After meeting with Cynthia Olavarría, Miss Puerto Rico 2005, there are three things that especially impress me: Her sincere eyes, her passion for acting and her ability to scarf down half a chicken like a man on death row. It is a hungry life on the beauty circuit. A world chock full of diets and surgeries, breeding and posture, rumors and raucous. But there is a reward: that coveted Miss Universe crown. Few seems as prepared as the precocious Olavarría; she has been receiving accolades all her life.
She was a TV host at 12, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the School of Communications at the University of Puerto Rico and is one of the island's top models. Despite the brilliant past, the 5'10" beauty seems unsure of her future. After all, she is but a 22-year-old still trying to figure out her calling.
Olavarría was raised for show business. At age 11, she won the "Miss Reina Infantil of Puerto Rico." At 12, the petite model co-hosted the popular kids show "Contra el Reloj" and acted as a reporter for a pilot show called "Entérate." She graduated high school with honors while competing in many modelling competitions. When the fashion world took off here, she was one of the busiest models, jumping from catwalk to catwalk.
In 2002, she tried her hand at the Miss Puerto Rico Universe pageant but was beaten by Carla Tricoli, the Vieques representative. Two years later, she attempted to snatch the crown once more, and won. That same year she graduated from UPR.
As she gets ready to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand, Olavarría is taking time to practice English, exercise and make special appearances anywhere the The Miss Puerto Rico Universe organization sends her. In an interview with San Juan Magazine, Olavarría opened up about pageants foes, the future of local actors and the performance of woman in politics.
How was the last competition different from the 2002 competition?
In 2002 I saw I saw the pageant as a dream. That I wanted to accomplish. I was not focused or prepared then. I just took the opportunity to compete because I was a member at the official Miss San Juan gym, and I was recommended. So I became Miss San Juan and competed at the pageant. It wasn't anything planned.
During the recent competition, I had previous knowledge of what the pageant was about and knew what I had to do to win. I knew what areas to fix, and I was much more focused.
What was it like competing against Carla Tricoli?
I did not have any problems with Carla. As a matter of fact, I knew her from previous modelling experiences. We already have a professional relationship. When she won, I thought it was her moment, and that mine would come later. And it did.
Do you think she won because she represented Vieques, a municipality in the middle of political chaos?
I don't see it that way. When we gathered the opinions of the jury (after the pageant, they never mentioned that the city we represented would influence the decision. What was curious was that we all answered different questions, but in any case my question was a controversial one. They asked me how I would solve the conflict in Vieques. Carla's question was much easier; they asked her to talk about her platform.
What was your answer?
My answer was that it wasn't in my hands to solve that problem and that it was in the hands of the government and independent groups. It seemed as I recommended that people find solutions within themselves so that the peace in Vieques would arise as a result of peoples desire for improvement
In all pageants rumors arise that the judges, reporters and even the franchise favor a candidate. What is your reactions to rumors that you were favored from the get-go?
My desire to compete was so big, and I wanted to represent Puerto Rico internationally, so I had to whoosh away rumors and fight for what I wanted. People also have to see the other side. It didn't suit the (Miss Puerto Rico) organization that the runner up run for a second time.
They wouldn't favor me. I felt that I was at a disadvantage. First, there was a lot of pressure because I was an established model, and therefore people expected more from me. Also, people just assume that you are close to the crown, they don't think you might fail.
If people really think about it harder, they would realize that it wasn't in the organization's best interest if I won because it would validate the rumors that they wanted me to win. Besides they never approached me to compete. It was my decision to compete for a second time.
Also I wasn't the only candidate competing again. This year's runner up competed in Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2002, where she was one of the five finalists. But this was never made public. Also, Miss Coamo had participated in 2002, and Miss Fajardo in 2003.
Do you think that positive press coverage affects the judge"s decision?
If you mean like doing public relations, I think it didn't happen in this competition.
How do you feel about the local talent working abroad?
I admire all the Puerto Ricans who have made mark across the world, as is the the case of Juan Carlos Morales who was my acting professor.
Do you think there is a future for local talent?
It depends on what they are looking for. If they want to be movie actors, they might have to go abroad. If they don't want to leave the island, they can work in theater and local productions.
Do you think the debacle between Sunshine Logroño and Tony Mojena can affect local actor's profession? (Logroño was sued by Mojena for claiming ownership of a show that Mojena had produced).
I think the fact that this controversy exists and that there is a legal battle makes the actors see things differently. They realized that they don't have an organization to protect them or might analyze the situation further.
Are you inclined towards acting also?
I was offered to work on a movie and to be host to several events. I can see myself as an actor or a television host. If the opportunity arises, maybe. But I haven't decided. I am just focused on Thailand, and it consumes most of my time
.
You studied communications. What attracts you most about this field?
Since my bachelor's degree was in Communications, I took classes in journalism, public relations and other areas. But I like journalism the most. I did an internship in a private agency and at the university. I didn't study journalism like the typical girl who wants to be an anchorwoman. I prefer print journalism. It feel that through my words I can convey feelings, information and message.
Accusations exist that some newspapers favor a political party and that the press is too sentationalist. What do you think about the conditions of the communications field in Puerto Rico?
Like I was told in school, studying is one thing, working is another. I believe that journalists have to work under the rules of the publication they are working for. I think no one is ever objective. A journalists will always speak or write from their perspective. In Puerto Rico, I haven't noticed if a paper is favoring a political party.
How did you like working at the "Noche de Escape?"
I didn't work there. They just approached me to do the cover of the (Escape) magazine. I had to do it because there are certain obligations that I have to follow for the organization, so Ivan Batista, who is the photographer of the pageant, took the pictures.
I saw it as a p[professional obligation and not that I was selling something. I see it as Cynthia the model, not Cynthia the beauty queen.
So you separate your professional image from your personal image?
Yes, it is one of the things I like about modeling. I learned later in this career that I am not selling myself, I am just a hanger that holds a dress.
Do you think that Escape is sexist compared to other publications?
It depends on the section of the magazine. My pictures have nothing to do with the other sections, which are little more daring.
Do you think sexism affects the image of the Puerto Rican women?
It depends on how the person sees it. In my case, I have a different concept, and some might disagree. I think the pageant is a vehicle to get to other places that you want to go.
We have three women elected to the senate from all three parties. What do you think is the future for women in politics?
I see it as something normal. The fact they got the majority of votes reflects that the electoral trusts that women can hold such important political posts.
What is your opinion of a political system in which a senator, such as Norma Burgos, can win the majority of votes and not considered for the presidency of the Senate?
I don't think she was discriminated against for being a woman. I think it has to do with an internal problem in the party. In that case, she might have had a problem with one of the people involved.
What is your opinion of the Gov. Sila María Calderón's performance in her post?
Aside from my own personal political affiliation, I believe she had to endure a difficult task. She had to win the trust of the citizens. Maybe people were scrutinizing her performance more, simply for being a woman.
What's your take on the UIA protest?
I would love to tell you how to fix it, or help what is being done wrong, but I think it is a problem between the syndicate, the UIA and the other parties involved.
You are from Santurce. How do you feel about the gentrification that is taking place in that area?
I think it is interesting. I live in an area that is almost classified as a tourist zone. I have seen small merchants that have held their ground, something that has not happened in other areas on Santuce. I think its key for the small merchants to unite.
Are you in favor of these small businesses staying in santuce?
Absolutely. That doesn't mean I am against big corporations, but I have seen the changes, and I think it has been favorable that some areas have been classified as tourist zones.
As a "cangreja", what's your opinion of expropriations taking place in the "San Mateo de cangrejos" barrio?
I suggest that they seek dialogue to try to reach an agreement.
