By Delly Waigeno – EM TV News, Port Moresby
24-year-old Abigail Havora made history for PNG last night when she was crowned Miss Pacific Islands.
The judging of the various categories of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant took place over the past week in Rarotonga, capital of the Cook Islands.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant was developed by the government of Western Samoa to promote the many cultures of the Pacific islands. The pageant offers young women from around the region an opportunity to be cultural ambassadors for their countries. The pageant also aims to gather exposure for host nations, and bring publicity to the region and its many tourist attractions.
This year’s theme “Our Spirit of Adventure” celebrated the history and future of the Pacific islands people.
The first part of the judging on Friday began with topic presentation and interviews in the morning, and talent performance in the evening.
Miss PNG, Abigail Havora, made a presentation on leadership; focusing on the achievements of two prominent female leaders – Queen Salote of Tonga and PNG’s Dame Meg Taylor, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum.
The seven other contestants made their presentations on technology, climate change, environment, culture, health, education and tourism.
In the evening the contestants showcased their talents, where Miss PNG’s spoken word poetry, influenced by gender equality, her faith and her country was well received.
The crowning night took place on Saturday, where the judging for the Best Interview, Sarong Wear and Traditional Attire categories was done.
Abigail made history, being crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2015-2016. This is the first a Miss PNG has won the regional pageant since PNG joined in 2010.
Miss PNG also won the Best Sarong award and the Best Talent performance awards.
First runner-up was Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao, also won the Best Interview award. Second runner-up was Miss Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono, also won Miss Photogenic and Miss Social Media.
Miss Fiji, Zaira Begg, was the thirdrd runner-up also taking out the award for the Best Traditional dress.
The fourth runner-up title was taken out by Miss Solomon Islands, Deanne Enoch. Miss American Samoa, Suluga Talofaali Taliau, won the special awards for Miss Personality and Miss National Tourism.
Our newly crowned Pacific queen will be returning with her support team to PNG on Wednesday, December 16.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xhv0qyUVHIo%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
