Vodafone Fiji’s Miss Hibiscus 2010

Vodafone Fiji’s Miss Hibiscus 2010

PRESS RELEASE: 18 Nov 2010

With her new crown and the support of her country behind her Vodafone Fiji’s Miss Hibiscus 2010, Sera Tikotikoivatu, is set to take on the many other island beauties vying for the title of Miss South Pacific 2010 at this years pageant in Papua New Guinea later this month.

The Fiji contingent departs for Papua New Guinea this Saturday to begin a gruelling week of visitations, rehearsals, sleepless nights and an experience Sera will never forget.

After months of preparation, refining her public speaking abilities, rehearsing her talent, and perfecting her stage presence, Sera is the face of yet another strong Fijian contender in the annual pageant.

Sera has dedicated many hours to her wardrobe; but even more time has gone in to the most challenging part of the competition – the stage interviews and research topics.

Sera and her team comprising Hibiscus Event Group representatives, local designers, chaperones, as well as talent and beauty advisors will be greeted by the large Fijian community in PNG who eagerly await the group’s arrival.

Hibiscus Event Group Executive Aqela Cakobau reports that the PNG based support crew have contributed considerably to the construction of the float that will be used to transport Sera in the pageant parade.

“They've been having regular meetings planning for our arrival and I know that we will not lack support at the pageant venue as they are all gearing up to support and promote our reigning Queen,” says Ms Cakobau.

According to Ms Cakobau Sera is looking forward the PNG pageant.

“Sera will do us proud, promoting our country and exploring the many new opportunities that we know will come her way. She is looking forward to meeting the other young ladies from the region who will not only be there to compete for the coveted Miss South Pacific title, but to exchange ideas and bring to the fore, issues of concern to them and the wider pacific community,” she says.

“Sera has had some great support these past months and takes with her the confidence of hours and hours of preparation and some real Fiji heavy weights in terms of fashion and art,” she says.

“Epeli Tuibeqa, who was one of the King contestants in 2009 is designing Sera's
traditionally inspired costume as well as the sulu/sarong/beachwear. He was also
a winning designer in the Fiji Fashion Week and we hope that his winning streak
will continue in PNG,” she says.

“Sera's talent is being put together by Alan Alo and without revealing too much, lets just say, she has a beautiful voice and she will display something unique to Fiji,” says Ms Cakobau.

Meanwhile, the gracious reigning Miss South Pacific and former Vodafone Fiji Miss Hibiscus, who won the hearts of her people and also those of the pacific with her poise, intellect and elegance, Merewalesi Nailatikau - is also set to take the stage again in PNG; this time to hand over her current title and pass her well wishes on to the next island Queen. Having already been to PNG for the launch in October, Merewalesi is looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and joining in the festivities of this year’s pageant.

And of course, there is never a dull moment in the office of the Hibiscus Event Group, whose leader Mr Dhansukh Lal Bhikha has suggested that he and his team might like to host the next pageant should the current bidder, Solomon Islands, no longer wish to do so.

“The 2011 pageant is planned to be held in the Solomon Islands next year, as was agreed to in principle in American Samoa in 2008 when it was announced that Fiji was going to host in 2009, PNG in 2010 and Solomon Islands in 2011. In the event this does not eventuate, we will place our bid to host the pageant once again in Fiji in 2011. There's no harm in trying. We've already drawn up a proposal to this
effect. We are hopeful,” says Mr Bhikha.

With the aim to shine the light on Fiji and attract more people to its shores the visiting contingent intends to set-up a 'fiji me' corner, complete with Pure Fiji and Fiji Water merchandise as well as some Fijian artefacts at their host hotel in an attempt “to promote our country and what it has to offer.”

And last but certainly not least the amazing support of sponsors can not go unmentioned. Support from of the sponsors has been great enabling the team to prepare well and fund the trip to PNG.

Firstly, Vodafone Fiji Ltd who continues to provide the unwavering financial support it takes to hold an annual pageant and then to take the winner to the regional competition. Air Pacific Ltd - Fiji's International Carrier is providing airline tickets; Pure Fiji is providing gift packs for Sera to exchange with the other contestants and who along with Fiji Water is providing merchandise for the float procession; Tourism Fiji is providing 'fiji me' giveaways packs; and FBC and Fiji Sun are the media partners.

ENDS

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