Well known pop star Ting Phailavanh was named the winner of a competition to decide the best model featured in Khuanjai magazine, at the Mekong Deck in Vientiane on Saturday.
Well known pop star Ting Phailavanh was named the winner of a competition to decide the best model featured in Khuanjai magazine, at the Mekong Deck in Vientiane on Saturday.
( From left ) Ms Namfon Vongthavilay, Ms Mithouna Boutsivongsak, Ms Ting Phailavanh with the trophy and Ms Panita Pankham.
It was the first such competition held by the magazine, with winners determined through a popular vote by readers.
The event, entitled Khuanjai Cover Girl 2008 , was organised by K&C Co Ltd and featured the 15 most popular models to have appeared on the magazine's cover between December of last year and March of this year.
The Managing Editor of Khuanjai magazine, Ms Panita Panekham, said “This was the first time we have organised the event. The aim was to boost the entertainment scene in Laos and to be part of activities involving the magazine and our readers.”
“This event was also to present the models chosen, by the same vote, to appear on a special issue to be published soon. The 15 models are from different sectors of the entertainment industry and feature models, singers, VJs and actresses,” Ms Panita said.
During the event, young models dressed in the latest silk fashions paraded down the catwalk, to the delight of the attending guests.
Voting took place between March and May of this year, and was done by sending SMS messages via the Lao Telecom Company.
Ms Ting came first with 18,277 votes, while second place went to Ms Mithouna Boutsivongsak with 10,720. Ms Namfon Vongthavilay came in third with 5,845 votes.
Ms Ting received 2 million kip from Nesvita, a 2.5 million kip gift voucher from photo studio Shadow Act, and a trophy from the magazine.
“I'm very happy and so excited; I never thought I'd receive so many votes from the public,” Ms Ting said.
“I think I've received this prize because of my singing; I've been on tour around the country, which has made me a familiar face. Another thing that I think encouraged people to vote for me was that I recently released my second album - I frequently hear it on the radio.”
After the organiser announced Ting as the winner, she was invited to sing several songs from her latest album as the rain began fall.
Khuanjai is a 4age magazine for young people. It covers issues including entertainment in Laos and abroad, idols of the month, a teen quiz, teen talk and teen tricks.
First published in December 2007, it has a circulation of 5,000 copies per month, a figure which is expected to increase to 8,000 by next year.
age magazine for young people. It covers issues including entertainment in Laos and abroad, idols of the month, a teen quiz, teen talk and teen tricks. 
