Candidates prepare for Liberation reign

The journey for eight young ladies on their road to the 2004 Liberation Royal Court Coronation has been quite an experience as their day and night routine have been drastically changed as they prepare for the big night.

According to Queen’s Committee Rose Ada-Hocog, the eight candidates have formed a bond with each other since confirming their candidacy.

“They been working together really hard as they prepare for everything that they’ll be doing as part of the Liberation Royal Court, and have really bonded with each other,” she said.”

Preparations were not a walk in the park for these candidates, with their days filled with challenging tasks ranging from public speaking, photo shoots, and greetings to interviews and performances for various occasions.

The candidates were heavily involved in the welcoming of the many veterans that arrived for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the World War II Battles of Saipan and Tinian, as well as the arrival of over 200 sailors onboard the USS Gary.

Vying for the coveted crown are Lady Lady Heather O. Woodruff, who represents the Palauan community; Lady Sweeda N. Glad, who represents the Indian community; Lady Leiana K. Ogumoro, who represents the Refaluwasch Foundation and community; Lady Sarah T. Igisaiar, who represents the Chuukese community; Lady Myla Capilitan, who represents the Filipino community; Lady Sheyvonne Aldan, who represents the Chamorro community; Lady Monarie R. Cabrera, who represents Kagman High School JROTC; and Lady Nadia B. Manglona, who represents Rota and the Rota High School JROTC.

Hocog said many hours were also spent learning traditional and cultural dances that were eventually performed for several nights at the Liberation Fest carnival grounds in Garapan. Credited for assisting with the dances were local instructor Frances C. Keremius as well as local dance group Tipiyeew Dancers.

Hocog disclosed that regardless of ranking, all candidates will play a role in promoting the Northern Marianas at an annual festival in Nagoya, Japan, next month, where they would perform several numbers.

The committee chair added that each candidate—by then a queen or princess—would be hosted by a Japanese family for two days. She said the event presents an opportunity for each of the ladies to learn the Japanese culture as well.

Accompanying the candidates during the one-week trip are Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, members of the Liberation Executive Committee as well as Hocog and another member of the Queen’s Committee.

In related news, the counting of tickets sold by each candidate, which determines final rankings, was held yesterday at Tudela’s office. Present were parents and sponsors of each candidate, as well as Liberation Executive Committee chair Victorino Cepeda.

Hocog said the area was well secured, with two police officers guarding the door.

Whoever is crowned queen will receive $1,000 in scholarship, while the first and second runners-up receive $700 and $500 in scholarships.

Results of the counting, however, will not be revealed until the coronation night on July 2 at the carnival grounds, expected to unfold at 7pm.