Self-assurance, eloquence and a dazzling smile gave Maria Guadalupe Hernandez Romero the edge to win the 2013 title as Chapala’s Senior Citizen Queen. The 66-year-old Atotonilquillo housewife was crowned at the Reina de la Tercera Edad pageant held Friday, April 26 at DIF Chapala headquarters.
Aurelia Milian Hernandez, 78, from San Antonio Tlayacapan, was named as first runner-up, while Chapala candidate Maria del Carmen de Luna Castellanos, 77, placed as second runner-up. The other contenders were Leonila Alcala Flores, 76, representing Ajijic, and Maria Hernandez Raygoza, 87, from Santa Cruz de la Soledad.
Each of the contestants took turns walking the runway, receiving cheers of encouragement from pep teams seated in the audience. They also responded to questions about their life experiences and self-employment opportunities for senior citizens.
Married at age 19, Hernandez dedicated most of her adult life to raising five children. Five years ago she became an entrepreneur, opening a small restaurant in her hometown. She is also a member of the Atotonilquillo DIF senior’s ballet folkorico dance troupe that performed at the pageant. She spoke in favor of government-sponsored training programs that help the elderly learn new skills, generate income and continue leading productive lives.
Hernandez will represent Chapala at the regional level Senior Queen competition to be held May 2 in Jocotepec.