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Miss Universe 2013: Fun Facts, Patriotic Photos and Truth & Dare Videos of Our African Queens
Good afternoon BellaNaijarians, I hope you all are having a splendid Sunday.
Just in case the weather isn’t hot where you are, turn on the air conditioner, because we are about to bring the heat.
Last month (yeah we are in November), BellaNaija Beauty brought you all the glam shots of the 2013 Miss Universe African contestants. From the smoking HOT bikini shots to the alluring evening wear photos. (ICYMI, click here)
The finale will take place on Saturday 9th November 2013 at the Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia. Just before the grand end, check out the beauty queens posing with their national flags (which some aren’t posing with – Botswana, Nigeria, and Tanzania) as well as photos of them at the National Gift Auction event.
You are also going to love the Truth or Dare video of the finalists.
Enjoy!
Angola
Name: Vaumara Rebelo
Age: 22
Hometown: Luanda
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Bio
Vaumara Rebelo has a passion for travel, tennis and photography. An avid reader, she has a library of over 70 novels and hopes to work with children in the future. During past jobs, Vaumara created an educational cartoon for children in her country and hosted a Hip-Hop and R&B radio show.
In her own words
Angola is a place that is rich in culture and beauty; its people truly know its history.
Fun Facts
- Vaumara has an obsession with buying books. She once bought 21 online books in less than one hour.
- Vaumara considers herself a nationalist.
- Vaumara is skilled in motivational speaking.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Botswana
Name: Tsaone Macheng
Age: 19
Hometown: Nshagashogwe
Height: 5 ft 4 in
Bio
Tsaone Macheng is currently studying fine arts at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa. She enjoys traveling, singing and art, and has been playing the marimba, a wooden percussion instrument, and painting since grade school. At a young age, her father instilled in her the value of hard work, which she strives to live by in her everyday life.
In her own words
No living thing exists in isolation. A little empathy can go a long way.
Fun Facts
- Tsaone played hockey and baseball for three years.
- Tsaone collects handwritten mail and loves writing letters to her loved ones.
- If Tsaone could meet any celebrity it would be Chaka Khan.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Ethiopia
Name: Mhadere Tigabe
Age: 21
Hometown: Addis Ababa
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Bio
Mhadere Tigabe is a mechanical engineering student at Mekelle University in Ethiopia. Some of her hobbies include: reading, gardening and tutoring children from unprivileged areas. She loves to watch documentaries and hopes to one day influence people in a positive way.
In her own words
I believe my father equipped me with all the life lessons that allowed me to become independent, powerful, self-confident and educated.
Fun Facts
- Mhadere has a black in taekwondo, a sport she has been practicing for five years.
- Mhadere practiced traditional Eskesta dance when she was in high school.
- Mhadere has a collection of stamps from her many traveling excursions.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Gabon
Name: Jennifer Ondo
Age: 21
Hometown: Moanda
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Bio
Jennifer Ondo grew up on a farm in Bidougui Village with her grandmother, where she learned how to raise crops, catch fish, dance and sing. She has a passion for philanthropy, and is most interested in advocating for women and providing aid to the homeless. Jennifer currently studies at Santa Monica College and serves as the National Representative for the Miss Universe Gabon National Committee.
In her own words
My role model is Madame Malika Bongo, the president of the Miss Universe Gabon National Committee, because she helped me realize my dreams and taught me the value of giving back to my community.
Fun Facts
- If Jennifer could meet any famous person, it would be the United States President Barack Obama.
- Jennifer’s dream job is to be president of the Constitutional Court.
- Jennifer’s favorite native dish is Feuilles de Manioc, a cassava leaf prepared with peanut butter and served with smoked fish.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Ghana
Name: Hanniel Jamin
Age: 19
Hometown: Accra
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Bio
Hanniel Jamin was born in Ghana, but moved to Nigeria when she was a young girl. She recently graduated from Senior Secondary School and says that education has always been a high priority in her life. Through her schooling, Hanniel developed a passion for singing and still takes voice lessons to this day.
In her own words
Ghana is the gateway to Africa.
Fun Facts
- Hanniel aspires to become a professional singer.
- Hanniel’s favorite meal is fried chicken and jollof rice.
- Hanniel hardly wears any other shoes besides heels.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Mauritius
Name: Diya Beeltah
Age: 25
Hometown: City Quatre-Bornes
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Bio
Diya Beeltah is a Research Analyst at The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Diya’s dream is to become an important professional decision maker for her country. She enjoys playing badminton and cites her mother’s lap as the most comfortable and peaceful place on Earth.
In her own words
Solving the social issues that exist in the world today is not going to be easy, but I still firmly believe that addressing poverty, providing the right education and instilling proper values would be a good start.
Fun Facts
- Diya was born on 8-08-1988, which in some cultures is considered to be a sign of luck.
- Aside from practicing yoga and meditation, one of Diya’s beauty secrets is that she prepares her own homemade natural beauty creams and products.
- Some of Diya’s hidden talents include: singing and playing the Veena, one of the oldest string instruments in Indian music!
Countries of the world
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Namibia
Name: Paulina Malulu
Age: 24
Hometown: Windhoek
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Bio
Paulina Maluiu is a health and skin care therapist currently pursuing studies in productivity. She aspires to open a chain of spas in Namibia one day. In her spare time, Paulina enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and crafting.
In her own words
I am a woman. You cannot break me. You can only mold me.
Fun Facts
- Paulina earned the Best Young Woman Entrepreneur award.
- Paulina was offered a job to be the first female tour guide for the Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
- Paulina founded the Dingi Community Programme in 2010, which aims to unify and celebrate the talents of beauty queens.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Nigeria
Name: Stephanie Okwu
Age: 19
Hometown: Imo
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Bio
Stephanie Okwu is studying science and technology education and is interested in motivational speaking, dancing and modeling. She has a passion for philanthropy, and is working with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse.
In her own words
Everything works together in the end for my own good.
Fun Facts
- Stephanie loves making people laugh.
- Stephanie once went canoeing in Lake Efi, Nigeria, where she rowed next to crocidiles.
- Whenever she has spare time, Stephanie enjoys watching movies
Countries of the world
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
South Africa
Name: Marilyn Ramos
Age: 22
Hometown: Klerksdorp
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Bio
Marilyn Ramos is currently studying landscape design and architecture at Inscape Design College in Pretoria, South Africa, and dreams of opening her own fitness and wellness center. Although she considers herself a “girlie-girl,” she has a love for the outdoors, hockey, swimming and horseback riding. In the last year, Marilyn has spent much of her time doing charity work to help improve the lives of children in her community and hopes to help spread the message of healthy living.
In her own words
I seek God’s purpose in everything I do. It influences my outlook and dreams, and gives me personal strength.
Fun Facts
- Marilyn once bungee jumped from Bloukrans Bridge in West Cape, South Africa, the highest bridge in the world.
- Marilyn has drank over 400 Red Bulls during this year alone, and has collected each bottle cap.
- Marilyn works closely with the Elandela Rhino Survivor Trust to prevent rhinoceros poaching, a cause close to her heart.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
________________________________________________________________________________________
Tanzania
Name: Betty Omara Boniphace
Age: 20
Hometown: Dar Es Salaam
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Bio
Betty Omara currently works as a model, but has dreams of becoming a journalist and reporting on international affairs. A born leader full of energy and determination, Betty has a passion for philanthropy and helping others.
In her own words
Every morning when I wake up, I feel so grateful that I can do the things I love. Quate
Fun Facts
- Betty’s hidden talent is singing, but she refuses to sing out loud in front of others.
- Betty’s favorite place in the world is Tanzania, where she is surrounded by all her friends and family.
- Betty has been a runner since grade school.
Countries of the world
National Gift Auction
Truth & Dare Video
Credits: Miss Universe
