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LibDay queen raises over $19K
Peyton Gomez raised $19,500 in ticket sales for this year’s Liberation Day festivities. (KIMBERLY BAUTISTA)
Peyton Gomez was crowned 2017 Liberation Day Queen last Saturday after raising $19,500 in ticket sales for this year’s Liberation Day festivities.
Gomez was crowned the 2017 Miss Liberation Day Royal Court Queen at the coronation night held at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall.
Gomez is 16 years old and is the daughter of Wayne and Yvonne Pangelinan. She is currently a senior in high school and plans to join the National Honor Society in her senior year. She enjoys dancing, reading, and performing.
All Liberation Day Royal Court candidates were made to represent native birds. In Gomez’s case, she represented the White-Throated Ground Dove or paluman apaka’—one of the CNMI’s rarely sighted birds.
According to Gomez, joining the CNMI Liberation Day Royal Court was a way for her to honor culture and freedom and to do something brave and out of the box.
The 2017 Miss Liberation Day Royal Court at the coronation night held at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall. (KIMBERLY BAUTISTA)
Her inspiration is her mother. According to Gomez, her mother never fails to encourage her to step out of her comfort zone and “do something brave.”
Gomez was overwhelmed with joy at her victory and is beyond grateful for all the people who gave their support and helped her achieve her goal of becoming the Miss Liberation Royal Court Queen.
Throughout her journey of being a candidate in the Miss Liberation Day Royal Court, Gomez found a wellspring of confidence and learned how to socialize. According to Gomez, she also learned of the role that the youth play in the community.
For those who want to join Miss Liberation, but are experiencing setbacks, she has these words to say: “Go for it! I was super afraid in the beginning, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I couldn’t be more happier about my decision.”
According to Gomez the most important part of her journey is not the crown but the unforgettable experience.
Gomez’s favorite part of the entire experience was making friends with her fellow candidates and meeting the former Miss Liberation Day queen.
“They’re such amazing, wonderful people, and I hold them close to my heart,” said Gomez.
MD: Peyton Gomez was crowned 2017 Liberation Day Queen
