 |
|
|
 News from Around Banderas Bay | May 2005 
Vallarta's Nuestra Belleza Pageant 2005
 Erich Haubrich - PVNN
Puerto Vallarta - Last Saturday night at the Los Arcos Amphitheater, 13 young women competed in the 2005 Nuestra Belleza beauty pageant to decide who would become the next "Miss Puerto Vallarta." The event, which started at 8 p.m. and continued on past midnight, was sponsored by Televisa and filmed for broadcast throughout the state of Jalisco.
Cheered on vigorously by adoring friends and family, the thirteen contestants, all Mexican beauties in their late teens and early twenties, competed in swimsuits, evening gowns, and finally an interview by a panel of judges that sat front and center using touchscreen computers to rate each contestant on various points of merit.
In the world of Latin American beauty pageants, these competitions become increasingly important as one progresses up the ladder. Mariana Meza Calleja, who took home the Miss Puerto Vallarta crown is now eligible to compete for the Miss Jalisco title. Winning the Miss Jalisco title will not only gives the contestant the right to compete in the Miss Mexico beauty pageant, but also the chance to represent her country in the Miss Universe contest.
Of course, the road to the top isn't easy. The age range for competition is fairly short and one must have the dedication and desire to compete. But what rewards await the beauty pageant winner? Simply put, fame and fortune. One can become a telenovela star, as in the case of Cecilia Bolocco, a Miss Universe winner from Chile, who went on to star in Televisa's "Morelia." Better yet, a recording career or even Hollywood awaits, as in the case of Maria Conchita Alonso of Venezuela.
And speaking of fame, fortune and recording careers, halfway through the Miss Puerto Vallarta competition, the very popular Mexican band Elefante took the stage to the delight of the roaring crowd of around 5,000 locals and tourists that gathered in front of the Los Arcos stage and stretched a good distance down the Malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
At the conclusion of the evening the beauty pageant contestants, now donned in more casual attire, were able to relax a little bit now that the competition was over, joining Televisa V.I.P.'s and members of the press for an "after party" at the Hard Rock Cafe. The party was a huge success, featuring an open bar, free food, and an encore performance by Elefante, who jumped on stage and once again played for a very excited crowd of loyal fans.
I have never really been into beauty pageants, but last Saturday night was truly a night to remember. Televisa really did this one right . . . and you just gotta love a great after party! |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us