Our neighboring island of La Isla Cari�osa, Caye Caulker is always proud and willing to host the Costa Maya Pageant contestants for a day and the ladies sure have a fantastic time exploring the island. Although Saturday, July 30, 2011 was not a bright and sunny day, it was a fun experience for all.
But before the ladies made it to Caye Caulker for lunch and a leisurely stroll, they got to experience the wonders of the world famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve National Park and that of Shark Ray Alley. Aboard the Seaduced's Seaduction catamaran, it was a party on the Caribbean Sea as the ladies enjoyed a relaxing sail to the reserve where they got to swim alongside the sea turtles, hundreds of different fish, nurse sharks, rays and marvel at the beauty of Belize's Great Barrier Reef.
After the refreshing dip, it was off to Caye Caulker where its village council hosted the group for lunch at the popular Rainbow Grill and Bar. After a delicious BBQ Lobster lunch they were off on golf carts provided by Rainbow Rentals for a tour of the island which is proud for its "Go Slow" motto.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS AND LOTS more photos in the Ambergris Today!
One thing that is for sure is that the delegates for the Costa Maya Pageant have a fantastic time in Belize for one complete week before pageant night. They have nothing but great things to say about their experiences and about the friendliness and warmth of our country's people. From the minute that they all step onto San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, they are taken for a whirlwind of fun island style; signature of La Isla Bonita.
Elvi's Kitchen Hosts Maya Style
The eight contestants had a fantastic cultural evening at Elvi's Kitchen on Friday, July 29, 2011, as they were hosted on their Friday's Maya Buffet Night. Mrs. Elvia Staines, and her staff, personally presented the ladies with one of the restaurant's best cuisine, the Maya feast. Needless to say the food was enjoyed by everybody and the night ended with much dancing with the music of Maikel Garcia on the keyboard and saxophone.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today!
OMexican comedian/entertainer Lorena de la Garza "Nacasia" arrived today, August 3, 2011, onboard Tropic Air as she will be one of the entertainers who will open the Costa Maya Festival tomorrow Thursday, August 4.
Much laughter is indeed coming our way as Lorena had Ambergris Today laughing as soon as she got off the airplane. Her bubbly personality will sure shine on stage as she portrays her character of 'Nacasia' from the famous Mexican TV program "La Hora Pico".
Lorena told Ambergris Today and Reef Radio that she has prepared something extra special for the Costa Maya Festival. She commented that it will be over the top, as she has added even more content to her show. Because it will be a one woman show, on stage, she stated that her performance in San Pedro will be one-of-a-kind, something that she has never done before, only for the Costa Maya Festival.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today!
Dance to the rhythm of the Brukdown! And that is what the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival is all about - Celebrating the cultural heritage that brings us together as one. Beautiful and magnificent dances and presentations ignited the stage and kicked off the 20th Anniversary of the Festival with the vivid celebration of our music and soul which was simply sensational from beginning to the very end.
The eight lovely beauty ambassadors of the participating countries opened the show with a bang- a dance presentation of the International flags including Belize. They were flirted and brought to the spotlight by the dancers of Grupo Crash of El Salvador. The San Pedro Dance Company then delighted the spectators amidst cheers and applause as they showed off their latest repertoire costumes, gracefulness, and rhythm.
Mouths dropped open as the Belize Dance Company took center stage with a wide repertoire of Brukdown, Punta and pulsating Afro/Belizean modern dances. They were exhilarating, and captivated the attention of spectators who were generous with their applause and cheers. It was like nostalgia when we saw them walking off stage.
Following them was the renowned group Crash of El Salvador. As usual, they needed no "big-up" introduction as they immediately took care of the spotlight with at least 40 minutes of constant invigorating movement to the rhythm of regional and modern music that simply had all the spectators moving on their seats. Ironically, while Crash was on stage, everything just flared up at the festival show grounds.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today!
With the change in format, attendees of the Costa Maya Festival were able to catch the comedy first this year. Nacasia, of La Hora Pico, definitely brought the giggles, and even melody as she sang throughout her act. Before any of that, however, there was an entire line-up of performances, including those of the San Pedro Dance Company, Belize Dance Company, Grupo Krash of El Salvador, and Kese-Kese of Mexico. After the traditional flag dance, performed by the delegates of eight participating countries vying for the crown of La Reina De La Costa Maya, the audience was in for a visual and audio treat.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun!
San Pedro has been overflowing with visitors for the past week since activities for the Costa Maya Festival began last weekend. But the most anticipated event is coming up within minutes and it will draw an even bigger crowd to La Isla Bonita. It's the festival is the Reina De La Costa Maya Pageant. Eight delegates from Central America and Mexico are vying for the coveted crown. And after the preparation and rehearsals, it all comes down to tonight's pageant at the Saca Chispas field on the island. For those of you who didn't make it out to San Pedro, you can catch live coverage with William and Marleni right here on Channel Five or watch the live streaming video on channel5belize.com. But in the meantime, meet the eight contestants, starting with our representative from Belize.
Idolly Louise Saldivar, Miss Belize
"Namaste. Greetings to one and all, I am twenty year old Idolly Saldivar and I am proudly representing the country of Belize; land of diverse culture and many spectacular attractions."
Crissia Maria S�nchez Calvo, Miss Costa Rica
Crissia Maria S�nchez Calvo
"Muy buenas noches, mi p�blico. Soy Crissia S�nchez, tengo veinte y uno a�os de edad. Soy periodista y representa a un país símbolo de paz, Costa Rica!"
Andrea Bazant Sol
Andrea Bazant Sol, Miss El Salvador
"Quiero� gracias Belice."
Ana Lucia Florentino, Miss Guatemala
Ana Lucia Florentino
"Muy Buenas Noches San Pedro, Mi nombre es Ana� y represento el corazón de Mundo Maya, Guatemala."
Linda Kennett
Linda Kennett, Miss Honduras
"Muy buenas noches bella ciudad de San Pedro. Muchos gracias�saludas, besos."
Valentina Cervera Avila, Miss M�xico
Valentina Cervera Avila
"Thank you for this very nice and warm welcome. So to come back to the first thing; I am twenty-four years old y que viva Mexico!"
Gissell de los �ngeles �lvarez Ramírez
Gissell de los �ngeles �lvarez Ramírez, Miss Nicaragua
"Muy buenas noches, mi nombre es Gissell �lvarez. Tengo veinte y cinco anos y estoy representando a la tierra del aguas y volcanes, Nicaragua!"
Marielena Gonz�lez Pe�a, Miss Panama
Marielena Gonz�lez Pe�a
"Good night San Pedro, I am Marielena Gonz�lez. I am representing Panama, Corazon del mundo y Puerto del universo."
Remember you can catch all the action here on Channel Five or online at channel5belize.com, starting at eight-fifteen tonight.
Grace, poise, elegance, beauty, glamour - the adjectives add up - in what was a night of big decisions, a night of pageantry. The Costa Maya Festival 2011 always draws a big crowd for it's annual pageant. This year, eight contestants were vying for the crown: Idolly - Belize, Crissia - Costa Rica, Andrea - El Salvador, Ana Lucia - Guatemala, Linda - Honduras, Valentina - Mexico, Gissell - Nicaragua and Marielena - Panama.
The ladies all performed flawlessly, working the stage and drawing big applause. In the end however, only one can win. But the decisions also include naming the second runner-up, who this year was named as Linda Kennett of Honduras. The first runner-up was Gissell de los �ngeles Alvarez Ramirez of Nicaragua. And taking the crown this year was Miss Mexico, Valentina Cervera Avila. Valentina, apart from the title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2011-2012, also wins a movie role from www.breakthroughstar.com.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun!
The winner of the Reina de la Costa Maya pageant will, of course, take the crown, native Belizean wood carving, cash prizes, plus numerous other gifts. This year however, there is a new and quite exciting addition to the mix. Founder and President of www.breakthroughstar.com John P. Boggs has offered a movie role to the winner of the 2011 Reina de la Costa Maya pageant!
The next feature film role is scheduled to start filming this fall - location is undisclosed at this moment, but Boggs will be watching the ladies' performance on-stage, and quite frankly, whatever the pageant directors are looking for to represent the crown - it is what breakthroughstar.com is all about. "We are so convinced that there is great talent in this region that whoever wins this pageant, we are going to put them in a role in our next feature film coming up this fall," said Boggs. "My decision [is] in the sense of who has the beauty, confidence, poise, ability to communicate in public and not freeze up, and be a representative of their cause in front of people."
The winner of this year's 2011 pageant will be in the movie Spin 2 - the sequel to the first film that is currently being edited for release.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun!
Mexico knows how to pick them and knows to send their top beauty queens to San Pedro for the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. Valentina Cervera Avila was crowned the new Miss Costa Maya last night, Friday, August 5, 2011, during the 16th edition of the pageant, held at the International Costa Maya Festival, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Glamour and glitter described the pageant as the eight contestants brightened up the pageant stage with their presence full of elegance, grace and beauty. The Reina de la Costa Pageant never fails to impress during the most popular night of the festival. It's a powerhouse pageant as all the Central American countries, including Mexico, send in their top delegates to represent them at the pageant.
Taking second place was Miss Nicaragua Gisselle de los Angeles Alvarez Ramirez and Miss Honduras Linda Beatrice Kennett finished strong in third place. Mexico now ties once again with Guatemala with the most wins at the pageant with 5 apiece. Panama is the only country without the Miss Costa Maya title with just four years participating in the pageant and Belize is the only other country with more than one win with a count of two. Miss Reina de la Costa Maya 2010 Gabriela Asturias of Guatemala was on hand to crown the new Miss Reina de la Costa Maya 2011.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the Ambergris Today!
After comedy and pageantry on Thursday and Friday night, everyone was eagerly anticipating the much hyped concert by La Dama de Hierro, Marisela. Of course, before any of that, there were several entertainers who kept the crowd glued to their seats as they awaited the arrival of the beloved singer.
The ever-melodious Natalie Arceo commanded the stage with her powerful vocals, singing popular Spanish ballads to the delight of the audience. Following up her gentle vocals was the raw, guitar-heavy rock band Ascenthium from Belize City. With song choices that ranged from Avenged Sevenfold, to Black Sabbath and Metallica, to Rage Against the Machine, the young group provided quite the change-up from the standard fare at Costa Maya. They certainly rocked the stage.
Krash from El Salvador quickly followed up Ascenthium's act with a few fun dances while the band tuned up in anticipation of Marisela. Adding to the hype, she took to the microphone from backstage, expressing her desire to get on and perform. The audience was not disappointed, as from the moment she stepped out to begin her set, her warmth and love for the fans radiated from on-stage. For two hours she gave her all and performed like the true superstar she is.
Marisela is a powerhouse performer, singing an array of her most popular songs that have captivated her fans throughout her long-standing career. She was very relatable to her audience as she spoke Spanglish, connected with her fans and empowered women with the messages in her songs.
It was amazing to see how Marisela's fans, young and old, sang along with her with so much passion, showing how her music transcends throughout the generations. Even though she sings ballads and romantic music, the energy during her concert was at an all-time high; everybody was fascinated with Marisela and her band - a fantastic set of musicians.
From the Ambergris Today and the San Pedro Sun. Click their links to see more information and a great many more excellent photos!
Miss Mexico Valentina Cervera Avila won the hearts of the judges and walked away with the grand title of Reina de La Costa Maya 2011. Not only did she take the crown and other fabulous prizes, but she was offered a movie role by president and founder of breakthoroughstar.com.
"At Breakthrough Star we are convinced that there is great talent in this region and the winner will be placed in a role in the next feature film this fall," commented John Boggs, President and Founder of breakthoroughstar.com. "Pageant directors are looking for a person who is not only beautiful but with confidence, poise, to be a representative of a cause and have the ability to communicate in public without freezing. These are the same qualities that the filming industry is looking for in aspiring actors and actresses."
Lovely Valentina will have a role in the movie Spin 2, of which filming will begin this fall. Miss Costa Maya is very much deserving of the role in the movie as she poses all the qualities which Breakthrough Star and producers are looking for. Congratulations to Valentina on winning the Reina de La Costa Maya Pageant and a role in an upcoming international movie.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today!
On behalf of the festival committee and all the volunteer workers, I would like to express our gratitude to all the people that attended the four day festival.
It was gratifying for us to have received and continue to receive so many compliments on how great the festival was this year. It is your words of encouragement that keeps us going. Many are saying that they are ready for festival 2012. Thank you for the nice comments and for supporting us.
A special thank you to the Belize Tourism Board and Bowen Group of Companies for being our Grand Sponsors. We also grateful to all our Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Friends, Hotels, and Restaurants Sponsors, for it is with their support that festival happened.
Thank you Minister Heredia for all the support we got from you and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture.
Our sincerest and best wishes for the upcoming September Celebrations and may it be as enjoyable as every year. We look forward to seeing you next year at the International Costa Maya Festival 2012.
The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
With the change in format, attendees of the Costa Maya Festival were able to catch the comedy first this year. Nacasia, of La Hora Pico, definitely brought the giggles, and even melody as she sang throughout her act. Before any of that, however, there was an entire line-up of performances, including those of the San Pedro Dance Company, Belize Dance Company, Grupo Krash of El Salvador, and Kese-Kese of Mexico. After the traditional flag dance, performed by the delegates of eight participating countries vying for the crown of La Reina De La Costa Maya, the audience was in for a visual and audio treat.
