From the moment they touched down on Ambergris Caye, the eight beauty contestants vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya have been on a jam-packed schedule! Between pre-breakfast photo shoots to lunches, dinners, tours, mingling with the public and more, the ladies sure have been kept busy!
Miss Belize Michelle Nuñez, Miss Costa Rica Glennys Medina Segura, Miss El Salvador Iris Yazmin Guerra, Miss Guatemala Lesly Fernanda Flores Sagastume, Miss Honduras Andrea Nicolle Salinas Godoy, Miss Mexico Ximena Cardoso Gutierrez, Miss Nicaragua Danielle Nicole Hodgson Joseph and Miss Panama Maria Fernanda Jaspe were treated to a fabulous Maya buffet on Friday, July 28th. The island’s long-standing and oldest restaurants Elvi’s Kitchen welcomed all eight beauties to enjoy a night of good food, refreshing drinks and excellent service.
Accompanied by owner Elvia Staines the beauties certainly had a wonderful time. They mingled and even danced to live music, and at one point, a few brave ladies sang some karaoke. Much to the delight of dinner patrons, they happily posed for photos, and a few little girls took the chance to get their pictures with the princesses. It was a night of food and fun, and everyone was completely blown away by the excellent service and food.
On Saturday, they made their way to Mahogany Bay Village, where a meet and greet session was held from noon till 2PM. Titled “Toddlers, Teens and Tiaras”, the occasion was an opportunity to meet favorite contestants and get an official photograph taken with them.
Of course, the event also held some fundraising to benefit SHINE (Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment) Girls Club. After photo sessions, featuring awestruck young girls and boys, wearing tiaras and crowns, a delicious lunch was served.
Sunday was a much-needed relaxed day, and what better way to take in the sunshine and gorgeous waters off the coast of Ambergris Caye than aboard Island Dream Tours’ YOLO. From the moment they got on board, it was all about chit-chatting, dancing, singing and relaxing. All eight beauties agreed that it was a perfect getaway, especially when the captain anchored at their secret sandbar spot and set up the volleyball net. The day was well-spent enjoying tasty food, refreshing drinks and playing in the water. The crew took excellent care of everyone’s needs, and by the time the boat had to turn back, everyone was feeling like “YOLO!”
The rest of the week was dedicated to practice, events throughout the island and more practice! All this will culminate on Thursday, August 3rd at the pageant, when one of the eight lovely delegates will walk away with the crown and title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2017-2018. Current titleholder, Gabriella Vanessa Salazar Valle was scheduled to crown her successor. On Tuesday, August 1st, the committee regretfully informed the public that due to unforeseen circumstances, Valle had to return to her home country of Honduras.
