Guam ‘diva’ wins pageant

Adrian Diaz of Guam was crowned as the Marianas Diva 2004 in Saturday night’s “rated-R” pageant held at Hafa Dai Beach Hotel.

Getting the Marianas Princess title was Gie Dela Cruz, while Farallon de Medinilla Aliah San Nicolas, who is also from Guam, was the second runner up.

The three winners were chosen from 14 candidates representing the 14 islands in the Marianas.

Diaz, whose mother Remedios Cabrera Diaz hails from Saipan, ran away with the crown after making “an impressive” answer as to how he would convince the United Nations Security Council—usually made up of the world’s brightest minds—to help the Marianas in case its economy worsens.

Diaz said he would come in his best attire, would be very humble, and bring a video on the sad plight of the children from the Marianas and show that they deserve help.

“I will let them know that although we are small, we deserve their help. And honey, if the world falls down, these children are going to take it up,” he said.

San Nicolas, meanwhile, said he would give personal “services” to the Council members to get aid, while Dela Cruz said he would promote tourism and invite the Council members to enjoy the CNMI’s beaches.

Diaz, one of the crowd favorites, also received “a touching” congratulations from his mother, Remedios Cabrera Diaz, who shed tears and hugged him several times after the show.

Aside from the Marianas Diva title, Diaz, known as Diva Farrallon de Pajaros Aeriyanah Vancattiea, also received the Best in Swimsuit award and Best in Evening Gown.

Meantime, Best in Fantasy Costume was given to Tinian Diva Ruffa Gutierrez; Diva Photogenic was Diva Maug Cindy Kurleto, Diva Congeniality was Diva Sarigan Kisha Reyes, and Diva Texter’s Choice Award was Diva Anatahan Sasha Camacho, who received nearly 1,500 texts.

Pageant judges were lawyer Sean Frink, reigning Miss NMI World Tracy Del Rosario, Verizon’s Hans Mickelson, Saipan Chamber of Commerce executive director Christine Parke, and Northern Marianas College comptroller Raaj Kurapati.

The pageant was a fundraiser for the Commonwealth Cancer Association.

Sponsors for the event included 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.

The pageant was hosted by Crimsona Amistad and Jojo “Bigchile” Camacho.

Amistad is a well-known entertainer in Guam and the reigning Queen of Queens of Guam, while Camacho is a longtime local disc jockey. (Liberty Dones)