Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Venezuela wins Miss Universe title
NHA TRANG, Vietnam -- Out of the 80 gorgeous women vying for the 2008 Miss Universe pageant, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela stood out winning the most prestigious beauty title in the world.
Mendoza bested three other Latina beauties and a Russian during the Top 5 stint. Colombian beauty Tailana Vargas is 1st runner-up; Marianne Cruz Gonzales of Dominican Republic, 2nd runner-up; and Elisa Najera of Mexico came in 4th place. Russian candidate Vera Krasova ended the pageant in the 3rd spot.
Mendoza is the fifth Venezuelan crowned as Miss Universe.
The 22-year-old beauty, once kidnapped in her homeland said the incident taught her to remain poised under pressure.
Mendoza successfully clinched the crown with her winning answer on the question of the "difference between men and women."
"Men think that the fastest way to go to a point is to go straight, but women know that the faster way to go to a point is to go to the curves."
When host cum US talk show host Jerry Springer announced her as winner, Mendoza burst into tears. Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori of Japan crowned her as queen for 2008.
For other awards, Miss El Salvador was awarded Miss Congeniality while Miss Thailand won the Best National Costume.
For the second time in a row, Miss USA tripped. Crystle Stewart who made it to the top 10 finalists slipped on the train of her evening gown. She hastily stood up and continued walking as if nothing happened.
Last year, Miss USA Rachel Smith also stumbled during the evening gown competition.
This year's Miss Universe is entitled to a year-long salary as Miss Universe.
She will travel around the world and will receive health and beauty-care services.
Miss Universe will also be trained in public relations, and will receive free rent in a New York City luxury apartment.
She will also get a gift-bag stuffed with designer shoes, dresses and beauty products plus a two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy in New York City (NYC) valued at up to US$100,000.
She will as well have access to various NYC events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.
Miss Universe 2008 was hosted by Springer and Spice Girl Melanie Brown. It was broadcasted live in about 170 countries. (JRDB/Sunnex)
