Shequita competes in Japan, heads to China

Sitting cross-legged on the traditional Japanese floor mat, 2005 Miss Marianas Universe Shequita DLG. Bennett placed her hands on her knees and waited calmly for her “inner peace” to sink in during a visit to a Tokyo shrine.

“I learned how to meditate, where you try to connect with your inner self. You have to clear your mind and basically think of nothing,” said Bennett. “You must cross your legs and straighten your back. When you feel that you can’t concentrate, you put your hands together like your praying to signal a monk to tap your back. The monk will tap it four times then when he’s finished, you bow,” she said.

Meditating is one of the many new things the young queen has learned on her trip to the Miss International Pageant in Tokyo, Japan.

From cooking Japanese cuisine, learning about Japanese history, such as visiting a 400 year-old teahouse, modeling at a photo shoot, to shopping at the popular Chinatown district, Bennett has had her hands full since she arrived in Japan.

“I am really excited for the pageant. My roommate is Miss India Sonali Sehgal. The women here are really cool and you could see their different personalities shine. It’s amazing to think that we will be competing for the title,” said Bennett.

“So far, I’m enjoying my time and look forward to the memories I will make. I also look forward to shopping in China,” she smiled.

Bennett has already competed during the official press National Costume and swimsuit presentation with 58 other beautiful contestants from all over the world and has left to Beijing, China, yesterday for the finals on Saturday, Nov. 11.

The 2006 Miss International beauty pageant kicked off in Tokyo on Oct. 13, with about 42 of this year’s 59 contestants parading in their national costumes and swimsuits during the official press presentation.

Thailand’s Vasana Wongbuntree was chosen as this year’s Miss Photogenic and Miss Puerto Rico Sharon Gomez won the Miss Goodwill title during the preliminaries earlier this week.

All the 2006 Miss International contestants were also able to watch the 2007 Miss International Japan pageant in Tokyo.

“Shequita is doing extremely well and we are proud of her,” said Stellar Marianas national director Jennifer W. Aguon.

“We would like to thank Northwest Airlines for making her trip possible and to all of our sponsors for their continued support. We look forward to Shequita’s performance in China and cheer her on,” she said.