Miss Universe Pageant 2008 has started its first activities successfully. The 80 contestants have joined in many meaningful activities held across Vietnam...
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| The top ten traditional costumes. |
Miss Universe Pageant 2008 has started its first activities successfully. The 80 contestants have joined in many meaningful activities held across Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Ha Noi, Ha Long and Da Nang before arriving at Nha Trang for main programs.
Miss Universe Pageant 2008 officially begun on June 20 with a welcome ceremony held at Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. On June 21, the 80 contestants had one day to relax in Ho Chi Minh City. They went shopping in groups at Ben Thanh Market and fashion companies and travel around the city. The beautiful contestants always brought a lively atmosphere to every place where they set foot on and with friendly smiles on lips, their appearance made a good impression on Vietnamese people. On June 22, within the range of the beauty contest, a traditional costume show was held in Lions Theatre in Binh Duong Province. All the costumes were extremely splendid and represent the cultural character of countries and territories. The top ten traditional costumes were from Albania, Colombia, Dominician Republic, India, Kosovo, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Beside the beauty, the contestants showed their benevolence. On June 23, in two groups, they visited Tam Binh Orphan Sponsor Centre and Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for the Blind. Regardless of difference in culture and language, their warm gestures gave a great encouragement to the unlucky children. Then, a charitable auction was organized at the five-star Sheraton Saigon Hotel in District 1, HCMC for the beauties to introduce their nation’s culture feature and auction off gifts which they have brought from their home country. USD12,000 was raised for disadvantaged Vietnamese students from their gifts.
On June 24, an Ao dai show, in which all the 80 women will perform in Ao dai (Vietnamese charming long dress), created an opportunity for the foreign contestants to learn about Vietnamese traditional long tunics and Vietnamese culture.
On June 25, the organization board and the contestants flied to Da Nang for a cyclo parade in Hoi An on June 26.
After smooth starting days, the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant is expected to achieve a complete success in main programs held in Nha Trang in the next two weeks from June 29 till July 14.
T.T
