Blogamole › Dayana Mendoza

By Zuania Ramos

After making history by becoming the fifth Venezuelan to be crowned the world's most beautiful woman, earning the title of Miss Universe and taking in a glorious holiday vacation with her boyfriend in New Jersey, Dayana Mendoza returns to promote her projects for 2012.

The first is her participation in magnate Donald Trump's 'Celebrity Apprentice,' where she'll showcase her business acumen with Latin American pride.

In an interview with Dayana, the Venezuelan beauty shares insightful details about her life after her Miss Universe coronation, including what went wrong that left her depressed:

AOL Latino: How does it feel to participate in 'Celebrity Apprentice' and once again work with the Trump family?

DM: I feel that since Miss Universe, I haven't stopped working with the Trump family, especially with the opportunity they gave me to stay in the United States and work with Trump Models. Now I'm continuing with 'Celebrity Apprentice,' which has been one of the greatest opportunities I've achieved.

AOL Latino: How does it feel to represent Latinos in this opportunity?

DM: Two of us Venezuelans are representing Latinos on the show, Patricia Velasquez and me. I feel a great sense of pride because we're women forging a difference. We Latinos have been identified and categorized by stereotypes, and the idea is for both of us to show that, yes, we did come to this country to work and do things with heart and honesty. On this occasion I'm also happy to continue collaborating with the Latino Commission on Aids, which provides assistance to Hispanic AIDS patients.

AOL Latino: How did the invitation come about?

DM: It came during a conversation with Mr. Trump. I stopped by his office to say hello and he spoke to me about the program. I wasn't sure it was something I wanted to do because I have seen it in the past and knew that it was very strong, very intense, so I wasn't sure. But in the end I decided to do it because it's for a worthy cause.

AOL Latino: What is your strategy to win on the show?

DM: Mine was to approach it serenely, honestly and work. I didn't have a single strategy because it's an extremely competitive game in which you have to remove someone to stay in it yourself, so participants work differently and all have a distinct end on the show. There are many personalities one deals with, so in the end it is much improvised because you never know how another person will react under pressure.

AOL Latino: How has it been to enter the Anglo market?

DM: It is interesting because one already knows what a Latino is like and how he/she works, but now I'm learning how things operate in the Anglo world. My goal is to educate people and show what Latin Americans truly are, and that we just didn't show up if it wasn't for our culture and to achieve and do the best we can for our families -- we came to work. I want people to understand that our culture is like any other, we just have to merge.

AOL Latino: How has your life changed since Miss Universe?

DM: After Miss Universe I studied acting for a year and a half, and it left me very depressed about school. I felt I wasn't learning enough nor working enough because I was stuck there all week. It felt like slavery and I was depressed because the school didn't compel me or hold my attention enough. So I left to Germany for two months to clear my mind and work. From there I returned to the United States, and I've been working as a model, doing commercials and promotional campaigns until now. I'm taking things slowly, though immediately after I got back I was offered this opportunity.

AOL Latino: Do you have anything lined up after the show, or are you looking for something in particular?

DM: There are things I want to do, but I don't know where to start or what to do first. Once [the show] airs, I want to prioritize opportunities and personal goals ... I only want to do what I like, work and be OK. The funny part is that one is good when stable and stability is love, work and family. And for us Latinas, it is more difficult at times because we've got one thing going here, another there -- the ideal is to have it all.

AOL Latino: How does it feel to be an icon at such a young age?

DM: I'm very flattered and honored. I simply hope that people understand who I am as a person. I've never wanted to portray an image of what I'm not. I've always been very spontaneous, but I'm still the same person. Being a beauty queen is a great opportunity, but it isn't a career. Very simply it is an opportunity one enjoys, but there has to be a Plan B, you have to go to school and you have to work. It is wonderful to live out your dream, but I would like people to know that I'm a human being like anyone else.

'Celebrity Apprentice' airs on NBC Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. (EST).

Tags AOL Latino, aol latino in Blogamole, Celebrity Apprentice, Dayana Mendoza, donald trump, Miss Universe, Patricia Velazquez

By Michael Lopez

Ok, so maybe Jose Canseco didn't get top honors from Donald Trump last year. But we're still setting our sights on a Hispanic Celebrity Apprentice winner, particularly because the show's got Dayana Mendoza and Patricia Velasquez for season five!

The Donald unveiled his newest Apprentice contestants yesterday and, we have to admit, they were a very diverse mix. There were reality faves like Clay Aiken, rock stars like Dee Snyder, and even former late night hosts like Arsenio Hall.

And this time out, Trump's added two energetic Latinas to the mix. Patricia is one of Venezuela's most famous supermodels, having appeared in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel. Dayana (who also hails from Venezuela) is a former Miss Universe and the youngest Apprentice in this year's cast.

How far will they go? We won't find out until the big premiere on February 12. But if you needed any more reason to root for them, keep in mind that Mendoza's playing for a Latino AIDS charity and Velasquez hopes to contribute her winnings to the Wayuu Taya Foundation.

Are you a fan of the Celebrity Apprentice? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrity Apprentice, Dayana Mendoza, donald trump, Patricia Velasquez, Reality shows, Television

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

The stars came out at Cielo Latino last night. Luminaries of the Latin-American community gathered at the stunning Cipriani Wall Street ballroom to support the Latino Commission’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Stars and supporters were welcomed by gracious hosts, including Latino Commmission President Guillermo Chacon, and co-chairs Ruben Gutierrez and Lark-Marie Anton-Menchini. The theme of the evening was “Unmask AIDS,” inspired by the tradition and spirit of Carnival in the Latino Culture, and the ballroom was festooned with feathered masks and beads. The message was clear, both in the many touching speeches and in the welcoming statement from the benefit committee co-chairs in the evening’s program:

“We believe that the best way to eliminate stigma is to be open and honest with family and friends about preventing HIV/AIDS… Carnival is celebrated throughout the world and is especially popular in the Caribbean and South America among diverse Latino and African cultures… It is this diversity of people and health issues that we want you to think about as we celebrate the personal achievements and contributions of the people and companies we honor tonight.”

Familiar faces at the party included Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza and Wilson Cruz, who had a great time raffling off two  plane tickets We also ran into actors Steve Guttenberg and Rosie Perez, who dropped by to support the cause and pose for snapshots with fans.

The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction, to the soundtrack provided by DJ Henry Knowles. After walking the red carpet, guests checked out the fabulous prizes on display, donated by event sponsors and supporters, including MTV, Goya, Macy’s, The New York Knicks, the Giants football team, NBC Telemundo, Latino Commission advertising partner and agency Sudler & Hennessey, the Yankees, the Rangers, Disney World, and Rums of Puerto Rico.

Lots ranged from decadent gift baskets of beauty products and spirits, dinners at Cipriani’s and Palo Santo, fine jewelry, spa packages and even priceless memorabilia and experiences.

MTV Tr3s donated a signed photo by Paulina Rubio, Dave Navarro, 50 Cent, Tommy Lee and REIK, while one lucky winner picked up a dinner with Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza. Bellini cocktails flowed and the crowd, including many celebrity presenters, placed written bids on auction items.

The role of Master of Ceremonies was filled by Tom Llamas, Emmy Award-winning reporter, and host of WNBC’s News 4 New York.  In one of the most touching moments of the evening, Ruben Medina, chair of the board of the Latino Commission on AIDS, presented a posthumous Pioneer Award honor to the widow and daughter of Jose Morales, the dedicated community organizer and health administrator who dedicated his life to social justice and public health.

Lupe Ontiveros and Yancey Arias presented the Companero Award to CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper for his hour-long special “Hope Survives: 30 Years of AIDS.”  Although the journalist could not attend, he did send an emotional video thank you to the Commission and sponsors.

Finally TV star and Ugly Betty’s dad, Tony Plana, presented the Business Leadership Award to Gilead Sciences, the pioneering biopharmaceuticals firm whose products aim to increase the quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.

If you’d like to donate or participate, please visit LatinoAIDS.org to find out how you can take part in the fight against HIV/AIDS in our community!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, Anderson Cooper, Cielo Latino, Dayana Mendoza, lupe antiveros, Rosie Perez, Tony Plana, Wilson Cruz

La mujer más bella del universo is once again una mujer Latina!  Felicitaciones a Miss Venezuela, Stefanía Fernandez, who won the title of Miss Universe last night from fellow belleza Venezolana, Dayana Mendoza!

Stefanía Fernandez won out over what pageant owner Donald Trump is calling the "most beautiful group of women [he's] ever seen."  It is the sixth Miss Universe win for Venezuela -- the most for any country!  The top five finalists included otras dos Latinas, Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Puerto Rico.  Qué noche para las mujeres hispanas!!

After winning la corona, the 18-year-old Stefanía mused over what it is that makes las Venezolanas so beautiful:

"What do we Venezuelans have? That we are ourselves."

It doesn't hurt when "yourself" is a 5'10" belleza who looks dynomite in a bikini!  La nueva Miss Universo will spend el próximo año viajando por todo el mundo promoting humanitarian issues and HIV/AIDS education.

Also gracing the stage at the Miss Universe pageant este año was The Hills' Heidi Montag in her first-ever live performance, along with Flo Rida, Kelly Rowland and David Guetta. [Yahoo! News]

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Dayana Mendoza, donald trump, Flo-rida, Heidi Montag, Kelly Rowland, Latinas, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Universe, Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez, Venezuela

It looks like the outgoing Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela, just can't wait to get out of her sash and into... un escándalo?

Nearly, but not quite.  Mendoza, who will pass su corona to the new Miss Universe on August 23rd, posed for a spicy spread in an upcoming issue of men's mag Maxim.  Although the beauty queen didn't go full frontal para la revista, she did pose topless, with her arms covering up any XXX body parts.

The move is unusual for a Miss Universe title holder still in the public eye, pero she did not break any rules.  Pageant officials like Donald Trump gave the Venezuelan beauty their blessing to publish las fotos.  This isn't the first time that the Caracas model has had a run-in with the pageant committee.  Early on in her reign it was discovered she had taken provocative photos for a jewelry ad when she was fifteen.  The photos were deemed passable and she held onto her title.

The president of the Miss Universe organization, Paula Shugart, was content with Dayana's choice to bare herself, saying that the pics contained “nothing salacious" and were "just beautiful."

Looks like Mendoza will keep her record clean, rather than taking on a tarnished rep like troublesome reinas of beauty pageant past Tara Conner and Carrie Prejean. [MSNBC.com]

In other good looking news, this year's roster of Latinas for the Miss Universe pageant is looking fierce!  Check a few of the contestants below, and scope out the complete line-up on MissUniverse.com to see who would get your vote!

Mayella Mena, El Salvador

Karla Carillo, Mexico

Michelle Rouillard, Columbia

Images via Maxim Magazine and MissUniverse.com

Tags contestants, Dayana Mendoza, donald trump, ganadora, karla carillo, Latina, line-up, list, lista, mayella mena, michelle rouillard, Miss Universe, model, modela

The Venezuelan beauty reina can sell just about any product on the market...

The 2008 Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza was spotted strolling the streets of Manhattan yesterday with a Diet Coke can at hand, but she was not shooting a commercial. Dayana was actually snapped filming “Miss Universe: Social Butterfly” in the West Village. Most celebs ignore or fight off paps, but Diana gave a friendly wave while carrying some leftovers.

That's right. In a New York minute you can be lucky enough to bump into this social belleza!

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Dayana Mendoza, Gossip, Latin Music, Latinos, MTV, Musica Latina, Tr3s, Tres

What do all of these stars have in common?

They all supported the Latino Commisson on AIDS during the 14th Annual Cielo Latino Gala on Tuesday night at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC. The organization Cielo Latino continues to be the largest Annual National fundraiser for the Latino community against HIV. It's no coincidence that the non-profit exists since the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., Latinos constitute 14% of the U.S. population but account for over 20% of the AIDS cases.

This year's gala garnered the support of the likes of Wilmer Valderrama,  Lupe Ontiveros, Dayana Mendoza, Rosie Perez, Cucu Diamantes, Carmen Dominicci, and our very own Carlos Santos. Without a doubt we were there to catch all the acción and chat it up with Wilmer himself! Find out what he exclusively told MTV Tr3s and more gala gossip after the jump! Read more...

Tags "Days of Wrath", Carlos Santos and Carmen Dominicci, Cielo Latino, Cipriani Wall Street, Cucu Diamantes, Dayana Mendoza, Lupe Ontiveros, politico, Rosie Perez, the Latino Commission on AIDS, Wilmer Valderrama

Dayana Mendoza may have been crowned Miss Universe based on her breathtaking beauty, but la reina admits that useful street smarts also helped her conquer the game. The former fashion model's survival skills were put to the test two years ago after being kidnapped in Venezuela.

Being completely vanished from las calles of her hometown has inspired the 22-year-old to support the anti-violence initiative "la violencia no es el camino.” In turn, the bella surviver spoke out about her experience:

In reality [the experience] taught me how to manage my emotions, and control myself in any situation, which helped me a lot when it came to the Miss Universe pageant.

Oye, Dayanita definitely deserves street credit for this one! [MTV Tr3s Radio Noticias]

Can't get enough of this femme fatale? Check out Miss Universo chillin' with Daddy Yankee at the New York Latino Film Festival last week!

Read more...

Tags Daddy Yankee, Dayana Mendoza, Gossip, Latinas, Miss Universe, Venezuela

Being Latino is so hot right now...Advertisers want our money, A&Rs want in on our music and everyone wants to get the Brown look (c'mon you know that Latina women are the hottest). So, it wasn't a sorpresa that Latinas rocked the Miss Universe competition last night.

Venezuela, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico all made it to the finals yesterday, but it was Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela who won the crowd over. What locked in our vote was the contestant's compelling answer to the age old question about men vs. woman:

Men think that the fastest way to go to a point is to go straight. Women know that the faster way to go to a point is to go to the curves.

Wow wa wee wa. What a way to keep the judges on their toes! Congrats! [Lossip]

Photo via Getty Images

Tags celebs, Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe