Miss Thu Thao: 'I was shocked by rumors of spending billions to buy the award'

Miss Vietnam 2012 lives by principles, does not get caught up in rumors and does useful work to respond to people's affection for her.

- Beauty contests, including Miss Vietnam, are often plagued with rumors of prize-buying. How do you view this issue?

- I don't know about other competitions, but I see that Miss Vietnam is not only a cultural playground but also a "war" between beauty and ugliness, honesty and falsehood. As a member of the jury this year, I affirm that we only accept the efforts, training, intelligence and talent of the contestants, not money. A few billion VND or more cannot buy the honor of the jury in a competition that has been around for nearly 30 years.

After my coronation, I was also rumored to have bought the prize worth billions of dong. At first, I was very sad and shocked because everyone knew my condition and situation at that time. After a while, the title of Miss Vietnam had a strong impact on my life, opening up great opportunities and responsibilities for me. I understood that I needed to live for myself and useful things instead of being caught up in rumors.

Thu Thao is one of the beauty queens who always maintains a beautiful image in the public eye.

- How do you think the recent noise affects the reputation of this year's season?

- The recent controversy did not come from the organizers but from some contestants. I appreciate the way the organizers handled it to ensure fairness for the contestants and maintain the prestige of the contest. Big boats have big waves. A contest that is quiet from start to finish, without controversy and no one paying attention is probably not very attractive.

- According to you, what is the most difficult thing for girls when entering beauty pageants?

- It is independence and loneliness.I participated in the Miss Mekong Delta contest before coming to Miss Vietnam so I got used to being independent. But inNear the final night of Miss Vietnam 2012, I had no relatives around because my parents were busy with many things. Meanwhile, most of the other friends were worried and taken care of by their families. In addition, at that time I was sick and had a bad cough, so I was a bit worried and felt sorry for myself.

But luckily, tOh, I received more attention from the organizers. Small actions, from buying candy, medicine, milk to "forcing" me to eat and drink enough made me forget the temporary loss and deprivation. I will never forget and appreciate the dedication and thoughtfulness from the organizers.

During the competition, I had to try very hard to get used to the strictness and high discipline of the coaches and the contestant managers. Thanks to that, I matured very quickly.

- What do you think helps contestants with poor material conditions still have the ability to win beauty contests?

- The results of the beauty pageant are largely determined by the training and preparation of the young girls, plus the element of luck when shining at the right time. Body shape, health, style, spirit and solid knowledge... are the deciding factors. Dresses, cosmetics... are only auxiliary. Scoring bare faces is always an important part of the Miss Vietnam contest.

No pageant encourages or favors contestants who buy designer clothes or have their faces painted by the best makeup artists. However, the organizers still help contestants who need clothes or don’t have their own makeup artists.

In my understanding, I always try to advise the contestants, or simply give a few words of encouragement like: "Today I see you are very beautiful". For me, not having material conditions is also a motivation for the contestants to prove themselves in other aspects. Gems in stone are usually bright gems, the more polished they are, the brighter they become.

Miss Vietnam 2012 (left) shared that she is grateful and still maintains a close relationship with the organizing committee members.

- In the talent competition of Miss Vietnam recently, you cried a lot at contestant Thuy Vi's performance. What did you sympathize with the performance?

- I have always been very emotional, especially in the face of difficult situations or unfortunate fates. As a woman, a person from the West, I shed tears when thinking about sacred values ​​such as: Love, dignity, filial piety... being trampled. Many women have closed their eyes to marry men from far away because of filial piety, because of the dream of a better life like in the story contestant Thuy Vi told. They are more pitiful than angry, more deserving of help than judgment.

The contestant’s passionate performance touched my heart and the hearts of many people present that day. The talents of many other contestants also surprised and delighted me.

Thu Thao said that among the 30 contestants in the final round of this year's season, there were a few beauties that made her flutter and wanted to look at them forever.

- As a judge, what factors will you focus on when deciding the winner?

- It is true that each judge has their own ideal beauty queen. I focus on the soul. But at the same time, the lovely, innocent beauty will attract me at first sight. Although I am a woman, my heart has been moved when meeting some of the contestants in the past few days.

In terms of spirit, I value sincerity, empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of self-improvement. Candidates who truly excel in these areas will receive full marks from me.

This year's contestants make me feel secure and satisfied. But on the contrary, their beauty, body, talent and intelligence make me nervous. I am quite "greedy" because I choose this contestant but do not want to leave out others. However, with the expertise and determination of the jury, we have found common points for the winner of the highest title.

- From your experience in maintaining your own image, what advice do you have for the girl who will be crowned next?

-Miss is a noble title, bringing girls from unknown to public figures. When I won this title, I always told myself to try to live a worthy life, make efforts and maintain my image to respond to people's affection. I select events and programs according to humane criteria to be a guest or ambassador. Four years since my coronation, I have persistently followed this criterion, never daring to be negligent.

Some people say I am principled and seem unapproachable. In fact, faced with many opportunities but also many temptations, I have to fight with myself and the outside world to not deviate from the chosen path. I believe that holding the crown is only temporary, becoming a beauty queen in everyone's heart is the most meaningful thing.

According to VNE