Unlike other beauty contests, “The Beauty of the Crescent Moon” was held to honour the beauty of young women with disabilities. Therefore, it drew much attention from the public. At the final round, the performance of ten finalists in the shows of talent, costume of choice and the interview left a strong impression on the audience. 

When talking about the significant meaning of the contest’s slogan “My body, My Talent”, Trinh Cong Thanh, Chairman of Hanoi Youth with Disabilities (HYDA) and Head of the Organization Board said: “Beauty does not depend on a perfect body, but the beauty of the soul, self-confidence and talent of each person”. The contest aimed at disseminating the message on the diversity of beauty, which can be found in any person and manifested in their fortitude, mind, self-confidence and talent, rather than in a “perfect body”. It also encouraged people with disabilities, attracted social attention to problems and rights of the disabled and introduced positive images of the disabled to the community and to erase stigmas to their capacity and rights.
From more than 70 candidates nationwide, the jury selected ten outstanding contestants from the provinces of Son La, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Quang Binh, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for the gala night where all of them shone with the beauty of their soul and talent. Contestant Ngoc Hoa said despite physical disabilities, the disabled can do many jobs like any others. They were typical examples and lessons about the strong will to overcome unfortunate circumstances.

Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc wins first prize at “The Beauty of the Crescent Moon” contest. The happiness of Nguyen Thi Hau and her husband with second prize at the final contest. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa receives the prize for “nice face” at the contest. Doan Le Thu from Nam Dinh, born in 1994, recites “The Tale of Kieu” with a 16 chord zither. Tran Thi Hanh, born in 1988 (Ha Nam), sings the song entitled “Con Yeu Me” (I Love You, Mom) in the talent show. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa, born in 1986 from Ho Chi Minh City, receives flowers from an audience member.

Candidate Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc and her mother on stage after she completed the talent performance.

Singer Phuong Anh who suffers glass-bone disease performs at the final contest.

In the contest for talent, candidate Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc, 21 years old from Hai Duong Province, profoundly moved the audience with her story and emotional presentation about her mother. Ngoc was born with Scoliosis - a condition in which the spine is curved abnormally – and had to wear orthopedic jackets for years starting at the age of four. She underwent an unsuccessful spine surgery ten years later and has resigned to being confined to a wheelchair for life. Despite her condition, Ngoc excelled in school and passed the university entrance exam. She is now in her third year as a psychology student at the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities. She is also a member of the Hoa Da Club and the Centre for Living Independently of the Hanoi Youth with Disability. When being asked to comment on the following statement: “Candles, whether straight or bent, burn brightly when lighted”, Ngoc referred to herself as “a candle that was bent twice”, adding that “destiny made me become a bent candle, but that bent candle is growing and about to shine”. “Whether flawed or perfect, we must burn wholeheartedly to live our lives”. Ngoc said. With her answer, Ngoc edged out nine other contestants to be crowned the winner of the contest.

The stories about the trips to overcome difficult circumstances of Ngoc and other disabled candidates like Nguyen Thi Hien, Tran Thi Hanh, Ngo Thi Thuy Doan, Doan Le Thu touched the hearts of the audience and conveyed a message to encourage the disabled not to surrender to fate.