Summer Camp 2010 at San Pedro Town Library

San Pedro Town Library Summer Camp

San Pedro Sun – The San Pedro Town Public Library’s Annual Summer Program, started July 26th and will run through August 6th. Children will have the opportunity to improve their reading skills with group and individual reading activities.

Both weeks will also include creative arts and crafts, plus drama (skits and dances). The theme for 2010 is Belize and BNLSIS: History in the Making. For the first day of the children’s summer program at the Library, kids got to make their own paintings. Lots more activities are planned for the kiddies, so stay tuned!

Books Donated

A special thank you goes out to Rebecca and Kate Beskow of Sugar Land, Texas USA, who coordinated a book collection from their local community as a service project to promote reading among young children at the San Pedro Public Library on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Rebecca and Kate collected 200 picture, story and chapter books and presented them to Iracela Acosta (Librarian), on Thursday July 8th, as several children looked on. Rebecca and Kate stated that they hope that these books are read and enjoyed by many children.

San Pedro community helps to save 7-month-old

Baby Daniel Estell

Guardian.bz – “Save Baby Daniel” was the theme this weekend as San Pedrano’s on La Isla Bonita gathered in solidarity to raise funds to assist the family of Baby Daniel Martin Estell Jr., seven months. The drive began in March of this year, a month after doctors diagnosed Baby Daniel with a rare liver disease called “Biliary Artesia”.

The effort to raise $300,000 U.S. dollars was what led the island to a 3-day fundraising this week which began on Friday, July 23, and concluded late on Sunday, July 25. On Sunday, the community at large gathered at the Central Park from around 8:00a.m. where they were entertained by musical bands including ’Rumperaha’ alongside Barrington Castillo, DJ Debbie and other local bands of the island.

While the figures for Sunday’s event have not yet been tabulated, the island has since confirmed that on Friday night, a Dance at the Jaguar Temple Club raised $7,000 while the Saturday morning early radiothon which was held between the hours of 7:30 and 12:30 noon, netted some $15,000.

Freelance Writer, Anita Nembhard was among the many who gathered to help save baby Daniel. The first hand experience was more than overwhelming as the love and dedication the San Pedro Community shares and displays were very visible in all their efforts to help save Baby Daniel.

In February of this year, doctors diagnosed baby Daniel with a rare disease called, “Biliary Artesia”. This is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carries liquid called bile from the liver to the gall bladder. The condition is congenital, which means it was present from birth. Baby Daniel Martin Estell Jr. was born in Belize and is the only son of Daniel Martin Estell Sr. and Ilda Guererro, both 22.

Baby Daniel is presently hospitalized at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital where both his parents are presently at his bedside. It is the family intention to try and raise enough funds to reach the cost of Baby Daniel’s liver transplant which is estimated to cost $300,000 U.S. dollars.

This weekend’s events was made possible with the kind help of the San Pedro Community, past students and friends of the San Pedro High School and relatives and close friends of Daniella Guererro, Baby Daniel’s Aunt.

In March of this year, the community was able to raise $35,000 at their first event to help save Baby Daniel. Anyone wishing to assist the family and community of Baby Daniel Martin Estell Jr. can call Edmond Chee at 501-610-3003, or visit Edmond@belizeangeeks.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or for more information go to “Save Daniel” on Facebook.

Costa Maya Festival Presents Miss Honduras, Nicole Yaret Hawit

Costa Maya Festival Presents Miss Honduras, Nicole Yaret Hawit

Miss Honduras,Nicole Yaret Hawit

Age: 22 years
Height: 5′ 5″
Occupation: Bachelor in Tourism
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Brown
Measurements: 34″ – 25″ – 34″
Hobbies: Exercising

BilBao Show for Sunday at Costa Maya Festival

“The craziest show in Mexico” is how the Bilbao Show is described and it is coming to Costa Maya Festival 2010. The spectacular comedic show has been confirmed by the Festival Committee to take stage on Sunday, August 8, 2010, Family Night at the Costa Maya Festival. It’s a show suitable for all ages.

Miss Honduras, Nicole Yaret Hawit

The Bilbao show is an artistic concept consisting of four singers, comedians and impersonators on stage, accompanied by three live musicians and an assistant, eight people in total. With a history of more than 25 years, the Bilbao show has traveled throughout Mexico as well as some U.S. cities and some South American countries.

The dynamics of the show consists of comedy sketches and imitations of international artists such as Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Emmanuel, Gloria Trevi, Luis Miguel, Il. Divo, among many others. They have promised the Costa Maya Festival audience close to a two hour show for the closing of the festival.

Also scheduled for Sunday are performances by KTV Latino Karaoke finalists Desmond Berry, Oneida Shaw and Natalie Arceo. They are sure to have great performances for all to enjoy. Source: Ambergris Today

Costa Maya is back with a bang

International Costa Maya Festival

7 News Belize – And you bet, organizers of the upcoming Costa Maya are probably wishing that six million dollar facelift was already a reality. However, the show of shows, one of Belize’s most glamorous event remains La Isla Bonita’s biggest draw for tourists both domestically and internationally. Its only one week away and the annual four day international festival scheduled for opening next Thursday is boasting the usual roster of local and international celebs. The PR reps for the festival told Seven News countdown to Costa Maya 2010 is on!!

Costa Maya Representative
“The Costa Maya Festival is all about family. You can bring friends; you can come as anything; as a group. For the kids, we have a special night the Sunday night, the clowns will be there to entertain the kids and we also have the finalist for the duets for last season. We couldn’t get ‘Buki’ unfortunately, but we have the other two and they are performing also on the Sunday night. There will be food, drinks, games, it’s for everyone basically.”

Monica Bodden
“Is there anything different in comparison to the other years?”

Costa Maya Representative
“Well this year we will definitely be much bigger than last year. Last year we did have international artists as we have every year. This year we want reggaeton artists, it is a big influence in Belize and we want a new flavor for the Costa Maya this year. We got the opportunity to bring Kris y Angel and they are the major group that we will have performing on Saturday. On Friday we will also have two reggaeton groups performing and that is for the family night also. It’s a big festival, it happens annually; we want everyone to come out. For the hotels, you better start booking from now.”

The festival opens on Thursday, August 5th, and will run through Sunday, August 8th.

Community joins to Save Baby Daniel

Community joins to Save Baby Daniel

San Pedro Sun – The residents of San Pedro were out in droves at Central Park this Sunday for the beach party fundraiser to Save Baby Daniel. A food and drink sale was organized by friends of Baby Daniel’s parents (Ilda and Daniel). There were raffles, games, a dollar drive, plus volleyball games and even auctions.

Though the weather threatened rain with dark skies and some strong winds, it held off, making for a very successful day on the beach. Everyone came together to celebrate the life of a little one, hoping against hope that he will be able to get his much needed liver transplant.

Baby Daniel Estell is currently at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, as he suffers from a rare liver disease known as Biliary Atresia, wherein there is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry a liquid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder. The congenital condition has only 2 treatments for this disease. He has already undergone the ‘Kasai Procedure’, and unfortunately, he will need the second option, which is a liver transplant. At the beginning of the fundraisers, Baby Daniel had time on his side, but that time is quickly waning. The full amount needed to complete this procedure is $300,000 USD.

Weekend Fundraisers

Ambergris Today – Saturday and Sunday are filled with fundraisers for two different, but really worthy causes. Baby Daniel Estell is in dire need of a liver transplant and Deni Eiley is in dire need of brain surgery to correct debilitating condition. Your assistance will be very much appreciated. (Click on both images to view details of the fundraisers.)

Costa Maya Festival presents: Miss Belize

Liliana Nunez Miss Belize for Costa Maya Festival 2010

San Pedro Sun – Costa Maya 2010 is right around the corner, and over the past few weeks we have been presenting to you a bevy of beauties who will represent eight countries in the International Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. This week, we have the honor of presenting Belize very own representative.

23-year-old Liliana Mia Nuñez is native San Pedrana. She is a Gym Administrator who enjoys exercising and is looking forward to acquiring a degree in personal training. She stands at 5’4″, has brown hair and eyes, and measures 33-26-36.

Liliana Nunez Miss Belize for Costa Maya Festival 2010

Liliana will be joined on the Costa Maya stage in San Pedro by delegates from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Panama. At the end of the night, only one will be crowned by outgoing Reina de la Costa Maya Maritza Rivas, of Nicaragua. Who will be our new beauty representative?

You just have to be there for the grand moment when hostess Sandra Hoyos announces the winner!

Don’t forget, season ticket prices are as follows: Season Pass: Adult – $115, Children – $45. Those who want to attend specific nights should know that the prices are as follows: Thursday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Friday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Saturday: $70 (A), $40 (Ch) and Sunday: $40 (A), $10 (Ch). Layaway is also available. You can buy tickets at Island Magic, Milo’s Center, Milo’s Ice, Wally’s Electrical (Leni Nuñez), Angel Valdez (Post Office), The Reef Radio, Emerita Muñoz, Oh Danny Boy Tours, La Divina Providencia, Caye Supplies and with Cruzita Salazar (behind Rocks).

San Pedro Seadogs fall to Platense of Honduras

San Pedro Seadogs Football

San Pedro Sun – On Sunday, the Ambergris Stadium came alive when Belize’s San Pedro Seadog hosted Platense of Puerto Cortez Honduras. Amidst a large multitude, both teams stepped on the field ready to claim the big W. In the first half, the Seadogs was in control of the ball game. In fact, in the first few minutes, Seadogs blasted the Platense goalkeeper with a kick from outside the 18-yards box but the referee ruled that the ball did not cross the goal line.

Platense of Honduras Football Club

Early in the second half however, Seadogs managed to capitalize on a play and scored the first goal of the ball game. But the glory was short-lived after Platense capitalized from a corner kick making it a 1 to 1 ball game. Later in the second half, Platense scored a second goal originating from a foul outside the 18-yards box.

Seadogs pulled out their best play and in the last few minutes of the game, they managed to blast Platense, shaking the net for a third time, but unfortunately the referee ruled that the goal was offside. At the end of the game, Platense won over Seadogs in a 2 to 1 ball game.

Congratulations to Platense Football Club on the big win and also to the Honduran community. According to our source the last time San Pedro Town witness an international football game was in the 1980’s when a Brazilian team was invited on the island.

Tres Pescados Winner at the World Championships

Thomas Reckling at 2010 IGFA Inshore World Championships

Tres Pescador – When you’re fly fishing here in Belize and the wind is driving your fly the wrong direction and you wish you had more to show for a full day on the water than just 6 or 8 bonefish take a minute and think about what just happened at the 2010 IGFA Inshore World Championships event this past week.

On Tuesday, July 13th in Islamorada, Florida at the World Wide Sportsman marina all of the 23 competing anglers were charged up for the start of the 2010 IGFA Inshore World Championships and ready to hit the water in search of the 5 species needed to complete a grand slam and hopefully take home the World Grand Championship title. While waiting for the start, anglers looked out past the docks at the hot and calm weather. Not necessarily a good thing. Nice to cast in but not nice for catching.

As the first day of the Worlds wore on the 10 anglers in the Fly Division found the calm weather tough to get fish. The fish knew anglers were coming before they got with in range. Yet the anglers still managed to score with 7 of the 10 making it on the board and some with multiple species. Our angler that won the 2009 Tres Pescados Slam here in Belize, Thomas Reckling, scored 250 points giving him 4th place at the end of the first day.

With one of his “BELIZE” labeled El Pescador fishing shirts on he managed to get a few photos sent back of him with one of his 125 point redfish. I don’t think the guide had any problem remembering what tournament Thomas won.

The second day of the tournament brought a complete 180 degree turn around of weather. The sky was filled with big black clouds as the anglers headed out. In short order lightning soon was flashing as many of the anglers made their way north into the Everglade National Park looking for snook and redfish. Many of the 13 anglers in the Light Tackle Division had 4 of the 5 species and were looking to close out the slam with a redfish or a snook. Due to the weather most boats pulled in to get off the water as the storm flashed and clapped with Thomas and his guide, Eric Herstedt, taking several timeouts in a marina and even in someone’s garage. One final foray back on the water and Thomas hooks a tarpon but he breaks off before he can be counted.

The last day of the tournament showed an improvement in the weather but the fish had other ideas. The 10 anglers in the Fly Division had high hopes of closing out the slam but it was not be. Thomas Reckling hooked a tarpon but broke it off and other than that the day brought in no-releases from the 10 fly anglers this last day. The Light Tackle Division however, closed out the slam for 4 of the anglers. Just goes to show what a bit of bait will do. (more…)

Deni Eiley Fundraisers next weekend

Fundraiser for Deni Eiley

On Friday, October 9th, 2009, 41 year old Deni Eiley (Dulce Wolfe’s sister) was brutally attacked inside her home in San Pedro. During the attack, she sustained severe head trauma which resulted in loss of motor skills as well as ongoing seizures. Her recovery has been long and arduous. After a recent visit to doctors in Merida, Mexico, they found several blood clots inside her brain. Deni must now undergo surgery to remove these potentially life threatening clots.

Two fundraisers have been planned in San Pedro for Saturday, July 24th and Sunday, July 25th, 2010 at BC’s Bar and Playa Lounge respectively (see flyer for details). If you are in San Pedro, please stop by one or both of these venues to support Deni’s ongoing recovery. If you are not in San Pedro but would still like to make a donation, you can do so to her mom’s Belize Bank account as follows:

Placida Vasquez, Account No. 251615
c/o Belize Bank, San Pedro Branch
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye
Belize, Central America

Our goal is to raise US$25,000 for her surgery. (If you have any questions regarding donations to the Belize Bank account, please email Dulce Wolfe at denwolfe@btl.net.) Thank you for your kind support.