Andrea Fonseka

Miss Universe 2011: Nothing and Everything for Deborah Henry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Deborah with Brazil, Netherlands, who made top 16, and Aruba

Everytime I spoke to someone when I was in Sao Paulo, Brazil for Miss Universe, it was pretty much the same thing.

Before Miss Universe 2011 final night:

"Oh my GOD I LOVE your girl! Malaysia is VERY impressive this year!"
"Look at my list! Look look LOOK I made a list! LOOK your girl is # 1/2/3/4/5!!"
"WOW your MALAYSIA IS STUNNING! STUN. NING!"
"SHE'S MY FAVOURITE!"

(You kinda get the picture..)

After Miss Universe 2011 final night:

"WHAT HAPPENED?? WHY DID SHE NOT PLACE??"
"I am so sorry. Something must've gone wrong. SOMETHING SOMEWHERE"
"Darling. I just want you to know, I thought she should've at least placed. She was beautiful in the prelims!"
"Its not your fault, its not her fault, its the JUDGES! HOW could they overlook HER!?"

(again, you get the picture..)

I had the same response to both types of comments. I just smiled, and said thanks.

It hurt, and I felt sad. For Deborah, she put in so much work into preparing herself.. For her family, who travelled more than halfway around the world to see their daughter (who many predicted would WIN), go unplaced. Of course, I was sad for Malaysia, our people and country, whose hopes were riding so high on Debs. And why not? People from ALL around the world predicted her to be the one to beat!

An unprecedented level of support flew out to Debs and I before and even after the pageant. We are both touched with the love that our country had in their hearts for us.

But it's still sad.

Now the 1 million dollar question is: If Deborah couldn't place, how will any other Malaysian do well at Miss Universe?

The answer is simple: There are different judges every year. Different political situations, different dramas, different countries hosting. I firmly believe that Deborah could've won, if situations would have been different. She would be just a deserving winner as Miss Angola, the reigning Miss Universe, is right now. But the thing is:

SO WOULD MANY OTHER GIRLS THAT NIGHT. (Be deserving winners, that is)

We must remember that all 89 girls had a certain level of beauty. A lot of them did not place, who were on the same 'level'. Arguably, some even were better than Debs! (My prediction was it'd have come down between Greece, Malaysia and Ukraine, and whoever answered the question best would win..)

The videos above are of the Preliminary competition, of which the girls were judged BEFORE the final night, in order to select the TOP 16 finalists. These videos do not do the girls justice, as they really did have much more stage presence than what you see on the vids.

Anyway. Bottom line is this: Such is the nature of competitions. The ones you think are best may not necessarily win. Point is, Deborah made us SO proud. I have not come across a Malaysian who did not firmly believe that she should've at least place. Furthermore, she played a role of actually bringing Malaysia TOGETHER in support of her. How great was that? Twitter was flooded with well wishes, the media covered her journey manically, and did you know that "Miss Universe" and "Miss Malaysia Deborah Henry" was the 3rd fastest rising search quotes on the net in Malaysia last week?!

Sometimes to win you just need Lady Luck on your side. Instead, Debs had all of Malaysia. She's come home with her head high, with 'Nothing' to show for the 'Everything' that she should be proud of!

Malaysia Boleh, Miss Universe! And one day, some day, you will recognize that too!

Deborah Henry, 26, Malaysia: The Perfect Miss Universe!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:16:00 +0000

Now I've alreay explained, in detail, in my post below why Debs is such an amazing young woman. Here's a 1 minute clip which captures everything I've written and more.

Miss Universe Malaysia 2012 finalists, take your notepads out. This is how it's done!

2011 Miss Universe - Malaysia?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:15:00 +0000

Deborah Henry. 26. Malaysia.

Since her crowning on the 27th of January as Miss Universe Malaysia 2011, there has been lots of hype around Deborah being a potential winner at the Miss Universe pageant at Sao Paolo this year. Now I'm a firm believer in 'jinxing' things by talking about that, so I wont. (Sorry guys!).

What I will share with you this:

Debs is an amazing young woman whom I truly respect. And here's 5 reasons why:

1. She walks the talk.
"World Peace" and "Eradicating Poverty" are in the top 5 answers for most cliche Beauty Queens. Deborah runs her very own school for children of refugees in Malaysia. Click website, how much of Deborah do you see on it, taking credit? So many people begin foundatons named after themelves, they can't stop talking about how much good they're doing.. What does Debs do? She tweets when she needs volunteering at her school. She humbly asks for help when the school needs it. It's really refreshing to see a celebrity in this day and age not wanting to be all about the limelight.

3. She's determined and disciplined.
The two hardest qualities to find in young girls these days. Most girls want the fast-track to fame and aren't aware (or willing) to put in the blood and sweat that comes along with the job. Reality Check. You'd think Deborah can just sit back and sail through to Miss Universe just because she's done a pageant before? Oh hell no. Samba training twice a week, till she gets blisters on her toes. Gym 4 times a week (minimum), total diet planning, vitamins for hair nails and skin, Portuguese lessons -- and that's all done on her OWN. The Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation is overseeing other things such as: QnA training, wardrobe planning, fitness advice, skin consultation, .. basically the bigger picture items, of which Deb takes it into her own initiative to get there. A National Director really appreciates this bit especially because seriously -- there is nothing more tiring than having to drag a horse to water and trying to force it to drink..!

4. She's professional and sticks by her principles.
"Deb, I think we ned to whiten your teeth, tone up your abs, lower body. You need to increase your muscle mass. And your hair. You need to take multivites. And your skin -- why are you breaking out? Please darling do a million sit-ups before the photoshoot tomorrow to make you abs really pop. Why are your nails brittle? Are you not taking enough Calcium and Vitamin D? Why aren't you comfortable talking about yourself hunny, that's what interviews are about! And hmmm. Perhaps we should get you some facials, eh?"

I'm not the most tactful person in the world -- I get to the point and I get there fast. What I love about Debs is that she takes everything you say into consideration, and uses her own head on (1) whether or not my advice/request is reasonable and (2) if she should follow it. For example: Many girls at Miss Universe have had breast augmenation. It's a fact, I'm laying it out there. I have nothing against it, in fact, for many girls it can make or break winning or whether or not they even make it to the semi finals.

Does Deborah need breast augmentation? No. Would it be a disadvantage against all the other cosmetically enhanced women at Miss Universe? Of course. Did Deborah think about it? Yes. Her answer to getting cosmetic surgery? No. Was I happy about it? Oh yes.

She has her principles and she sticks to them. And whilst she listened to what I had to say, she took no offence whatsoever. She knew everything I said and advised her on was borne out of a sincere want for her to look and be her best.

5. She would make a great Miss Universe.
Coming from Malaysia, growing up in a multicultural home and country, Deborah has proved on her own that she has the guns to stay in the industry. Combined with all her traits above, she is guaranteed to make one of the hardest working, real Miss Universes ever.

Her look trancends all commercially driven racial boundaries, her passion for children ignites hope where she can bring it, and her ability to speak well and forcefully about her thoughts and beliefs would pierce through every stigma that a Beauty Queen may still have in today's day and age.

She would make a great Miss Universe. She really would.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now I'm sure there are alot of other candidates this year who would make equally impressive winners. I can only speak of Deborah as I've grown to know her personally and professionally. I'd be elated if she won, because she deserves it. But even if she didnt, I'd still be glad that the world got to meet this gorgeous gem of a young woman, who hails from Malaysia.

The sweetest song in the world.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:53:00 +0000

Enjoy! :)

My thoughts on Osama's death.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:03:00 +0000

The killing of a man should never be celebrated.

Don't get me wrong - I do believe that he had what was coming to him. Planning and organising terror will get you hunted down and killed.

However seeing footage of Americans celebrating in the streets at the announcement of his assasination has left a bad taste in my mouth. Not towards them specifically - but to the world and how we handle things these days.

What has happened to us that we think it's okay to kill completely innocent strangers - in the name of Religion that is supposed to teach us to love, respect and take care of one another? Why is Religion polarizing us?

Why is it okay for one government to think it's okay to murder another country's leader? What is fair in war these days? Is terrorism the only resort left to the much poorer party in this war, and does that make it okay?

And what has happened to us that we now think it's okay to dance and sing at the news of a man's death? Who's fault is this?

There are two sides of answers for every question above. Who knows which one would hold more water... But one thing's for sure though.

Innocent lives - American and Muslim - have been lost in this raging war. The blood of these people are on the hands of everyone that thinks this is a war worth fighting.

Because it's not.

Beauty 101: I got it from my Momma.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:22:00 +0000

First of all, apologies for not updating as often as I should've. It's been crazy times, and .. well, I just got a bit lazy. Facebook is killing my urge to blog, I have to say, because I update EVERYTHING there! But then again there's nothing like a good article, for long term reference, eh? :)

Anyway on to the topic - Beauty 101. I got it from my Momma. Seriously.

When I was little I used to admire beautiful women (yes I started young), and I remember how I kept asking her, "Ma, is she beautiful?". Mommy knows best, right? Mother used to surprise me sometimes, because she'd say, "No, not really" to someone whom I thought was absolutely gorgeous. When I asked her why, she'd go on to explain to me:

There's a difference between being 'pretty', being 'attractive' and being 'beautiful'. To see if someone's really beautiful (judging purely on outer beauty of course), you have to look first at the eyes, then the nose, then the mouth, then bone structure, and overall face shape. Last but not least, the facial balance is important - that is how all the features complement each other! A Beautiful woman will be beautiful yesterday, today and tomorrow. Add 10 years, 10 pounds, it wouldnt matter. That lady you pointed out was 'pretty', not 'beautiful'. That 'Pretty' lady won't age as well as a 'Beautiful' lady.

Like with many other things explained to me as a child, I didn't understand what she was talking about, up until now. I totally get it now though, based on my own experience, and based on learning from how my mother critically evaluated Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Pamela Anderson -- when I asked her to. (Of course plastic surgery has helped two of the three ladies stay 'attractive' to many, but only Alicia Keys was judged to be 'Beautiful' by Mommy - and that was, "only just"! )

Example:

VENUS RAJ, MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2010

Me: Mommy, is she beautiful?

Well, her face is very symmetrical - that's very important. Her eyes are quite nice, but they are slightly too close to each other. Her nose is a good shape, with a high enough bridge to complement her face. She has very nice, full and balanced lips, and they are of good shape. Her forehead-face proportion is perfect - her forehead is of one-third of her face, with her nose being one third, and from the top of her nose to her chin, one-third. Her best features are her cheekbones - very strong. Her jaw is slightly square, but it suits her! Overall very attractive. She will age gracefully, if she takes care of her skin and weight.

LUPITA JONES, MISS UNIVERSE 1991

She's very very beautiful.
Her eyes are beautifully balanced, of good size with high brow-bone. Her nose has a high bridge, perfectly balancing her very very high cheekbones. With such beautiful eyes, it is good that her lips are well shaped, even if they are not too thick. She has a very slender jaw, complementing her overall beauty. Only thing if I were to criticize - her forehead is a touch too big. But that's okay - it doesn't stand out, because her face is so balanced! She will age very gracefully, and will retain her beauty well.

Really? I ask.

Lupita, 10 years on. *Jaw drops, homigawd.*

But Mommy, what about all these people whom everyone is crazy about??

Britney, younger, fresher

Britney is not beautiful, she's very pretty and attractive.

Her eyes - if you look closely - slope downwards at the outer corners. It is not so noticable with make-up but as she ages, that will be a problem for her. Her brow-bones are not very strong, her cheekbones not pronounced. She has a good nose, and pretty lips though! Her face is also very evenly balanced - forehead, nose, chin. Good face shape. But will not age well. She's pretty, and attractive.

Well, mum was right about this one - we all remember how Britbrit looked when she got a little chubby, and had hair issues. ;)

GISELE BUNDCHEN

She's very attractive, and quite beautiful. Good eyes, though they are not spectacular. Nice lips. Her nose is too long, her tip too low. That's the biggest technical flaw on her face, but it goes well with her face shape so it's okay. She looks a little gaunt, and her features can be of a very pretty man. But that's what makes her such a good canvas to be a model! She will age well, provided she stays slim. If she puts on weight, her nose will be the center of attention (as it is the case in most people!), so she must be careful. Her face shape and bone structure (cheekbones and brow-bones) are her best features.

ME: Mommy, what about my Miss Malaysia, Nadine?

NADINE ANN THOMAS, MISS UNIVERSE MALAYSIA 2010

Nadine is pretty, very attractive, and beautiful. Her eyes are the most striking thing about her - it is very much like in the case of Lupita. They are beautiful, long, almond shaped. Her nose is slightly large towards the tip, but that is forgiveable and with the right make up you won't even notice it! She has a small mouth, which should be played up more because it is of a cute shape. Good face proportion, and very good cheekbones. But really, her stunning feature is her eyes - it is one of a kind, which is what makes her uniquely beautiful. This girl will also age well. But if she gains weight, her face might overwhelm her eyes, and they will not be the center of attention anymore - so she needs to be careful with that.

Andrea says: !!!!

XIMENA NAVARRETE, MISS UNIVERSE 2010

Perfect. Even more beautiful than Lupita, in my opinion - at least in this picture anyway. Perfect face proportion, good bone structure, cheekbones. What I especially like (besides the perfect eyes, nose and mouth) is the fact that she has a full, healthy face. She doesn't look gaunt, which can be a problem for models, when they get too thin. She looks healthy, wholesome, and a plump face at her age will serve her well as she gets older. She will become even more beautiful in her 30s, trust me.

Next post - perhaps I'll get my Mummy to evaluate MY face. Hmm. Don't know if I'll be able to take it tho. ;)

Vblog entry one!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Done just before I crawled into bed. A little pale - no make up.. ;)

xoxo and Happy New Year!

Love Long Distance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:59:00 +0000

So... Now that you're MARRIED....

"So when are you moving to Australia?"

Uh, I don't know.

"*blur look*"

Well, you see, Paul just got awarded Directorship at his firm, and I'm running the Miss Universe Malaysia Pageant, and neither of us want to sacrifice our careers just yet so...

"*Attempting to hide surprised look* Wow.. Okay.. that must be.. hard...?!"

Yeah, it is, I miss him. We still see each other once a month on average though.. *awkward smile*

"Heh..heh.. yeah. Wow. Yeah. .. WOW."

....Yeah. Oooh look I'm just going to.. uh... yeah go to my friend..over..there....

------------------------------------------------

Okay so maybe that's not how it always goes, but the conversation above is a true story! I know its not conventional, since a "Good Wife" will be with "Her Husband" at all times...

But lets think about it this way.

I'm lucky enough to have found the man of my dreams, who supports me in everything I do, and my happiness is his. I am happy as National Director of Miss Universe Malaysia. I am happy to be able to see my now 72 year old father every morning and night. I am happy with my friends, my social life and my career.

If I have the rest of my life with Paul to look forward to, I don't see why enjoying what makes me happy for a while longer yet is such a bad thing!

The same goes for Paul, who has finally found an area of the Law that he enjoys. His friends and family are in Perth as well. I can't drag him away from that to stay in Malaysia to be my man-bag! (though it was tempting even to him at times LOL!). He would not be able to practice Law here, and would miss out on valuable years at the firm.. it just makes sense for him to be in Perth for now.

Yes, we trust each other. We speak every day, in fact, a few times a day! I travel with our framed photo in my suitcase, I text him on average 10 times a day, and we try to plan two big holidays a year together. When I am not working, I take time to go to Perth, and when he has the time, he flies to KL.

It's expensive, but its worth it.

And if I had a choice between having my soulmate far away, than not at all, I'd much rather pick the former! Wouldn't you?

Rempit-ing in Phuket

Peas in a Pod!

..Distance; a tiny obstacle with a bond this strong!

Love at first sight

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:04:00 +0000

Tonight I'm making my speciality Spag-Bolognaise for Mark and his sweet flatmate Maureen. :) Fun times, FINALLY a day of relaxation...!

How to get that Winning Smile..!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:20:00 +0000

As you would know, if you've been following my

I really have to seriously recommend it (and you know I don't anyhow-recommend-things on my blog). Dr. Foo has not paid me for this at all:: I've been to alot of dentists and there's a reason why he's known to be the best in his field. :D

Thanks Doc! :D

Training Nadine Entry 04: Almost there

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:55:00 +0000

Anneff@Parkson, Melinda Looi, Elegance Club, Xpression Master with L'Oreal Paris and A Cut Above. Photos by StudioROM. For more pics, hop over to the to see how she'd look as a Malaysian Marilyn Monroe. It worked pretty well as you can see form the link yourself!

Right now Nadine is under house arrest as we went to
Nadine's also been working on her QnAs.. and we'll be going over her catwalk next week with some luck! I've been SO busy with my

Needless to say it was a smooth meeting, I assured Aunty Christine that I was here solely for Nadine's best interest.. to give her as best a chance as she has at the Miss Universe Pageant.

After that, we looked through Nadine's wardrobe to see what could be used to supplement her full casual wardrobe supplied by Parkson to take to Vegas. Bottom line was: PARKSON WE NEED MORE CLOTHES LAH NADINE WEARS WAAAAY TOO MUCH SOLID COLOURS!! ;) Parkson heard me, and I'm looking forward to accessing all the AMAAAYZING brands they have in house: Desigual, Sisley, FCUK, Miss Sixty, Bread n Butter... *rubs hands in glee!*

My angle for Nadine is not to be too OTT at the Pageant. Nadine is exactly what the pageant is this year: Hip, Urban, Relevant and Real. She will not be in cocktail dresses 24/7 -- she's a jeans and top kinda girl. But there are ways to wear such clothings, and then there are ways to wear such clothings in order for it to look stylish, chic and effortless. I really do believe that Nadine has what it takes to pull the MTV Awards-esque sort of look where you look stylish, but not overdone.

Two weeks or so before she's off to Vegas. Wow. Before we know it, it'll all be over!!

Till next time,
xox
A.

Training Nadine Entry 03: A Star is Born

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:10:00 +0000

Having alot to smile about

Am really happy with the finished result of Nadine's shoot -- we went to The Thistle Port Dickson Resort for her first ever full swimwear shoot.

In short, she blew me away.

She took every little piece of advice, was a trooper on hard tree branches, sand, stones, I cannot say how dedicated and hardworking this young lady is. All her physical lack of training/grooming have now been addressed:

Bad habit of hiding her neck when she takes pictures: Gone!

PS: Notice how you can't run away from rubbing off on people... LOL!

Learning her best angles

Major Toning UP - check out the oblique muscle just catching the light there -- the hours of Bikram Hot Yoga has done wonders!

I always knew she had it in her, I think she knew she had it in her as well... she just needed that extra 'push' to go further. Am so happy she joined the pageant, and I daresay she is one of the most beautiful Miss Universe Malaysia winners in history. (Coming a close second to my mother perhaps? ;) Love you Mom!)

In fact, for those who are unaware -- the

Just in case you were wondering, I wasn't involved in the judging on the Final Night at all! ;)

Anyway back to Nadine: We actually went to We did several treatments, amongst them are:

Medilite C6 Laser Toning

Medilite is perfect for facial acne scars, open pores, and it also reduces hair thickness and rate of growth.

ZAP! Ingrown Hair, Open pores, Scars, BEGONE!

and

Till then, Momma Fonzie is Signing Off -- need to update my

Training Nadine Entry 02

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:36:00 +0000

Nadine Ann Thomas: Candids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Training Nadine Entry 01

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:26:00 +0000
Pics I took of Nadine today, first was after her shoot with Ieaye of Murai.com.my with Amir Luqman! (*mwah! Thanks guys!*), the second at the Redberry event this evening. Apologies on picture condition, Nadine's Brand New SonyCyber-shot was out of battery!! Silly girl. ;)

Nadine's progress is coming along really well. We've been working on several aspects:
1. Teeth -- Gotta have that winning SMILE!
and they scaled, whitened and gave her a transparent retainer (not a permanent one like she had before for her lower teeth), and they've done a reaaaally great job.
2. Fitness
With Nadine now going to , whom I swear by (swing over he's in Wheelock on Orchard road in Singapore - his treatments are ah-may-zing!). We've spoken to her family physician who also recommended Moenomycin for her skin -- Nadine sometimes breaks out on her back and upper -- its a mild antibiotic to help her skin's "good bacteria". It seems to be working a charm!
I also went to Perth recently and brought back , whom I would say is goign to be oe of Malaysia's most talented exports (she's moving to Paris at the end of the month) and we're going to do a shoot with her, soon! [[[top secret for now]]] ;)
5. Public speaking and Presentation
Have been taking Nadine to many of the best events in KL just to get her used to the camera, to break her bad habits on how she poses in pictures. She tends to slouch forward with her chin down, which creates the illusion that she has a short neck --> Not True! So when I am with her, like I was today at Redberry's launch I keep reminding her on her posture. She also needs to smile more! Especially now that she has those amazing teeth!!!
:)
Its not going to be a walk in the park, but I have to say that Nadine, luv if you're reading this: Love you lots. I'm going to be coming down hard on you for the next two months, but its only because I know you're worth the effort I am putting into this. You are an intelligent, beautiful young lady, and I am sooo happy that you are willing to work with me wholeheartedly on this.
Next Up:
1. More GYM: I forsee ABS in VEGAS!
2. Styling lessons: Nadine must learn how to put together a 'look' with make-up and hair in an hour --> People are surprised that Delegates actually have to do their own hair and make-up most of the time at Miss Universe! There are make-up artists, but Nadine must be confident on her strongest points and capitalise on them. With 85 candidates from around the world, it is forseeable that Nadine will not get 100% love and attention from her designated make-up artist in Vegas, hence she needs to learn how to take care of herself!
3. National Costume: As some of you may know, Amir Luqman is the Official Designer for this year's National Costume. We're going to be having a spectacular photoshoot, and reveal it in all its glory in a press conference! :)
4. Hair: I need to consult

Pageant Week : Outside Looking In

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Venezuela's representative to this year's Miss Universe ~ Just one of the Competitors our New Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 will have be up against!

Okay so whilst the Finalists for the Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 pageant have been busy

And then, apparently, it began.

We had the Sony I-Spy Challenge, the team with the fastest time did not win - it was the team with the most perfect pictures. (*whisper-whisper-grumble-grumble*)

Then we had the Parkson Style Challenge, where each girl was left to her own devices to grab clothes from the rack to style themselves for it. Some girls were left without much of a choice, others were allegedly pushed and trampled on. (*grr. Arg.*)

The next day we had a True Fitness Challenge, one girl got two out of three awards. (*raised eyebrow*)

[Mind you - Team MUMO and I were there, 24/7, to ensure that everything was executed in a fair and precise manner. We were judge and jury when it came to issues down the line, and we ensured that ALL finalists had as equal a chance as their peers to compete and win. The activities were planned for the sole intention of building team spirit, and allowing the reality of competition to dawn upon them at the same time.]

I find out later, (recently), that there were some unhappy finalists, that it wasn't as rosy as I initially had surprisingly thought. Some finalists have confided in me -- *Andrea says in Yoda voice* judge them or their 'foes' I do not, but interested in the psyche of how things have "flipped", I am.

Does that make the Finalists bad people? Does it make them hypocrites?

...

No.

It makes them Human. It makes them finally, Real! It showed us all how they handled stress, how they handled losing, and winning. (Tune in to I mean, Seriously. Do we really expect 18 strong, ambitious, intelligent young women to get along, under the pressure of Stress and Competition?

Please-lah. ;)

There's a cracking point for all of us. There's a reaction to every action. There's a legit reason for their feeling the way they do.

.................I guess that's why we have Pageant Week - and not Pageant Day?

***Note to Finalists who are reading this: Lets be real from this day forward? Lets kinda take a line out of Avatar, and use it to context:: I see you. Deep, them words are. (Again in Yoda Voice please?)
If you don't like someone, you needn't layan them -- its absolutely fine. However you must remember that its common courtesy to be at least civil at all times. I am not saying we should all tolerate bit*hyness, I am saying that its absolutely normal to get upset when you lose out on something! Its absolutely normal to feel threatened in a state of competition, or to become more competitive! The key is: How to handle it so that it makes you the bigger person, and How to not allow things to upset you so much so that you are side-tracked from the obvious goal that you have in mind:: To win!

Read the Art of War, and the Art of Power. Whilst ruthless, some of the advice in those books do make some sense.

And to the girls who have truly made fast friends, good for you. Sincerity is key here, its when you can look at each other in the eye, smile and say, "I hope I beat you!" - and know that you can still be friends tomorrow -- THATs when you should really know that you found a friend. ;)

I'm so PROUD of them!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:05:00 +0000
Check out the
Okay so we al know we've got Pageant Week coming up for the New Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 finalists coming up this weekend. For their reference, and to everyone out there who will be joining a pageant, here's what you need to pack.

Silicone bra

Nipple tape

Thick scotch tape (masking tape) – tan coloured if you’re fair, black if you’re darker.

Hollywood tape (double sided tape from stationary shops aint gonna cut it, not sticky enough. Get the Hollywood tape – you can get it from but buy it from Parkson, with the silicone bra, above.

Heels – two types: The ones you can walk in, and the ones that just look good. You will have different occasions to wear them no worries.

Sneakers, sports bras, tights and flipflops – you will / should be going to the gym.

Body lotion, preferably with glitter in it. Otherwise just have some body shine on hand.

Face masks – deep cleansing ones to suck the muck out of your face after 18 hours of make-up. Hydrating and Moiturising ones to deal with harsh air con.

False eye lashes that you already know suit you.

Hair dryer – the ones in hotels cant dry a bald cat if it was wet.

Straightener and curlers as well – we’re not going to have hair stylists for you all the time

Make up remover – lots of it. Best buys: Johnson’s baby oil to remove eye makeup for budget, Clinique eye-makeup remover (oil and water in one bottle) otherwise.

Accessories – you need to look dolled up even walking around the hotel.

A handbag big enough to fit two pairs of shoes in. You will have alot of things to carry around, plastic bags are so-not-glam at all.

Tip – go buy some light, self tanning lotion, even if you are quite tanned. It will give you a sunkissed golden-ish glow, which will help you look more toned and healthy. Warning - do not go overboard or you will look like a carrot.

Borderline carrot - but still 'pass'. ;)

KL Auditions - the New Miss Universe Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Aw Hans. :)

Tagged: Hans Isaac, Jules FlyFM, Phat Fabes, Julia Dolmatova and me! ;)

Part 3 of Webisode 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:07:00 +0000
I do try to be nice, you know!

I got this message on FB only just.. I thought I'd share it on my blog. Please note however, that not all girls that the MUM prelim judging panel said no because of this. It would be useful, however, to note the points that I have outlined below...

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hi andrea,
im xxxxx from xxxxxxx..
could i know wat should i improve for my perfomance?
I could wish to join it next year..
i got no chance to ask u n u just told me tat u r not in to the final...
hope u remember me..
pls give me some advice...

thank u...

My Response:

Hi XXXXX,

I admire your dedication in coming to KL.

First of all - the impression I got from you was that you had no further ambitions *after* Miss Universe Malaysia. What do you want to do with your life? Are you able to honestly answer that question?

Secondly, you did not impress the judges with your intelligence, wit and charisma. Maybe you were just having a bad day? If so, I am sorry. Being Miss Universe Malaysia is more than having a beautiful face. I hope you do know that by now.

Lastly, it was unfortunate for you but the depth of talent we had this year was amazing. All the women in the top18 have an Xfactor about them - something which makes them special. There were also many girls who possessed that Xfactor whom did not make it to the finals. Take comfort that you were not the only one we had to say no to.

I hope that helps answer your question?

Take care and good luck in your future endeavours.

A.
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A note to future Miss Universe Malaysia Finalists (and everyone else, really).

If you're writing a serious email, to someone you do not know personally, using the correct Punctuation (Capital letters, full stops!), is very important. Really, REALLY important.

Sigh.. Now I feel really bad. Hope she's not too upset, and that she doesn't take what I said the wrong way.

Oh by the by, things have been going AMAZINGLY well. We've completed the top18 photoshoot, I have JUST looked through THOUSANDS of photos (I kid you not) to pick the best of the best pictures! I am very excited, and happy with the results. Go Team MUMO on our first Photoshoot! ;)

Oh. And while I'm at it - I really need to start planning my wedding proper soon....

eeps!

;)

The Making of The NEW Miss Universe Malaysia 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:23:00 +0000
Webisode 1: Humble Beginnings