Miss PNG thanks supporters

Weekender

MISS American Samoa, Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai is the new Miss Pacific Islands.
The 24-year-old was crowned by the outgoing Miss Pacific Islands, Fijian Anne Dunne at Prince Charles Park inNadi, Fiji on Saturday, Dec 9.
American Samoa last won the title 15 years ago, when Lupe Ane Kenape Aumavae was crowned in the Cook Islands in 2002. This is the sixth time the titlehas travelled to American Samoa.
Miss To’omalatai was born in Onenoa, American Samoa, and was studying nursing at the University of Hawaii at Kapi’olani Community College before sheentered the Pageant. Her goal is to become a registered nurse specialising in treatment and care of diabetes patients and bring about awareness on diabetes. She recently worked for the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, and will now focus on fulfilling her role as the Pacific Queen.
On the theme of Climate Change to Sustain our Islands, the judged categories of the Pageant were divided into three nights, with the crowning on the fourth and final night as witnessed also by the Pacific region and around the world, through livestream coverage broadcasted through Fiji TV.
Miss Pacific Islands Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalatai said:
“To my dad, I wish you were here, To my families and friends, to my team and especially to my country, thankyou all so much.”
“Thank you American Samoa, I’m truly so blessed to represent such a country.
”Faafetaitele lava, vinakavakalevu.”
With these words, Miss American Samoa MatauainaTo’omalatai became the new Miss Pacific Islands.
She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not hold back tears as she acknowledged everyone, including her father who recently passed away.
In her topic presentation, To’omalatai spoke on health, focusing on diabetes which her father had died from.
“According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases is a crisis in the Pacific.Let us put the world, the region and the country to the side but focus on yourself because it is a crisis for the ones you love.”
She further spoke about some specific studies that reflect the health choices people make, and the damaging consequences that come with them.
“If we want to battle the these diseases we must change our way of life by exercising, have a balanced diet and continue to live healthy.”
American Samoa leads the region in obesity and lifestyle diseases. To’omalatai is passionate about health and her goal is to become a registered nurse specialising in treatment and care of diabetes patients and bring about awareness on diabetes.
Miss Papua New Guinea – Niwali Anastasia Twain said:
“When I walked down the stage (regional pageant) on that Wednesday (Dec 6) morning with the Papua New Guinea flag in my hand, tears were welling inside of me. How could I be one person representing so much of my 8 million plus people back at home? I was humbled and honored at the same time to walk the stage with the flag flying high.
It’s been a week since the Regional Miss Pacific Islands pageant in Nadi Fiji. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG (MPIP PNG) Team has arrived safely home.
I would personally like to take this time to thank Yahweh for His grace upon us there. It was a very challenging time but certainly He saw us through. Secondly, I would like to thank all you supporters family, friends and country men and women for standing with us. Our involvement in the regional pageant was a duty for our country and all your support gave us the courage through each of the pageant day.
We have all done our very best and though we haven’t secured any placing in the pageant, the experience attained from there was truly an eye opener and and encouragement for me personally. It has inspired me and I thank God this was so, to prepare me for the 10 months of what is left in my reign.
I have so much gratitude for the MPIP PNG committee. Thank you for everything we’ve gone through in Nadi.
To my sponsors Paradise Foods Ltd, thank you for allowing your staff Jessica and Karina to be there for me. I couldn’t thank you all enough.
To my eight other beautiful sisters (regional contestants) and our former Queen Anne Dunn, thank you so much for the friendship and experience. I have learnt so much for each of you
To each and everyone of you who have in the quietness of your hearts have offered prayers , thoughts and words for us. I pray blessing over each of you.
From the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much.”
The Traditionally Inspired Dress worn by Miss Papua New Guinea was designed by Genevieve Igara-Falevai of Wantok Clothing. Twain’s award-winning sarong which paid tribute to the green emerald tree snail of Manus was designed by Tetiyanah Copland.
The main and special awards for this year’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant are listed below.
Winner – Miss American Samoa
Main Awards:
Best Sarong – Miss Papua New Guinea
Best Traditionally Inspired attire – Miss American Samoa
Best Talent – Miss Samoa
Best Interview – MissSamoa
1st Runner up – Miss Samoa
2nd Runner up – Miss Fiji
3rd Runner up – Miss Cook Islands
4th Runner up – Miss Rapa Nui
Special Awards:
Miss Internet – Miss Samoa,
Miss Personality – Miss Samoa,
Miss Photogenic – Miss American Samoa,
National Tourism Award – Miss American Samoa.
The contestants for this year’s Pageant were from American Samoa, Cook
Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Rapa Nui, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Samoa.