Costa Maya Festival presents: Miss Panama

18-year-old Yosibell Sánchez Espino is the proud representative for Panama at the 2010 Reina de la Costa Maya pageant. The beautiful dark-eyed brunette is a determined young woman who is looking forward to her participation at the pageant. She was asked what she wants to do in life, and while she considered it the most difficult question she has ever been asked, she does know she has one major goal, and that is to put her efforts to protect and save our wildlife. As part of “Fundacion MarViva”, a non-government and non-profit organization, Yosibell has found a way to speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves: the animals (wildlife).

Yosibell will be gracing the stage on Thursday, August 5th, 2010 by delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. One of them will be walking away with the crown currently held by the stunning Maritza Rivas of Nicaragua.

The committee has finalized their prices for tickets, and those looking to start saving up for their passes, here are the ticket prices: Season Pass: Adult - $115, Children - $45. Those who want to attend specific nights should know that the prices are as follows: Thursday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Friday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Saturday: $70 (A), $40 (Ch) and Sunday: $40 (A), $10 (Ch). Remember, layaway is available, so be on the lookout for the ticket outlets and start saving up for your tickets soon!!

For more news and updates, visit the new Costa Maya website, designed and maintained by Designing Solutions, www.internationalcostamayafestival.com. More sponsors are also lining up to support the festival, and businesses are welcome to join the prestigious list of Costa Maya friends: Grand Sponsors: Belize Tourism Board, Bowen Group of Companies; Diamond Sponsors: Ramon's Village Resort, Maya Island Air, Designing Solutions, Jose Luis Zapata Photography, San Pedro Sun, Ambergris Today, NICH, The Reef Radio, Milo’s Center; Platinum Sponsors: Tropic Air, SMART, Ambergriscaye.com, Krystal Shipping; Gold Sponsors: Moncho’s Island Golf Cart Rental, Atlantic Bank; Silver Sponsors: Fido's Courtyard, Moon Dancer; Bronze Sponsors: Micky's Restaurant, Captain Sharks Marine Center, Refri Tech, Belize Social Security; Hotels: Martha's Hotel, Holiday Hotel, Blue Tang Inn and Mayan Princess.

Simply contact Mr. Gach Guerrero via the festival website for information on how to become sponsor, and as always, check out your weekly copy of The San Pedro Sun for more news and updates.

257 students of the Cayo Central Area receive Government Subsidies

Press Release - June 21, 2010 - GOB Press Office, Belmopan - Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Cooperative and Area representative of Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero, today delivered subsidies to students to the Cayo Central standard six students who will be attending high school.

The 257 students receiving the subsidies are from the Santa Elena Roman Catholic School, the Seventh Day Adventist, El Progresso, San Antonio Roman Catholic School, San Antonio United Pentecostal School, Cristo Rey Roman Catholic School, Buena Vista Government School, San Marcos School, La Gracia Government School, Saint Peters School and George Ville Anglican School.

While delivering the subsidies, Minister Montero encouraged the students to stay in school and strive for the best, since they are the future of Belize and to remember that education is the tool that will empower them for any future endeavour.

Lobsterfest 2010 Block Party - a success!!

Saturday evening was the block party that culminated the week-long celebration of that tastiest of crustaceans: the LOBSTER. Booths were colorfully decorated, drinks were flowing, food was grilling and smelling wonderful!! Joey and Bob (of WSEE TV) were mingling with the crowd, eager to see the sights and taste a bit of lobster!!

Hundreds of spectators turned out for the event, which culminated with a performance by Supa G.

Andrew Vasquez wins 2010 Father's Day Cycling Race

This year's annual Father's Day Cycling Tournament was held on Sunday June 20th. 14 cyclists competed for the chance to win trophies, cash prizes among others. Taking home two of the six station prizes and the grand prize for placing 1st, was Andrew Vasquez. Placing 2nd was Edwin Gutierrez and Ricky Harris took third place. Congratulations to all the cyclists that participated, winners, sponsors and organizers.

(L) Ricky Harris (C) Andrew Vasquez (R) Edwin Gutierrez

Presenting La Reina de Reggaeton

Handa Cambranes the reigning "Reina de Reggaeton", and for the past three years, she has held the title. Just what is La Reina de Reggaeton? It is a dance competition focused on the Reggaeton genre of music. She performs shows, and is in attendance for club openings, joining the stage during special events, and more.

Handa was in town recently, and we got to take some beautiful shots of her on the beach at Casita Buena Vista's grounds.

She is happy to be Reina de Reggaeton, and is always on the lookout for an opportunity to perform. She enjoys what she does, and encourages others to follow their dreams, and enjoy what they love, as she does.