Lowveld Locals | Manda Gomes
Despite coming from very humble beginnings, Nelspruit local Manda Gomes’ life took a turn for the better after winning the Mrs Lowveld pageant in 2007. After this she was able to rope in titles like Mrs Africa and Mrs World Universal and recently founded Ramps to Runway modelling and pageantry training. We threw some random questions at her and here’s what she said.
What’s the secret to your hair?
When people ask me I usually say the secret to getting my hair to look this way is that I really eat a lot of chocolates. But the truth is, as some might suspect, horse shampoo. At a pageant one of my roommates taught me the secret of mixing Equiline with normal shampoo.
Have you ever had a near death experience?
Yes, every time I have to get into a lift! I’ve been stuck twice and the last time was right before I was crowned Mrs World Universal. My make-up was such a mess from all the crying.
What is you kryptonite?
Definitely chocolates! They leave me powerless to resist.
Your pet hate
I can’t handle a sneeze! I can’t even get myself to say bless you after someone sneezed because I’m just too grossed out. The worst is if you are standing in a queue somewhere and someone sneezes behind you. I can literally feel the germs crawling up my neck.
Have you ever saved a life?
I think I’ve saved a few in my time. I have respect for all living things and I can’t handle it when people shamelessly kill spiders, snakes and scorpions. I usually just take everything outside. I also have three rescue cats.
What is cool about Lowvelders?
If you earn the trust of a Lowvelder you can really count on them for life. Not everyone you meet here is loyal, but I have a few loyal supporters who have been by my side since 2007 when I won my first title until now.
What would you be if you weren’t you?
I think I’m a pretty good me. I had to work hard to be me so I think if I had to be anyone or anything else I would have been frustrated.
What word or phrases do you over use?
I say ‘do you understand’ a lot. I often ad it to the back of every sentence. Especially if people don’t respond in some way to what I’m saying.
Who is your celebrity twin?
I have a lot of respect for Angelina Jolie. I enjoy her action movies and am quite outdoorsy and active myself.
Most treasured earthly possession
My Lady Diana ring I got from my grandmother. My gran has been a big role model and inspiration to me all my life and whenever things get too much I just give her a call. The ring she gave me is very dear to me.
In what reality show would you like to take part
If I was a bit younger I’d go for Top Model but right now I think I would enjoy Survivor more. I’m not too big on eating funny things but all the rest looks like a lot of fun.