When not on stage, talented Wong designs Barbie dresses.

Good things do come in small packages, just ask Rancho Santa Margarita resident, Krista Wong.

The petite 5 1/2-year-old was recently named “Little Queen of Chinatown” and also recognized by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita with a certificate.

“I couldn’t believe I was chosen to be Little Queen of Chinatown when they announced my name! I get to go to all kinds of fun activities being Little Queen,” she says.

For example, Wong got to attend a Chinese New Year banquet in Chinatown and a Moon Festival celebration in South Pasadena, and of course, received recognition by the City Council of Monterey Park and the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council. She will be participating in a float in the 2010 Chinese New Year Parade, too.

Held in Chinatown, this was not a beauty contest; the participants both male and female, were judged on two categories: Poise and Personality.

“Yes, there were a lot of girls! There were so many more girls, more than boys,” she says.

This was a Little King and Queen of Chinatown contest with about 22 children ages 5 and 6 years old from all over Southern California, five of who were boys and the rest girls. Unlike many contests, Wong didn’t have to perform a talent.

“I answered a question, ‘Where would you go in the whole entire world if you could?’ And I answered, ‘Outer space’ because I’d like to see the stars and planets in space. I also smiled the whole time,’ ” she says.

She also wore a special outfit that really made her shine.

“I wore a Chong Sam (a Chinese dress). It was blue, my favorite color! I borrowed it from my mom’s friend,” Wong recalls.

This vibrant young lady, who is in now in kindergarten at a local school, says she thinks she might want to be an artist or fashion designer when she grows up.

“I love to read books do art, dance ballet, play in the pool, sing in the children’s choir at Saddleback Church, and design Barbie dresses,” she reports.

Speaking of design, she says art is her favorite subject at school.

“Her school teachers were ecstatic about the news and shared in our family’s joy,” says Mom, Illene Wong.

As for how she felt to be recognized by her hometown, Wong says, “I met the Rancho Santa Margarita mayor and the Council Members of the city. When I received the certificate, I felt very happy and proud!”