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PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, May 26-A woman from
Botswana tonight became the last Miss Universe of the century, winning the crown
in her country's first-ever entry in the beauty pageant.
Mpule Kwelagobe, 19, was announced the winner after responding to a final question
on whether Miss Universe should be allowed to continue her reign if she became pregnant.
"Personally, I think it should not in any way interrupt her duties. She should
celebrate her femininity," Kwelagobe said to wild applause and yells of approval
from the audience.
In second place was Miss Philippines, Miriam Quiambao, a 23-year-old physical therapist.
Miss Spain, 24-year-old Diana Nogueria, took third place.
Miss Puerto Rico, 23-year-old Brenda Liz Lopez, was named most photogenic and the
Miss Congeniality award went to Marisa Ferreira, a 21-year-old student from Portugal.
Kwelagobe's prize means she no longer will have to describe herself as "unemployed,"
as she did on the pageant entrance list, where she said she was awaiting further
studies and hoped to become an electronics engineer.
Her prize includes a $40,000 salary for the year's reign, along with a mountain of
cash, a plush apartment in New York City for the year and a bonanza of designer clothes,
jewelry, luggage and makeup.
The crowning occurred in a converted U.S. Army helicopter hangar, a 3,900-seat auditorium
that was sold out for the gala, broadcast live to 80 countries by CBS. The faded
green corrugated iron building's interior has been converted into a lavish auditorium
featuring artwork by Trinidadians.
Judges included world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, Buffalo Bills
lineman Bruce Smith and Sirio Maccioni, owner of New York's chic Le Cirque restaurant.
Also on hand was U.S. business mogul Donald Trump, who owns the pageant with CBS.
c Copyright 1999 The Associated Press
All rights reserved.
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