After representing Bonao and placing only as the 5th Runner-Up in the Miss Dominican Republic 2004 pageant , which was won by Larimar Fiallo , Cruz decided to take another chance at the new revamped and independent Miss Mundo Dominicana contest . For the first time ever the contest would be a reality show , the semifinalists being narrowed down by judges and the finalists and winners based on public vote . Having received 66 % of the votes , Claudia was named winner on October 10 , 2004 only a month before departure to the contest . Despite the lack of time to prepare herself for the Miss World pageant , she won the title of Continental Queen of the Caribbean and finished as the 1st Runner-Up to the eventual winner , María Julia Mantilla from Peru
Miss Dominican Republic 2004
Miss Dominican Republic 2004
Claudia Cruz