What transpired in the Miss Universe 2015 beauty pageant was not the first time. This scenario also happened in Miss World Puerto Rico beauty pageant in 2000, with almost the same mistake committed during the pageant.
That was fifteen years ago, the two finalists of Miss World Puerto Rico, Miss Vieques and Miss Toa Alta had the same awkward situation. By the way, Vieques is a Caribbean island and part of Puerto Rico, also known as Isla Nena or Little Girl Island, and Toa Alta is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the northern coast of the island.
Miss Vieques Barbara Serrano and Miss Toa Alta, Sarybel Velilla took the stage waiting anxiously for the announcement that would change their lives in an instant. Then, finally the event host announced that Miss Vieques, Barbara Serrano as the First Runner-Up and as the award presenters approached the two finalists, they handed over the Miss World Puerto Rico 2000 award to Miss Vieques instead of Miss Toa Alta, Sarybel Velilla who is the real winner.
As the hosts loudly proceeded to repeat , over and over the announcement saying (in Spanish) “ Es Toa Alta! TOA ALTA! TOA ALTA! (its Miss Toa Alta!). This article was published in The Flama, written by Barbara Gonales.
After about a couple of repeated announcements, finally everyone on stage learned that it was actually Miss Toa Alta, Sarybel Velilla who won the crown. Then Miss Barbara Serrano graciously proceeded to take off the crown which she was wearing on her head already and with a heartwarming smile.
But you know what’s the best thing that happened the following year? Miss Vieques Barbara Serrano ended up taking home the crown as Miss World Puerto Rico 2001. Where Miss Velilla herself crowned her and passed on the title.
If only Ms. Colombia had seen this video before she joined the Miss Universe pageant, she could have learned a lot from the example given by Miss Vieques, Barbara Serrano, then she could have reacted differently.
Everybody could learn how gracious and professional this two ladies are. It also shows no matter how beautiful and talented you are, it’s the attitude that counts the most.
