The 18-year-old Saipan Southern High School graduate was crowned at the Palms Resort Saipan on Saturday, besting four other candidates.
Maratita also won three other special awards — Miss Photogenic, Best in National Costume, and the Stellar Star.
The daughter of Tracy and John Maratita, the beauty queen wants to join the U.S. Air Force and obtain a college degree in physical therapy.
During the question and answer portion, she was asked who among the ancient Chamorro or Carolinian chiefs she wanted to become.
She chose Chief Kepuha, the first Catholic chief of the Marianas.
Sorene A. Maratita won $1,000 cash prize, $1,000 scholarship, all expense-paid travel to the 2009 Miss Universe and Miss International pageants; one year use of a brand new car; and various gift items and certificates from the event’s sponsors.
“I was so surprised and shocked actually! I can’t believe I won!” she told the media moments after she was crowned.
She vowed to make a difference in the lives of the local children, especially those with special needs and disabilities.
Despite Stellar Marianas’ decision to stop holding the annual pageant due to the island’s economic crisis, the new queen is hoping that the pageants will “soon” return to the limelight.
“I just want to tell our young girls to continue following their dreams and no matter what…everything is possible,” she said. “This pageant will allow them to express who they are and it is a great opportunity to meet a lot of people and learn about different things.”
Her mother, Tracy Maratita, said their family is proud of her daughter’s achievement.
“She worked hard for this. We expect her to become a good role model to the youth and the community.”
The first runner-up is a senior student of Saipan Southern High School, Winona Chance Camacho, who also won two special awards: Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.
She is the eldest daughter of Rose Mary and James Camacho.
“I am honored!” she said, adding that she will continue to work hand in hand with the new queen in promoting the islands and spearheading community programs for the welfare of the youth and children.
Winona Camacho won $800 in cash and gift items.
Named Miss Congeniality was 18-year-old Leovita Q. Cabrera, a Northern Marianas College student.
The other candidates were Alexandra A. Silva and Bobbie Jean DLC. Taisacan from Rota.
In an interview, Stellar Marianas president Laila Y. Boyer said they were satisfied with the turnout of the pageant. The nonprofit group started organizing local pageants in 2005.
“It is with a heavy heart that we present this 2008 Miss Marianas Universe pageant as our last one for a while … giving a much needed rest to our sponsors, volunteers and community during these difficult economic times,” she said.
She lauded the present and past title holders for their achievements and contributions to promoting the island to various off-island events.
She also thanked this year’s guest performers — the Frozen Nipple Band, Project Impact and the Final Xtreme Dance Group.
This year’s pageant judges were Iridescent Boutique owner Michelle Lin, KSPN news anchor Lannie Walker, Matson Navigation Co. manager and Hairspectations Salon owner Marites Acosta-Yumul, Public Defender Adam Hardwicke, and Palms Resort Saipan president Hiroyuki Saito. The official tabulator was Jeannie Mafnas.
The event’s sponsors were Triple J Motors, Northwest Airlines, the Marianas Visitor Authority, Shell Marianas, Palms Resort Saipan, Pena House Boutique, PTI, Younis Arts Studio/Marianas Variety, Genoveva’s Hairpower, Sporticca, DFS Galleria, Island Florals & Gifts, Power 99, Pualani, Gold’s Gym, Dove and Ponds.
