Miss Guam Universe is a national beauty pageant in Guam

Miss Guam Pageant History

The Miss Guam pageant has a long and rich history on the island, dating back to the 1960s. Some key moments in the pageant’s evolution include:

Miss Guam 1965-2000

The first Miss Guam pageant was held in 1965. Maria Sablan won the inaugural competition.
In the early years, the pageant was held intermittently. It became an annual event in the 1970s.
Notable winners from 1965-2000 include:
- Pilar Lujan, Miss Guam 1976
- Rosita Hattig, Miss Guam 1980
- Carol Arriola, Miss Guam 1982
- Trina Diaz, Miss Guam 1994

Miss Guam 2008-Present

After a brief hiatus in the early 2000s, the pageant returned in 2008 under new management.
Recent winners include:
- Alana Chargualaf, Miss Guam 2008
- Valerie Gould, Miss Guam 2013
- Emily Mannering, Miss Guam 2014
The modern era of the pageant has focused on scholarship opportunities for contestants.

Evolution of the Pageant

Over the decades, the pageant has evolved to reflect changing values. The swimsuit competition was replaced with an athletic wear segment in the 2000s.
There is now greater emphasis on intelligence, leadership, and charity work.
Production values have improved with bigger venues, celebrity hosts, and live broadcasts.

Cultural Significance

The pageant celebrates Guam’s unique culture and the beauty of its people.
Traditional dance performances showcase Chamorro culture.
Winners serve as cultural ambassadors and sources of national pride.

Miss Guam Organization

Pacific Productions Inc. has organized the pageant since 2008.
The non-profit organization provides scholarships and opportunities for young women in Guam.
Former winners are involved in organizing and mentoring contestants.

Miss Guam 2024

The 2024 Miss Guam pageant will be held in June at the UOG Calvo Field House.
Over 20 contestants from across the island are expected to compete for the title.
The winner will go on to represent Guam at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Guam 2023

Destiny Cruz was crowned Miss Guam 2023 at the pageant night in Hagåtña in June 2022.
The 21-year old nursing student impressed the judges with her grace, charm and intelligence.
As Miss Guam, Destiny will spend the next year promoting her platform of health and wellness across the island.

Miss Universe Guam Pageant

The Miss Universe Guam competition selects Guam’s representative to the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Universe Guam Winners

Guam has won the Miss Universe Guam title many times since first competing in 1974.
Notable winners include Pia Mugler (1974), Elizabeth Perez (1980), and Angela Perez Baraquio (2001).

Miss Universe Guam 2017

Muwanike Bahati was crowned Miss Universe Guam 2017 in Tumon.
The law student used her platform to advocate for social justice issues.
She placed as a top 16 semi-finalist at Miss Universe 2017.

Miss Universe Guam 2018

Christina Saucedo won the Miss Universe Guam 2018 crown.
Her vision was to be “Confidently Beautiful with a Purpose.”
She competed at Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Miss Universe Guam 2019

Sissie Luo captured the 2019 Miss Universe Guam title.
During her reign she worked on women’s empowerment, education, and culture.
She represented Guam at the Miss Universe 2019 pageant.

Miss Universe Guam 2022

Mia Topacio was named Miss Universe Guam 2022 in May.
The 20-year-old college student is passionate about mental health advocacy.
She will represent the island at the 71st Miss Universe pageant this year.

Miss Universe Guam 2023

The new Miss Universe Guam 2023 will be crowned this summer.
She will go on to compete at the Miss Universe pageant next year.
The winner carries the hopes of the island on the global stage.

Competition Phases

The Miss Guam pageant tests contestants across various competition segments:

Private Interview

Contestants have a one-on-one interview with the judges.
They are assessed on intelligence, personality, and communication skills.

On-Stage Question

During the finals, the top contestants answer an on-stage question.
Judges evaluate contestants’ public speaking ability and critical thinking.

Swimsuit Competition

Contestants walk the stage in athletic wear or swimsuits.
Judges look for a fit, healthy lifestyle.

Evening Gown Competition

Contestants model elegant evening gowns with poise and grace.
This segment shows beauty and stage presence.

Talent Competition

Many contestants showcase Guam’s culture through Chamorro dance.
Vocal, artistic, and other talents are also highlighted.

Miss Earth Guam 2016

The Miss Earth Guam pageant sends an eco-warrior to the Miss Earth international pageant:

Rae-Vaughn Sellano was crowned Miss Earth Guam 2016.
Her environmental platform focused on coral reef conservation.
She competed at the Miss Earth 2016 pageant in the Philippines.

Miss World Guam 2016

Miss World Guam represents Guam at the prestigious Miss World competition:

Hannah Rios won the Miss World Guam 2016 title.
She highlighted her charity work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
Rios competed at Miss World 2016 in Maryland, USA.

Miss Guam Titleholders

Many exceptional women have held the Miss Guam crown over the decades:

Miss Guam 1976

Pilar Lujan was Miss Guam 1976 and an early pageant trailblazer.
The University of Guam graduate was the first Chamorro woman to place in the top 10 at Miss Universe.

Miss Guam 1980

Rosita Hattig won Miss Guam 1980 and placed as a semi-finalist at Miss Universe 1980.
She used her title to promote Chamorro culture.

Miss Guam 1982

Carol Arriola captured the title of Miss Guam 1982 as an 18-year-old.
She wowed the Miss Universe judges and earned the Best National Costume award.

Miss Guam 1994

Trina Diaz was crowned Miss Guam 1994 after being first runner-up the previous year.
She focused on AIDS education and placed top 10 at Miss Universe 1994.

Miss Guam 2008

Alana Chargualaf won Miss Guam 2008 on a platform of health and fitness.
She competed at Miss Universe 2009 and placed in the top 15.

Miss Guam 2013

Valerie Gould took the Miss Guam 2013 crown with a message of suicide prevention.
She used her title to promote mental health awareness.

Miss Guam 2014

Emily Mannering was named Miss Guam 2014 while still a high school senior.
She highlighted youth leadership and represented Guam at Miss Universe 2014.

Miss Universe Guam Titleholders

Guam has produced competitive delegates for the Miss Universe stage:

Miss Universe Guam 1974

Pia Mugler put Guam on the pageant map when she won the first Miss Universe Guam title in 1974.
She wowed the world with Guam’s beauty and culture.

Miss Universe Guam 1980

Elizabeth Perez won Miss Universe Guam 1980.
She placed in the top 12 at Miss Universe 1980.

Miss Universe Guam 1998

Angela Perez Baraquio was crowned Miss Universe Guam 1998.
She made history by becoming Miss Universe 2001, Guam’s only winner.

Miss Universe Guam 2017

Muwanike Bahati won Miss Universe Guam 2017 with a social justice platform.
She placed top 16 at Miss Universe 2017.

Miss Universe Guam 2018

Christina Saucedo captured the 2018 title and competed at Miss Universe 2018.
She focused on confidence and women’s empowerment.

Miss Universe Guam 2019

Sissie Luo earned the Miss Universe Guam 2019 crown.
She represented the island at Miss Universe 2019.

Miss Universe Guam 2022

Mia Topacio is the reigning Miss Universe Guam after winning the title in 2022.
She will compete at Miss Universe 2022 with a mental health advocacy platform.

Miss International Guam

Guam’s representatives to Miss International have showcased the island’s empowered and socially-conscious women.

Miss International Guam Winners

Lynette Perez won the first Miss International Guam title in 1960.
Other winners include Theresa Tanaka (1967) and Jennifer Neves (2016).

Miss International Guam Pageant

Pacific Productions began organizing the Miss International Guam pageant in 2015.
Each year’s winner heads to the global Miss International competition.

Miss International Guam Advocacy

Recent Miss International Guam queens have taken on advocacy roles during their reigns.
Cindy Choi (2017) promoted cancer awareness. Madison Alvarez (2018) focused on youth leadership.

Miss International Guam Impact

As goodwill ambassadors, the winners participate in community events and charitable initiatives.
They serve as inspirational role models for young women in Guam.

Miss International Guam 2023

The new Miss International Guam 2023 will be crowned this summer.
She will spend a year championing her social cause and competing internationally.

Miss Universe Organization

The Miss Universe Organization runs the global Miss Universe pageant as well as several national contests like Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.

Miss Universe Organization History

Founded in 1952 by Catalina Swimwear
Acquired by Donald Trump in 1996
Now owned by Endeavor company and under leadership of Paula Shugart

Miss Universe Organization Structure

Headquarters in New York City
Over 90 national pageants including Miss USA and Miss Universe Guam
Annual Miss Universe competition held internationally

Miss Universe Organization Advocacy

Advances women’s rights, equality, and empowerment
Partners with charitable organizations worldwide
Recent focus on STEM education for girls

Miss Universe Organization Events

Flagship Miss Universe pageant
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contests
Miss Universebiz global leadership workshops
National competition pageants worldwide

Miss Universe Organization Global Impact

600 million annual viewers worldwide
Television broadcasts in over 160 countries
Miss Universe winners serve as international role models
National pageants showcase diverse cultures

Miss Universe Guam 2022

Current Miss Universe Guam Mia Topacio will compete at Miss Universe 2022.
She aims to shine a light on mental health issues.

Miss Universe Guam 2023

The new Miss Universe Guam 2023 will be crowned this summer.
She will go on to represent Guam on the global Miss Universe stage next year.

Beauty Pageants and Culture in Guam

Beauty pageants in Guam provide insight into the island’s cultural values, evolution, and representation on the world stage.

Beauty Pageants in Guamanian Culture

Pageants are major cultural events celebrating Guam’s people and traditions.
Festivals like Liberation Day feature high-profile pageants.
Winners serve as cultural ambassadors.

Evolution of Beauty Pageants in Guam

Early pageants focused on beauty and fashion.
Today’s contests emphasize intelligence, talent, leadership, and advocacy.
Pageants have progress toward diversity and inclusion.

Beauty Standards in Guam

Traditional concepts of beauty as reflective of inner harmony.
Shift from Euro-centric appearance standards during colonization.
Celebration of both indigenous looks and multiculturalism today.

Beauty Pageants and Empowerment

Participants gain self-confidence and interview skills.
Pageants offer educational scholarships and career opportunities.
Winners have platforms to inspire young women as role models.

Beauty Pageants and Tourism

Pageants promote Guam’s tropical allure and vibrant culture.
Televised broadcasts market the island as a travel destination.
Winners serve as tourism ambassadors.

Miss Saigon Guam 2022

The annual Miss Saigon Guam pageant celebrates the island’s Vietnamese community.
Thi Nguyen was crowned Miss Saigon Guam 2022.
The pageant highlights Vietnamese culture in Guam.

Guam’s Representation

Winning the Miss Guam crown comes with the responsibility of representing the island on the global stage.

Impact of Miss Guam on the Island

Source of national pride and unity
Opportunity to showcase culture
Champions island issues through advocacy

Miss Guam’s Advocacy

Uses platform to promote social causes
Recent focuses on mental health, youth leadership, environment
Serves as role model for empowerment

Cultural Significance

Represents idealized Chamorro female values
Traditional talent performances highlight culture
National costume symbolizes history and people

Media Coverage of Miss Guam

Extensive coverage in local media
Television broadcasts of pageant finale
Winners make public appearances and give interviews

Guam’s Participation in Miss Universe

Competed since 1974
Showcases beauty and talent on international stage
Increased global visibility for the island

Impact of Social Media on Beauty Pageants

Winners engage large followings on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Share behind-the-scenes pageant life
Drives tourism marketing

Behind the Scenes

Being Miss Guam involves far more than just wearing the crown. It requires serious commitment, work, and responsibilities behind the scenes.

Training and Preparation

Rigorous training for months leading up to pageant
Physical fitness, diet, styling, runway coaching
Interview practice, current events, advocacy

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Miss Guam title sponsored by businesses
Winners serve as endorsers for brands, stores, tourism
Appearances and partnerships with companies and organizations

Miss Guam’s Charity Work

Extensive community service and non-profit involvement
Visits schools, hospitals, events as role model
Fundraising drives and creating social impact

Miss Guam’s Official Duties

Public appearances around the island as titleholder
Promoting chosen advocacy and social cause
Speeches, interviews, judging pageants

Life After Miss Guam

Winners pursue careers in media, business, modeling, entertainment
Leverage pageant brand recognition
Remain involved as mentors and judges

Interviews and Public Appearances

The reigning Miss Guam maintains a busy schedule of public engagements, promotions, and speaking opportunities.

Media Interviews

Local TV, radio, print interviews throughout her reign
Promotes advocacy platform and major events
Discusses pageant experiences and life lessons

Public Speaking Engagements

Keynote speeches at schools, events, conferences
Addresses civic organizations, youth groups, charities
Serves as master of ceremonies at pageants and festivals

Community Events

High-profile role at parades, fairs, and cultural festivals
Launches community initiatives related to her platform
Fundraising drives and charity functions

International Engagements

Represents Guam at global pageants like Miss Universe
Attends international conferences and forums
Serves as a global spokeswoman and thought leader

Brand Endorsements

Promotes sponsors like beauty, fashion, and tourism brands
Stars in commercials, ads, and marketing campaigns
Social media influencer partnerships

Diversity and Inclusion

Recent decades have seen greater diversity and inclusion in Guam pageants mirroring shifting societal values.

Diversity in Beauty Pageants

Contestants reflect range of ethnic backgrounds seen in Guam.
Multicultural representation on stage.
Celebration of diverse standards of beauty.

Inclusivity in Miss Universe

Elimination of outdated rules on age, marital status, motherhood.
More diversity among contestants.
First transgender contestant in 2020.

Representation of Different Cultures

Pageants highlight Chamorro, Filipino, and other cultures.
Traditional dances and costumes showcased.
Platforms address cultural identity and acceptance.

Advocacy for Diversity

Winners champion inclusion for marginalized groups.
Promote size diversity with Miss Curvy pageant.
Support LGBTQ and disability rights.

Impact on Global Audiences

Pageants showcase uniqueness and diversity of Guam’s people.
Provides alternative to Western beauty standards.
Creates more inclusive view of beauty worldwide.

Social Media and Miss Guam

Social media has transformed how Miss Guam titleholders engage with supporters, promote causes, and share their journey.

Miss Guam’s Social Media Presence

Contestants and winners have massive followings on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Show behind-the-scenes preparation, advocacy, official appearances
Interact directly with supporters worldwide

Fan Engagement

Share pageant activities, travel, culture, causes
Polls, Q&As, livestreams connect with followers
Drive audience involvement and voting campaigns

Social Media and Personal Branding

Build influential personal brands as leaders and role models
Partner with brands for endorsements
Launch businesses, media careers after reigns

Guam’s Beauty and Tourism

The island’s stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality have made it a growing tourist destination.

Natural Beauty of Guam

With over 200 miles of coastline, Guam’s beaches are world-renowned.
Lush forests, hills, and jungles make up the landscape.
Abundant marine life below turquoise waters.

Tourism in Guam

Tourism is a pillar of Guam’s economy.
Over 1.5 million visitors per year, mostly from Asia.
Luxury beach resorts, shopping, dining, and attractions.

Miss Guam as a Tourism Ambassador

Participates in travel expos and trade shows.
Stars in tourism marketing campaigns.
Helps promote the island’s natural allure and welcoming spirit.

Miss Universe Charity Work

Miss Universe titleholders have used their fame to support impactful charitable initiatives worldwide.

Charity Organizations Supported by Miss Universe

HIV/AIDS prevention with (RED)
Girls education with Smile Train and Plan International
Disaster relief through efforts like We Unite Recovery Fund

Humanitarian Work of Miss Universe Winners

Building homes, schools and wells in underserved nations
Raising millions for global causes
Spotlighting social justice issues
Motivating youth outreach

Miss Curvy Pageant

The Miss Curvy Guam pageant promotes positive body image by celebrating curves and size diversity.

Winners of the Miss Curvy Pageant

Inaugural winner Dee Hernandez (2017)
Jillian Chong (2018)
Savannah Ringoringo (2021)

Impact of the Pageant on Guamanian Culture

Challenges pressure to be thin, embraces real beauty
Encourages self-love and confidence in young women
Champions inclusivity on the stage

Legacy and Impact

For decades, Miss Guam winners have left a lasting mark on the island and the pageant world.

Legacy of Miss Guam Titleholders

Cultural ambassadors sharing Chamorro heritage
Advocates for education, wellness, environment, and equality
Inspiration for young women’s leadership and self-esteem

Global Impact of Miss Universe Guam Winners

Spotlighted Guam on an international level
Broke barriers by winning Miss Universe crown
Set inspiring examples of achievement for women worldwide

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The storied history of the Miss Guam pageant points to an exciting future upholding culture and empowerment.

Future of Beauty Pageants in Guam

Evolving to align with modern values of diversity, advocacy, and social consciousness
Continuing to provide opportunities for young women
Celebrating the island’s vibrant culture on the global stage

The Miss Guam pageant has come a long way from its early beginnings, transforming into a contemporary institution that both upholds traditions and looks ahead. Though styles and standards change, the pageant continues to be a source of inspiration, entertainment, and national pride for the island of Guam.

Table 1: Recent Miss Guam Titleholders

Year	Titleholder	Platform
2022	Destiny Cruz	Health and Wellness
2021	Shannon Sasamoto	Youth Leadership
2020	Tatjana Johnson	Environmental Conservation
2019	Naomi Blaz	Anti-Bullying
2018	Isabella Rivera	Cultural Preservation

Table 2: Notable Miss Universe Guam Titleholders

Year	Titleholder	Placement
1974	Pia Mugler	Top 12
2001	Angela Perez Baraquio	Winner
2017	Muwanike Bahati	Top 16
2018	Christina Saucedo	Top 20
2022	Mia Topacio	TBD

Table 3: Phases of the Miss Guam Pageant

Phase	Description
Private Interview	One-on-one with judges
On-Stage Question	Respond to a question on stage
Swimsuit Competition	Model athletic wear
Evening Gown	Walk the stage in elegant gown
Talent	Showcase singing, dancing, skills

Table 4: Tourism Statistics for Guam

Statistic	2021 Data
Annual Visitors	1.56 million
Key Markets	Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Average Length of Stay	3.5 nights
Visitor Spending	$1.03 billion

Table 5: Miss Universe Organization Key Facts

Fact
Founded	1952
Owned by	Endeavor
Headquarters	New York City
Pageants	Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, national contests

Table 6: Miss Guam’s Social Media Followers

Platform	Followers
Instagram	112,000
Facebook	156,000
YouTube	2.41 million views
TikTok	89,100