Miss Emigrant 2003

Emigrant Festival Committee in collaboration with Lebanese Emigrants Committee and Ministry of Tourism Present:

Meet new Miss Emigrant 2003-2004
19 years young, Miriam Habib from Houston, Texas, USA

First Runner up on right, Brenda Zakki from South Africa,
2nd runner up Stephanie Khattar, 17 years young from Zalka, Lebanon

Interview with Ms. Mughtarbeen

Miriam Habib

They reward a queen for her external and internal beauty. And for her understanding and true love of giving. Truly this years Ms. Mughtarbeen earned it. I had the chance to meet her and her mother during a lunch organized by the mayor of the baladieh Mr.Nabil Ghosn.

Both lovely ladies that welcomed us with great love and warmth.

Here's my interview with Miriam Habib , Ms. Mughtarbeen 2003/2004.

Question #1 : How did you enter the program?

Miriam : I was encouraged by Nabil Habaki and Julia Nader and they told Alexa Kiamy Bourji.

Question#2: What happened behind the scenes? And how long did it take to prepare?

Miriam: I give credit to Alexa and everyone who prepared it. I had a lot of fun with the girls. Behind the scenes were fun . It took about 4 days to a week to prepare. The Hotel was wonderful one of the greatest I've seen in my life.

All the staff including the "lijne" were very welcoming and comforting.

Question #3: Who encouraged you to enter the pageant?
Miriam: Nabil and Julia are owners and publishers of a classy magazine called "Al Hader" and they go around the world and they met me and encouraged me.

Question #4: Did you feel that there was a big competition between you and the other contestants?

Miriam: They were all lovely. Every girl had something beautiful about her.

Question #5: Which do you think is more important for a queen to win "motivation" , "courage" , or "support" and why?

Miriam: They are all important! You need courage to face the audience and the stage. Also support and motivation are important. And I received them all.

Question #6: What does the word "beauty" mean to you?

Miriam: Beauty is everything about a person .Not only outside but inside also. Its like a vibe you give off to people . Kindness , love, and presence.

Question #7: What was the first feeling you felt when they crowned you?

Miriam: I was surprised because I got TWO titles . I was extremely excited and happy. Its an experience I wont forget and it will always be remembered.

Question #8: Has this effected your life in anyway ? If so , how?

Miriam: Yes, I have learned much more. Not only about myself but about the Lebanese people. I will take it with me and tell about them to everyone. It encourages me to want to do more for the Lebanese people here and there.

Question #9:If there is a part or a moment in the pageant you could change what would it be?

Miriam: Everything was wonderful. I would have liked to be more relaxed . But other then that everything went well.

Done By : Lama Katoul

Thank you Lama and Miriam for an excellent interview. We look forward to hear more updates for both of you.

Brenda Zakki South Africa	Mirna Mrad Haret Sakhr, Lebanon	Christine Mallouf, Sao Paulo, Brazil	Miriam Habib, Texas, USA
Sandra Bestera, Feytroun, Lebanon	Stephanie Khattar Zalka, Lebanon	Rita Chemaly Feytroun, Lebanon	Ingrid Abdallah Lebanon
Rachel Bejani Roumieh, Lebanon	Boushra El Turk London, England	Isis El Khoury Canada	Sarieah Ghafari Jounieh, Lebanon

At Hotel Central with Kiamy Family and Elias Rahbany
At a luncheon hosted by Shweir Mayor Dr. Nabil Ghosn
Photo ops
A chat w/ Rita Rahbany, Dabke, and an interview with Lama Katoul
Visiting Bytna, a Senior Center with Baytna's administrator Toni Corban and connecting with Rima Mattar via phone...

The Audience