After a four-and-a-half-year Colombian sojourn, Costa Rican singer María José Castillo has returned home with more than just souvenirs. Her luggage is filled with dreams, two Shih Tzu puppies named Lisboa and Moscú, a boyfriend, and a medley of musical and dental ambitions.
Castillo, who proudly represented Costa Rica in the 2008 Latin American Idol, securing a commendable second place, ventured to Bogotá to pursue studies at the prestigious Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. While education was her primary focus, Castillo occasionally graced events in Costa Rica with her singing, aiding her university expenses.
Now, with academic achievements in her pocket, Castillo is back in Costa Rica, teeming with excitement to commence her dual career in music and pediatric dentistry.
“There are too many projects, so many beautiful things I want to do this year,” Castillo shared in an interview with La Nación. Her musical aspirations are taking shape under the aegis of the Costa Rican agency, House Of Artists. Initially, she plans to grace private and corporate events with her talent while also practicing as a pediatric dentist.
Castillo envisions releasing new original songs, predominantly in her signature style of romantic Spanish pop. “I’m open to all genres, even urban, but for now, I see myself in pop ballads, which is my forte,” she explained.
Starting from Scratch: Life Lessons and Love
Living in Colombia was an enriching adventure for Castillo, marked by solitude and academic rigor. In Bogotá, she forged friendships, especially at the university, but her dedication to studies meant limited social diversions.
“Returning to Costa Rica is like starting from scratch. Thankfully, I’m back with my family, but I needed to find a job for my independence,” she remarked.
Fortune smiled on Castillo as she swiftly found a position to practice her profession. Beginning mid-January, Dr. María José Castillo will offer her pediatric dental expertise at the Sonríe Clinic in Escazú, a place renowned for its specialized child dental care – a field that has always intrigued her.
The return home also meant reuniting with her family, friends, and boyfriend, who have been her pillars of support. “That family core was something I deeply missed in Colombia,” she added.
Four-Legged Companions and Long-Distance Love
In her journey back, Castillo ensured her beloved Shih Tzus, Lisboa and Moscú, were by her side. “Adapting them to the climate was a challenge. I had to trim their fur due to the heat, a stark contrast from Bogotá’s chill,” she recounted.
Her relationship, spanning two years, endured the test of long-distance love. “He’s been a tremendous support, a pillar in this return,” Castillo acknowledged.
Fond Memories and Future Plans
While she’ll miss Colombian cuisine and the crisp weather, Castillo cherishes the memories and the people who made her time there special, particularly the family that took her in.
Castillo plans to return to Colombia for her graduation ceremony at the end of January. Post-graduation, her focus will shift entirely to dentistry and music. Besides Escazú, she offers her specialized services in Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. For appointments, one can reach her at 6474-2422 or follow her on social media at Dra. María José Castillo or María José Castillo (artist).
As she juggles between the notes of music and the nuances of pediatric dentistry, María José Castillo stands as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the enduring charm of coming home.
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