Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela was crowned 2008 Miss Universe held earlier today, July 14 (Philippine time), in Nha Trang, Vietnam. She replaced last year's winner Riyo Mori of Japan.
Miss Venezuela bested other 79 contestants to bag this year's crown. The 22-year-old beauty was once kidnapped in her homeland and says the experience taught her to remain poised under pressure. Dayana is the fifth Venezuelan to win Miss Universe.
Aside from Miss Venezuela, three other Latina beauties made it in the Top 5: Taliana Vargas of Colombia, 1st runner-up; Marianne Cruz Gonzales of Dominican Republic, 2nd runner-up; and Elisa Najera of Mexico, 4th runner-up. The other finalist was Vera Krasova of Russia, 3rd runner-up.
The other contestants who made it in the Top 15 are from Kosovo, Spain, USA, Italy,
Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Japan, and Vietnam.
Miss El Salvador was awarded Miss Congeniality while Miss Thailand won the Best National Costume.
The representative of the Philippines, Jennifer Barrientos, failed to make the cut.
Miss Universe 2008 was hosted by TV host Jerry Springer and
Spice Girl Melanie Brown and broadcast live to hundreds of millions of viewers
in 170 countries.