Panama Bay Jewelers

07/10/2026

🎤 A harsh critique from the past

Before she became a global icon with multiple Grammy Awards, Shakira faced a stinging rejection that could have ended her career before it began. Growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia, the young singer was eager to join her school choir but was flatly turned down by the music director. The teacher felt her voice was too powerful and distinct for a group setting, famously telling the young girl that she sounded like a goat. This comparison was based on her strong vibrato, which the instructor believed would disrupt the harmony of the other children.

💪 Turning criticism into motivation

Shakira did not let the negative feedback silence her passion for performance. She kept writing her own songs and practicing belly dance, a skill she picked up from her Lebanese heritage. Her father encouraged her talent, recognizing that her unique vocal style was a gift rather than a flaw. By age ten, she was already performing at local events and building a reputation as a rising star in her community, refusing to let one person's opinion define her potential.

🌟 From rejection to a record deal

The transition from a rejected student to a professional recording artist happened fast. At just thirteen, she secured her first major recording contract with Sony Music Colombia after impressing a theater executive who helped her land an audition with a label representative. Her early career moved quickly: she signed a three-album deal at thirteen, released her debut studio album Magia in 1991, and showcased original compositions she'd been writing since age eight. Her artistic vision was already years ahead of her age.

🌍 A legacy of unique artistry

Today, the very voice that was once compared to a goat has sold over 95 million records worldwide. Shakira has blended Latin, rock, and Middle Eastern influences into a sound that belongs only to her. Her journey shows how individual traits, often criticized by others, can become the foundation for a legendary career. She turned what was called a weakness into a signature sound recognized across every continent.

🚀 Redefining the music industry

Her success opened doors for Latin artists in the global market. By refusing to tone down her distinctive vibrato or change her performance style, she made space for future musicians to embrace their authentic selves. The music teacher who once dismissed her is now a footnote in a story about perseverance and trusting your own voice. Her global reach proves that being different is often the key to lasting impact.

Facts checked by Soul Pulse

Sources:
Billboard Shakira Biography
Biography.com
CBS News 60 Minutes Interview

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Don't forget to add this exciting event to your calendars!!

Nauti Crab is hosting 'Island' Fued, our own version of Family Fued.. Same rules but even more fun!

Sign up today by messaging us your team name and the names of 4 people on your team!

Entry is 20BZD per person, which is paid in advance for participating teams. All proceeds go to support us here at ACES, so it's a win-win!

You can also just attend to watch the drama unfold, just a simple 20BZD donation towards ACES on the day!

There will also be silent auctions for trips away, 50/50 raffles and gift certificates to be won!

Sign up Today! 🐊

07/10/2026

*Paid Ad - Experience the flavors of the coast at Larimar, where the freshest seafood, premium ingredients, and expertly crafted dishes come together in an elegant dining setting. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or an evening with friends, Larimar offers an unforgettable culinary experience in San Pedro.

Open Wednesday through Monday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Reservations: +501 615-1071
www.larimarbelize.com

06/10/2026

05/10/2026

Lifetime’s ‘The Ocean Between Them’ puts Belize at center of dramatic sea survival story

By Zoila Palma: A family vacation in Belize turns into a terrifying fight for survival in Lifetime’s newest movie, “The Ocean Between Them”, which premiered Saturday night.

Inspired by actual events, the movie follows Miranda, a young kayaker who becomes stranded at sea after heading out alone following an argument with her mother, Joan. When a sudden storm strikes, Miranda is left battling dangerous ocean conditions and relying on her instincts to survive.

As Miranda struggles at sea, Joan refuses to give up on finding her daughter. The family’s vacation quickly becomes an urgent search, with Joan confronting her own physical and emotional limits while desperately trying to bring Miranda home.

The film follows both mother and daughter as they endure the ordeal from opposite sides—the daughter fighting the elements and the mother racing to find answers. The experience ultimately changes their lives as they fight to survive and reunite.

Rebecca Gayheart and Jessica Lord lead the cast, with Gayheart portraying Joan and Lord playing Miranda. Karl Walcott and Georgia Dane also appear in the film.

Belizean actors Wani Arzu, Adrian Garbutt and Jarell Velasquez are featured in the movie.

05/10/2026

🎶🐊 CROCTOBERFEST 2026 GENERAL ADMISSION WILL BE ABSOLUTELY FREE! 🐊🎶

October 17th & 18th at Crocs Sunset Sports Bar & Grill in San Pedro, Belize 🇧🇿

From the very beginning, our main goal with Croctoberfest has been to create something the entire community can enjoy without families having to spend an arm and a leg just to walk through the gates.

We had hoped to receive enough major sponsorship support this year to help cover the enormous cost of putting on the festival while keeping general admission free. Unfortunately, we did not receive the level of sponsorship we had originally hoped for.

But we made the decision that Croctoberfest is going to remain FREE anyway. ❤️

And we want to recognize someone who helped make that decision a little easier.

After speaking with my father, David Ford, owner of Seaview Vacation Rental here in San Pedro, he generously decided to step up and provide even more support to help us keep general admission free to the public.

My dad grew up in the countryside, where the nearest neighbor was about half a mile away. He was raised with the belief that neighbors look out for one another. You pitch in, you lend a hand and you help however you can.

That is something he taught me as well, and it reflects exactly how we feel about our new neighbors here in San Pedro.

We may not have grown up here, but this community is now our home. We believe being part of a community means showing up and taking care of each other.

David understood what we were trying to accomplish: creating a festival where an entire family can come out and enjoy live music, entertainment, culture, activities and an incredible weekend together without worrying about what it costs just to get through the door.

And this is going to be a BIG weekend. 🐊🎶

🎶 SUPA G and TUNNEL VISION will headline Croctoberfest, joined by several other incredible artists and performers throughout the weekend.

🍹 VIP passes will be available for $200 USD for guests who want an upgraded festival experience. VIP access includes our third floor lounge with a bird’s eye view of the stage and festival, elevated lounge seating, a dedicated VIP bar and bartender, dedicated server and concierge, a meet and greet with the headliners, complimentary VIP merchandise including at least a shirt and hat, plus FREE admission to the official Croctoberfest After Party.

🍾 Premium bottle service will also be available to VIP guests for an additional charge.

The official After Party will have a separate $50 BZD admission for non VIP guests.

🛍️ We’re expecting approximately 30 to 40 vendor booths, featuring local businesses, artists, food vendors and more.

🎡 Families and kids will have multiple attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the festival.

🎨 And, of course, there will be plenty of art, culture, food, drinks, cocktails and entertainment throughout the weekend.

That has always been our goal: to create something that feels like a true festival for San Pedro and something families, locals and visitors can all experience together every year.

We know that even with this additional support, we will very likely lose money putting on Croctoberfest this year.

But sometimes building something meaningful for a community has to come before making a profit.

Our dream is for Croctoberfest to remain a FREE community festival every single year, and we weren’t willing to give up on that dream before the very first Croctoberfest even begins.

So it’s official:

🎟️ NO TICKET REQUIRED. NO GENERAL ADMISSION CHARGE.

🐊 CROCTOBERFEST 2026 GENERAL ADMISSION IS FREE!

📅 Saturday, October 17th

📅 Sunday, October 18th

📍 Crocs Sunset Sports Bar & Grill

🇧🇿 San Pedro, Belize

A huge thank you to my dad, David Ford, and Seaview Vacation Rental for believing in what we’re trying to build and for stepping up even further to help make this possible. ❤️

We also want to thank every sponsor and partner who has already supported Croctoberfest. Every contribution, partnership and helping hand is playing a part in bringing this festival to San Pedro.

And most importantly, thank you, San Pedro.

This festival is for you, our neighbors, your families and your friends. 🇧🇿🐊

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