2005 Miss Marianas Universe to be crowned

By tomorrow evening, one queen will be crowned to represent the CNMI in the 2006 Miss Universe and Miss International pageants.

After months of hard work and preparation, six beautiful contestants will compete in the 2005 Miss Marianas Universe Pageant tomorrow, Oct. 15, from 6pm to 10pm at the World Resort Saipan Grand Ballroom.

With the goal to win an international title, Stellar Marianas had announced earlier a historical change in the islands’ main beauty pageant with only one queen chosen to compete in two global pageants.

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

“We are so excited. This is going to be a heart-stopping, high-energy show with a tropical flavor to it. We are celebrating local art, music and dance, so we have traditional and modern artists who will perform,” said Stellar Marianas president Laila Y. Boyer.

The six candidates from Saipan and Rota for the Miss Marianas Universe pageant are: Mary Louise O. Deleon Guerrero, 22; Michelle M. Jose, 18; Maile Rae B. San Nicolas, 18; Shequita L. Deleon Guerrero Bennett, 18; and Almadene Delacruz Taitano, 18; all representing Saipan, while Lucille Rita Barcinas Hocog, 18, is representing Rota.

The young women have done numerous community activities, such as the Community Guidance Center Anti-Tobacco March, Domestic Violence Awareness Month Food & Clothing Drive and Candlelight Vigil, fun day at the beach, traditional brunch with Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Vicki Benavente and the first music video dedicated to DVAM, among others.

MCV news director Chris Nelson and Sonya Pangelinan Dancoe, a civil engineer and the 1998 Miss NMI International, are the program’s Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, which will include a National Costume, Swimsuit, Evening Gown and Question and Answer Competitions.

The contestants also just completed the Preliminary Interview Competition, modeled after the Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, last Saturday at Aquarius Beach Towers.

“We would like to thank all our sponsors for their assistance an generosity in making this dream come true for these incredible young women and to all of you who have and will help by purchasing a ticket. We are grateful,” said Boyer.

Tickets are on sale at Pena House Boutique. PC Outlet, Hairspectations Salon and Marianas Variety for $25 advance until the end of today and $30 at the door.