Novinite.com, Bulgaria
Feb 14 2010
Miss Universe Canada: Bulgaria Means So Much to Me
Views on BG | February 14, 2010, Sunday
Bulgaria-born Alice Panikian is of an Armenian origin. She has been
crowned Miss Universe Canada 2006 and ranked sixth among the finishers
in Miss Universe 2006.
Following is Eurochicago interview with her.
What is your most memorable moment from the competitions?
Alice: The Miss Universe 2006 competition was the most memorable part
of the pageant experience for me. I felt honored to be given the
chance to represent Canada, the country I have called home for the
past 19 years. Meeting the 85 other contestants was such a remarkable
experience as well. I learned so much about the contestants as well
as the countries they represented. Though it was a high-stress time
for everyone involved, I enjoyed the fast-paced life, participating in
the events as well as the thrill of being on stage.
Please tell us a little about yourself, what were you doing before the pageant?
Before entering the Miss Canada pageant, I was modeling. I love to
travel so modeling gave me the opportunity to do that at a young age.
I was also going to York University where my major was English and
Communications.
Did your life change after the contest, what will you be doing now?
My life has changed dramatically because of the contest. My dream is
to be involved in broadcast journalism. Because of the competition, I
was able to network with many people in that industry and it was an
opportunity for me to get a lot of exposure. I am currently still
studying broadcast journalism in Toronto and I will be graduating in
the spring. I hope to be involved in broadcasting very soon in some
capacity, whether it be hosting or writing.
What advice would you give the thousands of girls, who wish that they
were in your place?
The best advice I can give to any young woman who wants to compete in
a pageant is to always be herself. The things that make each of us
unique are the things that are most memorable. Embracing yourself for
the person you are, having confidence and not conceding to the
pressures of outside forces are all important to achieving success not
only in pageants, but in all areas of life.
What role did your Bulgarian mother play in your successes?
My mother is, and always has been, my number one supporter. She was
the one who raised me, and because of her I am the person I am today.
She is the reason behind all of my success.
Have you been to Bulgaria and what does Bulgaria mean to you?
I was born in Bulgaria and I have been back several times. Bulgaria
means so much to me. Not only it is my heritage, but also, most of my
family still lives there. I have many relatives and friends in
Bulgaria, so of course it remains a huge part of my life.
What do your friends know about Bulgaria and what do they associate it with?
Many of my friends are from Eastern Europe as well so they have either
been to Bulgaria or they know about it. They know it is next to the
Black Sea. They know about ancient cities like Plovdiv as well as the
beautiful mountains we have. Bulgaria is known for many things and
each time I meet someone who has been there, they always have
something different to share with me.
Do you have anything from Bulgaria in your home, like a souvenir or
memory from Bulgaria?
We have pictures/paintings of Koprivstiza and Plovdiv, books,
Bulgarian music (CDs), martenizi, embroidered things, many photos, and
other small souvenirs.
Do you use Bulgarian cooking recipes? If so, what is your favorite one?
I like Bulgarian cuisine a lot, especially baniza, red peppers and
cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, tarator, ljuteniza, and French fries
with shredded feta cheese (Bulgarian cheese). During my visits in
Bulgaria I like to eat kebabcheta, and lukanka.
Are you familiar with some of the Bulgarian traditions and do you
celebrate Bulgarian holidays?
We celebrate the National holiday of Bulgarian culture, language, and
literature on May 24, (I was born May 23rd), March 1st Baba Marta,
Christmas (Budni Vecher and Koleda) and Easter (Velikden).
What are your future plans and dreams? What do you hope to accomplish?
One day I hope to be the host of my own television show. Because I
love to travel so much, I would love my show to be about travelling to
different destinations and experiencing the best that each country has
to offer. I also love to write and I have always wanted to write a
novel. Once I find the time, I hope that I will achieve that goal.
Is there anything you would like to tell the Bulgarian people and Bulgaria?
I am proud to be born in a country with such rich history, and to be a
descendant of such strong spirited people as the Bulgarians. I think
of Bulgaria and Bulgarian people often and wish them the best!
What are you expecting for the upcoming Valentine’s Day?
I plan to spend it with someone special.
A question for the mom: What is the most special and strong quality in
your daughter?
Svetlana Panikian: My daughter is a very compassionate, intelligent,
sincere, warm, and outgoing person. Also, she is a loyal friend and
likes to help others.
To the mom and daughter: Would you be willing to come visit us in
Chicago? What about in Bulgaria?
We hope to be able to come and visit at the first opportunity in the
future. At the moment I am in the process of finishing my degree in
journalism.
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