Bahrain: Mangalorean Teenage Beauty Ronita Mathias Crowned 'May Queen'
Media update by Joe Andrade
Bahrain, May 24: In a keenly contested annual event at the Indian Club last weekend, a teenage beauty from Mangalore, studying at the Sacred Heart School, Bahrain, walked away with the May Queen title, much to her disbelief!
Ronita Mathias, aged 15, studying in the X standard, made it to the top among 16 contestants of different Nationalities, in a unique inimitable style of her own. She captivated not only the hearts of the audience as members’ choice as well as the six judges with awe.
The Contest was in three stages, comprising casual round, ethnicwear and concluding with the evening gown presentation. During these rounds the judges analysed each contestant for their poise, presentation and confidence to short-list six of them as finalists. The six contestant finalists were then put into a common grand finale question-and-answer round where the finalists had to write down their answer on paper, and deliver what they had written without looking into it in front of the audience.
The poise with which Ronita put herself in the ring for the finale, she held the whole audience gripping with amazement and awe in their chairs, not knowing what would come from her next! She ruled the roost on the ramp! There was no doubt about it!
And yes, from the hushed talk in the midst of the audience, she was already the uncrowned Queen even before the title was announced.
The common question for the finalists was: “If you were given three wishes to make this world a better place, what would they be?”
Ronita wasted no time noting the best answer and delivering it with the expertise of a Toastmaster with all the voice modulations and expressions that brought raptures of applause and delight among the judges and audience: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, if I had three wishes to make this world a better place, I would first wish to spread world peace. I know I cannot make a big difference by myself and so by wishing I could end war and terror. I also believe that everyone should be treated equally and with justice and so I would wish to stop racial discrimination. I would also wish to stop global warming. It terrifies me to see that we are destroying this beautiful world in which we are living in. I think we should preserve this world for the future. Thank you!” That answer and the way in which it was put forth captivated the judges hearts!
When asked how she went about with the contest, Ronita said that she took part in the competition as a casual participant to gain experience, to build confidence in herself and most of all enjoy every bit of it. She admits that she was initially in the rehearsals past 7 days she was a nervous wreck amid more experienced contestants but took the stride in herself to enjoy every bit of the rehearsal amongst other who in fact much to her surprise were more than helpful and guiding. The main choreographer was Kevin D’Cunha and the Master compere, none other than Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin were all helpful too. All this made her feel at ease for the grand finale competition rounds. She couldn’t believe herself when she was crowned the May Queen.
“When they announced my name as the Winner, I was dumb-struck and ecstatic. And then, all of a sudden a surge of excitement ran through me. It was beyond my comprehension and almost lost my balance!” said Ronita. Ronita tells all her friends in humility, that looking back at the whole contest she feels great. Her family is proud and happy at her achievement – and she is indebted for their support and encouragement..
The Beauty Pageant was held at the Indian Club Club open air premises on Thursday, 21st May, 2009, at 8.30 p.m, where in all 16 contestants from all walks of life and Nationalities vied for the honour.
To those who know Ronita in normal life, she is an easy going friendly unassuming girl, excellent in her studies with leadership qualities and quite creative in her approach. In the past she has won Princess contests. She is also a black belt in GoJu Karate, trained in classical dance, Bharathanatyam and recently performed Arangethram. She has performed in various stage dances, skits and dramas. She was the President of Carmel Blossoms. Her hobbies include reading, dancing, badminton, swimming. In her future career she is keen on accomplishing to aspire as a Biotech Engineer. Ever ambitious, she has all the charisma to fulfil her dreams and be a positive influence all around her. And this line she says with confidence: “I want to put a smile on every face that I encounter”
The First Runner-up in the same contest was Sherry Wasif, a Banking Student and the Second Runner-up Sarika Taranath. Winners took home cash prizes worth US$1,000/-, jewellery in addition to gift hampers including electronic items, air tickets and resort getaways.
Ronita is the daughter of Veronica and Ronald Mathias of Mudarangady Parish of Udupi District and has a little brother Aaron aged 10 who is today on Cloud 9 at her adorable sister’s performance.