• How would you define "beauty?"
Beauty can best be described as something or someone that is attractive, appealing or unique and I believe that all these come from within. A radiant smile that is well supported by vision and determination in life always makes a person very appealing and beautiful. Knowing what you want in life and what you're fighting for definitely manifests inner beauty. It is beautiful to see a self-confident person going after his ambitions without fear, knowing that the only approval needed comes from a divine source, therefore he sets no limits to himself at all. That's beautiful!

• What were your reasons for joining the Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2005 pageant?
I thought of it as a perfect opportunity to jump to the next level. Why? Because I was prepared for it. I knew it was a platform to start showing the world what I am capable of and how I can be a Mexican role model through discipline, faith and a hunger to live and learn. I hold a new, more positive and value-oriented philosophy in life that I'd want to put to test and also to prove to the world that this triumph wouldn't only be attained through physical beauty. Also, I believed that this pageant was going to teach me about a more realistic world out there where you face challenges, the biggest one out there: YOURSELF. I know in my heart that this will leave me with many precious lessons and experiences that will "help myself help the world." The Nuestra Belleza Organization gives me the opportunity to interact with girls who look up to me, to travel and become aware of what I can do to make a difference. Sometimes it's just your mere presence, a positive message and a smile that matter. And last but not the least, since communication is one of my passions, I love the idea that this pageant has given me and will continue to give me the opportunity and good training to "speak up" whenever needed.

• How were you elected as Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2005? Describe the judging process.
All of the girls met at the nation's capital to begin a one-month preparation before the pageant. After a month of public appearances, interacting, and rehearsing, we come before the judges for private interviews. This is where they get the chance to know about your goals and philosophies in life. Then there's a semi-final round where we walked down the runway before the same judges in bathing suits and cocktail dresses. This segment lets them decide who the 15 finalists would be. In the day of the pageant, 15 finalists are called out, and they contend in 3 competitive stages: bathing suit, evening gown and the interview.

• What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown?
My genuineness, authenticity and the fact that I was always honest in any situation. I guess they also noticed that I was driven all the time. And of course, I was there to enjoy the ride. I never feared the outcome and it was reflected through my personality as well as in the form of constant joy and gratefulness, I believe.

• Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest.
It requires a lot of physical, mental and emotional preparations all at the same time. Let's just leave it at that. Hahaha!

• Can you tell something that is so interesting or unique about you?
This is going to sound funny but I've done it all my life since childhood. Whenever I long to feel inspired or to completely relax and release stress, I lock myself up inside my room, wear comfortable dancing clothes and high-heel shoes (this is embarrassing hahaha!), turn the music up, and DANCE AWAY. It liberates all of my negative energies and feeds my spirit. Also, I love to cook. I love the house-warming feeling of it, the delicious aroma it leaves behind and of course: the unity and warmth it creates to the people I cook for.

• Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why?
Jennifer Hawkins and Wendy Fitzwilliam. I admire Jennifer's sweetness and the charm that came out from her girl-next-door appeal. Just by watching her- I learned that being calm and joyful at heart could bring much satisfaction. And Wendy Fitzwilliam- this woman oozed SELF-CONFIDENCE. What a determination! She knew where she stood and where she was going, wow!

• Describe your fashion sense and style.
I've always believed that less is more. It's about looking good without cluttering myself. If I wear big earrings, I won't wear big necklace. If I wear dark eye shadow and eyeliner, I'll keep my lips simply nice & neutral. And I must say that with me, it's ALL ABOUT THE HAIR, hahaha! I love voluminous, Barbie-doll hair. I think once you've got the hair, it's all downhill from there. 

• How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe? 
Mexico is folklore. Mexico is color. It is a land inhabited by Aztec warriors at heart. Its natural features are really admirable with its warm, sparkly & sandy beaches. Our beaches serve as one of our beautiful main attractions. Mexicans maintain distinctive brotherhood that makes us very unified and warm. We always welcome people into our country with the biggest smile. We are very family and culture-oriented. Our spicy dishes and warm weather also symbolize the fire that lives within our hearts. Mexico is synonymous to the word "passion."

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I don't think a woman's purity or essence is stained by means of participating in a competition where a very important factor such as discipline is required. It's also expected to impose standard of beauty in every beauty contest and that's just one of the things that competitors are trying to reach. It just depends on the intention or purpose of the exposure. In my opinion, the swimsuit competition's purpose is to glorify and honor women, not disrespect them.

• Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal, you would become, what creature would you choose and why?
I would choose to be a swan. Whenever I observe a swan, I see grace in all its movements. I also sense peace as it calmly floats and dances around water. Its white feathers and beautiful, long, neck almost seem to be characteristics of purity and elegance in its own way. It moves forward effortlessly.

• If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why?
I think I would have fast-food just so that I could have time to go and visit all of my loved ones, can you imagine?! Hahaha!

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
I have many but there's two that I love the most: "In the middle of chaos lies opportunity." by Albert Einstein and "I act as if everything depends upon me and pray as if everything depends on God." by Oprah Winfrey.

• Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Falling in love for the first time! It was like seeing life through a pink lens, as clichι or corny as it may sound. It's true. I remember how I felt inner peace and excitement day in and day out. Being with that special person made me feel like I can do ANYTHING. It packed me with self-esteem and a beautiful, constant warm feeling.

• Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2005.
It is really important to those women who can extract its real value and meaning. I consider myself as one of them. Its importance can be derived from the valuable experiences and lessons it has to offer. This includes meeting wonderful people, among them wise, experienced and humble. It connects you to the less ordinary side of the world. It enforces your existing values and lets you adopt new ones along the way while praising beauty all the time. It lets the world believe that women have what it takes and that they can also make a difference. My responsibilities include being a spokesperson for Mexican women. The Nuestra Belleza Organization is especially associated with a program that helps orphan girls who look up to us. It's my responsibility to send out a positive message to them and motivate them, let them know that they can do anything no matter what adversities that hound them. 

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
The Miss Universe title symbolizes something that is very grand to me. I try to guide myself through life by following certain universal laws. I've always believed that followers of these laws are being granted with success. With each title that you achieve, you are faced with a bigger challenge filled with higher expectations and bigger duties, as well as bigger satisfactions. By winning our state titles even before we become national beauty queens, we are already considered as winners. But to be the titleholder of a universal crown will let me send out a message to the world that the universe symbolizes something bigger aside from what we can see or feel. It's the positive energy that we are all made of that moves the universe and can work miracles. 

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Mexico at Miss Universe 2006 pageant?
An energetic, happy and proud Mexican woman who will be there to open up her heart to the world, make her country proud and enjoy the ride! As what I've always said, "Whatever happens is God's will and that's what I live for." I would just do what my heart tells me to do. 

• Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
Hi!!! Thank you so much for your interest and for being a part of this beautiful experience. I must admit, my preparation and focus wouldn't be the same and wouldn't be as special without all your support and motivation. I hope I would never let you down. To the people at Missosology, thanks again, I'm truly grateful and I will never take for granted your attention and support.