As a pageant participant, I feel that one of the best parts about being a contestant is the friends that you make. I've had the pleasure of getting to know these girls during the past couple of months and I'm confident to say that they are all beautiful, talented, and intelligent. They're all going to make big things happen. Sometimes, you wish that it wasn't a competition, because we each have our own individuals strengths that can't all be displayed on a stage. I know they all worked very hard, which is why I decided to take them all to dinner...on me! :)
Thanks to everyone who made it. For those that couldn't, we missed you! I hope that we'll all get the opportunity to get together again soon. Love you guys :)
U of U Grad Student Wins Miss United Nations Pageant
KEARNS, Utah – Rosie Nguyen won the title of Miss United Nations USA 2013 last Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Kearns High School. She represented Vietnam along with 10 other contestants with origins from countries around the world. Proving that persistence pays off, she achieved this win on her second try in this pageant system.
She played a rendition of “Crystallize” on the piano for her talent performance and wore an elaborate version of the Vietnamese “Ao Dai” that won second place during the traditional costume competition. Rosie also won the “Best in Interview” award, scoring the highest on 31 percent of her final score. Her platform, “Don’t be insane, protect your brain!” aims at promoting awareness about helmet safety and was inspired by one of her best friends, Jose Miranda.
Jose was involved in a motorcycle accident on July 1, 2013 when he was unable to avoid a collision on I-15 and was ejected from his motorcycle. His helmet felt off before impact (http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=25836183). Currently, he is still in critical condition and a coma. “Jose is still fighting for life every single day. But I believe Jose is still alive for a reason. A couple days after his accident, there was another motorcycle accident on I-15, but that cyclist died on impact. I know that if Jose could open his eyes right now and talk, he wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what he has.”
Rosie has been working with Jose’s friends and family on a campaign to bring Michael Jordan to visit Jose. He has already received a personal letter from Jordan, but his team says that they won’t stop until Jordan physically visits. “Michael Jordan is Jose’s idol and we believe that if we can make this campaign come alive, it will give Jose the drive and motivation he needs to overcome this life-threatening challenge.”
Her plan during her year of reign is to encourage youths to pledge that they will always wear a helmet when they get on a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. She will also be raising awareness about how to find the right size helmet and securing it properly. Additionally, she will be fundraising for donations so that by this Christmas, she can donate 500 helmets to Toys for Tots in Jose’s name. “I want to make sure that when a bicycle, scooter, or even a pair of rollerblades is given out to a child from an underprivileged family, there will be a helmet to go with it as well.” Rosie and her family come from a background of overcoming adversity.
Both of her parents are survivors of the Vietnam War. Her father was a soldier for the Southern Vietnam forces and her mother was a boat refugee. She describes her parents’ experiences as “tragic, horrifying, and devastating. There is nothing like seeing your homeland being taken away from you and innocent people getting killed. My dad literally escaped death 7 times and that is why you have to be thankful for every living second that you have.” Both of her parents immigrated to the United States during the 1980s, where Rosie was born and raised. She expresses that the reason why she values education and community service so much is mainly because of what her parents taught her. “They came here with nothing but tattered clothes on their body. But throughout my life, they never let me go a day being hungry and they did everything in their power to make sure I had the resources to succeed academically. However, my parents also taught me that you must be humble for everything that you have. I remember that my dad would make me eat every single grain of rice in my bowl during family meals.”
At age 23, Rosie is halfway through her Master’s program in Journalism at the University of Utah. She aspires to be a television news reporter for Salt Lake City in the future. Currently, she co-teaches the TV Journalism class at the University of Utah. She has interned for ABC 4, KUTV, and is now at KSL news. Her passion in journalism stems from her enjoyment in writing, investigating, reporting, but most importantly, her desire to be the voice for underrepresented communities. For more information or to support Rosie’s platform, visit her Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/MissUnitedNationsUSA and www.facebook.com/JordanForJose
About the Miss United Nations USA pageant
Miss United Nations USA is an annual cultural pageant with four different segments of competition; private interview, talent, evening gown, and on-stage Q&A. The pageant began as a way to introduce an international component to scholarship pageantry and help women who want to pursue higher education along with serving their cultural communities.
Miss United Nations USA 2012 speaks about winning the crown, her battle with psoriasis, her challenges and triumphs and unfailing faith in God.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- President Jeffrey R Holland (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) said and I quote, “God is
eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams,
just as He always has." I have big dreams and I believe I can fulfill each one of them with dedication, perseverance and in patience, faith and prayers.
Skin
Challenge
As I
recall, I joined a school pageant as a child. I remember this pure, jovial
feeling of being cheered by a crowd of excited and supportive parents, friends
and relatives. I just enjoyed that. I was a child then. As a young adult,
I didn’t really entertain the thought of joining the glamor world of beauty
pageants. How could I? I have psoriasis. Psoriasis
is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people
with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called
scales.When I was 16 years old,
there was a huge storm in my country, Philippines, where our house was flooded
and I helped my family get our belongings out of our house. The day after the
storm, I got rashes in my arms and the following day it was all over my body. I
thought it would go away because I always had skin asthma. Weeks and years
passed, my outbreaks persisted. I remember the countless days and nights when I
pleaded in prayer for the rashes to go away. Embarrassed and shy of my unflattering
skin, I would frequently wear a jacket over my school uniform even in a hot and
humid climate. You can just imagine how that would stir up awkward questions
and confusion among my teenage peers. With continual silent prayers in my
heart, I must say, I handled my peers’ curiosity well.
Family
with my family
my special sister
I grew up to a beautiful pair of loving and nurturing parents.
I am sheltered with love and attention not only by my parents and my sibling
but also by caring extended families. My uncles and aunts and cousins and
grandparents were a bunch of wonderful people, always anxious to know the
latest update in my life. Life was always fun with them. I really have great
memories of everyone. My hometown in Cavite, Philippines, has some real warm
spots for my sisters and me. I studied my elementary and high days there. It
was so much nice to be in the circle of friends and families. Life was not always easy but we hurdle
every challenge together in laughter. As I grew in the church, my discernment of right and wrong is particularly sharp for my age. I thank my parents for introducing the gospel early in my childhood. I love every minute of my life here on earth! My childhood days would have not been as happy as it
was without my sisters. One of them has down syndrome, a special spirit who has
blessed our lives. I just can’t thank Heavenly Father enough.
My Mom’s poem
I wouldn't have had known the pains and joys of having children until I became
a mother myself. I marveled at each girl's first step.
Her first word.
The first prayer uttered with much difficulty
And all the other 'firsts' that followed.
Who wouldn't remember the endless and silly questions asked out of nowhere
Or the countless times I was given and told, "Mommy, flowers for
you".
Usually these colorful flowers were picked on the chapel's grounds and were
given after Sunday meetings.
I can still picture each girl running to me with flowers in her hand, and I
would melt with happiness.
And after returning each little girl's kiss I would look towards heaven and thanked
God, imploring that these misses would remain the cute little imps forever.
with my mom and sisters
BUT SOON THEY GREW UP. Then with each new day a revelation comes to me.
I am a mother, so close to God.
I am His instrument in many ways
(Like my own mother, Felicitas, was to me).
So I must develop
Patience,
Unconditional Love,
Virtue,
Hope,
Purity,
Faith,
Strength, and above all else,
Love of God.
As I build my girls' characters
I, too, must build mine.
That someday when I face my Maker
I will truly account to Him His children
Who were once mine...
So deep in my heart I pray
That each girl will fondly remember
That once, on earth,
I was Maria Evelyn, their goodly mother...
Education
After finishing High School in the Philippines, I pursued a
higher education in America. I always dreamt of pursuing a higher education in
Utah, United States. I applied at LDS Business College, located in downtown
Salt Lake in the state of Utah. At first, I didn’t pass the English test but I
did it the second time I tried. I finished my Associate’s Degree at the college
and was on the honor’s list. I then applied at BYU in Provo to pursue a Bachelor’s
degree in Political Science. I am now on my second year at the university.
College is demanding. I encountered many challenges but I
have learned to balance church and school. I believe that if I put Heavenly Father first, things will
fall into place.
Talent
Portion
I was flattered when one of the judges told me that she was in a
lot of pageants but she never has given anyone a perfect score beside me! I am
humbled by many facebook comments and compliments about my piano rendition. One
of the photographers, Tita Jennifer, posted this picture with this description:
“She started with the cute, “Chopstick” piece and then went off like
Beethoven! Andrea’s rendition stole the crowd’s heart. What a talent!”
Talent portion
Playing
the Piano
I was about 6 years old when my mom got me a second-hand but
sturdy piano. A piano teacher would come three times a week to teach me at our
house. My tiny little fingers were restless and good and I thought that playing
the piano would not only de-stress my mother but also myself. As time went by,
I realized that I have a talent! I played at home everyday and tried to play in
church as well. I really thank my parents for their patience and effort to
enroll me in piano schools even if these were far away from our place. While some teenage girls would hang out friends at the mall ona Saturday weekend, my sister and I religiously attended our music lessons.
tender moment with my sister, Guia who also designed my gown. I gave her all the credit for my Best in Gown award
I just loved playing the
piano! I volunteered in programs during my high school days. I wouldn’t leave
the house without sitting down on my piano chair first. My dad would buy me
piano pieces and I diligently worked on them to master the pieces within a week, otherwise, I would not
get new ones. I loved to play infront of an audience (just mostly family, relatives and friends) especially under my parents' generous bribes. Hmmm. It simply was marvelous and exhilarating at the same time. I
joined in music competitions (in schools and in the community) one after the
other, and I readily got hooked in them. Since playing the piano is really my
passion, I thought I would like to share it with the audience during the
pageant night. I thought of one good piece. I studied it. I practiced and
practiced and perfected it. I want to share what I have. And so I did! I am so
grateful to my Heavenly Father for my wonderful talent. I am humbled.
Joining
the Pageant
When I was approached to join Miss UN USA, I said yes
without hesitation. I thought of it as an opportunity for me to explore my
potentials. Preparing for the pageant wasn’t easy. I only had four months to
prepare on top my hectic college life. I prayed for courage to fulfill my many
dreams.
When the pageant came, I remember being so calm. One of
the contestants, Jamie from Peru said she was nervous. I had this compelling
feeling to pray with her. I didn’t know if she’s a Christian but we did pray
together. Prayers. I don’t how
many times I said my prayers throughout the duration of the pageant. I really wanted to win, basically not
for the title itself, but for the opportunity to represent young girls struggling
with self-esteem and skin ailment like mine.
I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to be the Miss
United Nations 2012. We have many trials in life and I always believe that we
shouldn’t walk out from our trials because at the end of every triallies the blessing from heaven.”
Last Saturday’s (November 3rd)Ms United
Nations and Ms. Asia pageant was a show to remember. First and foremost, I
would like to congratulate the dynamic trio of Agnes Higley, Eunice Jones and
Dana Rossi for producing a very successful show. Organizing such a pageant
participated by relatively large number of candidates entail a long to-do list
and manpower to carryout a well-coordinated event. From recruiting, campaigns,
promotion, training of candidates, generating funds to rehearsals, I just can
imagine how the three breathed a good sigh of relief, now that this year’s
pageant is finally over. These
three ladies did bring beauty pageants in Utah to a whole new level!
To all the
candidates, you
all are winners! Thank you for showing your heritage to Utah, and your
courage for speaking out on issues the world faces today. What can be
better
than hearing those profound and significant views from young, talented,
beautiful and elegant ladies as you all are! I would listen to you more
than
that guy at the White House. Pun intended.
MISS INDIA BONEETA KAUR,
MS. ASIA UTAH 2012
Miss India was a charm on
stage. She was graceful, eloquent and smart.
Boneeta hopes that her
participation in the pageant would help inspire young girls reach their dreams
and rise above the stereotype perception on women. On her platform delivery,
she concluded, “It is your determination and
perseverance that helps you achieve your dreams, not your gender.”
Boneeta also garnered Best in Interview and was proclaimed Miss
Friendship.
With 1st runner-up Sindee Ngo and 2nd runner-up Linda Ng
MISS PHILIPPINES ANDREA
SOLETA, MS UNITED NATIONS USA
Andrea is one beautiful
girl and doesn’t seem to know it. She
has what every pageant recruiter is looking for – natural and fresh. On stage, she was graceful
and had a playful spirit in her.
Andrea
related how she’d been discouraged to join the contest. This instead ignited
her spirit to try her chance in the pageant. Andrea strongly believes that no
person is less than the other. Each one is important and is capable of reaching his/her highest potential.
Andrea also garnered Best in
Gown award, Most Voted Fan Page and Best in Talent.
With runner-ups Miss
Liberia Fredrica Gwyan (4th), Miss
Russia Natalia Koshkina (3rd),Miss
Nigeria Nancy Ovouba (2nd) and
Miss Brazil Lyssa Melo (1st)
MISS NIGERIA NANCY OVOUBA,
BEST in INTERVIEW
Other than placing 2nd
in MISS UN, Nancy Ovouba won Best in Interview. Nancy also impressed the
audience with heartfelt platform on addressing hunger in the world.
In her own little way,
Nancy aims to bring the world to the
dinner table, unite the nations through food. In her platform delivery, she
stated:
“Think of a time you were
hungry, truly hungry. Maybe you skipped a meal because you were running late so
you were experiencing that grumpy stomach feeling. Remember how debilitating
that feeling was. Can you recall all the things you tried to accomplish but
didn't have the focus? Maybe you're like me who turn into a bit of a hungry monster
blowing fire until food can cool your burning pit. We were the lucky few to be
able to take a lunch break or send for food to get our minds back on track. Many
children and families here in the US and all over the world feel that same hole
in their stomachs but have no idea when or if their next meal is coming to
relieve their starvation. The children, if deprived from this basic necessity,
can create a dramatic crippling effect, not only on their own future but to
ours as well. That is the very reason my platform means so much to me!” http://www.gofundme.com/Miss-Nigeria
I can talk nineteen to the dozen about the event, but pictures are always more fun! So here we go ...
Ms UN Best in Cultural Attire, Miss Samoa
Miss Asia Best Talent
Linda Ng, beating the drums with all her might
BEFORE THE SHOW
AFTER THE SHOW
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! ! Let's do this again (=!
Ms. Asia Utah and Ms. UN pageant
announces its coronation night on November 3rd, 6pm, Kearns High School,
Utah. In a multicultural theme, twenty-five teens will compete for the
titles. Tickets are sold at $15. Info at www.missunpageant.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) - Sep 27, 2012 - Twenty-five
beautiful young Utahns will hit the runway November 3rd to represent
their countries of origin, vying for the titles as this year’s Ms. Asia
Utah and Ms. United Nations USA. The multicultural pageant will be held
at 6pm at Kearns High School Auditorium, 5525 Cougar Lane, Kearns,
Utah.
“The candidates have been busy preparing for the pageant
over the past few months. In addition to rehearsing for the pageant, the
girls attended intensive workshops in public speaking, interview
skills, poise and catwalk techniques”, says Agnes Higley, pageant
director. “With the relentless support and talent of our choreographer,
Dana Rossi Palmer and organization president, Eunice Jones, the pageant
will showcase participating cultures in style”, adds Higley.
The
pageant will consist of three categories: talent, evening gown and
interview. One of the highlights of the show will be the parade of
candidates in their cultural attires, followed by a dance number.
Outgoing Ms. Asia Utah, Nilufar Sherzod and outgoing Ms. United Nations,
Maria Jose Turitich Asuncion, along with other professional performers
will join the center stage to grace the show. A scholarship grant will
be awarded to the crowned Ms. Asia Utah and Ms. United Nations USA 2012.
Czarina Trinidad will host this year’s beauty pageant.
Ms. Utah
Asia and Ms. United Nations USA pageant is produced and sponsored by
USAsia Rising Star productions, a local event production company. The
pageant is one of the company’s annual projects to provide venues for
local talent hone their skills and promote cultural appreciation and
unity at the same time. For more information on USAsia Rising Star,
visit http://www.usasiarisingstar.com.
Tickets
to the event are $15.00 and will be drawn at the pageant night for a
free IPAD. Tickets are now available for purchase at
www.missunpageant.com.
Ms UN Candidates (not in in group photo)
******************************************************************************** PRESENTATION NIGHT
Some people say that women are competitive by nature like
contenders out staging each other on the catwalk – like in a beauty pageant. Here in Utah, many beauty pageants are more than just a
fashion show. Pageantry has become a popular method to promote a cause and
venue for young women to get involved in their community.
Ms. Asia Utah and Ms. United Nations are one
of these pageants. Young girls are given the opportunity to show their cultural
roots and promote social awareness on cultural diversity in the community.
Hopeful candidates also compete not only for the honor of winning the title but
to also earn scholarship awards for college. Alisha Lee, reigning Ms. Legacy,
eloquently pronounced that beauty pageants are rather a “celebration of
beauty”, where women are given the opportunity to show the best version of
themselves. She added that women
should really not compete but aim at achieving their fullest potential.
Reigning Queens Platform
I had the opportunity to not only witness diverse beauties
but also listen to eloquent young women at the Ms. Asia Utah and Ms. United
Nations Presentation Night held at Red Lion Hotel.
Nilufar Sherzod
Reigning Miss Asia Utah and former Ms. United Nations,
Nilufar Sherzod, articulated her platform on peace in the community amidst the
issue on terrorism that puts the Muslim community in a bad light. This beauty
from Tajikistan believes that education is essential in bringing people
together in peace, regardless of race, color and religion. Nilufar just
presented a timely reminder as the nation this year marked the 11th anniversary
of the day terrorists attacked the twin towers of Manhattan's World Trade
Center.
Maria Jose
Turitich Asuncion
Another beauty, this year’s Ms. United Nations, Maria Jose
Turitich Asuncion of Paraguay origin voiced her platform on the empowerment of
young women. Raised by a single mother, Maria strongly believes in education.
Maria stressed that her mother fought hard in life and never lost her desire to
learn. She also expressed her deep admiration for her grandmother as she quoted
her to be a great example of service.
Aside from her profound statement on beauty pageants, Alisha
Lee, reigning Ms. Legacy, advocates against domestic violence. In a little chat
with her, she said that she actively participates in initiatives to empower
women.
Alisha Lee
Alisha, Nilufar and Maria are your typical beauty queens–
beautiful, witty and confident. At the same time, they are extraordinary young
women who through their appearances and active participation in community
programs, inspire and motivate young women achieve their best and be an asset
and pride to their community. Their beauties will surely go far!
To grace the show, Nilufar and Maria wowed the audience with
their cultural dance presentation.
The pageant night for both titles will be held on November 3rd at the
Kearns High School Auditorium. Details later.
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