Moatula crowned Platinum Miss Teen 2013

[caption id="attachment_10211" align="alignleft" width="262"] Miss Platinum Teen 2013 winner Moatula Pongen is flanked by First Runner-Up Marina Kiho and Second Runner-Up Shanchobeni Kikon, after the grand finale held at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, on Saturday. (Manen Aier Photo)[/caption]

Dimapur, December 21: Tonight, teenage girls of Nagaland showed what a beauty pageant really should be like. A first of its kind event in Nagaland, 14 contestants from Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Peren were full of energy, originality, and displayed a true sense of style as they walked the ramp at DDSC Stadium here.

In the end, it was petite contestant number 8, 17-year-old Moatula Pongen who won the first-ever title of Platinum Miss Teen 2013. The first runner-up title was won by 16-year-old, Marina Kiho, and second runner-up by 17-year-old, Shanchobeni Kikon.

Sub titles were awarded to six contestants in various categories. ‘Miss Sporty’ was bagged by Chichano Kikon,  ‘The Sweetheart’ title  was bagged by Marina Kiho, ‘Miss Talented’ was awarded to Shanchobeni Kikon, while Asongla Jamir won two sub titles, ‘Miss Pristine Princess’ and ‘Miss Diva’. ‘Miss Scholar’ was awarded to Moatula Pongen.

Judges for the night were Elika Zhimomi, Bambi Kevichusa and Ethiel Konyak. The girls were assisted by show hostess Amen Longkumer, and sashayed to the beats of DJ Sumika Yepthomi.

For the first round, the contestants walked the ramp to clothes from Nagaland’s home grown retail brand ‘The Connect Studio’. The contestants also walked the ramp to clothing from Chica, Street Junk and Alika Chishi.

Based on the theme that it is not about beauty, but about relationship building, improving self worth and being empowered, the contestants were judged on various areas, in the third and final round contestants showcased clothing from ‘Flaunt Boutique’, designed by Alika Chishi.

Organized by women from diverse backgrounds, ranging from event managers, graphic designers, lawyers and entrepreneurs with the aim to bring out “Stylish, Smart, Spirited” qualities in teenage girls, the show was successful in giving a platform to teenage girls.

~MExN