MISS WORLD BELIZE 2008 - Charmaine Alisha Chinapen

21-year-old college student Charmaine Alisha Chinapen hopes to become the first woman from her country to break the Miss World semi-finals barrier. Founder of the Charm Foundation, this Belize City resident is goal oriented and very determined. See what the only representative of a Central American country which English is the official language has to say!

Describe yourself in one or two sentences.

I am a very empathic, compassionate, goal oriented person and I live with one goal in mind and this is to be of servitude to others and be all that I can be.

 
Which three songs must be in your I-Pod?

I like energetic empowering songs!

- Madonna “Die another Day”
- Christina Aguilera/Etta James “At Last”
- Britney Spears “Stronger”

Tell us about your “Beauty With a Purpose” Project.

I have always been involved in activities in order to foster awareness to issues such as HIV/AIDS, feeding programs for the elderly, volunteering and tutoring; so having to do a project for MISS WORLD; “Beauty with a Purpose” comes naturally.

As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to start, and eventually help to fund my own non-profit organization called “CHARM”. Charm’s ultimate goal is to assist and improve the quality of life for orphaned and underprivileged children who are vulnerable to risks on the streets.

All in all, CHARM is designed to protect the rights of children through quality education and empowering them with skills to be self-sufficient in their communities. Presently, CHARM is based in Belize but will be including underdeveloped countries worldwide over the next 15 to 20 years.

Since CHARM is currently in the formative stages it involves me learning as much as I can about how NGO’s work and exploring ways for these kids to have a good self-image and be productive citizens.

What has been your most memorable rainy day?

HaHaHa!!! I once went to Manhattan to see Harry Potter - 3D and I was all dressed up with beautiful ballet flats. I was rushing to get there before tickets were sold out. So, I ran about 5 blocks and somehow managed to fall into a pool of water. My shoes were ruined and my feet were like icicles. To make matters worse, the movie was sold out so I chose to return home. While waiting for the train, I had a folder in my purse and I decided I would stand on it and take off my wet shoes.

In an attempt to distract onlookers from my odd appearance, I bought a copy of Elle magazine and buried my face in it. However, two people came up to me to ask me if I was okay. Dying of embarrassment I explained a bit and they started laughing. I gave up and joined in the laughter. To this day, the three of us are close friends.

If you were invited to participate in the next NY Fashion Week, which fashion designer you would like to dress you?

Definitely Alexander McQueen! He is like Christian Dior, John Galliano and Gucci all wrapped up in one and I love them all and after the Fashion show I would be thrilled to walk away in one of Peter Soronen designs & Christian Louboutin shoes. I had the great honor of having some pieces from his collection to wear to my Fadil Berisha shoot recently and felt like Carrie living in New York.

Tell us about the nightlife in your hometown.

If you like the Caribbean and the Latino way of life then Belize is an excellent blend of both... Nightlife in Belize is like stepping into a friendly warm environment. We Belizeans work hard during the week but we live for our weekends. Thursday Nights is well known as Karaoke night. While Friday and Saturday are nights where people go dancing or just hang out along the beach at BTL Park and see all the new rides, meet friends, listen to music from the various establishments and sample the best of Belizean and Latino fast foods.

Others choose to go to our beautiful cayes, such as San Pedro. San Pedro is one of our most famous, relaxing, fun places. Madonna once called it *La Isla Bonita. It is a very unique place and always throbbing with life. The tourists love it!

What has been your weirdest dream? Describe it.

I dreamt I was Batman. Funny thing is I don’t remember anything much of the dream because it was like the dream started in one place and ended in another and all I can remember is the Bat Mobile and me driving it after someone who began as someone very mean that I don’t know and ended up being my family members dresses like Alfred the Butler. I don’t know what I had to eat that night or even what I was thinking about to have triggered such a dream.

Where will the Miss World judges score you highest: interview, swimsuit or gown presentation?

(Smiles) I am planning on doing well across the board. I designed my evening gown so I am very excited about the evening gown competition ;-). I am very confident and comfortable with my body whether in swimsuit or evening gown. I trust my communication skills and am doing everything possible to be familiar with everything I should. I hope the judges see me for who I am and that is a complete person, who is constantly learning.

What message you would like to send to the other Miss World contestants?

I am excited to meet everyone. I read something amazing once “we are all winners but this competition is about choosing a representative among us” and I could not agree more. I am honored to be among girls who share similar interests and I hope I can make sincere friends. See you guys soon! Oh, when the competition has ended, I invite you all to Beautiful Belize.

Special thanks to Miss World Belize Organization and Margaret Johnson! Photos by Fadil Berisha.