The winner will compete in the Miss Universe and the Miss International pageants next year, according to Laila Y. Boyer, president of Stellar Marianas, the non-profit group behind the local pageant.
The last time the CNMI sent the Miss Universe contestant was in 2006, with Shequitta Bennett representing the islands.
This year’s Miss Marianas Universe pageant is slated for Nov. 29, 7-10 p.m., at the Palms Resort Saipan.
The candidates are Sorene Maratita, Winona Camacho, Leovita Cabrera, Alexandra Silva, Charmaine Hofschneider and Bobbiejean Taisacan of Rota.
But Stellar Marianas is still accepting applications this week.
For this year, Boyer said the theme will be “rock n roll” and a live band will perform during the pageant.
“Since we’re coming back after a two-year hiatus, we will be giving the public a great show this year,” she added.
The candidates will compete in five main categories — swimsuit competition, evening gown, national costume, question-and-answer, and personal interview.
Boyer said they are upbeat about the Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan next year.
“That’s where we are keeping our eye on because Japan is one of our tourism markets,” she said, adding that Stellar Marianas will focus on the CNMI candidate’s active involvement in community events and programs in preparation for the international pageants.
Boyer at the same time thanked the sponsors and community members who will help finance the CNMI’s participation in the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants.
Stellar Marianas needs some $50,000 to send the CNMI’s candidate to these contests.
The 2009 Miss Marianas Universe will be awarded $1,000 cash prize, $1,000 in scholarship grant, a one-year use of a brand new car, a laptop, a digital camera, a cell phone, a personal trainer and stylist during her reign, and an all-expense paid trip to the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants.
This year’s contestants will undergo a one-month training for the local pageant through various community appearances and rehearsals.
They will learn modeling, cosmetology, fashion, etiquette, public speaking, stage performance, leadership, community volunteering and working as a team.
‘For experience, fun’
Each of the five candidates who were present during yesterday’s press briefing explained why they were participating in the pageant.
Sorene Maratita, 18 and a graduate of Saipan Southern High School, believes that the competition will help boost her confidence and allow her to meet new friends.
The daughter of Tracey and John Maratita, Sorene Maratita said her personality will set her apart from the other candidates.
It is her goal to spearhead a program for special children on island.
Winona Camacho, 17, also from SSHS, said it was her family who motivated her to participate in the pageant.
“I gave it a thought…and finally agreed to do it. But after I joined, it’s been so much fun,” she said, adding that it is her main goal to conduct fundraisers to help the educational needs of schoolchildren.
The eldest child of Rosemary and James Camacho, the 17-year-old believes that “protecting the future of our young generation is the only way to achieve our desired progress here.”
Leovita Cabrera, 18, has two reasons why she joined the competition.
“First is to do something positive for the community and second is to help boost my confidence level because I am not a risk-taker. I know this is a great opportunity for me to open up my self,” she told Variety.
Cabrera, the daughter of Jovita Quitugua and Leonardo Cabrera, is a liberal arts and education freshman at Northern Marianas College.
It is her goal to create a program that will help low-income families get the necessary school materials for their children.
Bobbiejean Taisacan, 17, a graduate of Rota High School, sees the pageant as a way to develop a strong personality and leadership skills.
“I’d like to lead our young ones, become a role model to them and be a good example not only for young women but men too. I believe, this pageant will help me develop a sense of leadership and will provide the experience for which I will be forever grateful,” she said.
Taisacan is the daughter of Balbina and Estanislao Taisacan.
Alexandra Silva, 18, is a freshman liberal arts student at NMC.
The daughter of Kiperly and Manuel Silva, she believes that the pageant is a good opportunity that will help her become independent, trustworthy and confident.
She wants to work on continuous cleanup projects and an educational program that will teach children why they should help protect the CNMI’s marine resources.
“I want them to understand the importance of these marine resources to our lives so they will be able to protect and enrich them,” she said.
