Miss Universe Bolivia receives surprise proposal from boyfriend after the pageant
Bolivia's Juliana Barrientos may not have won the Miss Universe crown, but she went still went home a winner after her boyfriend proposed to her shortly after the pageant ended.
In a video that has since circulated online, Barrientos could be seen standing on top of the stage when her boyfriend Octavio Garcia Leal suddenly went down on one knee and presented her with an engagement ring.
Barrientos was in shock before jumping off the stage to embrace her now fiancé as the people around them cheer for the soon-to-be husband and wife.
Miss 👸🏻 Bolivia 🇧🇴 receives a surprise wedding proposal on stage with a ring 💍 right after Miss 🌎Universe…. Congratulations 💞🥂 on her… pic.twitter.com/Vik5fV50yL
— M.S (@MuradSh14951013) November 19, 2024
On her Instagram account, the beauty queen reflected on their relationship as she posted a video compiling all of their sweet moments together.
"I met you when I was just a dreamer, someone who dared to walk through the world with my feet on the ground, without heels and without the idea that something so great could happen to me," her translated message read.
"You loved me for who I am, regardless of the title or the crown. You were always behind everything, supporting me, pushing me to be better, reminding me of my worth when the road became difficult and doubts invaded me," she continued.
Barrientos then shared that she and Leal were actually in a long-distance relationship, with her in Bolivia and him in Mexico, leading to some challenges in their romance. However, they still managed to overcome that with the right perseverance.
"Every day, despite the miles that separated us, you gave me strength, you accompanied me in silence, and you gave me the faith that I needed so much," she wrote.
"When I thought I couldn't go on, when emotions overwhelmed me and fatigue defeated me, you were there, in every word, in every message, reminding me how capable I am," she added.
Looking back at her Miss Universe journey, Barrientos highlighted that she wouldn't be where she is without Leal's love and support.
"Thank you for being by my side every step of the way, for making me feel that, even though we are far away, I was never alone. Thank you for being my pillar and my companion. Because behind every achievement, every triumph, there is always a love story that drives us to be better," she ended.
Leal meanwhile posted a heartwarming reply to her post and gushed about how her "beautiful message" left him "speechless."
"I feel lucky to have been able to be a part of this journey, preparation, and to have been able to support you every step of the way. Your strength and determination have always inspired me, and you have taught me that even in the most difficult times, love and faith can overcome any obstacle," he wrote.
"I am proud of you and everything you have accomplished, and I know that you will continue to achieve great things because together we will continue to achieve so much!" he assured.
Leal went on to express his gratitude towards his future wife for sharing her achievements with him before promising that he will "always be here to support you every step of the way and in your dreams."
In the comments section, many of their fans showered them with heartiest congratulations for the proposal as well as praises for their "beautiful love story."
"I wish you all the happiness in the world from my heart and yes, love does exist! Enjoy everything because you deserve it," one user wrote.
"Congratulations! What a beautiful love, may you be immensely happy," another commented.
Barrientos ended her Miss Universe journey in the Top 12. She was also recognized as one of the three gold winners for the Voice For Change competition along with Cambodia's Davin Prasath and Guatemala's Ana Gabriela Villanueva.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark won the coveted crown, succeeding the reign of Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo meanwhile made it to the Top 30 and was honored with the Miss Universe Asia title.