Vietnam is a part of my soul: Miss Vietnam Global 2008

The US-based MFC Media's Miss Vietnam Global 2008, Donna Vo, had a very busy schedule in Vietnam but SGGP caught up with her after a performance in the variety show 'Ca nhac – Nu cuoi – Thoi trang' (‘Music – Smile – Fashion’), at Hoa Binh Theatre, District 10.

The most easily-recognized difference is that now I have more business (laughs) and more invitations from charity organizations. Being crowned Miss Vietnam Global 2008 also means that I have more responsibilities to society.

In addition, I’m carrying out a mission to develop Vietnamese culture, this means I have to learn more and more about our culture.

Why did you join the contest?

First of all, I’m so excited that this is an occasion for me to meet a lot of Vietnamese around my age. So we can talk, share with each other a lot of things about our society, people and some social responsibilities.

I believed that the contest would help me develop and have a deep understanding about life and the meaning of life. Moreover, I learnt a lot about Vietnamese culture from other contestants.

But the most important thing is that I want to make my family proud. I know that they always want me to understand Vietnamese culture deeply and live as a Vietnamese, not as an American Vietnamese. They probably felt so happy and proud when watching my every step on stage.

All of these thoughts became my motivation to participate in the contest

What is your unforgettable experience of the contest?

Oh, to me, the most unforgettable experience is the feeling when I heard that the jury chose me as Miss Vietnam Global 2008. I felt breathless and my heart thumped very fast. I cannot forget that moment. I can remember the smiling faces of my relatives and I accomplished my mission to cheer up my family.

Another experience is that I did not have much time to sleep during the contest. Can you believe that I practiced all day, from singing, dancing, to performing? All of them took most of my time. And I also had to wake up very early to prepare make-up. I only had three to four hours rest. 

No, this is the second time. My first time was when I was 12. I don’t remember much about that trip. 

What do you feel about this return?

I’m so happy and love to be here. Lives here are so busy and all the driving is really crazy, but I still love them.

I mostly enjoy the food. I really love local foods. Some of them cannot be found in America. Some favorites of mine are 'bun cha gio cuon' (deep-fried spring rolls with thin noodle) and 'banh chuoi' (banana cake). I will tell you a secret, bananas in the US are bigger than Vietnamese bananas but definitely not as tasty (giggles).

What do you think about the show?

Before the show, I was totally nervous and worried that I would make some serious mistakes. And the matter become more serious when I saw the staff had a lot of trust in me. I must not let them down. Thank god, everything was great and I’m quite satisfied with my performances. On the first night I only had an interview on stage but the second night I tried a duet song. Even now, I still felt the excitement alive in my heart.

Yes, I think it’s half right and half wrong. When I was young, I did not pay much attention to Vietnamese culture and the language even though my parents made a lot of effort to put them into my head. However, when I become older, I recognized that Vietnam is a part of my soul and I belong to this country no matter where I live. It is shameless if I still resist it. I had to learn more and more about that culture since I am a real Vietnamese with Vietnamese voice, Vietnamese blood and also Vietnamese heart.

Would you like to share a little bit about your private life?

I’m afraid that my life is not as interesting as all you guys think. I study all the time. I’m completing a Master of Communications, acting courses, dancing courses and singing courses. As for my free time, I only spend it at home. Sometimes I want to hang out with friends about three to four times per week but in the end, I choose to stay at home. I also help my relatives with some paper work.

Your crown will only sit on your head for a few more months before being transferred to someone else, are you nervous? What are your future plans?

I hope to continue with my modeling career and finish my studies. I’m awaiting some invitations for some good movies, but none are yet to come (laugh).