Taimanao to compete in 2017 Miss Teen Continents

Palanga Taimanao, 2017 Miss Teen Marianas, joins her mom, Cecile, Stellar Marianas national director Crispin Deleon Guerrero, and Stellar Marianas president Laila Boyer for a photo last Monday at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Miss Teen Marianas Palanga Taimanao will compete in the 2017 Miss Teen Continents pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada this coming Friday.
The 17-year-old held a press conference last Monday after checking in for her flight to Las Vegas.

Taimanao will be the first Miss Teen Marianas to join Miss Continents, which began in 2008 to bring young ladies from all over the world together for a common goal.

According to Stellar Marianas president Laila Boyer, “Stellar Mariana has been sending its teen delegates to Miss Teen International Pageant in Florida—but this year, it is a new pageant in the city of glitz and glamour, Las Vegas.”

When asked about her inspiration for joining this pageant, Taimanao told the media that her only motivation right now is to work hard to bring back the title to the Marianas before the end of her reign this year.

Taimanao said that during her reign as 2017 Miss Teen, she has learned so much about herself and that the journey has sculpted her into a lady.

Taimanao told the media that before she was crowned Miss Teen, she was athletic and was focused on school and sports. After she was crowned, Taimanao learned about the importance of poise and grace, she learned to speak out, and she learned the importance of confidence.

Taimanao told the media that while she is in the pageant, she would give it her all. “When I fly over, I will do my best during the competition while I am in it,” said Taimanao.

Taimano will be spending the remainder of this week preparing for the pageant this Friday.

Taimanao has been practicing for a few months in preparation of the pageant. She told the media, “I have been practicing my walk, my poses, and questions and answers.”

According to Taimanao, she is most intimidated by the question and answer portion.

“The most challenging part of the pageant would have to be the Q&A. You are going in blind. You don’t know what they are going to ask you but no matter what, you always have to be prepared,” she said.

According to Taimanao, she is honored and excited to be representing the Northern Marianas in the 2017 Miss Teen Continents.

Taimanao is most excited for the journey and experience that she will gain after this pageant.

“This is actually my first time to join to join an international pageant so I am so excited for the experience,” said Taimanao.

There will be 20 girls including Taimanao that will be competing for the Miss Teen Continent title.