4/11 - Miss Peru is the first Latin beauty to be crowned Miss Tourism Queen International

Zhengzhou, CHINA - In one of the most impressive pageant productions of all times, Miss Peru, Silvia Cornejo, ended up crowned Miss Tourism Queen International 2008. SIlvia is the first woman from the American continent to win this Grand Slam title.

The 1st runner-up was the hometown girl, Miss China, Tong He; Miss Canada, Sahar Biniaz, was the 2nd runner-up; Miss Montenegro, Dasa Zivkovic, was the third runner-up; and finally, Miss Japan, Akemi Fukumura, was the 4th runner-up.

Rounding out the group of 20 semifinalists, in the order they ranked (sent by MTQI Organization), were the candidates from Puerto Rico (6), Chile (7), Belarus (8), Greece (9), Rwanda (10), Czech Republic (11), Sweden (12), Ukraine (13), Cuba (14), Thailand (15), Romania (16), Ghana (17), Bali (18), Australia (19) and Angola (20) .

A native of Trujillo, the new Miss Tourism Queen International has a large experience in beauty pageants: she won the Miss Teen Americas title back in 2005, and was crowned Miss Peru World in 2006. In Poland, where she participated in Miss World, she was not even a semi-finalist. Shortly after, she participated in the Miss South America pageant, in Bolivia, and was one of the 6 finalists.

Journalists and photographers covering the pageant could not understand the non-inclusion of Miss Chile, the massive favorite for the crown, in the 'top 5'. Several other press favorites were also "left in the ice", not even making it to the Top 20.

Miss Peru, nonetheless, performed well throughout the night and earned her place on the top of the chart deservingly so. Congratulations to Silvia Cornejo, Miss Tourism Queen International 2008!

(photos: above - Miss Tourism Queen International 2008 walks away with her new crown and sash; right - the big favorite from Chile was 'only' in 7th place. GB photos/Thiago Castro)

The Top 20:

Peru (1)	China (2)	Canada (3)	Montenegro (4)
Japan (5)	Puerto Rico (6)	Chile (7)	Belarus (8)
Greece (9)	Rwanda (10)	Czech Republic (11)	Sweden (12)
Ukraine (13)	Cuba (14)	Thailand (15)	Romania (16)
Ghana (17)	Bali (18)	Australia (19)	Angola (20)

4/10 - Miss Tourism Queen 2008 to be crowned tonight; Australia already a semi-finalist

Zhengzhou, CHINA - Miss Australia, Amanda Duvall, won the 'Miss Internet' contest and has already made it to tonight's semi-finals. The other 19 semi-finalists will be revealed in tonight's spectacular final event.

The local press photographers have their own favorites, and among them are Chile, Puerto Rico, Peru, Japan, China, Thailand, Costa Rica, Bosnia & Herzegovina, New Zealand, Angola, Canada and Australia.

Miss Chile is the Pageant Cafe and GB's #1 choice for the crown. Many believe a Latin American will take it all tonight.

Who will succeed Russia's Olga Zurubina? The answer is coming up in hours...

Good luck to all contestants!

(photo: Miss Australia, the first semi-finalist and 'Miss Internet')

4/8 - Miss China is "Miss Charity"

Zhengzhou, CHINA - At the MTQI Charity ball held at the Crowne Plaza Zhengzhou on the 4th April 2008, a total of RMB 80,500.00 was raised for Charity.

Miss China Tong He whose Chinese paper fan raised RMB 41,000.00 alone, made her the top fund raiser.

She was awarded the MTQI ‘s Miss Charity 2008 title.

4/7 - Exclusive: see how Miss Tourism Queen 2008 will be crowned

Zhengzhou, CHINA - Find out what will happen during the final event of Miss Tourism Queen 2008:

- Opening in National Costumes

- Fashion Show in outfits by 10 top International Designers

- Sportswear Presentation

- Announcement of Top 20 Semi- Finalist in Sportswear

- Top 20 Semi Finalists in evening gown competition

- Announcement of Top 5 in evening gowns

- Interview of the Top 5 Finalists.

- One Last Look

- Final Line up of all contestants

- Announcement of 2nd Runner up

- Announcement of 1st Runner up

- Announcement of  Winner MTQI

- Victory Parade of MTQI 2008

A few days ago it was announced that only the top 5 would be announced during the show, which caused some discontentment among fans and the specialized media following the pageant. Chinese organizers realized in time that it would be better to announce the Top 20 on stage as well.

The fabulous stage of Miss Tourism Queen 2008

Details about Thursday's web cast coming up soon.

4/4 - Miss South Africa withdraws from the competition

After Miss America (USA) left the contest, Miss South Africa withdrew from the competition due to medical reasons, leaving 113 women competing for the title. The final will take place on April 10th.

"Miss Charm" is the last preliminary competition; winner is Miss Bali

Kaifeng, CHINA - The lovely representative of Bali, Ms. Pradnya Ida Ayu, won the Miss Charm title last night in Kaifeng. It was the last preliminary event before the big final, which will take place in Zhangzhou, on April 10.

Tomorrow the delegates will travel to Zhengzhou, where they will be rehearsing for final event. Journalists and other special guests will spend the next 5 days traveling around other parts of the Henen province, a courtesy of MTQI organizers.

It was revealed that during the telecast event only the Top 5 candidates will be announced. The remaining 15 semi-finalist will be called only in the coronation party.

Some big names from the entertainment world are expected to perform in this years pageant:

The Emcees will be American-Chinese  Star David Wu and China’s  Liu Fang Fei

From France  - International pianist – Richard Clayderman

From Bollywood India  - Zabina Khan & the Mumbai Dance Company  (Miss Tourism Queen International 2004 and her ruope of 22 dancers flown in)

From Taiwan – International singing super stars  Jay Chou, Coco Lee, Fei Ye Qing. Coco lee will sing the Olympic Theme Song with Soon Nah

From Henen China - The World Famous Shaolin  Boxers from the Shaolin Temple

From Denmark – International Singer Jackson Rock

From Russia – International Singer – Westas.

On another note, in addition to Miss America, also Miss South Africa went back to her country, but for different reasons: some serious private matters she must solve back home. MTQI organizers understood her reasons and released her today.

A total of 113 candidates will participate in next Thursday's final event.

4/3 - Allegations by American representative cause controversy at the pageant

Kaifeng, CHINA - Amy Holbrook, the representative of the United States at Miss Tourism Queen International 2008, decide to throw some very heavy and so far unfounded criticism towards Miss Tourism Queen International and its Chinese organizers at a blog she has at her personal website. She claims that the contestants sleep 3 to 4 hours a day, are given only water and bread to eat, and stay at low-level hotels.

As a reporter following the contestants from the first day of competition, I must say these are baseless statements. Yes they have a hectic schedule, like in any other big international pageant, but they have plenty of food (and a great variety of it) at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the hotels we've been to are all either 4 or 5-star category.

What is behind such writing is being investigated by the pageant organizers. MTQI Organization has made an official statement, sent to all national directors. It says:

"We would like to inform you that Miss America's allegations and claims are not true and baseless. We'd like to say that this event is organized by the Henan Government and Henan TV station and their expectations are high for the contest as well as the contestants. They have spent millions in US$ in terms of round-trip fare for the candidates to come to their respective countries, international journalists as well their local journalists which include hotel stays and food and beverages. The China organizers have done their best to make all welcome both contestants and the 120 journalists from the international and national press that are currently with us. This event is high publicized. We provide sufficient and top grade meals for all contestants. We have big buffets spreads which consist of good food and in her case, plenty of vegetables, salads, fruits and soya based food. We do not feed bugs, dogs, cats and "Fear Factor" meals to our guests, journalists and contestants. There are sufficient security provide by both police and army. Last year alone, they activated 10,000 security personnel for the pageant. However sometimes there are occasional overzealous locals who tend to pull the contestants to snap photos with but usually this contestant who are being "harassed" will be ushered away by the chaperones. We have a trained doctor, paramedics and the ambulance are with us at all times during activities that the candidates are involved in. Should they be sick, they are immediately attended to. Other issues about phones cards of which this can be purchased at hotel concierge or gift stores. This will include feminine products as well. If the hotel do not have any available, they can approach the chaperones who will get the hotel to purchase for them on their behalf. Many of you have worked with us over the years and you know we are very strict and look after your girls well so we do not allow such things to happen. I have journalist here with us who can vouch that what was written in the blog mostly was a pack of lies. I will attach their comments in my next email for your judgment. Attached is also the Founder of Miss Tourism Queen International, Mr. Charlie See' wife who has given us her thoughts".

Hopefully Amy investigations will clarify this matter in the near future. For now, the organization has decided that she will be "disqualified on grounds of fabricating untrue matters", as explained by Alex Liu, the pageant's Executive Director. She has already left to the United States.

Thiago Castro, GB's correspondent at Miss Tourism Queen International 2008

Photo: Amy Holbrook - Miss America goes back home (GB photo/Thiago Castro)

4/1 - Miss India wins Miss Disco competition

Luoyang, CHINA - The stage was phenomenal, the music was perfect, and the 115 Miss Tourism Queen International seemed to be enjoying themselves more than never during the Miss Disco of the World competition. In the end it was Miss India, Devyani Mandagvanee, who proved to have the right moves to impress the judges: she was elected Miss Disco of the World 2008!

Miss Tourism Queen International is the only pageant to have such competition, a moment for the girls to have fun, relax and regain their strength for the last days before the big final.

Congratulations, Miss India!

Photo: Miss India celebrates as Miss Disco Queen of the World 2008 (GB photo/Thiago Castro)

3/31 - Contestants visit the Long Tan Valley

Luoyang, CHINA - The day started really early for the Miss Tourism Queen beauties today: 5:30 AM! After a quick breakfast, the contestants were once again divided in two groups. The foreign press joined the one visiting the fantastic Long Tan Valley, a place full of history and interesting tales. It was really cold, about 7 degrees C.

After lunch, they visited the Luoyang Customs Museum, where they could learn some interesting facts about Chinese history. In the afternoon, they rehearsed for the Miss Disco contest, which will take place tomorrow night in Luoyang.

Photo: Misses Uruguay and Bolivia have fun at the Long Tan Valley (GB photo/Thiago Castro)

3/30 - Giant Buddhas and night lights of Luoyang

Luoyang, CHINA - Luoyang, one of the cradles of the Chinese civilization, welcomed today the 115 Miss Tourism Queen International candidates. They visited the incredible Longmen Grottoes, where more than 30,000 Buddhist statues from the time of the Northern Wei dynasty have been found in the caves. Many of these sculptures were two-faced.

After virtually thousands of pictures were taken, the group was taken to the White Horse Temple, another stunning attraction in the Heinan province.

If surprising Luoyang keeps many well-preserved pieces of history from the past, it has also moved forward, and a visit to the city at night can make you feel like you are in Las Vegas. There are giant, modern buildings spread throughout Luoyang, and the 115 beauties were able to see and be mesmerized by its night lights.

Tomorrow the girls must be up by 5:30 AM, as their journey continues!

Photo: Misses Brazil, China and Fernando de Noronha (GB photo/Thiago Castro)

3/29 - Touring Beautful Shen Long San

Shen Long San, CHINA - Today the 115 contestants (final number is about to be confirmed, as the last candidates have just arrived) were divided into two groups: one went to Qing Tian He, and they were followed by the Chinese journalists; the second one went to Shen Long San, accompanied by the foreign press photographers and journalists.

After an welcoming ceremony, not even the cold weather and long walks prevented the girls from having a wonderful time. The ladies were visited by some friendly and curious monkeys, who were not afraid to approach them. Some of the girls said they had never seen a monkey before "face-to-face".

After an exciting 20-minute trip on a very high cable car, which allowed the girls to have the most amazing view of this beautiful place, they were taken for lunch in the city's downtown area, where afterwards they enjoyed some serious shopping: "There are so many beautiful things to buy here, and they are so cheap", said Miss Croatia.

Tomorrow they hit the road again, on to Luoyang!

(photo: contestants interact with local monkeys GB photo/Thiago Castro)

3/28 - Miss Canada wins "Miss Bikini" contest

Jiaozuo, CHINA - Miss Canada, Sahar Biniaz, has just won a the Miss Bikini contest, the award given to the candidate considered Best in Swimsuit. All 112 delegates paraded in swimsuits of their own choosing, showing not only their perfect curves, but some sense of style as well.

Other standouts in the competition were Serbia, Ethiopia, Fernando de Noronha, Bali, Rwanda, Russia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Angola, Republic of Congo and Chile, all with near perfect figures.

The candidates have arrived in Jiaozuo yesterday, and they have been sightseeing the impressive natural beauties of the region ever since.

The local welcoming ceremony took place at Baijiayan Parking Area, where local authorities greeted the international participants. After that, the group was taken to the Red Stone Gorge & Xiaozhai Valley, an amazing place where high mountains, beautiful rivers, lakes and caves took the ladies breath away.

Yesterday night the candidates celebrated Miss Northern Ireland's birthday. Happy Birthday!!

GB photo/Thiago Castro

3/27 - Contestants visit the famous Shaolin Temple

Song Shang , CHINA - The Shaolin Monastery is a Ch'an Buddhist temple at Song Shan in Henan Province of what is now the People's Republic of China. The monastery was built by the Emperor Hsiao-Wen in AD 496, and the first abbot of Shaolin was Batuo, an Indian dhyana master who came to China in AD 464 to spread Buddhist teachings. Long famous for its association with Chinese martial arts, it is the Mahayana Buddhist monastery perhaps best known to the Western world.

Yesterday the 112 Miss Tourism Queen contestants got a chance to visit this incredible place and even to learn some kung fu moves. They were mesmerized by the beauty of the place and to learn more about their philosophy. "They are so disciplined, we all should learn from them", said one of the contestants.

The visit to the Shaolin temple is one of the high points of the Miss Tourism Queen International tour. "They all love it, year after year", said one of the Chinese organizers.

See photos HERE.

Photo: Misses Martinique, Congo and Angola play with "Sasha" at the Shaolin Monastery (GB photo/Thiago Castro)

3/26 - Venezuela wins "Best in Evening Gown" award

Zhengzhou, CHINA - With so many stunning women parading in their best evening gowns, it wasn't an easy choice for the judges, but someone had to win this special award, and it was the very elegant Miss Venezuela, Maria Lourdes Caldera, who walked away with the prize.

Congratulations!!

GB photo/Thiago Castro

 

 

 

3/25 - Thousands expected the 112 international beauties in the streets of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou, CHINA - It was difficult to say how many thousands of people were in the streets of Downtown Zhengzhou expecting to get a glance of the 110+ beauties from around the globe competing for the title of Miss Tourism Queen International 2008.

After an official welcoming ceremony with the presence of some local authorities, the girls had to be divided into two groups, visiting different areas of the city (see photos).

Later on, they all visited a famous Italian restaurant in the city, but the international press journalists were not allowed to cover the visit, only the Chinese.

Earlier today, the group of contestants, organizers and journalists, left to Longboshengdi, where the gown competition will take place tonight.

Photo: Zimbabwe, Kenya and Japan having fun in Zhengzhou (GB photo/Thiago Castro)

3/24 - Miss Tourism Queen 2008 kicks off!

Beijing, CHINA - As 112 beauties from around the world kept on arriving in the Chinese capital, the first Grand Slam pageant of 2008 kicked off. During the weekend the international beauties and journalists from several countries saw Beijing as the starting point of an adventure which will last for the next 17 days, as a new queen will be crowned on April 10, in Zhengzhou.

Among this year's newcomers are representatives from countries and special tourism territories such as Angola, Barbados, Malta, Northern Ireland, The Kingdom of Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Bali and Siberia.

In case all 112 expected beauties make it to China, MTQI will break its own record of 108 participants (2007) as the Grand Slam pageant with most candidates in history.

Yesterday the delegates embarked on a train traveling from Beijing to Zhengzhou. During the 4-hour trip, the international beauties got a chance to mingle and new friendships started to blossom.

After checking in at the Zhengzhou hotel, the international beauties participated in a welcoming ceremony, in which they had a chance to introduce themselves to the other delegates and could learn more about the pageant and clarify all their doubts.

Good luck, girls!

Photos: 1) Beauties from around the globe visit Beijing; 2) Beauty diversity: Fernando de Noronha, New Zealand, Niue, Kingdom of Tonga and Brazil (GB/Thiago Castro)

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