to advance to Top 10. She is one of the only two Asians in the semi-finals along with Miss Japan Hiroko Mima. She was also in the Top 10 Best in National Costume chosen by Vietnamese judges.

Here is the latest news whether Vietnam will be seen in Miss World 1008 pageants or not.

Vietnam may or may not be at Miss World

Elite Vietnam, the company authorized to nominate the country’s contestants to Miss World, said it was unsure whether either one of Vietnam’s two nominees would be chosen as the deadline is almost up and all of the contest’s spots may have already been filled.

The company has nominated the three finalists of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008.

But the event’s first place winner, Nguyen Thuy Lam, has said she is too busy to vie for a spot at Miss World, citing her studies and the upcoming release of a studio album as the reasons.

Miss Universe Vietnam’s first runner-up Vo Hoang Yen and second runner-up Duong Truong Thien Ly have now had their names submitted to Miss World for consideration.

Miss World 2008 will take place November 16 to December 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Department of Performing Arts approved Elite’s nomination of the Miss Universe Vietnam winners last Monday.

The body had previously disqualified the winners of Miss Vietnam 2008 from participating in Miss World after Miss Vietnam organizers were accused of violating event regulations by allowing contestants – including the event’s winner Tran Thi Thuy Dung – to participate without a high-school diploma.

Reported by Da Ly

Pinay beauties' edge over Latin ladies: Warmth

I have been observing how beauty pageants are being taken for the last 20 years. I have heard lots of backstage stories of most of the contestants. It is countless. One thing I have observed is the diversion of what could be the original purpose of the pageant which is to build friendship and camaraderie among the participating countries. It is supposed to be for fun but things aren't the same nowadays.

Beauty pageants, though this are really contests, has reached a new dimension. This is being taken uber now. Contestants usually bitch other contestants not to mention also the fact that pageants fans insult, bash, and criticize heavily every candidates and even supporters of a particular country. Racist comments are thrown to each and everyone. This is pathetic. The purpose is now defeated.

I don't see something wrong in being so competitive but not to the point of bitching around. A friendly atmosphere should always be observed since this is one of the reasons for the staging of the pageant. Candidates should still learn to befriend each and everyone.

I want to share an interesting article about an interview of the three Binibining Pilipinas winners this year. Miss Philippines-Universe Jennifer Barrientos (who competed in Vietnam last Miss Universe pageant), Miss Philippines-World Danielle Castano (who replaced Janina San Miguel as Philippine representative to the Miss World 2008 pageant in South Africa) and Miss Philippines-International Patricia Fernandez had an interview with a Philippines local television show.

In the interview, Jennifer Barrientos talked about the difference of Filipina beauties to other beauties especially the South Americans. She said her contemporaries are friendlier to their fellow candidates.

Pinay beauties' edge over Latin ladies: Warmth

SOURCE: LINK

For years now Latin ladies have dominated the world of international beauty pageants but Filipino beauties are unfazed.

Reigning Binibining (Bb) Pilipinas Universe Jennifer Barrientos, Bb. Pilipinas World Danielle Castaño and Bb. Pilipinas International Patricia Fernandez said Filipino beauties are unique.

In an interview on “Mornings@ANC,” the three women said Filipinas have their own style.

“We show more warmth and friendliness,” Fernandez said.

It is not easy being a beauty queen though. Before they can represent the country in international competitions, the winners of the prestigious beauty contest are required to undergo rigorous trainings.

Barrientos emphasized the importance of preparing for the competitions.

“The secret is how you prepare and how you keep the power within. It’s how you concentrate, keep your focus,” she said.

Castaño, on the other hand, said: “Just finish school first before you go into something like beauty pageants and then that’s when you focus. If you want something and just keep dreaming, just be strong and you’ll succeed.”

The hard work though pays off even if the country’s representatives fail to bring home the crown.

Barrientos, who represented the country in Miss Universe 2008 held in Vietnam, for instance, said because of the experience she got to meet new friends from other countries.

“The whole experience was very fun. I got to meet new people, new friends from other countries. And I got to experience all of the things that other beauty queens experienced,” she said.

Fernandez and Castaño are set to compete in Macau and South Africa, respectively, in the coming months.

“I really pray that I will be able to bring honor to our country but, of course, I could only prepare,” said Fernandez who is leaving the country next week for the Miss International competition in November.

For Castaño, she said she has been undergoing trainings to prepare her for the Miss World pageant in December.

Ever wondered what’s up with beauty queen hand wave? The three beauties said it is for picture taking.

In the first picture is Miss Philippines-International Patricia Fernandez and in the second picture is Miss Philippines-Universe Jennifer Barrientos. Photo credits to OPMB and Binibining Pilipinas.

Miss Philippines-World 2008 Passes Her Crown

What is the real deal?

This is the deeper question to the reported backing out of Janina San Miguel, Philippine representative to the Miss World 2008 pageant to be held in South Africa later this year.

Janina became a household name when she humbled herself during her national pageant, Binibining Pilipinas, for "murdering the English language" at the final question and answer portion. She buckled and totally gave in to the unadaptive audience. It was probably the lowest point of her life but she managed to stand up.

You can watch the video by clicking this link on youtube.

Janina won the top honor by grabbing the top crown in the pageant, the Bibinibing Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) - World in March 2008. She was supposed to compete in South Africa this September but yesterday, it was announced she quit the title. The reason is because of the death of her grandfather.

The first runner up, Danielle Castano, will replace Janina.

This could have been the best opportunity for Janina to redeem herself during the Miss World pageant. By watching her videos and photos, this girl has what it takes to become a winner. Her beauty is exotic and with proper training she could have nailed down the competition.

What makes me sick is the reality that her people was never supportive of her instead they lambasted the poor girl 24/7. No doubt, the experience was a traumatic for Janina. The criticism is too much too handle for a 17 year old lady. Instead of helping her, she is figuratively pulled down by torturing her mentally, spiritually and psychologically.

I strongly believe Janina could have thought of using the opportunity to strike revenge by proving to the Filipino people she can deliver. At one time she was determined but the constant name calling from abusive beauty pageants fans put her down. She was beaten up - psychologically. She gave up. She succumbed under pressure. She got something that will forever haunt her - an incident that demoralized not only her but also her whole family.

I don't understand why the Filipino people put emphasis too much on the English language. Speaking the language fluently is a not a basis of intelligence. Janina is a Filipino who does speak not English but her mother tongue. So what is the big deal of requiring her to speak in English if she speaks Tagalog?

I feel for Janina. I fully understand her but I will not understand people who see putting a pinch of salt in an open wound something funny. May I ask the detractors of Janina. Can you speak Japanese or German or French or Afrikaans? Most of you don't but the world is not laughing at you. The world understands you. Why can't you give the same respect to a 17 year lady who does not speak English?

But what is the real deal here? Did Janina really quit or she was forced to resign. Did Janina really give in to pressure or is it the organizer who gave in to the pressure?

Whatever the real score is, something is clear here. There is a deeper reason other than the loss of a grandfather.

I am including a news on this which I copied from this link.

Bb. Pilipinas-World 2008 Janina San Miguel has decided to quit as the Philippines' representative to the Miss World 2008 beauty pageant that will be held on December 14 at Johannesburg, South Africa.

In a statement sent to the press by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) earlier tonight, September 29, San Miguel cited the recent death of her grandfather as the reason of her decision to back out from the competition.

The statement read: "The untimely demise of her grandfather, among other personal reasons, has caused her undue stress, thus hindering her from fulfilling her duties for the said title... BPCI wishes to express its gratitude to Ms. San Miguel for this act of graciousness and concern for the country. They also wish her well in her future endeavors."

As per the rules and regulations of the BPCI, Binibining Pilipinas 2008 first runner-up Danielle Castaño will take over Janina's duties as the country's representative to the Miss World 2008.

Janina made the headlines earlier this year during the Bb. Pilipinas competition when she fumbled in the question-and-answer portion. The critics lambasted her for "murdering the English language" while some found enjoyment watching the video of that particular moment in YouTube. But in the end, she still went home with the Bb. Pilipinas-World crown.

The Philippines has yet to win the Miss World crown. The closest we got to the crown was when Evangeline Pascual placed 1^st runner-up in 1973. Actress Ruffa Gutierrez became 2^nd runner-up in 1993.

Binibining Pilipinas First Runner up, Danielle Castano, replaces Janina San Miguel as Philippine representative to the Miss World 2008 pageant.

Miss World 2008 in South Africa

On 24 August 2008, Julia Morley, the owner of Miss World announced in the pageant's official website that this year's contest is moved to South Africa. Here is the statement of Morley:

Miss World 2008 will be hosted

by Johannesburg - World Class
African City.

We look forward to welcoming contestants in Johannesburg on Sunday 16th November.

The 58th Miss World Final will be held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 13th December 2008.

Contestants will enjoy a full South African authentic experience and during their 4 week stay will visit many exciting landmarks of South Africa.

All details will follow.

Julia Morley

Yesterday, 29 August 2008, she released an official statement to the press. Here is copy of the statement from Julia:

It was decided that for reasons beyond Miss World's control, it was necessary to move the final from Ukraine. When this was announced in the media, several cities/countries approached the Miss World Organisation about the
hosting of Miss World 2008 Final.

Each city presented to Julia Morley, Chairman of Miss World Limited, their plan for hosting. This included details of hotel arrangements, a suitable venue to stage the final and the backing of all the parties necessary to stage a successful world class event in their city.

Julia Morley was very impressed with the bid from Lindiwe Mahlunga of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, as it not only fulfilled all the requirements to stage the final but also was backed by a young dynamic team who sincerely believe in their World Class City. Johannesburg is therefore the host city for Miss World 2008

" The speed with which they have implemented their proposal and the professional and dedicated support of Lindiwe and the JTC team have already demonstrated that we can stage the most successful Miss World in our history."

"We look forward to working with the city of Johannesburg to promote their World Class City in over 180 countries during our one month Miss World Festival. Our goal is to bring more visitors to your vibrant city so that they too can enjoy the sights and sounds of Joburg and the hospitality if its people."

Julia Morley