By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 28 AUGUST 2023: The reigning Miss Samoa, Heylani Pearl Kuruppu has urged the 10 contestants for the upcoming pageant to be patient, resilient and enjoy the journey of a life time.

Speaking at the official opening of the two weeks programme yesterday, she offered ‘sisterly’ advice to the contestants whom she referred to as the ‘sisterhood of the pageant.’

“We made history and my first advise to you is to be patient and resilient, things are not perfect and may not always go the way you want it, but enjoy this once in a lifetime journey,” she said.

“If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want go further, go together,” she said.

But she emphasized that the contestants remember “why” they are vying for the crown and sash of such an auspicious event.

She reminded them of the service that comes with the crown and that they are not only vying for the crown but for the heart of Samoa.

Presiding over the official opening was the Associate Minister for Tourism, Faleomavaega Titimaea Dicky Tafua.

He commended the pageant theme “Ua atoa le Mata’ina ma le Mamalu o le Tama’ita’i Samoa.” 

“The 10 contestants represent all women of the country in showcasing the beauty of tu ma aga Samoa which is important in the development of women,” he said.

The contestants picking a number for their order of appearance.

“Use the opportunity wisely to learn from and dialogue with the saofaiga sa’oao, faletua ma tausi from various districts and may the opportunity equipped you to become leaders of the future,” said Faleomavaega.

He congratulated Onomea Productions for opening the opportunity for the public to witness and be part of the pageant come Wednesday night at the Friendship Park.

The Miss Samoa Naming Right Sponsor, Digicel Samoa Chief Executive Officer Pure Leauga said the event holds a special place in their hearts as it embodies the values of beauty, intellect, and resilience that Samoa as a nation holds dear.

“Our commitment to the people of Samoa goes beyond providing exceptional telecommunications services, it extends to supporting initiatives that uplift and inspire, just like the Miss Samoa pageant,” he said.

“I am what I am, because of who we all are”
The Onomea Chairperson Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe-Tago acknowledged the Government for entrusting them with the hosting of the Miss Samoa franchise for the next 3 years.

“The key guiding principles for Onomea as we made preparations for this plan to set sail for the Digicel Miss Samoa Pageant 2023, is premised on the Samoan metaphor “E le o le Fale, ae o le Anofale,” said Leituala.

Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke (Miss New South Wales) with her mother, former Miss Samoa/Miss South Pacific Maryjane Mckibbin Schwenke.

She said the emphasis is on the importance of the selected young women’s journey in understanding and appreciating their cultural heritage, their identity, who they are and the application of their Samoan cultural values that is embedded in all that we do as a tamaita’i Samoa or as Samoans in general.

“The program launched today acknowledged the Anofale and the significant of this concept in preparing our Tausala or Tamaitai Samoa to take on their calling as an ambassadors for Samoa for the next 12 months,” she said.

Tashana Lee Opelu (Miss Lavashe Couture) with her team.

“It will allow the contestants to engage with one another and to learn about the value of the Miss Samoa platform which is to educate, to inspire, to empower and to advocate for key development issues that are impacting on Samoa,” said Leituala.

“It is about learning and discovery and to give the contestants the opportunity to learn and appreciate this exposure as a key pillar for their growth as a young Samoan woman.”

Leituala then cited a South African philosopher she believes are relevant to Samoa’s communal and collective context; the principle of survival, spirit of solidarity, compassion, respect and dignity.

“I am what I am because of who we all are.”

“All these principles are deeply embedded in our fa’a Samoa,  our values of va- nonofo and  va tausi where we exhibit alofa and fetausia’i in the way we engage and look after each other,” said Leituala.