The Miss Latina Canada Magazine

Miss Latina Canada: The Reality Series, Season 2 Trailer, now released!

2009-11-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been some sleepless nights here for us at ES Team Entertainment, but we finally released the first trailer for our second season of Miss Latina Canada: The Reality Series! The excitement this season was totally unplanned by the producers, and quite often took them completely off gaurd.

We are currently tying up all of the loose ends and working hard to have the season ready for television airing in the new year. We will be sure to keep you all posted!

Representing Montreal Quebec: Yajaira Mercedes of the Dominican Republic Wins Miss Latina Canada 2010

2009-09-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

27 year old Montrealer, Yajaira Mercedes of the Dominican Republic won the title of Miss Latina Canada 2010 at the only national event in the country for the Hispanic community in Canada. This is the first time both Quebec and the Dominican Republic community has been honored with this national title.

“I just can’t believe it,” says Mercedes, who is fluent in French, Spanish and English. “I feel like all of my dreams have come true. I don’t believe that any of this is happening, I feel like I’m going to wake up because I’m in a dream!”

She is definitely not dreaming. Coming in first runner up at the Miss Latina Canada, Quebec regional competition, Yajaira placed as first runner, and was pleasantly surprised that her position awarded her the opportunity to represent “la belle province”, along with winner Judith Martinez. Out of 30 women from across Canada, Yajaira’s grace, poise, and articulation made her a favorite amongst the judges.

Born in San Victor, Dominican Republic Yajaira Mercedes is an esthetician and cosmetician that has been dreaming of breaking into the world of modeling and fashion. Mercedes is a Canadian citizen and permanent resident of Montreal.

With a busy year ahead of her, she will be in Miami, Florida in both October and December to participate in Miss Latina International Supermodel, as well as a special guest for the Parade of Costumes. Mercedes will also visit Hollywood, California to study Acting for Film at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios. Among the many guest appearances across Canada that she will make, Yajaira will be a special guest at the Toronto Pride Parade, Caribana Festival, and both the Puerto Rican and Dominican Day Parade’s in New York city.

Miss Latina Canada 2007: Mariana Valente wins Miss Universe Canada 2009

2009-05-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

Mariana Valente won the title of Miss Universe Canada on May 18th at the John Bassett Theatre. Valente is a 23 year old York University student majoring in languages. She will be representing Canada at the Miss Universe pageant that will be taking place in the Bahamas this August.

Valente was previously under the management of ES Team Productions, after winning the Miss Latina Canada 2007 title in August of 2006 at the St. Lawrence Centre for Performing Arts in Toronto. Valente was the first woman of Brazilian heritage to win the title - and also the first Brazilian to win Miss Universe Canada.

"We were so proud to hear that she had won," says producer Stefany Singh - Rodriguez. "When we found out that she had entered we knew immediately that she would be a front runner. Mariana has always demonstrated that she loved the fashion and modelling and industry,and she has that ability to captivate the attention in a room. The best part is from our experience with her, is that she is dedicated, has a strong understanding of the pagentry industry, and more importantly she has used these winnings to further her greater objectives of both becoming a model and increasing awareness of her charity. We strongly beleive that Mariana has what it takes to win Miss Universe."

To learn more about Mariana's year as Miss Universe Canada, visit www.beautiesofcanada.com.

Carrie Prejean Causes Uproar at Miss USA

2009-05-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

Carrie Prejean - Miss California USA, was the first runner-up at the 2009 Miss USA pageant. However, she successfully managed to steal the limelight from the winner based on her answer to her final question.

Prejean managed to chose the question from judge Perez Hilton - celebrity gossip blogger - who asked heropinionon gay marriage. Prejean answered that marriage should be between opposite sex and not same sex partners, perhaps not realizing that Perez Hilton is also an openly gay man.

Further to this contreversy, Prejean went forward as a spokesperson for an anti-gay marriage faith activist group without discussing with Miss Calfornia USA organizers. Trouble continued to follow the beauty queen when semi - nude photos appeared of the titleholder, that were apparently taken when she was 16 years old. Miss California USA rules stipulate that there can be no such photos taken in a delegates past, and that spokesperson deals must be dealt with through the ornganization.

The matter went as far as consideration for dethronement, and ultimately Donald Trump - co-owner of both Miss USA and Miss Universe determined that Prejean could keep her title. Nothing like a little contreversy to make Trump happy to have his brand in the newspapers!

Miss America 2009: Katie Stam

2009-01-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

2009 winner of Miss America, was 20 year old Katie Stam of Indiana. In a live televised broadcast from Las Vegas, Nevada, Katie was took the crown as part of the season finale of the the Miss America reality series 'Countdown to the Crown'.

Katie had been feeling ill during the compeition, and had even lost her voice. However, she was on medication and able to have some rest before she competed at the final event.

Katie won a $50 000 scholarship as part of her prize. She intends to use it towards graduate school with a dream of becoming a news anchor.

Miss America has had significant trouble keeping ratings up on television and have lost several television contracts. Their last agreement has been with TLC for 2 years, and it has not been yet announced if they will be preceeding with a renewal in the agreement.

Miss World Brazil dies

2009-01-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

Mariana Bridi, this year's Miss World Brazil, unexpectedly passed away as a result of a terrible infection. What originally began as a urinary tract infection escalated to the model's hands and feet having to be amputated, and eventually the end of her life.

The urine infection was extremely resistant to medication, and in an effort to save her life from the rapidly spreading infection doctors decided to amputate her hands and feet but unfortunately the infection took her life.

Mariana's goal was to be successful in the modelling world, so that she would be able to assist her family in living a better life. From a poor background that struggled to make ends meet, Mariana was living the dream of many young Brazilian girls.

Miss Latina Canada 2009: Diana Schoutsen

2008-08-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Diana Schoutsen is the 2009 winner of Miss Latina Canada. This 21 year old young woman is currently a student at York University, and grew up in Binbrook Ontario, a few minutes north of Hamilton - on a dairy farm!

This country girl, loves dirt biking, riding her horse, taking some time out in her backyard lake, and spending time with her family and friends.

Diana is of both Dutch and Honduran heritage, and her parents story is an inspiration of how love conquers all! When her parents met - her mother from Honduras speaking only Spanish and her father from Holland speaking only Dutch, learned to communicate with one another and eventually build a family!

Communicating in the one common language they learned together... English, Diana was raised to be proud of both her cultures. Working on improving her Spanish speaking abilities, Diana's mother is working with her to strengthen her understanding of the language.

Leading up to the pageant, all delegates had come into contact with judges without knowing. Judges wanted the opportunity to meet the girls in a non-competitive environment to really observe how the girls interacted with one another, and how they were able to handle dealing with the public. While all of the girls were definitely impressive, Diana's poise, public speaking ability, and her story of her families experience in Canada wowed the judges!

Diana will have a busy year, and looks forward to the support of all the community during her reign,

Miss Latina Canada 2009: The Countdown begins

2008-07-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

With 3 weeks to go, The Miss Latina Canada Organization and 30 delegates from across Canada are in the final stages of preparation before delegates arrivals begin August 19th, 2008 in the evening. 30 women from across Canada will compete in traditional pageant style competition being judged on interview skills (50% of the score), Evening Gown (30%), and Swimsuit (20%), for an array of prizes.

The 2009 winner will receive the following prize package:
1. Official Miss Latina Canada crown valued at $400 CAD
2. Official Satin embroidered sash
3. Official representation, coaching and management from ES Team Model & Talent, The official modeling agency of The Miss Latina Canada Organization
4. Representation on the official Miss Latina Canada website for the year of her reign
5. Professional photoshoot by Stina Studios – the official photographer of the Miss Latina Canada Organization
6. The official Host of Season 2 of “The HotSpot” airing online ES Team Television
7. $250 Gift certificate at Dr. Poon’s Cosmetic and Health clinic
8. Invitations to VIP and industry events
9. The official Latin-Canadian representative in North America’s largest street festival, including costume at Toronto’s Caribbana 2009.
10. The official representative at Miss Latina Canada preliminary events around the country in Ottawa, Montreal, Halton Region & Calgary!
11. Modeling photoshoot in Istanbul, Turkey
12. The official Canadian representative at Miss Latina International in Cancun, Mexico, & Miss Latina World in San Antonio, Texas.
13. National and international press coverage.

Participants will be making appearances through out Toronto from August 20 –25th while they are here. This event, is the first time in Latin-Canadian history, that women, business, and media have worked collaboratively across the country to produce the first and only national event catered to the Hispanic community.

All activities are being filmed for the Miss Latina Canada 2009 reality series, airing on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 8:30 pm across Canada. The program will also air in 29 European countries to over 11 million viewers at the end of the year.

Miss Latina Canada 2009 will take place on Sunday August 24, 2008 at 7:00pm at the Holiday Inn, Hotel & Suites located at 7095 Woodbine Ave at Highway 404 and Steeles Ave. Tickets can be purchased online at www.misslatiancanada.com or by calling ES Team Productions at 416-275-5746.

Miss Latina Ottawa & Miss Latina Halton Region

2008-05-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

The insanely fabulous Miss Latina Halton Region event took place on Saturday May 3, at Club 77 - and this was by far the toughest competition! 7 stunning Latina's from the Halton Region area including, Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington & Binbrook made judging the event the hardest thing to do.

The event was organized by T.W.I.M Promotions that has been working with the Miss Latina Canada organization since 2007.

Miss Latina Entrepreneur was a tie between Macela Hoyer and Alexandra Velasquez - this award is a fast track prize that is a guarenteed placement in the finalists position. In order to make the decision of who won Miss Entrepreneur judges were charged with comparing who had the highest score overall leading up to this point. The award went to Marcel Hoyer.

The final results were Alba Torres, Marcela Hoyer & Diana Schoutsen - with the crown going to Diana! Congratulations Diana we will see you in August in Toronto!

For the first time ever Miss Latina Ottawa, took place. The event was put together by Ottawa/Gatineau regional cooridinator Claria Claderon, promoted through Sabor Tropical Entertainment & hosted at Club Caliente. It was a great expereience for the city of Ottawa, and the Miss Latina Canada Organization was pleased to be able to provide a vehicle for this community to participate in our national event.

The event was a magical and colourful display of the Latin-American culture, and brought together the business community in Ottawa in support of such a great and fantastic event!

6 beautiful ladies competed for the title in Swimsuit, Evening Gown, & Final question. Ultimately the judges were swayed by Yulemy Nieto of Venezuelan heritage.

Congratulations Yuelmy - we look forward to meeting you in Toronto, and thank you to all of the wonderful Latin community who has supported our events across the country!

Stay tuned for Miss Latina Mississauga, where 8 young women will be competing for this title to represent at the national Miss Latina Canada event!

Miss Latina™ Canada 2009 hosts "Zona Franca" at Labios Restuarant

2008-03-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Miss Latina™ Ottawa is on its way!!!!

2008-03-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

The first ever Miss Latina™ Ottawa is taking place April 12 in our nation's capital! Stay tuned to find out who will represent Ottawa at the Miss Latina™ Canada pageant in Ottawa. The country is getting ready, there are lots of things happening so be sure to stay tuned!

This event is being organized by our fabulous regional coordinator Claira Calderone, and castings being on March 16th at Mambo restaurant. We would like to thank Mambo restaurant, Sabor Tropical, Latin Kings Entertainment, Mundo en Espanol!

Check out the site on April 13th to find out who won the Ottawa regional pageant!

Miss Latina™ Canada 2009 host "Sounds of Solidarity" at U of T Fundraiser

2008-03-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

Tickets are Still on Sale! Help a great cause!

URGENT: Miss Latina™ Canada Crown Stolen!

2008-02-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

It came as a shock yesterday, Thursday February 14th when Miss Latina™ Canada executives discovered that the company vehicle was broken into and tampered with at Warden Station's south parking lot in Scarborough Ontario. Among other items stolen, the Miss Latina™ Canada official crown and sash were illegally confiscated and their whereabout are unknown.

Executives do not care for the return of any of the other items, but only ask that those who have the crown in their possession show repect to the Latin-Canadian community and have the crown be returned to the Miss Latina™ Canada head office or to a local police station.

What is important to remember, is that this is not about the monetary value of the crown - but more the value that it represents of the Latin community here in Canada making a difference and celebrating cultural heritae around the world. Just as the country would be appalled to know that Miss Univere Canada's crown was stolen, this has the same impact to the Latin community here.The Miss Latina™ Canada crown is unique, in that it is a one of a kind creation carrying the international insignia of the Miss Latina World organization - it is not an item that can be purchased as it is only acquired through winning the internationally recognized title.

Should you come into contact with any individual showing to have in their possession the Miss Latina Canada crown, please contact 41 Division of the Toronto Police advising that you have information on the whereabouts of the Miss Latina™ Canada crown, or you can call our office with tips at 416-275-5746.

Miss Latina™ Canada Hits Prime Time Television

2007-12-30T23:23:00.000-08:00

For the first time, a Latin Canadian pageant will broadcast nationally. Producers of the Miss Latina™ Canada pageant (the first and only national Latin pageant in Canada) have signed a major television deal with Nuevo Mundo Television (NMTV), Canada’s first 24 hour all Spanish channel in Canada (Rogers, Channel 642). Broadcasting to over 2 million viewers, the program will air during prime time, with a 1 hour grand slam season finale that will showcase the Latin American definition of pageantry. “We at NMTV are thrilled to begin this new venture with [ES Team™ Productions].” States NMTV’s Production Director of the Toronto Office.

Latin women across Canada will have the opportunity to participate in castings and local regional pageants around the country, with major castings being held in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. More than just a national broadcast, the world will actively participate in selecting their favourite delegates. Enabled through international content distribution in Asia, Africa, and South America, cellular carriers will now be able to select their favourite contestant via mobile text message voting.

The broadcasting of the Miss Latina™ Canada pageant will mark a historical comeback for nationally televised Canadian pageantry, with the last Canadian pageant airing on a major television network in 1991. Not only is pageant activity on the rise in Canada, but it is an international fact that pageants are a major source of cultural pride in the Latin American community worldwide.

Interested delegates can prebook their spots by filling out applications located on the Miss Latina™ Canada Website, and are encouraged to check with their local media, and the website for details and updates.

Carolina Rabsiun: Miss Latina™ Canada 2008

2007-08-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

Announcements made last month advised of the postponement of the Miss Latina™ Canada 2008 National event, and indicated that the organization would be selecting and appointing a past participant to carry the torch from Miss Latina™ Canada 2007: Mariana Valente. Candidates were nominated by industry professionals, and ES Team™ Productions: The Miss Latina™ Canada Organization, is pleased to announce, that votes weighed heavily in favour of Carolina Rabsiun to be the official Latin-Canadian Good-Will Ambassador for the 2008 year.

Carolina was a participant in the 2006 national event, and placed as the 1st runner up. Among reasons other than her beauty, Carolina has shown that she carries out the mission statement of the Miss Latina™ Canada organization through her continued educational studies at York University (making that the 3rd out of 4 queens to be from the University). Carolina will represent Canada at the 2008 international Miss Latina events which will be taking place next year, as well as performing traditional duties of the winners before her by participating in the Brazilian Ball, Caribannna, and being present at the many Hispanic festivals that take place in the city of Toronto and abroad.

Carolina's very first guest appearance will take place this Labour Day weekend at the Mel Lastman Square's Hispanic Fiesta at the Miss Latina™ Canada booth between 9:00 - 9:30pm in Saturday and Sunday.

Mariana Valente, will carry out her duties as the official Canadian representative at the upcoming international Miss Latina competitions. She will have the opportunity to mentor Carolina, and show her how she has handled her success' with such grace, dignity, and poise. Mariana has received over 45 full page print coverage in both English, Spanish, and Portuguese publications since her win last August, as well as full page editorial back home in her country of heritage: Brazil.

Be sure to vote for Canada at the international events, as she prepares for the toughest competition yet!

An traditionall crowining ceremony will be scheduled for Marianna to officially complete her reign and pass the title over to Carolina. We ask that you please visit our website regulary to find out when that event will take place, as it will be open to the public.

Congratualtions Carolina! Welcome to the Miss Latina™ Canada family and becmong part of the most famous latin pageant system in Canada!

Miss Latina™ Canada 2008 postponed

2007-07-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Toronto, Ontario - July 17, 2007:

This July the Miss Latina World Organization announced the postponement of their annual international event. Held in the first week of July for almost 10 years, executive producers have made the decision to move the July event to October. While notification was on the short notice side, executive producer and international supermodel Dawn Rochelle Warner issued her statements behind the move.

"I believe this change will benefit contestants and pageant sponsors by leveraging the international convention traffic Las Vegas receives during the month of October."Said Ms.Warner The new date has been set for October 19-21.

On the home front, this has produced some challenges for the Miss Latina™ Canada Organization,{MLC) whose annual event normally takes place in the 3rd week of August. Canadian directors and producers well under way for the upcoming event have made the decision to postpone the upcoming pageant. "We will have dating conflicts at this time because we will not be readily prepared," says national director Stefany Singh.

Producers have indicated that the decision to postpone came from the fact that this year's reigning queen, Mariana Valente has yet to represent Canada, which will over run her title. Meaning that she would have passed on her national title by the international date. The flip side is that having the event in August would also not give the organization enough time to train a new winner by the October date.

"Dating for event planning is very critical," says Miss Singh, "especially when it comes to events like this. Planning can take from 8 months to a year, and the challenges that we will face is 3 fold. 1. We will have to manage 2 titleholders in a very busy time for the organization, 2. After August we are heading into the school year which will affect participants ability to enter - especially for those who would have to fly in to Toronto, and 3. Venues are all already fully booked until the end of the year."

Canadian producers have ultimately agreed to postpone for one year, with the date for the venue and host hotel booked at ready to go for August, 24 2008 at the Ontario Science Center. "We feel that this is a positive move for us," says Singh. "It will give the girls a little more time to be flexible, and to heavily promote themselves. We have agreed to work on an aggressive marketing campaign in the middle time."

Registered contestants contracts will be honoured and all delegates thus far will remain open to voting. So what will happen after November? The Miss Latina™ Canada Organization have agreed to select someone from one of our past events in the 2005 or 2006 pageants. While there may not be an actual pageant in place, this reigning queen ' will still be required to carry on the activities of winners in the past.

The announcement will be made closer to the end of August. Please stand by for Media Alerts to be issued into your e-mails.

Sincerely
Stefany Singh
National Directors

Congratulations Miss Latina™ Hamilton!

2007-06-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, one lucky woman won the first ever Miss Latina™ Hamilton. The event was lots of fun, and while the girls were very nervous, they had a blast!

The winner of the event was 17 year old Natalia Leiva. She will be representing Hamilton at the upcoming Miss Latina™ Canada 2008 pageant taking place at the Ontario Science Centre this August.

Her first public event will be at the Mexican Fiesta at Younge and Dundas Square across from the Eaton Centre in Downtown Toronto. Be sure to come out and meet our newest member of the Miss Latina™ Canada family.

Japan wins Miss Universe®

2007-05-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

FELICITACIONES JAPAN!

Finally the Miss Universe® Organization has got it! While I will not discuss who were my favourites at this year's Miss Universe Pageant - I can say that the industry has been speculating about whether or not the Miss Universe® Organization had legs to stand on. With 77 delegates this year (down from 85 last year, which was down from the year before that), there seemed to be a concern that the Miss Universe® pageant was catered to Latin America.

I chose to write this blog, clearly because this was an issue that would seem to be related to the culture in which this very pageant - Miss Latina Canada® - is meant for. Like everything in life I believe that hard work pays off, and the right person for the job will always be chosen. The perils of any competition is the gossip that surrounds speculating whether the event is political style pageantry (meaning choosing a winner for economical or advantageous business reasons), or fixing pageants (predetermining the winner and having it be selected by the organization).

I cannot say whether or not Miss Universe® is fixed or not, or whether its political or not. I have no idea - so I cannot comment on what I don't know. I do not work there, or know the staff, or have access to their agendas. What I want to comment on is that the winning of Japan tonight was the best thing to have happened to MU in a long time. I agree that Latin women are some of the most beautiful women on earth - but when you are dealing with an international pageant that opens it doors to all cultures we have to be cognizant that beauty is not universal after all. What we value to be beautiful differs from country to country. Celebrating diversity is key in today's world. Everyone is internet savvy making global networks a click away, businesses are increasingly dealing frequently internationally, and more and more bi-racial and multicultural families dot the earth.

Rio - Miss Universe® 2007 - is a fresh note, and a fresh feel to MU. I think it will allow the people of Asia to be recognized for the beauty within their culture that may sometimes be misunderstood by North or South American ideals. I say this because - here at the Miss Latina™ Canada Organization understand that within the Latin culture itself there is so much diversity - from dialects, to music, to the tones of our skin and hair. It is important for us to be able to celebrate all diversity and culture because by showing acceptance and understanding of foreign cultures, allows those of other cultures to be accepting and understanding of us.

Congratulations Rio - we wish you all the best on whatever journey MU takes you on.

Welcome to Our Blog!

2007-05-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official

Miss Latina™ Canada Blog!

What a busy week it has been for us here at ES Team™ Productions! We have just returned from our wonderful trip to Hollywood with Mariana and we had such an amazing time! I can't even wait to tell you all about it - even more so I am excited to have the photos posted on our website. We have close to 500 pictures ready so it may actually take some time for us to get them all up there.

As the national director it is sometimes difficult to explain what you would experience as a winner of the title. Why? Because every winner is different, every person is different, and the way that they carry their reign also differs. How their year runs, is really dictated by the way the winners personality is. Winning this title is a great occasion in anyones life - and for me as the person who has the pleasure of spending a full year with them, I get to see the incredible transformation that takes place from the moment they win to the moment that they move on.

Our winners build incredible resumes, obtain amazing experiences, meet an entirely different realm of connections that may not have occurred otherwise. Their experiences are also my experiences. Believe me when I tell you this! The trip to Hollywood was also my first time there along with Mariana's! This blog will allow all of you to read about Mariana's experiences, from either myself or her directly. Here at the Miss Latina™ Canada Organization we pride ourselves on having open lines of communications - that is how we have managed to become as successful as we are!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with blogging, this is somewhat of a diary where we can let you know about things from our perspective and you are free to comment and ask questions! Well we look forward to speaking with all of you very shortly?

Stefany Singh

National Director

The Miss Latina™ Canada Organization