Linda: Reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land
Linda Phung is the Queen of the first ever Miss National Asia Pageant which was held in San Francisco this past July. Born in San Francisco and of Chinese descent she is considered one of the most talented and beautiful Asian American women in the United States. She has the mysterious characteristic of an Asian woman and the sophisticated sense of an American woman. Linda Phung is the Queen of the first ever Miss National Asia Pageant which was held in San Francisco this past July. Born in San Francisco and of Chinese descent she is considered one of the most talented and beautiful Asian American women in the United States. She has the mysterious characteristic of an Asian woman and the sophisticated sense of an American woman. Both of her characters made her the Queen of the Miss National Asia Pageant. The main goal of this high energy pageant is to help Asian American women increase their cultural awareness throughout the entire country. By embracing the beauty of the Asian culture, the pageant captures the beauty and pride of Asian American women. The pageant also serves as a platform for Asian American women to shed light on certain issues that they face today in the Asian American communities across the nation. With that in mind, the Pageant provides the atmosphere for women to challenge themselves at becoming their very best and rewards them for the efforts.
We’re not just Asian OR just American, we’re Asian American.
ASIANCE: Where were you born?
Linda: I was born and raised in San Francisco, but my parents immigrated from Vietnam. The United States is absolutely awesome! I feel very privileged to be able to grow up in the United States, where everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
ASIANCE: Why did you decide to enter the Miss National Asia contest?
Linda: I decided to compete in Miss National Asia because being that it is my last year in college, I will graduate soon and would like to pursue my law degree as well as kick off my career. I decided before I open a new chapter in my life, I wanted to compete in one more pageant, just in memory of my young adolescent years.
ASIANCE: How did your life change after you got the first prize of Miss National Asia?
Linda: After being crowned Miss National Asia, small aspects in my life began to change. I realized that being in the public eye, I am constantly being watched, therefore, I must be a good role model for the young generation. I felt more responsible in the community, and I always had to have a “proper” appearance.
ASIANCE: What do you think the contest will do for you?
Linda: I am very grateful to the pageant committee. They are like a second family to me. It has opened many doors for me. Not only did I get over my fear of being on stage, the pageant has also taught me how to be poised, as well as graceful. I learned many things from the pageant that I will definitely remember for the rest of my life.
ASIANCE: What are you involved in these days?
Linda: After the pageant, I was involved in a lot of charity and volunteer work, which I truly love. The most rewarding part of my job, being a Queen, is to know that I am making a positive impact on my community. Our pageant participates in several different volunteering activities. We are very active in the “Self Help For the Eldery” Organization, which is an organization that supports the eldery of low income, providing them with assistance as well as low income housing. Aside from smaller volunteering in a variety of activities, all of the court members focus on their “platform.” A platform is a speech that the girls made on Pageant night, stating, that if they were to win the Queen title, what would they utilize it for? What positive changes would they want to make in the world as Miss National Asia in order to make a difference? My platform is children with cleft palates, and I am working around the world to assist children affected by cleft palates by providing them with reconstructive surgery at no cost to their family. I am working with this organization to fundraise as well as raise awareness so that we may further the development and research for this worthy cause.
ASIANCE: How did your family react to you winning the pageant?
Linda: I’ve competed in many pageants before, and my parents always support me. They have always taught me to go after my dreams, because no dream is too big. I believe that after I won my title, my parents were very happy for me and also very proud.
ASIANCE: What is your next goal?
Linda: My next goal would be to obtain my law degree, have a stable career, be able to take care of my parents, and purchase them a home, as well as marry the love of my life.
ASIANCE: What do you think about Asian girls in the USA?
Linda: I believe that Asian women have a special charm to them. I believe that Asian women are very mysterious, but that is what makes them beautiful. I believe that Asian women are charming because of their upbringing. At times, they are very modest, and shy. But that is what makes them unique, and beautiful. We must be proud of our heritage and not for one minute forget who we are and where we came from. We’re not just Asian OR just American, we’re Asian American.
ASIANCE: What is your motto?
Linda: My motto “carpe diem” seize the day, live everyday like it is your last, because you never know what may come tomorrow, and tomorrow is never a promise. You should always let the people you love, know that you love them.
ASIANCE: Any message to our readers!
Linda: Reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. No dream is too big, or too out of reach. If you really want something, work hard for it and never give up!
For more information on the pageant visit http://missnationalasia.com/
Yuriko Kobayashi is from Japan and studying in the United States. She is one of Asiance’s favorite interns ;).