President www.MissAsiaUSA.org www.MrsAsiaUSA.com www.VirgeliaProductions.com Email: Info@MissAsiaUSA.org
This celebration represents a special milestone for the premiere pageant showcasing Asian women and their proud heritage. Over the course of 21 years, the Miss Asia USA Cultural Pageant has raised awareness of the tremendous contributions that the various Asian communities have made in America. We all know that beauty resides in the eye of the beholder. I believe that each person’s true beauty resides within. Through several categories of the competition, Miss Asia USA & Mrs. Asia USA reveals both the outward and inner beauty of our Delegates. The physical beauty of the Delegates you see is obvious and commendable. However, their character, talent, intelligence will also be quite evident. The title of Miss Asia USA & Mrs. Asia USA embodies much more than beauty. As her predecessors, Miss Asia USA 2010 will serve as an ambassador of goodwill and culture to everyone while also representing the proud heritage of her ancestral country. Our Queen will bear many responsibilities and demands that she must fulfill throughout her year-long reign. Our Queen will also serve as leading role model for all with similar hopes and aspirations. Because of these responsibilities and the great importance of her duties, our Queen must adhere to the highest standards of conduct. These coveted titles are earned through hard work, together with demonstrations of self confidence, intelligence, dedication, beauty, poise and elegance.
To each of our worthy Delegates, I offer my sincerest gratitude for your willing and gracious cooperation in all of the time-consuming activities of the past few months. In my eyes, each of you is a winner. Regardless of the outcome, each of our Delegates will return home with greater poise and confidence, improved communication skills and new found friendships. To the fortunate ladies selected as a Top 5 Finalist, my warmest heartfelt congratulations. Your success tonight can be the beginning of a new and rewarding career. For the Queens, your crown and sash will signify your selection as the epitome of beauty, talent, intelligence and character. An incredibly exciting and rewarding year awaits you. For the next year, you will hold the most coveted title for Asian women in the United States. I proudly salute you and look forward to witnessing you reap all the benefits of your coronation. With your continued support, I will do my best to improve and expand Miss Asia USA and Mrs. Asia USA in order to continue to celebrate the unique cultures of the various Asian communities in America. Miss Asia USA & Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageants aims to unite the 58 countries of the Asian continent. Best wishes to all.
Virgelia Villegas President
Producers of: Miss Asia USA 22nd Annual
Mrs. Asia USA 6th Annual
Miss Teen Asia USA 4th Annual
KIEU CHINH Actress / Speaker / Lecturer
Judges
Born in Vietnam, Kieu Chinh exemplifies a woman of tremendous dignity, courage and perseverance. In 1969, her outstanding achievements were recognized when she won Best Actress in Vietnam. She won the same award in 1973 at the Asian Film Festival. Kieu achieved tremendous success and well-deserved recognition as an actress in Hollywood. She has performed in over 100 movies and TV shows, including hits such as M.A.S.H., China Beach, Welcome Home, City of Angels, and The Joy Luck Club. Kieu Chinh’s performances have earned her numerous national and international film awards as well as an Emmy award for a television documentary about her journey. The founder and co-chair of the Vietnam Children’s Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a network of elementary schools in honor of the two million Vietnamese who lost their lives during the war. Almost 60,000 children have attended the schools sponsored by the Vietnam Children’s Fund. Her devotion to the welfare of others has earned her honors and recognition as “Refugee of the Year “ from the U.S. Congress, “Women Warrior” Award from the Asian Pacific Women’s Network and the “American Heritage Award” from the American Immigration Law Foundation.
Al B. Sure CEO & Co Founder, Lyrical State of Mind, LLC / BOD Sole Harvest Al B. Sure is one of the premier and decorated producer/songwriters in the history of the music business. Entertainment industry Moguls, Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, Andre’ Harrell and Eddie F collectively assisted in launching Al B Sure! as one of History’s most innovative writer, producer, recording artists in the Business of Music and Entertainment today! Al B. Sure!’s history in the entertainment industry spans over two decades. Most recently, Al B! celebrated the 22nd anniversary of his Billboard certified, double-platinum + debut album release of “In Effect Mode” by releasing a fourth personal titled “Honey I’m Home” distributed by Universal Music Group. Subsequently in 1987, Music Mogul, Quincy Jones selected Al B! as the first winner of the “Sony Innovators” Talent Search. Al B. Sure! continues to create an extraordinary presence in the Entertainment industry validated by numerous awards including a Grammy in the category of “best single” in the company of Eric Clapton, Prince & Luther Vandross, and an American Music Award for Best New R&B Artist. A recipient of the “Soul Train Award for Best New Artist”; Several New York Music Awards & more than Thirty-Five (35) ASCAP Awards for writing and composition performance. In 2007 Sure! hosted the pre-show for the American Music Awards. Most recently, B Sure! hosted the Mid-day shift at Clear Channel Communications, Hot 92.3 in Los Angeles and currently hosts the national www.SlowJams.com Morning show seven days per week.
cristina perez Judge A successful lawyer, two-time Emmy Award winner, radio host, national author and columnist. In 2006, Cristina made her television debut on Twentieth Television’s first-run syndicated “Cristina’s Court.” In its debut year, “Cristina’s Court” became the second highest rated new show in U.S. syndication. In 2008, “Cristina’s Court” won the first-ever Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Legal/Court Show. In 2009, “Cristina’s Court” won a second consecutive Emmy Award in the same category. Cristina is also known as the enormously popular host of the Spanish language television program “La Corte de Familia” (Family Court) which aired nationally and internationally in fifteen countries on the Telemundo TV Network/NBC (2000-2005). The show was the second highest rated daytime Spanish language program in the U.S. In March 2010, Cristina’s new book “It’s All About the Woman Who Wears It: Ten Laws for Being Smart, Successful and Sexy Too” will hit the shelves. Cristina has served as a special host on TV Guide Network’s Hollywood 411, CNN’s Larry King and Showbiz Tonight (CNN), ExtraTV, Conexion Thalia (ABC Radio Networks), According to a 2008 Syndicated Network Television Association survey, Cristina ranked as one of the most trustworthy and influential syndicated hosts on television, ranking second behind Oprah Winfrey. In 2007, Cristina was named as one of “America’s Ten Most Inspirational Women” by Siempre Mujer magazine. In 2005, Cristina was selected as a California’s “Woman of the Year” for her community service and was named one of “America’s Top 10 Latina Advocates” by the national magazine Latino Leaders. Cristina received a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier Law School and two Bachelors of Arts degrees from UCLA.
Beeta Grover President / CEO, SCALA Mr. Beeta Grover, is President of Scala Eveningwear Inc, a 23 year old very successful apparel company that sells women’s social occasion dresses under SCALA. Scala Eveningwear Inc designs and sells Prom dresses, Pageant gowns, MOB (Mother of the Bride) Destination Bridal, cocktail and relates separates, to department stores, catalog houses, Bridal stores and specialty stores in the USA and in 52 countries around the world. SCALA is the Official sponsor of the 2008 Miss USA, Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA pageants. Beeta Grover is a resident of Bel Air, California. He is an avid art collector, thinker, and loves to read, travel and cook.
Judges
Rashel Pouri Owner and President of Ai-Spa & Medi-Spa Iranian born, half-Muslim and half-Christian, Pouri is most recognized for her Medi-Spa Surgery Center, which is one of Los Angeles’ most elite destination for reconstructive surgery and medical care naming some of the top surgeons throughout the United States, totaling over 60 physicians on staff. Specializing in pre and post-operative care. Pouri started a chain of these highly exclusive spas where men and women from all walks of life and celebrities have regularly used as a retreat from their hectic lives to relax, release and restore. Many of her treatments have become signature treatments and have been featured in many magazine and news articles. Pouri hopes to use her businesses to help those in the Middle East. She has set up a foundation to send several physicians, yearly, to Iraq to transport and operate on children and women who are victims of the war. Pouri has become a major fundraiser and supporter of United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Rashel sees no end to her abilities and will donate the rest of her life helping others in need.
James Albert Celebrity Stylist From Newport Beach, California JAMES ALBERT Owner of the James Albert Academy and James Albert Salon is a basic fundamentals behind the chair. His diverse catalogue of TV credits range from MTV, Good Morning America, Good Day LA, movie and film. Trained in London, England and throughout the United States. James Albert has just launched James Albert Hair Therapy haircare products. Yet, in spite of his legendary status in a world renowned for its precious prima donnas and pretension, in spite of his celebrity clientele, the dozens of glittering awards, high profile TV appearances and column inches in the glossies, James Albert remains true to his roots. His thinking behind this value-for-money pricing structure is that although his artistic work in an all-consuming passion and he greatly values his celebrity clientele, he also wants to create “basic wearable styles for everyday people”. However, he has gathered a talented creative team of stylists to work alongside him and they share both his philosophy and his approach to the art of hairdressing!
karen faye Celebrity Make up Artist For three decades, the world’s most famous individuals have provided the canvas for Karen’s extraordinary precision and creativity. Karen has worked on countless productions including; music videos, concerts, television programs, films, commercials and print publications. Karen’s extensive client list includes; Annette Benning, Dyan Cannon, Geena Davis, Gena Rowlands, Isabella Rossellini, Jane Seymour, Janet Jackson, Jennette McCurdy, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Ormond, Kevin Costner, Lisa Marie Presley, Marcel Marceau, Matthew Broderick, Melody Thomas Scott, Michael Jordan, Naomi Campbell, Nicollette Sheridan, Patrick Swayze, Paul McCartney, Pierce Brosnan, Reba McIntyre, Ron Howard, Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Maclaine, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Teri Hatcher, Yoko Ono, and The Jackson Family just to name a few. In the past 25 years, Karen has been captivating the world on the face of her most devoted client, Michael Jackson. In 1980, after 10 years of professional modeling, Karen began her makeup and hair career. In 1982 she was discovered and hired by Michael Jackson to work on an album cover titled, “Thriller.” Since that day, Karen has traveled the world making visual history with Michael Jackson up until his passing in June 2009. Karen was not only responsible for his hair and makeup, but after 25 years of working together, she was also his dear friend and confidante.
Diane Yoo Miss Asia USA 2008 A graduate of the prestigious Baylor University and educated at the Mayo Hill School of Modeling, her diverse modeling portfolio, includes runway, print and international modeling. With her wealth of experience in the beauty industry and a solid business background, Diane took over the reins of Miss Korea 2007 for the state of Texas. She remains actively involved serving communities throughout Texas and currently represents the Asian American Giving Circle. Diane also serves as a founding member of Korean Young Professionals. After being crowned Miss Asia USA 2008, Congress officially proclaimed July 31, 2008 as “Diane Yoo Day.” Additionally, the Mayor of Houston officially proclaimed August 26, 2008 as “Diane Yoo Day.” She has received numerous awards from prominent community leaders for her achievements as Miss Asia USA 2008 A long-time advocate for strong Asian-American representation, Diane has created projects to work with minority communities designed to create cross-cultural unity. As Miss Asia USA 2008 and a powerful representative of Asian-Americans, Diane will continue to broker alliances of peace on a global scale between international countries.
MAT RANILLO Filipino Movie Actor
Judges
He comes from a royalty family of Best Actress and Best Actor awardees in the Philippine cinema. The son of the legendary actor Mat Ranillo and highly accomplished actress mother Gloria Sevilla, Mat simply followed the family craft. A highly respected drama Filipino movie and TV actor who has garnered numerous awards and distinctions foremost of which are his multiple Best Actor awards from FAMAS Awards (the Philippine version of the Oscars) in 1978 and 1979 and multiple Best Supporting Actor award from FAMAS. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Guillermo Awards in the Philippines for three consecutive years from 1977 to 1980. Mat has appeared in over 100 movie and TV shows in the Philippine cinema. He served The Actors Guild as Board of Director from 2000 to 2005. He is affiliated with Philippine show business respected organizations such as The Electoral College of the Film Academy of the Philipppines. The Movie and TV Review Classification Board, the Office of the Performing Arts . Other than showbusiness he has also been active in sociocivic organizations serving as a President of the Gov. Matias Ranillo Sr. Foundation and a sustaining member of the Philippine Band of Mercy (Cleft /Lip palate Foundation). Matt has also been conferred with military honors as a brave civilian with the Medal of Bravery by then PC Chief Fidel Ramos in 1979 and Recognition for Herosim by the Quezon City Mayor Adelina Rodriguez.
Tina Shih Principal of Tina Image and Modeling School Tina is a prominent and well respected figure in the Chinese community. She has passionately dedicated herself to providing professional education for modeling and the social arts. With her extensive professional background and experience in beauty education, Tina established the “Tina Image and Modeling School.” At her school, Tina teaches her students the intricacies of modeling to develop their confidence and poise. Tina frequently delivers lectures and training courses to various organizations, TV, radio programs and beauty pageant events. Her devotion to teaching the social arts and beauty education has not only increased awareness of maintain/developing inner and outer beauty & etiquette throughout Southern California, it has earned her the title of “Beauty Ambassador.” Having worked as a stage director, judge, model trainer, pageant coach and beauty consultant, Tina knows how to achieve a successful pageant experience. Tina also serves as a consultant to the World Education Organization. In 2009, Tina was recognized as the Most Distinguished Art Educator in the Asian Pacific community.
Beresford T. Wall Director of Operations, Sheraton Universal Hotel A graduate if California State Polytechnic University in Pomona where he majored in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Wall went also received certification in Strategic Management from Cornell University’s prestigious School of Hotel Administration. A native of St. Kitts in the Caribbean, Wall has spent over twenty-five years in the hospitality industry, the majority in Food & Beverage. Prior to joining the team at the Sheraton Universal, Wall was the Food & Beverage Director at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, opened the Estancia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, and was the Assistant Director at the historic and world-renowned Hotel Del Coronado is San Diego. An active member of the American Chapter of the Court of Sommeliers, Wall is also a Certified Sommelier and knows his way around a wine cellar.
Christopher Nassif CEO, Diverse Talent Group Chris has been an agent in the entertainment industry for the past twenty-five years. During that time he has represented actors, directors, producers, editors, and has packaged many television and feature film projects. Chris business philosophy is to help clients broaden their expertise into new areas of the entertainment industry. He has set up production companies, crossed music stars into television and film, and helped writers to become successful directors. Diverse Talent Group has been consistently recognized as one of the best talent and literary agencies since its inception by being named as one of the Top 15 agencies by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Years ago, Nassif had the foresight to cross over superstar Ricky Martin to the American market place. He was able to get Ricky the largest development deal ever at ABC to establish him as a television and film star, and was directly responsible for the Latin explosion in the entertainment market place.
Lusine Luna Vagarshakian Founder/CEO, Luna Dance Entertainment Lusine Luna Vagarshakian started her auspicious journey at the tender age of fourteen. She soon cultured Martial Arts at Olymp Martial Arts Academy, emulating her father’s unprecedented attributes of a teacher, role-model, and mentor. Vagarshakian began instructing dance with the immeasurable support of her family and was able to become the youngest dance instructor in the Armenian community. As the founder of Luna Dance Entertainment, she has reached new heights and thrives in the performing arts without any reservations. Luna Dance is comprised of over three hundred talented & vivacious dance students. With a variety of seven disciplines, every age group has their own unique style & presence. Luna has instilled in them a strong sense of loyalty, respect, and modesty. Luna Dance Entertainment exudes to her students Confidence, Style, & Exceptional Talent!
Hosts David Millbern
Consistently recognized for his stellar work across a variety of mediums, versatile Hollywood everyman, DAVID MILLBERN continues to grace the stage and screen with his good looks and charm. Just this past year, he received an EMMY Award Nomination for his work on the “Ribbon of Hope Celebration” for the here! Network. It was iconic film producer and recent Academy Award recipient, Roger Corman, who first cast David in the now cult classic, SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE, as a teenager. Having studied his craft with famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg in New York City, David secured a contract role on TV’s “General Hospital” and headed to Hollywood. Film audiences will know David as Sir Ian McKellen’s doctor in the Oscar-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS, opposite Alfred Molina in TEXAS RANGERS, or as the psychotic Marine in AIR FORCE 2, in which he starred with Mariel Hemingway. He also starred with SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE’S Irrfan Kahn in BOKSHU, THE MYTH shot in India and with Margot Kidder in the thriller, SOMETHING EVIL COMES. This fall, David stars with Oscar nominee Seymour Cassel in “Without Borders” shot in Greece. Alternating between film and television, Millbern has starred in over 40 made for television movies including: “An Accidental Christmas”, “Fatal Reunion”, “Christmas Do-Over”, “Ice Spiders”, “The Paradise Virus”, “Tornado Warning”, “Sanctimony”, “Storm Chasers”, “Amanda and the Alien”, “Error in Judgement”, “Chupacabra: Dark Seas”, to name just a few. David has also won praise for his work on stage including a tour of the multiple Tony-winning musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” starring as Joseph, Franz-Xaver Kroetz’s “The Nest”, and the Los Angeles premiere of the two character play by N. Richard Nash, “Echoes”. He created the voice of ‘Lt. Louie Nichols III’ in the popular cartoon series “Robotech” and has hosted MISS ASIA/USA for the past 2 years. For more on David, go to www.davidmillbern.com
Michelle Phuong Thao
Michelle Phuong Thao is a Vietnamese refugee. In 1982, when she was 14, her parents sent her off on a small boat with her elder sister (17) to flee out of Vietnam. After nearly two months drifting at sea including a-month stopover at Hainan Island, her boat arrived in Hong Kong. Michelle was held in closely-guarded refugee camps in Hong Kong and Philippines for more than three years. In 1986, Michelle and her sister finally arrived to the Austin, Texas to join with their brother and settled in U.S. Michelle graduated with a Masters degree from the Business School of UT-Austin, earned her CPA designation, and started her professional job at IBM. Michelle serves as Executive Director of Viet Art Center, a nonprofit arts and cultural organization with the mission to preserve and to advance Vietnamese arts and culture. Michelle is a TV host and producer for Saigon TV, one of the largest Vietnamese-American television networks in the U.S. Her shows, Viet Quintessence, Viet Spirit Kidz, and Access Vietnam-USA deliver their contents mainly in the arts, culture, fashion, lifestyle, and inspired stories to bring educational and multicultural appreciation to the Vietnamese-American community worldwide.
My year as Mrs. Asia USA comes to an end, I take with me so many incredible experiences and amazing memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Among my greatest joys is the honor to serve our Asian communities. It is my intention to continue to offer my time to help our communities to the best of my ability. Being able to fulfill the role of Mrs. Asia USA has truly blessed me in ways that words alone can adequately describe. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, husband and three lovely children for their continued support. You have taught me the most important things in life: integrity, responsibility, and the power of faith. I love you. I also want to extend my appreciation to Virgelia and Virgelia Productions and the entire pageant staff. You have made this possible for me. Thank you for your hard work, patience, and endless support. I am forever grateful for this and the friendship that fills me with pride. I congratulate the Queen and Royal Court of 2010 for representing your culture. Your journey has just begun. It takes a great deal of dedication, compassion and humbleness to embark on the journey ahead. Embrace this privilege for this will be the one of the most illuminating year you will ever experiece. Remember, always, to be proud, assertive, honest, and most importantly, be genuine to yourself. To the next reigning Mrs. Asia USA, may you stand firm to the things that matter the most to you. As our new queen, you will discover great joy in the honor of representing your people with the grace, intelligence and heart that has brought you to this day. It was an absolute honor to serve you all!
With my reign as Miss Asia USA 2009 coming to an end, my heart and soul is filled with a year of wonderful and lasting memories. I remember the night of the pageant as if it happened just yesterday. I was a girl with the dream of becoming a success even though I was filled with the fear of not being able to do it. Joining Miss Asia USA has made me realize that you can become a success at whatever your heart desires. Even though this was my very first pageant, I was determined to win the title. Deep down inside, I trembled with fear when I first went to rehearsals. As the days and rehearsals went by, I gained the support and the guidance of so many people that I found the confidence in myself that I knew I could earn the coveted crown as Miss Asia USA. First, I would like to thank the Miss Asia USA organization, especially Ms. Virgelia Villegas, for your support and belief that I could make it through this. You have put me on a path that many young women only dare dream about. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat just to experience the journey all over again. Thank you to my loving family and my dear friends for everything they have done for me. I couldn’t have made it through this journey without you guys. I love you all with all my heart. It has been truly an honor and a pleasure to have held the most prestigious title for Asian women in America. I will cherish the moments forever as if it happened yesterday. I will always be grateful to represent my nation of the Philippines for as long as I live. As for the next Miss Asia USA, I wish you the best of luck. Aim high and reach for the stars for you will be the next great ambassador, role model, and lovely Queen that we will cherish and celebrate. Take advantage of this opportunity and, in the end, remind yourself that this is just the beginning of endless possibilities for you. That crown is a priceless gift that opens doors to opportunities that you have not even imagined yet. Enjoy each moment, every second and cherish everyone that you meet. As I started my reign with this quote I will end to pass it on and say… “NEVER say you CAN’T because you ALWAYS know you CAN!”
Forever Always,
Joselyn Arciaga
1
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Vallarie Neang
3
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Saghar Sadri
5
#
age: 18
philippines age: 16
cambodia age: 24
IRAN
Trayfena Zambre
armenia Ayaka Umata
JAPAN
age: 16
2
#
age: 22
4
#
Krystine Dam Sinaga age: 28
indonesia
6
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22nd Annual Cultural Pageant August 21, 2010
Selena Yue Du
age: 19
Dulguun Tseveenravdan age: 21
#
china
mongolia
Rolan Pongpuntara
age: 22
Sarah Makandura
age: 20
sri lanka
#
age: 20
Thyvu Mai
age: 21
india
vietnam
#
7
9
#
Rachna Mamidi
11
#
thailand
8
#
10
12
Arsineh Davidian
Jenny Cho
age: 26
korea
#
age: 18
Altanshagai Chuluunbat
age: 22
#
china
mongolia
#
Crystal Shin
age: 21
Deanna Nguyen
age: 16
korea
vietnam
#
13
#
Nicole Tan
15
17
#
age: 20
armenia
14
16
18
22nd Annual Cultural Pageant August 21, 2010
Kaylee Calaguas
19
#
age: 17
philippines
Jennifer Huang Gonzalez age: 27
21
#
taiwan
Ariana Manibog Varela
23
#
age: 19
philippines
Elvira Osmonova
age: 26
kyrgyzstan
#
Jasmine Naziri
age: 19
iran
#
Natalia DiNatale
age: 19
lebanon
#
20
22
24
Nira Tea
1
#
Angkeara Brang
china
Theresa Nguyen Muth
3
#
vietnam
cambodia
2
#
Kim Heng Vorn
cambodia
4
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6th Annual Cultural Pageant August 21, 2010
Janet Pichon Hixson
Armine Stepanyan Zambre
5
#
philippines
6
#
india
Angie Yang
taiwan
7
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To all the Delegates good luck and best wishes!
NATALIA DINATALE CAROUSEL
JENNY’S CHO’S - LA BODY WRAP
818-641-7779 | 818-891-5556 Info@MissAsiaUSA.org
www.VirgeliaProductions.com