By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
Variety News Staff

THE 10 contestants for this year’s Miss Teen Marianas met with four women leaders of the CNMI at the Hotel Nikko on Sunday.
Superior Court Judge Ramona V. Manglona, Public Forum organizer Tina Sablan, PTI Marketing Director Kathryn Barry and 1999 Miss NMI Universe Cherlyn Cabrera shared their personal experiences with the contestants and offered advice.
Manglona encouraged the contestants to participate in the mock trial competition to gain experience and knowledge if they want to pursue a career in law.
Manglona told the young ladies to keep their values and priorities intact.
“My most important message for them is that everyone has something special to give to our community. They just have to give themselves to the best of their abilities and everyone will benefit from it,” Manglona said in an interview.
Barry advised the contestants never to stop looking for opportunities that will help enhance their skills.
“Don’t forget what you have,” she said. “There are a lot of good things here that the states don’t have so try to make good choices and enjoy life. Try to do your best in everything that you do and have fun.”
Sablan, who is with the Division of Environmental Quality, said it is important for the contestants to remember that wherever they go, they should always come back to serve the CNMI.
“You can be leaders and role models to the people of the CNMI,” Sablan said.
She advised the contestants not to be afraid to try what is new and to have the courage to speak up for things that will benefit everyone.
Cabrera, now a teacher at Marianas High School, advised the candidates to dream “big.”
“Joining a contest or a pageant is much more than being beautiful – it’s like pursuing a dream,” she said.
Cabrera commended the contestants for their courage and for joining the pageant.
“I think they are all heroes — I commend them for standing for everyone, for representing their school or place. This dream is the first of many so I just want them to enjoy this experience,” Cabrera said.
Quina Mendiola, 16, said she was inspired by Cabrera’s advice.
“I want to be like her — that’s my goal right now. I learned a lot from all of them, their stories and backgrounds,” Mendiola said.
Vinae Deleon Guerrero, 16, said: “I learned to believe in myself and to stand not just for me but for everybody.”
She said she was inspired by Manglona because she wants to be a lawyer like her.
Chrislaine Lely, 16 said she learned not to give up something that makes you happy.
Heather Calderwood, 17, said: “You can do anything that you want to do — you have the power to do anything if you just believe in yourself.”