FAVORITES: Who will be crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022?
Puerto Rico, a small beautiful island territory in the Caribbean, will crown a new queen tonight during the 66th Miss Universe Puerto Rico edition at Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce (Santurce Fine Arts Center).
The “Isla del Encanto” (Island of Enchantment) is a "powerhouse" in the Miss Universe pageant after winning five editions courtesy of Marisol Malaret (1970), Deborah Carthy (1985), Dayanara Torres (1993), Denise Quiñones (2001), and Zuleyka Rivera (2006).
This year, a total of 28 contestants will battle it out for the coveted national title and the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 2022.
Who will be the next Miss Universe Puerto Rico?
Meet our Top 8 favorites for the crown:
Miss Adjuntas, Mariana Torres-Bernard, 24, is a volleyball player and aspiring health professional. She studied biology with a concentration in biotechnology at the University of Puerto Rico.
Miss Aguadilla, Graciela Berrios Barreto, 18, is also a volleyball player, and an aspiring doctor. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in biology at the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico.
Miss Barranquitas, Sarah Angely Rodríguez Ríos, 28, holds a bachelor's degree in arts with a concentration in psychology, and a degree in management with a specialty in human resources. In addition, she also completed her master's degree in communication with a specialty in journalism and research. She is currently working as a radio host, event entertainer, actress, social workshop facilitator and director of her animation, modeling, and acting academy, Artemorfosis.
Miss Cataño, Camille Fabery Diana, 26, is a model and holds a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences and an associate degree in pharmacy technician. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Pharmacy at Nova Southeastern University.
Miss Dorado, Leonela Gonzalez De Jesus, 23, is a daughter of Dominican immigrants. She is a travel and fashion enthusiast who earned her bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from a British university.
Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto, 27, is a licensed psychosocial therapist who is passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She is completing her studies in aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida and aspires to work as a specialist in the commercial space travel industry. In addition, she dreams of becoming the first Miss Universe Puerto Rico to set foot on the moon.
Miss Isabella, Annelise Torres Colón, 25, is a model, actress, and world champion martial arts athlete. She holds a bachelor of science degree in medical sonography.
Miss Toa Alta, Valeria Pagán Masini, 23, is currently studying to complete a bachelor's degree in public relations at the Río Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico.
Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022 will air live tonight at 8 p.m. (local time) on Wapa TV. Former titleholder Estefanía Soto and Puerto Rican journalist Julio Rivera-Saniel will host the event.
Photos: Rick Acevedo / Miss Universe Puerto Rico
