Pangelinan is 2024 Miss Earth Northern Marianas

Heavenly Divine Aldan Pangelinan was named 2024 Miss Earth Northern Marianas last Thursday afternoon at the conference room of the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

Pangelinan, an 18-year-old from Kagman and a sophomore student at Western Governors University majoring in Business Administration Management, succeeds 2023 Miss Earth Northern Marianas Jan Zowie Cruz.

According to Exquisite Productions Marianas, Inc. owner Dee Clayton, the Miss Earth competition is usually held in December. However, organizers decided to do the Miss Earth 2024 pageant on Nov. 9 at Okada Manila in the Philippines. Because of this decision, no pageant was held in the Northern Marianas due to lack of time.

“I don’t have the time to organize the pageant. So, I’m hoping that next year I’m going to do it early so that next year, there will be a pageant,” said Clayton.

Pangelinan, who is currently a substitute teacher aide at San Vicente Elementary School, was selected through her application in 2022 because Clayton said she appoints candidates who placed from that year’s pageant since there were no Miss Earth Northern Marianas pageants in the past three years.

The Miss Earth Northern Marianas board of directors did the selection process, wherein they needed to vote for the best candidate to represent the CNMI based on knowledge of the environment, height, and age.

Clayton mentioned that there were four candidates considered, but the other three were unable to participate for various reasons.

Meanwhile, Cruz reflected on her journey as 2023 Miss Earth Northern Marianas. She expressed her gratitude while being a bit emotional for a year filled with highs and lows.

She highlighted her advocacy for a greener and more sustainable future through various initiatives, aiming to contribute to the planet’s well-being and inspire positive change.

She especially mentioned pageant coach Bench Legaspi for being her source of strength. Cruz acknowledged Legaspi for his positive influence on her growth and development.

Before passing her crown to Pangelinan, Cruz ended her speech by encouraging her to use one’s voice as a powerful tool for the future and challenges should be seen as opportunities, growth, and impact.

“From one queen to another, I will be here to support you as you embark on this new adventure. This may be the end of my chapter, but I hope it opens the doors to yours. With that being said, thank you everyone for this incredible experience,” said Cruz.

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” B. Camacho pinned the sash on Pangelinan and the 2024 Miss Earth Northern Marianas thanked her family and friends for their support.

She acknowledged her lack of formal education in environmental science, but said she desires to contribute positively to the community.

“I want to do whatever I can do to get back to our community and make a positive change,” she said.

Camacho is committed to supporting Pangelinan and providing the necessary financial assistance.

“The mayor is backing you 100%, so anything you need for the mayor to assist you, please let me know because this thing is about the community,” said Camacho.

The passing of the crown and pinning of sash ceremony was also attended Camacho’s chief of staff Priscilla Iakopo, Sen. Dennis Mendiola (R-Rota), and family and friends of the new reigning Miss Earth Northern Marianas.

The ceremony was opened by Iakopo who said that the Miss Earth pageant aims to promote environmental awareness and protection.

“Because many people admire and aspire to be a beauty queen, Carousel Productions, Inc. believed beauty queens would be a good and effective advocate of worthy causes,” she said.

Iakopo explained that the candidates and winners actively participate in environmental preservation activities. She added that the pageant also showcases various tourist destinations annually.

“Every year, 80-90 candidates from all over the world compete on beauty and knowledge of environmental issues. The winner of Miss Earth will serve as the ambassador to environmental protection campaigns worldwide,” said Iakopo.

In an interview after her appointment, Pangelinan said she heard the news of her selection a week ago.

Asked how she felt representing the Northern Marianas, she said, “It feels rewarding and very grateful, and it makes me more motivated to help our community…I’m a bit nervous, but I’m mostly excited because I really want to give back to my community and do the most that I can to change it,” she said.

Clayton said Legaspi will be the one to train Pangelinan and yesterday they already started shooting her videos for gowns and bathing suits.