Hpa-Ann reigns in Miss Universe Myanmar pageant

NANDAR AUNG 03 JUN 2019

Dazzled by yellow stage lights, amidst a colorful and ever-changing backdrop the Miss Universe contestants took the stage again. Wearing gorgeous gowns and pearl tiaras, pink bikinis and golden sashes, the contestants captured the audience’s attention again last Friday night, at the Hotel Max. They gave us all plenty to talk about.

It was an exhilarating night for the 26 Misses, who travelled from across the country to represent their respective towns and divisions. I was a little disappointed to be seated near the back of the ballroom, but the fashion and glamour travelled to the very last row – the colors particularly vibrant.

I got to see every last turn of the stiletto, every swish of the gown and every smile and competitive glance across the stage. Better to be there live, with the drama all around me, than watching the ‘battle’ on my smart phone or TV.

The 26 contestants first graced the stage wearing black dresses created by the Kachin designer La Zain Gan Htwal. Each top was made in a sexy lace design, all slightly different – some with puffy shoulders, others strapless and more form-fitting. These designs were complimented by the trousers the contestants wore, all black with different patterns and designs.

Nyan Zay Htet/The Myanmar Times

The beauties strode the stage to the rhythm of Dua Lipa’s song One Kiss.

Former Myanmar Idol host Kyaw Htet Aung was the evening’s MC, and took the stage after the opening round. He spoke with great pride about the Miss Universe Myanmar Organisation, after mentioning the event’s sponsors.

His speech was welcomed with applause, though the clapping and cheers were tame compared to the reaction the Misses received as they each took the stage. The home contestant, Miss Yangon (West), was cheered on by a small section of the crowd, showing their support by waving “We Love No Noe K” signs every time she came on stage.

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Though the coronation event was streamed by local MRTV and MC (Myanmar Celebrity) channels, it’s difficult to convey this kind of live audience excitement via TV.

Video clips from Myeik and Kawthaung (the southern part of Myanmar) were screened between rounds, and included details about the candidates home regions. We were also treated to a video showing the making of the Miss Universe crown.

Naturally the swimsuit round caught much of our attention, if not for the revealing two-piece designs but the bright pink colors too. They were contrasted nicely with the flowing, glittery gowns in the later round.

Nyan Zay Htet/The Myanmar Times

If a woman’s beauty is an arrow to a man’s heart, Nay Shwe Thway Aung (also known as Phoe La Pyae, the grandson of Senior General Than Shwe), surrendered to the angels on stage. He performed the famous Enrique Iglesias song Tonight. The recording on Facebook reaching 16,000 likes in just a few hours.

After the swimsuit round the candidates were swiftly narrowed down to a group of 13, and Miss No Noe K’s supporters were audibly happy their candidate was still in the running.

Before the final stages, the Misses were all judged for two smaller awards – Miss Healthy Skin and Miss Best Swimsuit, sponsored by BSC Cosmetology and Streamline respectively. No Noe K’s supporters cheered as Miss Yangon West won the Miss Healthy Skin title, with the Best Swimsuit award going to Swe Sin Htet (Miss Hpa-An).

Nyan Zay Htet/The Myanmar Times

The winning contestants won K1,000,000 and K500,000 in cash with K500,000 worth of gift vouchers. Miss Myeik was adjudged as the most photogenic lady of the evening, winning her a K1,000,000 prize presented by GAC Motors.

Despite her success in the Miss Healthy Skin award, Miss Yangon West’s supporters ended the evening in a more subdued mood as No Noe K was eliminated from the group of 13. Only six of the initial 26 contestants remained.

There was a brief Q&A session, and the final six contestants were left on stage – waiting for the big announcement. They were Misses Myitkyina, Myeik, Hpa-An, Minbu, Pathein and Mandalay.

Nyan Zay Htet/The Myanmar Times

Swe Zin Htet (whose nickname is the “Superman”) from Hpa-An took the Miss Universe Myanmar 2019 crown, received the main crown in a yellow full-length sequin-embroidered dress. Hmwe Thet (Miss Myeik) was the First Runner Up with Htet Thiri Zaw (Miss Mandalay) coming the second runner-up, when Htun Palal Yadanar (Miss Minbu) received in third and Linn Htet Htet Kyaw (Miss Myitkyina) becoming the fourth runner-up. They are all receiving a pearl crown except the fifth runner-up: Su Su Sandy (Miss Pathein).

Swe Zin Htet will represent Myanmar at the 68th Miss Universe competition later this year in Bangkok.

Until recently Myanmar has been absent from the global beauty pageant circuit, only recently returning to the Miss Universe competition in 2013 after a five decade absence. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Myanmar (then known as “Burma”) made an impact in this regard, a legacy captured in the novel about former Miss Burma (1958 and 1956) Louisa Benson Craig, as written by her daughter Charmaine Craig.

Nyan Zay Htet/The Myanmar Times

Since the country started opening up earlier this decade, Myanmar has hosted a total of 7 Miss Universe competitions. Since 2013 the Miss Universe Myanmar competitions have been hosted by the Hello Madam group.

With the current round of Miss Universe pageants, and with the fashion and beauty industries gaining just as much attention, it’s a sign that Myanmar is becoming a more attractive place, and not only in terms of looks and pretty dresses.

https://www.mmtimes.com/news/hpa-ann-reigns-miss-universe-myanmar-pageant.html