Miss Latina Pageant Debuts At Mamiya
Take a lineup of beautiful, talented and intelligent women, put them onstage with some irresistible rhythms, add some hot dance numbers and … it’s fiesta time!
The very first Miss Latina Hawaii Scholarship Pageant comes to Mamiya Theatre at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday on the Chaminade campus. Vying for the title, which secures the winner a spot in the Miss Hawaii Pageant, are Victoria Brown, Angela Gonzalez, Joleen Iwaniec, Demi Mendoza, Kaylah Miranda, Steisha Sheather and Dzidzielia Trevino. Entry was open to 17to 24-yearolds of Hispanic background from across the state, with Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Santo Domingo and Puerto Rico being represented.
“The response from the community has been phenomenal,” said executive director Nancy Ortiz. “For example, Argosy University is giving all of the girls scholarships, plus the winner gets $10,000, the first runner-up gets $6,000, the second runner-up gets $4,000, and $2,000 goes to every girl who entered.”
In addition, OMG Swimwear custom-made each contestant’s bathing suit, and Woodmen of the World stepped in as a major sponsor, offering scholarships as well.
The ladies will compete in categories that include Private Interview, Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear, Talent, Evening Wear and Onstage Question. Between each segment will be Latinthemed entertainment.
“Of course, all of the girls will be participating in some sort of talent,” said Ortiz. “Most will be dancing jazz, salsa, a little bit of everything. As for entertainment, we have Toni Tam, who’s a former Miss Hawaii contestant and a terrific vocalist, so she’ll be doing some vocal numbers. Then we have Judah and Sunshine (Oscher) a brother-andsister team from Kailua who were Hawaii Salsa Champions two years in a row. Last year’s salsa champs, Phillip (Duong) and Kimberly (Tordjman) also will be performing. We also have Madalene’z Dancefit Studio, and they’re going to be doing a Zumba.
“We’re keeping it energized.”
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For reservations and more information, call 285-0072 or 358-1007.
