Ha Long Carnival spreads joy

Thousands of tourists mixed with performers and danced in the Ha Long Carnival 2010 on May 1

The event, themed “Ha Long Festival towards 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi”, features local traditional cultural programmes. The highlight of the festival was the carnival, involving many artists across the country, on the evening of May 1.

Source: VNN/VNExpress

Ninh Binh’s unique Saint Tran procession

Some 500 boats carried thousands of people to the Tran Temple in Ninh Binh on May 1 to attend the Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong or Saint Tran Festival.

The festival opened with a floating drum show.

500 boats carried palanquins, Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong’s tablet plus thousands of visitors to the festival.

This is an annual event to commemorate Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, a legendary hero who drove out foreign invaders. The story reveals that Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong was one of three brother-generals, later honored as saints for their contributions to defending the country under the eighteenth Hung Vuong king.

After nearly one hour on boats, the procession was divided into two groups. One continued the boat trip, the other climbed three mounts to reach Saint Tran temple.

They brought offerings, including steamed glutinous rice and roast pigs.

Saint Tran Temple is highly praised. It was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang in the 10th century. Ming Tran Thai Tong (13th century) became a monk there.

Saint Tran Temple is highly praised. It was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang in the 10th century. Ming Tran Thai Tong (13th century) became a monk there. The original wooden temple fell into ruin and the Tran dynasty rebuilt it. The stone pillars remain to this day.

The temple is located at a scenic spot in Trang An tourist site. On the way to the temple, visitors can see a “dry Ha Long Bay.”

Source: VNE

Hue ao dai

In drizzling rain, the ancient capital city of Hue’s girls look very beautiful and charming in white ao dai and non la (palm-leaf conical hat).

 

Source: VNE

Huong Giang listed in top 100 Miss Grand Slam 2009

 Supermodel Huong Giang, Vietnam’s contestant at Miss World 2009 pageant, will compete for the “Miss Grand Slam” title on the prestigious international beauty website, Global Beauties.

This is an annual selection with 100 candidates for the title. They are the winners of pageants or contestants from the final rounds of the five largest international pageants, including: Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Miss International and Miss Tourism Queen International.

Miss Grand Slam 2009 included names like Barbados’ Leah Marville (Sexiest Woman Alive 2009), Australia’s Rachel Finch – the third runner-up of Miss Universe 2009, Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino and Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez. Last year this title was presented to Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza.

Previously, Vietnam’s Huong Giang was polled as in the top three for “Sexiest Woman Alive” and in the top ten for “Face of the Year.” She is the only Vietnamese candidate for Miss Grand Slam 2009, compared to three each from South Korea, the Philippines and India, as well as two from China.

Last year Vietnamese model Truong Tri Truc Diem entered the top 50 of Miss Grand Slam 2008.

 source: vietnamnet

Miss World: Huong Giang ranks second in Top Model competition

Vietnam’s representative at the Miss World 2009 pageant in South Africa ranked only behind Miss Mexico in the Top Model competition on November 28.

Top Model is a favorite part of the Miss World pageant. This year, contestants modeled 112 costumes of local designers.

The top five models include contestants from Mexico, Vietnam, Martinique, France and Barbados.

Several days ago, Vietnam’s Huong Giang placed in the top 15 of the Beach Beauty competition.

There are 112 contestants at the Miss World 2009 pageant. The swimwear competition took place in Durban city on November 25, with the attendance of South Africa’s first lady.

The finale will be held on December 12 in Johannesburg.

Some pictures of Huong Giang at Miss World 2009 pageant:

Huong Giang (white gown)

The three top contestants in the Top Model competition. From the left: Huong Giang, Miss Mexico and Miss Martinique.

Huong Giang and Miss World 2008.

Huong Giang (left).

Huong Giang in the white ao dai.

Vietnam wins two prizes at Miss ASEAN Television Charm

Jonavi Raisa Quiray of the Philippines won the ASEAN Television Charm contest for television hostesses on the night of March night in HCM City.

Second place was taken by Miss Bali 2009, Data Sili Pertiwi of Indonesia, while Vietnamese cai luong (reformed opera) actress, Que Tran, came in third.

Sixteen women including editors, MCs, reporters and performers working for TV stations in Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam competed in the contest that opened on March 17.

The competitors had to perform in traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) and western-style evening gowns during the second and last shows. They also took part in a talent competition during the contest.

The event, organised by HCM Television and the Cat Tien Sa Company, aimed to help female media professionals in Southeast Asia meet and exchange experiences and promote understanding among ASEAN countries.

Vietnam’s Que Tran won “The People’s Choice” title and was second runner-up.

Que Tran in ao dai and night gown.

The first prize went to Jonavi Raisa B.Quiray from the Philippines. She also won the “Best in Ao dai” award.

Indonesia’s Data Sili Pertiwi ranked second.

The three top contestants: Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The Miss ASEAN Television Charm pageant closed on the evening of March 22 in HCM City. (photo: Indonesia and Vietnam's representatives).

The first prize winner in night gown.

A Cambodian contestant won the “Best in Traditional Costume” award.

A Lao contestant announcer the “Lifestyle” title.

Contestants competed in four competitions: traditional outfit, talent, ao dai and evening gown.

Source: http://english.vietnamnet.vn