Virgelia Productions Beauty Pageant Celebrates 35 Years By Writer and Contributor Emily McGinn
Elaborate outfits showcasing cultures from many nations around the world graced the stage of the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center throughout the evening of Nov. 18. The display of national costumes kicked off a night of fashion at the 35th annual Virgelia Productions beauty pageant, which this year featured the meld of three previously separate pageants — Miss and Mrs. Asia USA, Miss and Mrs. Latina Global and Miss and Mrs. Europe Global.
After a bustling red carpet event highlighting the evening’s delegates, attendees clad in formal attire filled the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center to watch the delegates compete in three categories in front of 11 judges: a national costume competition, a swimsuit competition and an evening gown competition. The contestants launched the evening with upbeat introductions of themselves and their countries while dressed in their cultural outfits.
The evening continued with both the swimsuit competition, during which delegates walked the stage in different blue swimsuit designs, and the evening gown competition, featuring an array of uniquely designed gowns. The pageant also featured several performances, including several musical numbers by musical group Fil-Trio as well as a performance of the Kagura dance, a traditional Japanese dance to honor the gods.
The theme of the night was unity through diversity, showcased by the wide range of cultures from around the world featured onstage through fashion.
“We come together tonight in a powerful celebration of unity and diversity,” said Virgelia Villegas, president of Virgelia Productions, in a speech during the pageant. “On this stage, we stand as one, united in jubilation and rooted in strength in celebration of the various cultures in America.”
At the end of the evening, the contestants performed a dance onstage before the crowning of the 2024 titleholders. The judges selected winners in categories for a wide range of special awards honoring traits such as congeniality and community impact in addition to the grand prizes.
In her speech during the competition, Villegas emphasized that the pageant is about much more than outer beauty. Rather, she aimed for the awards and competition to highlight both the internal and external beauty of the delegates.
The titles awarded today embody more than just beauty alone,” Villegas says. “Just as their predecessors did, our 2023-24 titleholders will serve as ambassadors of culture and good will. Each titleholder will proudly represent the heritage of her ancestral country. They will fulfill many responsibilities during a year reign and must adhere to the highest standards of conduct. These coveted titles are earned through hard work, self-confidence, intelligence, dedication, beauty, poise and elegance.”
The complete list of titleholders and special award winners is below:
Titleholders-
Miss Asia USA - Tiffany Chang (Miss Taiwan)
Miss Asia USA International - Sandy Nguyen (Miss Vietnam)
Miss Asia USA California - Mandy Otgonbandrakh (Miss Mongolia)
Miss Asia Glamour - Aselya Kopt (Miss Kazakhstan)
Miss Teen Asia USA - Lily Ann Feller (Miss Vietnam)
Mrs. Asia USA - Srey Kong Michael (Mrs. Cambodia)
Mrs. Asia USA International - Tomoko Kato (Mrs. Korea)
Mrs. Asia USA Universe - Kiyo Kaneda (Mrs. Japan)
Mrs. Asia USA California - Tsogzolmaa Myagmarsuren (Mrs. Mongolia)
Mrs. Asia Glamour - Sindee Ngo (Mrs. Vietnam)
Mrs. Philippines USA - Nikka Navarro (Mrs. Philippines)
Mrs. India USA - Bhavi Shah (Mrs. India)
Miss Latina Global - Janice Lopez (Miss Mexico)
Miss Teen Latina Global - Cheyenne Hejonosa (Miss Mexico)
Mrs. Latina Global - Violeta Martin (Mrs. Mexico)
Mrs. Latina Global California - Kimberly Armond (Mrs. Costa Rica)
Miss Europe Global - Michelle Beach (Miss Armenia)
Mrs. Europe Global - Monica Spruch (Mrs. Poland)
Miss Global Ambassador - Mary Gari (Miss Persia)
Mrs. Global Ambassador - M.J. Baldwin (Mrs. Philippines)
Ms. Entrepreneur Global - Sophirian Kim (Ms. Cambodia)
Mrs. Senior Global - Noriko Sato (Mrs. Japan)
Special Awards-
International Global Ambassador - Angelina Wang (Miss Canada)
Miss Congeniality - Cheyenne Hejonosa (Miss Mexico)
Mrs. Congeniality - Violeta Martin (Mrs. Mexico)
Miss Photogenic - Noreen Estrada (Miss Philippines)
Mrs. Photogenic - Rachel Song (Mrs. China)
Social Media Queen - Violeta Martin (Mrs. Mexico)
Miss Friendship- Christina Xiques (Miss Germany)
Mrs. Friendship- Nikka Navarro (Mrs. Philippines)
Delegates Of The Year - Misako Matsumoto (Japan) and Mandy Otgonbadrakh (Mongolia)
Excellence On Community Service - Srey Kong Michael (Cambodia)
Photo Of The Year Award - Sandy Nguyen (Vietnam)
People’s Choice Award - Tiffany Chang (Taiwan)
Popularity Award - Tiffany Chang (Taiwan)
Miss Fitness - Sainshur Baterdene (Mongolia)
Role Model Of The Year - Mei Chann Lao (Cambodia)
Best in National Costume - Kiyo Kaneda (Japan) and Janice Lopez (Mexico)
Best In Swimsuit - Tiffany Chang (Taiwan)
Best In Evening Gown - Tiffany Chang (Taiwan)
Emily McGinn: A Dedicated Journalist
Fueled by passion and curiosity, Emily McGinn is a fervent journalist whose heart beats for truth and creativity. As a graduate of California Baptist University, Emily’s academic voyage is adorned with rich interests in environmental science, political science, and graphic design. Her portfolio is a mosaic of hard work and dedication, evidenced by a repertoire of content that stands as a testament to her journalistic commitment and academic pursuits.
Emily doesn’t just chase stories; she seeks the truth with a thoughtful blend of accuracy, respect, and diligence. Her journalism transcends mere reporting, reflecting a meticulous effort to maintain integrity and excellence in every piece. Inspired by a profound respect for her craft, Emily is unafraid to push boundaries, perpetually aiming to enhance the quality of her work.
Experimentation and innovation light up Emily’s journey, especially in the realm of design. With an artistic flair, she loves exploring the vibrant intersections of journalism and graphic design, continuously experimenting to breathe visual life into stories and publications.
In Emily's world, journalism is not merely a career choice, but a calling—a space where passion meets purpose, and stories are crafted with care and conscience. In the garden of journalism, she continues to cultivate a bouquet of skills and experiences that resonate with her dedication to truth, creativity, and excellence.