Delegates helped each other to prepare for the swimsuit photo shoot during pageant week:

Miss Asian Global: Susie Lee
Miss Asian America/1st Princess: Emily Tang
Miss Asian California/2nd Princess: April Kim
Miss Asian San Francisco/3rd Princess: Jasmine Lee

Miss Talent: Meizi Shi
Miss Congeniality: Diana Nguyen
Miss Community Service: Jasmine Nip
Miss Scholastic Achievements: Diana Nguyen

Miss Popularity: Jasmine Lee
Miss Entrepreneur: Meizi Shi
Miss Photogenic: Sarah Choi
Best in Ethnic Attire: Susie Lee
Facebook Choice Award: Bianca Beatrice Darmawan

For more photos from pageant night, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissAsianAmerica or David Yu Photography’s Facebook album at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.467168306635264.142751.142496205769144&type=3

Take a great look at the new 2012 Miss Asian Global & Miss Asian America Pageant Poster.

Click Here to Vote!

Not everyone is on Facebook and not all of you I have seen recently, so the least I can do is share my latest adventures in LA aiiiiiight?

So much has gone down guys…all I can say is I’m proud to announce I’m now attached to the coolest project of my career thus far.

Tranzloco, a feature film produced by Muse Productions (American Psycho, The Virgin Suicides, Buffalo ’66, Spun) will begin shooting this summer, and it has been a DREAM COME TRUE to be a part of this production. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2338349/ and http://www.facebook.com/tranzloco/info It is the directorial debut of Will De Los Santos, famed screenwriter and producer of Spun. This movie will be one of the most compelling stories ever to grace the silver screen…just you wait.

I have also been a part of Caribe Road for the past year, the cutting edge action webseries produced by Helu Entertainment and Louise Wu, a fellow former Miss Asian America. http://www.cariberoad.com/ This particular episodic has upped the ante for television-webseries, and has generated so much buzz that The Huffington Post released an article publicizing the show’s military setting. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hector-luis-bustamante/military-families-week_b_1438385.html

The years have been beautiful, becoming a part of the Screen Actors Guild union, increasing my representation all around (a team of 5 now versus just 1 in the past), and finding peace and balance in my life.

It’s hard for me to always reply back to all you guys on text and email, so just know that I picked each of you on this mass email specifically because I have you in my thoughts. For real mayne!!!!

I tweet a lot these days, so life and career updates are often posted there if you ever need to take a gander at where my headspace is at… twitter.com/JenniferField

I have a request too since you know ambition is my middle name, to happily and lovingly click away at imdb.me/jenniferfield when you can, often…since things are about to POP for your girl!!!!!! It helps producers and execs in Hollywood to see my clout and that I pull weight and am a significant mover and shaker. It’s crucial, especially right now with things about to take a swift turn towards cloud nine.

Bay Area forever…I miss you and home…xoxo.

Your girl and #1 hapa,
Jennifer Field

Mona Lee Locke

The pageant’s second Queen, Mona Lee Locke, became a television broadcaster and served as first Lady of Washington State from 1997 to 2005. Her husband, Gary Faye Locke is the current United States Ambassador to China. He served as governor of Washington State and U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Mona Lee Locke and Melinda Gates, wife of Bill Gates, founded the Foundation for Early Learning to find, fund, foster and promote best practices that support early learning and school readiness for all children, birth through age five. Read More on Washington Gov website

Gwendoline Yeo

Film and television actress, Gwendoline Yeo won the title of Miss Asian America in 1995. She came back to host the 20th Annual Miss Asian America Pageant in 2005. Gwendoline has guest starred and recurred on hit shows like “Desperate Housewives” (Season’s 2 and 3), 24, Grounded for Life, NYPD Blue, the OC, amongst her many credits. Read More about her career on IMDB

Fala Chan

Miss Asian America 2002, Fala Chen (陳法拉), is a Hong Kong film and television actress. She won best supporting TVB actress.  Fala Chen’s friend entered her into the MAAP without her prior knowledge and Fala not only ended up winning, but also continued to win other pageants. Follow Fala Chen on her TVB Blog

Louise Wu on Ellen Show

A dancer, choreographer, model and beauty queen, Louise Wu, Miss Asian America 2008, fulfilled her dreams of representing San Francisco at Miss California USA 2010 with the help of the Ellen Degeneres Show. As Ellen’s show assistant, she had multiple appearances on the show to prepare for the big day. Watch Louise Wu on Ellen. Her latest project is Caribe Road, a new web series that follows the fictional story of U.S. Special Forces

Amy Truong and Husband Vince Ma

At eighteen years-old, Amy Truong became the youngest queen to be crowned the title of Miss Asian America in 1999-2001. On Aug 8, 2008 (8/8/08), Amy Truong wed long time Miss Asian America Pageant Editor-In-Chief & entrepreneur Vince Ma on We Tv’s Platinum Weddings Season 4. The couple married at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, a glimmering fuchsia fantasy worthy of her crown. Watch her special day on WeTV

Jennifer Field

Jennifer Field won the crown at the Miss Asian America Pageant 2006 and is an and aspiring actress. Jennifer is slated to star in Tyrese’s highly profiled project, “K-Town.” Coming to a television set near you! Read More about her career on IMDB

Amrapali Ambegaokar

Professional dancer and television actress, Amrapali Ambegaokar was Miss Asian California in 1999-2001. Amrapali toured with Cirque du Soleil and appeared as a Guest Soloist on the popular television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” She has appeared in three seasons of Grey’s Anatomy and has recently been spotted on Desperate Housewives and Outsourced. Read More about her career on IMDB

Jane Park Smith

As Miss Asian America 1994, Jane Park Smith continued on to become Ms. America 2008. She has been an internationally recognized TV news reporter and an accomplished actress, model, speaker, and entertainer. Jane’s modeling work is seen worldwide in print ads for companies including IBM, The Ritz Carlton, Marriott Hotels, and on magazine covers, including Martial Arts World and Create. Read More about her career on IMDB

Julie Luck Fox8

Julie Esguerra Luck reigned Miss Asian California and Miss Congeniality 1992-1994. Julie is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning broadcast journalist with over 15 years of on-air experience. Once a weekend anchor for San Francisco’s KRON-TV, Julie Luck now anchors WGHP’s Fox8 nightly newscast in Greensboro, N.C. Visit Julie Luck’s Fox8 Facebook Page

Esther Hwang

Esther Hwang is a former Miss Asian America 1996. She continued on to win Miss Greater San Francisco USA and become Miss California finalist. After graduated from UC Berkeley, she returned to school in the Fall to earn a law degree. Esther has modeled for some of the largest names in fashion runways and commercial print across the world. Esther was one of the first Asian-American models who gained national and international distribution with her own seven consecutive years of swimsuit calendars. Her popular website www.esther.com boasts nearly 3 million visitors.

2. In 1997, award coordinator, Julunda Gean Mendoza, went into labor the day of the pageant. On her way to the hospital, she took a detour to deliver the plaques for the pageant—what dedication!

3. In 1997, during the Miss Asian America Pageant at the Cathedral Hill Hotel, the Bay Area experienced an electrical black out. Miraculously, the hotel maintained its power and the show, although delayed, went on as usual.

4. One year, a rookie escort was so attentive to the contestants’ needs that he barely ate and slept. On the day of the pageant, he was overcome with exhaustion and fainted. The following year, he was named Head Escort.

5. Junior escorts, brothers Cezar and Zachary Mendoza, are both outfitted in tuxedos to present the bouquet to the Farewell Queen so that one of them can be back-up for the other in case one of them falls asleep.

6. In 2004, Rose Chung’s niece, Janelle Shoan, served as the emcee. Rose asked Janelle to wear a black “J-Lo” dress with a plunging neckline reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez’s infamous green Versace gown. Janelle initially refused for fear her grandmother would yell out, “Ai-ya!” from the audience.

7. Once, an escort assigned to ironing duty, inadvertently burned a hole through a contestant’s evening gown. Needless to say, escorts are no longer asked to iron contestants’ clothing.

8. During escort Jay Raymundo’s rookie year, he serenaded the contestants on stage and brought two contestants to tears after they were overcome with emotion.

9. To ensure that the last talent contestant returns on stage in time for the next segment, staffers form a human curtain around her while she changes in the area adjacent to the stage. (Of course, the staffers’ backs are to the contestant to maintain her privacy).

10. On an errand run, an escort was asked to buy pantyhose for a contestant. Not knowing exactly what to select, he purchased a Queen size, fi guring it was a perfect fi t for a Queen.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“
– Jeremiah 29:11

The Miss Asian America Pageant has been an unexpected blessing in my life and an opportunity of a life time. I cannot even begin to articulate the past year without first recognizing the glory and graciousness of God.

In 2009, I left the stage with an unexpected Queen title along with memories I will cherish for a life time and a wealth of self-confidence, albeit I had no idea the coming year was to be such an adventure. I have grown both spiritually and emotionally in profound ways. If I could boast of only one reason to be grateful for my reign, my personal growth alone would be enough to prove this experience priceless. However, I have many more reasons to be grateful. I had the privilege of traveling all over the United States and even abroad as a role model, a goodwill ambassador, and a leader in the Asian American community.

As Miss Asian America, I participated in cultural festivities, fashion shows, award ceremonies, red carpet events and fundraised for numerous charities. At times, I was astonished by the truly remarkable people I came across at these events, prominent figures, politicians and Asian American leaders. During my reign, not only have I honed interview and public speaking skills to last a lifetime, but I have also learned invaluable networking and communication skills. They will be lessons I carry with me forever, but what mattered the most was the opportunity to touch the lives of young people, one of my greatest passions. Seeing the eyes of young children light up when you walk into a classroom and engaging in discussions about real issues they face on a daily basis is priceless. Inspiring a child to dream big, to pursue their gifts and talents is more than what I could have asked for.

What I have learned is that Miss Asian America is more than a crown; it is an organization that enhances a young woman’s ability to dream. Being granted the opportunity to compete for and win the title of Miss Asian America has been nothing short of a dream come true. For this, I will always be indebted to the Miss Asian America volunteers, staff and Rose Chung! Thank you for giving me a platform to set in motion my dreams. I am honored to have been able to serve as Miss Asian America and thank you for supporting the empowerment of talented young women.

I would also like to give a sincere “Thank you” from the bottom of my heart to my family and friends for their unconditional love and support and for accompanying me on this journey. Thank you mom and dad for everything, I would not have become the woman that I am now if it were not for your continuous love, encouragement, support, and wisdom.

With love,
Queen Amy Chanthaphavong
2009-2010 Miss Asian America

ROSE CHUNG

When I created the Miss Asian America Pageant in 1985, I had the intention of sharing my personal experience of evolving from a shy and sheltered young girl into an active community leader. As the youngest of five children to a widowed, immigrant mother, the idea of one day becoming a pageant queen and community leader seemed like a far-fetched dream.

As a child, I found inspiration in Dr. William Gee, founder of On Lok Senior Services, and his wife, Marian.  Dr. and Mrs. Gee assisted my mother in navigating through language and cultural barriers.  They helped her apply for widow’s benefits and frequently checked in on her young family.  After winning the title of Miss Chinatown USA in 1981, I became a vocal member of the Asian American community.  This new public image enabled me to carry forth my inspiration from the Gees, and I dedicated myself to APA Family Support Services, an invaluable program that assists young, immigrant mothers. My participation in pageantry gave me a voice and enabled me to make a difference in my community by giving back the assistance that others had given my family so many years before.  A pageant changed my life.

I was empowered by my experience and determined to share my dream with other young women in the Asian community.  My objective in creating the Miss Asian America Pageant was to showcase young, Asian American women in a quality production that represented their culture, intelligence, and talent.  What we have today is an event much more dynamic and compelling than anything I had envisioned twenty-five years ago.  From its humble beginnings in 1985, we have grown to have a national presence with contestants hailing from dozens of states and partnerships with several state pageants from Florida to Hawaii.

As we look forward to new challenges and changes in the coming decade, it is important to reflect on the work and mission of the Miss Asian America Pageant. The first Asian American beauty queens swept away perceptions of the Confucian female and provided a modern and even American face to the public. The young women were symbols of the “coming of age” of Chinese Americans, attending anti-communism rallies during the Cold War and collecting funds for the first Asian American political candidates to run for office.

The Miss Asian America Organization continues this mission of service, empowerment, and cultural appreciation. We are constantly reminded that our current success is a product of generations of fortitude. For the past twenty-five years, we have built a community that includes over 500 contestants and hundreds of hard working individuals who have put their valuable time, skills, and talent into producing the show you see tonight.  Through these efforts, we have produced a program that benefits the Asian American community, and that is why we are proud to call ourselves the “Face of Asian America.”

Thank you for being here tonight in support of Asian American women.  I wish to express my gratitude to the Miss Asian America Pageant community, especially to our sponsors and my loyal friends – staff and volunteers who make this event possible. You have come through brilliantly to continue our mission of inspiring the next generation of Asian America women and leaders.

Finally, on behalf of the Miss Asian America Pageant Family, we wish to congratulate our 2009-2010 Queen and Court:

• Amy Chanthaphavong, Miss Asian America
• Victoria Pham, First Princess & Miss Asian California
• Kristine Law, Second Princess & Miss Asian San Francisco
• Carolyn Fung, Third Princess
• Tiffany Tam, Miss Talent
• Patherine Phattanathum, Miss Scholastic Achievement
• Serim Kang, Miss Community Service
• Angel Chang, Miss Congeniality
• Jane Hwang, Miss Photogenic

Thank you for being  a part of our legacy and for carrying your titles with honor, grace, and beauty.

Together, let us build a stronger Asian American community for the future.

Rose Chung

President/Founder

Source: 25th Annual Miss Asian America Pageant Program book

JEFFREY KWONG

Twenty five years ago when this pageant was first envisaged by Rose Chung, the world was a stark place. In the United States, Vincent Chin, a Chinese American, was beaten to death with blows to the head from a baseball bat in June 1982 in Detroit, Michigan by two Chrysler plant workers angry with growing Japanese car sales. A pan-ethnic Asian American movement was thus born. Yet to this day, injustices remain and human rights violations persist. Asian Americans increasingly face invisible forms of discrimination and hate in a multitude of settings such as university admissions and high level corporate hiring according to Labor Department data.

We ask our contestants to transform the world, to achieve good and abandon false ideals that blind our collective moral compasses. And at the core of our mission, is a Commitment to Community, Social Responsibility, and Integrity.

The Miss Asian America Pageant, as an EPIC-approved International organization, follows the strict guidelines of our accrediting body and endorses a Uniform Code of Ethics and Rules of Censure. In addition, Miss Asian America Pageant officially employs a Fair, Standards-Based Point System. Adopting standards from the academic literature on education, Miss Asian America Pageant has identified various functions of a judge’s role of assigning points based on a fair and standards based system: to describe unambiguously the worth of the work accomplished; to stimulate good performance; to inform the judge about what contestants have and have not learned; and to select people for rewards.

At the Miss Asian America Pageant, we understand that judges bring in all sorts of perspectives, life backgrounds, career knowledge, and technical know-how to the table. Judges are invited to share these diverse backgrounds, but also, they are asked to follow this Fair, Standards-Based Point System, which involves the following:

• Judge on the basis of contestants’ demonstrated ability in each segment: Judges are instructed to base evaluations solely on performance in an individual segment, eliminating other considerations that are not specifically listed in the Judging Guidelines, such as performance in another segment, personality traits learned from the interview segment, or other non-relevant criteria.
• Clearly state judging procedures: Each contestant has been provided a copy of the same booklet provided to judges, including everything judges have been asked to look for in each segment. Contestants understand what and how they will be judged in each segment. Just as a teacher provides a rubric for students on how to get an “A” paper, we have also provided a rubric to contestants.
• Accurately calculating scores: The Miss Asian America Pageant is proud to have Mah & Associates, LLP, a certified public accounting, as our Official Tabulator.

We are proud of our commitment to social responsibility and our community and we hope you will share in our aspirations. I am often reminded of what I learned as a compliance analyst at Goldman Sachs: Our assets are our people, capital and reputation. “If any of these is ever diminished, the last is the most difficult to restore. We are dedicated to complying fully with the letter and spirit of the laws, rules and ethical principles that govern us. Our continued success depends upon unswerving adherence to this standard.”

Everything from our support of APA Family Support Services and Stanford University’s Asian Liver Center, to calculating our scores fairly, we are committed to instilling and passing on a culture of responsibility, because like 25 years ago, we remain in a stark place.

Our team of volunteers all sign up to adhere to the same standards of ethical behavior and the Miss Asian America Pageant strives to maintain the highest ethical standards in the industry. And today, we stand proud and humbled because of our community’s work and your support. The Miss Asian America Pageant is proud to celebrate 25 years of Community, Social Responsibility, and Integrity.

Deo juvante,

Jeffrey Kwong

Executive Director
Source: 25th Annual Miss Asian America Pageant