Who will be Top 25?
The New Paper New Face 2015 semi-finalists to be picked today
Today, 25 of the many The New Paper New Face 2015 hopefuls will be picked for the semi-finals.
This round of the contest is something TNP New Face alumni still remember.
A year on, the memories remain vivid for last year's finalists Rinna Murni and Iman Fandi Ahmad.
Murni, 18, who has just obtained her Certificate in Business Management from PSB Academy, said it was nerve-racking waiting for the callback after the closed-door audition.
Round 2was to her the most challenging and the knowledge of how close she was to getting into the Top 25 made it a real nail-biter.
Murni recalled the whole experience: Girls were ushered into a room in groups of five and had to stand in a row as the judges called them up one by one.
The panel would ask some questions, including the contestant's age and height.
It then picked 120 girls.
From there, 50 girls were chosen and the group would be further whittled down to just 25.
"I was really happy when they finally called out my number because I honestly didn't expect to make it through to the Top 25," Murni said.
It was the same for Iman, 15.
"I was quite nervous seeing so many contestants and my legs started shaking. I was quite surprised to have made it through," said the CHIJ St Joseph's Convent student.
"But I had a lot of fun. I made many new friends and I loved facing the pressure during the final."
Despite all the pressure and anxiety, both Murni and Iman would go through the contest all over again given the chance.
EXCITED
Another 2014 finalist, Riverside Secondary School student Lim Jia Yi, 16, said she "is very excited and can't wait to see who will be the next Top 25".
TNP New Face 2015 - an SPH event - is presented by Subaru MotorImage, with Levi's as the official apparel and New Look as official shoes and accessories.
The official beverage of the competition is Caffe Cagliari by Owl International.
TNP New Face's official magazine is Her World, and official radio partners are Kiss92 and ONE FM 91.3.
Make-up services are provided by M.A.C. and hair-styling services by the Monsoon Hair group.
Dos & don'ts
"The judges are looking for someone they can remember - not just when she introduces herself but even after she walk away."
- Mr Glenn Tan, executive director, Tan Chong International
"Don't wear things like false eyelashes or coloured contact lenses. We want to see the real you."
- Ms Niki Bruce, editor, herworldPLUS
"Carry yourself with confidence. When in doubt, think positive thoughts. Have fun and enjoy the experience."
- Mr Daniel Boey, show producer
"8am is early for some but it's your one shot, so pretend to be alive and interested, even if you're sleepwalking."
- Mr Yeoh Wee Teck (above), creative director of The New Paper New Face 2015
Fresh brew for everyone
The earthy, delicious aroma of Italian coffee will greet The New Paper New Face 2015 contestants when they gather for their closed-door audition this morning at Subaru Hub, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh.
That's because TNP New Face 2015's official beverage is Caffe Cagliari by Owl International.
"We feel that TNP has the right demographic profile as it appeals to a younger audience who are open to try out new concepts, which is why we have introduced Caffe Cagliari," said Mr Richmond Te, group assistant general manager of Owl International.
"We are proud to be the official beverage sponsor for this prestigious event."
The home-grown coffee brand held a media conference on Thursday to announce its sole-distribution partnership with Italian coffee powerhouse Caffe Cagliari.
PASSION & PRIDE
Mr Alberto Cagliari, 74, president of Caffe Cagliari, proudly said: "Since 1909, my family has been producing and marketing coffee with great passion and pride. It's a great joy to announce this historical milestone in our business."
Members of the press were greeted with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the gentle whir of the coffee grinder - a simple but memorable experience Mr Te hopes to offer to Singaporeans.
He described how he took a trip to Modena, Italy, and was taken right to the doorsteps of Bar Cagliari, a coffee shop under the Cagliari group.
"Over the next few days, my day didn't just start with Cagliari, I would also finish the day with nine espressos."
The tie-up will see Caffe Cagliari's range of products made available in Singapore and Asia. The products range from traditional whole beans and coffee grounds to more modern offerings like capsule coffees and machines.
And if you want to have a taste of Caffe Cagliari, head to cafes such as The Exchange Café at Asia Square Tower 1, Café Melba Singapore at Goodman Road and Tuxedo Cafe & Patisserie at Carlton Hotel Singapore.
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