Miss Sea Tourism, a sub-competition of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008, was organised on May 28.

The contest took place very quickly and the winner will receive VND21 million.

The winner will be announced on the final night, May 31.

On May 29-30, competitors practiced on the major stage to prepare for the final night on May 31. /english.vietnamnet.vn

More than 100 candidates will compete for the crown of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 slated to take place from May 24-31 in Nha Trang Town’s Vinpearl Land, the event hosts announced.

Contestants will perform in categories of Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress), swimsuits, and evening gowns.

Wellington and Auckland, May 21 (JY&A Media) Miss Universe New Zealand 2008 Samantha Powell will be getting support not only from the pageant and its sponsors, but from her former rival, Miss Wellington—Rebecca Connor of About You Artistry (www.aboutyouartistry.com).

About You Artistry, a company specializing in make-up, is owned by Miss Connor. She has agreed to do Miss Powell’s make-up for publicity shots, photo shoots or print work whenever possible during her reign.

Miss Connor was voted Miss Friendship by her fellow contestants and was in the top five at the 2008 pageant.

‘I had a great experience at the pageant and made some true friends,’ says Miss Connor. ‘I really want to support Sam in her bid for Miss Universe and during her year representing New Zealand.’

Val Lott, director of Miss Universe New Zealand, says the cooperation between the former rivals is an example of the many positive outcomes found in pageantry.

Crystle Stewart Cowned Miss USA 2008

Crystle Stewart, 26, has been crowned Miss USA 2008 by Donny and Marie Osmond. Stewart, hailing from Missouri City, Texas, is one of only a handful of black women to be crowned in the pageant’s 57-year history.

"I want to talk to people about how to set a goal and achieve it," she said. "Because I just achieved my goal."

Stewart was already a success before her win -- she runs a party planning and motivational speaking company and is a professional model who wishes to dedicate her life to international philanthropy.