Beautiful and poised Fatima Solani Graniel is San Pedro Town’s newest beauty ambassador. Solani was chosen as Miss San Pedro 2013-14 on the night of August 31st during the “Passport to Paradise”-themed pageant. Vying for the title were Yanira Lara, Gabriela Varela, Jordana Segura, Venancia Choc, Shantell Pascascio and Solani Graniel. All six lovely young ladies were worthy of the title, but only one could take the crown.
Leading the show were masters of ceremonies Eiden Salazar Jr. and Wilema Gonzalez (Miss San Pedro 1989). After instructing the audience to fasten their seatbelts as they awaited transport to paradise, Yanira, Gabriela, Jordana, Venancia, Shantell and Solani took to the stage with their opening dance. It was a choreographed event meant to showcase the beauty of Belize.
From the opening dance that depicted the ladies in their casual wear, to their colorful costumes that ranged from archaeological sites to the flora and fauna of Belize, to the melting pot of cultures of our country and the Great Blue Hole, to the bright swimwear and elegant evening gowns, each contestant proudly displayed what Belize is about.
Entertainment for the evening included the ever energetic Soca songstress Ernestine Carballo, the modern dance group Nu Generation, amateur group The Truth, and as a grand finale, the Brukdong Queen Leela Vernon! It was an amalgamation of sound and dance, much like the people of our tiny nation.
The highlight of the evening was the evening gown walk followed by the question and answer segment. This segment is the most nail-biting portion of the evening, and if audience members feel nervous, one can only imagine what it must be like on-stage! After modeling their stunning gowns to the delight of the audience, it was time to face the questions head-on. Unfortunately for three of the contestants, stage nerves got the best of them, but they bravely plowed through and responded beautifully. Oscar Montero, Lori Drake, Kieron Flowers, Roxana Bradley and Mathy Rodriguez, the five judges tasked with choosing a winner certainly had a tough decision ahead.
As the judges deliberated, Miss San Pedro 2012-2013 Naiely Puc gave her emotional farewell walk. She reminisced about her year of reign and the many opportunities that being Miss San Pedro gave her. She encouraged the next Miss San Pedro to enjoy every moment of her upcoming reign, and thanked everyone who played a vital role in her year as San Pedro Town’s beauty ambassador. After she walked off, it was time to announce the winner.
Naturally, there were other prizes to hand out. Taking the title of Miss Congeniality was Venancia Choc, while Miss Photogenic was Yanira Lara, and named as first runner-up was Gabriela Varela. Gabriela will take on the responsibilities of the new Miss San Pedro should she be unable to fulfill her duties. To the sound of drumrolls, the winner was announced, and she is Miss Castillo’s Hardware, Solani Graniel! Under a blast of confetti and to the thunderous applause of the audience, an excited and happy Solani accepted her sash and bouquet, plus many hugs from her emotional mother, sponsors and the other girls. Solani spoke to The San Pedro Sun shortly after winning. “I feel very excited and happy that I won. I am looking forward to represent my island in the best possible way. All of us did great and I personally want to congratulate all of my colleagues,” said the gracious new queen. “As I now take over as Miss San Pedro, I am looking forward to working closely with the entire community.”
Solani will be crowned at the official coronation ceremonies on September 10th. Congratulations Solani! Long live Miss San Pedro!