Reina de la Costa Maya Bikini Shoot

As part of the official Costa Maya festivities the girls enjoyed a day at the beach on Sunday for an official bikini photo shoot that took place at Ramon's Village Resort. After making an appearance at the Noche San Pedrana, the ladies had to wake up early in the morning (6am) for the shoot. Let the pictures tell the tale of the day.

Six of the eight beauties arrived on time.

Miss Costa Rica, Maria Elena Quesada.

Miss Mexico, Natalia Alvarez strikes a pose.

Group shot of the contestants at Ramon's Village pier.

New entry, Miss Panama, Anais Solis.

Smile ladies...

Looking away from the camera, sultry and sexy.

The camera loves you, work it ladies!

Miss Mexico stands out with a gorgeous pose.

Miss Nicaragua, Karina Gordon.

Miss Belize, Jessie Medina.

Miss El Salvador, Daniella Augspurg.

Miss Guatemala, Jennifer Chiong.

Miss Honduras, Alejandra Mendoza.

Lion's Club hosts Noche San Pedrana

On Saturday night, sponsors of Costa Maya, Reina de la Costa Maya contestants and special guests were treated to a night of entertainment, food and cultural exchange. The lovely “Noche San Pedrana” evening is an annual tradition to formally greet the Reina de la Costa Maya participants and to honor the sponsors who are so essential to the success of the four day event. This years Noche San Pedrana was taken up a notch and the San Pedro Lions Club lived up to its promise to host a one of a kind event for all. With the Lion’s Den sporting a whole new look, and a fresh coat of purple and gold paint, the night brought out a crowd eager to see and meet the La Reina de la Costa Maya contestants. With an all you can eat rice and beans buffet, live entertainment by Rompe Raja, Natalie Arceo, and a skit by Lion Mel and Kainie proved to be a night that won’t soon be forgotten. Here are the highlights of the event, read more in Thursday’s Costa Maya Edition of The San Pedro Sun.

The eight lovely ladies looked radiant all night long.

Reigning queen Maria Jeffery sashing the contestants.

Fans of Miss Guatemala, Jennifer Chiong.

Miss Panama strikes a pose with fan Johan from Belgium.

The Lion's Club hosted Noche San Pedrana which proved a raging success.

(l-r) Miss El Salvador, Miss Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Maya queen 2007 Maria Jeffery.

Miss Mexico, Miss Guatemala Universe, Miss Costa Rica and Miss San Pedro.

Singer, Natalie Arceo wowed the crowd with her renditions of Celia Cruz.

This young 'lad' was brave enough to dance with all the contestants.

Strike a pose ladies.

Dancing the night away with fans.

Miss Mexico, Natalia Alvarez sings along with the Rompe Raja band.

They're Here!

Seven of the eight delegates for The Reina De La Costa Maya Pageant 2008 arrived on the island. Miss Belize delegate Jessie Medina, alongside last year's winner, Miss Belize Maria Jeffery, welcomed delegates from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. A dinner was held in their honor at Riverside Tavern on July 31st, and on August 1st, it was a whirlwind of activities and photo shoots in Belize City.

The Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, had a meet and greet with the ladies.

The beauties were then whisked off for a photo shoot at the House of Culture.

Some pensive, some smiling - they were into their photo shoot!

Lunch was at Harbor View Restaurant - yummy!

Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador arrive via Tropic Air.

Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico came via Maya Island Air.

Miss Honduras is expected to arrive on Saturday, August 2nd. The delegates' days are booked solid with wonderful activities and practices leading up to the pageant itself, which kicks off the Costa Maya Festival Weekend.

Good luck to all the contestants!

BTB hosts BETEX 2008

Every two years, collaborating together, Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) organize what has become internationally known as BETEX. This year’s event kicked off in sunny San Pedro Town at the SunBreeze Hotel with local suppliers showcasing the best of what Belize has to offer. Travel trade professional were on hand to experience first hand the beauty of our country. Hotels, restaurants and many more were present in the exchange of information. Following the beginning night of BETEX, everyone was treated to a delicious dinner at El Patio. BETEX continues tonight. Here are some highlights..

Ramon's Village participated.

Discovery Expedition showcased their tours.

Changes in Latitudes held a booth and exchanged information.

Staff of El Divino participated..

As well as Staff from The Holiday Hotel.

BETEX continues tonight at the Sunbreeze Hotel, everyone is invited to come out and browse thru the booths.

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