Miss Bolivia

Maria Nuvia Montenegro Apuri

Maria was born in Reyes-Beni, a state surrounded by a beautiful rain forest, rivers , lakes and many rare animals that are close to extinction. In the year 2000 a fire almost consumed her town, she will always remember how all the people came together and helped each other in this critical time. Maria is a student and would like to study foreign languages and marketing. Her hobbies and leisure interests include: reading, basketball and dancing to tropical music. Personal motto is "Live this day, like the last day in your life."


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I was born in Reyes-Beni, a state of Bolivia, where you could find a beautiful rain forest, with rivers and lakes that goes round the land. I am part of a humble and simple family, but very hard working and we are very close with each other.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
I used to sell beauty products, while I was at school… and that I enjoyed most. The most interesting thing was when a big snake (sicurí) almost bit me. That scared me too much.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
First of all I would like to study foreign languages and marketing, after that I would like to have a beautiful family, like the one I am part of.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
It was when I was 14, when I decided to help people, who were losing their houses because of fire. The fire almost destroyed half of the town. I feel proud to have been useful in that critical moment.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
One of them was when I was riding a motorcycle with my friends, near the town and fell down… it was very funny.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
My life has changed a lot. Before I was only a school student and now I am a public person. After all - my responsibilities changed, now I have a lot more to do and a great commitment to my country.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
Every year on January the 6th, we celebrate the anniversary of my town. Poor people sleep in the schools etc on those occasions. That is very important for me because I can help the people to join in the celebration.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
If I became Miss World 2004, It would make my country very proud and I would hope that I could help the Bolivian children that work in the streets, making it possible for these people to change their lives.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
Live this day like the last day in your life.

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
Till now I have been involved in a lot of charity work and I expect to continue with this beautiful work. I cannot forget when the fire almost destroyed my town, and the opportunity I had to help the people during that time.

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