Velezuelan Dayana Mendoza Crowned Miss Universe 2008: The incredible international spectacle that is Miss Universe, celebrated its 57th edition in grand fashion Sunday from Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.

The Pageant, which through the years has become one of the most viewed and most anticipated annual events, was everything it was expected it would be.

Since betting odds were released by Sportsbook.com, the sculptress Miss Venezuela was the overwhelming (5 - 1) favorite to win the Miss America 2008 crown.

Miss Universe 2008 kicked off with each country parading their unique national customs. All 80 women looked amazing, as they proudly displayed their colorful roots and culture. One couldn’t help but notice Miss Venezuela, who made sort of an awkward national custom look absolutely glorious with her astonishing beauty.

The 14 contestants in the 2008 Miss Malaysia Universe Pageant can attest to that, having been given an eventful week of activities leading up to the finals on Friday.

According to pageant organising chairperson Alice Lee, the activities were important for them to get to know the contestants better in view of the little time they had before the big day.

“The theme this year is “Real Women Behind the Beauty”. We're looking for a suitable lady to represent Malaysia. It is not easy so we use these activities to judge their character, mannerism and social skills. Beauty is from head to toe and also from within,” said Lee.

From media interviews to exercise sessions and competitions for the subsidiary titles, the young ladies are taking it all in their stride.

A 26-year-old entrepreneur from Texas was named Miss USA on Friday, besting 50 other beauty queens for the coveted crown.

Crystle Stewart, of Missouri City, Texas, runs a party-planning and motivational speaking company, as well as modeling professionally. She says she wants to dedicate her life to international philanthropy.

Stewart edged out first runner-up Leah Laviano of Mississippi and Tiffany Andrade of New Jersey in a show aired live by NBC with hosts Donny and Marie Osmond from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The network co-owns the parent Miss Universe Organization with Donald Trump.

“First impression, gold impression” is the motto of Jolie Siam, a reception service organizer founded by 25-year-old Le Thanh Tu, who aims to raise the bar for the reception industry in Vietnam.

The country’s first impressions of Jolie Siam have been rather golden after the company provided its services for the Miss Universe signing ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City last November.

The group has since been contracted to host various receptions at the actual beauty pageant on the beaches of Nha Trang this July.

The contest is a landmark event for Vietnam as the country seeks to establish its image and reputation on the international stage.

The Miss Universe Contest is owned by Donald Trump, who will be invited to the show.

If he attends, all services will have to be immaculate to please the persnickety billionaire in hopes of avoiding his famous catch phrase, “You’re fired.”

Tu received an MBA in Lyon France in 2006.