Sorene Maratita makes the most of her reign

Reigning Miss Marianas Universe 2008 Sorene Maratita shares with Saipan Tribune her thoughts about being a youth ambassador for the CNMI. In her journey to the national competition in September, she aspires to bring honor and glory back to her countrymen.
[B] Saipan Tribune: Since Day 1 of your reign as Miss Marianas Universe 2008, what significant adjustments have you made as an ordinary individual or member of the community?[/B] [B] Answer:[/B] As Miss Marianas, I have used my title to become more involved with today’s youth. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet public officials and other distinguished members of our community in hopes of promoting health awareness and its importance, and efforts to gain the public’s involvement in community activities.

[B]ST: So far, what programs and activities have you launched or initiated to help community members?[/B] [B]A:[/B] A program I am currently working on is the Youth Advisory Panel, which consists of students from the PSS and is spearheaded by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Rita A. Sablan. The Y.A.P. focuses on finding solutions to issues concerning PSS students, with the hope of reaching out to at-risk youths as well as encourage youth leadership.

Other recent activities I’ve been involved with is the opportunity to participate in the Flame Tree Arts Festival during its opening ceremony and Parade of Cultures, the proclamation signing for both World Aids Month and Breast Cancer Month, including Reading with the Stars at Oleai Elementary School and being a Celebrity Bagger at Joeten DanDan Shopping Center. I’ve also been involved in numerous civic and charitable events.
[B] ST: The Stellar Marianas had announced the suspension of the pageant beginning this year. How are you going to make your reign—being the last—more memorable and important to the CNMI?

A:[/B] Although Stellar Marianas has already made this announcement publicly, I believe that because of the economic constraints, the organization needs time to regroup and to start fresh. The organization cannot function with just one or two or even three people. They need to work as a “whole” to move forward. Pageants have not been ruled out completely at this point. However, we hope that more people who are willing to devote their time and efforts in bringing the organization back should come together to bring their ideas and talents to the next level of pageantry.

So far, my involvement in the community has brought memories to last a lifetime and as the current Miss Marianas I will continue to do my best to fulfill my responsibilities as an ambassador of the CNMI. With the community’s support, I hope to accomplish my platform of healthy living and I continue to encourage the public to be more involved in activities such as the Beautify CNMI, Marianas March Against Cancer, CNMI Chapter of the American Red Cross, just to name a few.
[B] ST: What characteristics and traits do you think would make you win a national pageant and how are you going to represent the CNMI in global competitions?

A:[/B] The characteristics I believe that sets me apart from the rest of my competitors in national pageants is the uniqueness of my cultural background and heritage. I carry the unique beauty of a Pacific Islander and that the inner beauty I possess exudes not only through physical attributes but through the warm hospitable traits Pacific Islanders share.

I personally believe that true beauty lies within one’s self and through these characteristics, I believe that this will make me stand out from all the rest.

[B]ST: Do you think the Marianas is ready to compete in international pageant contests? Why or why not?

A:[/B] The Marianas has been competing in international pageants for over 30 years now. We have always been ready to compete in any pageant and I am proud to say that the Marianas has won prestigious titles at the Miss International pageant and Miss South Pacific pageant respectively. I believe that the women of the CNMI have all the potential and ability to represent our islands abroad as well as any other region of the world.

[B]ST: What can you offer, as reigning queen, to motivate young women to get involved in beauty pageants?

A:[/B] The advice I would like to offer young women who seek some kind of life-changing experience is to take advantage of this opportunity. I offer my undivided support and encouragement, and I hope that, with encouragement and support from their families, they are able to find the confidence within themselves that I believe they possess.

Hopefully young women will see this as a lifetime opportunity to promote themselves in community involvement and uphold the knowledge that even one individual can make a huge difference.

[B]ST: What legacy would you like to leave with the CNMI and its people?

A:[/B] I would like to educate our people about the positive rewards of hard work and striving for all that one believes in. The saying I live by is “Success is not being the best at something, but accepting failure and finding the power to prevail.” What this truly means to me is that I believe that with confidence in yourself and determination to achieve any goal, you can make your dreams come true.