Five candidates for 2025 Liberation Queen

4/28/2025—For the upcoming 79th Liberation Day festivities, five candidates—one from Rota, one from Tinian, and three from Saipan—are vying for the crown of the 2025 Liberation Queen.

The Liberation Day committee held a Liberation Day Royal Court held a pinning ceremony on Saturday, April 26, at the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

Three mayors—Saipan’s Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, Tinian’s Edwin P. Aldan, and Rota’s Aubry Hocog—gathered together in a Liberation Day Royal Court pinning ceremony for the first time.

Also in the ceremony was a Hagåt, Guam Mayor Kevin J.T. Susuico and Northern Islands Municipal councilwoman Carmen C. Pangelinan.

The candidates’ family members and 2024 Liberation Royal Princess Chariane Dabney, who was there in place of 2024 Liberation Queen Xeayda Manglona, were also at the ceremony.

The candidate from Rota is Kaypeonie Mendiola, a senior at Dr. Rita Hocog Jr./Sr. High School; the candidate from Tinian is 20-year-old Pritzel Carreon, who works for Micronesian Air; while the three candidates from Saipan are 15-year-old Aunika Camacho of Kagman High School; 17-year-old Teresita Diaz of Marianas High School, and 20-year-old Debbiann Selepeo, a graduate of Saipan Southern High School.

In his remarks, Camacho thanked the mayors that came out to the ceremony, the parents, and the candidates for their participation. “This is important and this is really the reflection of the theme for the year—‘peace’ among us in the CNMI. Candidates, try your best. As the mayor of this municipality, with the hardworking committee, I thank you all for deciding [to join]. You’re going to receive this sash to mark that you are officially a candidate for the 2025 Liberation.”

For the closing remarks by LDC chair, Frances Santos, she said, “Today’s pinning is more than just tradition. It marks the beginning of a journey rooted in pride, culture, and community. To our contestants, as you wear this pin, remember that you carry the hopes of your families, the stories of your ancestors, and the pride of our islands. Walk forward with confidence, lead with kindness, and shine not just for yourselves, but for all those that came before you.”

After the pinning ceremony, all five candidates signed the 2025 Liberation Day Royal Court rules and regulations.

The 79th Liberation Day celebrations kick off on June 12, and runs every Thursday to Sunday until July 6, 2025, at the Civic Center in Susupe.

This year’s theme is “Weaving Heritage and Embracing Peace.”

By Leigh Gases