TWELVE young women in the CNMI will be competing for the 2025 Miss Earth Northern Marianas crown on July 19. A venue for the competition will be decided soon, according to current Miss Earth NMI Heavenly Pangelinan.
In the meantime, six of the contestants recently spoke with Marianas Variety about how much the environment means to them.
Precious Aicee Castro, 15, Koblerville
Reason I’d like to hold the crown:
“I want to hold the Miss Earth crown to be a voice for the environment and for the younger generation. As someone who really cares about our island and its future, I believe that this organization would allow me to inspire real change not just through words, but through actions
How I envision a cleaner & more sustainable planet:
“I dream of every village, big or small, knowing how to care for our Earth. A cleaner world starts with learning and working together. I see people using reusable items, recycling as a habit, and growing food at home. By doing these things here in the Marianas, we can show everyone what true love for our island looks like.”
Kiki Seman, 20, Kagman 3
Reason that you’d like to hold the crown:
“I’d like to hold the crown to do more community work and enrich our culture and environment.”
How do you envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet?
“I envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet with more beach cleanups and awareness within our islands.”
Princess Sophia Gerardino, 17, San Antonio
Reason that you’d like to hold the crown:
“I want the Miss Earth crown because I carry not only the pride of the Northern Mariana Islands, but also the responsibility to be a voice for our islands and others like us, places rich in natural beauty, yet vulnerable to climate change. This crown is more than a title; it’s a global platform to represent my people, to advocate for sustainability, and to protect the environment that sustains us.
“As a daughter of the Marianas, I understand the importance of preserving our land, our culture, and our future. I am ready to lead with purpose, to speak with intention, and to serve as a bridge between my community and the world.”
How do you envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet?
“I envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet as one where the delicate balance between progress and nature is respected. Growing up in the Northern Mariana Islands, I’ve seen firsthand the beauty of our oceans, our land, and our communities, but also the challenges they face due to climate change. I believe in a world where renewable energy fuels our daily lives, where sustainable agriculture nourishes both people and the planet, and where waste is minimized through circular systems. In my vision, every community, especially island nations like ours, is empowered to protect what they cherish—our natural resources, our culture, and our future. A sustainable future isn’t just an ideal—it’s a shared responsibility, one that we can all contribute to starting today.”
Darlincia Masga, 17, Koblerville
Reason that you’d like to hold the crown:
“I’d like to hold the crown to symbolize that, at any age, especially as a teenager, anyone can achieve whatever they set their mind to. It’s a reminder that with determination, growth is limitless. I also would wear it with pride to honor and uplift our island home, showcasing that we can make a powerful impact wherever we are.”
How do you envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet?
“I envision a sustainable planet powered by renewable energy, where waste is minimized through recycling and repurposing. Communities live in harmony with nature, prioritizing clean air, water, and biodiversity. Global collaboration drives innovative solutions, making sustainability a shared reality for future generations.”
Ny’elleRaZelle Satoshi, 14, Dandan
Reason that you’d like to hold the crown:
I would like to hold the crown to use it as a platform to encourage more help toward the homeless community and also to create an image for younger girls that they can do anything they put their mind to regardless of what they look like.
How do you envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet?
“Besides it being a place where there is no trash and animals are being protected, I imagine it to be a place where everyone is coming together to help better our environment.”
Jazel Star Rebuenog, 17, Koblerville
Reason I’d like to hold the crown:
“I would like to hold the crown so I could showcase a good role model to the youth and to show pride in my culture and encourage others like me to take action to make our community and environment naturally healthier and better for the people of the Marianas.
“Growing up, I’ve always felt a strong affinity and connection with our island and Mother Nature. I grew up next to Marine Beach where my love for nature bloomed as I grew older and every day I would feel drawn and linked to the beauty and my surroundings. …Seeing the richness of Saipan through my eyes but feeling a much more passionate affection/bond and appreciation in my heart.
How do you envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet?
I envision a cleaner and more sustainable planet where we treat the Earth like we treat our properties, by embracing a clean sustainable environment in our villages and beaches, by choosing eco-friendly habits every day, and just by cleaning up after ourselves, respecting the properties of our islands. [By] doing this, I’m sure we are able to keep our planet safe and healthy for the future.
