Pageant contestants raise funds and awareness for charity

Chloe B Babauta, cbabauta@guampdn.com Published 7:24 p.m. ChT Sept. 13, 2017

Congratulations to Phoebe Palisoc, she is your 2016 Miss World Guam! Sue Lee/PDN

This year's Miss World Guam contestants announced their chosen non-profit organizations at a press conference Wednesday at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.

The pageant’s motto is “beauty with a purpose.” Miss World Guam is focused on helping charities for Guam’s youths, those in need and the community as a whole.

Kehlani Mendiola, 21, said she chose Sanctuary Inc. because its helps children who come from abusive homes and who may suffer from mental health disorders. Mendiola said she was diagnosed with depression herself, and has overcome it. She said she wants to use the pageant to teach others about mental health and raise funds for those going through similar problems.

Annania Nauta, 23, advocates for the Håya Foundation. The organization works to protect and promote the indigenous healing practice of traditional healing. Nauta said her grandma’s sister died last year, and she was the last suruhana — or Chamorro traditional healer — in their family. The contestant wants to use her position to help preserve the Chamorro culture.

Destiny Cruz, 19, said she’s always been interested in joining a pageant but has been discouraged because she is “too short” and “too brown.” Running for Miss World Guam is her way of showing that beauty comes in all forms. She wants all women to know that they’re beautiful the way they are.

Contestants have the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a charity of their choice.

Contestants:

Jonnessa Leon Guerrero, 19, Yona. Guam Hawgs Motorcycle Club
Shaeleen Salas, 18, Ordot. Alee Children’s Shelter
Mariah Saldana, 17, Tamuning. Make-A-Wish Foundation
Carmella Navarrete, 16, Yigo. Youth for Youth Live
Janella Juco, 18, Dededo. Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association
Kehlani Mendiola, 21, Piti. Sanctuary Inc.
Erin Wong, 21, Hagåtña. Special Olympics Guam
Annania Nauta, 23, Santa Rita. Haya Foundation
Alana Santos, 17, Barrigada. Rainbows for All Children Guam
CJ Elca, 24, Dededo. Island Girl Power
Destiny Cruz, 19, Inarajan. Down Syndrome Association of Guam
The Miss World Guam 2017 pageant will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased for $40 each from any contestant.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/life/announcements/2017/09/13/pageant-contestants-raise-funds-and-awareness-charity/660785001/