Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com

Erica Robin is set to represent Pakistan at the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant, which stands as one of the longest-running beauty contests.

Pakistan’s first-ever representative at the Miss Universe pageant has vowed to be “an ambassador for peace and goodwill”, even as news of her participation sparks backlash in her country.

“I want to show the beautiful side of Pakistan, away from all the negativity and hate that we see on some media outlets,” Erica Robin tells The National. “I also confirmed numerous times that I will wear a burkini as I have an immense respect of our culture – and it’s also my personal choice.”

Robin, 24, a model from Karachi, won the title last month, and will be the first to represent Pakistan at the global competition, one of the longest-running and most-watched beauty pageants, now in its 72nd year.

Robin, who is from Pakistan’s minority Christian community, says Miss Universe is a great platform to “showcase the best of what women can achieve in any field they have chosen”.

“This platform has evolved to advocate and empower causes to make the world a better place to live,” she says.

Reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US will crown her successor at the next Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador in November. More than 80 countries are set to be represented at the competition, to be spread across a number of weeks, with the winner crowned at a glitzy finale on November 18.

– Input from The National was used in this article.

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A transgender woman Marina Machete was crowned Miss Universe Portugal 2023 on Thursday, October 5 in Borba, District of Évora. She will compete with another transgender contestant for the Miss Universe title in El Salvador, according to Portuguese media.

Machete shared on social media before securing the title, “Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal. For years it was not possible for me to participate, and today I am proud to be part of this incredible group of finalists.”

This historic achievement follows the precedent set by 22-year-old Dutchwoman Rikkie Kolle, who earlier in July became the first transgender woman to win the Miss Netherlands title. Both Machete and Kolle are poised to follow in the footsteps of Angela Ponce of Spain, who made history as the first transgender candidate for the Miss Universe title in 2018.

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Wander Woman, a pioneering travel company specializing in empowering women through unique travel experiences, marked a significant milestone on 22 September 2023, with its grand sixth-anniversary celebration held at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan.

The event was sponsored by Mutual Trust Bank and also supported by Green Delta Insurance, reads a press release.

To make this event more special, ICE Today Magazine, The Business Standard, Radio Shadhin 92.4 FM, Live2web Broadcast and Channel 24 supported Wander Woman by being the respective media partners. The entire event was beautifully photographed by Tanvir Ali Photography. There were also many gift parters of the event which included, Vim, Vaseline, Lux Bodywash, Sundora, ISHO, The Mall BD, Top Trip, Monno Ceramics, Kaaruj, Sarins’s Store, Hawaa, Linear Lifestyle, Poushee, Goynar Baksho.BD, Fun Fest activities and Achariyana. These partners ensured valuable gifts for all the participants and guests at the event.

Savoy Bangladesh also supported the event by agreeing to be the ice-cream partner and offering free ice creams to all the participants. Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan provided massive support to the Wander Woman team by being the venue partner of this event.

The evening commenced with a heartfelt note from Wander Woman’s esteemed CEO and Founder, Sabira Mehrin Saba, setting the tone for a memorable night of reflection and festivity.

One of the most touching moments of the evening was the heartfelt appreciation extended to the company’s loyal customers. Gratitude was expressed through the distribution of exquisite gifts from partners such as The Mall BD, Kaaruj, Goynar Baksho.bd, and Monno Ceramics, showcasing the company’s deep appreciation for the unwavering support of its dedicated clientele.

The excitement soared with the highly anticipated Raffle Draw, where participants eagerly tried their luck to win fabulous prizes from top brands including Top Trip, Isho, Achariyana, Linear Lifestyle, Poushee and many others.

The event featured two distinguished guest speakers who shared their valuable insights and knowledge. Rashid Rezoana, Head of Women Banking Department at Mutual Trust Bank, delivered an enlightening speech on the role of women in the banking sector and the many services available at MTB. Some valuable information about the insurance facilities tailored for women in Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of financial security was also shared by Sadaf Nasir who is in charge of Brands and Communications at Green Delta Insurance.

A highlight of the celebration was a dynamic panel discussion featuring four accomplished women from diverse fields which included Aumia Khundkar, Chief Editor of ICE Media Ltd, Saria Saguaro, Owner of The Flourist, Zeenia Nuzhat, Owner of Kaaruj andProma Paromita Chowdhury, Lecturer in the Department of Economics at East West University.

These esteemed panellists engaged in a candid conversation, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities women encounter in their respective industries, inspiring all in attendance.

The night came to a thrilling DJ extravaganza, leaving everyone on the dance floor. Attendees also savoured a delectable culinary experience provided by Lakeshore Hotel, adding to the joy of the celebration.

Wander Woman’s six-year journey is a testament to its commitment to empowering women, fostering inspiration, and creating lasting memories through travel. This anniversary celebration reaffirms the company’s dedication to its valued customers, partners, and the empowerment of women in Bangladesh. – Press release

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Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Bibi Russell’s fashion show to raise fund for the medical mission enthralled the audience at Aloki on the capital’s Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road on Friday evening.

Dhaka audience witnessed the first ever ‘Blue Wrap Project Runway-Bangladesh’, jointly organised by Rotary Club of Dhaka Pathfinders and the Partners for World Health, a US-based organisation.

In the fashion show, Bibi Russell presented a collection of sustainable designs, where supermodel Noyonika Chatterjee walked in the ramp as the showstopper.

The show began with the first queue wearing dresses made of discarded surgical blue polypropylene with an aim to recycle the surgical wastes.

The following four queues showcased Bibi Russell’s ‘Threads of Life’ collections featuring 100 per cent natural, sustainable and hand woven cotton and Jamdani dresses.

The show also paid tribute to the craftspeople who have been the unsung heroes behind the scene.

The queues also synchronised with Bangla songs to give the viewers the glimpse of our local tradition and culture.

In her welcome speech, the president of Rotary Club of Dhaka Pathfinders Tabassum Hossain Tina said that this sustainable fashion initiative was about transforming waste into art, symbolising Rotary’s collective commitment to a healthier world.

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Rikkie Valerie Kollé has been named Miss Netherlands 2023, on July 8, becoming the first transgender woman to take the title, according to multiple outlets.

The 22-year-old was crowned with a tiara by her predecessor, Ona Moody and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US, at the AFAS Theater in Leusden.

Kollé becomes the second transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe’s global competition in El Salvador later this year. Angela Ponce became the pageant’s first trans contestant when she represented Spain in 2018.

Notably, the 71-year-old competition first started permitting transgender contestants to participate in 2012.

“I DID IT !!!!!” the model said in a post on Instagram. “Yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me,” Kollé wrote. “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me.”

After thanking the judges, her fellow finalists, family, and friends, Kollé told her followers, “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I myself missed as a little me. On to many more adventures, let’s get @missuniverse ready. So excited!”

She wants to be a voice and role model for young women and queer people, according to her finalist page. As someone who didn’t feel supported after coming out as transgender at a young age, she wishes to leave those stories of suffering in the past.

“Now, years later, I’m stronger today than ever before, which is something I want to pass on to whoever needs it. Because as long as you always remain who you are, there is no one who can be above you. I would like to dedicate myself to all the little Rikkies who have to deal with rejection from their family and their transition to the person they desire to be. And help make their self-image and acceptance stronger, untouchable,” she said.

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Society places a lot of stress and strain on the male gender, with men facing tremendous pressure to live up to what society expects or thinks they should act, feel or do.

Men should take care of their mental health by taking the time to improve their physical health.

Here is how men can challenge anxiety and depression, through lifestyle modifications, improving their overall health and quality of life.

Why physical fitness is important for men’s mental health:

Stress reduction: Exercise helps reduce the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, while simultaneously increasing the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. This can help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety, promoting a calmer mental state.

Mood enhancement: Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with improved mood and overall well-being. Regular exercise can help combat feelings of depression and enhance overall mental resilience.3

Increased self-esteem: Engaging in physical fitness and achieving fitness goals can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment and improved body image can positively impact mental well-being.

Improved cognitive function: Exercise has been linked to enhanced cognitive function, including improved memory, attention span, and problem-solving abilities. Regular physical activity supports brain health and can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Better sleep: Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality and duration, which is vital for mental health. Sufficient rest helps regulate mood, improves concentration, and increases overall mental clarity.

Physical activity and your mental health

Lifestyle modifications such as increased physical fitness can assume great importance in individuals battling mental health issues. An essential component of lifestyle modification is exercise.

Fitness and Mental Health – How It Works

Fitness that includes aerobic exercise – jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and somatic movement have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. In a post-Covid age, these improvements in mood have never been more important. One hour of exercise of moderate intensity for 4 days a week, is sufficient for these health benefits. Moreover, these 60 minutes need not to be continuous; three 20-minute fitness sessions are believed to be as equally useful as one 60-minute individual session.

Here are some simple exercises men of all ages can undertake to improve their mental health:

Aerobic exercises: Activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming are excellent for cardiovascular health and boosting endorphin levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Strength training: Engaging in resistance training using bodyweight exercises, weightlifting, or using resistance bands can improve both physical and mental strength. Strength training releases endorphins and helps build self-confidence.

Yoga or mindfulness exercises: Practices such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and promote relaxation. These activities combine physical movement with mental relaxation techniques.

Outdoor activities: Spending time in nature, such as hiking, gardening, or participating in team sports, provides a refreshing change of environment and can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. These workouts can be time-efficient and help release endorphins for improved mood.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and should not be used in place of professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on any medical concerns.

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The next Miss Universe pageant, to be held in El Salvador later this year, will be historic in many ways. For the first time, married women and mothers are allowed to participate in the 72nd edition of the annual beauty pageant.

The rule change announced last year represents one of the biggest upheavals in the history of the long-running competition, which previously only allowed single women between the ages of 18 and 28 who had never been married or had children.

Here are all the Miss Universe 2023 nominees crowned so far

Miss Universe Philippines: Michelle Dee

The 28-year-old actress from Makati beat 37 other contestants in May to win the crown. Dee won jury over the competition by saying that the best the Philippines can offer to the world is its people, warmth and hospitality.

In the competition’s final round at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, the top five candidates were all asked – in reference to the Philippines’s new tourism slogan “we give the world our best” – what the country’s greatest asset is.

“The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources, from the beaches to the mountains, but I believe that the best natural resources that the Philippines has is us Filipinos,” she said. “We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles … and we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more.”

Dee’s mother, actress and producer Melanie Marquez, is a former beauty queen, having won the Miss International crown in 1979. Dee’s cousin, actress and model Winwyn Marquez, is also a beauty queen, and was crowned Miss Reina Hispanoamericana – which celebrates Hispanic beauties – in 2017.

Dee also represented the Philippines at a global pageant when she won Miss World Philippines in 2019. She finished in the top 12 at the Miss World competition, held in London, where Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh was crowned winner that year.

A psychology graduate, Dee is only the second Filipina to win both the Miss World Philippines and Miss Universe Philippines crowns, after Catriona Gray.

Miss Universe Venezuela: Diana Silva

Silva, 25, a model, actress and former cabin crew member, was crowned Miss Venezuela last November. However, it’s not the first time she’s won a major crown. She won the Miss Earth Venezuela pageant in 2018 and competed in the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines that year.

An early favourite, Silva, however, collapsed backstage and injured her cheekbone, after making it to the Top 8 causing her run at the competition to abruptly come to an end. Silva was given urgent medical attention and was later confirmed to be out of danger.

“I have always thought that word has power. When we speak and are able to put it out, we are creating that reality around us,” she said after being crowned Miss Venezuela 2022. “This November 16th, I fulfilled what I had decreed a few years ago. It wasn’t my performance that day that made me proud of the victory, but the effort, dedication and discipline that I had from day 1 to accomplish my goal.”

Miss Universe Peru: Camila Escribens

The Lima-born American-Peruvian model, 24, won the crown after competing in the Miss Peru pageant for the third time.

“Never give up, don’t stop fighting for your dreams,” she posted soon after winning the Miss Peru 2023 crown in May. “One of the greatest gifts I received tonight was popular vote. The fact that I had so many people accompanying me in my dream was wonderful. I want you to know that I am fully committed and I receive the title with maturity and responsibility.”

Miss Universe Mauritius: Nilmani Devi Hurlall

Crowned Miss Maurice 2022/2023 last June, 23-year-old Hurlall is currently pursuing a diploma in Hindustani vocals and is a part-time voice artist with dreams of becoming a radio host.

“The last thing I remember vividly before the crowning moment is being asked this question: ‘Is being self-sufficient the way forward in life?’ My answer was: ‘To be self-sufficient [is] to believe in yourself,” she shared on Instagram following her crowning.

In addition to Miss Universe, Hurlall will also represent her country at the Miss Supranational pageant, taking place in Poland in July.

Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan: Diami Almazbekova

Almazbekova, 20, is a professional model who was crowned Miss Kyrgyzstan 2022 at a glittering ceremony in Bishkek in October.

Based in Moscow, she will now represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.

Miss Universe Czech Republic: Vanesa Svedova

Only 19-year-old Svedova is a student and model and was crowned Ceska Miss Essens 2022 in Prague in December. With the title, she will now represent her country in the Miss Universe pageant.

“I still can’t believe you all really chose me. Thank you to all for the votes, for the SMS, the jury, the audience, the girls, the production for the great care and organisation,” she posted on Instagram soon after her crowning. “Let’s see where this journey takes me. I’m super-excited for it anyway. I am the new Czech Miss Essens. It is an honour.”

Miss Universe Curacao: Kim Rossen

Rossen, 25, is an athlete and occupational therapist based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. After winning numerous national competitions as a runner, she brought that same competitive spirit to the Miss Universe Curacao pageant and secured the crown, earning her the right to represent her country in the global competition.

She says her favourite quote is: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Miss Universe Croatia: Andrea Erjavec

Crowned in May in Zagreb, Erjavec, 23 – an advocate for the mental and physical health of children – is currently pursuing a degree in education.

“I promise that I will do my best at the world pageant, and on this occasion I would like to tell all the girls to be persistent, believe in themselves and be aware of their potential because, really, if they want something, they can make it happen,” she posted on Instagram soon after winning the Miss Universe Croatia crown.

Miss Universe Belgium: Emilie Vansteenkiste

21-year-old dancer and occupational therapist Vansteenkiste, who speaks fluent Dutch and French, beat 31 other contestants to the Miss Belgium crown in February. The national competition was delayed after last year’s winner, Chayenne van Aarle, had a car accident a few days before the final competition. Then, hours before the show, authorities arrested a gunman near the venue.

“After an emotional week due to the accident with Chayenne, Miss Belgium 2022, and a horrifying afternoon where an attack has been foiled by the Belgian police, we are proud we could still make a beautiful show (with some delay) with a new Miss Belgium Emilie Vansteenkiste!,” the official Miss Belgium Instagram account posted following Vansteenkiste’s crowning.

Miss Universe Kosovo: Arbesa Rrahmani

The model and actress, 21, hail from the city of Ferizaj in Kosovo. She was crowned Miss Universe Albania alongside Endi Demneri at a beauty pageant in Tirana, capital of Albania.

Kosovo has been represented in the Miss Universe pageant since 2008, when the country was declared an independent state. Rrahmani succeeds last year’s defending champion Roksana Ibrahimi.

Miss Universe Albania: Endi Demneri

The model, 24, from Tirana, capital of Albania, dedicated her victory to her late grandparents.

“I strongly believe that beauty isn’t just about having a beautiful image, but having a beautiful mind, a beautiful heart, and a beautiful soul,” she shared on Instagram, saying that she participated in the Miss Universe Albania competition because she “saw it as an opportunity to give voice to worthy causes – supporting girls and women”.

“The most beautiful diamonds are created from higher pressure,” she said.

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Ever since Alia Bhatt made her Met Gala debut this year, she has been dominating the headlines. Bhatt has added another feather to her shining cap. The 30-year-old actress has become the first Indian global ambassador for the luxury fashion brand Gucci.

Not only this, but she will make her first appearance as a global brand ambassador very soon. As per the reports by WWD, Alia will attend the highly-anticipated Gucci Cruise 2024 runway show in Seoul. The event, which will mark the fashion house’s 25 years in the country, will be held in the city’s Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The high-end luxury brand made the big announcement. Sharing the stunning picture of Alia carrying the vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag, they wrote in the caption, ”Alia Bhatt is the House’s newest global brand ambassador. To mark the occasion, the actress, producer, and entrepreneur were captured with the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag.”

In the picture, the RRR actress is looking stunning in the loose-fitting grey pants suit. Alia topped the look with her all-time glowing makeup with blushed cheeks and pink shade lips.

By becoming a Gucci ambassador, Bhatt has joined scores of international A-listers like Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, South Korean actress Mina Shin, Japanese talent Jun Shison, singer Harry Styles, and Dakota Johnson, among others.

Alia has recently made her Met Gala debut. The actress walked the red carpet of fashion’s biggest night in a white pearl gown by designer Prabal Gurung. Her gorgeous silhouette was made up of around 100,000 pearls and was inspired by Claudia Schiffer’s 1992 Chanel bridal look.

On the work front, Alia will next be seen on Heart of Stone, which features Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, and Paul Ready, among others. Her first Hollywood project will release on August 11 on Netflix. Meanwhile, in Bollywood, she will next be seen in the Karan Johar-directed Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani alongside Ranveer Singh and Jaya Bachchan. The movie will hit theatres on July 28.

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Lifestyle Desk : dhakamirror.com

Some people are never to blame for anything – at least according to them. Their attitude is rather like that of young children who, when they’re caught doing something they shouldn’t, point the finger at someone else. And indeed, according to pyschologist Rafael San Román of iFeel, those adults who can’t assume responsibility for their mistakes have an immature personality.

Their go-to strategy for coping with life is “probably based on fear of having to assume the consequences of their own actions,” says the expert.

He adds that this behavior is learned, and, if we want to help the person change: “We must ask ourselves when they learned to do this, why it worked for them, and why they need to keep doing it.”

He explains that while some people know deep down they are at fault, many who act in this way genuinely believe that it is everyone else who is the problem. Such people “tend to see themselves as neutral spectators of life, or as victims of everything and everyone, without any personal influence on events”.

How to help them change

Analyze your relationship with them: How we approach the problem depends for example on whether they are a parent, co-worker or lover. If you can see that they’re repeating behaviour learned in their relationship with someone earlier in their lives, point out that you are not that person, and it doesn’t have to be like that.

Avoid direct confrontation: It rarely works, they just become even more defensive. Rather, they gradually need to be made aware that their point of view is not the only one and that they have influence both in their own life and in the lives of others.

Where possible, keep it light: If this isn’t a really entrenched problem, but a more superficial one, next time the person refuses to blame, try saying something like, “Hey, I guess you must have had something to do with it, right?”

Don’t let it go: This kind of behavior isn’t good for us or for the person themself and if we tolerate it, we can end up as an accomplice. Practice assertiveness and don’t help them feed the kind of narcissistic fantasy (“I am good, others are bad”) in which they’re involved.

– Input from HOLA was used in this article.

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No one ever claimed that fried foods were healthy, but a new research suggests that the humble chippie may actually be having a negative impact on our mental health, with fried foods being associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression.

What’s more, the mental effect of fried food was allegedly stronger in young men and younger eaters in general.

A research team in Hangzhou, China published the study in the PNAS journal, claiming that the continuous consumption of fried foods – particularly fried potatoes – correlated with a 7 per cent higher risk of depression and a 12 per cent higher risk of anxiety, in comparison to those who did not eat fried goods at all.

However, before you start cursing your local chippie shop and swearing off fish and chips night indefinitely, nutrition experts have noted that their findings are preliminary and that it is not necessarily certain whether fried foods were the driving force behind the decline in mental wellness, or if, in fact, people experiencing depression or anxiety may be turning to fried foods for comfort.

The study assessed a test group of 140,728 people over a time span of 11.3 years.

After cutting people from the study who were diagnosed with depression within the first two years, a total of 12,735 cases of depression and 8294 cases of anxiety were found in those who frequently ate fried food.

What’s more, fried potatoes were specifically revealed to increase the risk of depression by 2 per cent when compared with “fried white meat”, such as fried chicken.

“The human component of this study may indicate just what it purports: that higher intake of fried food increases the risk of anxiety/depression,” a lifestyle medicine specialist told CNN.

Dr David Katz, who was actually not involved in the study, added: “However, the causal pathway could just as readily go the other way: people with anxiety/depression turn to ‘comfort food’ with increasing frequency for some semblance of relief.”

He went on to say that a general absence of variety when consuming food has also been proven to affect people’s wellbeing for the worst.

Bad nutrition and food that is deemed unhealthy can cause a decline in a person’s mood and worsen their mental state, another study found.

Researchers referenced the recent rise in depression and anxiety across the globe, with the former rising 27.6 per cent and the latter rising 25.6 per cent in 2020.

The World Health Organisation approximates that more than 5 per cent of adults suffer from depression worldwide.

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