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Meet Jebro Leon, Marianas-chan
Six-year-old Jebro John Leon of Saipan is selected as Marianas-chan and will participate in select marketing programs of the Marianas Visitors Authority in Japan in the year ahead. (Contributed Photo)
Six-year-old aspiring photographer Jebro John Leon has bested 21other applicants to be named Marianas-chan, the young and endearing face of the Marianas Visitors Authority in Japan.
Leon wowed a panel of seven judges during auditions last month (January 2017), actively engaging with the interviewer, sharing his personal interests, and hitting a photogenic pose at the end of the audition to win the title.
“Jebro’s adorable, he’s got island-style, and he made us laugh. He’s memorable!” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We hope all these endearing qualities will also help him make a lasting impression with media and industry partners in Japan.”
Leon is the son of Leonard Leon and Brooke Nevitt. As part of his duties, he will attend at least two MVA promotional events in Japan in the year ahead, sharing the hafa adai-tirow spirit by greeting other participants, posing for photos, and other activities.
“We thank all the children who auditioned and their parents for taking the time to participate,” said Concepcion. “We worked to give every child an enjoyable experience being before our judges, and we made sure every child walked away with a small gift from the MVA. It was a difficult decision to choose among 22 charming applicants. We thank our judges for their time and effort in selecting the first ever Marianas-chan.”
So, what is first on the list for the Marianas’ newest performer? After auditioning in shoulder-length hair, Leon expressed enthusiasm about getting a haircut for his new role.(MVA)
