• What three words best describe you & why?
Honesty- because I am the kind of person who's not afraid of voicing thoughts and opinions. Tolerance, as I have always believed that one of the key elements in establishing successful relationships with those around you is being able to accept the fact that we are all different, and as such, have diverse opinions, beliefs and thoughts. Determination- because I know what I want and I am driven to accomplish it.

• What was your childhood dream?
Ever since I was a little girl, my parents encouraged me to aim high and dream big, so I had many childhood dreams, but the one I remember the most was becoming an Olympic ice skater. Taking into consideration Puerto Rico's weather which ranges from 77° F to 100° F and the fact that we had no indoor skating rinks at the time, it wasn't an option for me. Even though this is not one of my current goals, I must confess that I still love the sport, and follow it on TV.

• What were the factors that led you to enlist at the Miss Puerto Rico pageant?
I had been modeling for some time when I got suggested and encouraged by people in the field to enter the Miss Puerto Rico Pageant because they thought I would do well. Although I had a mistaken impression of beauty pageants before participating in one, I thought them to be very interesting insofar as they offer an excellent experience and platform for women seeking to achieve their goals in all aspects of life, especially those who feel identified with social causes that help others. They offer a way to get directly involved.

Another reason to enter the pageant was that I liked the idea of representing my country on an International Competition. In Puerto Rico, beauty pageants are considered a cultural trademark and a reason for celebration.

• What is your impression on beauty contests prior to participating in one?
I used to think beauty pageants were all about image, like a fairytale where everything should be perfect.

Now, I can guarantee that they entail huge responsibility, hard work and true commitment to your social platform and career ambition. Nevertheless, it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Being able to receive such blessings and love from so many different people is amazing and very satisfying.
 
• Can you put in picture the judging process that you went through as a contestant of Miss Puerto Rico Universe pageant?
The Miss Puerto Rico Universe Organization basically uses the same judging system that the Miss Universe Organization has. There is a preliminary competition where contestants are judged in swimsuit, evening gown and interview. On the night of the broadcast, the semifinalists are chosen, and then they are judged through the same process, by different judges.   

 • What do you think are your qualities that helped you win the Miss Puerto Rico 2005 title?
Responsibility, hard work, naturalness, being focused and the way I enjoyed the experience to the fullest. These were the key qualities that I believe allowed me to win the title. They are parts of who I am, and evidently, that was what the judges were looking for.

• Is winning a beauty pageant important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Puerto Rico.
In Puerto Rico, winning a beauty pageant is considered very important and something to be proud of as not everybody gets the privilege of representing her country internationally. It's a thing of national pride.

My responsibilities as Miss Puerto Rico are divided between personal care and social work. I got up very early every morning and go to the gym to work out. I also took dancing, hair and makeup lessons. Besides this, I constantly prepared myself for special presentations, sponsor compromises and work with different social causes.

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I respect their point of view, because I keep in mind that perception varies according to culture, but it is noteworthy that women are constantly gaining more and more status in society, and this has not been because of their body. 

It is my point of view that the swimsuit competition is a reflection of health, discipline and well being, and not something disrespectful. In that particular part of the competition, we are judged for our efforts to be in shape. It is just one of the three competitions, as the evening gown and interview competitions are equally important.

• What are your passions in life?
I am an avid writer, and I enjoy all the elements involved in the creative process. That is definitely one of my passions. As for hobbies- modeling, listening to Latin pop music and ballads, experimenting with different make-up brands and browsing the Internet are all things I like to do.

• Can you tell something that is so interesting about you?
I love popcorn. But it's not just any type of popcorn- it has to be a movie theater popcorn. I am very finicky about this and I even go to a local movie theater to buy some and take it home then I'll cuddle up in my couch and just enjoy its wonderful taste.

• How did you prepare for the Miss Universe pageant?
I woke up every morning at 5:00 a.m. to work out in the gym. I also took lessons in public speaking, dancing, hair & makeup and acting. 

• How will you describe your country to the rest of the world?
Puerto Rico is a modern island with incredible beaches. Its people are fun and loving and brought up with solid family values. My country has mixtures of culture and history that's unique in Latin America. 

•  What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
The craziest thing I have ever done is accepting to play the star role of a movie without having previous acting experience.

• How would you define "love"?
Love is a sincere feeling that grows from the heart. This feeling is developed and nurtured through a relationship of mutual respect, honesty and empathy. Sacrificing something in order to please somebody without expecting something in return is a sign that you are experiencing it.

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

• What is your biggest dream in life?
My biggest dream in life is also the simplest, and I believe the most common among us: happiness.

• Finally, leave a personal message to Missosology readers.
To dear readers of Missosology, thanks for reading my interview. I hope you enjoyed it! You help us in being focused and positive during the competition! Hug and Kisses!!!



 
Thank you Cynthia. Do your best in your
Miss Universe quest! Good Luck!


Special thanks to Magaly Ferales, Daniel Figueroa,
Tony Vera, Omar Cruz & Francisco Parra

 

 

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