Today, 2011 Liberation Queen Joni C. Castro, Royal Princess Nizelynn T. Masayos and 1st Runner-up Mariah I. Ada will join the parade.
Saturday’s ceremony drew a huge crowd but Liberation Day organizers expect thousands of spectators today as the CNMI marks its 65th Liberation Day and the nation’s 235th Independence Day.
The coronation event, according to Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, gathered community members as they carried on with one of the island’s “most time-honored traditions.”
She said the Miss Liberation Queen and her royal court “not only exemplify poise, beauty and strength but also possess the personal values of humility, kindness and hard work.”
The 2011 Liberation Queen and her royal court were escorted by the Dolphin Battalion cadets of Marianas High School as they emerged from a Hummer limousine in their pageant gowns.
Local artist Walter Manglona serenaded them before Josifynn “Peachy” Quitugua, the 2010 Liberation Queen, her Royal Princess Rayna Anabeth DLG. Chong and 2nd Runner-up Angela Bermudes Aldan turned over the title to Castro.
Quitugua expressed her thoughts of encouragement in a pre-recorded message that was played as she made her farewell walk.
“To the Royal Court of 2011, I congratulate you all for your participation in this precious event. Even though we are living in hard times, this experience will change you and help you in the future. I’m sure you’ll all have so much fun as we all did,” Quitugua said.
Liberation Queen committee chairwoman Vinycia Seman said they will continue to support the 2011 Royal Court to dutifully fulfill its members’ roles as ambassadors of goodwill for the CNMI.
“To all the families here in support of our Royal Court, we thank you for entrusting us with your beautiful daughters. We will do everything we can to give them an enriching experience to treasure for the rest of their lives,” Seman said.
In his opening remarks, Liberation Day Committee chairman Jonas Barcinas reminded the crowd that the festivities will end on July 10.
He thanked “all the men and women who fought for us many years ago and for those servicemen and women that continue to fight and protect our country and our people today.”
Without them, he added, “we will not have this great opportunity.”
“We look forward to a very successful program this year despite the financial crisis and the challenges but this will not deter us to make this event possible,” he said.
Fr. Ryan Jimenez, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, gave the invocation before the Umang Glee Club of Koblerville Elementary School sang the national and CNMI anthems.
The master of ceremony was LJ Castro.
