Each year, Maui holds a scholarship pageant called Miss Maui Filipina. Many Filipino women take part in five phases of competition: an interview, swimsuit, talent, speech and an onstage interview. I have completed each task and am Miss Maui Filipina. Or was Miss Maui Filipina. Unfortunately, my reign has been cut short.
I recently stumbled across a poster that left me speechless. This was a picture of the new Miss Maui Filipina who replaced me without my knowing. To find out through a poster is not the normal protocol to giving up your title as a queen.
The Maui Filipino Community Council has been holding this event for more than 50 years. Out of the blue, a new council has been created and claims that it is the board because it has legally licensed MFCC. Why would they hurt an innocent person who is not involved with the politics? Why couldn't they wait until my full term has been completed? So many questions are left unanswered and I am longing to put the pieces together.
To be a queen is a highlight of a young lady's life. And I am heartbroken that mine has been unrightfully taken away. I would be honored to pass my title down to a Filipina who wants to represent the Filipino community, longs to learn more about their heritage and, lastly, who has worked hard to earn their title.
Shelby Bantilan
Miss Maui Filipina 2011
Kahului
