Dayna Amber Gale Hocog
Contestant #1
Parents: David & Gwendalyne Hocog
Support Team: Daydra Hocog / Monique Igisaiar / Franko Dlg / Gwendalyne Hocog
Dayna Hocog, 21 years old, proudly represents the Chamorro community.
She is a proud Chamorro woman and describes the Chamorro and Carolinian heritage, culture, and history - "as the values and beliefs of our ancestors that are passed down through every generation. The Chamorro culture is unique and distinct—from our traditions to our strength and resilience, it is what makes us the Marianas. The way we respect our elders, help others, and stay connected as family shows the love and values our ancestors left us with.
Our culture isn’t just something we learn; it is something we live and adapt to every day. It reminds her of how truly important it is to keep traditions alive for the next generations. Culture and heritage are the roots of who we are, and as Chamorros, they shape how we are raised to be."
Her role model is her mom because - "she is the heart of our family and the person who keeps our Chamorro values alive every single day. Growing up, she taught me that inafa’maolek—the spirit of kindness, respect, and harmony—isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. No matter what challenges our family faces, my mom reminds us that love and generosity will always bring us back together. Through her actions, I’ve learned that true strength isn’t loud or proud; it’s found in caring for others, giving without expecting anything in return, and staying grounded in who we are and where we come from. My mom inspires me to carry on those traditions with pride, to live with compassion, and to always lead with love—the Chamorro way.”
Currently, Dayna is a student at the Northern Marianas College. She hopes to one day be part of the Hospitality Management.
As a contestant for the Miss Northern Marianas Descent Beauty Pageant, she hopes to gain - "a stronger understanding of my identity as a Chamorro woman and how our culture continues to shape us today. By joining this pageant, I want to learn more about our traditions, from our language and dances to the deeper meanings behind our values so I can help pass that knowledge down to the younger generations. I also want to gain the confidence and experience to represent our islands with pride, showing others that being from the Northern Marianas means being respectful, kind, and genuine. Most importantly, I want to use this opportunity to grow, not only as a representative of our people, but as someone who can keep our culture alive and inspire others to do the same."
You can find her on Facebook @Dayna Hocog Instagram @daynaxamber
To help offset their pageant expenses, the contestants are selling raffle tickets at $5.00 per booklet, earning a 12% commission from each sale. If you wish to support Dayna in her journey, you may reach out to her on Facebook @Dayna Hocog Instagram @daynaxamber