Confessions of a beauty queen

Much fuss is made annually over who represents Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest - no qualms about that, but few are aware that it's not just singers who act as ambassadors for our islands. Contestants armed with a lot of enthusiasm and a baggage full of hope, are ready to travel all over the globe to honour their country and fulfil their dreams. If they never get hold of that much coveted crown - maybe it's a question of luck or more probably a matter of height - they must surely relish the experience and enjoy every moment of it.

At least that's what 23-year-old Jennifer Busuttil did. Last month, the blonde, slim girl from Safi took part in Miss Tourism Queen International, a fairly new international beauty contest held annually in Henan province, China. She got this opportunity after placing fifth in a local competition organised by Glamorous Entertainment.

"It was an amazing experience," she tells me with a broad smile when I meet her and the company's directors upon her return to Malta. "It was a huge event, and the Chinese are highly organised and do everything to perfection."

It was the first time Malta was represented in this contest since its inception in 2004. And this year's was its biggest edition so far. The pageant was spread over three weeks and included five minor competitions besides the final - Miss Charm, Miss Bikini, Miss Charity, Best in Evening Gown and Miss Disco Queen. Vying for these titles were 113 international beauties.

The spectacular, flawless final, which allegedly cost millions of dollars, was held at the Zhengzhou International Conference and Exhibition Centre in the capital of Henan province. Rich and large-scale choreographies accompanied an eclectic mix of traditional Chinese and international acts. The enormous colourful stage in the shape of a butterfly hosted, among others, a French breakdance group, a Danish rock band, a Russian tenor and Chinese opera and pop stars. One of the highlights was renowned French pianist Richard Clayderman who performed his classic Ballade pour Adeline and a Chinese piece named Butterfly Lovers together with a Chinese quintet playing indigenous instruments. There was also a stunning number by the world famous Shaolin Monks who hail from the same province and who performed in Malta last weekend and will be back in July. The contestants paraded in traditional costumes, swimwear, sportswear (during the presentation of the Beijing Olympics official song, Forever Friends) and eveningwear. Besides numerous locals, the show was attended by journalists and mayors from around the world who were in Henan to attend the International Mayors Forum on Tourism.

During their stay the girls were under constant scrutiny by a panel of judges. People also had the opportunity to vote for their favourite contestant through the Chinese organisation's website and the participant with most clicks automatically secured her place among the 15 finalists. This year, Miss Australia, received the Miss Internet title after receiving a whopping 14,420 votes! Jennifer got 1,770 clicks which is not bad, considering we're such a small island.

Miss Peru, 21-year-old Silvia Vanessa Cornejo Cerna, eventually won the contest, with Miss China and Miss Canada ending first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

During the first two weeks the girls did some sightseeing and photoshoots, but the last week was a non-stop rehearsal for the final. "We had to be ready by 6 a.m. so if you wanted to apply make-up and do your hair you had to wake up at about 5. And the rehearsals lasted till about 6 p.m." But Jennifer, who seems quite laid-back, does not grumble. "The Chinese are punctual, and they are kind-hearted and always smiling..." The only thing she "complains" about is that she didn't have time to do any shopping! And she was desperately in need of a pair of contact lenses...

But she still says: "They made me feel like a queen!"

When asked if Miss Peru deserved her title, she doesn't mince words. "Since it's a beauty contest, someone who's full of silicon is not worthy of the title." According to her, the Latin student had competed in Miss World about two years ago and did not even make it to the top 50! And now, after a few nip and tucks, she won this contest. Jennifer says there were other girls who were more deserving of the title. She mentions Miss Serbia who according to her was an all-rounder - besides being gifted by Mother Nature she had a very nice character, yet she did not even make it to the top 15. Another thing which bothered her was the fact that some of the girls didn't abide by the rules... for example, although they were specifically told not to wear platform shoes, only stilettos, some of them still had it their way. Even when they were told to wear sportswear, they still wore high heels... or when they had to wear casual wear, they wore evening dresses! Apart from the fact that some of the judges were foreign journalists...

Yet, Jennifer reminds me that although she had taken part in a number of local competitions, it was her first experience in a beauty contest abroad. Next time she would surely be more prepared even in terms of outfits and make-up - she only had little more than a week to pack her suitcase by the way - but she says she still would not "cheat".

But do these girls actually bond together? Jennifer says that some girls were very competitive and had no time to socialise, including her room mate, Miss Macedonia, who also went home empty-handed. As for the less-obsessed ones, it was only natural that they bonded most with others from their same continent or who spoke the same language. As for our contestant, she mostly bonded with the French and Italian representatives because they did not understand English well so she would translate for them and automatically she spent most time with them!

A teacher of religion by profession, Jennifer is used to giving a helping hand. She's been doing voluntary work abroad for a number of years now. And this summer will be no exception as she will be spending five weeks with victims of child labour in India.

This contest was surely a completely different experience for her but she says it left an indelible mark on her. Being quite inquisitive by nature, she learnt first and foremost about China's culture and people... (even how to use chopsticks!) but was also struck by the cultures of the girls around her. She also cherishes having taken part in the official video of the Olympics song Forever Friends. And, of course, it was the first time she represented Malta abroad, but hopefully it won't be her last!

Cynthia Agius and Vince Taliana, directors of Glamorous Entertainment, are very pleased with Jennifer's participation.

"If Jennifer's satisfied, we're satisfied."

In August, they are sending another model, Tanita Vella, to the same province in China for a brand new contest organised by the same Chinese company as Miss Tourism Queen, being called Miss Leisure World. They are also responsible for sending Maltese representatives to Miss Tourism Planet 2008 in Greece and to Mrs Globe 2008 which will be held in California later this year.

One of the company's commitments, according to its website (www.glamorouse-ntertainment.org), is to make its "enthusiastic models' dreams come true". Just by listening to Jennifer happily relating anecdotes of her "adventure", I'm pretty sure they're succeeding.