Atalig vies for Miss Universe Guam crown

Saipan native Joycelynn Atalig is vying for the title of Miss Universe Guam. (Norman M. Taruc)

The 20-year-old is currently a junior Political Science student at the University of Guam and plans to pursue a career in politics after graduating.

Atalig said that the decision to participate in the pageant was not made easily.

“I confided in my parents, my boyfriend, my family and my friends, all of whom only encouraged my participation and urged me to make it final. With all the support I was getting from everyone I figured if this many people believe in me so much, why not?”  

Although new to the pageant industry, Atalig sought to learn the fundamentals of competing in a beauty pageant by watching videos and reading stories of former contestants online. 

“I also sought help from several former contestants as well as former queens, attempting to take from their experiences tips and lessons that I found quite handy. By doing this, I was able to get an insider’s point of view.”

As a Miss Universe Guam candidate, Atalig will be advocating for the preservation of the Chamorro culture and language. She believes that by sharing the rich Chamorro culture, the tourism business will flourish.

“It is the legacy of our people and I feel, that, in and of itself, is powerful enough to attract visitors from all over the world. This in turn can address another pressing issue, which is our economy,” she said. “Being that tourism is one of our most prosperous forms of income, advertising and advocating such a rich culture as ours, even more than we do today, can only benefit that. “

Atalig was born on Saipan, but considers Rota her true home. “For 17 years I was taught the ways of the humble people of Rota, and I am very proud to be where I am from,” she said. 

According to Atalig, who is also a 2011 Rota High School alumna, growing up in a tight-knit community like Rota made her understand the importance of respect.

“Because of how geographically small the island is, it is unfortunate, yet understandable that not many people know of the island or of its people,” she said. “Rota has been good to me for so many years. I have made it a lifetime goal to continue to promote the beauty of the island and its people as well as the rest of the Marianas.”

Atalig told Saipan Tribune that she has high hopes of wearing the crown in September.

“I have received continuous love and support from my parents Joseph K. and Lynn Y. Atalig, friends, and community.” 

If bestowed the crown she said that she will advocate for the beautiful island’s treasures, land, people, and culture to an international audience.

Atalig urges young girls in the CNMI to believe in their abilities, just as she did.

She added, “I hope they never forget that there are others who also believe in them and are rooting for them the entire way.”