How can a Eurasian truly represent a country like Thailand?
by @~~~MOCHA~~~@ » Fri Mar 12, 2010 12:04 pmMiss Thailand World 1996, Sirinya Winsira “Cindy Burbridge"
The best Miss Thailand delegate ever in my opinion! She was my top choice in Miss World 1996! Kindly sharing an old article I found. ENJOY!
How can a Eurasian truly represent a country like Thailand?
Her heart is Thai. Her values are Thai. Her principles are Thai.
It just so happens she got blue eyes. That's all.
Sirinya Winsiri "Cindy Burbridge"
Cindy Rubber Bridge (UK: Cindy Burbridge), the Sydney, Eti ย Cargill Maine Rubber Bridge (UK: Cynthia Carmen Burbridge) or Thai names that grace the drug caused WINTER Siripen on 8 May 2522 a year. Casting mannequin Thai. Graduated from the Faculty of Arts. Bangkok University. Step into the entertainment industry with the movie ads in the Year 2539 and was appointed. Miss Thailand World.
Cindy's father is the American people the name of the William Morris Agency Bridge Number mom is native Thai - English name Patrick Chia TRIPOLI. Cindy age children living in Pattaya. The father is a teacher teaching diving. And open shop with diving equipment.
As a gangly teenager, Cindy Burbridge was teased mercilessly by her schoolmates. They even nicknamed her "Pred", after a mythical Thai monster! Today, the former miss Thailand is a Channel Veejay, model, TV host and sought-after actress.
Before she was a teenager, she was already head and shoulders above her classmates. Her height never bothered her until the jibes and taunts started. "At 15, I had a figure, or at least I think so," says Cindy Burbridge, 24, 177cm tall. "I was just one of the girls in school and never thought much about my height. Sadly, I discovered you get picked on if you are too short or tall!. "My height became the butt of jokes, some of which were quite nasty. In Thai mythology, there is this horrible monster called 'Pred' who lives in a palm tree, and has a slithery, long body and slimy, long tongue.
"Yup, my schoolmates called me 'Pred'! I hated the name so much! I was just a kid and you could imagine my feelings of indignation and frustration! All I wanted to be was popular, like any other kid. "In hindsight, if not for the cruel taunts, I may not have become what I am today, just to prove to them and myself I'm gorgeous!" she chuckles.
From a scrawny teenager, Burbridge has blossomed into a ravishing beauty, curves and all. "I never thought of myself as beautiful. But when so many asked if I was a model, I began to think, hey, maybe they know something I don't!". Posing in front of a camera came naturally.
"I started modelling at 13 but obviously not for fashion shoots. I am a diver and a very good one at that!" beams the lass proudly. "I got my PADI licence in Pattaya at the age of 12, which is just about the minimum age. I am a qualified Rescue Diver too! Of course it helped when Daddy owns Seafari, a dive business! My father started Seafari in Pattaya as he was a diving instructor. My first big commercial came because I could dive and swim like a fish.
"The advertiser wanted someone who could dive and be comfortable underwater. Her eyes had to be wide open as she swam past the camera, looking as mermaidish as possible. Dad's friend asked him if he knew of a talent and he pushed me to do it for pocket money."
Burbridge took up as many modelling assignments as much as she could while attending Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok.
At 17, she entered and won Miss Thailand World 1996. In the process, she unwittingly caused a furore. The controversy she ignited raged throughout her reign and even today, many Thais have a lot to say about her being Miss Thailand.
The problem was that she looked anything but Thai.
First, with a name like "Cindy Burbridge", most people would assume she is Anglo-Saxon. Then there is her appearance. Her glossy dark hair is her only concession to being Thai. Her eyes are blue, her skin fair and rosy, her cheekbones high and nose as sharp as a Caucasian's. In fact, she looks exactly like a farang (Thai for "foreigner").
She admits she does not look like a typical Thai girl though she is adamant she is very much Thai. "I was born in Thailand. I hold a Thai passport. I grew up in Thailand. I am 24 and did not spend years living abroad. My father, who is American, moved to Pattaya Thailand in the 70s. My mum is half-English, one-quarter Indian and one-quarter Thai. So actually I am one-eighth Thai.
I grew up in Pattaya and have never known any other home except Thailand.
"The controversy got bigger because the first runner-up looked Thai. Ironically, she grew up in Denmark and had not spent time in Thailand. On top of that, she did not speak a word of Thai!". Burbridge's crowning became the cause célèbre of the year. The judges had to decide whether to give the Miss Thailand/World crown to someone who looked Thai but grew up in Denmark or to someone who grew up in Thailand but didn't look Thai.
At 17, Burbridge was too young compared to the older and more sophisticated contestants at the Miss World finals in Bangalore, India. She did not win anything but her title launched her career big time.
"I got so much exposure due to the controversy. I became quite a household name. But I hardly realised the furore. "I was so busy fulfilling my obligations and having a great time modelling, acting and appearing on TV and in the press that it was only after my reign was over, that I started to read what was said on the Internet! My reaction when I won was, 'Wow!, I did it, I am Miss Thailand!"
She launched Nescafé, Lavenus shampoo and Lux skincare. She went into acting and appeared in many Thai soap operas that ran non-stop for a few months. "In Thailand, the public like to see celebrities regularly on TV. I have appeared in movies, usually cameo roles. I am very picky about movie scripts. I have received several offers for a major role in big budget movies but I am still working out the details."
She became a Channel V] veejay last December. She went to a Channel V] International screen test and was signed on the spot. Her first recording was in Kuala Lumpur, of all places. "It was also my first job in English. Previously, I only appeared in Thai TV series and films. I am really enjoying my Channel V] job."
Design-wise, she is a fan of Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Celine, so she was pleased to help open the new KL Fendi boutique at Starhill, Kuala Lumpur.
"I love glamour, as dressing stylishly is part of my job. Off-screen, I am just a T-shirt and jeans girl. For casual wear, my clothes must be laid-back, comfortable and easy to care for. I am not the sort who only appears in designer gear from head to toe. If I like something and it looks good on me, then I go for it. "Fashion to me is about feeling good. I am particularly fond of Thai labels like Greyhound, Fly Now and SODA."
Not only is her career going great, so is her love life.
"Byron is half-Japanese and half-American but he looks more Japanese than white so he can actually pass off as Thai! Byron is also learning Thai so now he is assimilating," says Burbridge.
"He and I own a Japanese restaurant in Bangkok called Ikkyu-an, a casual, average-priced restaurant. I drop by often. It's cool to own a restaurant as I get fantastic free food all the time. "Unfortunately, I put on weight easily so I am careful. I visit Malaysia often and love nasi lemak which can be fatal to my 54kg. I don't like eating meat. I prefer seafood, vegetables and fruits."
"I exercise, do yoga and ballet. Yeah, I know, I am too tall to be a ballerina but ballet was something I liked but never had a chance to do. So when I came across ballet classes for adults, I jumped at it."
Does Byron have to stand on a chair to whisper sweet nothings into her ear?
"Byron is 180cm and taller than me! Since you're so nosey, I might as well tell you he is also a model and an actor and very handsome! His full name is Byron Bishop and if we marry, I don't have to change the initials on my suitcase!" grins Burbridge.
As an only child, she still finds it strange not to have siblings. "I grew up to be very observant, independent, and a little introspective but very interesting," she laughs. "I think I will start an Only Child Club one day!"
I did not have to hunt her down for this interview. At the Fendi launch, Burbridge walked over to me and extended her hand, "You look so stunning, I feel like you are someone I ought to know. Hi, I am Cindy Burbridge, Channel V] veejay from Thailand!"
Flattered beyond words, I was about to swoon when I remembered she had just graduated from Bangkok University in Public Relations. Just shows the power of a true PR Queen.
In 1996, she won the Miss Thailand World Pageant, raising controversy as the result of her perceived Americanized looks. Soon after the pageant, she fully entered into the entertainment business.
Cindy has since her Miss Thailand World Pageant done ads for Chanel,Celine,Lux skincare,Lavenus haircare,Gucci,Fendi,Mazda,Omega Watches and Nescafe.She was a vj for channel (v) international in Malaysia.
She graduated from Bangkok University majoring in Public Relations. She also recently opened a Japanese restaurant in Bangkok Ikkyu-an with her long-time boyfriend (fiance) Byron Bishop.
In July 2005, Cindy and Byron Bishop married.
She has also worked as an actress, starring in the 2005 film, The King Maker as a romantic interest for the hero, portrayed by Gary Stretch
.
Trivia
She has blue eyes
Cindy is 1.77 m tall
She is a qualified rescue diver
Nasi Lemak is her favourite food
Speaks fluently Thai and English Her hobbies are yoga,ballet,cooking and diving
The best Miss Thailand delegate ever in my opinion! She was my top choice in Miss World 1996! Kindly sharing an old article I found. ENJOY!
Her heart is Thai. Her values are Thai. Her principles are Thai.
It just so happens she got blue eyes. That's all.
Sirinya Winsiri "Cindy Burbridge"
Cindy Rubber Bridge (UK: Cindy Burbridge), the Sydney, Eti ย Cargill Maine Rubber Bridge (UK: Cynthia Carmen Burbridge) or Thai names that grace the drug caused WINTER Siripen on 8 May 2522 a year. Casting mannequin Thai. Graduated from the Faculty of Arts. Bangkok University. Step into the entertainment industry with the movie ads in the Year 2539 and was appointed. Miss Thailand World.
Cindy's father is the American people the name of the William Morris Agency Bridge Number mom is native Thai - English name Patrick Chia TRIPOLI. Cindy age children living in Pattaya. The father is a teacher teaching diving. And open shop with diving equipment.
As a gangly teenager, Cindy Burbridge was teased mercilessly by her schoolmates. They even nicknamed her "Pred", after a mythical Thai monster! Today, the former miss Thailand is a Channel Veejay, model, TV host and sought-after actress.
Before she was a teenager, she was already head and shoulders above her classmates. Her height never bothered her until the jibes and taunts started. "At 15, I had a figure, or at least I think so," says Cindy Burbridge, 24, 177cm tall. "I was just one of the girls in school and never thought much about my height. Sadly, I discovered you get picked on if you are too short or tall!. "My height became the butt of jokes, some of which were quite nasty. In Thai mythology, there is this horrible monster called 'Pred' who lives in a palm tree, and has a slithery, long body and slimy, long tongue.
"Yup, my schoolmates called me 'Pred'! I hated the name so much! I was just a kid and you could imagine my feelings of indignation and frustration! All I wanted to be was popular, like any other kid. "In hindsight, if not for the cruel taunts, I may not have become what I am today, just to prove to them and myself I'm gorgeous!" she chuckles.
From a scrawny teenager, Burbridge has blossomed into a ravishing beauty, curves and all. "I never thought of myself as beautiful. But when so many asked if I was a model, I began to think, hey, maybe they know something I don't!". Posing in front of a camera came naturally.
"I started modelling at 13 but obviously not for fashion shoots. I am a diver and a very good one at that!" beams the lass proudly. "I got my PADI licence in Pattaya at the age of 12, which is just about the minimum age. I am a qualified Rescue Diver too! Of course it helped when Daddy owns Seafari, a dive business! My father started Seafari in Pattaya as he was a diving instructor. My first big commercial came because I could dive and swim like a fish.
"The advertiser wanted someone who could dive and be comfortable underwater. Her eyes had to be wide open as she swam past the camera, looking as mermaidish as possible. Dad's friend asked him if he knew of a talent and he pushed me to do it for pocket money."
Burbridge took up as many modelling assignments as much as she could while attending Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok.
At 17, she entered and won Miss Thailand World 1996. In the process, she unwittingly caused a furore. The controversy she ignited raged throughout her reign and even today, many Thais have a lot to say about her being Miss Thailand.
The problem was that she looked anything but Thai.
First, with a name like "Cindy Burbridge", most people would assume she is Anglo-Saxon. Then there is her appearance. Her glossy dark hair is her only concession to being Thai. Her eyes are blue, her skin fair and rosy, her cheekbones high and nose as sharp as a Caucasian's. In fact, she looks exactly like a farang (Thai for "foreigner").
She admits she does not look like a typical Thai girl though she is adamant she is very much Thai. "I was born in Thailand. I hold a Thai passport. I grew up in Thailand. I am 24 and did not spend years living abroad. My father, who is American, moved to Pattaya Thailand in the 70s. My mum is half-English, one-quarter Indian and one-quarter Thai. So actually I am one-eighth Thai.
I grew up in Pattaya and have never known any other home except Thailand.
"The controversy got bigger because the first runner-up looked Thai. Ironically, she grew up in Denmark and had not spent time in Thailand. On top of that, she did not speak a word of Thai!". Burbridge's crowning became the cause célèbre of the year. The judges had to decide whether to give the Miss Thailand/World crown to someone who looked Thai but grew up in Denmark or to someone who grew up in Thailand but didn't look Thai.
At 17, Burbridge was too young compared to the older and more sophisticated contestants at the Miss World finals in Bangalore, India. She did not win anything but her title launched her career big time.
"I got so much exposure due to the controversy. I became quite a household name. But I hardly realised the furore. "I was so busy fulfilling my obligations and having a great time modelling, acting and appearing on TV and in the press that it was only after my reign was over, that I started to read what was said on the Internet! My reaction when I won was, 'Wow!, I did it, I am Miss Thailand!"
She launched Nescafé, Lavenus shampoo and Lux skincare. She went into acting and appeared in many Thai soap operas that ran non-stop for a few months. "In Thailand, the public like to see celebrities regularly on TV. I have appeared in movies, usually cameo roles. I am very picky about movie scripts. I have received several offers for a major role in big budget movies but I am still working out the details."
She became a Channel V] veejay last December. She went to a Channel V] International screen test and was signed on the spot. Her first recording was in Kuala Lumpur, of all places. "It was also my first job in English. Previously, I only appeared in Thai TV series and films. I am really enjoying my Channel V] job."
Design-wise, she is a fan of Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Celine, so she was pleased to help open the new KL Fendi boutique at Starhill, Kuala Lumpur.
"I love glamour, as dressing stylishly is part of my job. Off-screen, I am just a T-shirt and jeans girl. For casual wear, my clothes must be laid-back, comfortable and easy to care for. I am not the sort who only appears in designer gear from head to toe. If I like something and it looks good on me, then I go for it. "Fashion to me is about feeling good. I am particularly fond of Thai labels like Greyhound, Fly Now and SODA."
Not only is her career going great, so is her love life.
"Byron is half-Japanese and half-American but he looks more Japanese than white so he can actually pass off as Thai! Byron is also learning Thai so now he is assimilating," says Burbridge.
"He and I own a Japanese restaurant in Bangkok called Ikkyu-an, a casual, average-priced restaurant. I drop by often. It's cool to own a restaurant as I get fantastic free food all the time. "Unfortunately, I put on weight easily so I am careful. I visit Malaysia often and love nasi lemak which can be fatal to my 54kg. I don't like eating meat. I prefer seafood, vegetables and fruits."
"I exercise, do yoga and ballet. Yeah, I know, I am too tall to be a ballerina but ballet was something I liked but never had a chance to do. So when I came across ballet classes for adults, I jumped at it."
Does Byron have to stand on a chair to whisper sweet nothings into her ear?
"Byron is 180cm and taller than me! Since you're so nosey, I might as well tell you he is also a model and an actor and very handsome! His full name is Byron Bishop and if we marry, I don't have to change the initials on my suitcase!" grins Burbridge.
As an only child, she still finds it strange not to have siblings. "I grew up to be very observant, independent, and a little introspective but very interesting," she laughs. "I think I will start an Only Child Club one day!"
I did not have to hunt her down for this interview. At the Fendi launch, Burbridge walked over to me and extended her hand, "You look so stunning, I feel like you are someone I ought to know. Hi, I am Cindy Burbridge, Channel V] veejay from Thailand!"
Flattered beyond words, I was about to swoon when I remembered she had just graduated from Bangkok University in Public Relations. Just shows the power of a true PR Queen.
In 1996, she won the Miss Thailand World Pageant, raising controversy as the result of her perceived Americanized looks. Soon after the pageant, she fully entered into the entertainment business.
Cindy has since her Miss Thailand World Pageant done ads for Chanel,Celine,Lux skincare,Lavenus haircare,Gucci,Fendi,Mazda,Omega Watches and Nescafe.She was a vj for channel (v) international in Malaysia.
She graduated from Bangkok University majoring in Public Relations. She also recently opened a Japanese restaurant in Bangkok Ikkyu-an with her long-time boyfriend (fiance) Byron Bishop.
In July 2005, Cindy and Byron Bishop married.
She has also worked as an actress, starring in the 2005 film, The King Maker as a romantic interest for the hero, portrayed by Gary Stretch
.
Trivia
She has blue eyes
Cindy is 1.77 m tall
She is a qualified rescue diver
Nasi Lemak is her favourite food
Speaks fluently Thai and English Her hobbies are yoga,ballet,cooking and diving
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