Seven beauties to vie for Miss Marianas titles

The seven candidates vying for the 2005 Miss Marianas Universe and 2005 Miss Marianas International titles were introduced to the media yesterday at World Resort Hotel’s Diamond Hall.

Stellar Marianas president Leila Y. Boyer also took the opportunity to explain the beauty pageant organization’s decision to field one candidate each for both the Miss Universe and Miss International competitions.

“The islands’ new non-profit pageant and talent group decided to focus its time, energy and resources to goals that will produce enormous economical and social benefits for the community,” said Boyer.

Boyer said Stellar Marianas’ objectives are two-fold: to promote the beauty, goodwill and culture of the islands and to win international titles.

“In this time of economic upheaval, we need to carry a strong visual presence locally, regionally and internationally,” said Boyer, adding that this is the group’s way of helping the CNMI community.

She said in order to knock on the international door, the delegates must have pageant experience to compete with 80 or more women from all over the world.

Representing Saipan in this year’s beauty tilt are Mary Louise O. Deleon Guerrero, 22; Michelle M. Jose, 18; Maile Rae B. San Nicolas, 18; Shequita L. Bennett, 18; and Leilani Bermudes, 24.

Eighteen-year-old Lucille Rita Hocog would be representing the island of Rota, while 22-year-old Janny B. Evangelista will represent Tinian. See related picture on next page.

Boyer said the seven young women are set to undergo an intensive one-month training for the pageant, with various community appearances and rehearsals. The candidates will learn a variety of skills, from modeling, cosmetology, fashion, etiquette, public speaking, and stage performance, to leadership, community volunteering, and working as a team.

For the first time, candidates will also perform a music video dedicated to Domestic Violence Awareness Month during the pageant night.

Boyer said the group is encouraging everyone to support the worthwhile community endeavor and enjoy a great show by purchasing pageant tickets.

Tickets will go on sale at Pena House Boutique in Chalan Kanoa and Younis Art Studio in Garapan starting next week.

Proposed prizes for the Miss Universe title winner are a crown, trophy, sash, flowers, $1,000 worth of scholarship, $1,000 cash prize, a 24-karat white gold handcrafted Miss Marianas Universe 2005 gold chain and pendant. The winner will also receive an all-expense paid travel opportunity to compete at the 2006 Miss Universe to be held in China.

The Miss International winner will receive an all-expense paid travel opportunity to compete at the 2006 Miss International beauty pageant. She will also get all-expense paid travel opportunities to various Marianas Visitor Authority off-island events and a training contract with Barbizon Modeling Agency of San Francisco, California.

Prizes also include a one-year use of a brand new car, one-year apartment rental, one-year use of a brand new camera mobile phone, one-year supply of Mac Cosmetics, one-year supply of Pond’s, Dove and Suave products, one-year membership and personal trainer, one-year use of a personal stylist and manicurist at Hairspectations Salon, one-year Internet connection, a $1,500 gas certificate from Shell Marianas, a brand new laptop from PC Outlet, a $500 Gift Certificate from DFS Galleria, a $500 Gift Certificate from Sportica, a digital camera, a professional model Portfolio from J.A. Digital Services, a four-piece luggage set, a $200 gift certificate from Mandara Spa, a $200 gift certificate from Pena House Boutique, a personalized Miss Marianas 2005 Crown-Me gift set, one-year all-expense paid representation at approved CNMI-wide events and an opportunity to create and implement a community project under the winner’s name, assisted by Stellar Marianas.

The 2005 Miss Marianas Universe pageant will be held on Oct. 15 at World Resort’s Diamond Hall.