On Sunday, July 30th, a group of 14 young ladies was recognized for completing a modeling summer program spearheaded by Miss San Pedro 2023-2024 Mariel Calderon in partnership with Vale Cervera Model Training (VCMT) out of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The event is the first project of the newly established non-profit organization Empow-HER, created by Calderon. The fashion show, dubbed ‘Perlas del Mar,’ saw the island girls proudly gracing the stage modeling outfits from three boutiques (Sand Boutique, Style Us by Karinarose, The Phoenix Boutique) and Mexican designer Alberto Aguilar.
Held at Sunset Boardwalk behind the Honourable Louis Sylvestre (Saca Chispas field), the show started shortly after 5PM. Master of Ceremonies Gerry Badillo welcomed the spectators soon after the program began. 
The girls, accompanied by Miss San Pedro Calderon dressed in white, took to the stage and greeted the crowd. They were presented as Empow-HER’s inaugural class of this first modeling project in conjunction with VCMT.
The show’s first segment started, and the girls dazzled as they modeled outfits from Sand Boutique, located north of San Pedro Town. At the end of the segment, a representative from the boutique went to the stage to thank the models and the audience. Afterward, Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez shared a few remarks. “I am delighted to see these young ladies debuting and accomplishing this milestone in their lives,” said Nuñez. He commended Miss San Pedro Calderon and all the team and organizers behind the event. His Councilor, Adaly Ayuso, was also acknowledged for supporting Miss San Pedro in such programs to benefit and empower women on the island. Nuñez said that his administration will always support initiatives for the well-being of the youth, especially the island’s young female population.
The show continued with the young models wearing apparel from the downtown boutique Style Us. The crowd applauded and cheered loudly at the end of the session. Style Us manager also approached the stage for a walk and thanked the attendees.
After a short intermission, the models were back looking stunning in outfits from the Belize City-based boutique, The Phoenix. They dazzled and shone with confidence and poise. To cap off the event, the girls modeled some fantastic pieces created by a Mexican designer out of Merida, Alberto Aguilar. He was there to thank everybody for their support.
Before the program wrapped up, Miss San Pedro Calderon and VCMT’s Valentina Cervera distributed certificates of appreciation to each girl completing the modeling summer camp. Calderon was happy with the results of this first-ever summer activity and thanked Cervera for her support. Calderon wished the girls the best and looks forward to another successful camp in 2024.
Cervera, a former beauty ambassador, Miss Costa Maya 2011, shared with The Sun that she knew Calderon before she became Miss San Pedro. “We were working on coming to San Pedro to provide modeling classes. She wanted the girls on the island around her same age to experience modeling training. When she became Miss San Pedro and established Empow-HER, we further planned the project,” said Cervera. She added that modeling is about looking and feeling good. Cervera said she had a fantastic time with the girls and looks forward to continuing to work on future projects in Belize.
Organizers thanked all the sponsors of Perlas del Mar. They sent out a BIG thank you to the San Pedro Town Council, Tropic Air, Las Terrazas Resort, the sponsored boutiques, the media, backstage assistants, makeup artists, and hairstylists.
