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THE BELIZE TIMES
We Believe in ‘Bex’…
Rebecca Rath
Representing the Jewel in Manila Wednesday, 04 January 2017 Rebecca Rath, one of Belize’s most vibrant pageant contestants to date, flew out on Tuesday, January 3rd, en route to the Philippines where she will represent the Jewel at the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant. On Saturday, September 10th, Rebecca took the crown as Miss Belize 2016, beating 10 other contestants. The 23-year-old proudly graced the stage in her cultural costume that featured Marie Sharp’s pepper sauce in tribute to her home district of Stann Creek. She had already won the hearts of a large majority and on the night of the pageant, it was Rebecca whose evening gown was adorned with multiple award ribbons. The Dangriga queen has seen the spotlight as model and athlete and it is the hope of the nation that the gorgeous Belizean with a radiant and soft smile will place in the top finalists on the international stage on pageant night slated for January 30th. The slender 5’ 8” beauty has been flitting from town to town engaging in acts of charity, winning the hearts of Belizeans from all walks of life since being selected to represent Belize in September 2016. While she previously contributed of her time to the development of underprivileged children and coaching a female volleyball team, the ramped-up activities she has been engaging in are all part of her preparation as she aims for the win. As she puts it, “Belize is coming for the kill this year.” While expecting it to be a tough competition, “Bex” as she is affectionately known is not feeling intimidated or nervous; instead, she is excited for the challenge. Preparation has included a change in lifestyle to ensure she is physically set for the contest. Staying focused on the big prize has also seen her work to enhance her presentation, speech and knowledge of current world affairs. But the toughest part, she says is practicing “wearing heels” for long periods of time. Otherwise, she feels prepared and considers the journey a life-changing experience which has opened her eyes. While she admits inspiring other people along the way, she ac-
knowledges being inspired by others as well. Her dad, award-winning photographer Tony Rath, posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, “Bex has received so much support from old friends and new, and moral support from everyone she met in person and online, that I watched her grow in confidence, in poise and in grace as if she absorbed the strength and love from the people around her - especially the young people searching for hope. Her greatest fear I know is letting them all down; her greatest motivation to make them all, and the country of Belize proud. She started this journey as a highly competitive young woman wearing little to no makeup and tennis shoes. She is still fiercely competitive, but now has grown into a confident competitor in the foreign world of glamour against 100 other women that have lived, breathed and practiced this stuff their whole lives. And now Bex is a representative for little Belize on the world’s biggest stage in the Philippines. I like her chances.” Belize’s hope for a stellar performance this time around is buoyed by the attention that Rebecca has already received. She has been featured in a list of the top 20 front-runners by one of the most recognized international pageant sites, missosology.org. Of this attention she stated, “…they are already noticing a Miss Belize after so many years and so I am very excited to get there and to deliver what they are expecting to see. So, it’s a lot of pressure but it’s unbelievably exciting.” As a front-runner, the University of Houston graduate (with a degree in Management) got a visit a few weeks ago from a Miss Universe crew which featured various Belize attractions, including the stunning natural beauty. The 65th edition of the Miss Universe pageant will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Rebecca’s participation ends Belize’s ten-year absence from the contest. We join the nation in wishing Rebecca every success on this journey. She carries the hope of the nation with her. No pressure!
8 JAN
2017
8 JAN
2017
18 JAN
THE BELIZE TIMES 2015
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