Sorene Maratita (NORTHERN MARIANAS 2009)

Six young women are hoping to earn a shot at becoming the next Miss Marianas Universe.

Leovita Cabrera, 18; Winona Camacho, 17; Charmaine Hofschneider, 18; Sorene Maratita, 18; Alexandra Silva, 18, all from Saipan; and Bobby Jean Taisacan, 18, from Rota, will compete Nov. 29 at the Palms Resort Saipan for the title.

They will be competing in five categories: national costume, swimsuit, evening gown, on stage question-and-answer and personal interview.

Maratita said she is participating in the pageant to become a role model.

“I'm in it for the experience to become a better person,” she said.

The girls said they have become friends as they prepare for the big event.

“We knew of each other, but this certainly brought us all together,” Silva said, adding that the girls are planning to visit Managaha Island together.

The winner will compete in the 2009 Miss Universe and Miss International pageants.

Laila Boyer, president of Stellar Marianas, which organizes the pageant, said this year's Miss Marianas would be active in local community events. She said she hopes Miss Marianas can come back from the international pageants with a title, in order to “give the CNMI positive exposure.”

The competition, which will have a Rock 'N Roll theme this year, is an opportunity for the girls to excel at their personal best, Boyer said.

“I've seen them transform from shy girls to confident women,” she said.

Girls ages 17-25 can take part in the pageant. Pageant organizers opened up the competition to 17 year olds this year in hopes of attracting more participants, she said. The girls must turn 18 before May 2009.

The pageant's major sponsors are Triple J Motors, Northwest Airlines, Marianas Visitors Authority, Younis Art Studio, Shell Marianas, Ponds, Dove & Suave, Pena House Boutique, Iridescent Boutique, DFS Galleria, PTI, Sporticca, Gold's Gym, Genoveva's Hair Power, Palms Resort Saipan, Island Florals & Gifts, Aquarius Beach Towers, Power 99 FM and the Rock.