Miss Heilala Pageant

They are both 19-years-old.

Mahoni is competing as Miss Malo E Lelei Travel while Lotu Sika is Miss Ha’apai Masani at the biggest pageant in Tonga.

A total of 12 contestants will be vying for this year’s crown.

The contestants will be taking part in an orientation and photo-shoot that will be held tomorrow morning at the Tanoa International Hotel.

 The first judging event will be a pre-pageant interview on Monday 3 July, at the Fa’onelua Convention Center.

This follows last weekend's Miss Heilala pageant in Nuku'alofa, which was beset by controversy when the outgoing queen spoke of mistreatment and bullying by organisers.

Miss Pacific Islands from Papua New Guinea who attended the event was also subjected to a racial slur from the crowd.

The coordinator of Ma'a Fafine Moe Famili, Betty Blake, who was not at the pageant, said the incidents highlight wider social issues and the event should be reviewed.

"The social gap I think is gender... young woman with people in power," Ms Blake said.

Performances included fire-dancing, hip-hop dancing, singing and dancing.

In the children’s category, Triple Matt won $300 and secured third place.

Second place went to Amelia Enoka who won $500 and Mele Tovi came in first to win $1000.

Melaia Niuafu won $300 and took out 3^rd place in the adult category.

Second place went to Tolifili Hafoka who won $500 and Malia Leaaetoa won $1000 for coming in first.

Dozens of families packed the venue to watch the participants.

Digicel sponsored $1,000 cash for the winner.