The event, which succeeded in attracting a larger than usual Sunday turnout to the popular eco-oriented dive, saw the girls appearing in two sequences and making their grand entrance as promised aboard a jet boat.

In keeping with the image of the resort, which places great emphasis on water-sports, the traditional catwalk was replaced by a floating pagoda-like structure, decorated to reflect the bronze and black theme of this aspect of the pageant, with a bit of nature thrown in for good measure.

Both ploys appeared to have gone down well with the audience, which showed remarkable tolerance in the face of the many setbacks, such as inadequate seating arrangements, that plagued the show.

This enthusiasm on the part of the audience was especially evident when the girls were taken for a ride several times around the lake before taking to the stage.

Waving regally from the recesses of the vessel, the tresses of some whipping in the wind, the girls drew such resounding applause from the crowd onshore that it drowned out the introduction of the judges.

For the introductory sequence, the girls wore two-piece playsuits topped by asymmetrically-cut matching incandescent chiffon wraps in shades of pink, blue, primrose and emerald. Black sashes indicating the firm they represented and heeled bronze sandals completed their ensemble.

In the second sequence, which is when the actual judging took place, they wore identical bronze halter-topped one-piece suits topped by short black sarongs, which helped add to the allure as they untied them seductively to reveal their entire bodies. Heeled bronze sandals and an occasional gold earring completed the ensemble.

Exuding confidence in spite of the sweltering heat, which lasted long into the afternoon, the girls executed their moves flawlessly, unmoved by the many catcalls and occasional ribaldry.

They were judged on the level of confidence they displayed; the way they walked; the shape of their bodies, which had to do more with their vital statistics; and their overall physical condition.

Each carried a maximum point of 12, 10, 13 and 15 respectively, bringing the total score to 50.

The second leg of the contest, the intelligence segment, was scheduled to be aired live last night on GTV between 20:00 - 21:30hrs.

On the night of the pageant, which is just three days away, the girls will be judged on their evening wear and introduction.

Results will be known then when all scores from the different segments will be tallied.