Seven women from all over the Pacific will compete in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant later this month.
Among them is Miss Tonga, Kalolaine Funganitao.
As Kaniva news reported earlier this year, the 23 year-old was crowned Miss Heilala 2018 in July.
She is also Miss Appraxus Tonga New Zealand.
In the Miss Heilala competition she won four of the five judging categories including island creation, pre-interview, talent, and sarong wear.
Funganitao will be joined by Miss PNG, Leoshina Mercy Kariha; Miss Samoa Sonia Piva; Miss American Samoa, Magalita Johnson and Miss Tuvalu, Emelipelesa Panapa.
Contestants from the Cook Islands and Rapa Nui (Easter Island) are also expected to compete.
The competition begins on November 29.
The theme for this year’s pageant is Pasifiki Masani, or ‘Magnificent Pacific.’
Contestants are working with family and sponsors to prepare for the event. For some it will be the first time they have been to Tonga.
Piva said she was looking forward to being in the kingdom.
“It is quite exciting and a great first time experience,” she told the Samoa Observer.
“The sponsors, the committee, my family and everyone have been always behind me.
“The only challenges I face are just trying to get over the nerves. And then a matter of getting mentally ready as well as physically ready which is the biggest challenge I have at the moment but it’s coming along well.”
There will be a float parade in central Nuku’alofa.
The winner will be crowned on November 30.
The main points
- Seven women from all over the Pacific will compete in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant this month.
- Among them is Miss Tonga, Kalolaine Funganitao.
- She was crowned was crowned Miss Heilala 2018 in July.
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