LibDay Royal Court has record number of candidates

Twenty-seven of the 29 candidates for the 2016 Miss CNMI Liberation Day Royal Court were presented to the community in last night’s Pinning Ceremony held at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-purpose Center in Susupe. (Jon Perez)

The 2016 Miss CNMI Liberation Day Royal Court made history with a record number of 29 candidates representing Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands vying for the five crowns at stake in this year’s competition, including the coveted Royal Queen title.

Twenty-seven of the 29 candidates were present in last night’s pinning ceremony, which also marked as their formal introduction to the community, held at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center in Susupe.

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, Sen. Jude Hofschneider (R-Tinian), special assistant to the Saipan Mayor Henry Hofschneider, CNMI Board of Education vice chair Tany R. King, Liberation Day Royal Court chair Rose Hocog, 2016 Liberation Day committee chair Chris Leon Guerrero, Liberation Day non-profit group head Louis Rogers, Skywalker Group staff led by program manager Sophia Alvarez, and Lynette Villagomez—who represented Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan—graced yesterday’s event.

Hocog said from now on she will be the one in charge of all the activities of the 29 candidates from the coronation night to the end of their reign as Royal Queen. “I thank all the parents who will entrust to me the care of their kids. This is just the start of a long road ahead of you.”

“This is the first time in history that a lot showed interest in joining the Liberation Day Royal Court and also the first time that Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands are all represented. Ladies, I congratulate you all,” added Hocog.

Apatang, in his speech, reminded everyone present about the meaning of the 71st anniversary celebration of the Liberation of the people of Saipan from the “horrific conflict that caused so much pain to many in the 1940s.”

“This evening’s pinning ceremony of the Royal Court [candidates] wakes up the mighty spirit that lives deep in each one of us as we begin the preparations to honor those who engaged in the greatest sacrifice to liberate the people of Saipan and forever preserve our freedom,” he added.

Apatang then thanked all candidates for joining, and their family and friends for all the support. “I want you to know that you will be role models for others as they aspire to one day join the competition.”

Rogers, on the other hand, said that it was rewarding to see the interest shown by the 29 who joined this year. “We’re going to make sure that this year’s event would be absolutely wonderful.”

Skywalker managing director Dr. Hu Bo said, in a letter read by Alvarez, that participating alone is a journey of self-discovery to the 29 candidates. “A journey that is crucial for young women like you to blossom to become strong and independent who will not only serve as role models but who will represent the new ear of [female] leaders.”

Liberation committee chair Guerrero also thanked all the 29 candidates as they become volunteers for a good cause. “Tonight is the end of one thing and the beginning of another. Everything will be different after the event as you take the huge responsibility in our community.”

Candidates Anbeata C. Maratita, Beda G. Mundo, Byanna Marie B. Lizama, Catherine A. Reyes, Cathy K. Amandus, Christine Roque, Christylynn Hope M. Del Rosario, Cornessa M. Dela Cruz, Coryn A. Achas, Dora E. Rabauliman, Jamila P. Alegre, Jasmine R. Umbay, Jennifer R. Camacho, Jerika Jersica P. Sekool; Karee Lu Matagolai, Kaylanie Santos, Lordina Gineanne H. Pangelinan, Lucy Mira M. Saito, Makaly R. Smith, Malena Hofschneider, Mardee-Ann M. Hermosilla, Mercilia Jesnett V. Teigita, Nelly Rose E. Saturno. Nikela T. Masayos, Norlyn P. Elayda, Shanthia Nicole Espinosa, and Sheela Marie K. Saraff were present in yesterday’s pinning ceremony.

Malia Fatima T. Passi and Wendy A. Nicholas were also candidates but failed to attend yesterday’s event.

The coronation night for the fundraising event, where the candidate who sells the most number of tickets wins, is set on July 1 with the venue to be announced at a latter time.