Another Pageant win for Belize at the 29th Annual Miss International Pageant at the University of South Florida.

Belizean Beauty Ambassador, Jacinta Gomez, has won the coveted title of Miss International 2014 at the University of South Florida (USF).



Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

The Miss International Pageant was launched in 1984 by The Caribbean Cultural Exchange at the University of South Florida to promote multicultural diversity.

According to the Annual Miss International Facebook page, "The Pageant provides a superb opportunity for young women to share their unique cultures and educate the members of the USF community about their area of the world. It serves as a forum for the voices of female students to be heard as they address contemporary and important issues which are personally important to them, their communities, and to their countries at large. Through this experience, the goal of promoting multicultural diversity at USF is achieved.



Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

In speaking with Ms. Jacinta Gomez, she explained to us that there were 3 sections, introduction (of country and contestant), cultural presentation, and evening wear with Question and Answer and they were judged on the criteria of poise, stage presence, clarity, content (knowledge of culture) and creativity. She stated that she was very proud of her accomplishment and definitely proud of her win for Belize. 

Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner
 

Jacinta Gomez
Miss International 2014 Winner

We would certainly like to congratulate her on winning the coveted title of Miss International 2014 and let her know that Belize is very proud of her accomplishment and representation.

Photos by: Tahnee Wilson, Jude Harrison, and Perla Hinojosa.

ANOTHER BELIZEAN ATHLETE MAKING OUR COUNTRY PROUD

February 21, 2013
ANOTHER BELIZEAN ATHLETE MAKING OUR COUNTRY PROUD !!!

Kelsey Balderamos transferred from St. John’s Junior College to University of St. Thomas · Texas. Balderamos went to high school at St. Catherine Academy where she helped lead her team to the National High School Championship in 2007 and 2008 qualifying to play internationally at the CODICADER Games in 2008 and 2009. She also played for the Stars Volleyball Club.
Kelsey is a member of the 2012 All-Red River Athletic Conference Team and postseason award-winners as voted by the conference's coaches. Champions of Character..... — at University of St. Thomas - Houston.

 

 

Belize Fashion Fusion 2014 a Success

This past weekend Nouveau Model Management, Belize's premier modeling agency partnered with well known wedding, fashion and events photographer and Philanthropist, Will Moreno from Will Moreno Photography to present an innovative show designed to promote Belizean fashion designers, Belizean jewelry designers, an international fashion designer with Belizean family ties all showcased on the runway by the beautiful and elegant models of Nouveau Model Management.

The fusion of designers such as Danny Torres from Jada's Fashions, Mauricio Canelo of De-Yans Fashion Jewelry, Lula Bennett of Lula's Impressions, supported by local boutiques such as Catwalk Fashions, Pink Boutique and Eve'e Secrets Lingerie made for a spectacular event. The main reason for the fusion and the fashion show was to show a child some love for Valentines as all profit from the show gets donated to charities such as the Belize Association of California and the Love Foundation for the less fortunate Belizean Children. The show was hosted by Jackie Castillo and William Neal.


Photo by: Danae Studios

International Designer, Geraldine Quijano, from Merida, who has Belizean family ties certainly amazed the audience with her swimsuit designs from the ultra modern to the retro styles that are now being used by international celebrities.

 

The audience was pleasantly surprised at the level of entertainment that they received not only from the runway segments by the designers but by the performances from the shadow dancers who's energy kept the audience wondering if they were real. There were also special performances by the band, Verge of Umbra as well as the Nu Generation Dance Company and Wilson Grinage.

 

 

 

 

 

There was also a segment where members of the audience got the opportunity to have fun and strut the runway which had the audience cheering and clapping for their favorites.

 

 

In the end the night was a success as the models from Nouveau Model Management finished off the show with a final walk showcasing all NMM Models who graced the runway.

 

This show has certainly set a new standard for runways shows in Belize and has certainly left the audience looking forward to Fashion Fusion 2015



 

 

 





Chocolate Festival of Belize 2013 to be held May 24th - 26th, 2013

The Chocolate Festival of Belize will be held in Toledo this coming weekend, May 24th - 26th, 2013. This is a world class event celebrating the wonderful taste of nothing else but Chocolate. This years event has been organized by the Toledo Cacao Growers Association and Toledo Tourism Board.

We will be in attendance and will certainly be writing about our experience at this years festival and bringing you some great photos like we did when we attended a couple years ago.

For more information about events be sure to visit Chocolate Festival of Belize Facebook Page.

Here are the blogs from our last visit:
Blog 1 
Blog 2
Blog 3

Bulldozers destroy 2,300 year-old Mayan pyramid in Belize

Heavy Construction Equipment sits dormant at the remains of a partially
destroyed Mayan temple, part of the 2,300 year old site known as Noh Mul or "Big Hill"
(7NewsBelize.com / Jules Vasques)

Bulldozers and backhoes have essentially destroyed one of Belize's largest Mayan pyramids, which survived millennia of storms, rain and wind only to succumb to a construction company seeking gravel for road fill.

The head of the Belize Institute of Archaeology says the destruction was detected late last week, and only a small portion of the center of the pyramid mound was left standing, according to the Associated Press. 7Newsbelize.com, the website for TV channel 7 in the small Caribbean country, accompanied a handful of archaeologists to the site recent.

'It's an incredible display of ignorance.'

- John Morris, an archaeologist with the Institute of Archaeology

They described the destruction as "intolerable."

"This is one of the worst that I have seen in my entire 25 years of archaeology in Belize," John Morris, an archaeologist with the Institute of Archaeology, told 7newsbelize.com's Jules Vasquez. "We can't salvage what has happened out here -- it's an incredible display of ignorance. I am appalled and don't know what to say at this particular moment."

Jaime Awe, director of the Institute of Archaeology, said he was sickened by the destruction of the Noh Mul pyramid and temple platform, which date back about 2,300 years. He told 7newsbelize.com it was "intolerable."

Photos of the remaining portion of the pyramid showed what appeared to be classic Mayan-arched chamber dangling above one clawed-out section.

The Noh Mul complex sits on private land, but Belizean law states any pre-Hispanic ruins are under government protection.

The heavy equipment at the site carries the name D-Mar Construction, but Denny Grijalva, owner of the company, told 7newsbeilze he knew nothing about the project.

Morris said that the construction company must have been aware of the site's significance.

"There is absolutely no way that they would not know that these are Maya Mounds," he said.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/05/13/builders-bulldoze-mayan-pyramid-in-belize/#ixzz2TE1I852m

Mixed Martial Arts makes its debut in Belize by the House of Shotokan

On Saturday, April 20th the House of Shotokan proudly brought Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights to Belize. These UFC style fights have become very popular and fans from all over Belize made their way out to cheer for Team Belize.

For the first time in Belize the octagonal cage and mat had been set up for these young men to do battle. Their opponent was Team Mexico who showed tremendous fighting style.

There were a total of 9 fights including the fight for the MMA championship belt which was taken by a Belizean. You can view the fights here: http://www.youtube.com/user/PlatinumRealEstate1

In the end Team Mexico won 5 matches and Team Belize won 4 matches including the Championship belt. Belizean, Jamil Smith, won his championship match to become the new MMA Champ in Belize. Unfortunately for the Mexican fighter who ended the fight with an illegal kick to the face while the Belizean fighter was down.

Belize Jade Head - The Maya Sun God - Kinich Ahau displayed for one day only at the Musuem of Belize

By: Will Moreno
2/16/2012

On February 15th, 2011, for one day only, The Museum of Belize (NICH) offered the general public a rare glimpse into the past by showcasing a magnificent and unique Maya Artifact that is near and dear to the nation of Belize and its people, the Jade Head of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau.

Unedited for purpose of realism of color and tones
Photos by: Will Moreno

The Belize Maya Jade Head of the Maya Sun God (Kinich Ahau) was removed from the vault and its casing from an undisclosed location to see the light of day once again in Belize. Many proud Belizeans including school children, as well as, cruise tour visitors lined up at the Museum of Belize to share a rare glimpse of this beautiful Maya Jade Head and Jewel of Belize.

It was a truly inspiring and amazing experience to work alongside the Museum of Belize (NICH) as the Jade Head of Kinich Ahau was unveiled to the public. Capturing images of visitors and the beautiful Maya artifact is an experience I will hold near and dear to my heart. Standing there capturing the images had me wondering what if this silent, yet so beautiful Maya Jade Head of Belize could speak. I can just imagine the wonderful stories of the life of the Maya that it would tell!

The famous Maya Jade head was discovered in 1968 by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada and several of his Belizean workers that were working at the Maya site of Altun Ha in Belize. The Maya Ruin of Altun Ha is conveniently located 31 miles north of Belize City off the old northern highway.

The Jade Head along with forty other objects were found in a large tomb that was located located just below the stair block on the Temple of The Masonry Altars (Structure B4). The roof of the tomb had already collapsed from the growth of the roots of trees growing at the site and penetrating the tomb. The tomb contained the remains of a elderly adult male, who was likely an important ruler of the famous Maya site during his time.  Although the exact date the Jade Head was carved is unknown the analysis of the cultural remains found in the tomb dates back to somewhere around 600 and 650 A.D.  It is believed that the Maya took months maybe even years to create such a significant jade masterpiece using the primitive carving tools of their time. The Maya Ruler may have commissioned an artist to to produce the Jade Head to commemorate the important events of his life and his time as ruler of the site. The Jade Head may have also been passed down from generation to generation finally ending up in this Maya ruler's tomb due to his importance.

This, not only beautiful, but also remarkable piece of Maya artwork, is significant because its the only one ever found in the Mundo Maya. It was carved from one solid piece of jade which was the most precious of stones to the Maya. According to the studies done on the Jade Head, it is believed that the large piece of jade that was used to carve this Maya masterpiece came from the Motagua River Valley area in Guatemala.

Weighing only 9.75 pounds and measuring 5.86 inches high, the magnificent Maya Jade Head of Kinich Ahau, The Maya Sun God has a marbled effect and resembles that beautiful green hue of the Caribbean Sea that caresses the shores of Belize. This is truly a Jewel of the Mayas and a Jewel of Belize. It is a sight to behold!

For more images of the wonderful experience you can check with the Museum of Belize (NICH) or Will Moreno