After all the speculations, finally here comes the winner of the recently concluded Ms. Universe 2008 held in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Dayana Mendoza, a representative of Ms. Venezuela was hailed as Ms. Universe 2008 replacing last year’s winner Riyo Mori of Japan.

Ms. Dayana Mendoza, 22 years old was once kidnapped in Venezuela and says the experience taught her to remain poised under pressure. Dayana is the 5th Venezuelan to win Miss Universe.

The other contestants who made it in the Top 15 are from Kosovo, Spain, USA, Italy, Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Russia.

Miss Congeniality was awarded to Miss El Salvador while Miss Thailand won the Best National Costume.

Aside from Miss Venezuela, beauties made it in the Top 5: Taliana Vargas of Colombia, 1st runner-up; Marianne Cruz Gonzales of Dominican Republic, 2nd runner-up; and Elisa Najera of Mexico, 4th runner-up. The other finalist was Vera Krasova of Russia, 3rd runner-up.

Our very own Ms. Jennifer Barrientos of the Philippines didn’t get any and failed to make the cut.