San Pedro has a new beauty ambassador, and she is the lovely 16-year-old Naiely Puc. The night of September 1st celebrated the “Beauty of today reflecting the Maya splendor of yesterday”, and the theme was evident throughout the night. The stage at Central Park was built to look like a Maya ruin, complete with jaguar in repose, the background reflected the starry night, and the pièce de résistance, a moveable stage piece – a great rendition of the Maya calendar, Haab’.
Masters of Ceremonies were the affable Eiden Salazar Jr. and Wilema Gonzalez, and they introduced the four contestants as they came onstage accompanied by Miss San Pedro 2011-2012, Yakarelis Hernandez. Naiely Puc, Darcie Zepeda, Ashley Rhaburnand and Adriana Haylock took to the stage with their opening dance, after which they introduced themselves to the audience. After their quick performance onstage, they exited to change into their costumes. During the interim, San Pedro Dance Academy performed two dance numbers, and they were followed by Bailando Culturas of Orange Walk Town. Mad Skillz dance group performed some contemporary dance interpretations, and capping off the break with a soulful rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” sung by Elina Palma.
The Miss San Pedro 2012 pageant featured big and bold costumes, and in keeping with the Maya theme, each contestant came out decked in colorful and feathered pieces that reflected a Maya god or goddess. The girls each described their outfit, its relevance to the Maya culture, and their interpretation. The audience was certainly appreciative of the blues, golds, fiery oranges and bronze that filled the stage with splendor.
It was a quick changing session for the girls backstage once more, while Yakarelis delighted the audience with a fun dance interpretation. She was followed by the San Pedro Dance Academy girls, Mad Skills and an extra special treat by San Pedro’s songstress Natalie Arceo.
Accompanied by Josh Nuñez, requisite ‘Maya escort’, each of the four contestants sashayed in their gold swimwear. Sponsored by Mata Chica Resort, the swimsuits were modeled beautifully by the young ladies, after which they quickly went backstage to change into their final outfit for the evening, the always elegant and breathtaking evening wear.
Entertainment was provided by San Pedro Dance Academy, Bailando Culturas, and Elina Palma while the girls primped and prepared. Three lovely young girls holding props stood onstage awaiting the contestants. Wearing gorgeous floor length dresses in steel gray, sunny yellow, orange and blue and white, Naiely, Darcie, Ashley and Adriana looked absolutely stunning as they modeled their beautiful evening gowns. They remained onstage to face the always dreaded Q&A segment of the evening.
Each contestant faced their question head-on, and despite the nerves taking over one contestant for a moment, they each did well and applause was enthusiastic. Five judges: Miriam Montero, Einer 
Gomez, Chantae Guy, Ben Popik and Luisana Guerrero were faced with the arduous task of choosing only one winner out of the four deserving young ladies.
While they deliberated, Natalie Arceo performed her original single, “Me Despido” to the delight of her fans. Her act was followed by the talented young Diego Francois, who played two pieces on his piano, tinkling under the bright moonlit night. It was then time for the emotional farewell walk by outgoing Miss San Pedro, Yakarelis Hernandez. She thanked her friends, family and the community for rallying and helping to make her year’s reign a wonderful, rich experience. ‘Yaka’ encouraged each of the contestants to continue the friendships that they built through the pageant experience, and advised the winner to enjoy every moment of the oncoming year.
Despite the tears, she smiled and waved during her farewell before exiting the stage where the new Miss San Pedro would be announced.
After a surprise presentation to the town, via Mayor Daniel Guerrero, by Chetumal’s Los Cocos hotel manager, it was time to announce the various prizes, and of course, the winner. Taking the Miss Congeniality title was Darcie Zepeda, Miss Jaguar’s Temple Night Club, while Ashley Rhaburn, Miss Victoria House, was named Miss Photogenic. First runner-up was Adriana Haylock, Miss Captain Shark’s. To the drum rolls and much anticipation, Eiden and Wilema announced that our new Miss San Pedro 2012-2013 is Miss Castillo’s Hardware, Naiely Odalis Puc!
Naiely will be crowned at the official coronation ceremonies on September 10th. Congratulations Naiely, and long live Miss San Pedro!
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