Miss Uruguay Universe 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss Uruguay, Cinthia D'Ottone's evening gowns and national costume for Miss Universe 2009 on Bahamas.

Miss Belgium Universe 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss Belgium 2009, Zeynep Sever showcases her evening gown and national costume for Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas.

Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Evening gowns and national costume which will be used by Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos for Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas.

Miss South Africa Earth 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar's evening gowns and national costume for Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas.

Miss Czech Republic Universe 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss Czech Republic, Iveta Lutovska's evening gown and national costume for Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas.

Miss Indonesia Universe 2009 - National Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss Indonesia Universe 2009 - Zivanna Letisha Siregar showcase her blue long gown and national costume for Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas.

Miss Indonesia Universe 2009 Official Evening Gown

National Costume : The "Srikandi" or Woman Warrior

Miss Australia Universe 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch showcases the 'Cappellazzo Couture' outfit at the official unveiling of the Australian national costume and wardrobe for Miss Universe at Park Hyatt Hotel on July 24, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch showcases the 'Sunset over the Opera House' outfit by Ruth Tarvydas at the official unveiling of the Australian national costume and wardrobe for Miss Universe at Park Hyatt Hotel on July 24, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia. Ruth Tarvydas designed the 'Sunset over the Opera House' national costume, which Finch will wear at the pageant final in the Bahamas in August.

Miss Thailand Universe 2009 - Long Gown and National Costume Presentation

Miss Thailand Universe 2009 - Chutima Durongdej in Show off of Evening Gowns & National Costume for Miss Universe 2009 in The Bahamas.

Miss Brazil World 2009

The winner of Miss World Brazil 2009 (Miss Mundo Brasil) is from Roraima. Twenty-two year-old Luciana de Souza Silvia Reis who stands 1.70 meters was surprised when her name was called. She will represent Brazil at the Miss World 2009 pageant in December in London and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Luciana is the sister of Miss World Brazil 1998 who went on to become a semi-finalist at the Miss World pageant on the same year in Seychelles.

The pageant which was participated by 39 candidates was concluded last 4 July 2009 in Angra dos Reis

First Runner-up is Barraquer Livia Barbosa of Espiritu Santo and Second Runner-up is Livia Nepomuceno da Silva of Distrito Federal.

There were 16 semi-finalists and 6 of these were winners of fast track events. They are Miss Parana, Miss Beauty with a Purpose; Miss Bahia, most voted by internet users; Miss Ilha do Campeche, Miss Sports; Pernambuco, Miss Talent; Rio de Janeiro, Miss Beach Beauty and Miss Sergipe, Best Model Brazil.

The other 10 semi-finalists who were not winners of any fast track events are Misses Acre, Espiritu Santo, Ilhalbela, Distrito Federal, Rio Grande de Norte, Mato Grosso, Paraiba, Santa Catarina, Minas Gerais and Roraima.

From 16 semi-finalists, they were trimmed down to only 6 finalists. They were Misses Sergipe, Roraima, Distrito Federal, Espirito Santo, Pernambuco and Acre.

From left to right, Livia Nepomuceno (Distrito Federal), Luciana Silvia Reis (Roraima)
and Lívia Barraque Barbosa (Espírito Santo)

From left to right : Daliane Menezes (Rio Grande do Norte ), Isabel Correia (Sergipe) - BEACH MODEL BRASIL 2009 and Karine Osório (Acre)

From left to right : Jocasta Costa (São Paulo), Mariana Notarangelo (Rio de Janeiro) - BEACH BEAUTY BRASIL 2009 and Livia Nepomuceno (Distrito Federal)

From left to right : Isabel Correia(Sergipe), Karine Barros(Pernambuco) - MISS TALENT BRASIL 2009 and Larissa Alves Berte (Mato Grosso)

From left to right : Raquel Peddoni (Fernando de Noronha), Anelise Laulau (Campeche) - MISS SPORTWOMAN BRASIL 2009 and Elisa Hoeppers (Ilha de Santa Catarina)

The New Miss Curaçao Universe 2009

THE NEW MISS CURACAO UNIVERSE is Angenie Simon, a 23-year-old accounting student and financial assistant from Willemstad who has been assigned as her country's representative to Miss Universe 2009 after the original titleholderAshanta Macauly gave up her crown due to physical and health problems. Simon is the current Miss Caribe Hibiscus. She competed in Miss Curacao 2009 pageant (for Miss World) and placed second.

The new Miss Curaçao Universe 2009, Angenie Simon

Angenie Simon also the current Miss Caribe Hibiscus

Miss Honduras Universe 2009

As we know Honduras might skip the Miss Universe 2009 pageant due to the current political situation in this Central American country. But instead of holding a national pageant, the organizer handpicked their candidate. Belgica Suarez was lucky to be chosen.

For getting the title of Miss Honduras Universe 2009, 23 year-old Belgica will be going to Bahamas to compete for the 58th edition of the pageant.

Belgica said in an interview that "at this moment of crisis in Honduras, it is her responsibility to be an ambassador of culture and awareness of the positive aspects of her country."

The 5'11" tall beauty queen was last year's First Runner-up at the Miss Honduras Universe.

The scheduled Miss Honduras Universe 2009 on July 25th was cancelled.

Miss World Puerto Rico

The new Miss Puerto Rico World for 2009 or Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico 2009 is Bayamon's Jennifer Colon Alvarado who is a student of architecture and the same time a professional model. She will be contesting the Miss World 2009 crown in Johannesburg, South Africa and in London on December 12.

The pageant was televised lived from Tapia Theater in Old San Juan with the participation of 24 contestants.

Twenty-one-year-old Jennifer is also the First Runner-up at the 2009 Miss Puerto Rico Universe which was won by Mayra Matos.

The first runner-up was Yara Lasanta from Barranquitas and Melissa Serrano from Vega Baja was second runner-up. Isabela's Amanda Diaz and Juncos' Libni Garcia finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Prior to the competition, several fast-track events were held to select the best contestant in sports, modeling, swimsuit, talent and charity.

The fast-track winners were Rebecca Fernandez, Culebra (Sports); Jennifer Colon, Bayamon (Model); Yara Lasanta, Barranquitas (Swimsuit); Mariselle Morales, Guaynabo (Talent); and Jennifer Ortiz, Orocovis (Charity).

In case you didn't know, the title of Miss Puerto Rico Universe was offered to the 1.75 meters tall Jennifer by Magali Febles, the franchise owner of the pageant, when she allegedly had a problem with Mayra's contract.

Jennifer is said to have declined the offer.

Jennifer is now being hyped as one of the front-runners for the Miss World crown along with Mexico's Karla Beltran and Philippines' Marie Ann Umali.

Complete Results

Miss Mundo de Puerto Rico 2009: Bayamon, Jennifer Colon Alvarado
1st Runner-Up: Barranquitas, Yara Liz Lasanta Santiago
2nd Runner-Up: Vega Baja, Melissa Serrano Flores
3rd Runner-Up: Isabela, Amanda Diaz Torres
4th Runner-Up: Juncos, Libni Garcia Pabellon

Semi-finalists

Caguas, Glorimar Serrano Rodriguez
Camuy, Carla Harrison Canals
Culebra, Rebecca Fernandez Perez
Guaynabo, Mariselle Morales Cordero
Humacao, Maria Angelica Hernandez Garcia
Orocovis, Jennifer Ortiz Melendez
Ponce, Azarel Nadal Torres

Special Awards

Photogenic: Juncos, Libni Garcia Pabellon
Congeniality: Camuy, Carla Harrison Canals
Face: Juncos, Libni Garcia Pabellon
Hair: Rio Grande, Karen Robles Hernandez

Miss World Australia 2009

Sophie Lavers, a 24-year-old woman from Canberra, has been crowned Miss World Australia in Sydney. She defeated nineteen other finalists to take the prize and will represent Australia at the Miss World event in South Africa.

The entrants were judged based on several categories including best talent, healthy body image, sports and fitness and beauty with a purpose. An aspiring actress, she is completing an acting course and hopes to build a career in film and television. She is also a qualified fitness instructor and has worked as a Kings Cross waitress.

She has been described in the media as having an "amazing figure" and it has been rumoured that she has used this for modelling work. However, Lavers has said that her body has only been modelled for a good cause: "Some do think that, but I have only ever modelled for charity."

She also doubts much will change for her, at least in the near future. "I'll still get up and probably have peanut butter on toast for breakfast but after that I'm not sure what's happening. I guess I won't be going to work tomorrow."

She explained that all the girls who entered were dedicated to making a difference. "I just think it's like having little angels out there through the country helping in all different areas whether it's with children, or blind people, or the homeless." Lavers also complained that non-stop smiling for the event has left here mouth sore. "I'm not used to smiling for hours on end."

Lavers is now set to head to Johannesburg for the December 12 global competition. "I've got to get a month of outfits ready and get a talent and another speech and everything. Oh goodness."

Sophie Levers (C) with Katie Richardson, Miss World Australia 2009 (R)

Miss Earth United States 2009

NEVADA: Newly crowned Miss Earth United Stated 2009. Amy Diaz, 24 year-old Miss Rhode Island, was crowned Miss Earth United States during the prestigious beauty pageant held at Primm Valley Resort and Conference Center in Nevada.

Her elemental court include Miss Air Danielle Bounds from Missouri, Miss Water Anastagia Pierre from Florida and Miss Fire Dani Reeves from Iowa.

Amy Diaz (R) with Karla Henry, Miss Earth 2008 (C) and Jamillette Gaxiola, Miss Earth Cuba 2009 (L)

Reigning Miss Earth 2008, Karla Henry was a special guest in the pageant. Amy will be as the Environmental Ambassadress of the United States and will prepare to compete in MISS EARTH 2009 on November in the Philippines.

Amy Diaz is a veteran of beauty pageants.
1. Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 2001.

2. The 3rd runner-up in Miss Florida USA 2007.

3. Miss Rhode Island 2008 and Top 15 Semi-Finals in Miss USA 2008 beauty contest.

Amy Diaz Miss Rhode Island USA 2008

2009 Miss Earth United States titleholders:

Amy Diaz -Rhode Island - Miss Earth United States
Danielle Bounds - Mid-America - United States Miss Air
Anatasgia Pierre - Florida Sunshine - United States Miss Water
Dani Reeves - Central U.S. - United States Miss Fire

2009 Teen Earth United States titleholders:

Jolie-Noelle Schamber- Florida-Teen Earth United States
Logan Bidack - Oklahoma - United States Teen Air
Aubrey Carr - SW Florida - United States Teen Water
Songee Barker - Arizona - United States Teen Fire

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Miss Paraguay 2009

ASUNCION, Mareike Baumgarten was crowned Miss Universe Paraguay 2009 during the gala beauty pageant contest held on 10th July in Asuncion, the capital and largest city of Paraguay.

Newly Miss Universe Paraguay Mareike Baumgarten will compete at Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant contest in the Bahamas.

Crownd favorite, Tamara Sosa was judged Miss World Paraguay, who will compete at Miss World 2009 beauty pageant contest in South Africa, London and Dubai.

While Romina Bogado as Miss International Paraguay, who will compete at Miss International 2009 in Japan and Macau.

Mareike Baumgarten - Miss Universe Paraguay 2009

Tamara Sosa - Miss World Paraguay 2009

Romina Bogado - Miss International Paraguay 2009

Miss US International 2009

The Filipino-American daughter of a couple from Cagayan de Oro City and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental has been crowned the new Miss United States International 2009!

Aileen Jan “A.J.” Valdehueza Yap, 20, won the title of Miss US-International 2009 during the pageant held July 7-10, 2009 at the Stafford Conference Centre in Houston, Texas. Aileen Jan Yap will represent the US in the 49th Miss International pageant to be held at the Venetian Macao Resort in Macau, China on November 7, 2009.

A.J. is the daughter of Dr. Romeo “Boy” Sy Yap of Cagayan de Oro City and Virgincita “Geget” Bautista Valdehueza Yap of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. She is the younger of two siblings and has an older brother, Nathan.

“We are just so fortunate that the Lord granted us this wonderful gift,” proud Dad Boy Yap said in an email interview from Texas.

“ Saba kaayo ang auditorium, kay daghan kaayo sa among barkada ang nitambong. I was one proud father to see our daughter being crowned. For the family it is a very “crowning moment”.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula have extended their warm greetings and congratulations.

In the final tally, Ms. Wyoming Keri Shar was chosen fourth runner up; Ms. California Kristy Davis, third runner up; Ms. Michigan Shawna Vale, second runner up and Ms. Florida Lees Darayanne Garcia, first runner up.

Miss US International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap and her court

“I thank God for what she is and what she has become,” Geget Yap said in an online interview from Texas. “It is truly a gift to have a beautiful daughter both in appearance and in character. I told her to wear the crown with dignity and pride yet with a humble heart.”

A.J. is a junior at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas majoring in biology. Her father Boy is a psychiatrist and Mom Geget is a nurse by profession and Director and Owner of Virginia’s Lakeview Personal Care Home in Texas, USA.

A.J. was selected by National Pageant Director Britt Harrison and other pageant directors from other states of MISS US INTERNATIONAL as Miss Texas US International 2009.

Miss Texas International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap
is crowned Miss US International 2009

She graduated as the Most Outstanding Student at the Sacred Heart School in Conroe, Texas and went on to graduate Summa cum Laude at Willis High School.

Boy, Geget and A.J. recently took a month-long vacation in Cagayan de Oro and Region X (Northern Mindanao) and was presented to the employees of the City Hall during the traditional flag-raising ceremony held every Monday.

“I loved CDO, everything was very close and I enjoyed spending time with my family there,” A.J. said. “I loved the malls the most in CDO and the least, was the traffic and rain.”

During her stay she went river rafting in the Cagayan river, visited the Chocolate Hills and Hinagdanan Cave in Bohol, Camiguin, Duka Bay Resort in Medina, Misamis Oriental, and petted a tiger at the Mantianak Zoo and Nature Park in Sugbongcogon.

She also admits developing an addiction to halo-halo which she says she could eat every day, besides the traditional Pinoy breakfast foods like Tapsilog and garlic fried rice. However, she has her reservations about balut.

She admits her parents being both in the medical profession were influential in her decision to pursue a career in pediatrics.

“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, seeing how my parents can help someone else’s life and also seeing how rewarding it is to be able to help someone in need,” she said. “I want to specialize in pediatrics because I love kids, being the second youngest cousin, I have a lot of nieces and nephews and being around them help me decide how much I really enjoy being around children.”

Miss International is the fourth largest beauty pageant in the world. Around 70 contestants from all over the globe are expected to join the 49th edition of the pageant at the Venetian Macau Resort on November 7, 2009. Alejandra Andreu of Spain will crown her successor at the end of the event

Also called a Festival of Beauty or the Olympics of Beauty, contestants are expected to serve as “Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty”, demonstrating tenderness, benevolence, friendship, beauty, intelligence, ability to take action, and, most importantly, a great international sensibility.

The ultimate goal of the Miss International beauty pageant is to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding.

The newly crowned Miss United States International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap with her dad Dr. Romeo “Boy” Sy Yap of Cagayan de Oro City and Mom Virginia “Geget” Bautista Valdehueza-Yap of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental