This may dismay and frustrate a lot of people but it must be told that Miss Lebanon 2008-2009 Rosarita Tawil may not be able to compete at Miss Universe 2009. The reason for this is that the pageant is perplexingly late this year and the Miss Lebanon contest is usually held on July. So, it looks like a Miss Lebanon 2009 will be selected just in time for Miss Universe 2009. But nothing is fixed just yet. Rosarita might still see the action in the Bahamas and for sure she will win a lot of hearts. Let us not forget that while she did not make it to the semis of Miss World 2008, Rosarita landed as a semifinalist in the Beach Body contest and a finalist at the Top Model competition! There is little doubt that she will be the best Miss Lebanon at Miss Universe since Georgina Rizk and who knows, she will end up as Lebanon's second Miss Universe queen.
Why did you join the Miss Lebanon contest?
I joined this prestigious competition because I have always wanted to give it a shot in the most important pageant in Lebanon, where the crowned young woman gets to represent Lebanon on national and international levels, aside from getting to participate in activities that would shape her personality and sense of awareness.
If you would become the Miss Universe 2009, what will be the first thing that you will do?
The very first thing I would do when I hear my name is thanking my God for making my wish come true. The rest will slowly follow.
What is the most unique or the most unusual thing that had happened in your life?
Every humanitarian mission assigned to me as Miss Lebanon is a unique experience by itself where I get to discover more and more about me and the Lebanese people. Those activities have shaped my personality and made me aware of the importance of “beauty with a purpose”.
Do you think the swimsuit contest at beauty pageants degrades women?
I do not think at all that the swimsuit competition degrades women, otherwise I would not have participated in the Miss Lebanon pageant. On the contrary, this competition gives us a chance to admire the beauty of a woman’s body, this body that we need to take extremely good care of. Besides, it highlights the importance of staying fit.
Could you give us a rough idea of what will be your national costume for Miss Universe 2009 and what does it represents?
My national costume has not been chosen yet, but I believe the ideal one is a costume that represents the Lebanese tradition ever since the beginning, the costume that the Lebanese women have worn throughout the years. However, we can add a touch of modernism to it without changing the core value, the big fluffy pants high to the waist and a small tight mini top, the whole accompanied with a big pointy hat that is tied to big silky scarf that you can tie around your body. It is a little hard to picture it, but it is very beautiful.
What are the three most important things that you will be bringing with you at Miss Universe 2009?
I will be bringing:
1) A Lebanese flag to remind me of my native country that is supporting me through the whole journey.
2) A camera to take as many pictures as I can since the Miss Universe competition is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3) My “Lebanese experience” so I could share it with all the girls from around the world.
Which shoes would you prefer: Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik?
Jimmy Choo.
What is your favorite color and why?
Green is my favorite color since I am a big supporter of the protection of our green environment, and I have worked hard trying to keep Lebanon “green” during my year.
What does the victory of Barack Obama in US Presidential elections mean to you and your country Lebanon?
I believe it is a big step in the History of the United States. For a very first black man to be elected president is a ray of hope for the final abolishment of racism. Besides, I believe Obama sets a great example of responsibility, motivation, will and perseverance for upcoming generations. I hope the Lebanese youth will witness great days under Obama’s reign.
Lastly a message for Missosology.org.
A very big thank you for your efforts: Keep up the good work, I am sure that each contestant, with me on the top of the list, is grateful to you for bringing her a step closer to the heart of the public.
Discuss this interview on the hottest Miss Universe forum on the web. Click Here!
Missosology.Org wishes Rosarita all the best at Miss Universe 2009
