Ogumoro is 2004 Liberation Queen

This year’s Northern Marianas Beauty Pageant Miss Photogenic was crowned the 2004 CNMI Liberation Queen on Saturday evening.

Leiana K. Ogumoro, a student at the Northern Marianas College and daughter of Ambrosio and Felicidad Ogumoro, bested seven other candidates who represented various cultures in the Commonwealth.

Also crowned were Royal Princess Sweeda Narita Glad; First Runner-up Heather Woodruff, and Liberation Princesses Sheyvonne Judy Aldan, Monarie R. Cabrera, Myla Grace Capilitan, Sarah T. Igisaiar, and Nadia Manglona.

“I feel so excited. I’m speechless,” Ogumoro exclaimed, shortly after the coronation at the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel.

She thanked her main sponsor, Sen. Luis Crisostimo, her family and the Carolinian community for supporting her in the competition.

Ogumoro’s predecessor, Mini Phan C. Ta, was on hand to pass the crown to the new titleholder.

In her farewell speech, the 19-year-old Ta said she was delighted to pass on the crown. Her reign as 2003 Liberation Queen has nurtured her as “a woman of confidence,” she added.

Vic Cepeda, chairman of the 2004 Liberation Day committee, said this year’s candidates raised a total of $62,000 from the tickets they sold. The funds will be used to cover the expenses incurred during the celebration and buy some equipment for the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

Cepeda added that selling of the tickets will continue until Aug. 6, when the raffle draw will be held.

As part of the Royal Court, the eight candidates will participate in different training programs and fundraising projects throughout the year.

Rose Ada, an officer of the Liberation Day committee, said the women would raise funds to address the Public School System’s lack of books, and domestic violence and child abuse—which are among the main issues that the candidates had expressed concern about at the beginning of the competition.

The Royal Court will go to Japan next month to represent the CNMI in a festival there.

Today marks the 58th year of Saipan’s liberation following World War II.

“That important day in 1946 symbolized the beginning of our new life as a free people, which led us to join the American political family. For this reason, we will also celebrate July 4th as America’s 228th Independence Day,” Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said. (with Cassie DLG Fejeran)