MEXICO won Miss Continente Americano 2008

GUAYAQUIL, Sept. 6 - Lupita Gonzalez, Miss Mexico, won the title of Miss Continente Americano (American Continent) 2008 during a special ceremony held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on September 6th.

Gonzalez, who was 2nd runner-up or "suplente" in the Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2007 pageant, also won the Miss Photogenic trophy, and the "Mejor Rostro Yanbal (Most Beautiful Face)" award.

She was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Marianne Cruz of the Dominican Republic (also 2nd runner-up of Miss Universe 2008 ).

The first runner-up was Miss Puerto Rico, Kristina Ruisanchez

The 2nd runner-up was Miss Ecuador, Domenica Saporitti

Completing the Top 6 finalists were the contestants from

Brazil (Cynthia de Oliveira)

Venezuela (Andrea Matthies)

Peru (Karol Castillo)

The Best National Costume award was Peru, Karol Castillo

Miss Congeniality was Canada, Samantha Tajik

Lupita Gonzalez' victory is one of many accomplishments of the 15 years of the Nuestra Belleza Mexico Organization, headed by former Miss Universe Lupita Jones.

Mexico was 4th runner-up in Miss Universe 2008; 2nd runner-up in Miss World 2007, and Priscila Perales is the reigning Miss International.

Meet Miss Continente Americano 2008 Contestants

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