Peachy Quitugua is 2016 Miss Marianas; Palanga Taimanao is new Miss Marianas Teen

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18 Jul 2016

 

By Bryan Manabat - bryan@mvariety.com - Variety News Staff

PEACHY Quitugua and Palanga Taimanao were crowned 2016 Miss Marianas and Miss Marianas Teen on Saturday evening in the jam-packed Fiesta Resort & Spa Hibiscus Hall.

The new Miss Marianas, 21-year-old Quitugua, is an avid mixed martial arts enthusiast, and a magna cum laude graduate of Northern Marianas College with an associate science degree in nursing. She is the daughter of Rep. Vinson F. Sablan and Roca Q. Sablan.

Asked if she had a message for other young CNMI ladies, Quitugua said: “Honestly I would tell them to reach for their dreams. Pageants are not all that they seem. This is not just about beauty, it’s also the best representation of yourself and learning about yourself.”

2016 MISS MARIANAS TEEN PALANGA TAIMANAO, LEFT, AND 2016 MISS MARIANAS PEACHY QUITUGUA WAVE TO THE CROWD IN HIBISCUS HALL AT THE FIESTA RESORT & SPA ON SATURDAY EVENING. PHOTO BY RAQUEL C. BAGNOL

She added, “There are so many things going on in my mind right now — it’s such an amazing thing, and I can’t wait to represent the Marianas so I just want to thank the people of the Marianas for choosing me.”

She said she was honored and humbled by all the awards she received on pageant night. “Honestly, I believe all the contestants deserve them, too.”

Quitugua also won the 2016 Stellar Star Award, the Tresemme Best Hair Award, Best in Talent, Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Dress.

In the question-and-answer portion, Quitugua was asked: “Our islands are on the fast-track of change. Many say we need a vision for the future, a massive run for the next 20-30 years for example. The Republic of Palau is focused on protecting its natural resources and environment. What do you think the CNMI should focus on for the next 20 to 30 years?”

Quitugua responded “If I would focus on one thing for the Marianas, I would focus on…the people…and it’s up to them and us to make a better future for our families, friends and loved ones.”

Her platform as a pageant candidate is to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes by focusing on the importance of health and fitness

“There’s so much I want to do, but I want to focus on bringing awareness about health and fitness, because I believe that health is the best investment that we can make for our lives.”

Regarding the other contestants, she said: “We became best friends…sisters. I know we’re going to keep in touch. We actually have a Managaha trip…the best part of this experience was getting to know the girls and just learning, and we bond like sisters and we went out to community events, and that was the best part. I also want to say thank you to all my family and friends for believing in me and supporting me.”

From Rota

2016 Miss Teen Marianas Palanga Taimanao, who is from Rota, said her victory “means a lot, coming from a small island where we have a small population — so it means a lot bringing back something really big after so many years.”

Among her goals as Miss Teen Marianas: “I want to work with the youth and everyone and advertise CNMI tourism.”

Her message to other young girls who are considering taking part in the beauty pageant next year: “If you feel that you can do it, do it, don’t let anything stop you.”

Taimanao, 16, is a student of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr.-Sr. High School and the daughter of Elphrain S. and Cecile Blas Taimanao.

The best part of the pageant, she said, was meeting the other contestants. “At first we were strangers, now we know each other.”

She added, “I would like to thank my family, my mom, my dad, my sister, my brother, friends, family, everyone, and the community of Rota especially.”

The question for the Miss Teen Marianas candidates was: “If you could create a logo matching character to share the story of our islands through the world, who would this character be and what legend would it speak of?”

Taimanao replied: “I would choose Matua. Why? Matua was a strong chief that could stand up for his people and his village, and according to legend, he proved to his father that he could be the strongest man.”

Joanna Navarro and Marie Aldan were first and second runners-up in the Miss Marianas pageant. Aldan also received the Friendship Award while Navarro won the Photogenic Award.

In the Miss Teen Marianas pageant, Nicole Meyer was first runner-up and was also named Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Dress.

Judges

The judges for Miss Marianas Teen were IT&E executive director of customer operations in the CNMI and Guam Robert C. Harrell, president of Northerm Marianas Insurance Association and executive and vice president and general manager of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc. Shirley Sablan, and 2004 Miss Teen CNMI Divana Manglona Cruz.

The judges for Miss Marianas were assistant manager for DFS Saipan Milan Rabold, Triple J Saipan Inc. marketing manager Iliana Pacheco, and 2003 Miss Northern Marianas Universe Kimberly Reyes Manglona.

The tabulator was the Burger, Comer, Magliari auditing and accounting firm.

Prizes

Miss Marianas Peachy Quitugua won a sash and trophy, $1,000 cash, a $1,000 scholarship from Stellar Marianas, use of a new Hyundai Accent from Triple J Motors for a year, a new cellphone and one year unlimited service and data from IT&E, $350 and a beauty basket from Tresemme Products Inc., official Miss Marianas beauty products from Dickerson & Quinn International Distributors, a one-year membership and personal trainer at Gold’s Gym, a one-year subscription to Marianas Variety, a watch from Pacifica Insurance, a gift certificates from Pena House, a professional model portfolio from Daisuke Yanai, a four-piece luggage set from Stellar Marianas, a gift from T Galleria, and a gift certificate for official competition evening gown and accessories from Pena House Boutique.

Miss Marianas Teen Taimanao won a trophy and sash, flowers, $1,000 in cash, an all-expense paid travel opportunity to compete at Miss Teen International, a smart phone with one year of services from IT&E, $350 and a beauty basket from Tresemme Products Inc., official Miss Marianas beauty products from Dickerson & Quinn International Distributors, a one-year membership and personal trainer at Gold’s Gym, a one-year subscription to Marianas Variety, a watch from Pacifica Insurance, gift certificates from Pena House, a professional model portfolio from Daisuke Yanai, a four-piece luggage set from Stellar Marianas, a one year all-expense paid representation at approved CNMI-wide events and an opportunity to create and implement a community project under Stellar Marianas.

http://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/87754-peachy-quitugua-is-2016-miss-marianas-palanga-taimanao-is-new-miss-marianas-teen