CNMI girl wins pageant in West Coast

Five-year-old island girl Mariana Kiki Teregeyo recently won three titles, two crowns and one tiara, nine medallions and four trophies in a beauty pageant in Salem, Oregon.

Teregeyo was crowned the 2005 American Miss Divisional Queen, 2005 American Miss Hospitality and 2005 American Miss Divisional Talent. She will be making several appearances during her one-year reign in the West Coast.

The Marianas Visitors Authority, House Speaker Benigno Fitial and House Vice Speaker Tim Villagomez sponsored Teregeyo’s appearance at the pageant.

For her 2005 American Miss Divisional Queen title, Teregeyo received a custom satin embroidered sash, the official crown, a three-foot trophy, a stuffed toy, an Italian charm bracelet, a camera, journal, and a royalty breakfast to be claimed at the end of her reign. Teregeyo also won an invitation to scheduled appearances.

As 2005 American Miss Hospitality, she received the same prizes and an invitation to scheduled appearances, while as 2005 American Miss Talent, Teregeyo received a tiara, a sash, a trophy and a stuffed toy. She also received a medallion for the following categories: All American Girl or the “patriotic wear,” casual wear, formal wear, interview, photogenic, portfolio, print model, talent and theme wear.

Teregeyo is the daughter of Raymond and Marianne Teregeyo.

Marianne Teregeyo told Saipan Tribune that during the talent competition, her daughter rendered a hula song and a dance number to the tune of Pearly Shells clad in a beautiful and exquisite mermaid outfit, custom-made by her aunt, Bobbie Concepcion.

Her mom said she and her father are extremely grateful to the sponsors for making their daughter’s dream come true. Without the sponsors, the little girl would not have had the opportunity to win the many titles and trophies, she said.

“And most of all [she] would not have had the chance of meeting other girls from the West Coast and also for gaining the added confidence that she has,” Marianne Teregeyo said. “We were also able to promote our beautiful Commonwealth.”

The mother said they are very proud of their “Chamolinian little girl” and would let her join as many pageants as long as they can financially afford them. She said pageants could be extremely costly in the mainland as they are more glamorous and more competitive.

Teregeyo is already scheduled to compete in several other beauty pageants in the next several months. The earliest one will be on Saturday in Medford, Oregon, though Marianne Teregeyo said they will have to first obtain the approval of the American Miss/5 Star Pageant directors before they enter her daughter in other pageants or before she can make other appearances not affiliated with the American Miss Pageants.

During the two-day regional pageant, spectators received brochures and pamphlets about Saipan, Tinian and Rota. “Saipanda” bags were also handed out as door prizes during the contest.

“Many pageant spectators seemed very interested in considering Saipan as a destination and we hope that they will really come down,” Marianne Teregeyo said.

She recalled that during the mandatory theme dinner party held for pageant contestants and their parents, almost everyone had a Saipan, Tinian and Rota pin on their shirts and coats.

She also thanked the support of Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Rep. Janet Maratita, grandpa and grandma Ben and Ki Concepcion, Kaylene Concepcion, Joshua and Charlene Teregeyo and many other family members and friends who pitched in to help the little girl’s current success.