March 21: Ximena Zamora, a 20-year old student from Quito, has bagged the Miss Ecuador 2005 prize, held at the Teatro Nacional de la Casa de Cultura. The first runner-up was Marelisa Marques, 2nd runner-up Bianca Salame, the 3rd runner-up was Magdalena Stahl, and the 4th runner-up Maria Gracia Manzano. The panel of judges included Alicia Machado, venezuelan singer and actress who also held the Miss Universe title back in 1996.

However, it won't be Ximena Zamora who will represent country at the Miss Universe 2005, to be held in Bangkok on May 31. The candidate to represent Equador at the global pageant will be selected at the Miss Universe Equador pageant to be held in the middle of next month. Miss Universe Equador will be organised by Gamavision. Miss Universe Organization's local franchisee backs Miss Universe Equador.

It is expected that Ximena Zamora will represent the country in Miss World (China) in December, while Marelisa Marquez will travel to Miss International (Japan) and Bianca Salame wi ll compete in the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines.

BY A CORRESPONDENT