An evening of hats and friendship

2018 Miss Marianas contestants share a laugh with first lady Diann Torres, far right, and Lady Diann Torres Foundation board member Shirley Sablan during the foundation’s Wacky Hat party Saturday evening. (Contributed Photo)

Officers and members of the Lady Diann Torres Foundation hosted the 2018 Miss Marianas contestants and Stellar Marianas volunteers Saturday evening in a creative display of hats and headpieces.

First lady Diann Torres and Villa Hocog, wife of Lt. Gov. Victor Hocog, came up with a fun concept, a “Wacky Hat Party” for Saturday evening’s event and encouraged the young women to create their own hats or pick one that has personal meaning to them.

Torres also asked them to bring five personal items that describe a little about themselves for a fun way to get to know each other more.

“I, along with [Villa] and the LDT Foundation, would like to congratulate all of you for a wonderful job in volunteering for our community and we are happy to support your journey in representing our CNMI to the best of your abilities,” said Torres.

LDT Foundation vice president Geraldine Delacruz pointed out to the young women that the foundation supports achievements of women all over the NMI and, by being contestants, “you took this important first step and no matter what happens, you should continue to be active in our community and help in any way you can.”

Villa reminded the candidates to continue to be positive role models for the community.

Miss Marianas contestant Eden Conner created a hat that had a floral pin from her brother’s wedding, a memory she keeps close to her heart, while contestant Jaiden McPhetres Santos made a pink floral hat that represented her love for nature.

Cris Noel Obaldo was inspired to have the award-winning movie Notebook look with a sundress hat, and Kaysha Aguon Cruz, who loves to make her own crafts, made a sparkling gold floral hat.

Leisha Mendiola Deleon Guerrero made a headpiece with fresh flowers and butterflies to share her love for natural beauty, while Chloe Parrone Salvosa wore a cute ribbon hat to reflect her simple and fun personality.

Maricris Zapanta, who won the hat of the evening, turned a floral pot into a nature-inspired hat complete with a waterfall and Celine Concepcion Cabrera turned a woven hat into a natural garden with fresh orchids and flowers.

Miss Marianas Peachy Quitigua wore a coconut leaf hat woven by her grandmother to highlight her childhood of being raised on the farm and her love for nature.

The 2018 Miss Marianas contestants walked the catwalk and explained their hat creations, boosting their public speaking skills and presentation skills.

LDTF volunteers also hosted games that elicited a lot of laughs and team-building skills among the young women.

LDTF is a nonprofit organization with three main goals to support women, cultural literacy, and bettering lives in the CNMI.

“We extend our heartfelt thank you to [Torres, Villa], and LDTF for their continual support. It is deeply appreciated. We are so glad we share the same vision in bringing our Commonwealth to the world’s stage in the most positive light through the achievements of our intelligent and strong young women, our natural beauty and hospitality,” said Stellar Marianas president Laila Boyer.

“This evening was so much fun and we got to know our contestants so much more, see their creativity and how much more confident they have become,” she added.

The 2018 Miss Marianas pageant is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. Tickets at $40 per person are available through each of the contestants.

For more information on Stellar Marianas, visit www.facebook.com/stellarmarianas and for LDTF at www.facebook.com/ladydianntorres. (PR)