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When I was a little kid, the Miss Universe Pageant was held in my native Hong Kong. This event has had a tremendous impact in my life because, believe it or not, for the first time, I got to learn about some far away places and distinct cultures. (Well, at least getting to know the names of them for a start!) From Argentina to Yugoslavia, I discovered how beautiful the world could be when people from different countries work together and party together. From then on, I have not missed a single Miss Universe telecast.
Over the years, my fascination on the countries of the world has led me to develop an extremely international outlook. By reading books and magazines about our world, by travelling extensively and by learning the exotic tongues of foreign lands, I consider myself a trully global citizen. And I have the Miss Universe Pageant to thank!
In recent years, pageants have become increasingly controversial in many countries. But no matter what, the Miss Universe Pageant will forever stand out in my mind as the one instrument that opened my eyes to the world. Miss Universe is the only pageant that has travelled to every populated continent. In the process, it has introduced fans like myself to a whole new universe about world countries. Besides, who doesn't like admiring attractive people?
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From Cemexpo, Quito, Ecuador.
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Miss World Rosanna Davison was the Grand Marshall for Toronto's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Here are some of the pictures I took. Rosanna was my favourite 2003 pageant contestants among all the participants in the big 2 pageants, Miss Universe and Miss World.
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All pictures taken by me and my friend Alex, who is the biggest supporter for Leanne Cecile, the new Miss Universe Canada, throughout the final pageant night!
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In May, 2002, another childhood dream of mine finally came true. I travelled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to attend the 51st Annual Miss Universe Pageant. Before embarking on my journey, I was full of anticipation about the pageant. Even so, my experience was beyond my wildest imagination. I was fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people from different countries, and as a result, I now have an official programme book filled with autographs from almost 60 of the contestants, including all of the top 5 delegates. I had a wonderful time meeting the delegates, their family and friends, as well as fellow pageant fans. I absolutely recommend any pageant fans to travel to the pageant. It's so much more than just a television show!
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| With Miss Albania Anisa Kospiri, one of the most friendly and down-to-earth contestants. She's the first contestant ever from Albania, and she made it to the top 10! Good luck to her with her modelling career! |
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| With fellow Canuck, Neelam Verma. It's great to have followed someone progressing from the local pageant in Toronto, all the way to the top 10 in Miss Universe! |
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| Miss Ireland Lisa O'Sullivan, definitely enjoying her time in Puerto Rico. |
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| I wish I were taller! Even among fellow Asians, Miss Malaysia Lit Eit Ang and Miss Japan Mina Chiba, I feel so short! |
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| With my top favourite, Miss South Africa Vanessa Carreira, and that's not because South Africa is my favourite country!! I think Vanessa is amazing and she deserves at least to be in the top 3. Anyhow, she will always be a Miss Universe in my mind. And how can I forget her parents? They are such nice people! Hopefully, I can keep in touch with them. |
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| Miss Venezuela Cynthia Lander Zamora totally changed most people's impression of a typical queen from Venezuela. She's so bubbly and fun! I will never forget her singing to the background music "I will survive" during the dressed rehearsal! Or how about a flower thanking the mayor of San Juan for everything after the pageant? |
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| With Scott Grossman, the choreographer of the pageant. He also choreographed for the movie "Miss Congeniality". We were on the same flight to Miami. |
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