(7-13-08)
The Executive Surf Club stage had never seen beauty like this before. Seven contestants in Corpus Christi's Hawaiian Tropic International Model Search Pageant were competing for the audiences attention and the judge's top score.
Joanna Cantu was one of those beauties trying to make her way past this semi-final event. "I think it's an awesome opportunity for everyone it's fun exciting you get to know so many girls and you know I think everyone is beautiful inside and out and I think that's what counts inside and out for me."
But the judges were looking for a bit more. Natalie Cook is Co-Owner of IM'N Productions and explains the criteria for this pageant,"It is interview, evening wear and swim wear and it's based on their poise, personality, how well they're able to conduct themselves in their interviews."
And if the judges do their job everyone may come out a winner. Marisa Upton is one of those judges and knows how important her decision is because maybe one of the young women could end up winning the International title. "It's a way for us to really grow and bring people into the surrounding areas Corpus definitely has potential for more things like this." Rick Trevino owns a hair salon in town and thinks this is a great showcase of natural beauty,"I think it's great that we finally get to display our beautiful women we have in town and we do."
Some of these young women believe this contest could lead to bigger and better things. Remember it was just ten years ago that Eva Longoria was named Miss Corpus Christi USA. Pressure like that had Bridget Longoria worried if she had the look the judges were wanting,"A little nervous at first but it's really exciting and it's a great experience." Jordan Callaway's family and friends showed up to cheer her on,"little nervous but you gotta be confident come out and show what you got and just have fun." Alana Zamora was a crowd favorite and understood that this competition was more than a beauty contest,"I'm not really thinking about what it's going to do for me Miss Hawaiian Tropic Corpus Christi represents Corpus Christi so I'm thinking what it would do for Corpus." In the end, six of the young women moved on to the next round of this competition. One which could lead to a contract with Hawaiian Tropic as its next spokesmodel. Michael Gibson Three News.