Thirty finalists from the “2009 Cherry Blossom Beauty” pageant concluded an emotional trip to visit disadvantaged children at the Thien Phuoc Center for Children with Disability on June 25.

The contestants felt so happy when talking with and giving some love to children at the center. (Photo: Courtesy of Phan Gia Group)

After giving gifts of milk, diapers and toys, worth VND35 million (US$1,940) to the center, the contestants spent a half day with the children, including singing, talking and playing games with them.

“This aims to help the contestants recognize their responsibilities to society and learn that not only outside beauty, but also inner beauty is very important. The organizers expect the contestants to use their pure hearts and emotional souls to connect the people with those with disabilities,” a spokesperson for the pageant said.

The contestants have one day of rehearsing before the final at 8pm on June 27 at the Hoa Binh Theatre, Ho Chi Minh City.

The final will also be spiced up with melodies by local artistes Dan Truong, Cam Ly, Ho Ngoc Ha, Ha Anh Tuan, Tung Lam, and Vy Bao.

The highlight of the final is the evening dress section, sponsored by the Son Collection, with each dress costing $1,000.

The first-prize winner will receive VND70 million ($3,880) and become the ambassador for the Hisamitsu Company in Vietnam.

Two runner-ups will receive VND35 million ($1,940) each.

Five consolation prizes worth VND10 million ($550) each will be awarded to the winners of the titles: “Miss Ao Dai,” “Miss Sports-wear,” “Miss Evening Dress,” “Miss Humanity” and “Most popular contestant,” as voted by the audiences via the hotline 6540.

The final will be broadcast live on: BTV2, VTV9 and VTC1.

The annual Cherry Blossom Beauty Pageant has been running since 2007, a joint effort by Hisamitsu Vietnam, Binh Duong TV and Phan Gia Group.

VietNamNet/SGGP