Tag: Miss universe

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Miss Universe Queens Promote Halal Tourism in Philippines

The campaign aims to invite more travelers from Arab and Muslim countries to explore the Philippines, beginning with the eco-luxury holistic wellness resort, The Farm at San Benito…reports Asian Lite News

Recently crowned Miss Universe Queens, Lujane Yacoub from Bahrain (Miss Universe Bahrain 2023) and Erica Robin from Pakistan (Miss Universe Pakistan 2023), are showcasing their commitment to promoting halal and wellness travel in the Philippines. This initiative follows the Philippines’ win of the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award earlier this year.

With the Muslim travel market projected to reach $225 billion by 2028, the Philippine government has identified increasing foreign arrivals from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations as a priority goal. “Miss Universes’ trip to the Philippines would be a significant boost for our country, hopefully influencing the global Muslim community to visit the archipelago nation, which boasts white sand beaches, renowned diving spots, vibrant entertainment, diverse cultural heritage, and distinctive wildlife,” said Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar.

Led by Dubai-based Filipino Josh Yugen, the Founder of Yugen PR & Events, the two Miss Universe queens arrived in Manila over the weekend to collaborate with the Philippine Department of Tourism in promoting its ‘Halal and Wellness Tourism’ campaign. The campaign aims to invite more travelers from Arab and Muslim countries to explore the Philippines, beginning with the eco-luxury holistic wellness resort, The Farm at San Benito.

The award-winning resort is a pioneer in showcasing the Filipino brand of wellness and offers halal experiences for global travelers. For over two decades, The Farm has championed a lifestyle that emphasizes self-care, holistic healing, cultural inclusivity, while highlighting the country’s natural beauty and warm Filipino hospitality.

“We are thrilled to establish this partnership with beauty queens representing Arab and Muslim countries to raise awareness of our country’s offerings. This presents a significant opportunity to attract travelers not only from the Gulf but also from the ASEAN region to visit The Farm at San Benito or any other Halal-certified destination in the Philippines. We look forward to taking care of the well-being of the beauty queens during their stay and assisting them in their preparations for the global pageant next month,” stated Jennifer Sanvictores, Global Head of Sales, Marketing & Communications at The Farm at San Benito & CG Hospitality.

Discussing the new campaign, Josh Yugen expressed gratitude to the Philippine Department of Tourism and The Farm at San Benito for the opportunity to promote his country to Arab, Middle Eastern, and Muslim countries. “As someone who has lived in Dubai for more than half of my life, I genuinely believe it’s time to elevate our Filipino welcome to the Middle East, focusing on key factors that attract travelers, such as providing options for halal-certified establishments and world-class wellness programs,” he noted.

Miss Universe Bahrain and Pakistan will remain in the Philippines for several more weeks to commence their training for the upcoming Miss Universe competition. They confirmed that a full Filipino team will be preparing them for the competition.

ALSO READ-India’s Domestic Tourism Thrives

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Pakistani Miss Universe Winner Faces Backlash At Home

Women activists have come out in support of Erica Robin and have slammed criticisers for feeling insecure every time a Pakistani woman achieves a name for herself….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s Erica Robin, who hails from Karachi has won the title of “Miss Universe Pakistan 2023,” becoming the first-ever from the country to earn this title.

However, Erica’s win has not been received with celebrations back home. Instead, it has met with either criticism or absolute silence.

The 24-year-old Erica won the title in a first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan event that featured five contestants from Pakistan and was organised by a Dubai-based company Yugen Group. 

After winning the title, Erica will not be representing Pakistan at the global level in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant to be held in El-Salvador.

While Erica expressed her profound graciousness on winning the title; her achievement was met with criticism from many back home in Pakistan, especially from religious groups and parties, while the government refused to take ownership of Erica’s achievement.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan said: “It is shameful to prepare young women for the Miss Universe pageant and organise the Miss Pakistan pageants. This is an insult to Pakistan. Women of Pakistan are insulted and exploited. Who are the organisers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? Who is doing this shameful act? Government should bring them forward. Who has authorised her to represent Pakistan? Is this the decision of the government of Pakistan? Caretaker Prime Minister should immediately clarify the position of his government and stop this ridicule, humiliation of Pakistani women in the name of beauty pageants. This is a deliberate game being played with the religious sentiments of the Muslims of Pakistan.”

Prominent religious leader Mohammad Taqi Usmani also raised questions over the news: “There is news that five young ladies will represent Pakistan in the international beauty pageant. If this is true, how far will we go? Let the impression disappear.”

Women activists have come out in support of Erica Robin and have slammed criticisers for feeling insecure every time a Pakistani woman achieves a name for herself.

“It’s become a norm to attack Pakistani women who achieve a name for themselves on the international stage. Why are women’s international successes seen as a blot on the country’s morals?” asked rights activist Zohra Yusuf.

Seasoned journalist Mariana Baabar praised the 24-year-old, insisting that anyone can represent Pakistan.

“Pakistan belongs to all. Every Pakistani can represent anywhere, whenever, however. Ladies n Gentlemen, Karachi’s Erica Robin was crowned the winner of the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan. Beauty and Brains!” said Mariana.

Pakistan’s interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said that the country has not designated any non-state or non-government person or institution for such an event.

“The government and the state of Pakistan are represented by the state and government institutions. Our government has not designated any non-state and non-governmental person or institution for any such activity and no such person/institution can represent the state/government. The end,” he said.

Erica maintains that she intends to bring to light the exquisite beauty that resides within Pakistan’s rich culture and traditions, which she added are often concealed in the shadows of media attention.

Erica hails from Karachi. She did her schooling from St. Patrick Girls High School and started her professional modelling career in January 2020. She was featured on the pages of DIVA magazine and later became an assistant manager as Flow Magazine.

In December 2021, she flew off to Dubai — the UAE. And it was September 14, 2023, when Erica won the Miss Universe Pakistan title at Brennia Kottefaru in Raa Atoll, Maldives. 

Erica’s next stop will be at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador, on November 18, 2023.

It remains to be seen if Pakistan government would own up to Erica’s representation of Pakistan or would keep its distance from her, maintaining Erica’s achievement as her own and not of Pakistan.

ALSO READ: Nawaz Sharif to Return to Pakistan on October 21: Shehbaz Sharif

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‘Miss Universe is an opportunity to represent my country’

Bhutan to send its first delegate to the Miss Universe 2022 pageant.(photo:IANSLIFE)

She personally views competing in beauty pageants as a voyage of self-discovery that has helped her grow into a strong, enthusiastic, and motivated young woman…reports Asian Lite News

The Miss Universe 2022 pageant, which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 14, 2023, and where India’s Harnaaz Sandhu will crown her successor, is planned to feature Bhutan for the first time ever. Bhutan received its first-ever Oscar nomination at the 94th Academy Awards in the same year that the tiny Himalayan nation solidly established its presence in the arts community.

Miss Bhutan Tashi Choden

Tashi Choden, 24, was crowned Miss Bhutan on June 04, 2022 at the third edition of Miss Bhutan, with the last event held more than a decade ago. Stunning, outspoken, intelligent, confident and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Tashi is thrilled to represent her country at one of the world’s biggest international beauty pageants. She sees this as an opportunity to learn from her fellow delegates and most importantly to represent Bhutan on a global stage. Born to a Bhutanese mother and a Tibetan father, Tashi was raised in Nagaland, India until the age of three. Tragedy struck and she lost her father when she was only four-years old, and a decade later she also lost her mother, when she was just 14-years old.

Tashi was a popular model and actress even before she was crowned Miss Bhutan. When she discovered Project Bhutan, a Bhutanese modelling agency based in Thimphu, she started participating in performances and even pageants, both inside and outside of Bhutan, at the age of 15. Her acting career has also taken off thanks to films like Singye and Nyingtob.

She personally views competing in beauty pageants as a voyage of self-discovery that has helped her grow into a strong, enthusiastic, and motivated young woman. She can use it as a platform to speak for young people, represent her nation abroad, and promote issues that are important to her, like the rights of LGBTQ+ people. She thinks she can lead Bhutan to success. Tashi, who forged her own path and propelled Bhutan onto the world stage, epitomises the dynamism of Bhutan’s young in the twenty-first century.

“I knew I had the passion, the motivation and the right reasons to want to win the Miss Bhutan pageant, and it was a beautiful journey of celebrating my identity. Miss Universe to me is an opportunity to represent my country. As a global event watched by millions of people, I see this as a great platform to help share the voice of my country, highlight our beautiful land, and advocate for important causes. Bhutan is going through a period of major transformation, and I’m so proud to be part of this. I believe in the future of our country and everything that we can achieve together,” Tashi Choden concluded.

ALSO READ-‘We still don’t have a ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’’

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It’s every girl’s own choice: Miss Universe on Hijab row

Pic credits Pallav Paliwal

The hijab protests in Karnataka began in January this year when some students of Government Girls PU college in the Udupi district alleged that they had been barred from attending classes…reports Asian Lite News

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu shared her views on the ongoing Hijab controversy during an event in Punjab on Wednesday.

When asked about her opinions on the ongoing hijab controversy, the 22-year-old said, “It’s every girl’s own choice, so no one has the right to speak about how the girls of India should live, and how to dress.”

“Those who are doing politics on the issue, are wrong,” she added.

Pic credits Pallav Paliwal

Miss Universe 2021 also said, “Even if she is getting dominated by someone, she needs to come and speak. Let her live the way she wants to live. We are women of different cultures and we need to respect each other.”

The hijab protests in Karnataka began in January this year when some students of Government Girls PU college in the Udupi district of the state alleged that they had been barred from attending classes. During the protests, some students claimed they were denied entry into the college for wearing hijab.

Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021, making her the third entrant from India to bag the prestigious title after 21 years. (ANI)

ALSO READ: AIMPLB moves SC against hijab verdict

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Interview Lite Blogs

‘Representing your country is a huge thing’

I would love to focus on every possible issue that the organisation focuses on, along with my advocacy for women empowerment and menstrual hygiene…Harnaaz speaks with N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Successful people often say that the first step toward achieving one’s dreams is to have faith and walk confidently. Harnaaz Sandhu, who was crowned the 70th Miss Universe, is one of them, purposefully and confidently achieving her goal. In an exclusive interview right after she won, Sandhu spoke to of her victory and plans ahead.

How does it feel on winning the crown for India after 21 years?

It’s just overwhelming and unbelievable. Finally, India is able to wear the crown of Miss Universe after 21 years, and I think we have been waiting for this for so long; the feeling is just out of this world.

You were very confident that you would win and you did… What was the key to your success?

Representing your country is a huge thing. It’s about the confidence, you need to have in yourself and the realisation from within that this is the purpose of your life. You have to want to make the most of the platform and the opportunity that is given to you.

We have to actually evolve a lot when we realise what we want to do with our life. With that faith, love and all the prayers of the people from my country, it gave me the drive I needed to win.

It’s going to be a busy year. How do u plan to use the platform to make a change?

I would love to focus on every possible issue that the organisation focuses on, along with my advocacy for women empowerment and menstrual hygiene.

My mom, a gynaecologist has always made sure that I talked about this with the youth who are the future of tomorrow.

Women in my community and around the world still feel uncomfortable talking about their health. And I think if somebody wants to achieve the purpose of their life, it can only be done when one is healthy. So I would like to use this platform to talk about these issues.

Lara Dutta has welcomed you to the miss universe club. Anything you’d like to say on that?

I am actually out of words. One of the queens, who gave me confidence and courage to be one amongst them, is welcoming me to the group. Women empowering women, to change the world and I am fortunate to be among them, this is something I am grateful for.

Lara has really helped me a-lot and made me realise that it’s all about believing in myself.

ALSO READ-India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021

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India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021

The crowning took place late Sunday night at the event held in Eilat, Israel…reports Asian Lite News.

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned the 2021 Miss Universe, bagging the title 21 years after Lara Dutta won the prestigious title in 2000.

https://twitter.com/HarnaazSandhu03/status/1470164851423129601

The crowning took place late Sunday night at the event held in Eilat, Israel.

Harnaaz has made the entire country proud by winning the crown for Miss Universe 2021, held in Eilat, Israel.
Harnaaz edged out contestants Paraguay and South Africa to bag the crown. The moment her name was declared as the winner, Harnaaz broke down with tears of joy. She could also be seen joining her hands in gratitude.

Mexico’s Andrea Meza, the reigning queen, passed on her crown to the new successor. India had earlier won the coveted crown twice with Sushmita Sen bagging the title in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

The 21-year-old from Chandigarh bagged the title by defeating her fellow contestants from Paraguay and South Africa.

Sandhu was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza from Mexico.

ALSO READ-Lara Recalls ‘Miss Universe’ Memories

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Bollywood Interview Lite Blogs

‘Taking smart and fast decisions is very important

Every woman there had a unique journey, their projects and work in their societies truly inspired me the entire year to do more and be more…Adline interacts with Puja Gupta.

Beauty pageants are direct ways to the movie industry, to most ambitious actors. 22-year-old Indian model, Adline Castelino, emerged as the third runnerup at the 69th edition of Miss Universe 2021, held in the US. It has taken India 20 years since Lara Dutta won the title, to gain a position in the competition which saw 74 participants from across the globe.

One being asked the reason why she might not have won the title, the Kuwait-born model tells: “No reason to feel that way, every woman out there gave their best in the limited resources and challenges this year has placed.”

Read her full interview:

How did it feel to be at the Miss Universe contest?

Inexplicable emotions and gratitude for the love and admiration people have showered unconditionally, even during these challenging times people have come forward to express their delight and acknowledged our achievement at Miss Universe.

You had Covid. How did you manage your training?

Being in last leg of the preparations, honestly very challenging mentally and physically not only for me but for the team to get everything arranged. I kept my mind positive which become incredibly hard to do due to isolation and medication. Focused on the task in hand, fighting fears and on taking one step at a time. It feels like a miracle but we made it! It was truly meant to be!

How did you face the competition there?

I think being present and taking smart and fast decisions is very important at a pageant while at the same time enjoying the journey positively. This can only happen if you have prepared well and completely before the pageant

What did you learn from your fellow contestants?

Every woman there had a unique journey, their projects and work in their societies truly inspired me the entire year to do more and be more. Meeting them in person increased my admiration for them and I’m glad to call them my friends now.

Why do you think, the crown was not given to you?

No reason to feel that way, every woman out there gave their best in the limited resources and challenges this year has placed. I feel the winner is very deserving and I will be supporting her in her journey this year and hope women globally don’t look at each other as competitors but as team member helping each other to get ahead.

Your message to the next Miss Diva winner?

She has my support and guidance. The message that I would want to pass to her, something that our Miss Universe Lara Dutta told me “Give it your best, you can control what you do and not what happens”.

Is Bollywood the next move?

Absolutely yes! Looking forward to meaningful projects that I could contribute to, also at the moment I’m trying to learn more about logistics to be able to start up my agro bussiness.

How did your parents react when the result was announced?

They are the best partners to ever have! They are excited, they have never doubted my ability to excel and continue to support me.

ALSO READ-‘Motherhood is a beautiful phase’

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