ROSA MARIA OJEDA CUEN - NUESTRA BELLEZA MEXICO 2006-2007

For the fourth time in history Mexico welcomes beauties from all over the planet competing for the Miss Universe title. Therefore, we could not find a better way to open our special coverage than getting to know Rosa Maria, Miss Mexico Universe 2007. She was recently interviewed by one of our correspondents in Mexico, Arturo Garcia, and here is what she had to say:

GB-Rosa Maria, how do you feel about being the host delegate for the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant, do you feel stressed or overconfident?

No, I actually feel happy and excited, since it's a big compromise with my country, a huge responsibility to represent Mexicans  with dignity and pride. I am so proud of being a Mexican woman and I feel so lucky to be able to show the world how wonderful Mexico is.

GB-The 1993 Miss Universe Pageant was held in Mexico City. Lupita Jones was a judge back then and Miss Mexico did not place among the semi-finalists. It created a big buzz and media stir stating that Lupita Jones did not want another Mexican woman to win the Miss Universe title. What do you think about that?

I do not believe this is true. In my case, Lupita, has supported me in every possible way. I have heard a lot of rumors about this issue and honestly, I can only laugh at it.  If we actually think in an intelligent manner, it is obvious that if a Mexican delegate succeeds, Lupita as National Director, succeeds too.

Concerning her position as a judge, I have no doubt, and we all know, she was not the only judge in that competition. It was the judges’ decision, not Lupita’s decision.

GB- Have you been supported by your national organization when preparing for Miss Universe?

Of course I have received support, and lots of it!! They were professionally involved with me 100% of the time.  They always asked my opinion in order to personalize my training. I have been in great hands among all the coordinators, teachers, doctors, trainers etc. Throughout the day I was in constant communication with the organization in case something happened, or if I had any concerns, feelings, and all sorts of things.

GB-Tell us then, how have you been preparing for the Miss Universe Pageant?
Well, ever since I moved to Mexico City I have been taking Verbal Expression, Speech, English, Physical Training, Acting, Modeling, Runway skills, Make-Up, Human Development classes… you name it!

Also, I have been very involved in supporting a home for battered girls called  “Ayuda y Solidaridad con las niñas de la calle. It is a very tight, but very complete schedule, my day starts at 7AM and ends around 9 PM.

Then if I don’t have any commercial appointments at night to promote the pageant and its cause, I can relax.

GB-Your National Costume Mujer Cristera, has created a huge press scandal, since it talks and portraits scenes from the Christian War in the early 1920s in Mexico. Can you tell us something about it, and also something fans are always expecting: your evening gown…have you chosen the one you will wear at the final night?

Well, Mujer Cristera it is a beautiful costume, which will be redesigned to erase the elements that caused a stir in the media and certain sectors of society. Regarding my evening gown, it is not easy to choose one in particular. There are several dresses being created, so I will have quite a few choices. I am very excited because I’ve chosen the colors and given ideas regarding their style and designs. In addition, I have had great help from fashion experts and advisors such as: Pineda Covalín, Jose Luis Abarca, Gerardo Rebollo, Macario Jimenez and many others. But let’s wait, the chosen one will be a surprise.

GB- 78 women from all over the world have just arrived in Mexico, many of them for the first time. What would you like them to remember most about their stay in Mexico?

I would love that after the Miss Universe Pageant all the girls could tell their people that Mexico is a country full of life and colors; that Mexico is very diverse both gastronomically and geographically and that it is a country that has so much entertainment to offer. I would also like them to tell their countrymen that Mexico loves tourists and Mexicans are well known for their hospitality and always try to make people feel at home.

Personally, I am very happy that people from around the globe will come to Mexico for the Miss Universe Pageant and will have the chance to experience everything that the Mexicans are preparing to offer for this event.

GB- We know you had a very harsh childhood. You had to battle cancer and two of your brothers died almost simultaneously. How did you confront these situations, and what would you tell your brothers today, if they could listen to you now?  
I had a difficult childhood and I have been through a lot indeed, but these situations have only made me stronger as a human being, I have learned to live life to the fullest, live the present and aim for happiness and success. I must thank God because I have two great friends that have helped me throughout my life: my mother and my sister, brave and happy women, who have encouraged me to be exactly like they are, brave and happy.

To my brothers I would ask them to guide my path in life, to stay close to me through it, so I won’t fall as much as I could. I would ask them to help me to value life and value the everyday learning process through life experience.

GB- Rosa Maria, what would you like to tell all the fans that want to see you winning the Miss Universe title?

I will like to tell them that I am doing everything I can to win the title, BELIEVE ME and BELIEVE IN ME, it is my biggest dream. I would ask them to unite themselves as one voice supporting me, so I can feel the energy, the vibes and presence of my people when I am on stage.

Please stop speculating things. I am very very happy by the fact that I will live the experience of a lifetime and I thank the Nuestra Belleza México Organization and specially Lupita Jones for all the support, guidance and presence.

Thank you for living this experience with me, this growing process with me and thank you for helping me preparing for this competition, taking in consideration my feelings, my opinions and dreams. I can only thank you all for your interest in me, in my preparation for Miss Universe.

Now that I have the honor of representing you, I have to ask you to join hands so we can demonstrate the world that Mexican women and Mexicans in general can go many steps further. It is always gratifying to hear that the fans are pending and interested in my progress.

Thanks for your support and keep sending me your best vibes and energy, this will give me the the strength and confidence to shine on stage knowing you will be there with me during the competition. God Bless You!

GB - In 1993 the Mexican crowd did not behave well when the Mexican delegate was not announced as a semi-finalist. In case it happens again, how do you expect your people to behave?

I am sure they will respect the judges’ choices and cheer the ones who did made it. We are welcoming the world in Mexico, so we must respect each and every participating country. Of course I expect to make it and to go as far as possible in this competition, but if it's not God's wish, then Let's show the Universe how wonderful and respectful we Mexicans are!

Interview by Arturo Garcia for Global Beauties. Special thanks to Nuestra Belleza Mexico Organization. Photo credits / Uriel Santana and Jorge Avendaño courtesy of Nuestra Belleza México Org.

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