Preliminary Events of Miss Universe Pageant: Introduced Doral to the World Stage.

January 19, 2015

By: Maria Alejandra Pulgar

The arrival of the New Year in the City of Doral, Florida brought along all the frenzy associated with hosting the Miss Universe Pageant. Representatives from eighty-eight countries around the world have brought a breath of fresh air to this young municipality in the southern tip of the United States.

Many of these young women have traveled away from their countries for the first time to participate in this pageant and consider this an extraordinary opportunity for meeting other people and launching their modeling or artistic careers. All the contestants are enjoying a once in a lifetime chance of taking part in an activity that shows the world that peace and coexistence are possible through friendship, communication and common goals.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, these women have committed themselves to use their looks and talents for taking a stand for good causes; they understand they are influential figures and role models and are well prepared to talk about global problems and how they can use their titles to make a contribution and somehow change the world for the best.

The preliminary events before the final gala on January 25^th, have taken place in Doral and other surrounding areas of Miami-Dade County. They have included a kick-off VIP party, a visit to the Wynwood district to paint a wall with famous artist Romero Britto, Salsa and Zumba classes, dining at several restaurants in the city, a Cook-off contest and the Parade of Nations.

Mr. Britto, an internationally renowned artist from Brazil who has made Miami his hometown and whose colorful paintings and sculptures represent the true essence of the ‘Miami Spirit’ commented that he thinks the Miss Universe “is very important; with events like these people that come from around the world bring each of their countries to our city. It was a great move for Doral to host [the Miss Universe contestants] there.”

The Parade of Nations on January 11^th through the Main Street of the City of Doral gave the general public a chance to see up close the candidates and pick their favorites. People came from as far as Orlando in Central Florida, a three hour drive, to cheer for the representatives of their country of origin, given that Florida is a state with a high number of immigrants, especially in Doral where the majority of residents are of Colombian and Venezuelan descent.

Despite it actually ‘raining on their parade’, the public cheered for the representatives of Puerto Rico, Peru, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Panama, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and for the beautiful Miss USA Nia Sanchez, who has stolen the hearts of the locals. Miss Venezuela Migbelis Castellanos and Miss Colombia Paulina Vega also got a warm reception from their compatriots, along with Miss Argentina Valentina Ferrer and Miss Brazil Melissa Gurgel.

Highlights of the parade were the presence of the sponsors of the event along with Ricky Dager, Local Athlete Leader for Special Olympics, and the nationally award-winning Bison Marching Band, representing Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School that had the honor of preceding the car where the reigning Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler greeted the crowds, waving her Venezuelan flag.

During the VIP party hosted at the Doral City Hall to introduce the candidates to event sponsors, accredited press and the diplomatic representatives of their respective countries, Mayor Luigi Boria expressed his satisfaction for having his city host the pageant. In spite of initial public controversies due to the decision of the Council of incurring a $2.5 Million expense for the right to host the pageant, Boria thanked all present for their enthusiasm.

“We are really excited, and this emotion is going to be with all of us during the three weeks we will have them here,” commented Boria. “There are great things coming for our beautiful city. I want to thank all the sponsors that have contributed to make all these activities possible. Hosting the pageant in Doral is going to have a great, positive impact not only for our city but for all South Florida. With everyone’s support and participation, we will be able to achieve great success.”

Miss Universe contestants at-a-glance

Doral Family Journal had the unique opportunity of spending one-on-one time with several of the beautiful and talented contestants that represent countries of origin from residents of the City of Doral.

Through candid conversations, they shared their backgrounds, expectations of the pageant and messages to their compatriots as well as discussing the importance of women’s education and domestic violence awareness and how they would use their influence to make the world a better place.

The reigning Miss Universe 2013, the Venezuelan Gabriela Isler, who feels like the ‘Big Sister’ of all the contestants this year, gave them a piece of advice: “You are winners just for being living this experience. Focus on making friends, not on the competition. Have fun, foster friendships and meet new people. This is a growth experience you will never forget and many good chances for your future can come from being a Miss Universe candidate.”

These girls are all really talented. The judges are going to have it very difficult this coming January 25th to choose only one winner. Here are highlights of their thoughts and comments.

Miss USA – Nia Sanchez:

“My mother always told me since I was around three: If you have a beautiful face but an ugly heart nobody is going to be your friend. Beauty comes from the inside out. Having a beautiful heart radiates and makes you glow.”
“Education is very important for women. When you educate a woman it impacts the whole community, especially young women. That is going to change the world. I advocate educating women to have higher standards in their relationships to prevent abuse and end domestic violence.”
“Work for your country and pursue your dreams. You always have influence, more than you know and you can make a huge difference.”

Miss Colombia – Paulina Vega:

“Passion, drive and confidence I would say are my main strengths.”
“All of us women are special, unique and beautiful. With a few tips you only look better on the outside but the self-confidence is what makes other people see your true beauty that comes from within.”

Miss Venezuela – Migbelis Castellanos:

“I love that Doral is a multicultural city. Venezuelans and especially the people from Zulia had made me feel at home.”
“I represent the young people of my country, the students with their strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle and create a better future.”
“I would say to all young Americans of Hispanic origin, being it Venezuelan, Colombian, Dominican or any other country, that even though the world is wide and we can live everywhere they should always strive to keep their essence and the love for their roots.”

Miss Argentina – Valentina Ferrer:

“I did not know there were that many Argentinians in Doral. Thought all of them lived in Aventura. I love the Latin feeling you get in Doral, is very welcoming.”
“I am authentic and always try to enjoy the moment and be positive.”
“Being Miss Universe gives you the chance of being the voice of many that are voiceless. I want to send always a positive message and use this opportunity to impact many lives and help them improve.”

Miss Brazil – Melissa Gurgel:

“Doral is a wonderful place. I love the food and the culture here.”
“Meeting Romero Britto was a dream that came true. I am a huge fan! I thank the Miss Universe pageant for this chance.”
“I want to participate in many social projects to help boys and girls and use the influence to join forces with all neighboring countries to work together to improve the lives of the unprivileged.”

Miss Mexico- Josselyn Garciglia:

“Us women should always speak of values, love, responsibility and hope above all. We have the mission of inspiring hope in many people.”
“We have to work together and make a united world where all take care of each other and live in peace. Young people can overcome adversity and we have to set that goal to make the world a better place.”
“I would love to work on issues of public health and nutrition, to help people improve their quality of life.”

Miss Puerto Rico – Gabriela Berrios:

“I overcame childhood obesity and being bullied at school and I want with my story and my example to be an inspiration for many to pursue of their dreams.”
“I knew there are many people from Puerto Rico in Doral and have visited before. The people here make me feel at home and I have become great friends with Miss Venezuela.”
“Education is fundamental for children and we should work to foster in them the love for learning.”

Miss Dominican Republic – Kimberly Castillo:

“It made me happy to know that 5% of the residents of Doral are from my country. They have made me feel welcome.”
“We bring a message of peace, joy and hope to everyone. As a Miss Universe I want to work to end gender inequality and promote education and culture.”

Miss Bolivia- Claudia María Tavel:

“I knew there were many Bolivians in Doral and appreciate all their support.”
“I want to thank especially the Consul from Bolivia who has helped me and brought me all the good energy and support of my compatriots. I tell all of them to rest assured you are well represented by me in the Miss Universe. I am giving my heart and soul for my country in this pageant”

Miss Peru – Jimena Vecco:

“I had been here before and love it! The weather here is so beautiful! The sunshine every morning makes me feel happy. This city is multicultural and very interesting. I am enjoying this visit very much.”
“Social responsibility is very important. People think the effort of only one person is not enough, but it can make a difference, spark the interest of others and then change can happen.”
“I am very proud of representing my country and all the marvels it has to offer to the world.”

Miss India – Noyonita Lodh:

“I have seen many people from India in Doral; it made me really happy. I love the weather here!”
“Every little kid should have an education. When you educate women you educate an entire society. The Miss Universe gives you a platform to help many people and you should make the best of this opportunity”

Miss Korea – Ye Bin Yoo:

Miss Korea speaks very little English but she is so gracious and expressive that through signs, short phrases and smiles we were able to communicate and she is sending this message to her fellow Koreans in Doral: “I did not know there were Koreans in Doral! It makes me really happy. I hope they all come and cheer for me on the pageant”

The support and diligence of personnel from the Miss Universe Organization was instrumental to complete this assignment on schedule. We certainly appreciate the help of Ms. Myranda Owca, Ms. Stephanie Gort, Ms. Jackie and Ms. Marisa, along with the security staff and the chaperones.

————— En Español ————-—–

Eventos Preliminares del Miss Universo

Colocan a Doral en la palestra mundial

Por: Maria Alejandra Pulgar

@marialepulgar

El Nuevo Año llegó a la Ciudad de Doral en Florida junto con el frenesí de los preparativos para ser la sede del Concurso Miss Universo. Las representantes de ochenta y ocho países han llenado de belleza esta joven municipalidad del extremo sur de los Estados Unidos

Para muchas de estas jóvenes esta es la primera vez que salen de sus países y consideran que esta es una gran oportunidad para conocer muchas personas e impulsar sus carreras. Todas ellas están disfrutando la oportunidad única de participar en una actividad que muestra al mundo que la coexistencia y la paz son posibles a través de la amistad, comunicación y objetivos comunes.

Más allá del glamour del evento, estas jóvenes mujeres están comprometidas a utilizar su aspecto y su talento para hablar en serio y confrontar los problemas globales. Ellas comprenden que en muchos casos con su título, visibilidad e influencia pueden contribuir a mejorar la situación mundial.

Los eventos preliminares del concurso, antes de la Gala que tendrá lugar el 25 de Enero en el recinto de la Universidad Internacional de Florida, han ocurrido en Doral y otras áreas turísticas del Condado Miami-Dade. Entre las actividades se incluyen la fiesta VIP de presentación de las candidatas, una visita a Wynwood para pintar un mural junto al famoso artista Romero Britto, clases de Zumba y Salsa, cenas en los diferentes restaurantes de la ciudad, concurso de cocina con platos típicos de sus países y el Desfile de las Naciones.

El Sr. Britto, artista internacionalmente conocido, originario de Brasil pero que ha hecho de Miami su casa y cuyas coloridas pinturas y esculturas representan la ‘Esencia de Miami’ comentó que la presencia de las Misses en esta ciudad es “algo muy importante. Eventos como este ponen los ojos del mundo en nuestra ciudad. Fue una gran iniciativa de Doral convertirse en anfitriones para las candidatas a Miss Universo.”

El Desfile de las Naciones, realizado el 11 de Enero en la Calle Principal de la Ciudad de Doral frente al Ayuntamiento, permitió que el público en general pudiera ver de cerca a las candidatas y vitorear sus favoritas. Hubo personas que se trasladaron incluso desde Orlando, en el centro de Florida a unas tres horas de Miami, para saludar a las representantes de sus países de origen, dado que Florida es un estado con un gran número de inmigrantes. En la Ciudad de Doral la mayoría de sus habitantes son de origen Colombiano y Venezolano.

A pesar de la breve lluvia, el público aplaudió a las representantes de Puerto Rico, Perú, Filipinas, Republica Dominicana, Bolivia, Panamá, España, Trinidad y Tobago, México y por supuesto a la bellísima Miss Estados Unidos, Nía Sánchez, quien se ha robado el corazón de todos los que la han conocido en la ciudad. Miss Venezuela, Migbelis Castellanos y Miss Colombia, Paulina Vega también tuvieron una cálida recepción por parte de sus compatriotas, al igual que Miss Argentina, Valentina Ferrer y Miss Brasil, Melissa Gurgel.

Destacó en el desfile la presencia de los patrocinadores del evento, así como del Atleta Líder Local de las Olimpiadas Especiales Ricky Dager y la participación de la Banda Seca de la Secundaria Ronald W.Reagan/Doral, quienes han recibido múltiples reconocimientos nacionales y tuvieron el honor de abrir el camino al automóvil desde el cual saludó al público la venezolana Gabriela Isler, Miss Universo 2013, quien ondeaba su bandera tricolor.

Durante la fiesta VIP ofrecida en el Ayuntamiento para presentar a las candidatas a los representantes de empresas patrocinadoras, prensa acreditada y personal diplomático, el Alcalde Luigi Boria, a pesar de las controversias públicas iniciales por la decisión del Concejo de autorizar el desembolso de $2.5 Millones por los derechos como ciudad anfitriona del concurso, expresó sentirse satisfecho por el éxito del evento y agradeció a todos los presentes su entusiasmo y patrocinio.

“Me siento muy contento y me he emocionado mucho de ver el entusiasmo y la respuesta de la gente. Lo hemos visto esta noche. Todas estas personas han contribuido de cierta manera con el evento y esta emoción sé que estará presente las próximas tres semanas, hasta que se culmine con la fiesta después de la coronación aquí en Doral. Creo que vienen cosas muy lindas para esta gran ciudad. Es importante darles las gracias y exhortar a la población no solo de Doral que es la sede sino de todo el sur de la Florida a que se aboquen a que este evento sea un éxito total. De ese éxito depende que nuestra ciudad, nuestro condado y nuestro estado brillen como han venido brillando hasta ahora. Con la ayuda y el deseo de todos de hacer las cosas todo es posible.”

Un Vistazo a las Candidatas a Miss Universo

Doral Family Journal tuvo la oportunidad única de entrevistar individualmente al grupo de candidatas representantes de los países con mayor cantidad de residentes en la Ciudad de Doral.

En conversaciones espontáneas, las concursantes, “las niñas” como les dicen las chaperonas, compartieron sus expectativas en el concurso y enviaron mensajes a sus compatriotas. También compartieron sus opiniones sobre temas de importancia como la educación de la mujer, la prevención de la violencia doméstica y como pueden utilizar su imagen en influencia para hacer del mundo un lugar mejor para todos.

La reinante Miss Universo 2013, la venezolana Gabriela Isler, dijo sentirse como la “hermana mayor de todas las muchachas” y les dejó un valioso consejo: “Todas son ganadoras por el hecho de venir a vivir esta experiencia que las va a llenar de crecimiento, aprendizaje y amistades alrededor del mundo, si son chicas que se encargan de hacer amigas y no de competir. Mi consejo es que se diviertan, que aprendan, que creen amistades. Lo que tenían que prepararse y aprender para la competencia lo aprendieron en cada país. Les recomendaría como hermana que disfruten y aprovechen este momento para crear amistades y crecer porque aquí pueden encontrar muchas oportunidades.”

Las candidatas son realmente muy talentosas y están bien preparadas para interactuar con la prensa y con el público. Son amables, sencillas, alegres y realmente son todas preciosas cada una en su estilo. Son unas jóvenes que están muy conscientes de su responsabilidad como imagen de su país en el exterior. Los jurados la van a tener difícil para escoger una ganadora el próximo 25 de Enero.

Aquí presentamos fragmentos de las conversaciones con las candidatas a Miss Universo 2014

Miss USA – Nía Sánchez:

“Mi madre siempre me dijo, desde que tenía tres años: Si eres bonita y no tienes buen corazón no tendrás amigas. La belleza viene de adentro y un buen corazón irradia y te hace brillar.”
“La educación es muy importante para las mujeres. Cuando educas una mujer impactas toda la comunidad, especialmente a las jóvenes. Eso es lo que cambiará el mundo. Yo trabajo educando a las mujeres a tener altos estándares en sus relaciones para prevenir el abuso y acabar con la violencia doméstica.”
“Hay que trabajar por nuestro país y seguir nuestros sueños. Siempre podemos ser una buena influencia, más de lo que creemos, y eso hace una gran diferencia.”