But the young beauty queen said her excitement to represent the Northern Marianas makes up for all the hours of practice she is going through each day.
This year’s pageant will be in Chengdu, in China’s Sichuan province on Nov. 28.
Maratita told the Variety in a phone interview that she is very busy perfecting her walk, public speaking skills and other things she needs to improve for the competition.
Maratita said it will be her first time to join an international beauty pageant, and her first time to visit China.
“I’m very excited, and I’m proud to represent our islands,” she added.
She said she will do her best for the Northern Marianas.
Maratita said everything has yet to be finalized, from her costumes and other details of her participation in the pageant.
She will be leaving Saipan on Nov. 12.
Maratita was unable to represent the Northern Marianas in the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas last August.
“I didn’t have enough time to prepare, and no adequate funds but I did not regret missing out the Miss Universe competition,” she said.
She said it gave her more time to get ready for the Miss International World pageant.
Maratita, a graduate of Saipan Southern High School and the daughter of Tracy and John Maratita of Kagman, won the Miss Marianas Universe crown at the Palms Resort Saipan on Nov. 29, 2008.
She also won three other special awards — Miss Photogenic, Best in National Costume, and Stellar Star.
