Laura Zuñiga, Miss Mexico, is the new Reina Hispanoamericana 2008. It is the first time that Mexico wins the most coveted beauty title in the Americas. She wowed the audience by wearing a very original creation by Roberto Cavalli. Laura will represent her country in Miss International 2009.
In 2nd place came the crowd favorite, Miss Brazil, Vivian Noronha Cia. After answering her final question, Miss Brazil left a message to all Bolivians: "Never stop fighting for democracy and freedom of expression". Given the delicate political moment Bolivia is currently facing, the crowd went wild, and many people thought she was going to win. Next year she will compete in Miss Tourism Queen Int'l.
Miss Paraguay, Gabriela Rejala, was 3rd. She will compete in Miss World next month.
The other finalists were Misses Uruguay (4th), Bolivia (5th), Venezuela (6th), and Peru (7th).
Miss Haiti was voted by her fellow contestants Miss Amity, and Miss Panama won the Best National Costume Award.
The big surprises of the night were the non-inclusion of Miss Haiti among the 7 finalists, and Miss Venezuela's low ranking - she should've been, at least, in 3rd or 4th place.
It was a stunning presentation held at open air at the Manzana 1, in Santa Cruz do Sul. We congratulate Promociones Gloria for a job well done!
Congratulations to the new Reina Hispanoamericana and to all finalists!!