Reina Mundial del Banano 2025 Recap
It’s been two days since I’ve returned from Ecuador and there is still so much of my pageant experience I want to share with the world.
Latin International Pageant Tips
- Have extra space in your bags
- Normally I recommend you to pack super light at international pageants because you move from city to city. However, in my last two international pageants in Latin America, Reina Internacional Cafe in Colombia and Reina Mundial del Banano in Ecuador, we received a LOT of amazing gifts. I had to buy a new suitcase which ended up costing more than if I brought an extra check in bag with space to begin with.
- Additionally, we spent lots of time organizing our suitcases as we could only bring one bag for 5 days of our travels. It was very chaotic and would’ve been easier if I could organize it all instead of squishing it in my bag.
- Normally I recommend you to pack super light at international pageants because you move from city to city. However, in my last two international pageants in Latin America, Reina Internacional Cafe in Colombia and Reina Mundial del Banano in Ecuador, we received a LOT of amazing gifts. I had to buy a new suitcase which ended up costing more than if I brought an extra check in bag with space to begin with.
- Details and accessories matter
- I have a big picture mindset, but that does not benefit a glamorous look from head to toe. Things I wish I did differently
- Acrylic nails that could last the two weeks
- Hair extensions especially during competition
- Comfortable high heels or cushions like Dr. Scholls as you wear them a lot
- Comfortable big earrings as my ears would bleed
- Beautiful outfits
- More casual long sleeve outfits that are cute (but avoid mosquitoes)
- I have a big picture mindset, but that does not benefit a glamorous look from head to toe. Things I wish I did differently
General Pageant Tips
- Fluctuate your sleeping and eating patterns before the pageant. It’s very common for your immune system to shut down especially when you are jet lagged and follow a pretty set schedule at home. Prep your body like you’re already in pageant mode.
- Wear your high heels around the house or wherever you go to practice walking consistently and getting used to them
- Bring vitamins, masks on the plane, and hand sanitizer.
- If you’re picky, bring your own non-perishable snacks. My go to would be chia seeds to mix with water, granola bars, and beef jerky sticks.
The Dream Pageant Experience I grew Up Watching
I remember back in the early 2000’s of Miss USA and Miss Universe, I loved these things about a big pageant competition and Reina Mundial del Banano provided that.
- The pageant being live on TV. We were on 8 or 9 different channels
- An amazing stage production. We had multiple large LED screens, singers, dancers, and commercials of all the activities we did
- Tons of cool experiences and activities throughout the pageant that we can explore only in that host country. We were able to see beautiful horse stables, nature, be VIP at every event we went to.
- Glam hair and makeup team available 24/7 complimentary for all queens
- There was a video guy, social media guy, and photographer with us 24/7 posting everything in real time
- TONS of press coverage waiting for interviews with contestants
- Viewers and people in the community so excited to see us cheering on our titles and asking for pictures.
- Traveling everywhere on a VIP wifi bus like a band tour.
- We were even VIP through immigration since the pageant was owned by the government
- Being showered with amazing gifts from sponsors I will use for the rest of my life.
We were fabulous, glamorous, exhausted, and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity!
