India Post News Service LOS ANGELES: The countdown has begun for the annual Miss Asia USA 2008. The pageant, in its 20th year, is to be held on June 21 at the Alex Theater in Glendale. About forty contestants representing Asian countries ranging from Jordan to Mongolia to Armenia to Japan will compete for the crown. The girls will compete in four categories. The first is national costume and this category is a reflection of California’s diversity. Then of course there is the personality test where the judges get to meet the contestants on a one on one basis.

There is also a swim suit segment but the organizers are well aware of cultural sensitivities and the girls can wear a sarong if they want. The evening gown segment will have these young ladies sashay down the ramp in elaborate gowns in a riot of color and design. Like the previous years, this year’s pageant too promises a lot of excitement. Two lovely young ladies, one from India and the other from Sri Lanka will represent the South Asian subcontinent.

These gorgeous girls are what we can call the Desi challenge to the Middle East and the Far East. Neha Goradia will represent India at the 20th Miss Asia USA scheduled June 21. In her twenties, Neha is currently doing Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Long Beach. She stands 5.6" tall and bears a striking resemblance to Bollywood heartthrob Priyanka Chopra.

Talking to India Post, Neha said that she is extremely excited and proud to be representing India at the Miss Asia USA 2008. Manuri Ranasinghe will represent the exotic and the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka. In her twenties, tall and sultry, this Sinhalese beauty is 5.7” in height.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from California State University Long Beach. Every year Virgelia Productions Inc produces four international quality pageants- Miss Asia USA, Mrs Asia USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss Latina Global. Virgelia Productions Inc CEO Virgelia Villegas has decades of experience in hospitality, fashion and beauty industry. Professionalism and perfection has been the hallmark of her pageants. The contestants are meticulously groomed to put their best foot forward and make their country proud. In total contrast are the local So Cal Indian pageants.

The less said about them the better and it would be a good idea for the Indian pageant producers to learn it all from Virgelia and her team.