In late December 2013, 32 beauty queens from different countries around the world converged in Lagos, Nigeria for the Exquisite Face Of The Universe 2013 world grand finale. After a week of various activities, Susan Castano, stunning Miss Dominican Republic, beat 31 other beauty queens to the Exquisite Face Of The Universe 2013 crown after a thorough selection process based on beauty, body, confidence and mannerism.
Amidst fireworks and glitters on stage, Castano was crowned by Evelyn Addy-Sackey, Founder & CEO of Exquisite Face of the Universe, and was rewarded with a cash prize of $10,000. She also won the Best Poise and Attitude award.
The new queen, speaking excitedly amidst tears, said she would use her new position to champion the course of malaria and HIV eradication.
The beauty queens, dressed in Ankara print made into Nigerian Iro and Buba attire, opened the pageant with a dance performance of different latest moves such as Skelewu, Azonto and Etighi.
The contestants later came out on stage in similar bright orange ensembles for the swimwear category. In the evening gown category, they flaunted their perfect statistics in fitting bespoke floor length gowns.
After the rounds, Miss Brazil was announced as the winner of the Evening Wear category. Miss Colombia won the Swimwear category, Miss Hungary emerged tops in the Talent competition while Miss Ghana won the Best Walk.
Miss Italy won Miss Congeniality, while Miss Nigeria won double for Most Eloquent and Best National Costume. Miss Netherlands stood out for being the most Photogenic, Miss Universe Africa and Miss Universe Europe went to Miss Kenya and Miss Panama respectively.
Pop Icon, 2Face came on stage to perform some of his hit songs. He congratulated all the contestants telling them they were all winners as he exited the stage. All contestants were then welcomed back on stage with Bruno Mars ‘If I Was Your Man’ playing in the background.
The top five finalists were rounded up while the final three were selected after a Questions & Answers session with the judges made up of Mrs Clementine Vervelde, wife of MD/CEO Nigerian Breweries plc.; Justina Mulale, Founder & CEO, Positive Runway; Tony White; Sola “Mr Mahogany” Oyebade, Executive Director, Unicorn Foundation Ghana; Kris Lutterodt Azu and Parvir Singh, Group Managing Director, Stallion Group Automobile, Nigeria.
While waiting for the judges’ decision on the final three, guests were treated to a live performance of Sunny Okosun’s song, African Soldier by Eazy Okosun, brother to the late Gospel legend. And after an arduous screening, the panel of judges also announced Miss Brazil, Souza Paula as the second runner up with a cash prize of $2000; and Miss Sweden emerged first runner up with a cash prize of $4000.
“The reason we chose to host this fifth edition of the Exquisite Face Of The Universe in Nigeria is to portray a positive image of Nigeria while showcasing Africa’s rich cultural diversity. We also believe this pageant can help attract investment opportunities in the tourism sector,” said Ethel Okosun, Pageant’s Project Director, after the event.
The event, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was hosted by Kenyan radio personality, Angela Angwenyi with exciting performance also from music diva Tiwa Savage, while popular comedian, Buchi cracked guests’ ribs with jokes.