Born in the heart of Santurce in Puerto Rico to a tight-nit family, Cynthia Olavarria was always poised to conquer the world. Her first claim to fame originated from modeling- no qualms at all considering her striking beauty that glows even more because of her remarkable personality. Through  encouragements from people, Cynthia branched-off into the pageant bandwagon. It took her two attempts to fulfill her desire to represent her country in Miss Universe. With her classy, picture-perfect beauty, superb modeling skills & determination, she eventually made her country proud by finishing first runner-up in the highly contested Miss Universe 2005 pageant.

Missosology considers Cynthia Olavarria  as a timeless beauty because her physical attractiveness and inner beauty are harmoniously integrated. She also makes a real connection to anyone. Here's our ultimate interview with Cynthia that will make you recognize her even more.

How's life after the Miss Universe pageant? 
Interesting! You start to enjoy things without feeling the responsibility of competing in an international pageant because you already did it. Haha! It's exciting, because I received a lot of invitations from different countries as a guest, model, MC, spokesperson, to be part of special presentations or even to be a judge in other pageants.

What is your favorite Miss Universe experience? 
When I arrived at the hotel in Bangkok and I saw everybody expecting to meet the delegates for the first time. It was our official welcome and everything started there. 

Are your expectations in the pageant met? 
Yes! I always wanted to compete in the Miss Universe pageant and everything was great. I can guarantee you that it was an experience I'll never forget, and many of the delegates I had the opportunity to talk with after the pageant think the same way. 

You learn other cultures, visit extraordinary places and make new friends. The organization also tries its best to make all delegates feel as comfortable as possible. My chaperone Penney was the best! Esther, Mary, Susie, Annette, Fadil, and Scott are also unforgettable!

Who became your closest friends during & after the pageant? 
Miss Costa Rica, Johana Fernández. She was my roommate and I consider her my sister. During the pageant, we helped each other without feeling the sense of competition. We're still in touch by phone and email, and I actually visited her country twice after the pageant. That's what true friendship is about! 

I also email with Miss Sri Lanka, Miss Philippines, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Russia, Albania, Italy, Antigua and Barbuda, Indonesia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Norway, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Panama and many others, because I remember them as good friends! I had the chance to talk to every girl during the pageant, especially with Miss Serbia & Montenegro, Namibia, Switzerland and I must confess that I've been looking for their email addresses for so long, to get in touch, but I can't find them!

What kept you in top condition throughout the Miss Universe contest? In what event do you think you shined most? 
I think I was very confident during the competition because I was enjoying what I was doing and that element combined with preparation, modeling skills, and a true desire of winning the title helped me to place so high. Many people say that I shined a lot anytime there was a runway involved because of my catwalk skills and stage presence.

Tell us about the gown you sported in the competition, who designed it? 
The dress was picked by my National Director and made by local designer Carlos Alberto, who also designed the attire that I used during my National competition.

Any funny/unusual/crazy MU moments? 
Two days before the pageant during our rehearsals, a sponsor gave each delegate her own picture and asked us to pose onstage while holding it. I still don't know how, but my photo slipped from my fingers and crashed on the floor in front of everybody including the sponsors. I felt so embarrassed!

Before your participation in Miss Universe, I'm sure you used to have perceptions about the pageant. At this present time, how would you define Miss Universe in your own terms? 
I define it as a global competition where different countries had the chance to send an ambassador, and at the same time- a  competitor, to represent them worldwide. The international exposure you get is unbelievable! On the other hand, the opportunity to help so many people, especially with HIV is remarkable.

The pageant could be defined as a combination of modeling and social awareness, with international and public relations. The delegates react in many ways. Some put into practice what they learned in their training, others make new friends and forget about competing, and many others simply enjoyed the experience of being in another country and the activities that the organization has planned for them. In the end, no matter what country we're from, we all had a common goal: to make our country proud.

What do you think are your qualities that helped you make it all the way to the top? 
Ever since I entered the pageant world, I've heard that you can only come up with wonderful results when you combine good luck with preparation, so that's kind of a mystery. But I think my concentration, self-confidence, catwalk and modeling skills, and the true desire of becoming the new Miss Universe, added to the judges' opinion, were very important.

Observers noted that you easily connect to people.
I love to be in touch with people. If I talk to, kiss, or hug them, it is because I feel it that way. Believe me, that's something you can't fake, especially when you're often in activities and you can't sleep, eat, or rest. It's something you must feel in your heart in order to surpass all that and treat people like they deserve. During my reign I turned to hug everybody even if I didn't know them, because they gave me the strength I needed to feel confident and reminded me of my responsibility to my country.

I think that's what makes it special. We must remember that they're not guilty of our personal problems, so I consider them first and treat them as they should- with open arms and full of energy. I may not have a crown but I still receive the love and respect of many people that I don't even know and they consider me as part of their family. It's the same thing with children, especially the little girls who want to be like you, and your countrymen that feels proud of your work. That's priceless!

Did you have strategies in the competition? 
I just remain focused to my goal without paying attention or comparing myself to the performance of the other delegates. Those distractions make you lose energy and concentration.

We are wondering if you have beauty secrets. Please share this to us. 
I never sleep with makeup on my face, and I use Vaseline to remove lipstick and mascara. I mix loose powder with moisturizer and it makes me look like I had foundation! The only disadvantage is that people may think that I'm using a lot of makeup but I'm not!

Name three beauty products you can’t live without. 
Concealer, mascara, and blush.

Any indulgences? 
I eat a lot of chocolates, popcorn, and pizza whenever possible!

Tell us about your most flattering experience. 
When they called me last in the top 15, because everybody wanted to be in that position during that specific moment. To make the cut when there were 81 women from different parts of the world sharing the same dream was amazing. And of course, the final result, becoming the first "First Runner Up" in my country's history was flattering. I feel very honored.

Who among the Miss Universe candidates who were shut off in the semifinals (in your opinion) deserved to make the cut? 
There were many wonderful delegates this year, so I know it was impossible for all of them to make the cut, but I think Miss Brazil, Italy, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Colombia, Antigua & Barbuda and Serbia & Montenegro were very good contestants as well.

Who/what was your greatest influence that contributed greatly to your success. 
My parents and my brother. They were my strength during the whole competition and they helped me in every way possible. No one else could receive credit for my work other than my family! I love them!

What is your impression on the new Miss Universe - Natalie Glebova? 
Natalie is a very quiet person so I didn't have the chance to talk to her so much during the pageant, but she gave a good performance and I wish her all the best during her reign! Congratulations Natalie!!!

What are your plans after Miss Universe and reign as Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2005? 
I'm analyzing many offers in modeling, acting, hosting events & TV programs, and as radial broadcaster. I'm going to give it a try so I'm very excited! Also, I'm planning to start my Master's Degree in International Relations and Entertainment Law in the United States, possibly Miami.

What message can you offer young women who looks up to you and aspire to be a beauty queen someday?
Being a beauty queen is something you must truly desire. You must be prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You have to believe in yourself, remain focused on your goal, be very open-minded, and remember that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that many girls would like to experience. Go on stage and do your best, and if you don't make it, learn from the experience and look for another goal in your life. Remember that we're here in this world to look at the positive side of each situation, so never give up. Enjoy every moment that life has to offer and please, don't forget to SMILE!

Finally, leave a special message to your fans and supporters in Puerto Rico.
A mi querida gente de Puerto Rico en especial a la comunidad cibernética que ha seguido mis pasos durante mi año de reinado. Gracias por el apoyo brindado, siempre fueron mi luz en el camino, especialmente cuando estuve en Tailandia representándolos y pude sentir sus bendiciones y energía positiva. Sus muestras de cariño, comentarios y oraciones me hicieron sentir más cerca de ustedes, a pesar de la distancia y me ayudaron a seguir adelante. Los quiero mucho y siempre los llevaré conmigo en mi corazón. - Cynthia, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2005

*Conducted by Nicholo Paulo Ventura. Cynthia's Photo Gallery to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

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