Pageant News Bureau - Petite Hawaii

"V" for Hawaii?

Photos courtesy of Tina Bentkowski

Tina Bentkowski 2003 Ms Petite Hawaii USA

First, here are the facts.

Tina Bentkowski was named the 2003 Ms. Petite Hawaii USA on Sept. 28, 2002, at Mamiya Theatre. She also took the Photogenic Award. Maribeth Jenkins was the first runner-up and tied for the Congeniality Award and People's Choice Award.

Jessica Aguinaldo Corpuz was the second runner-up and won the optional Talent Award. Gloria Tumbaga was the third runner-up and tied for the Congeniality Award.

Ashley Freitas was named the 2003 Ms. Petite Teen Hawaii USA and also won the Photogenic Award. Chelsie Castillo was the first runner-up, and Jennifer Lam was the second runner-up. Cherelle Wong won the People's Choice Award, and Ashley Guerrero won the Congeniality Award.

2003 Miss Petite Teen Hawaii USA Ashley Freitas

Vilma Cafirma Tucay, president of V International Productions, put on the event. Michelle Thatch, 2002 Miss V Teen International and Maren Dorado, 2002 Miss V International, were the emcees for the pageant. Reggie Agbalog directed and choreographed the pageant, and the VIP Dance Company entertained the audience with their hip dance numbers.

2002 Miss Petite Teen Hawaii USA, Pauline Perez, and 2002 Ms. Petite Hawaii USA, Dana Li Dung, were present to pass on the crown to their successors.

Now, the question. What does the "V" stand for? It doesn't stand for Petite. It's doesn't stand for Hawaii. We held this feature from September to November trying to figure this out. (We are sticklers for detail.)

Finally, one of our staffers remembered that islanders pronounce Hawaii with the "W" sounding like a "V." Maybe that's the explanation. At least it gave us the justification to finally share this beautiful story with you.

Aren't you glad we didn't have any other questions?

Director Vilma Cafima Tucay