Text And Photos By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
A South African fashion designer was crowned Jewel of the World 2018 in San Juan City Saturday night.
However, a bubbly contestant from Azerbaijan stole the show for her candidness during the question-and-answer portion.
Kristina Zamir, a fashion model from Azerbaijan, captured the hearts of the audience answering the question: “How do you define “Jewel of the World?”
She said, “Oh my God! It’s so difficult to talk! Sorry. For me ‘Jewel of the World’ is like a family. My English is not perfect but I will talk by my words. Sorry.
“For me, ‘Jewel of the World’ is like a new family because when I see kind people, they just give me a reason how to…I don’t know how to say it…I didn’t feel that it is competition because they are my friends. We didn’t have the chance to fight or do something to kill someone. I really learned from 11 cultures in the pageant.” The audience laughed then gave her a big round of applause.
Asked how she felt about her being appreciated by Filipino fans, Zamir said: “I love the Philippines. Even I didn’t win, I feel like a winner. I will come back here for a vacation very soon.”
Neena Bezuidenhout, an image consultant in South Africa, became the first winner of the international pageant that celebrates cultural diversity.
“I hope to unite all the people not based on their cultural differences but reach the level that understands people you communicate with and get to know them better and connect with them,” said Neena during an interview after the pageant.
First runner-up honors went to Indian actress Manpreet Kaur Sekhon, while Miss Philippines Achelle Joy Medrano, was named second runner-up.
Twelve candidates competed at the first Jewel of the World 2018 beauty pageant which was inspired by the May 21 declaration of the UN General Assembly as the World Day for Cultural Diversity, said John dela Vega, national director of the international pageant.
Other candidates who made in the Top 6 were delegates from Thailand, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. Winners of special awards were Azerbaijan, Miss Personality and Best In Evening Gown; Thailand, Miss Photogenic; South Africa, Best In Swimsuit and Miss Friendship; Culture and Fashion Award, India; Myanmar, Best In Talent and Darling of the Press (shared with Miss Philippines); and Cote D’ Ivoire, Bulacan Jewel of the World.
