MICAELA REIS

MISS

Micaela Reis was born in Portugal to an Angolan mother and a Portuguese father. Her father died before her birth, so she was raised by her mother. She got the world's attention when she was crowned Miss Angola -2007. She represented Angola at the 2007 Miss Universe, where she made it to the top 10 (she placed 7th).

She competed at the 2007 Miss World Beauty Pageant, which was held in China. She finished as the 1st Runner-up to the winner, Chinese Zhang Zilin. There she was named Miss World Continental Queen of Africa at this event.

We once chatted with this stunner and she was very forth-coming. Micaela is now an Actress, Producer, Businesswoman, TV presenter, and Philanthropist.

We are unveiling a profile of one of the most beautiful women alive and we will give you a glimpse into her beautiful mind in an unforgettable interview.

MORE THAN GOOD LOOKS

BronzePage: Micaela....It's nice to have you. What do you tell a woman who is this beautiful and the whole world already bears witness to her beauty...Miss World Africa? Miss Angola and runner up to Miss World [ by the way we think you should have won that competition in China] so do we really have to say 'You are very beautiful?' Seriously ..real talk. How does it feel when you have been told all your life that you are very beautiful? Does it ever get to the stage where you are numb to such complement?

Micaela: Thank you! I don't think compliments are ever too much especially if they are sincere. I am actually glad when people give me compliments as they only reinforces your confidence and helps me feel even better about myself.

BronzePage: Someone in our team said it is almost unfair that any woman should be as beautiful as you. Do you get the awestruck look a lot?

Micaela: (Smile) I think beauty should be appreciated all the time. When I say 'beauty' I am speaking in terms of all types and forms of beauty.

BronzePage: At what point in life did you notice you were blessed with such good looks? Some women say it can also have its drawbacks because you are always expected to stand out in a crowd. You cannot simply blend in; is that your experience?

Micaela: It's so funny, while I was growing up I never thought of myself as one of those 'Pretty Girls" in school, my friends were; but after winning Miss Angola, I started looking at myself differently and started accepting and appreciating what I have. A lot of times people expect nothing more from pretty women other than ' Just -be-pretty', That is something that bothers me....we have a lot more to offer than good looks.

BronzePage: Absolutely!!

GOD HAS BEEN THE ONE GUIDING ME

BronzePage: What is it about Angola? Many beautiful women have come out of Angola. Is there something about Angola? Four years after you became the runner up to Miss World, Leila Lopes- also from Angola - was crowned Miss Universe....What a record …..should all single guys go to Angola?

Micaela: Ha ha ha.....Totally! Angolan women are beautiful, strong, intelligent and have a sense of humor: the perfect pair ….ha ha!

BronzePage: Tell us more about Angola, for those of us who have never been to that country. What is it about Angola that you wish the rest of the world should know about?

Micaela: Angola is a really nice country to visit. We have really nice weather, beautiful beaches, the people are super-friendly. It is a great place for business as well.

BronzePage: How about your mother? How was it raising you and your siblings without your dad?

Micaela: My mom is the most important person in my life, followed by my siblings. We are all very close and have a great relationship. They have always been there for me and I am thankful that God gave me my family.

BronzePage: How did you decide you wanted to take part in your first beauty pageant? What was the deciding factor? We ask this because had you not taken that first step, you would never be who you are today....that fine line between ' Yes I am going to do this or, No, I wont'.....is usually what makes the difference. For young girls aspiring to follow your footsteps, what was the turning point?

Micaela: My mom was the one who called and registered me for the casting. I never thought of becoming Miss Angola but I think it was my destiny. I was afraid because

I didn't know what I was getting into but I always did my best and I've always been myself- that is most important.

ANGOLA IS A REAL NICE COUNTRY

BronzePage: It is almost impossible to enumerate all your achievements; you have done so much in such a short time.....from that sweet girl to Miss Angola, you were among the top ten at the Miss Universe pageant, then you became the Miss World runner up, you were crowned Miss World Africa. You are an actress, TV Host, judge in a pageant....the list goes on. You were so young, you were not even thirty years old. Everything came together for you Micaela, how does that feel? What special prayer did your mother pray so we can pray it?

Micaela: [Laughs] I still have a lot to accomplish. I believe that God has been the one guiding me all these years. I also have a family that supports me a lot and I am really dedicated to what I am doing. I believe that we have to put in our best in everything we do in life. I always look to learn more and I also try to constantly improve. I never put limits on myself, my dreams are big. I have been working towards them and they will come true whenever God says it's the best time, until then I will continue to work hard.

BronzePage: You have done quite a few things on television from Vo Directo and Windeck; what else have you done and what do you have lined up?

Micaela: I have also hosted Elite Model Look-Angola/Mozambique and Cape Verde for 3 years. I have been invited to continue to work on TV.... and finishing my degree …really hard to do both.

MY GOAL

BronzePage: Do you have any foundation or projects? What are they and what about them appeal to you?

Micaela: I am working on workshops that I will start with kids who do not have access to any form of art. I have a lot of super talented kids in Angola. I also have my bikini line Praia Moreno by Micaela Reis....we are currently working on a new line. I also want to help my country as such as I can with all my art.

BronzePage: What is your favorite city in the world and why?

Micaela: It is hard to pick a favorite city but I would pick Benguela in Angola. I want to live there one day if I retire.

BronzePage: Name one person alive or dead who inspired or inspires you?

Micaela: Nelson Mandela of course and someone else that I really like is Augusto Cury.

BronzePage: Are you religious? Christian? Budhist?Muslim? Non-religious?

Micaela: Yes, I am a Christian!

BronzePage: Your position is very important; It is a privilege to be who you are. What would you like to spotlight, change, improve...both in Africa and the world in general?

Micaela: I really want to give kids more access to Education, Arts and Culture. I believe what Nelson Mandela said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' My goal is to help more people to gain access to education.

BronzePage: What are your hobbies? What else do you like to do?

Micaela: I am into Muay Thai boxing, I like to hike, I am learning how to swim. I love to watch movies and I like to read....also I have a blog where I write about various topics.

BronzePage: People do not always get to see this side of you, Micaela, but you are a very smart and brilliant person, if you did not become a beauty queen, what else would you have done intellectually?

Micaela: My intellectually side still exists.....[laughs] but instead of pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I probably would have become a judge,

BronzePage: This was an absolute pleasure, is there anything else you would like to share? We can do this all day...its so easy to chat with you.

Micaela: I think we covered a lot.