17/05/08
La gran final de NBL / Melissa Marty se convirtió en la reina
La gran final de NBL
Melissa Marty se convirtió en la reina
P.Perdomo/Univision Online
Alejandra Espinoza coronó a la nueva reina.
Chayanne y sus 'Lolas' pusieron la nota musical en la gran gala final de Nuestra Belleza Latina. Con trajes y chaquetas de reconocidos diseñadores, las bellas desfilaron por una alfombra roja en su última presentación de baile. Melissa Marty fue coronada como la reina del 2008 y con mucha emoción recibió la corona de manos de Alejandra Espinoza.
Noche boricua
Cada una de las seis finalistas de Nuestra Belleza Latina presentó a su familia, sus costumbres y su casa para luego recibir, por parte de los jueces, su última evaluación.
A Emeraude le criticaron un poco su peso; a Zolia le dijeron una vez más que era la sal y la pimienta de la competencia; Julián Gil no dudó en decirle a Dayamí que 'está muy buena'; a Leticia le admiraron su linda sonrisa; a Manuela la felicitaron por haber llegado a la final contra viento y marea y a Melissa le dijeron que era una gran competidora.
El público votó y eligió a la nueva reina. En sexto lugar quedó Manuela quien se fue satisfecha porque 'fue muy sufrido llegar hasta acá'.
La nueva reina
Leticia se llevó el quinto lugar. La mexicana agradeció el apoyo e invitó a todas las chicas que quieran participar en el show. Con lágrimas en los ojos, Zoila se quedó con el cuarto puesto y dijo estar contenta por haber llegado tan lejos. Dayamí, en el tercer lugar, no dudo en decir que esto es solo el comienzo de su carrera.
Antes de conocer a la nueva reina, Alejandra Espinoza hizo un recuento de su año de reinado y dio sus últimos pasos por el escenario de Nuestra Belleza Latina.
Con los nervios a flor de piel, Emeraude y Melissa esperaban que Osmel diera el nombre de la nueva reina.
Con el 25.6% de votos, la boricua Melissa Marty se coronó como Nuestra Belleza Latina 2008 y de manos de Alejandra recibió la corona y la banda. Felicidades Melissa.
www.univision.com
Melissa Marty: Boricua que se corona NUESTRA BELLEZA LATINA 2008
La puertorriqueña Melissa Marty obtuvo esta noche el título de “Nuestra belleza latina 2008”, imponiéndose ante otras cinco concursantes del reality show de Univisión.
“Desde chiquita quería que Puerto Rico conociera mi nombre y quién yo soy, y al estar lográndolo, imagínate, superó todas mis expectativas. Estoy tan emocionada, bien contenta y bien orgullosa de haber dado el todo y haberlo logrado, de llegar hasta este punto”, dijo vía telefónica a PRIMERA HORA, con la voz entrecortada.
La boricua se disputó el título con la colombiana Manuela Arbeláez, la mexicana Leticia Castro, la dominicana Zoila Ceballos, la cubana Dayamí Padrón y la méxico-libanesa Emeraude Toubia.
“Empecé a llorar desde anoche (jueves) y me estaban regañando porque se me podían hinchar los ojos... Me senté a pensar en todo lo que había pasado y me di cuenta que me propuse representar a la Isla y que estaba haciendo un buen trabajo, poniendo nuestra bandera en alto, era algo que siempre había querido”, expresó.
Marty, una bailarina cagüeña de 23 años, se inició en las competencias de belleza el pasado noviembre, cuando participó en Miss Puerto Rico Universe y logró ingresar al grupo semifinal. Meses después audicionaba para “Nuestra belleza latina 2008”.
“Para mí siempre había sido una meta representar a Puerto Rico en el extranjero y lo llevaba en el alma hace mucho tiempo... y entré a Miss Puerto Rico Universe y no se me dio, y entré a ésta, que es un poco diferente, y aquí estoy”, puntualizó sobre el programa, en el que el año pasado la puertorriqueña Yara Lasanta alcanzó el puesto de segunda finalista.
La beldad boricua dijo que el carácter fuerte que le adjudicaron durante toda la competencia fue precisamente el que le ayudó a sobrepasar sus metas.
“Sí soy una persona de carácter fuerte, pero para este medio me ha de beneficiar porque te ayuda a poder canalizar las cosas que te caen encima, sean positivas o negativas”, señaló la reina, que fue evaluada por Osmel Sousa, Lupita Jones y Julián Gil.
Melissa llega a la Isla mañana, sábado, en el vuelo de las 12:50 de American Airlines, desde Miami. Su pueblo, Caguas, le está organizando una bienvenida y será recibida por el alcalde William Miranda Marín en horas de la tarde, se informó.
Busca más detalles sobre el triunfo de Melissa en la edición de mañana de Primera Hora.
Orgullosa de imponer su belleza boricua
Espectáculos Así
Orgullosa de imponer su belleza boricua
Sábado, 17 de Mayo de 2008
Aixa Sepúlveda Morales / Primera Hora
La final de “Nuestra belleza latina 2008” se transmitió anoche por Univisión Puerto Rico. (Suministrada)
La puertorriqueña Melissa Marty comenzó a llorar de la emoción desde el jueves en la noche. Entonces aún faltaban largas horas para conocerse que se convertiría en “Nuestra belleza latina 2008”, título que conquistó anoche en Miami.
“Desde chiquita quería que Puerto Rico conociera mi nombre y quién yo soy, y al estar lográndolo, imagínate, superó todas mis expectativas. Estoy tan emocionada, bien contenta y bien orgullosa de haber dado el todo y haberlo logrado, de llegar hasta este punto”, dijo vía telefónica a PRIMERA HORA, con la voz entrecortada.
La boricua ganó este reality show de Univisión –grabado en Miami, Florida– cuyo título se disputó con otras cinco finalistas: la colombiana Manuela Arbeláez, la mexicana Leticia Castro, la dominicana Zoila Ceballos, la cubana Dayamí Padrón y la méxico-libanesa Emeraude Toubia.
“Pensé en todo lo que había pasado y me di cuenta que me propuse representar a la Isla y que estaba haciendo un buen trabajo, poniendo nuestra bandera en alto. Era algo que siempre había querido”, expresó.
Melissa Marty, una bailarina cagüeña de 23 años, se inició en las competencias de belleza el pasado noviembre, cuando participó en Miss Puerto Rico Universe y logró ingresar al grupo semifinal. Meses después audicionaba para “Nuestra belleza latina 2008”.
“Para mí siempre había sido una meta representar a Puerto Rico en el extranjero y lo llevaba en el alma hace mucho tiempo... y entré a Miss Puerto Rico Universe y no se me dio, y entré a esta competencia, que es un poco diferente, y aquí estoy”, puntualizó.
“Esta ha sido una experiencia increíble, una forma de prepararte para el mundo de las comunicaciones, porque te entrenan en pasarela, dicción, proyección escénica, baile, todo lo que uno pueda necesitar... Así que tengo que decir que detrás de mi figura y de este buen papel están muchas personas. Y claro, mi mamá, mis amistades y el pueblo de Puerto Rico”, agregó.
La beldad boricua dijo que el carácter fuerte que le adjudicaron durante toda la competencia fue precisamente el que le ayudó a sobrepasar sus metas.
“Sí soy una persona de carácter fuerte, pero para este medio me ha de beneficiar porque te ayuda a poder canalizar las cosas sean positivas o negativas”, señaló la reina, que fue evaluada por Osmel Sousa, Lupita Jones y Julián Gil.
“A Puerto Rico, lo llevo en el corazón, lo llevo pensando día y noche y no hay cosa que me enorgullezca más que representar a mi isla bella. Un besote y mil gracias por ayudarme a cumplir esta meta que me impuse hace tiempo”, concluyó Melissa, quien está interesada en continuar en el mundo de las comunicaciones.
Magali Febles, tenedora de la franquicia de Miss Puerto Rico Universe, también se mostró emocionada. “Estoy feliz de que una joven que participó en mi concurso haya ganado. Desde que la vi pensé que tenía potencial para desarrollarse en los medios de comunicación”, dijo.
Le arman recibimiento
Melissa Marty arribaría hoy sábado a la Isla, en el vuelo de las 12:50 PM de American Airlines. De ahí pasaría a ser recibida en Caguas por el alcalde William Miranda Marín, a las 5:00 PM.
16/05/08
Vo Viet Chung designer working on ao dai for Miss Universe 2008
Vo Viet Chung designs an ao dai for Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori
VietNamNet Bridge – Vo Viet Chung has signed a contract with the organising board of Miss Universe 2008 pageant to design ao dai for competitors. Eighty-five ao dai that Chung has nurtured for a long time will go to the stage on world-wide beauties in the coastal city of Nha Trang this July.
You have signed a contract to be the sole designer of ao dai for Miss Universe pageant. Could you share your happiness with us?
When I was a small boy, each time I watched international pageant contests on TV, I dreamed that one day they would wear my clothes and that dream has become reality. This is the greatest happiness and luck for me in my over 10-year career.
How special will be your designs for the contest?
I will design 85 ao dai for 85 contestants from all over the world. Each design will have its own characteristics and will be different from the others. Each ao dai will be a story, which shows the cultural uniqueness of each country.
I divide them into four collections based on the four seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. When my ao dai go to stage, you will see a colourful picture of nature and a splendid flower garden of Mother Nature.
I want to present to contestants and introduce to international friends a special gift: unique designs that appear for the first time at a Miss Universe pageant. They are my passion, my sentiment and my soul.
But how can you find the essences of all 85 countries within a few months to show them in your designs?
It was very hard for me to get accurate measurements of all contestants from the organising board. I also had to seek information about the colours of their skin, hair and eyes to choose the most suitable materials.
My ao dai will hold closely to the body to help show-off competitors’ body curves. The colours will be various to render the four seasons. I will keep the frame of Vietnamese traditional ao dai and add some suitable renovations. I want to prove that ao dai is not an old thing. It is very modern and romantic.
Learning of the cultures of 85 countries has taken a lot of time. I have to read documents and find out what are the most outstanding features of these countries. I also have to look at traditional clothes of these countries and filter the most special things to use in my ao dai collection, which I call “Miss Universe”.
How about the materials to make this collection?
Most of them are imported products which are used by well-known fashion brands in the world. I have spent over $100,000 on materials.
Are you investing in this collection alone or with others?
I’m the sole sponsor of ao dai for the pageant so I have to pay for everything. It exceeds my ability a little bit (smile), but it is no problem because I can realise my dream and can introduce Vietnamese culture to the world through my ao dai designs.
You said you want to introduce Vietnamese culture to the world. What do you think if some say you also want to advertise your name to the world?
(Smile) You think I need to be famous? No, I don’t need it anymore. Designing ao dai is my passion and it is in my heart and my blood already. So I want to be the designer of ao dai for competitors of Miss Universe pageant at any cost.
Is there a lot of pressure to design nearly 100 ao dai for an international beauty contest?
The pressure is great but it has decreased a lot. But I’m willing to accept pressure because I can live with my passion. This is a valuable opportunity for me and it may be the only opportunity in my life. Despite many challenges, I still feel very happy. The organising board is allowing me to make all decisions related to my designs. Their respect makes the pressure greater.
I’ve finished 60 designs. I’m very happy because I’ve finished nearly three-fourths of the load. I’m working on the last 25 designs.
I’m requested to make 85 designs but I will make over 90 designs so I can change designs if necessary. When competitors come to Vietnam to try on ao dai, if I see any design that is not suitable for them, I will change it.
How about the ao dai for the Vietnamese girl?
I’ll surely make something very special for that ao dai. But I will not reveal anything about it. But I can say that the design will emphasise the familiar gentleness, loveliness and pureness of the Vietnamese girl, but it will be unforgettable.
(Source: NS)
Kazakhstan Fashion week
A model presents a creation by Kyrgyz-British DenNik Li house design during Kazakhstan Fashion week in Almaty May 15, 2008. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (KAZAKHSTAN)
Taliana se prepara para Miss Universo
Vencer la incredulidad es una de las tareas que se ha propuesto Taliana María Vargas, Señorita Colombia, en su preparación para Miss Universo 2008.
Sabe que dicha incredulidad tiene sólidas bases en el pueblo colombiano, pues en los últimos años, la participación de la belleza colombiana en el certamen universal, no ha sido la mejor, y los seguidores de la Señorita Colombia han tenido que sufrir una tras otra decepción.
Por eso, la bella samaria, desde la noche de la coronación como la mujer más hermosa del país, el pasado mes de noviembre, se ha concentrado para exaltar sus fortalezas y trabajar en pro de superar sus debilidades.
Una tarea que no ha sido nada sencilla, a la cual le ha dedicado la mayor parte de sus esfuerzos, alejándose de sus amigos y familia, para entrar en una concentración total de cara al evento más importante de la belleza en el mundo.
Y aunque no lo admita, tal vez dicha apuesta fue la que produjo su ruptura amorosa, pues su ritmo de trabajo es vertiginoso, entre la preparación hacia Miss Universo, y las actividades que la Señorita Colombia realiza en todo el territorio nacional.Así, desmiente tajantemente una posible relación amorosa con el actor y protagonista de la telenovela “Novia para dos”, Lincoln Palomeque. “Sólo tenemos amigos en común”, asegura ante dicha pregunta.
Sus últimos seis meses los ha entregado, en cuerpo y alma a la corona como Señorita Colombia, contando con todo un batallón de personajes que le ayudan para lograr una meta en común: la mejor participación de Colombia en Miss Universo en los últimos diez años.
Todo lo calcula paso a paso, como el llegar impactando a Nha Trang, ciudad de Vietnam escogida por Donald Trump, el magnate dueño del concurso, para ser la sede de Miss Universo 2008.
De Colombia saldrá el 17 de junio hacia ese país, al cual llegará dos días después, por lo cual necesitará de una buena recuperación para estar lúcida y radiante en el comienzo del certamen.
PREPARACIÓN INTEGRAL
En las mañanas está con sus preparadores físicos en las instalaciones de Bodytech de la ciudad en la que se encuentre cumpliendo sus compromisos reales.
Con Jolie de Vogue la labor ha sido constante, pues a Miss Universo no podrá llevar maquillador, entonces la responsabilidad de llevar un rostro hermoso, con el maquillaje perfecto para cada ocasión y atuendo, correrá por su propia cuenta.
La propia samaria cuenta con sus propios truquitos de belleza a la hora del maquillaje, el cual será de la colección “Spring Bouquet” de Vogue.
“Me delineo los ojos un poco por fuera de ellos para que se vean más expresivos, pícaros y muy latinos. También descubrí que la pestañina se aplica más de siete veces en cada sesión, para que las pestañas ganen en volumen y longitud”, comentó Taliana María Vargas.
Las tardes de los últimos seis meses de la Señorita Colombia las ha pasado en clases de fogueo periodístico con Adiela Marín, clases de baile y expresión corporal con Brunilda Zapata, y Óscar Fabián Chacón en pasarela.
Afirma que ha logrado ajustar su figura y mejorar las líneas de su cuerpo. Nada sencillo para una mujer de 1.78 metros de estatura y 54 kilos de peso.
Ya prepara lo que será todo el ajuar que llevará para Vietnam, con vestidos de las firmas más importantes de los creadores de moda colombiana, como Silvia Tcherassi y Alfredo Barraza, sólo por nombrar algunos.
“Hay mucho color en ellos, en especial el rojo que es mi color favorito, que es apasionado e ideal para las noches de verano. Además es un color que me encanta”, continúa la Señorita Colombia.
Asegura que no tiene agüeros, “todo se lo dejo en manos de Dios”, comenta, pero sabe bien de la responsabilidad que tiene al llevar la corona de la belleza nacional. “Estoy segura de lo que tengo y voy a explotarlo en Vietnam para destacarme entre el ramillete de candidatas”, finaliza Taliana María.
Bachchans: A family that eats together
For the sarkar of the Bachchan parivaar, Amitabh Bachchan, shooting for Sarkar Raj was special for several reasons.
It was the first film that Abhishek and Aishwarya signed together after they got married and to top it all, it also stars the Big B. Ash who was the newly-wedded bahu at the time when the film was being shot, used to take special care of her husband and Pa Amitabh. Being a South Indian, she would see to it that there would be special South Indian delicacies packed in the tiffin.
Ash would supervise the cooking in the morning before the food could be packed in the dabba. Her vegetarian fare became an instant hit with the son and the father.
“Lunch hour was the only hour that we three as a family could get time to spend together as after that we would soon be the respective characters we were playing,” reminisces the Big B. A family that eats together not only lives together but also works together, right Mr Big B?
Ash dazzles at Cannes
The Cannes International Film Festival, the most glamorous event on the festival calendar has returned to celebrate its 61st year. The festival opened on Wednesday with a Fernando Meirelles's grim Brazilian drama Blindness. This year's star lineup offers a mix of new talent.
But the festival is devoid of Indian cinema, except for Dev Anand's Guide which is a part of the Classics section.
No other Indian film has made it to the competitive or non-competitive categories but a host of Bollywood stars are expected at the festival.
Aishwarya Rai was the first to grace the red carpet at Cannes. NDTV's Consulting Editor, Films, Anupama Chopra caught up with the pretty lady.
Anupama: In the past five years you have become the most constant connect with the Cannes film festival but Bollywood is already a thriving global film industry. So, why do we need to pay attention to this space?
Aishwarya: Having come here many a times, I have developed a kind of fantastic rapport with the people at this festival.
I genuinely bond with the people, the place and the festival. And yes, each year I am asked this question by the media. I feel, as a member of our film fraternity it will be fantastic to have representation here in Cannes too. But I don't think that should be used as a barometer to judge what we have or to lament. It could be an ambition. After all its is an individual choice. The filmmakers decide the need for a movie to be part of 'A' festival or be it the Cannes itself.
It happened with couple of my films, earlier the filmmakers had aspired to have the screening or the premiere here. But because the event is held in May it is more in their (filmmakers) interest to release the movie earlier in the year because Cannes doesn't screen a released movie. Like what happened with Ritu's (Rituparno Ghosh) movies for example Chokher Bali and Raincoat had both released earlier they couldn't come here. I am aware of the discussions with Jodhaa Akbar too. At the end of the day what happens is for good only and I am happy the way Jodhaa Akbar has been received. So may be some other time.
Ash at Cannes
As she walked down the red carpet at Cannes with Eva Longoria, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan finally proved that she was a pro at the routine, be it Bollywood or Hollywood.
But Ash has taken her time to earn these designer stripes. Her debut at the film festival seven years ago, and for a few consecutive years, was nothing less than a design disaster. What she wore was the big issue, with the Indian designers throwing up their manicured hands in the air and asking Ash to shape up. And that is what the Bachchan bahu has done, although she took her own sweet time over it.
Dressed in a Roberto Cavalli number, she ensured that the petite Longoria – Hollywood A-lister she may be – couldn’t take attention away from her. Here’s the design frat doffing their hats to the beauty and her Cannes bit... Rocky S: Ash is looking stunning, just like one of the Hollywood actresses who are a pro at the red carpet.
She surely has evolved and Ash’s sense of dressing just keeps getting better every year. She is looking at par with Eva Longoria and French actress Rachida Brakni, who walked with her on the red carpet. Her hair is right, her purse is right and I like the fact that she has not used to jewellery to mess up the look. Rating: 9/10 Tarun Tahiliani: She is getting better by the day. As it is, she has a stunning personality and I guess whatever she wears looks good on her. She has had some bad dress days initially at Cannes. While I had liked her ice blue dress she wore last time at Cannes, this is looking fabulous. She needs to keep herself on this track. Rating: 9/10 Narendra Kumar Ahmed: Aishwarya is doing a good job by wearing this dress for the red carpet.
I don’t think today you have to proclaim you identity as an Indian by wearing a saree. You can be wearing a western gown and still retain your identity, which is what Ash is doing. I guess she went wrong at Cannes the first few times because even she was new and did not know what worked and what didn’t. Her first few appearances were low on confidence and tentative. But this time, she can stand up to Eva Longoria. I would like to call her the new sex symbol of India now! Rating: 8/10 Anna Singh: Ash is looking stunning and very charming.
She is happy and confident within and that is making her look gorgeous. I think she has evolved as a person too. What had not worked for her earlier at Cannes were the last minute preparations. She is more prepared now.
Rating: 10/10 Varun Bahl: While Ash is looking stunning, I don’t see her wearing a dress like this in India. And that is because in India, nobody wears clothes like this. Then why experiment abroad for a red carpet? She could have worn a saree instead. It is an inherently Indian dress and she looks great in it.
Aishwarya Rai returns to Cannes
What will Aishwarya Rai wear down the red carpet at this year's Cannes Film Festival? Ever since she arrived by horse drawn carriage, dressed in a stunning yellow dress for the premiere of her film Devdas in 2002, Rai’s annual presence at the festival has added a unique Bollywood hue to the red carpet proceedings. Last year, my heart skipped a beat when Rai arrived decked in a white gown with her new husband Abhishek Bachchan on display.
Her choice of apparel has always created waves. In 2003, the Armani-clad Rai was the first Indian actor to sit on the prestigious judges’ panel and the following year, decked in Chopard and a Neeta Lulla skimpy white dress, she made spectators gasp in awe. Black was her colour of choice in 2005 and she arrived hand in hand with fellow L’Oreal brand ambassador Andie MacDowell in 2006. This year Rai will be there again: she is contractually bound by L’Oreal to appear.
Rai, hubby Abhishek and father in law, Amitabh Bachchan will be in town and will probably stay at the Martinez Hotel where they stayed last year. The trio’s latest film, Sarkar Raj, the sequel to Sarkar which is based on The Godfather, will enjoy an out of competition premiere.
Speculation is rife as to what the gorgeous Rai will wear. My guess is that, in her most important role to date as the respectable bahu (daughter-in-law) of the Bachchan dynasty, Rai will be adorned in a traditional sari. Designer, of course!
Cannes has a big place in Aishwarya Rai's heart
CANNES, France (AP) — The Cannes Film Festival has a big place in Aishwarya Rai's heart.
The Bollywood actress' first time at Cannes was to promote the lavish love story "Devdas" in 2002. The "Bride & Prejudice" star attended last year's French Riviera festival soon after her wedding to fellow film star Abhishek Bachchan.
"Last time, I got married just a month before so it was very special to be back here," she told Associated Press Television News at Cannes on Wednesday. "It was literally like a reception welcome."
About a year into married life, the former Miss World says she recommends it.
"I think what's fantastic is when you have this incredible friendship with your man," she said. "I think that's what really holds real, and that's the best part of us together. I mean of course there's the love and all of that, but I won't get into those cliches with all of you."
For the moment, she'd rather keep quiet about her plans to start a family.
"I'm a normal girl just like anybody else ... it will happen when it has to happen," she said. "It isn't something that you write in a diary, but when it has to be it will definitely be, and yeah, looking forward to it as and when, but no speculations right now, please."
Rai, who will appear with Steve Martin in next year's "The Pink Panther 2" walked down Cannes' red carpet on Wednesday in her role as a model for L'Oreal.
Aishwarya promotes Amitabh's blog at Cannes
Aishwarya Rai played the perfect ambassador for the Bachchan family at Cannes as she used the red carpet to promote not one of her films, but her father-in-law Amitabh's blog.
Rajeev Masand: You just celebrated your first wedding anniversary and this time the whole family is here, your husband Abhishek Bachchan and your father-in-law will also be at Cannes. Is this an extended anniversary celebration then?
Aishwarya Rai: No, that’s not the way we regard it. It’s you all who are making these announcements. But it’s just about taking time out and being together. It’s just holiday time with pa and ma.
Rajeev Masand: After the critical and commercial success of Guru, you and Abhishek have been paired once again in Mani Ratnam’s film. Tell us a little about the film.
Aishwarya Rai: Well, that’s the way Mani likes to keep it. But am just glad that we are working together again because as actors we enjoyed working with Mani. And that I suppose goes with every actor in the industry.
Rajeev Masand: Your father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan’s blog has been attracting a lot of attention. Have you had the chance to see it? What are your reactions to it?
Aishwarya Rai: Have you seen it?
Rajeev Masand: I have and it’s very interesting. He seems to be speaking from his heart and it also seems as if he is talking about things he has been wanting to for a long time.
Aishwarya Rai: He is such an incredible orator. He is writing the way he speaks, which is completely from the heart. He is being very real about it. You cannot negate his experience or seniority. There is so much to learn unknowingly from him. You don’t go there to get a lesson but you just end up learning so much. You actually feel as if he is talking to you and it’s not a print piece to accumulate data.
Rajeev Masand: Okay, best of luck and looking forward to more excitement at Cannes.
Aishwarya Rai: Thank you.
Reina de la alfombra roja de People
NUEVA YORK Decenas de estrellas latinas desfilaron la noche del jueves por la alfombra roja de la fiesta de People en Español para los 50 más bellos del 2008. Pero cuando llegaron Dayanara Torres y su hermana, Jeannette Torres-Álvarez, fue como si el tiempo se paralizara.
Los periodistas las retuvieron por casi una hora en la alfombra, no sólo porque ambas lucían hermosas en sendos vestidos de Reem Acra. Si no también porque son las autoras de un libro sobre el divorcio de la ex Miss Universo y el astro de la salsa Marc Anthony, que sale a la venta en inglés en junio y ha generado expectativa.
“No es la primera vez (que me incluyen en esta lista) pero es la más especial por estar con mi hermana, porque nos escogieron por nuestro trabajo”, señaló Torres, ataviada con un traje largo lila, en referencia a “Married to Me” (Casada conmigo), el libro de autoayuda que escribió con Torres-Álvarez, psicóloga de profesión.
La beldad puertorriqueña indicó que la idea surgió al no encontrar en las librerías un texto que la ayudara en su separación del hoy esposo de Jennifer López, con quien tiene dos hijos. Dijo que escribir el suyo “fue un proceso terapéutico a veces doloroso” y advirtió a quien busque en él chismes y detalles íntimos que “no gaste tiempo ni dinero, porque no tiene nada de eso”.
Otra belleza que atrajo flashes y miradas fue la actriz y cantante cubana Niurka Marcos, quien logró robarse el show con el cabello recogido en un cilindro elevadísimo y un traje negro que dejaba poco a la imaginación, antes de entrar a la fiesta en el club Mansion New York de Manhattan.
Entre las más elegantes de la noche estuvieron la presentadora boricua Giselle Blondet con un largo vestido rojo de Celine, su colega y compatriota Bárbara Bermudo en un traje a rayas azul marino del venezolano Ángel Sánchez, la actriz mexicana Marlene Favela en una colorida creación del zacateca David Salomón y “la rubia de América” Charytín Goyco, esbelta y sonriente en un traje largo de satén blanco, del también venezolano Rafael Cennamo.
Ivy Queen optó por un fresco diseño blanco y púrpura de Luis Antonio, con una gran flor en el torso, que hizo honor a su figura.
“Me puse un vestido corto porque yo vine aquí a bailar”, declaró la reina del reguetón, quien celebró su selección entre los 50 latinos más bellos como “que están honrando mi trayectoria en un género de hombres”.
Reconoció que el camino hasta la cima ha sido “horrible” y dijo que planea escribir un libro de sus vivencias, pues “15 años después de estar en el trono como la reina del reguetón una sigue pasando sus vicisitudes”.
Entre los hombres se destacaron Daddy Yankee, con un atuendo deportivo y mocasines turquesa con rosado; el risueño actor puertorriqueño Amaury Nolasco, con un elegante traje gris oscuro de Barbados; y “El Gordo” Raúl de Molina, quien lució muy bien con “65 libras” menos y confesó a la AP que quería rebajar unas 25 libras más.
También asistieron la estrella colombiana Sofía Vergara, los mexicanos Mauricio Islas, Yahir y Claudia Álvarez, el boricua Shalim, y las cubanas Daisy Fuentes, Lili Estefan y Cristina Saralegui, entre otras figuras de la televisión y las pasarelas.
15/05/08
Luz Marina Zuluaga - Miss UNIVERSE 1958
Luz Marina Zuluaga was born to an impoverished family. She moved to Manizales (Department of Caldas) as a small child and grew up there. She applied for the Miss Caldas contest, and she won 1957. After her election, controversy arose as many residents of the state thought she shouldn't represent Caldas because she had been born in Pereira, which in the department of Risaralda. However, Zuluaga went on with her training towards the Miss Colombia contest and arrived in Cartagena, hoping to win the Miss Colombia title. Zuluaga did not win the contest, landing in the first finalist spot instead. However, before the Miss Universe pageant, Miss Colombia 1957, Doris Gil Santamaria, got married. As one of the rules of the Miss Universe worldwide franchises is that no candidate can be married before the final contest itself, Gil Santamaria had to abdicate the crown, making Zuluaga Miss Colombia by default.
Zuluaga had little time to prepare for the Miss Universe pageant. But she was making history simply by representing her country in the contest - it was the first time that Colombia had a delegate in the prestigious beauty pageant.
The contest took place in Long Beach, California, on July 25 1958. After Zuluaga was announced as winner and new Miss Universe, most television and radio stations in Colombia (as much as seventy-three) stopped their regular programming to report the breaking news.
Zuluaga was not immediately able to return to her country, as Miss Universe personnel feared for her security because at the time Colombia was going through a period of extreme political volatility. When she eventually returned home, she was welcomed by large crowds both at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and at Manizales airport.
By now, the citizens of Manizales had accepted her as if she had been a native of the area. Learning that her family was not well off economically, many citizens collected money, which was used to build a better house for Zuluaga and her family.
After years outside the spotlight, Zuluaga made headlines again when she married a medical doctor and moved to the United States. In 1966, she returned to Manizales and became involved with the city council as well as with the state's institute of tourism, of which she eventually became director.
Zuluaga has three sons and a daughter (who was also Miss Caldas, and she blamed the very fact of being treated by the public as merely the daughter of a former Miss Universe for not having won the 1991 Miss Colombia title).
Marianne Cruz Gonzalez - Miss Dominican Republic UNIVERSE 2008!
Marianne Cruz Gonzalez was born in Salcedo in the Dominican Republic.
She participated in the 2007 Miss Dominican Republic beauty pageant. Despite her popularity, and her being the favorite candidate during the competition, Marianne lost to Massiel Taveras the candidate from the province of Santiago.
Later on Marianne went on to participate in the Miss Continente Americano 2007 beauty pagent. She became the winner having been preceded by Mia Taveras another beauty queen from the Dominican Republic
After having disputed this title with 8 beauties coming from various