Charmaine Chinapen has an exotic background and had been to so many countries since she was a child. Now, she is an aspiring neurosurgeon studying in the United States. Interesting girl, isn't she? That is why Missosology.Org decided to pitch in a few questions about her, her country, as well as her dreams and aspirations. Charmaine is arguably the best Belizean delegate we've seen in years! And with the charitable works she is currently engaged in plus her dream to help the underprevileged, Charmaine's truly a beauty with a purpose.
Please describe yourself, where you grew up and your hobbies.
My family has always been fascinated with traveling and learning about different cultures of the world. At a young age I was granted the insight of being open minded to experiencing all that the world offers me. A compassionate nature also developed from my understanding that people are often shaped by their circumstances and environment.
I was born to Guyanese parents in Curacao. Due to my father’s profession as a banker, we moved around quite often when I was a child. After Curacao, my family moved to Grenada, where my brother Kevin was born. Next, we moved to St. Lucia. At age nine we moved to Belize which became my home.
It was in Belize where I fell in love with performing arts. Because of my intense passion for it, I strive to immerse myself in all of its elements. This range of interests includes singing, dancing, modeling, song writing, hosting, public speaking for charitable organizations, choreographing, and acting. By embracing all of these arts, not only am I being provided with a vast body of knowledge, but it is allowing me to find, and to express my own creative voice. This has inspired me to write short stories and fashion design during my free time.
Over the years, I have gained insurmountable confidence and supreme organizational skills through being able to execute a multitude of tasks within a specific time frame. I am a very light hearted person who loves to enjoy spending the day playing with my intelligent German Shepherd, Elle, and beating my brother at video games.
What is your childhood dream?
I have always envisioned myself working with charitable organizations that assist less-developed countries to deal with issues such as poverty, hunger and diseases plaguing the world. These issues have always struck a chord in my heart, and so I believe as a neurosurgeon, I will be able to fulfill a life long ambition to make a difference in alleviating pain and suffering. I don’t believe any child should have to suffer in this world as a victim of their circumstances. I think the future of the world heavily depends on how children are cared and nurtured. As a neurosurgeon, I would like to work with Doctors without Borders, and to eventually fund charitable organizations. I eventually want to have my own charitable organization called the Charm Foundation in an effort to support orphans. It is a priceless gift to give someone the opportunity to dream, and the ability to accomplish the dream.
Can you share to us your beauty secret?
Beauty is an evolution from within a person formed by freeing yourself of all the preconceived notions of beauty. By finding your individuality in your personal style, your beauty will shine through in your confidence. By being comfortable with your own beautiful style, others will definitely take notice.
Don’t forget to flash a dazzling smile ;-)
How were you selected as Miss Belize World? Describe the selection process.
11 delegates were accepted to Miss Belize 2008 pageant and since there was a strong emphasis not only beauty of face but also “Beauty with a Purpose” we knew that our Bios had to reflect that by our accomplishments and community service. The field was narrowed down to the top 5 finalists who got to battle it out in personality Interviews while cameras flashing left, right and center while videotapes were catching our every move. We did two fun fashion swimsuit competitions, the usual evening gown presentation and the same final question given to all the delegates but no other delegate was able to hear the final question or the answers of the others. The show not only tested our intelligence but also our pageantry and runways skills.
What qualities do you think that will enable you to win the Miss World 2008 crown?
Mrs. Julia Morley aptly coined the phrase “beauty with a purpose”. I am a blend of excellent virtues with an expressive voice and energy. I believe that Miss World 2008 should inspire people’s hearts and minds by being a visionary. Simultaneously, I can see the realism of our world, and the idealism that can accomplish beneficial changes at a global level.
What is the most interesting or unique experience that has happened to you?
Given that Belize has the highest rate of AIDS per capita in Central America, I find it paramount to bring awareness to it.. My opportunity arose when there was a chance to audition for ‘Choices’, a play promoting education on AIDS by Rotary Belize. I was selected to portray the emotional role of Mary, a poor single parent of an AIDS patient. Eventually, all the hard work paid off and the play was made into Belize’s first movie. To this day I still vividly recall being fifteen and going to my own movie premiere! I went on to win Belize’s first Best Actress Award; however, the greatest reward was gaining the necessary understanding to identify with adverse situations. Even now when I see the movie on television, it still remains surreal to me. This movie did spark many positive reactions and profound HIV/AIDS awareness in Belize. Truly, My role gave me a unique perspective into the life of sickness, poverty and unending sadness. It is this perspective that has built my determination to aid in these heart-wrenching world issues.
What would you say to some people who think that beauty pageants are outdated?
Beauty has the capacity to grow and to transform thereby making it a redefinition unto itself. Beauty pageants showcase a woman’s essential potential with a combination of intelligence, grace, eloquence and light-hearted wit. Candidates get the opportunity to elaborate on charitable causes and organizations that define their focus and engender their motivation to achieve their goals. I truly believe pageantry is a manifestation of the hopes, the dreams and the aspirations of the strong confident women who represent the world’s progress.
How would you describe Belize to the rest of Miss World 2008 delegates?
Belize is a luminous, scintillating and multi-faceted jewel. Our waters are home to an extraordinary barrier reef which ranks as the 2nd largest in the world. Belize reigns supreme in aquatic activities such as swimming in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Rio On Pools; jet skiing and snorkeling off the waters of the cayes of San Pedro, Caye Caulker or Placencia; fishing tournaments; and diving in the Blue Hole. Being an avid animal lover, our Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve is the only one of its kind in the world.
Hiking in Mountain Pine Ridge; horse back riding in the jungle; cave tubing, exploration; and canoeing along the Mopan River, all offer an adventurous escapade for the nature lover. Climbing our multitude of exotic Maya ruins allows you to experience Belize’s ancient historical sites and marvel at the level of architecture.. In fact, Caracol is the tallest in Belize so challenge yourself to climb it. When it’s time to relax, a body mud mask at Maruba Jungle Spa or Kaana Resort tucked in the hills of Cayo and a drink of coconut water will rejuvenate tired spirits.
Our Belizean cuisine represents the different aspects of our country’s national heritage so for breakfast try our Creole Bread , Johnny cakes or fried jacks with your favourite side orders and for lunch, a must-have is rice and beans, stewed chicken, potato salad and fried plantains, Belize’s national dish.
If your palette is enticed by other ethnic flavors, then try the Mestizo enchiladas or panades, East Indian curry or the Garifuna cassava bread and hudut. If you are here on a Saturday, tortillas from the Mayan culture are a must-have with barbequed chicken. Our master chefs in the Cayes and fine resorts can whip you up some of the most exotic seafood platters. At night, local shows and plays occur at the Bliss Center of Performing Arts, for the best in Belizean talents. Before you leave browse the souvenir shops to marvel at the intricate mahogany and other wooden carvings, the Mayan Jade Museum and the Belize Tourist Village in the heart of Belize city.
Belize offers the opportunity for a great deal of fun, relaxation and unforgettable, experiences. As we say in Belize, “You better Belize it”, so choose Belize as your next destination!
What is your motto in life?
Follow your own dreams, your own heart and your own desires.
Lastly, a message to the web visitors of Missosology.Org….
Thank you for taking your precious time to get to know me. I am greatly blessed with the opportunity to be a contender for the Miss World 2008 title. I extend my love and gratitude to all my supporters. As I stand at the threshold of a spectacular journey, I stand with genuine heartfelt goals and the utmost determination to become Miss World 2008. Love to all the Missosologists and fans ;-) - Charmaine!
Special thanks to Margaret Johnson for facilitating the interview and for the wonderful photos of Charmaine.
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