October 11: 24-year-old Miss Tsokye Tsomo Karchung has been declared as Miss Bhutan 2008. The grand finale last evening was attended by members of the royal family, senior officials and hundreds of people.

Tsokye will now get to represent Bhutan at International Pageants like the Miss Earth competition and Miss Young International.

It was past midnight, and the auditorium remained packed with people eagerly waiting for the final results. As the Master of the Ceremony got on to stage with 15 contestants, the hall broke in silence, some nervousness while others expectation and eagerness – who is the one.

The silence broke as the MC announced the names of the top three pageants. She was the young and talented 24-year-old Tsokye Tsomo Karchung who claimed the title. She was crowned as the first ever Miss Bhutan 2008 by Miss Charm Reya Osthanond, Miss Thailand 2006.

Tsokye competed against 14 other contestants in the finals which lasted almost till 1 am earlier this morning.

She was given Nu. 100,000 in cash, a 32 inch Television screen, a free air ticket for Paro-Bangkok-Paro, a stay at the Paro Uma, one professional portfolio and a year long contract with MPC Bhutan Entertainment.

Miss Shelkar Choden who bagged the title for the first runners up wasn’t as happy as the crowd was. She told BBS that she expected the Miss Bhutan title but said everything was free and fair.

Miss Shelkar was given Nu. 50,000, a 29 inch TV screen, free tickets for Paro-Bangkok-Paro and a year long film contract with MPC Bhutan Entertainment. She also took away the titles for Miss Personality and Miss Beautiful Hair.

The second runners up title was Miss Tsehring Pem. She was given Nu. 25,000 in cash, a 29 inch TV screen and free tickets for Paro-Bangkok-Paro.

In other categories the title for Miss Congeniality went to Miss Wangchuk Dema while Miss Tsherign Yangzom from Bumthang took the title Miss beautifual Smile.

The title for Best Model 2008 was bagged Miss Tshering Yangzom from Trashigang while the title for Best Model in Traditional dress went to Miss Karma Zam.

The 15 contestants were judged by a panel of five judges. These include two international judges- Bhutan’s first Model and actor, Kelly Dorji and Miss Thailand Universe 2006 Miss Charm Reya Osthanond.

Other judges are the Managing Director of Bhutan Times, Tenzin Rigden, the Director of National Library, Dorji Tshering and the Choki Penjor from the National Commission for Women and Children.

The young women contested in several rounds including traditional, evening gown, IQ and talented round.