In view of the worsening flood situation Bangkok, Thailand is experiencing, Carousel Productions, Inc. (Carousel) has decided to transfer the venue of Miss Earth 2011 from Bangkok, Thailand to Manila, Philippines. Carousel President Ramon Monzon issued the following statement: "After careful consideration, it is with regret that we have decided to cancel the scheduled Miss Earth 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand and transfer the event to Manila, Philippines even at this late stage. I believe it would have been insensitive and even irresponsible to go ahead with the event in Bangkok at this time considering the calamity that has befallen Bangkok. We informed our Thai Licensee, PD Creations, of this decision and they agreed and accepted the same. We are presently discussing their request to host Miss Earth in 2012 or 2013 in lieu of this year." The flooding that has inundated the cities surrounding Bangkok and which is on the verge of overflowing to Thailand's capital is the worst that the country has experienced in the past 50 years. More than 400 lives have been lost and millions of people have been displaced from their work and homes as a result of this calamity. Though Carousel is left with less than a month to organize the logistics for hosting the expected 90 candidates in Manila, it never considered the possibility or option of postponing the pageant. With the different natural calamities that have befallen Thailand, Turkey and other parts of the world, more than ever this is the best time to stage Miss Earth to call attention to the pressing environmental problems the world faces. "Miss Earth 2011 will in fact become more meaningful at this time," said Lorraine Schuck, Carousel Executive Vice-President. "Through the Miss Earth Foundation, we will have more activities that will increase awareness on the worldwide impact of climate change. The situation in Thailand is an example of what can happen if we do not take the necessary measures to save the environment." The 90 or so candidates are expected to arrive in Manila beginning November 17 together with the reigning Miss Earth, Nicole Faria of India. Coronation Night will be on Saturday, December 3, 2011. The show will be aired live by Star World at 8:00 p.m. while ABS-CBN Channel 2 will air it nationwide on Sunday, December 4 at 10:30 p.m. There will also be a delayed telecast of the show on The Filipino Channel and on the television stations of some participating countries. The pageant will also be shown on TFC at a later date.

2010 Miss Earth Nicole Faria, the first Indian to win the title, together with runners-up Miss Earth-Water Watsaporn Wattanakoon of Thailand and Miss Earth-Air Victoria Shchukina of Russia, are here for a two-week visit, to do a series of environment-awareness activities. They flew in from Bangkok a few days ago after the successful launch of Miss Earth 2011 to be hosted by Thailand on Nov. 12. “I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about the Philippines and I’m thrilled to be here,” Nicole enthused. “It is my pleasure to work with the Miss Earth Foundation, and I am so excited to meet the Filipino people and help protect the natural wonders of such a lovely country.” Born in Bangalore, the 21-year-old freelance model is in her final year in college where she is majoring in Psychology. Prior to joining the Miss Earth pageant last year, Nicole has been named Model of Year (Bangalore) in 2008 and Miss India South in 2010. 2011 Miss Earth Nicole Faria (of India) with runners-up Miss Earth-Air Victoria Shchukina (of Russia ) and Miss Earth-Water Watsaporn Wattanakoon (of Thailand).

The reigning queens are scheduled to make a series of public appearances on behalf of the Miss Earth Foundation. The activities include the “I am Plastic-Free Campaign,” “I Love My Planet Earth School Tour,” coastal clean-up and tree-planting. We hope to give our Miss Earth winners a first-hand experience of the projects that we do in our country,” according to Miss Earth Foundation executive director Cathy Untalan. Source: The Philippine Star More Photos Here

See Photos of the Press Conference

Carousel Productions, Inc. would like to announce that Victoria Schukina, Miss Russia 2010, is the new Miss Earth Air 2010. Fluent in English and Russian, Victoria has travelled to more than 10 countries. Apart from the Miss Earth Russia 2010 title, she was Miss Moscow 2008, Queen of Queens 2005 and Miss Tver 2005. Victoria, a 24 year-old Social-Cultural Service and Tourism major from Tver City, will assume the title and responsibilities of Jennifer Pazmino (Ecuador) who gave up her crown to marry early this year. Miss Earth candidates and winners may not be married.

Like a breath of fresh air, reigning Miss Earth Nicole Faria (of India) drops by the law firm of Abad, Constancio & Mallonga at the Empire State Building accompanied by Fil-Am international jewelry designer Ramona Haar, the official jeweler of Miss Earth. The 21-year-old Bangalore-born beauty is an instant hit in NYC, especially among Fil-Ams and Indian-Americans, who watched her win the crown in Vietnam in December 2010. The 5'9 tall model and belly dancer (she has a 22.5-inch waistline) helped showcase Ramona Haar's fine jewelry during a May 24-June 3 exhibit at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue. Nicole will also perform tonight (June 3) at 8 p.m. at a dance fashion theater with Ramona Haar's jewelry collection at Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle. More photos here

Frédérique Constant, the independent family owned watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, has signed Miss Earth Nicole Faria as global Brand Ambassador. Frédérique Constant hereby also seals its association with conservation and environmental projects in India as Nicole Faria is actively involved with earth-related initiatives. Frédérique Constant announced this partnership in Mumbai where it presented the stunning Nicole Faria a special Chocolate Double Heart Beat watch to commence their association. Miss Earth Nicole Faria, now Brand Ambassador, Frédérique Constant, said, “Time has always fascinated me. I was amazed to hear of the fact that Frédérique Constant is a rare brand that supports earth-related initiatives. I strongly believe that this earth is a legacy that we need to pass on to future generations and the time to act is now. Similarly Frédérique Constant is a brand that one would like to pass on to Gen-Next as a legacy. From the fashionista point of view, its classical styles is exactly what the Indian customer requires today.” Originally from Bangalore, Nicole Faria is passionate about modelling and improving the world. She strongly believes in the values of honesty, integrity and fair-play.

Her dream is to leave a legacy of goodness, peace and happiness amongst people. She loves to learn from every experience and to grow in someway through everyone she meets. Some of her more memorable moments were when she won the Miss India crown in 2010 and later the Miss Earth title. Her hobbies include listening to music, dancing, reading and visiting orphanages.

Sebastien Cretegny, International Sales Manager, Frédérique Constant, said, “In India, we decided to do something daringly different. When we met Miss Earth Nicole Faria, we felt that there was a sharing of passion, especially when she spoke about her conservation projects. I am proud to announce that this is the first time that Frédérique Constant has associated with a beauty pageant icon anywhere in the world and it happened in India. We have seen that Miss Earth Nicole Faria is very passionate about earth-related social causes such as global warming, environment hazards, pollution, etc. Most of the target customers we associate with are involved with such causes and initiatives. There is a need to create more awareness in a country like India about various aspects of the earth-related issues. We have just taken a step ahead and there will be continuity in thought process.”

The tenth Miss Earth was crowned at the Vinpearl Land Amphitheatre in Nha Trang, Vietnam after a month of competition. Delegates from 84 countries and territories competed for the title of Miss Earth 2010 in beautiful Vietnam. Miss India, Nicole Faria was announced as Miss Earth 2010, taking over the reign of Larissa Ribeiro Ramos, Miss Earth 2009. Unlike other pageants, there was no "runner-up" in that sense. Instead the titles of Miss Earth-Air, Miss Earth-Water and Miss Earth-Fire are bestowed on the next three contestants. Tonight, the titles went to Miss Ecuador, Jennifer Pazmiño, Miss Thailand, Watsaporn Wattanakoon and Miss Puerto Rico, Yeidy Bosques, respectively.

Miss Japan Marina Kishira, Miss South Africa Nondyebo Dzingwa and Miss Venezuela Maria Angela Bonanni completed the final seven who competed in the final interview competition, where questions from the previous Miss Earth finals were asked.

Included in the semi-finals were: Miss Czech Republic Carmen Justova, Miss Italy Ilenia Arnolfo, Miss Netherlands Desirée van den Berg, Miss Russia Victoria Schukina, Miss Ukraine Valentyna Zhytnyk, Miss USA Danielle Bounds and Miss Vietnam Luu Thi Diem Huong.

In fabulous long gowns, 84 beautiful candidates of Miss Earth 2010 paraded during the Gala Dinner hosted by Vinpearl in Nha Trang, Vietnam where Miss Photogenic and Miss Friendship was announced. The system of voting for Miss Photogenic through an online system via the Miss Earth website (www.missearth.tv), held from November 15-30, 2010. Watasaporn Wattanakoon of Thailand was voted Miss Photogenic 2010. The preliminary judging was held earlier that day, and during that time period, the girls voted amongst themselves who would be Miss Friendship. Sue Ellen Castaneda of Guatemala was awarded Miss Friendship. This special award is considered closest to the hearts of the Miss Earth delegates because it shows the female camaraderie that developed in the three weeks these girls have spent together. The Miss Earth 2010 coronation will be held tonight, December 4, 2010, 8 PM, Saturday, telecast live from VTV channels and Star World. See awarding photos here.

Sincere to the environmental cause, Miss Earth 2010 candidates engaged in various activities such as tree planting, beach clean-ups and dialogue with the locals as part of the activities for the 10th staging of the pageant for a cause. In Nha Trang, Phu Yen and Phan Tiet, candidates together with the children planted indigenous trees to symbolize the shared responsibility of the youth as part of the community to restore the fast depleting green patches in the said provinces. Beach clean-ups were likewise conducted to preserve the beauty of the beaches, world-class tourist destinations in Vietnam. The delegates also had a chance to learn more about the global water crisis. After a short film showing and lecture, an open forum was held where they asked questions and exchange ideas. A simple exercise on answering "How much do you pay for water per household per month?" showed water as a very valuable resource which people need to spend a lot on. Afterwhich, they wrote their commitments on how they can help promote clean water for all.

Recently, recognizing the vital role of keeping the water clean in the lives of fishermen, some candidates conducted a dialogue with local fishermen and women who make the nets. There, they learned about the joys and challenges in their daily fishing routine. Miss Earth Japan 2010, Marina Kishira, also taught the children how to make fish origami to instill in them the importance of protecting our marine biodiversity. Apart from these, the group also visited the Happiness School for hearing-impaired children, an orphanage and home for the elderly. The conduct of these environmental activities in Vietnam is only the continuation of the commitment of these ambassadors who have started campaigning for this important cause upon their appointment. After the pageant, the advocacy shall continue in their respective countries in their sincere desire to make a difference.

The organizers of Miss Earth 2010 officially announced the list of judges for the preliminary and final competitions. The seven jury members from various countries and three from Vietnam will select the next Miss Earth at the Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang City in Khanh Hoa: • Mike Rosenthal - Hollywood photographer to the stars; guest photographer and judge on the TV show "America's Next Top Model" • Marie J.Y.E. Collart - Actress, Producer, Publicist, and Spokesperson to American and French Stars • Rachel Grant - Hollywood Actress and Eco-Activist • Ella Bella - Youth Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) • Eddy Tan - Head, Star World, FX, [V]. TVN & Nat Geo • Karla Paula Henry - Miss Earth 2008 • Nenad Bratic - Famous architect of Aedas Interiors Company in Hong Kong • Pham Sanh Chau - Secretary General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO • Hoang Dai Thanh - Chief Editor of the Journal of Young Fashion Designers • Nguyen Nhu Quynh - Vietnames Artist, many of her designs were selected for exhibition at the Musée de Mode, Paris in 2010. Also a Violinist and a Dancer

84 Miss Earth delegates will donate their souvenir items from their respective countries for auction at a gala dinner to be held on Dec 2 at the Vinpearl ballroom of the exclusive Vinpearl resort and spa in Nha Trang Vietnam. The proceeds from the auction will go to the flood victims of the recent water deluge in Central Vietnam and to the Miss Earth Foundation where they will conduct seminars and workshops on the importance of saving mother earth. Water is this year's environmental theme during the Miss Earth 2010 Coronation Night which will be held on Sat., Dec. 4, 2010, 9:00 beamed live from Vinpearl, Nha Trang in Vietnam on the Star World Network and airing on Sunday, Dec. 5 at ABS CBN Channel 2 the day after and a later telecast on The Filipino Channel worldwide.

Old Camp Boot Not worn for climbing but to keep feet warm and dry when they are resting. The make of the boot is "Dachstein" and they were produced in Austria. This boot dates back to the 1950s likely that the first expeditions in 1952 (Swiss, led by Eric Lambert) and 1953 (the successful one, submitted by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

Vuvuzela $50 The vuvuzela has been around since the 1970s. It was made out of Kudu horns to battle or to worship. But nowadays it is no longer made out of Kudu horns (thank goodness for that because we are fighting animal-poaching). It is now made out of plastic and is used to make a celebration sound. it was very famous at the soccer world cup that was held in South Africa this year. People were blowing it and cheering for all the different players coming from all over the world.

Crystal Glass $200 Crystal rogasta with its mission to create an ambience of exquisite glass is nowadays a leading edge glass manufacturer that traces its origins back to the 17th century, In the year 1665, Ragaska was first documented to have an organized and active glass manufacturing.

Crystal map of Kosovo $200 Built from very special crystals taken out from deep inside of the Kosovo reach mine.

One of the most memorable days for the Miss Earth delegates 2010 was the celebration of Earth Day in the ancient city of Hoi An in Vietnam.

The People's Committee and the Palm Gardens resort welcomed the environmental diplomats in traditional rites accorded to special guests visiting the city. In the morning, the delegates biked around the city to show the world the importance of energy conservation. In the afternoon, the girls planted trees in the resort lining the walkway towards the beach as their contribution to saving mother earth. And at exactly 7pm in the evening, lights were turned off in the ancient city for one hour while the girls in attendance paraded inside the walled city carrying the beautiful multi-colored lanterns made in the centuries-old city, bringing a simple but symbolic message to conserve energy.

Water is this year's environmental theme during the Miss Earth 2010 Coronation Night which will be held on Sat., Dec. 4, 2010, 9:00 beamed live from Vinpearl, Nha Trang in Vietnam on the Star World Network and airing on Sunday, Dec. 5 at ABS CBN Channel 2 the day after and a later telecast on The Filipino Channel worldwide.

Click here for Earth Day and Hoi An tour photos.

Luu Thi Diem Huong from the host Vietnam won the first prize in the bikini contest at the Miss Earth 2010 pageant in the central province of Phu Yen on November 20. Huong won the title of "Miss Cendelux Hotel", one of the official titles of the pageant. The contest attracted the participation of 80 beauties from nations and territories around the world. Huong said she was very proud to win her prize and will do her best to deserve the title, especially through making active contribution to environmental protection. The pageant's organizing board granted certificates to the contest's top five beauties who were Miss Vietnam Luu Thi Diem Huong, Miss Ecuador Jennifer Stephanie Pazmino, Miss Venezuela Maria Angela Boannni, Miss Czech Republic Carnen Justova and Miss Norway Iman Kerigo. The board also granted VND500 million to Phu Yen's People's Committee to support flood victims and provided 10 flood-hit families with VND15 million each.

At the Gala Diner on November 18 in Nha Trang, many people paid VND1 million ($50) fee to take a picture with the Miss Earth 2010 contestants. The money will go to a charity fund for poor students. Three items donated by Miss Earth contestants were also auctioned to raise funds for poor students. A plate with the signature of Miss Earth 2009 Larissa Ramos was offered for VND5 million ($250). It was bought by a woman who paid VND9.5 million dong ($470). Another guest bought a pair of gold-inlaid cups at the price of 22 million dong ($1100). The last item – a T-shirt with the signatures of all 79 contestants – was auctioned for VND20 million ($1000). A representative of the Diamond Bay resort presented the title Best Golf Player to Samantha Widmer of the Cayman Islands and Onalenna Kessy Gaopalelwe of Botswana.

The environmental delegates of Miss Earth 2010 paraded in their beautiful long gowns in the special events competition, Best in Long Gown. The top five delegates in Best in Long Gown were Misses Venezuela, Brazil, Thailand, Czech Republic and Ecuador. Miss Ecuador Earth, Jennifer Stephanie Pazmino Saldana emerged victorious as the Best in Long Gown. She was awarded a sash, plaque and a US$30,000. necklace studded with semi-precious stones and diamond from sponsor, PNJ Jewellers of Vietnam. A special Ao dai competition was also held on the same night and Miss Serbia Tijana Rakic was chosen as the Miss Earth delegate who wore her Ao dai, Vietnam's national costume, the best among the participants in Ao dai costumes. The long gown and Ao Dai competitions were held at the Diamond Bay in Nha Trang on November 18. Photo galleries: Long Gown competition Ao Dai competition

Miss Earth 2009 Larissa Ramos and the Miss Earth 2010 candidates participated in tree planting activity along Mui Ne beach, as part of the environmental protection of the international beauty event. With knowledge and concern for the environment, the contestants participate in the activity with professionalism and dedication, under a sunny Phan Thiet sunny morning.

The contestants also had a street parade in Phan Thiết. Enthusiastic local residents and international visitors enthusiasticaly gave cheers and welcome to the most beautiful women in the world.

Japan's Marina Kishira was declared winner of the Miss Earth 2010 National Costume competition during the event held in Phan Thiet on Saturday. The rest of the top 5 ladies were the contestants from Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Ecuador. Miss Japan, who was also named Miss Sea Links City, takes home a prize of USD 5,000.00. Marina wore a modern gown with an intricate design at the back mimicking the Japanese Art of Tattooing or Irezumi. Irezumi is a traditional Japanese art. Oukoshisei regards tattooing as an art form, expressing the greatness and the beauty of tattoos. "This is my costume, it was inherited to me. I wore it to bring hope and to show a different world for the modern Japanese women -who are not only associated with kimono costume.", Miss Japan said. She was surprised by her victory that night, and she wanted to convey the images of Japan's blooming fresh flowers and murmuring water flows with it. "With this victory, I was able to show a new culture of our country to the world. I do not think I would win or lose, but I am surprised and was proud prior to

winning. This award as well as my luck is for Japan and the significance of this outfit.", she added.

Watch the National Costume Competition for Miss Earth 2010 here:
Miss Earth National Costume Competition 2010 Part 1
Miss Earth National Costume Competition 2010 Part 2

82 beautiful ladies from all over the world, comprising this year's Miss Earth candidates, were presented to the Press and Media at today's Press Presentation at the White Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Appropriately called "beauties for a cause" these environmental diplomats will spearhead the campaign for the preservation and ecological use of water, which is the theme and focus of Miss Earth 2010.

Organized and launched in 2001 by Carousel Productions, Inc., the Miss Earth beauty pageant has early in its existence developed into and has been recognized as one of the three biggest beauty pageants in the world, perhaps because of its environmental advocacy. On its 10th year, Miss Earth has embarked on a new and exciting journey, having left its home country for the first time after nine years and celebrating its decade anniversary in the developing country of Vietnam. It will afford the millions of viewers and followers of Miss Earth the opportunity to get a closer look at the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people and see the many interesting tourist spots in this beautiful country. After signing a multi-event licensing agreement with one of the biggest media companies in Vietnam, Thanh Nien Media Corporation, headed by its visionary Chairman, Mr. Nguyen Cong Khe, Carousel Productions President Ramon Monzon dubbed this agreement as indeed a very fitting partnership with "the youngest tiger economy in Asia hosting the youngest international pageant on the block. Carousel Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck said that "when the Miss Earth candidates go to the different Vietnamese destinations this year, they will be campaigning for and spreading the message on the importance of water and how simple changes in lifestyle and living habits can help arrest the contamination and diminishing supply of this important natural resource and ensure its availability and potability for the future generations.

During the Press Presentation, Chairman Nguyen Cong Khe of Thanh Nien Media Corporation also informed the Press and Media that this year's Miss Earth candidates will be going to the resort destinations of Phan Thiet, Hanoi, Phu Yen and Hoi An. He also announced that the international performer for the show will be Ronan Keating, former member of the famous band Boyzone and who launched his solo career with the remake of the song, "When You Say Nothing At All" which he sang for the film, Notting Hill. Another pleasant announcement by Mr. Khe was that of Oli Pettigrew as the Male Host for the show. Mr. Pettigrew is a very popular international personality having gained recognition as Host of Sony Style Asia, a highly rated program on AXN network. Female Host will be Vietnam's popular host, Jennifer Pham.

The Grand Coronation Night will be on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at the Vinpearl Resort & Spa in Nha Trang. It will be televised nationwide in Vietnam by VTV with a LIVE telecast on the STAR WORLD network in Asia and the Middle East, and in Asia, Middle East, Australia, Europe and North America by The Filipino Channel. Miss Earth 2010 is presented by Vinpearl Resort & Spa of the VIN Group and supported by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, and by the Miss Earth Foundation.

India’s Nicole Faria was crowned Miss Talent, the first supporting label of the 10th Miss Earth pageant which is taking place this month in Vietnam. In a shimmering white and gold outfit, the Indian beauty from the south Indian city of Bangalore defeated 17 other finalists with a performance that had elements of Indian traditional dance and belly dance. Earlier, contestants from India, Crimea, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam had made it to the Top 5 for the Miss Talent competition. The presentation by the beauties on Tuesday raised more than VND100 million (US$5,000) for flood victims in the central region. A gala dinner at the Queen Plaza Convention Thursday night at Queen Plaza held by Gia Gia Jewelry will also raise funds for the same cause. The next competition in the Miss Earth 2010 pageant is the "Traditional Costume round," to be held at Phan Thiet's Sea Links City Resort on November 13.

In a press conference held to welcome 90 contestants, the organizers announced that the coronation night will feature a special performance by noted Irish pop star Ronan Keating.

Another highlight of the finale, organized at Nha Trang's Vinpearl Resort and Spa, will be the presence of TV host Oliver Pettigrew with Vietnam's own Jennifer Pham.

The show will be televised nationwide in Vietnam by VTV and telecast live worldwide on the STAR WORLD network and the Filipino Channel.

Watch the Talent Competition for Miss Earth 2010 here:
Miss Earth Talent Competition 2010 Part 1
Miss Earth Talent Competition 2010 Part 2

It was announced during a press conference attended by Carousel Productions officials, Thanh Nien representatives, Miss Earth 2009 Larissa Ramos and some candidates; that the Miss Earth 2010 Talent Competition is happening on Tuesday, November 9, at the Diamond Place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

In the next coming November, 2010, Vinpearl Resort & Spa in Nha Trang welcomes 90 environmental diplomats from all over the world for the beauty pageant "MISS EARTH". Established in 2001 by Carousel Productions (led by Ramon Monzon as President & CEO and his wife, former beauty queen herself, Lorraine Schuck), Miss Earth has adopted the preservation and protection of the environment as its advocacy. Its candidates and winners not only spread the message of going and living green but also get actively involved in various environmental activities to reinforce their message. These global beauties will be going to different places in Vietnam to join and encourage various activities of environment protection to contribute helping life become green. The Business World Magazine has the honor to introduce to readers some photos of Miss Earth candidates joining in environment protection activities while travelling through different places around the world. Credit: Business World Magazine Vietnam

Thanh Nien Media Group, in charge of organizing Miss Earth 2010, has chosen Miss Vietnam World Luu Thi Diem Huong to represent the country at the upcoming contest. Nguyen Cong Khe, the group chairman, said he had sent a note to the Performing Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism asking that Luu Thi Diem Huong represent Vietnam at Miss Earth 2010. "Diem Huong is the current Miss Vietnam World and she has all it takes to represent Vietnam at the world's third largest beauty contest," Khe said at a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City Saturday. Huong was also at the conference along with the two winners of the latest Miss Earth contests and Miss Earth Philippines 2010, Kris Psyche O. Resus. "The important thing is I will be able to contribute to protecting the environment. I promise to do my best," she said. On this visit, the beauty queens will be in Vietnam until October 23 promoting environmental awareness in the country. They will go to

the coastal towns Phan Thiet, Nha Trang and Phu Yen before returning to HCMC on Friday next week. Resus will stay for this year's Miss Earth contest.

Vietnam obtained the official licence to hold Miss Earth in August. The ten-year-old environmentally-themed beauty contest has never before left the Philippines.

Miss Earth 2010 will be held between November 4 and December 4 in Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Phu Yen, Hoi An and HCMC.

Khe said he has discussed the upcoming contest in detail with the Filipino creator Carousel Production Inc.

"This is the first time Vietnam will hold Miss Earth but we're confident it will be a success. And the Filipino organizers will be there throughout the event," he said.

The finale at Vinpearl resort, Nha Trang, will see foreign singers take to the stage and will be broadcast live on Star World and Vietnamese and Filipino national television, Khe added.

The winner will receive an award worth US$20,000 and other prizes, said the former editor-in-chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Vietnam's hosting of the 10th Miss Earth pageant was officially announced during a press conference held at the White Palace in Ho Chi Minh City on August 25. Aside from the invited media delegation; the Vietnam hosting committee, Vinpearl Land representatives, Carousel Productions officials, sponsors and the reigning Miss Earth Larissa Ramos of Brazil were present in the said event. Former Miss Philippines Sandra Seifert, reigning Miss Philippines Kris Psyche Resus and some Vietnamese fashion models were also invited. Miss Earth 2010 will officially start on November 4. The month-long event will include exciting activities in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Hoi An and other locations. Besides the environmental activities, the candidates will have a national costume show, swimsuit and evening competitions. The finale and coronation show is scheduled to take place on December 4th at Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang. Credits: www.tinmoi.vn

Miss Earth 2009 Larissa Ramos (Brazilian) arrived in Vinpearl Land 2h30pm today in rapturous welcome of Miss Vietnam World 2010 Organizing Board, journalists and tourists at Vinpearl Land. Larissa Ramos comes to Vinpearl Land – Vietnam at the invitation of Miss Vietnam World 2010 Organizing Board and will take part in the pageant's activities until the Coronation Night. Specially, she will join the Jury of the Coronation Night as the honorable member. Larissa Ramos, a Biology student from Manaus, is 21 years old and 178 cm in height. She was crowned Miss Earth 2009 at the Coronation Night on November 22nd in Boracay, Philippines. As soon as she arrived in Vinpearl Land, despite her tiredness after a long flight, the Reigning Miss Earth was very happy to meet the press. "This is my first trip to Vietnam. My feeling about Vietnam is its beautiful scenery, peacefulness and the hospitality. Vinpearl Land is so beautiful! I feel very happy and proud to join the Final Round of Miss Vietnam World 2010 as an honorable member. As far as I am concerned, this Pageant is a big beauty festival of the Vietnamese communities worldwide. That is really great…", said Larissa Ramos. Speaking about the invitation of Miss Earth 2009 to be honorable member of the Jury, Mr. Nguyen Trong Hien, Chairman cum CEO of Vinpearl JSC, Head of the Organizing Board said: "Our purpose of inviting the Reigning Miss Earth to this event, like the invitation of

the world-famous IL DIVO band as artistes of the Coronation Night and leading specialists of Carousel as trainers for the contestants, is to improve the prestige, quality and international impact of Miss Vietnam World. As we have mentioned before, we have been making best efforts to make Miss Vietnam World become well-known not only in domestic and overseas Vietnamese communities but also in international communities, in order to, on one hand, advertise the image of Vietnam and its people, on the other hand, affirm our event organizing professionalism and level… The participation of Miss Earth Larissa Ramos at this Beauty Contest is fundamentally meaningful. On behalf of the Organizing Board and Vinpearl Land, I would like to give her a warm welcome…"

Vietnam has officially obtained the go-ahead to host Miss Earth, a prestigious environmentally-themed beauty contest that has never left the Philippines, until now.

Nguyen Cong Khe, chairman of Thanh Nien Media Group, said that they secured a copyright agreement with the Filipino-based Carousel Production Inc. in May. Last Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan, authorized the central province of Khanh Hoa to host the event.

Khe said his corporation has signed a ten-year contract with the Philippines-based Carousel Productions Inc., which owns the rights to the event. Under the contract, the Vietnamese media corporation will organize the event in the beachside town of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa this year and the next.

For the next ten years, according to the agreement, Miss Earth will continue to return to the country every other year.

The one-month event will takeplace from November to December, said Khe, who is a former editor-in-chief of Thanh Nien.

The ten year-old Miss Earth competition is considered one of the three largest beauty contests in the world.

Khe said the Miss Earth competition conveys a clear, relevant message: the need to protect the earth and its environment.

“In 2007, I came to the Philippines as a judge and was really surprised by the contestants’ knowledge of the environment and their concern for protecting natural areas in their countries,” he said adding that all of the contestants were college students with some knowledge of local environmental issues.

The organizers this year will grant Miss Air and Miss Water awards, in addition to the usual honorifics for costume and talent.

Around a hundred contestants will participate in a range of environmental campaigns and activities in Hoi An, the historic town; Nha Trang, the beach resort; Phan Thiet, also a popular seaside destination in Binh Thuan Province, Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta. All of these locations were deemed suitable by Carousel officials and the event’s directors during their ocular trip in July, he said.

According to the Carousel delegation, the chosen locations do not need to be of great beauty, for the contest does not only focus on scenic places but also sites of environmental interest.

“The place might be not beautiful, but that does not mean it does not need attention. Contestants could change our planet before and after the competition through their contributions to the contest,” said Carousel’s creative director Chris.

Khe added that he and Ramon Monzon, chairman of Carousel Productions, were talking about ways to divert event funds to the victims of environmental pollution in Vietnam. According to the former editor, they are looking to award scholarships to students and environmental researchers.

He said the winner of the Miss Vietnam World competition (which will also take place in Nha Trang this month) will be given priority in representing Vietnam at the Miss Earth contest.

“Next year, we might organize a Miss Earth Vietnam pageant to choose the woman who will attend the Miss Earth 2011 contest.”

Khe said local and international channels are interested in the green pageant. He said that many channels have already registered to broadcast the final night live from Vinpearl Land Resort in Khanh Hoa province’s Nha Trang.

The event will employ a pair of Vietnamese judges as well as a host of local environmental experts and artists who will be brought in to help with costumes and makeup.

Carousel will bring in its main director to collaborate with his Vietnamese counterpart on this year’s event, he added.

Thanh Nien Media Group will co-organize the contest with Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: thanhniennews.com