The first-ever pageant for married women in Vietnam will see the participation of several beauty queens of previous pageants for single women. However, their names will be announced after the preliminary round, August 15, said the organising board.

Miss Vietnam Dieu Hoa, one of the most beautiful contestants at Mrs. World 2008 pageant.

Doan Thi Kim Hong, vice chief of the organising board, said on July 15 that the biggest difficulty is seeking contestants. The organisers have to convince both contestants and their families, Hong said.

A member of the organising board, Bui Quoc Bao, said that this pageant is different from other beauty contests. Entrants have their own families and their own situations. Some contestants withdraw from the contest because of their families’ opposition.

The organising board will close the list of candidates on July 16 to prepare for the preliminary round on August 15. The semi-finals in Hanoi and HCM City will choose 40-50 contestants for the final in the southern city of Vung Tau on September 26.

Organisers have received over 500 applications but only around 300 are valid.

The two top beauties will represent Vietnam at Mrs. World 2009, also in Vung Tau this November.

Mrs. World 2008 Natayla Shmarenkova, who is also a famous singer in the Ukraine, will present the crown to Mrs. World 2009 and sing a song at the crown ceremony on November 22.

Contestants of Mrs. World 2009 will come to Vietnam in early November to do charity and other activities. The total expenditures for this pageant are estimated at $8.4 million, including $500,000 for copyright fees.

The organising board is repairing the Vung Tau sports house to host the final night.

VietNamNet/VNE/DV