ANAHEIM, CA: The beauty and culture of Asian American women were showcased on Sunday, October 7, at this year's Mrs Asia USA and Miss Teen Asia USA. A sold out event of about 600 people from over 22 different Asian American communities attended the sold-out black-tie event, which is now in its Fourth successful year, at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim.

Produced by full-service event planner Virgelia Productions, the makers of Miss Asia USA and Miss Latina Global, the pageant was a memorable celebration not only of beauty, but of national goodwill as well, seeking to promote leadership, encourage personal growth, and strengthen cultural values, camaraderie and unity in diversity.

The event, hosted by reigning Mr. Asia USA and Mr. Philippines USA Christopher Friel alongside former Ms. America and Ms. United States Deborah Nelson, was an evening of firsts. Donna Chao, representing Taiwan, won the coveted Mrs. Asia USA 2008 title, while China's Vera Cai took home the crown for Miss Teen Asia USA.

"History was made," said Virgelia Villegas, chairman/president of Virgelia Productions. "This is the first time Taiwan won the crown for the Mrs. Category and China won for Teens." Jane Park Smith, representing Korea, took home the Mrs. Asia California 2008 crown, and the title of Mrs. Asia Los Angeles 2008 was given to Sarah Jureindini, who represented the Philippines.

The other young winners for Miss Teen Asia USA were first runner-up Jenny Mei Liao for Taiwan, second runner-up Celine Linarte for Indonesia, third runner-up Coral Nguyen Vargas for Vietnam, fourth runner-up Ashley Du Cordova for the Philippines, and fifth runner-up Ronika Kalpage for Sri Lanka. On stage these ladies competed in four categories- Talent, Evening Gown, National Costume and Swimsuit.

The other winners for Mrs. Asia USA were first runner-up Amal Al Refae representing Palestine; second runner-up Maria Florendo representing the Philippines; third runner-up Kelly Tran for Vietnam; fourth runner-up Yalda Noorzai for Afghanistan; and fifth runner-up Mitra Sehhat representing Iran.

The selection of the pageant's winners was based not only on beauty, but also on scholastic achievement, community participation, talent and determination to succeed. On stage these ladies competed on 4 categories Talent, Evening Gown, National Costume and the Question and Answer.

Prior to the pageant, the delegates prepared thoroughly for the event through rigorous rehearsals and workshops on poise, walking and modeling, and public speaking.