Miss Universe Singapore finalists get ready to strut their stuff
MUS finalists have been working hard over the past few weeks on their walk and talk
After months of hard work, the coveted title of Miss Universe Singapore (MUS) will finally go to one of the 20 finalists tonight.
The highly anticipated finale of the prestigious beauty pageant will see one of the women going on to represent Singapore at the Miss Universe pageant held on Nov 26 in Las Vegas.
But the journey to the crown has not been a walk in the park.
Blood, sweat and tears were shed in the effort to keep fit, look their best and upgrade their skills.
For the past couple of weeks, the MUS finalists have been going for deportment and grooming sessions as well as catwalk training to prepare themselves for the big night.
Even though Tanooja Rai, 27, has experience in runway shows as a part-time model, they are different as there are more elements in a pageant walk.
The cyber defence accounts manager told The New Paper: "I have never walked on a runway in a swimsuit before, and the way we walk is actually dependent on our outfits as they have different effects.
"In a gown, I will have to look elegant. But in a swimsuit, I still have to remember to maintain my smile, be confident and look approachable while enjoying what I am wearing on stage."
Tanooja is grateful for veteran fashion director and show producer Daniel Boey's experience and help, as he has been coaching and training the contestants in their runway walk, choreography and sequences on stage.
She said: "He is able to focus on different individuals and easily identify our plus points to bring out the best in each of us."
Even though Emilbiany Nenggal Intong had her first taste of the runway at modelling competition The New Paper New Face last year as a top 20 finalist, the theatre student still had much to learn.
The 19-year-old said: "For modelling, it is not about me. Instead, I have to make the clothes look good.
"For a pageant walk, I have to exude not only confidence but my own personality."
She practises in front of the mirror and has gained more confidence.
Emilbiany added: "I have definitely seen an improvement in my walk, and at this point, I am just really excited to do it for the show (tonight)."
Debra Loi, 24, has no experience in strutting on the catwalk but credits her dance background for helping her remember the choreography and sequence when it comes to a pageant walk.
The registered nurse said: "It is quite easy for me to pick up on the flow of things and I also enjoy watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and Asia's Next Top Model, which has given me some prior knowledge."
But it still took her two hours and a whole lot of determination to get the hang of doing a half-turn for the walk.
Debra said: "It is a lot harder to do the turns in five-inch heels, especially for full-turns while having to maintain our smiles and pose with the (sarong for the swimsuit segment). But because of the encouragement we receive, all of us practise in our own time."
Although Rudihra Ramathas, 26, initially struggled with the catwalk as it was a first, she gained many useful tips from the rehearsals.
The pricing analyst said: "I have learnt it is important to treat the runway as yours and own it so your individuality can shine. It has been an honour to be trained by Daniel Boey, the best in the fashion industry...
"I am excited to have a good time on stage (tonight) together with the other girls."
Watch the finale live on Facebook
The Miss Universe Singapore 2017 finale will be held tonight at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre, West Ballroom. Go to The New Paper's Facebook page to watch a live stream of the event, which is organised by The New Paper and Miss Universe Singapore Organisation B. V.
PRIZES
WINNER
- $10,000 cash
- $15,000 worth of treatments and services from Beaute Hub
- $2,000 worth of services from Apgujeong Hair Studio
- $8,000 worth of products and services from The Urban Clinic
- $9,000 worth of B-Fit Training and Physiokit physio sessions
- $15,000 worth of smile makeover from Orchard Scotts Dental
- $700 hamper from SkinCeuticals
- One night's stay at Equarius Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa, and a meal for two at Curate, worth more than $1,200
FIRST RUNNER-UP
- $5,000 cash
- $10,000 worth of treatments and services from Beaute Hub
- $1,500 worth of services from Apgujeong Hair Studio
- $4,000 worth of products and services from The Urban Clinic
- $4,000 worth of B-Fit Training and Physiokit physio sessions
- $500 hamper from SkinCeuticals
- A meal for two at Curate at Resorts World Sentosa, worth more than $300
SECOND RUNNER-UP
- $3,000 cash
- $5,000 worth of treatments and services from Beaute Hub
- $1,000 worth of services from Apgujeong Hair Studio
- $2,000 worth of products and services from The Urban Clinic
- $2,000 worth of B-Fit Training and Physiokit physio sessions
- $300 hamper from SkinCeuticals
- Attraction tickets to Resorts World Sentosa, worth more than $100
SUBSIDIARY AWARDS
- TURF BELLE 2017 - $1,000 cash from Singapore Turf Club
- MISS ASPIRATIONAL - $1,500 cash from Beaute Hub
- MISS SPORTY CHIC - A chance to drive a BMW car for one month (if she drives) or a chauffeured service in a BMW car (if she does not drive) from BMW
- MISS BEAUTIFUL SKIN- A hamper worth $1,000 from SkinCeuticals
- MISS URBAN- $4,000 worth of treatments, products and services from The Urban Clinic
- MISS ALLURING- $1,000 cash from Cosmoprof
PARTNERS
- CSR partner Singapore Turf Club
- Official beauty partner Beaute Hub
- Official car BMW
- Official skincare SkinCeuticals
- Official skin expert The Urban Clinic
- Venue sponsor Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
- Official make-up Cosmoprof Academy. And thanks to Apgujeong Hair Studio, B-Fit and Orchard Scotts Dental
- Official radio station ONE FM 91.3
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