A different kind beauty pageant

Fourteen female impersonators in the CNMI will be competing for the title Marianas Diva 2004 when talent, glamour, and femininity duke it out onstage at the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel on Oct. 23.

Spearheaded by Marianas Pacific Distributors and organized by a team of experts, the pageant is a fundraiser for the Commonwealth Cancer Association.

“We want the community to know that this is something different. These guys are drama queens so it’s going to be a great show, and this is to raise funds for the Cancer Association,” said Laila Younis.

Representing the 14 islands in the CNMI are Sasha Camacho; Jennifer Lopez; Keisha Reyes; Gie Dela Cruz; Sandara Park; Ruffa Guttierez; Dominique Miller; Minorka Mercado; Natasha Popov; Andrea Del Rosario; Charlize Deleon Guerrero Theron; Aeriyanah Vancattiea; and Cindy Kurleto. Needless to say, their names are all fictitious.

While others are joining the pageant for experience, Vancattiea said “it is the next best thing to do with the lifestyle I have.” Vancattiea is the only contestant from Guam.

Mercado, on the other hand, entered the pageant to support the Cancer Association. “I believe that this contest is a beauty for a cause,” he said. Mercado has competed in previous gay pageants that won him three consecutive titles: Miss Gay Universe, Miss Prettiest Gay on Saipan, and Calendar Girl of Saipan.

Despite their different reasons for entering the pageant, they will all be vying for the title of 2004 Marianas Diva and there certainly is no lack when it comes to self-confidence and sheer aplomb.

“I joined to win,” said Miller.

“I joined to prove to everyone that this is no contest. I will win the title,” said Popov.

Besides the 2004 Marianas Diva title, the candidates will be competing for the titles Marianas Princess, 2nd Runner Up, Best in Fantasy Costume, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Diva Photogenic, Diva Congeniality, and Diva Texter’s Choice Award. The top winner will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to compete in the Queen of Hearts pageant on Guam.

The event will be held at the Fiesta Hall of the Hafa Adai hotel. Doors will be open at 5:30pm, with an entrance fee of $20; $15 fee if tickets are purchased in advance. Guests must be 18 years or older to attend.

Sponsors for the event include Bud Light, Ponds, MAC, Mandi Asian Spa, Genoveva’s Hair Power, Island Florals and Gifts, Angel’s School of Dance, Madonna Discotheque, Pacific Media Solutions, Pacific Island Aviation, Hafa Adai Beach Hotel, Verizon, Power 99 FM, and Younis Art Studio Inc.