Vietnam to host Mrs World Pageant 2009

Vietnam has, once again, been selected to host one of the most popular beauty contests, 'Mrs. World Pageant 2009', CIAT, the organizer, announced March 18 at Rex Hotel, District 1.

The organizing board at the press March 18 at Rex Hotel.

The venue is in the beautiful southeastern costal province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

Vietnam will be allowed to send two contestants this year.

Vietnam has a proud history in the international beauty contest.

In 2005, Dr. Doan Thi Kim Hong, CIAT chairwoman, was given the title 'Mrs. Most Admired' at the Mrs. World Pageant 2005 in Bombay, India. Three years later, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Dieu Hoa, director of Phoenix Commodities, was in the top five last year iin Kaliningrad, Russia.

In preparation for the contest, the province is carrying out another contest 'Mrs. Vietnam Pageant 2009' from late July to late September, with the aim to select its two contestants to represent Vietnam at Mrs. World Pageant 2009 two months later.

Supported and approved by the government and the ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Police, and Foreign Affairs, the Department of Art Performance and Mrs. World Organization, the contests are held by Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province People's Committee, Vietnam's Women Central Union, and Trade Fair & Advertising Incorporated Company - CIAT.

Mrs. Vietnam Pageant, for married women devoted to social contributions, is an event to honor Vietnamese women's beauty of spirit, personality, intelligence, talent and skills in family life, as well as society, to promote their role and competence to help the country become more affluent, beautiful and civilized.

The knock-out rounds for the national contest will take place at Ho Chi Minh City in late July. One month later, the semi-final will share its show in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. All winning contestants from the semi-finals will go on to the final at Vung Tau in late September.

Just like other beauty contests, Mrs. Vietnam Pageant 2009 will have three rounds: costume, personality and talent.

The costume round contains Vietnam traditional costume, gala dress and swimsuit.

The personality round focuses on the fields of historical knowledge, socio-culture, family happiness and charity work.

In the talent round, candidates must present some of their talents like sewing, embroidery, singing, dancing, cooking, flower arranging and sport.

The winning contestant will be given the title 'Mrs. Vietnam Pageant 2009' and VND150 million ($8,580), gifts, a crown and a certificate from the organization committee.

Mrs. Vietnam 2009 will officially be the Vietnamese contestant at Mrs. World Pageant 2009.

The runner-up will be given the title 'Mrs. Ba Ria - Vung Tau 2009' and VND100 million (US$5,710), gifts and a certificate. She will also represent Vietnam at the world pageant contest.

The second runner-up will receive VND80 million (US$4,570).

The contest will also select the titles: 'Mrs. Friendly,' 'Mrs. Nicest Face,' 'Mrs. Most Dynamic,' 'Mrs. Vietnam Best Traditional Costume,' 'Mrs. Best Skin,' 'Mrs. Best Art Aptitude' and 'Mrs. Success.'

'Mrs. Friendly' will receive VND50 million (US$2,850) while the others will receive VND15 million (US$850) each.

At the end of October, international contestants will arrive in the costal province before practicing for the show in November.