Missosology.Org Miss World 2007 Beauty Talks: Ada Aimee de la Cruz

Miss World 2007> Beauty Talks > Miss Dominican Republic World

Dominican Republic is now synonymous to great beauty queens but they are yet to be called as a real superpower. The forte of this Caribbean isle mainly rests on the capability of its delegate to charm the multitude. Of course, no one can blame Missosology, if it became a victim of a Ada Aimee de la Cruz. The fans are screaming with delight and the rest of the world has no choice but to yield. Here’s Ada Aimee, a Hot Picks favorite, in an interview by Yahel Ortega Mora.

Describe the village or place where you grew up?

Villa Mella is one of the largest outer towns of the city of Santo Domingo. It’s a place filled with a lot of its own cultural expressions especially in music where our African roots is very present. And as far as dancing is concerned, this is where the prime representatives of “Son” in the Dominican Republic came from. Villa Mella holds an incredible portion of the working class people of Santo Domingo. It’s a place where middle and low class people make their hardest efforts to live in the best way as possible. It is also a place filled with colorful houses, beautiful green areas, music in every corner and friendly smiles everywhere you look. All in all, it’s the place where I feel at home, close to friends and family, and where even strangers are friends.

How would you describe yourself to the world?

I’m a dreamer who’s proud of her roots and has a positive attitude.

What are the beautiful things about Dominican Republic that you are proud of?

As a Dominican, there are many things that I feel proud of. In historical aspect, we are the first city in America with the first church and the first university. I’m also very proud of our music, which is heard in every corner of the world; our athletes, who work very hard and have achieved very important positions; our women, who have fought to be heard and respected, making the difference in our history and in our nation’s freedom.But most of all, I am proud of my people, whom no matter what problems they might have, they always have a smile to share, a cup of coffee or even a plate of food for those who are in need. People with so much happiness flowing through their veins that no matter where in the world they are or what language they might encounter, they have the ability to fill up a room with a sense of joy. This is what we have come to be known for.

Did you always dream to become Miss Dominican Republic or did you have some other ambitions as a child?

As a child I played being a queen, but reality around me made me feel that it was an impossible dream. I can still remember my mother’s words “Have you ever seen a poor girl be a queen?” Today, I’m thankful for those words that pushed me to believe and work harder for my dreams and prove to the world that humbleness, hard work and blind faith have become the best companions to my first ever crown.

Describe the selection process during your national pageant.

For five months, every day, the groups of delegates were put through many different competitions in a reality show that was broadcast weekly. During the sports competition we were able to play with the national selections for baseball and volleyball. We had talent competition, beach beauty competition and who could ever forget the Beauty with a Purpose activities. We brought breakfast and toys and collected money on major streets going from car to car, for children who are suffering from cancer.

The most difficult part for all of us was the elimination process. Each week the delegates who had problems in their preparation process were sent to “Grey Zone” (which meant a possibility of being eliminated from the pageant). I am thankful to have gone through that process, for it made me review my ways of doing and learn from my flaws, turning them then into my strengths. It was a time where I made great friends, from whom as rivals, I learned to relive in my own potential and my qualities.

It all came to an end with a beautiful grand gala. Just a few of us made it to that night and by the decision of jury, I was selected “Miss Mundo Dominicana”!!!!!

Name a beauty queen that you had always admired and wish to emulate.

When I enrolled myself into the pageant, I studied some of the stories of the past queens, where they came from and what happened after their reign. Many of them are very interesting, but the one I can identify with the most would have to be Miss World 1975, Wilnelia Merced. She followed her dream to become queen, modeled for some of the great labels, formed a stable family, and even resided outside of her home country. She has kept strong ties with her country Puerto Rico through her foundation. Throughout, she has been consistent with her work and relationship with the Miss World organization. For me, she is the Miss World who truly emanates the motto, “Beauty with a Purpose”.

How would you define beauty?

It’s when I see or feel something that I like and excites me.

At any given moment, what would your handbag contain?

My purse is usually big because I carry many things typical to any woman. Sun glasses, make-up and even a pair of dress shoes. But if I had to carry a small purse, I would never miss my keys, my mobile phone, a credit card, and lip gloss.

How would you see yourself someday - a family-oriented wife or a career woman?

At my age I consider myself as a balanced person - conscious of the things that are really important in life and that include family and career. This means I will have room for both things but the truth is, if it’s all about success, the importance and the security of a family will be my basis or the engine to pursue success.

What is your opinion regarding the motto of Miss World, "Beauty with a Purpose”?

In my country, the main cause we’ve supported for the past 5 years is a foundation that tackles children’s cancer. Each one of the delegates in the pageant became focused with this work. And even though there is only one crown, above each one of us shines a halo that makes us guardian angels. We helped in comforting the mothers who are glued to their children’s beds for days, selling what little they might have to pay extremely expensive treatments. Their eyes were filled with tears, praying for their children’s well-being. Now, with this crown, I feel the voice of many causes like reforestation, children’s cancer and many others who are sure to find in me an open heart always willing to help.

Lastly, what is your message to Missosology.Org website visitors?

I know that many of Missosology.org visitors are followers and fans of beauty pageants. My message to them is that to achieve your goals, it doesn’t matter what race you are, or what is your social status or even where you are from. The only thing that matters is setting your goals clear and keeping a positive attitude towards them.

Thanks to Miss Dominican Republic World Organization especially to pageant director Belkys Reyes for providing the photos. Special thanks to Yahel Ortega Mora for facilitating the interview. Good luck to Ada Aimee at Miss World 2007