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Missed call in Liberation Day Queen crowning
Murphy’s Law reared its head at the annual announcement of the winners of the Miss 2019 Liberation Day Queen last Sunday at the Liberation Day grounds at the Garapan Fishing Base, with the emcee scrambling the names of one of the royal court princesses.
The master of ceremony, Patrick Arriola, mistakenly named Lea Reiann Dela Cruz Salalila as one of the Liberation Day royal princesses. She actually placed sixth and the actual royal princess is Rhe’ann Tudela, who got second place. Angel Toya Magofna Deleon Guerrero completed the top 3.
Thankfully, despite the minor mix-up, the rest of the evening went well, with Pernalyn Janet Borja Camacho crowned as the Miss 2019 Liberation Day Queen.
“Despite the limited time we had as candidates, it was pretty amazing…and I don’t regret anything,” Camacho said.
Camacho thanked 2018 Liberation Day Queen Brinae Joselyn Maratita Cruz, her Royal Court sisters, 2019 Liberation Day Royal Court Committee chair Bridget Maratita, and all her supporters.
Miss 2018 Liberation Day Queen Brinae Cruz, rightmost, adjusts the crown on Miss 2019 Liberation Day Queen Pernalyn Camacho, second right, while Liberation Day Royal Court chair Bridget Maratita and 2019 Miss Earth NMI Leisha Deleon Guerrero look on. (MARC A. VENUS)
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang applauded the contestant’s courage, hard work and efforts to make this coronation night a success. He also thanked the parents and supporters of the contestants.
Apatang also thanked Cruz for fulfilling her responsibilities as Liberation Day Queen. “You have been an inspirational and role model to young ladies,” Apatang added.
To complete the Liberation Day Royal princesses from fourth to seventh were Kiara Nekaifes, Nadine Kapileo, Lea Salalila, and Regiene Babauta.
2019 Liberation Day Planning Committee vice chair Shane Villanueva announced that the candidates were able to raise $96,000 from tickets sales for the Liberation Day raffle, which is the highest ever in Liberation Day history.
