KIRBY ANN BASKEN - FROKEN NORGE 2007

21-year old Kirby Ann Basken is representing Norway at the Miss Universe 2007 pageant. Born from a Norwegian father and Filipino mother, she is no stranger to beauty contests.

Age: 21 Hometown: Oslo, Norway Height: 5’9 (174 cm) Ethnicity: Norwegian father/Filipino mother Zodiac Sign: Leo Education: Upper Secondary Course in Media and Communication and Preparatory University Foundation Studies Occupation: TV-host and model General Interests: Dancing, skating, listening to great music, reading and writing. Music: Hillsong, and Within Temptation Movies: John Q Television: Documentaries Books: I kissed dating goodbye, and Angels and Demons. Heroes: Nelson Mandela and Gandhi Favorite quote: "You lost when you never tried".

ABOUT ME: I’m an outgoing girl, who loves new challenges, meeting new people, and learning about other cultures. I was born and raised in Norway, to a Norwegian father and a Filipino mother.

During my spare time I love to iceskate, dance, read, and spend as much time as possible with my family and friends. I work as a TV-host for an interactive show called Sonen (The Zone), and I enjoy every moment of it.

-What do you expect from this year's contest?
I expect to meet a lot of wonderful girls from all over the world and see the beauty of their country through them. After seeing all the pictures of the delegates, I know it’s going to be a tough competition, but I still expect that it would be a fun-filled competition with everyone coming home with the most rewarding experiences.

-Have you learned anything about Mexico?
I bought a book about Mexico, and from what I’ve read so far, I think I’m going to like my stay there. Mexico has everything: from crystal white beaches to lofty mountains and volcanoes and jungles full of exotic wildlife, not to mention its sophisticated cuisine.

I can’t wait to taste real Mexican tortillas and tacos, and try café de olla and Mexican hot chocolate with chilies, cinnamon and other spices.

-Your National Costume?
My national costume is a traditional "bunad" from Telemark in Norway. It was actually worn daily from 1850 until 1958! It is more commonly known as the "beltestakk".

The name was taken from the bunad’s special belt, which is approximately 12 cm. wide and 2 1/2 meters long, woven on a small frame-loom. It’s one of the most beautiful national costumes of Norway. It’s composed of different garments which are all part of the dress, and it is worn with a head dress and silver ornaments.

-What is playing in your CD Player / IPod / MP3 right now?
Heart of Worship and Within Temptation.

-Funniest or Most Embarrassing thing ever happened to you?
My most embarrassing moment happened when I was 10 years old. We were on tour in Washington D.C. and we were walking around almost the whole day. It was so hot!

I was wearing those jelly shoes we use for swimming in Norway. I remember my feet getting all sweaty and sticky, that’s why I immediately took them off as soon as we got inside the van. I did not realize that my feet smelled so bad until everyone in the van (I was about 9 years old) started rolling down the car’s windows.

It took some time before they found the source of the stink, and when my mom smelled my feet, everyone cracked up laughing. I never felt so embarrassed in my whole life!!!

-Most interesting thing ever happened:
I got the opportunity to join a feeding program last year. And seeing how little it takes to make a child smile, and how much one person actually can do for another person was very fulfilling.

-What country would you most like to visit?
I would like to visit South Africa. I’d like to experience the country that’s often described as the whole world in one country because of its rich and varied plant and animal life, and its varied cultural customs and traditions that are as old as mankind..

It would also be interesting to get an introduction to the history of a country that was able to challenge segregation, overcome discrimination and devise strategies of mobilizing and advancing themselves.

It would also be an opportunity for me to help the children of South Africa who suffer not only because of poverty but also from problems resulting from hiv/aid infection.

-A message to all pageant fans:
I would like to thank you very much for your support. I will cherish it forever. To be given this opportunity to represent my country in an international pageant like the Miss Universe is a wonderful and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I intend to enjoy every minute of it, gain experience and make many new friends. And with your continued love and support, I hope to be a great representative for my country and be able to leave my mark in this pageant.

GETTING TO KNOW KIRBY ANN

Birthday: August 12, 1985
Birthplace: Lørenskog, Norway
Current Location: Oslo, Norway
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown
Your Weakness: Chocolate
Your Fears: Clowns!
Your Perfect Pizza: Pepperoni, ham and bacon! And, of course, with a lot of cheese.
Thoughts First Waking Up: “Another wonderful day...”
Your Best Physical Feature: My eyes because they easily catch the attention of people.
Pepsi or Coke: Coke
Have you ever been in Love: Yes, once.
Are you vain? I care how I look, but I don’t make it an obsession. Nobody’s perfect, so I’m pretty much content with the way I look.


Photos courtesy of Geir Hamnes and Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

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