Joyner to compete in two int’l pageants as Miss Marianas 2015

After months of grueling preparations and practice, the night to crown the new queen of the Marianas came vintage Hollywood-style as the Miss Marianas 2015 was held at Regency Saipan‘s Sandcastle Theater last Thursday.

Of the six lovely ladies who joined this year’s restaging of the island’s beauty pageant, 20-year-old Jian Joyner took home the crown. She also won the Stellar Star, Best in National Costume, and Best in Swimsuit awards.

Dana Manglona, who came in second place, won the Best in Evening Gown and Miss Photogenic awards.

Dressed in her white evening gown, Jian Joyner, third from left, was crowned Miss Marianas 2015 at the Hyatt’s Sandcastle Theater last Thursday. Standing with her are this year’s other contestants, from left, Riana McCale, first runner up Dana Manglona, Joanna Navarro, Daysia San Nicolas, and Irene Torres. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)

Joanna Navarro made it to the Top 3. Daysia San Nicolas won the Texters’ Choice award while Irene Torres was named Miss Friendship.

Women’s affairs

Although she seemed initially flustered by the question in the final Q&A portion of the pageant, Joyner retained her composure and was able to bounce back.

The final question—which was asked of the Top 3 candidates—asked their opinion on the statement: “The CNMI Women’s Affairs Office is mandated by our CNMI constitution and women make up the largest portion of our population. Yet it is one of the first programs cut when public funds are low. Give us, the CNMI taxpayers, a good reason why the Women’s Affairs Office and its programs should be fully funded.”

In her response, Joyner said that women nowadays are as capable as men and that women should be given any opportunity to do what they can.

“I was just completely blank. I’m just so happy that I won,” Joyner later said after her coronation.

Aside from the crown, trophy, sash, flowers, cash and other various gift prizes, Joyner as Miss Marianas 2015 will be competing in the 2015 Miss Earth and the 2015 Miss International pageants.

She also has an opportunity to create and implement a community project under her name and with the assistance of Stellar Marianas.

“My platform is to define what it means to be a Marianas woman and I think that I should do more activities with young women,” said Joyner when asked about what possible program she will implement.

“We’re excited; it’s going to be a great year. We have a lot to prepare for the two international competitions and I know that she’s going to be very active in the community and we’ll help her promote her platform,” Stellar Marianas president Laila Boyer said.

Judges of this year’s pageant were IT&E CEO John Compton, Miss NMI Universe ’98 Helene Manning, and Triple J Motors sales associate Merci Sablan.

40 years

This year was special to the Stellar Marianas as they celebrate 40 years. To mark this milestone, they invited past Miss Marianas winners to be part of the event.

The three-hour program included various numbers from guest performers such as Jason Hudy, Nikita Mendiola, 2014 Miss Marianas Teen Gianna Camacho and Sakura Imaya.