"I am the girlfriend of Colombia. When I was chosen as Señorita Colombia, I've held some sort of commitment to my country." Right now, Valerie is having a blast, all geared up to take on the everyday jobs that come with the Miss Colombia title. The beauty queen is practically on call & faced with a greater challenge. In the most recent editions of Miss Universe, ex-Miss Colombias failed to achieve the results expected from them. Valerie has been hounded with criticisms from the so-called beauty experts in her nation. "For me, all criticisms have been constructive. I have taken them, analyzed and tried to improve in those aspects because I know that Miss Universe is on a higher level. I am very aware that journalists that cover Miss Universe are always watchful of the Colombian delegate."

With the locals giving incredible weight to beauty contests, the Concurso Nacional de Belleza of Colombia (official name of Colombia's most prestigious pageant) has become a significant part of their society and one of their most important cultural events held annually in the city of Cartagena de Indias. Massive coverage is given by the media to the contest during its 4-week period. It is interesting to note that schoolchildren are given two weeks' holiday in Cartagena when the pageant arrives. Despite the country's fascination with pageants and the incredible efforts and funds expended to prepare winners (including appointing them teams of fashion designers and coaches), it has had a mixed record at Miss Universe. Luz Marina Zuluaga remains the country's only Miss Universe, winning in 1958; she was awarded a mansion and tax exemption for life, an honor which is expected to follow any woman who can retake the world title. Colombians have come close on several occasions, always penetrating the top 15 and from 1992 to 1994 Miss Colombia consecutively placed as first runner-up, but the Miss Universe title has continued to elude the country.

Aspiring to be a fashion designer, Valerie flew to Italy when she was 18 years-old. She studied fashion & jewelry design at the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan. Throughout her stay in the European country, she learned to become independent and well disciplined. She also became fond of chocolates and ice cream. "In Italy, it was difficult to control my urge to eat sweets because the bakeries are so delicious!"

Valerie Domínguez has a flair for attracting people around her. Her innate charm & cheery disposition give her that sassy Caribbean vibe. She also speaks with great confidence during interviews and has garnered the admiration & respect of the local media. Now it can be told that her brimming allure would set her apart from her strong rivals. She's just seriously too hot to handle!

Good luck to Valerie as she readies for her Miss Universe quest.

 

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Missosology would like to thank Señorita Colombia organization, Wikipedia, El Tiempo, Andy, Caiman, Pedro Chadid, d w, The Herald, Augusto Padilla, Zoraida Noriega & everybody who sent photos & essentials on Valerie. If you have pictures of any Miss Universe 2006 delegate and you would like to have her featured in Miss Universe 2006 Focus, e-mail us: nicholo_ventura@missosology.org

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