In Conversation with Miss Intercontinental 2015 - Valentina Rasulova

For the first time in Sri Lanka the prestigious Miss. Intercontinental pageant will be hosted and presented here this October. Presented by Crown Paints by JAT, Miss. Intercontinental 2016 promises to be a stellar event, conceptualized by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and powered by EGB. Current reigning, title holder, Miss. Intercontinental 2015, Valentina Rasuloa shared her thoughts on the upcoming pageant in Colombo and her excitement of arriving on the island soon. 

1.    What has winning Miss. Intercontinental meant to you? 

I’ve met so many wonderful people, been to many new places, gained a lot of experience while also improving my English. However, the most important being that fact that my family who supported me during the competition last year was present in Germany when I was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2015. Their happiness meant the world to me.
 
2.   Being a make-up artist, do you insist on doing your own make-up? What does it feel like to have someone else do up your face? 

If she’s as qualified as myself, I have no objection. I’m just kidding. Honestly, I’m absolutely fine with someone doing the make up for me. You can’t object when you’re getting spoilt!
 
3.   We hear you’re into photography. What are you most excited about capturing in Sri Lanka? 

I love the beach. I’ve heard a lot about the wild life too, especially with regards to whale watching. There will be so many other opportunities for good photography during the tour with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as well, so I look forward to all.

4.    What do you think it takes to win an international beauty pageant? 

You need to live and love what you do. A beauty pageant is far more than just being pretty as all contestants are pretty and have something special. The unique thing about the Miss Intercontinental pageant that stands out for me is that they do not care about race or color and structure supports the fact that each continent is represented in the Top 5 at the finale. It makes it very exciting and the question Round is not the easiest. You need to be quick witted and smart with your answers too.
 
5.    What has the last year been like for you?

It’s been like a dream. I’ve visited countries like Egypt, Dominican Republic, Spain, Germany, China and ofcourse Sri Lanka! I managed to do plenty of sightseeing too while engaging in many commercial shoots, fashion shows and events that were extremely enjoyable. If I could defend my title and compete once more, I would definitely give it another try.

6.    Can you tell us about your best experience being Miss. Intercontinental over this past year?

I got a great contract with EMMI DENT, an exporter of toothbrushes on ultrasonic basis, this was a great deal and I was a part of many commercial shoots, on their catalogue which included two MIO editions. The support of the Miss Intercontinental Organization was comforting and it was good to know that the organization is there for support always.

7.    What happens next? Where do you see yourself in the coming years?

I have many opportunities in Russia. However, I would like to open my own make up school or pursue my career as a model. However, I first need time to think about what the best option is since I will be starting a new chapter in my life after the Miss Intercontinental 2016 pageant.

8.    What do you think of the pageant being hosted in Sri Lanka this time?

I believe that this is a real opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase the beauty of the country to the entire world. I know from the social media circles that I follow that people are already talking about Sri Lanka and this year’s edition of Miss Intercontinental with excitement. I’m very happy to be in Sri Lanka as well.

Crown Paints by JAT presents Miss Intercontinental 2016 conceptualized by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and powered by EGB, on 16thOctober at Stein Studios Ratmalana, featuring 70 contestants fromaround the world and performances from a stellarlineup of international artistes including Apache Indian, Jim Beanz and Destiny, followed by an exclusive after party. Tickets priced at Rs. 3,500, Rs. 5,000 and special VIP tickets of Rs. 7,500 will be available at the Maharaja Head Office on Braybrooke Place from 5th October.