On January 3, 2017, Rebecca Rath, the reigning Miss Belize, left the country en route to the Philippines where she will compete for the title of Miss Universe on January 30, 2017 in Manila. Prior to leaving Belize, Rath has been touring the country to attend events and help raise money for several charities.
Local channel 7 News Belize interviewed Rath before she departed for the Philippines. Rath spoke about the difficulty in conditioning her body and mind ahead of the prestigious competition. She spoke at length about how excited she is to represent her country.
One of the key segments of the Miss Universe contest is wearing formal evening wear. Rath revealed that two local designers, Roberto Pasos and David Matus, helped prepare all of her costumes and that Julie Mango, another Belizean, was instrumental in assembling her entire wardrobe. Rath also credited her two trainers, Enrique and Victor, in the town of San Pedro for ensuring that she is in top condition ahead of the competition.
Although Rath has departed Belize, she has many important engagements before the competition begins in Manila. Rath will spend approximately 10 days in the United States where she will complete the final touches on her make-up and wardrobe. Once in the Philippines, Rath is already scheduled to participate in a swimsuit fashion show, attend cocktail events, and enjoy a formal dinner with the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte.
With hundreds of contestants, being crowned Miss Universe would be a tremendous accomplishment for Rath. Displaying her trademark optimism and exuberance for representing her country, Rath stated that she will consider her involvement in the Miss Universe pageant a success as long as the people of Belize are proud of what she has accomplished. Already, Rath’s optimism about her chances for winning the crown have been boosted by her being selected as a top 20 candidate by a pre-eminent pageant website.
Asked about any advice that she might have for future Miss Belize winners, Rath recommended that contestants be cognizant of the tremendous amount of work and time the position entails. Rath warned that the glare of the spotlight can be nerve-wracking, including attention from critics. Rath’s advice was to do one’s best and always keep focused on the fact that the number one priority of the job is to represent Belize.
“We’re very proud of everything that Rebecca Rath has accomplished so far,” said Larry France, Marketing Manager of Chabil Mar. “On behalf of the entire staff at Chabil Mar, we wish her the best of luck at the Miss Universe competition.”
The Miss Universe pageant will be broadcast live on Channel 7 in Belize beginning on January 29, 2017.
