Stellar Marianas president Laila Y. Boyer yesterday said after a thorough assessment and evaluation of the financial capabilities of the nonprofit group, they have decided to terminate holding the events until the local economy improves.
Stellar Marianas organizes the Little Miss Marianas, Miss Teen Marianas and Miss Marianas Universe pageants.
“We have come to realize that as generous as many of our sponsors have been, a lot of businesses here are going through tough times and we decided that it would be best to take a break for a while and perhaps return when things look better in the CNMI,” Boyer told Variety.
She said every year, the group needs to raise over $50,000 for its three pageants.
“For the past three years, we’ve been lucky and able to meet our obligations for the title holders. But we realize that we may not be able to continue providing the next round of pageants in the coming years,” she said.
Because of the economic downturn, she added, families have shifted their priorities and are unwilling to spend for the “extra expenses” they may incur if their daughters join the pageants.
“This is a very difficult decision for us. What makes it more sad for us is the fact that the opportunity won’t be there anymore for our young women. We’ve seen what it does for them. These pageants gave them a real boost to their confidence, help them pick up skills, and allow them to travel and compete in national level,” Boyer said.
This Saturday, the last queen will be crowned to represent the CNMI to the 2009 Miss Universe and Miss International pageants.
Five contestants are vying for the title: Winona Camacho, 17; Alexandra Silva, 18; Bobbyjean Taisacan, 18; Sorene Maratita, 18; and Leovita Cabrera, 18.
The pageant will start at 7 p.m. in the Theater Hall of the Palms Resort Saipan.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and tickets are sold for $20 a person at the Marianas Variety office in Garapan.
A post-pageant party will be held at the Flair Bar in Garapan following the queen’s coronation.
“Without the continued support of our generous sponsors and community, we would have not been able to offer this opportunity of a lifetime to our young women,” Boyer said.
“It is with a heavy heart that we realize we are all going through difficult times and the support is harder to give. Therefore, we will focus on completing the new titleholder’s reign and then take a much needed rest,” she added.
