Contestants for the Miss Universe 2008 pageant are arriving in Vietnam this week, among them, twenty-three year old Marianne Cruz representing the Dominican Republic.
Previous winner, Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori from Japan will crown her successor on July 14 with a US$120,000 crown made of 18K white and yellow gold. The crown, made by CAO Fine Jewelry of Vietnam contains more than 1,000 inlaid precious stones.
Contestants from more than 80 countries will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the title of Miss Universe 2008 and the opportunity to wear the crown.
The winner will receive a tiara by CAO Fine Jewelry valued at US$30,000.
In recent years, worldwide distribution of the popular competition has topped more than 170 countries. Televised coverage of the pageant at the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang will be on NBC on 13 July from 9-11pm.
Marianne Cruz works as a model and is a college student who aspires to be a world famous fashion designer.
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