SSHS lass crowned 1st Ms. Pusong Pinoy

Maria Angelica Malasarte, the Saipan Southern High School lass crowned the first ever Ms. Pusong Pinoy 2012, donated a third of her winnings to the fundraising drive for earthquake victims in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao, the Philippines.

Malasarte, 15, donated $100 of her $300 cash prize after besting seven other young ladies in the beauty pageant, which was part of the Valentine’s Day festivities hosted by the United Filipino Organization last Sunday.

Winning first runner up and Best in Formal Wear was Northern Marianas College student Holly Kane Medina; second runner up and Best in Sports Wear for her martial arts demonstration was 16-year-old Carla Camille Flores; and Best in Talent for her ballroom act and Ms. Friendship was 15-year-old Lou Angeline Gascon.

Malasarte, a sophomore student, said she decided to donate a percentage of her prize to the earthquake victims because it’s “the least thing I can do” for people who are in need of help.

“Ever since I was young, my parents have always told me that I should give more than receive because the money that I have is only temporary. But if I give it to people who have greater need than I do, it would be something that would last forever,” Malasarte told Saipan Tribune.

The eldest daughter of UFO president Bong Malasarte and wife Marilou, the younger Malasarte earned the nods of the four judges in the first beauty pageant she joined in her life. Sunday’s panel of judges was composed of chair Ernie Molina, Fr. Celso Magbanua, Jr., Jihan S. Buniag, and lawyer and former Ms. CNMI-Universe Janet King. Jun Banadera served as the tabulator.

Malasarte, who was stunning in a red gown and stilettos, was asked what she learned from being a part of the competition. Being a shy person, she said she learned how to step out of her shell and sing, dance, and walk in front of a crowd. She also added that meeting all the beautiful contestants and making new friends was another special experience.

According to Malasarte, the thought of winning the pageant never really came to her mind because she believed that the other contestants pulled it off better than she did.

“When I was announced as the first ever winner of Ms. Pusong Pinoy 2012, my heart dropped,” recounted Malasarte. “The feeling of winning a contest for the first time was one of the greatest feelings I ever felt and it was amazing.”

The pageant was choreographed and directed by Joel Vallega. Pageant emcees were Ulysses Sabuco and Annamae Adaza while overall program coordinator was Minda Castro.

Malasarte said her Pusong Pinoy feat helped boost her self-confidence, encouraging her to join other beauty pageants in the future.

Malasarte, who dreams of becoming a fashion designer and model someday, gives credit to God, her family, and friends for believing in her potential to stand out in a contest of beauty and wits.

She also recognized the UFO for making Pusong Pinoy happen. “It was something that people of Saipan can look forward to especially during these days of crisis so I’d like to thank all the officers for making this event a successful one,” she added.

Pusong Pinoy also featured a cooking contest dubbed Panlasang Pinoy. Winners were Shirley’s Coffee Shop, first place with $300; JLG Top Cuisine, second place with $200; and Sandjuvy Restaurant, third place with $100.

Judges for the cooking contest were chef William Retardo of Marianas Resort & Spa, Lei Hicaro of Docomo Pacific, Isagani Benoza, Hazel Mendoza, and Violet Ancheta of the Philippine Consulate Office, with contest chair Peter Crisostomo.

UFO also collected some $263 worth of donations for the earthquake victims in the Philippines and at least 1,322 signatures in their petition to retain the services of the Consulate General on Saipan.

The Consulate, which also provided mobile consular services at the event, was able to assist 17 passport renewal applications, registration for 11 absentee voters, and one report of birth.

“It’s better than a regular weekday at the Consulate office,” said Consul General Medardo Macaraig.

Welfare officer Julie Fabian, meanwhile, reported that they had a total of 27 membership applications with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration at the Valentine event.

“The event was a huge success, and of course, without the support from all our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, the event will not be possible. To the UFO family, kudos to you all. Your tiring preparations have paid off. To the CNMI community, thank you so much for the support,” said UFO secretary Annamae Adaza.

Adaza added that they are excited about the feedbacks they got about the event because many are now looking forward to next year’s celebration.

“We will do our very best to give the CNMI community an event that’s worth watching and waiting for,” she said.

Adaza extended her appreciation to all Pusong Pinoy donors: Eli Arago, Mario Mayuga, attorney Dyan Kristine Miranda, Julie Fabian, Barny’s Pizza, Kristo Rai Parish, Mar Pacson, Dulili Ent. & Don Pedro, Philippine Consulate General, Coca-Cola, Make Over Salon, Trends Beauty Salon, Genoveva Hair Power, Nila’s Salon, Viralicci, Yuichiro Printing, Armatech, Saipan Music & Dance, Perfectly Set/Boy Ching, and Nono Bostre.