Ashin Mettacara vs Miss Universe 2005
12/12/2007
Canada’s Miss Universe 2005 not visiting to Burma
(Asiantribune.com): Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova is not visiting to Burma, confirmed New York-based Miss Universe Organization (MUO).
“We have spoken to Natalie Glebova directly and she is not participating in any pageant activity in Burma,” informed by public relation personnel from MUO in an email message, adding that “The press has been misinformed.”
The article "Miss Universe Coming to Burma" appeared last week on Burmese version of ‘Myanmar Time’ weekly journal in Burma, quoting a source from a sponsored company that is holding the third beauty contest known as “Ancient Beauty” on Dec. 16 and 17, 2007. The article link: www.myanmar.mmtimes.com/2007/timeout/339/t004.htm
The news raised a wave of concerns in Canada, as she is a Canadian and was also crowned with Miss Canada 2005. Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) issued an action alert on this matter on Dec. 7 and contacted Miss Universe Canada and Miss Universe Organization; a number of public messages poured in, expressing concerns on her reported role in the contest.
“I am really glad to hear that news,” said Ashin Mettacara, a Burmese Buddhist monk currently studying in Sri Lanka, adding “we can confirm that she will not take part in the junta’s activities.” The young monk posted the news on her reported trip and called a campaign (Miss Universe 2005) on his web blog.
Miss Universe 2005 Not to Attend Burma Beauty Pageant
By Saw Yan Naing
(Irrawaddy)Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe in 2005 and a resident of Thailand, will not be attending a beauty pageant in Burma, according to the New York-based Miss Universe Organization.
Glebova, a Canadian citizen, was invited to be a judge at a beauty pageant on Monday sponsored by a private company. The company, the Myanmar Lay Nying Co, Ltd, will also hold a two-day show of cosmetic products on Saturday and Sunday, said a staffer.
An e-mail from the MUO, sent to a Burmese monk Ashin Mettacara studying in Sri Lanka in reply to his question, said, "We have spoken to Natalie Glebova directly, and she is not participating in any pageant activity in Burma."
It was unclear if Glebova might attend the cosmetic products show.
According to a story in The Myanmar Times, Glebova's husband, Thailand’s No. 1 tennis player, Paradorn Srichaphan, will join her and the two will spend two days in Burma.
A staff member of Myanmar Lay Nying Co, Ltd in Rangoon told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that the former Miss Universe was invited to attend and serve as a judge at the beauty contest known as “Ancient Beauty,” to be held at the Sedona Hotel in Rangoon.
The staff member said Glebova was listed in the invitation, but it was uncertain if she would attend or not.
She said, “It is sure that she [Glebova] was invited. And we also heard that she will come, but we are not sure on that. We have to wait and see.”
Three former Miss Thailand's were also invited to serve as judges, she said.
In February 2007, Glebova became a brand ambassador for Better Vision (an eyewear company in Thailand). She also became a "brand beauty ambassador" for ICC International, the producer of BSC cosmetics in May 2007.
She published a book, Healthy Happy Beautiful, in February 2007 that became a best seller.
In early December, the Canadian Friends of Burma issued an action alert report on a possible trip to Burma and contacted Miss Universe Canada and Miss Universe Organization; a number of public messages poured in, expressing concern on her reported role in the pageant.
The letter from MUO can be viewed at the link: http://www.ashinmettacara.org/2007/12/miss-universe-story-is-confirmed.html
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=9578
