SHAHIRAH Price, a contestant in The New Paper New Face 2008 contest, is proving to be the favourite among her predecessors.

Her name consistently popped up when we asked three of last year's New Face finalists, but that is not to say she does not have competition.

Last year's finalist, Vivienne Lui, 24, compared this year's girls to a basket of delicious exotic fruits.

The customer relations officer picked three 2008 finalists that impressed her: Taryn Swyny Fonseca, 20, Shahirah Price, 18, and M Revathhi, 19.

She said: 'Shahirah's got this sweet yet cool factor which I like, while Taryn is such a hot mama - all mums will definitely want her figure.

'And Revathhi has big eyes that make her look like a doll. I just want to hug her when I see her.'

Another 2007 finalist, Kwan Lijia, 19, feels that this year's girls are so much younger and full of vivacious energy.

She picked Shahirah, Cyntherea Tan, 15, and Geraldine Chua, 19.

She said: 'Cyntherea is so young! She's only 15 but she looks like Zhang Ziyi. Shahirah is pretty.

'Geraldine is so different from the rest in terms of attitude and personality.'

Flight stewardess Sharifah Hood, 24, also a 2007 finalist, named Shahirah, Taryn and Stephanie Fu as her favourites.

'I like Shahirah because she has unique features. Taryn has a sexy look that's appealing, while Stephanie looks sweet and girl-next-door.'

While the eventual winner of The New Paper New Face 2008 will be decided by a panel of six judges - including The New Paper's executive editor, Mr Ken Jalleh Jr, and representatives of sponsors - you can play a part in helping your favourite girl win the Miss Popularity title.

Miss Popularity is one of several subsidiary titles in this year's contest.

There are two ways to vote for Miss Popularity - by SMS or by ZapCode, the latest technology from Singapore Press Holdings. Each Zap costs 20 cents or less.

Ten lucky voters who vote via ZapCode will each receive a Sony PSP and $100 Takashimaya voucher.

You can also vote via SMS. Type TNPNF<space> Contestant Number<space> Your NRIC and send to 77877. Each SMS costs 20 cents.

Voting is on now. The finals will be on 10 Oct, and voting closes at 7.30pm that day.

To find out more details on the contest, look out for our special New Face advertisements next week.

You can also tune in to Radio 91.3 FM to hear the contestants as they tell you more about themselves, or log on to tnp.sg.