Malawi’s Alinafe in Miss Heritage International: Among top contenders

Lilongwe-based Alinafe Chalunda is going head-to-head with top world models in this year’s Miss World Heritage International. [caption id="attachment_97043" align="alignright" width="499"] Alinafe Chalunda.-Photo-by-Kimpho-Loka[/caption] The pageant aims to promote global awareness in areas such as culture, tourism, environmental issues and preservation, historical and global heritage, relations between countries and world peace. The second edition of Miss Heritage International 2015 will be held in Chandigarh, India on December 13. With 1979 votes, as of Monday, October 26, the Malawian model is currently on position four, with Bongiswa from Lesotho, Terizz Gomez from Philippines and Myanmar’s Chaw Chaw taking the first three positions, respectively. Bongiswa had accumulated 5234 votes, while Terizz had 5201 and Chaw Chaw had amassed 2449 votes. On position five was Lian from Botswana with 1652 votes. When contacted, the enthusiastic Alinafe said it felt surreal to be in such competition with top models from across the world and comfortably maintaining the top five position among 28 contenders. “I’ve been watching the Miss World, Miss Universe and other pageants including Miss Malawi and I remember wishing I could compete in such big pageants. “Now, I have the opportunity to not only compete in Miss Heritage International, which is a dream in itself, but also represent my country on the international stage. “It’s truly a humbling experience and a big step in my modeling career. I feel very excited and look forward in having a great experience as well,” said the 20-year-old runway model. While calling for public votes, Alinafe added: “Malawi has been dormant for some years; we haven’t sent representatives to international pageants for years now. This is an opportunity for Malawi to display its cultural heritage on an international platform. “I need full backup in gathering as many votes as possible to secure my spot in the top 5. If I finish in the top 5, my fate will then be in the hands of the panel of judges”. Follow this link to vote for Alinafe http://www.pageantvote.net/pageants/283/contestants/2178. Myanmar’s Hla Yin Kyae is the reigning Miss Heritage International.