Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Peru's controversial representative in this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant, Jimena Elias, 18 years old, traveled to Mexico early this morning to prepare for the event scheduled to take place on May 28.

Her selection caused quiet a stir in the local media as accusations of nepotism and irregularities surfaced after she was chosen by a panel in a strange 'closed door' event. Critics allege her father, who owns the University of San Juan (the event's main sponsor) influenced her selection.

Even former Peruvian queen beauty Jessica Newton - regarded as the local expert in pageants - publicly alleged that 'her selection was definitely rigged.'

All that is behind her now as she is in Mexico to start her preparation for the world's most important beauty pageant.

Peru's National Beauty Corporation held a cocktail last night to wish Elias good luck on the eve of her departure.

"As of tomorrow, my name will be 'Peru. ' I can assure you that I will give my all to represent my country," said Elias during last night's cocktail.

Elias said she has been preparing herself mentally during the past weeks because she knows just how grueling these types of events can be. She was selected as a runner-up in the 2005 Miss Teen International, held in Costa Rica.

Accompanying Elias at last night's event were: Last year's Miss Peru Universe Fiorella Viñas, Miss Teen Peru 2006 Gabriela Zapata, and Miss Peru World 2002 Marina Mora among others.

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	New Miss Peru Universe not affected by critics (by LIP, 18 April, 2007)
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