Saipan is backdrop for Russian supermodel tilt

Nine Russian beauties, flashing toothpaste ad-perfect smiles, flirted with the camera during an unscheduled mini-pictorial at the stage of the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall.

It was a rehearsal for the Russian dress presentation and the gangly beauties, ranging from 16 to 25 years old, didn’t let their flimsy grasp of the English language get in the way of their chance to convey their excitement at being here on Saipan.

“We like Saipan very much,” they chorused when asked to comment about their first visit to the CNMI.

The nine girls are the finalists of the first ever Russian Supermodel of the Year contest, which will be staged at the Saipan World Resort tomorrow night.

One of the contestants, Tamara Zhukova, said Saipan is the nicest island she has ever visited.

The 18-year-old, who stood about six feet in her stockinged feet, said in broken English that she’s very excited to be in the competition, saying “I’m ready.” She refused, however, to talk about her chances of winning the title.

Another contestant, Olga Chichulina, expressed her joy at being one of the nine finalists, who were chosen from among 103 women who originally joined the pageant back home.

The other contestants were Lilia Dubenskaya, Alina Sobina, Anna Gladchenko, Anna Pikulenko, Natalia Akimova, Lyubov Meteleva and Daria Berdnik.

Saipan World Resort is the major sponsor of the event here, while a construction company from Russia is the main sponsor back home.

Pageant promoter Svetlana Oksjuzian, who is also the general manager of the famous Red Star Model Agency, said they chose Saipan for the finals because it offers the best setting for this kind of show.

“We are here to promote the show as well as to improve relations between Russia and Saipan,” Oksjuzian said through an interpreter. “We would like to invite the Saipan community to come and watch the show.”

Tourists are also welcome to watch the event.

Invitations have already been sent to several government officials, including Governor Benigno R. Fitial, to attend the pageant.

Svetlana Orekmova, the general manager of PRIMOTV who is accompanying the show, said the governor has already agreed to come to the show as one of the special guests of honor.

Orekmova said that pageant promoter Oksjuzian is one of the most famous modeling promoters in Russia, having organized several international pageants there.

When asked what would be the prize for the winner, Oksjuzian said that would be one of the surprises of the show, which will start at 7pm at the hotel’s Royal Taga Ballroom.

Aside from the Russian dress presentation, there will also be a swimwear competition and European-style wedding dress as well as a question-and-answer portion.

Oksjuzian said each contestant would also be doing a look-alike of Western movie greats, vintage or modern, such as Marilyn Monroe.