• How would you define "beauty?"
I sense beauty from a human being that is charming, someone with a lot of virtues and qualities. I also believe that simplicity is beauty.

• What were your reasons for joining the Miss Puerto Rico pageant?
The main reason why I decided to participate in the Miss Puerto Rico contest was my belief that it would be an excellent opportunity to grow as a woman and to be catapulted into the limelight and be known by everybody in a very short a time. I believe that the pageant would enable myself to reach goals. It offers a lot for every girl to be known widely through different forms of media. I believe, this is not only a reason for myself but for every girl that joins this pageant.

• How were you elected as Miss Puerto Rico Universe? Describe the judging process.
The process of joining the Miss Puerto Rico pageant started with applications which required all aspirants to indicate her age, civil status and all other related personal data then the chosen girls had to participate in many events and activities. Each town in Puerto Rico had a representative and we competed with each other through  personal interviews with the judges. We went through the preliminaries and the finals and we were evaluated in the swimsuit category and the evening gown competition that led to the summation of our scorings. The one with the highest mark was chosen as the new queen.

• What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown?
The elements of humility, dedication and discipline definitely helped me obtain the title of Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006. The contest has become my moment to show my true personality and passion toward the goals that I have been pursuing all throughout my life.

• Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest.
Although my preparations were a little difficult in most occasions, I took it as an opportunity to prepare not just for the Miss Universe contest but also for my life in general. There are infinite causes that the Miss Universe advocates and I was able to grasp all that.

• Can you tell something that is so interesting or unique about you?
I am a very determined woman with a clear mind. I don't think twice when I go after my desires in life. I strongly believe in my own capacities.

• Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why?
For me, all beauty queens deserve respect and admiration because they have managed to thrive in an arduous road to attain beauty and fame. They were rewarded for that.

• Describe your fashion sense and style.
My style is very simple. I slip into clothes that are appropriate for the occasion. It is also the power to be myself in any moment. 

• How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe? 
My country is marvelous, therefore people call it as "The Island of Charm." It is a small island in the Caribbean but it offers a lot of varieties and that it is the primary reason why many people love to visit my country.

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I respect the opinion of others a lot but in my point of view, I don't see it as an act that would command disrespect for a woman. We should see it in a professional point of view. The swimsuit category is needed for the evaluation and selection of a candidate.

• 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 a cat.

• If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why?
I would like to eat a good plate of meat with beans which is cooked by my grandmother.

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
Any bad thing you do will return to you.

• Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
To see the expression of satisfaction from the persons that I love so much- my parents that did not just raise me but have also given everything that I need and educated me the best way possible.

• Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Puerto Rico Universe titleholder.
Joining a beauty pageant is important in a sense that it is a symbol of your triumph, without giving much importance to the final result. My responsibility is to represent my country with all the qualities of a Puerto Rican that would distinguish us from others. 

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
For me, being crowned Miss Universe is the realization of one of my great ambitions. It is also the start of many other great opportunities and I would be very happy to project to everyone how a Puerto Rican would embody the essence of being Miss Universe. I would be happy to return to Puerto Rico with great happiness and be thankful for the great support that they have given me. 

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Puerto at Miss Universe 2006 pageant?
People will expect a firm and determined woman that is also disciplined, sure of herself and who will give her very best come July 23. 

• Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
Thank you for this opportunity to express how I feel for all the support and confidence that they have placed in me. I am very thankful! I expect to see them during the final night so that they can know a lot more about Zuleyka Rivera and what she has to offer.