Top Favorites for Miss Universe 2008

This year's Miss Universe Beauty Pageant is one of the toughest so far. The fact that almost all 80 delegates is equally stunning, there's a lot of mini-competitions that's being held before the finals set on July 13th. Meaning, the judges has a lot of opportunities to study the delegates prior to the preliminary competition. So, here are the top favorites that stood out so far:

Miss Venezuela (Dayana Mendoza)
The fact that she's wearing the Venezuela sash, this lady has an oozing sex appeal, nice personality, always energetic specially on stage. And one of the best catwalk skills. Plus, facially beautiful and sexy body. She has proven to be the girl on top and won the second sub-contest, the Ao Dai Fashion Show.

Miss USA (Crystle Stewart)
Although this lady is not so facially beautiful, I've said that because many people specially pageant fans has argue about her winning the Miss USA title this year, Crystle has an amazing body and very sophisticated catwalk. She's also considered a pageant veteran. And specially stood out is her strong personality.

Miss Puerto Rico (Ingrid Marie Rivera)
Ingrid is one of the early favorites this year. She has made headlines all over after winning the Miss Puerto Rico Universe beauty contest, about the pepper spray scandal. She's also one of the favorites during the Miss World 2005 pageant.

Miss Korea (Sun Lee)
Sun Lee is one of Asia's frontrunner. Has an sweet but fierce personality, specially on stage. Many have said that Sun will follow the footsteps of last year's Miss Korea, Honey Lee who finished as 3rd runner-up.

Miss Kazakhstan (Alfina Nassyrova)
Many are surprised that this girl from a country not known to be a "pageant crazy" country is making a statement in this year's competition. She's always been one of the favorites of the press, always posing and looking good at the cameras. She also stood out at the Ao Dai Fashion Show and Vinpearl Swimwear Competition.

Miss India (Simran Kaur)
It's not a surprise that India will do good this year. As most Miss India has proven in the past pageants, Simran continued the "tradition". She has been consistent in every sub-contest that held. She's one of the top 10 best in national costume, one of the top 5 in Ao Dai Fashion Show, and one of the finalists in the Vinpearl Swimsuit Competition. Its for sure Simran will go great in the preliminary competition.

Miss South Africa (Tansey Coetzee)
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, this lady from the rainbow nation is one of Africa's frontrunners. Beautiful in photos, and has a fierce, model-like catwalk skills. It wouldn't be a surprise that she will enter the semi-finals.

Judges, Miss Universe 2008 Finals

This year's Miss Universe 2008 Beauty Pageant Judges on the final telecast comes from the world fashion, entertainment and business. They are the one who will decide who among the semifinast which was chosen by a seperate panel of judges is going to be the next to wear the crown of Miss Universe.

Meet this year's judges:
Jennifer Hawkins
Jennifer Hawkins is an Australian beauty queen, model and television presenter and the face of Australian department store Myer. She is also a Miss Universe titleholder back in 2004.

Nadine Velazquez
An American actress and model. She appeared in the 2004 film Blast!, the TV movie The Last Ride and the 2006 release House of the Dead II, and currently stars in the NBC series My Name Is Earl as Catalina Aruca. She appeared on the January 2006 cover of Stuff, and was named #39 in the annual Maxim Hot 100 list. Nadine was also originally cast as Fernando Sucre's girlfriend Maricruz Delgado in the FOX series Prison Break but acquired a role in My Name Is Earl instead.

Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. is the eldest child and son of famed real estate developer Donald Trump, who happens to be the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization and his first wife Ivana Trump. He currently works along with his sister and brother from the same marriage, Ivanka and Eric, as an executive vice president in the Trump Organization.

Roberto Cavalli
A fashion icon, one of the world's best fashion designer. He brought on the catwalks of the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in Florence, and later on those of Milano Collezioni, the most unusual creations: precious jeans made of printed denim, intarsia leathers, brocade and wild prints. He created glamorous and dreamy clothing for the modern, emancipated woman. This revolutionary style was immediately appreciated by the international jet set: the fashion designer opened his first boutique in 1972 in Saint-Tropez, then the centre of good living and a favourite destination for the demi-monde.

Louis Licari
For 25 years, Louis Licari has been perfecting the art of coloring hair, and today he is one of the world's foremost experts. At his salons in New York and Beverly Hills, Licari has worked with hair of virtually every color and texture, while building a loyal clientele who rely on him to provide the finest in hair color and hair cares. His "Ionic Color Preservation System" was developed specifically for his clients, to help prevent color from fading and to maintain lustous, healthy hair. This is the first and only hair product line specifically formulated with "Ionic Color Sealant", a unique blend of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

Taryn Rose

Taryn Rose changed the footwear industry in 1998 by creating a line of luxury shoes that were as fashionable as they were functional. Rose has since opened boutiques in California, Las Vegas, and Korea and also sells in Harrods and Printemps department stores. This year, Rose successfully sold her shoe business and is on to her next project, a new line named 'Haute Footure." Rose regularly participates in projects to support various non-profit organizations including the Breast Cancer Research Center in New York, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the AIDS Project Los Angeles and Clothes Off Our Back, to name a few.

Nguyen Cong Khe

Mr. Nguyen Cong Khe is the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien newspaper. He is also the Director of the Nguyen Thai Binh Scholarship, a member of the Vietnam Youth Fund and is Chairman and Founder of the Vietnam Talent Fund. He is married and has two children.

Joseph Cinque

Joseph Cinque began his path in the hospitality industry in the early 80’s as part owner in The Surf Club and The Crane Club. Since then he has found his true calling in life, a position he was made for, The President of The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Under Cinque’s leadership the Academy has grown enormously. Throughout its history, the company has set the standard of quality and service in the global travel and luxury services sector. Each year the Academy bestows its coveted International Five Star Diamond Award exclusively to five star establishments that are deemed to be of pinnacle quality by its esteemed Board of Trustees. Joe and his wife of 50 years, Rosa, have two children and two grandchildren.

Eesha Koppikhar

Indian-born actress and singer, Eesha Koppikhar, has appeared in numerous films, music videos and live theatre performances. She recently attended the “Indian Idol” grand finale where she danced on stage with the two finalists. Her popularity as an actress continues to grow; she has six films being released between August and December of this year. In her free time, Koppikhar enjoys dancing and is avid in the practice of Tae kwon do. She has a degree in Life Sciences from Rui College in Bombay and graduated from Bombay University with a degree in Biotechnology.

Amalia Mataoros is Costa Rica's bet to Miss World

Standing at 1.75m tall, Maria Amalia Mataoros (photo) was crowned as the new Miss World Costa Rica 2008. The 19 year old beauty pageant veteran also competed in Miss Tourism Queen International and Miss Latin America beauty contests respectively.

Maria Amalia will now represent her country in the upcoming Miss World beauty pageant to be held in Kiev, Ukraine on October.

Serbia's bet to Miss World 2008

Nevena Lipovac (photo) was crowned last July 3 as the new Miss Serbia 2008 beating out 24 other candidates. The 19 year old native of Belgrade will travel to Kiev Ukraine to compete for Miss World Beauty Pageant 2008.

More pictures:

Miss Mexico wins Best in Swimsuit Award

One of this year's "mini-competitions" is the Vinpearl Swimwear show which took place last Wednesday, July 2nd, at the Amphitheatre of the Vinpearl Resort, Vinpearl Land, Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang.

The Swimwear show, will feature all 80 delegates modeling in their swimsuits, in a special night that will include performances by local artists as well as a display of special effects.

The judges have chosen their top 5 finalists (photo), and they were -- Miss Colombia (Taliana Vargas), Miss India (Simran Kaur), Miss Spain (Claudia Moro), Miss USA (Crystle Stewart) and finally, the winner of the Best in Swimsuit Award, Miss Mexico Elisa Najera. She will recieve a trophy and USD$2000.00 as her prize

It is the first time in the history of the Miss Universe beauty pageant that such sub-contests are held. The first was the National Costume competition, followed by the Ao Dai Fashion Show. Although these competitions are not included in the Preliminary Judging score, it certainly influences the outcome and perception of some of these contestants.

Miss Bahamas World 2008 was Crowned

Tinnyse Johnson (photo) was crowned as the new Miss Bahamas World 2008 last night in Nassau. The 21 years old, 1.74m tall beauty queen who describes herself determined, optimistic and compassionate will travel to Kiev, Ukraine to compete in the Miss World Beauty Pageant 2008 on October later this year.

Complete results:

1st runner-up is Tiara Cooper

2nd runner-up is Crystal Bethel

Watch Miss Bahamas World 2008 Beauty Contest Evening Wear Competition:

Preliminary Judges for 2008 Miss Universe

Meet this year's panel of judges for Miss Universe Beauty Pageant Preliminary Competition to be held on July 6-7, where the judges will got the chance to interview the 80 candidates one by one for a personal interview. And on July 8 for the presentation show where they are judged in swimsuits and pageant wear to be held at Crown Convention Center in Vietnam. The judges will have to choose their Top 15 candidates that will compete for the finals on July 13 to be telecast live on NBC.

ROSALINA TRAN LYDSTER

Born in Vietnam, Rosalina Tran Lydster worked as a co-designer for the official Miss Universe Crown for the 2008 pageant. A graduate of San Francisco State University and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Lydster has designed pieces for a wide variety of celebrities and her jewelry has appeared in major films such Superman Returns. She was also recognized in 2007 as the Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition's recipient of the Achievement in Fashion Award. According to Lydster, "from minimalist to extravagant, my goal is for my creations to truly express the personalities of my clients."

ADEL CHABBI

French-born Adel Chabbi has over 23 years of experience as a hair dresser, working with notable clients including Alicia Silverstone, Lauren Hutton and Jessica Lange, to name a few. Specializing in hair extensions for many years, Adel has become an expert in the field. His know-how landed him several TV appearances over the years, including spots on Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," NBC's "Today Show" and "Extra." He has also styled for major fashion and beauty magazines including French Vogue, Glamour, Elle and many more.

LEIGH ROSSINI

Born in New York, Leigh Rossini began her career in 1993 shampooing hair for Louis Licari Color Group on some of the most influential people in the world. In 1995 she left New York for New Mexico where she earned her degree in Communications. After graduating she returned to Louis Licari Salon in New York City as Mr. Licari's personal assistant and soon after became Louis Licari Salon's first in-house Publicist. Today Rossini works side by side with Licari and his team in New York and Beverly Hills and is responsible for the company's publicity efforts.

DEAN McFLIKER

Dean is the Vice President of NBC Primetime Special Projects, where he produces, directs and choreographs countless productions and has created the promotional campaigns for "ER," "Law & Order," "Grease: You're The One That I Want," "The Biggest Loser," "The Apprentice," "America's Got Talent," "American Dreams," "American Gladiators," "Deal or No Deal," "The Singing Bee" and many more. On Broadway, Dean has choreographed "Sha*Bang" (Lincoln Center), "Gypsy of the Year" (Virginia Theater), "Upfront" (Radio City Music Hall) as well as international tours, concerts and benefits for Tina Turner, Kool & The Gang, Ray Charles, The Temptations, The Pointer Sisters, Debbie Reynolds, and Carol Channing. Recently, Dean was a choreographer for "Blame It On Bacharach" at the Wilshire Theater and is currently executive producing a "Heroes" one hour special airing September 22nd on NBC.

* Miss Universe 2008 Complete Coverage

Miss Universe 2008 Glamorous Prize Package

The winner of Miss Universe 2008 will receive the following prizes from the Miss Universe Organization:

The new Miss Universe will recieve an exquisite tiara created by CAO Fine Jewelry (a division of PNJ) designed by Mrs. Dang Thi Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster.

A year-long salary as Miss Universe.

A shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear.

A year's worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems.

A swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand.

A collection of eveningwear gowns from Scala, designed by Sherri Hill.

A National and International advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear.

A New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses.

A two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy in New York City valued at up to $100,000.

A trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

Personal appearance wardrobe.

A year-long membership to Gravity Fitness.

Year-long hair services John Barrett Salon.

Modeling portfolio by leading New York City fashion photographer Fadil Berisha.

Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization.

Extensive travel opportunities with a personal travel manager representing sponsors and charitable partners.

Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.

Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers.

Professional public relations media training.

Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet PR in New York City.

Year-long dermatology and skin services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher.

The runners-up and semi-finalists will also get the following prizes:
1st run-up - $3,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska
2nd run-up - $2,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska
3rd run-up - $1,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska
4th run-up - $1,000 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaskal
10 Semi-Finalists - $500 cash award and a crystal trophy from Rogaska

The Miss Congeniality Awardee will get $1,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy from Rogaska awarded to the contestant selected by her fellow contestants as the most charismatic and inspirational.

Winner of the Best in National Costume will recieve $1,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy from Rogaska awarded to the contestant with the most creative National Costume voted on and selected by the public via www.nbc.com.

All 80 Contestants will receive the following gifts:

An assortment of Farouk Systems hair care products and tools

Swimwear from BSC Swimwear Thailand

Competition and fashion footwear from Nina

YMI denim gift package

Robes provided by Aegean Apparel

Gift bags provided by WOW! Creations

Eveningwear by Scala, designed by Sherri Hill

USA's bet to Miss International 2008

Kelly Best (photo) was declared as the new representative of USA to the upcoming Miss International 2008 Beauty Pageant in Macau later this year. Kelly a 22 year old and also considered as a beauty contest veteran. She represented Port Huron first in 2002 in the Miss Michigan USA and placed in the semi-finals. Then she became 4th run-up in 2004. And she won the title Miss Michigan USA 2007 and competed in Miss USA 2007 and placed in the semi-finals.

Jerry Springer and Mel. B hosts the 2008 Miss Universe

Announced by the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula M. Shugart last June 24, the host of NBC’s hit summer show, “America’s Got Talent,” Jerry Springer and actress/singer Melanie Brown will host the 2008 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant live on NBC from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam on Sunday, July 13th.

Cultural icon Jerry Springer, host for 17 seasons of the hit talk show "The Jerry Springer Show," as well as the host of "America's Got Talent," boasts a resume that includes such diverse roles as: Mayor of Cincinnati, political pundit, lawyer, award-winning newscaster, country recording artist, international emcee, TV personality, author, movie star, progressive talk-radio broadcaster and ballroom dancer on the hit "Dancing with the Stars." His popularity has also led him to be a favorite guest-speaker at college campuses across the country, not to mention a special guest lecturer at Oxford University in England. Springer has also added a Broadway appearance to his distinguished list of achievements, starring for a week in the production of the “Rocky Horror Show Live.”

"This is obviously a great honor and getting to work alongside Mel B makes it even better," said Springer.

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B, has made her mark as an accomplished singer, actress, producer, designer and TV personality. Mel B became a household name as “Scary Spice,” one of the members of the iconic girl group the Spice Girls. She has appeared in numerous TV specials, shows and films as well as on Broadway in the hugely successful musical “Rent.” Mel B is currently working on her third solo album, slated for release in early 2009. Her newest project, “The Singing Office,” will premiere on TLC later this month, with Mel serving as Executive Producer and Co-Host. Additionally, she was a finalist on the fifth season of “Dancing with the Stars,” where she became a fan favorite with her dance experience and fun disposition on the dance floor. She has since become a special events correspondent for “Access Hollywood.”

“I’m thrilled to be a co-host of the Miss Universe Pageant,” said Mel B. “I believe the diversity and dedication that the pageant brings inspires and empowers young women across the globe.”

Miss Venezuela wins Best in Ao Dai Award

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza won the "Best in Ao Dai" award during the Charming Ao Dai Fashion Show held at the Hoa Binh Theater in Ho Chi Minh City last June 24th. Even tripping in her Ao Dai did not stop the judges from giving the award to the South American Beauty. The runner-ups for the Best in Ao Dai award were Miss India (Simran Kaur), Miss Kazakhstan (Alfina Nassyrova), Miss Thailand (Gavintra Pothijak) and Miss Vietnam (Nguyen Thuy Lam). Beauty queens from Venezuela are an unstoppable force at every beauty pageant in the world.

Watch the making and Vo Viet Chung and Collection for Miss Universe contestants:

Miss Universe 2008 Top 10 Best National Costumes

The national costume competition of Miss Universe 2008 beauty pageant was held last June 22 at the Lions Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City and was televised live by HTV9. Each of the 80 contestants paraded on stage displaying the crafts and cultures of their respected country.

A distinguished panel of judges was in charge of selecting the Top 10 Best Costumes:

- Mr. Le Xuan Than : Head of Miss Universe 2008 Vietnam Organizing Board
- Mrs. Rachel Frimer : Vice President, Production, of the Miss Universe Organization
- Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan : President of Unicorp
- Mr. Nguyen Quang Minh : General director of Cat Tien Sa company
- Mr. Nguyen Chi Tan : Deputy chairman of HTV Station
- Mr. Vuong Trieu Vu : Samsung Marketing Director
- Miss Riyo Mori : The reigning Miss Universe 2007

The National Costume Competition was sponsored by Samsung and the Top 10 finalists each got a Samsung Armani cellular phone, valued at US $1000 each.

After the parade of contestants and a couple of performances, the Top 10 Best in National Costume were announced and they are:

- Albania, Matilda Mecini
- Colombia, Taliana Vargas
- Dominican Republic, Marianne Cruz
- India, Simran Kaur
- Kosovo, Zana Krasniqi
- Mexico, Elisa Najera
- Peru, Karol Castillo
- South Africa, Tansey Coetzee
- Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza
- Vietnam, Nguyen Thuy Lam

Voting will be opened soon on NBC.com to select the Best National Costume. The winner will be announced during the Miss Universe Pageant final telecast in July 14, 2008.

New Mister Singapore 2008

Mister Bedok Jovin Koh (photo), who is a law student who hopes to become a solicitor was elected by a star-studded panel of judges as the new Miss Singapore International 2008. Jovin won over $65,000 in cash and prizes and will also go on to represent Singapore in the Mister International 2008 beauty pageant in the Republic of China, Taiwan in October.

The panel of celebrity judges which included: George Leong, renown local DJ; Anthony Tang, award winning hairstylist and director of Anthony Hair Boutique; Sunny Ang, renowned local designer, Galen Hogan, president of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (Singapore); Ken Hong, founder and director of SportsmenAsia; Colin Tan, managing director of NutritionPark.com, Patricia Ng, Ms. United Nation International; Zephron Chong, stylist and marketing manager of Fabulous Studio and Dior Lai, national waterpolo player.

The candidates competed in three areas of competition -- swimwear, evening wear and interview. During these competitions, the top five were selected before the crowning. Mister Singapore 2007 Gabriel Goh crowned his successor.

Complete Results:
First Runner-up: Mister Bukit Timah Alex Zhang
Second Runner-up: Mister Pasir Ris Ash Su
Third Runner-up: Mister Serangoon Faryz Rahmad
Fourth Runner-up: Mister Yishun Shahrizal Razali

Rest of Top Ten:
Mister Ang Mo Kio Soh Chow Jing, Mister Jurong Jake Lam, Mister Marine Parade Sean Lim, Mister Punggol Linus Soh and Mister Woodlands Gregory Pink.

Special Awards:
SportsmenAsia Swimwear and Fitness Award: Mister Bukit Timah Alex Zhang
SportsmenAsia Style Award: Mister Marine Parade Sean Lim
One Men Show Photogenic Award: Mister Sembawang Haniff bin Jaffar Sadique
Thomas D'Esthetique Face Award: Mister Bedok Jovin Lim
MSO Congeniality Award: Mister Toa Payoh Ahbisek Rai
MSO Spirit Award: Mister Serangoon Faryz Rahmad

Ireland's bet to Miss World 2008

Beating out 37 other candidates, the lovely Miss Meath, Sinead Noonan was crowned as the new Miss Ireland 2008 last June 20. The 21 year old beauty will travel to Kiev, Ukraine to compete for the Miss World Beauty Pageant title later this year.

Miss Ireland beauty contest's line-up of judges included X Factor and pop guru Louis Walsh, Paradise Hotel's presenter Amanda Byram, and Actor Matt Di Angelo.

Complete results:

1st Runner-up - Sarah Stoke, Miss Laois

2nd Runner-up - Aoife Gallagher, Miss Clare

Special Awards:

Beauty with a Purpose winner - Niamh Walsh, Miss Sunday World

Miss Connaught - Roisin O'Dolain, Miss Galway

Miss Leinster - Sinead Noonan, Miss Meath

Miss Munster - Aoife Gallagher, Miss Clare

Miss Ulster - Jenny Curran, Miss Armagh

A New Crown for Miss Universe 2008

Japan's Riyo Mori, the reigning Miss Universe 2007 (photo, left) will be the last to wear the Mikimoto crown. Announced today by the Miss Universe Organization that CAO Fine Jewelry (a line of the renowned Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) company in Vietnam) has created the coveted 2008 Miss Universe crown. The winner of the 2008 Miss Universe beauty pageant will be crowned with the masterpiece which was designed by Rosalina Tran Lydster of Jewelry by Rosalina and Ms. Dang Thi Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry. The new beauty queen will also received a CAO made tiara worth $30 thousand dollars.

The crown, valued at $120 thousand dollars, is made of 18K white and yellow gold. It is comprised of over 1,000 precious stones; including 555 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats) and 19 morganite gemstones (60 carats). The colors of the jewels chosen for the crown have great significance. The yellow luster of the gold represents the prosperous thriving economy in Vietnam. White, light pink and cognac are the main hues in the crown which represent inspiration and feeling.

“The Miss Universe crown is one of the most revered pieces of jewelry in the world,” said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. “We are very excited to have partnered with CAO Fine Jewelry and Jewelry by Rosalina to create this year’s crown.”

“The curved design creates a natural rhythm and a stable structure for the crown, symbolizing the spirit of unity. The crown combines the beauty and the character of each nation, accomplishing the goal of the pageant, which is international unity,” explained designers Ms. Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster.

Judith Wilson was Crowned Miss Northern Ireland 2008

The granddaughter of inspirational Troubles hero Gordon Wilson has been crowned Miss Northern Ireland. Representing Ballinamallard, Judith Wilson (Photo, Right) was crowned at a beauty contest in Belfast last night.

The 22-year-old music teacher at Foyle and Londonderry College was only a toddler when the 1987 IRA Poppy Day bomb killed her aunt Marie (20). Her grandfather, Gordon, had been at the Enniskillen Cenotaph with Marie, a nurse, who died from her injuries at the scene just after telling her father she loved him. Ten others died, and many more were seriously injured.

Mr Wilson gained international recognition in the wake of the explosion for his noble sentiments of forgiveness towards his daughter's killers.

In 1995 Gordon Wilson died from a heart attack but his legacy of exemplary courage and peace has lived on.

Speaking ahead of her win, Judith paid tribute to how her grandfather helped shape life for the better in Northern Ireland.

"Since I've grown up and am now looking back on the Troubles, it seems amazing how far we have come and a big part of that is down to my granda and people like him," she said.

"I'm amazed at how much he did in the midst of the tragedy."

"I remember very little about the bomb — I remember the chaos and people getting upset but I didn't know what was going on. Looking back I cannot believe they got through it like they did."

Judith will travel and represent her country at Miss World beauty pageant later this year.

Vietnam Ready to Welcome Miss Universe Competitors

Delegates of the Miss Universe 2008 beauty pageant begin arriving in Vietnam as of today, June 16. Up to 40 beauties will arrive at the HCM City-based Tan Son Nhat International Airport on June 17, said the organising board.

Two competitors came to Vietnam on June 16, Siera Robertson, Miss Guam (18 years old, 1.75m) and Karol Castillo, Miss Peru (18, 1.82m).

On June 17, 40 other competitors and Miss Universe Vietnam Nguyen Thuy Lam (20, 169m) will receive their rooms at the New World Hotel, HCM City.

Among 40 girls who will come to HCM City on June 17 will be the Miss Universes of France, Italy, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, the US, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Seventeen competitors, including those from Czech Republic, India, Australia, Venezuela, the UK, Greece, South Africa, Norway, will arrive in HCM City on June 18.

On June 19, 17 others will come, including the Miss Universes from Asia including Misses China, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.

The names of over 70 competitors have been announced. The remaining (around 10) will arrive in Vietnam in the following days.

They will stay in HCM City till June 24, then go to Hoi An Town (June 25), Hanoi (June 26), Ha Long (June 27-28) and Nha Trang (June 29-July 15).

Besides participating in fashion shows, parades, on-the-beach and charity activities, competitors will go to some famous landscapes in Vietnam to make a 9-minute video advertising the host country’s tourism. This video began to be shot on May 5. It will be broadcast on the US’ NBC channel during the 2-hour contest on the morning of July 14 (Vietnam time).

New Miss Sweden World 2008 was Crowned!

Miss Stromstad, Amanda (photo) was crowned as the new Miss Sweden World 2008 last night in Stockholm. Amanda will travel to Kiev, Ukraine to compete at the Miss World 2008 Beauty Pageant later this year.

Annie Oliv, the last year's Miss Sweden World titleholder was one of the top 5 finalists at the Miss World beauty contest last year and she was also won the title of Miss Europe 2007. Will Amanda can duplicate Annie's success? Well, goodluck to you Amanda.

Watch Miss Sweden World 2008 coronation:

A patient coordinator wins Miss Ireland 2008

The very first Miss Ireland Universe was held last June 9 at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin where 27 beautiful Irish women competed. The winner will be sent to Vietnam next month to compete for the Miss Universe 2008 Beauty Pageant.

The event was broadcast live on TV3 and hosted by Alan Hughes and Caprice. The show featured Rosanna Davison, Miss World 2003 and Synan O'Mahony amongst its seven judges.

The Miss Universe Ireland crown went to the 20-year-old Lynn Kelly (photo) from Dublin. Lynn is a patient coordinator and an accomplished Irish dancer.

While the first runner up was Tipperary born Lorraine Turner a stylist and part-time model with the Celia Holman-Lee Agency. Lorraine’s ambition is to have her own chain of boutiques. The glamorous 26-year-old said she enjoys running and plans to run in the New York City marathon in November.

Italy's bet to Miss World 2008

The 25 year old native of Messina, Claudia Russo (photo) was crowned Miss Mondo Italia or Miss World Italy 2008 last night at the Piazza Aldo Moro of Gallipoli. Claudia stands at 1.78m. tall and speaks fluent in English. She will represent her country and will travel to Kiev, Ukraine for the Miss World Beauty Pageant later this year.

Completing the other two finalists were Incaldana Diletta Neri (1st run-up) and Valentina Mascia (2nd run-up).

Miss Namibia 2008 was Crowned

Miss Namibia 2008 was crowned last June 7 and she is Marelize Robberts (photo). She will travel and represent her country at the Miss World Beauty Pageant to be held at Kiev, Ukraine later this year.

1st Princes to Miss Namibia 2008 is Leani Roux while the 2nd Princes to Miss Namibia 2008 is Kimera Markowitz.

Massiel Vidal is Miss Peru International 2008

Representing Callao, Massiel Vidal (in photo) was crowned as Miss Peru International 2008 in a beauty contest broadcasted by Cable Vision. She will travel to Macau to compete for the title of Miss International 2008, she will also be representing her country in the Miss Latin America beauty pageant.

The 1st runner-up was Miss Piura, Alejandra Pezet, who will compete in Miss Young International contest, in Taiwan, while the 2nd runner-up was Miss Ica, who will travel to Ecuador to represent Peru in the International Queen of Bananas pageant.