Exclusive Interview with Miss Mundo Morovis 2008 [Maribel Montalvo]

[MPRUW] How did you become interested in beauty pageants? [MARIBEL] I've always enjoyed watching beauty pageants as a little girl, and I think especially in Puerto Rico, beauty pageants are part of our culture, and can practically be considered a national sport. As far as my participation goes, a friend of my cousins had experience in training girls for pageants and he kept telling me for years to consider participating. I never gave it much thought, because although I really admired the women that competed in pageants, I never thought growing up that I could be one of them. Last year, I felt that I was at a point in my life where competing could finally become a reality, and I want to feel that pride in representing my country. [MPRUW] In your previous participation you represented Utuado. Now you represent Morovis. What do you tell your Utuado fans about this change? [MARIBEL] Competing for another town does not change who I am. I proudly represented my fathers hometown of Utuado, and I do the same now with my mothers hometown of Morovis. I love Utuado, and they were incredibly supportive of me, and I know they will still be supportive of me now, because they know deep in my heart Im still theirs as well. Im part of them as they are a part of me. [MPRUW] If not elected Miss PR World, would you compete for the Miss PR Universe title again, as more than one former titleholder has done? [MARIBEL] I wouldn't compete again because I've already had that experience. I'm now competing in Miss PR World with the hopes and dreams of winning and representing my island with much pride and love. [MPRUW] If you do get elected Miss PR World, tell us a little about what you would like your "beauty with a purpose" platform to be? [MARIBEL] First of all, I would want to work with as many causes as I could because theres so much help that can be given, and many people are not aware of the problems going on in the island, that anything I could do to bring awareness to these problems would be intrinsic. However, I feel very strongly about domestic violence against women and children, because Ive had fatal cases in my family, and I know how devastating it is. And I really feel that we need to take a stand and implement stricter laws and regulations that protect those in danger, as well as provide support. I also feel very strongly about promoting the importance of education, because I feel that many of the problems present in our society today are due to a lack of education. We, as a society, need to inform ourselves so we can make the right decisions that will affect our lives and our future. I majored in Journalism and Psychology, with a focus on Child Psychology, in college, and I think we need to help children focus on the positive and exciting aspects of learning, so they will want to go to school and develop good habits of learning, that in the long run will lead to a hopeful future for the island.

[MPRUW] How would you describe Maribel the woman and Maribel the beauty queen? [MARIBEL] There isnt a distinction between one or the other. I am me, and that is who I present. I think a true beauty queen is one that is true to herself and others, and isnt one person to some people, and another to others. I am a very honest, open and passionate woman. I strive for success in my life, and dedicate all of myself to achieve any goal I set my mind to. As a beauty queen, I could send a positive message, and help, a greater number of people because of my position. [MPRUW] What has been your greatest challenge competing in the Miss PR World pageant so far? [MARIBEL] I set very high standards for myself in anything I set my mind to, so I would say the biggest challenge has been finding a balance within myself to give the competition all Ive got on all aspects, yet enjoy the experience at the same time, because I will only go through it once. [MPRUW] Tell our readers something about yourself you would like them to know. [MARIBEL] From the bottom of my heart, I want to sincerely thank all of those that have supported me from the start. Its an incredible feeling to read positive and beautiful comments from people that dont know you at all on a personal level, yet feel a connection with you and send a lot of love and support your way. Reading those comments definitely encouraged me and helped me a lot, and I want those people to know that I read their comments and it meant a lot to me. :) [MPRUW) What impact do you think the Internet has had on beauty pageants? [MARIBEL] I think the Internet has brought the fans closer to the pageants, because websites have allowed people to view pictures of the candidates and follow them throughout the competition until the coronation, and that makes the fans feel that theyve gotten to know the candidates really well, and it makes the final night that much more exciting. I also think many people have a lot of preconceived notions of beauty pageants, and the Internet has let people know the truth behind the makeup and tiara. Running for a beauty pageant is hard on a physical, mental, and spiritual level because there are many things involved, and the Internet has shed some light on this. Thank you guys for everything. Love ya!!!! Maribel Montalvo Miss Mundo Morovis 2008 [Special thanks to Maribel Montalvo for the interview, as well as, the modelling images featured here.]