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Melissa Bourne-Lewis aka Lady MBO (host of Island Beat Radio in Central Florida on 1220AM) directed the Miss Orlando Carnival Cultural Pageant at the beautiful Adam Mark Hotel for it's 2nd year. She strongly believes in the importance of education and ladies displaying their intellectual and inner beauty, and so do we!

As I approached the scene, people were socializing in the lobby with cocktails in hand, gazing over Carolyn's Daughter cosmetic and beauty products display. Inside, last minute preparations for the stage, lighting and sound system. Backstage, the nine (9) contestants laughing and talking to help ease nervous jitters. Some of the ladies had their own make-up artist and personal assistants to style hair and assist with dress changing.

The competition categories included Carnival Costume, Interview, Evening Wear and Talent, allowing the lovely ladies of Orlando to demonstrate their respective talents. This ranged from dancing (Salsa, Hip-Hop and Chutney), singing, instrument, acting and reciting poetry. These confident ladies displayed their cultures, values and traditions by exhibiting a colorful array of costume designs. They wore simple, yet tasteful gowns with elegant costume jewelry for the Evening Wear segment.

Samantha Jude choreographed the dance performances for the group "Mysterious Dancers". This dynamic group of ladies danced and moved their bodies to the best of Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Chutney and African riddims. The audience was also treated to an astounding performance to Tina Turner's "Proud Mary (Rolling on the River)". Yes, these ladies were ROCKING like Tina Turner herself shaking a tail feather!

With the evening winding down to the grand finale, each lady was presented with a question from the judges of their previous trip to Miami and beyond where they visited the different consulates of Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Next, a performance by guest artiste Anslem Douglas, where he serenaded the contestants and presented each with a red rose. Then the elimination process began, and trophies were given to the ladies who placed in different categories (Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality etc.). Afterwards, the drums rolled to the final two contestants, with Miss Puerto Rico taking 2nd place and Miss Trinidad and Tobago being crowned as our 2008 Miss Orlando Cultural Queen.

Always remember that "without an education in your head ... your whole life would be pure misery, yuh better off dead", so said by the Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow, in a composition call "Education".

TJJ would like to thank everyone for their hospitality. Ladies, stay ambitious!

- Sultry Gyul