Twenty-five young ladies have been selected to compete for the 2008 Miss Jamaica Universe (MJU) title. Fresh from the fabulous MJU launch party the night before, over 50 pageant entrants made their way up to Villa Ronai, Stony Hill last Sunday for final eliminations.

With every girl desirous of making the final cut, MC (Model of Ceremonies) Celine Tyson announced that only half the group would be selected to vie for the 2008 MJU title.

After an entertaining opening number choreographed by fashion designer and pageant creative director Barry Moncrieffe, all 50 entrants took the stage donning chic MJU tanktops and jeans.

They then made a second runway appearance in swimsuits reminding the audience and the judges just what they were made of.

Newly crowned (L-R) Miss Philippines-International Patricia Fernandez, Miss Philippines-World Janina San Miguel and Miss Philippines-Universe Jennifer Barrientos pose for photographers after coronation night at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, north of Manila March 9, 2008.
REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo (PHILIPPINES)

Patricia Fernandez Age: 22 years old

Speech communication graduate

Why did you join? “In 2006, a local pageant was the subject of my thesis. It opened my eyes to this industry. Now I really want to get the chance to represent the country.”

What makes you stand out from the rest? “I am very determined, and in this setting, I know that someone with great determination will really make good. I am also a fun and exciting person with a very colorful and versatile personality.”

How does anyone choose a favourite from all those natural beauties - each incomparably lovely? That's what a panel judges had to do this week as.

31 young ladies battled it out in the final round of the Zhejiang final of the Miss International Tourism beauty pageant.

Guo Han, walked off with the top prize. She now qualifies for the next round, the national finals.

Coinciding with the upcoming 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, organizers tailored a competition dedicated to the Olympics theme.

Contestants were called upon to use "body language" to express their aspirations for the games.

Thelma Rodriguez waves after being crowned Miss Nicaragua, during the 2008 Miss Nicaragua Beauty Pageant in Managua, February 23, 2008.

Rodriguez will represent Nicaragua at the Miss Universe contest in Vietnam.

Miss India beauty pageant audition begins.

Auditions for the Miss India beauty pageant began here with a group of 37 aspirants sashaying down the ramp. 

 The regional (north zone) audition was held Wednesday to select contestants vying for the upcoming edition of Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2008 beauty pageant, scheduled for April 5.

The results of the audition would be declared after the south zone audition to be held in Mumbai March 5.