Miss Belize Universe Speaks Before Final Cut on Sunday

Rebecca Rath

In our continued coverage of Miss Belize Universe Rebecca Rath, tonight we go one-on-one with the twenty-three-year-old beauty ambassador in an exclusive interview with News Five. There are twelve spots in the semifinals and fingers are crossed that Belize will make the cut, following the preliminaries that was shown live online. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.

Rebecca Rath, Miss Belize Universe

“Hi Belize, I am running on pure adrenalin after that preliminary performance last night; it was so much fun. I hope you guys tuned in and you guys watch.”

Duane Moody, Reporting

And without a doubt we did. Belizeans, at home and abroad, woke up early on Thursday to watch as beauty ambassador Rebecca Rath competed in the preliminaries of the Miss Universe 2016/2017 pageant, taking place in Manila Philippines. Her journey to the coveted crown and title has seen Belizeans of all ages, unified on social media platforms; voting and supporting the twenty-three year old. Her debut on the international stage of pageantry, after a ten year hiatus, was met with rave reviews and she was featured in CNN Philippines for her scarlet macaw costume and her performance. Rath was stunning in her yellow swimsuit and sashayed with poise and elegance in her nude metallic long-sleeved form-fitting gown. So will Belize make the cut?

Rebecca Rath

“I definitely think so. I had a lot of fun; I did my best. I’m sure all the other girls did their best as well and with all the nerves and the pressure and the huge crowd that we had, I think it was a great show. And I definitely feel good after coming off that stage so yes; I think we have a chance.”

Reporter

“What’s the most important lesson learnt on the journey to the crown?”

Rebecca Rath

“Definitely to be yourself. There are eighty-six girls in this competition and each of us have our unique strengths, but if you just be yourself and you have fun that is going to show. And the judges and the other girls will pick up on that. So just be yourself and everything else will fall into place. In Dangriga I work with a small group of girls and that’s what I try to do with them every day, teach them to be yourself—work hard and do your best in everything it is that you do. So just encouraging everyone to be yourself and work hard.”

The work started even before Rath won the Miss Belize Universe crown back in September of last year. After capturing the title, Rebecca traded in her tennis for a pair of heels and began intense training with her team, preparing her wardrobe and ensuring that she put off the best presentation. So what was her biggest challenge to date?

Rebecca Rath

“I think honestly not having the Belizean crowd there. There was a lot of people and most of them cheered for their favorites; we did have a few people in the crowd that cheered for Belize. I saw several Belizean flags so that was good. but I think knowing all the support that I have at home and not being able to hear them there in the area, you know, that was a little sad. But at the end of the day, I had fun and it was great.”

Now, with the preliminaries behind her and the polls for the voting one day away from closing, anxiety continues to build for the delegates as come Sunday, at the live presentation on Fox, the top twelve semifinalists will be announced. Bex is fully motivated to continue making Belizeans proud.

Rebecca Rath

“I’m a little anxious because now we just have to wait and see who the top twelve is so more anxious. But I am excited because no matter what, we are going to get to be on stage again and performing in front of the people so it is going to be fun. I am a little sad as well that the experience is coming to an end; it’s been a crazy journey and I loved every minute of it.”

Reporter

“Any last comments to the Belizean people?”

Rebecca Rath

“Every time I think about my Belizean people, I get emotional because you guys really, really keep me going. I mean Facebook blew up this morning; I scroll down my new feed and all I saw was myself on the stage and getting so much support from all of you guys. And I wanna say thank you so much. You guys really pushed me through this and to see everyone coming together and supporting the same thing really makes me feel good. So thank you guys so much and I really hope I make you guys proud. Big thank you to Channel Five for covering every step of my journey and sending me supportive words along the way. Thank you for allowing us to get this press pass so that we can get coverage here in Manila. It’s been a crazy journey and I am so thankful to everyone for all the support. So thank you very much Channel Five.”

Duane Moody for News Five.