The Miss Guam World 2011, which announced its comeback in early June, will be having its pageant set for Aug. 31 at the University of Guam Field House.
Out of 15 contestants, only one will walk away with the crown.
What sets this pageant apart from other pageants is its motto: “Beauty With a Purpose.”
According to Pageant Director Pinki Lujan, contestants are given money which they use towards a charity or nonprofit organization of their choice.
The contestants are as follows, along with the organizations they chose: Alissa Eclavea, 19, Yona – Island Girl Power / We are Guahan College Fund; Alyanna Malit, 18, Barrigada Heights – Special Olympics; Anya Mediola, 22, Dededo – Sanctuary; Christen Donna Cruz Hernden, 17, Windward Hills – Make-A-Wish Foundation; Cindi Tingzon, 22, Dededo – Kusinan Kamalen Karidat / Guahan Chapter: Sign Language Society; Jamielynn C. Mojica, 17, Agat – Erica’s House of Hope; Jesalina Nacino, 18, Yigo – Big Brothers Big Sisters; Jessica Lee, 17, Tamuning – GAIN; Leialoha Borja, 17, Yoña – Habitat for Humanity; Natalia Faculo, 23, Dededo – Alee Shelter; Nikkita Oexman, 17, Mangilao – UOG Endowment Foundation; Rochelle Anne Fulinara, 17, Dededo – Rigalu (Foster Care Association); Shari Devera, 17, Dededo – Guam Homeless Coalition; Sierra Robertson, 21, Yoña – Salvation Army; and Rikayah Flores, 19, Dededo – Eduardo M Calvo Foundation.
Aside from the ultimate beauty queen and titleholder, there also will be a first-, second- and third-runner up; Miss Beauty With a Cause, which is the contestant who raises the most money for her favorite charity; Miss Photogenic; Miss Personality; Best in Evening Gown; and for the first time ever, “People’s Choice Miss Best in Swimsuit.”
Lujan says KUAM will air a one-hour special on Aug. 22, where viewers will have a chance to text in their favorite contestant in swimsuit.
So far, the pageant has been well-received, according to Lujan.
“I am really enjoying the experience,” says Lujan. “My mother, Lagrimas Aflague, was pageant director for the first 10 years, so when Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo asked me to bring the pageant back, I was very humbled and honored to take this challenge on.”
Miss Guam World returned after a 15-year-long hiatus. The Miss World franchise owner and honorary president is Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo. The pageant producer is Tropical Productions.
