Who will be crowned 'Miss Asia USA 2008?

Photos and article by Jay Fermin

Los Angeles: Who will be crowned 'Miss Asia USA 2008'? 30 candidates representing the countries of the Asian Continent will be competing for the 'Miss Asia 2008' title June 21 at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, California. The Philippines will be represented by Geraldine Craig and Jackie Skelly. The candidates will be donning beautiful creations from the designs of Sherri Hill, Scala, American Apparel, and Malibu Dream Girl Swimwear. The prestigious event will have 'Padres Contra El Cancer (Parents Against Cancer) as the charitable recipient for this year's pageant.

The Miss Asia USA Pageant is the premiere Cultural Pageant participated in by Asian women in the United States, who trace their ancestry to the 58 countries considered part of the Asian continent. The 20th Annual Miss Asia USA 2009 Cultural Pageant will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the historical Alex Theatre in Glendale, California. The pageant will present over 30 delegates representing a majority of the countries in the Asian continent including two representing the Philippines to display their cultural beauty and the sociability of their country. Through this celebrating of Beauty, Culture, Elegance and Talent - we aim to unite the 58 countries of the Asian continent.

For the past 20 years, Asian women from all over the United States, between the ages of 17-28, gather in the name of friendly competition to vie for the coveted title, Miss Asia USA. The Pageant promotes leadership, personal and professional growth, enhances social skills, confidence and stage presence, strengthens cultural values and camaraderie. In addition to the rigorous rehearsals in preparation of the pageant, the Delegates go through a series of rigorous training workshops. They include workshops in poise, walking and modeling, public speaking, dining etiquette, fashion and wardrobe coordination, goal setting, health and fitness. They also listen to motivational workshops with speakers who excel in the field of the delegates’ interest. These are just some of the myriad of training activities that the delegates have to go through before the pageant day. The Delegate will not only be an epitome of beauty and intelligence, but a reflection of the unity and sociability of her country. The title is earned through hard work and demonstration of self confidence, intelligence, beauty and elegance.

Miss Asia USA Cultural Pageant displays the rich ethnic diversity of our society and gives us a glimpse into the multitudes of cultures that surrounds us today. The lavish parade of the National Costumes, grace and elegance of the Evening Gown Competition, and the sensational Swimsuit Competition create an atmosphere of excitement, surpassing the audience’s expectation, time and time again. The pomp and pageantry of this even extend throughout the year for the reigning Miss Asia USA - The Ambassador of Culture and Goodwill. The Queen will grace a myriad of special public appearances to promote culture and goodwill.

The 2008 Miss Asia USA will be hosted by actress, model Pilar Lastra and actor Hector Bustamante. KPMG Forensic Department, the world’s largest accounting firm, is the official tabulator for Miss Asia USA and has tabulated the pageant for the past 5 years.

However, the question remains: Who will be crowned 'Miss Asia USA 2008'?