Nine young women will be vying for the Miss Heilala pageant title in Tonga’s annual festival which will be held from July 1-7 in Nuku’alofa.
The contestants, who are aged between 19 to 23 years old come from Tonga, United States and New Zealand.
The Miss Heilala pageant is the highlight of the two-week Heilala Festival which begins on Monday, June 26.
A variety of events are scheduled with a ‘Chef of the Year’ competition opening the festivities.
Other events include Tradition and Tongan Night, Tonga’s Got Talent Quest, Cultural Dance Competition for schools, Cultural Singing Competition, Gospel services, Heilala Block Party and an International Food Festival.
The reigning Miss Heilala Laura Lauti is expected to attend the pageant.
The Miss Heilala contestants are:
- Miss Apraxus Immigration NZ 2017 – Ophelia Kilitili Kava (23)
- Miss Bou’s Fashion 2017 – Kilisitina Uikelotu Pine (23)
- Miss Bou’s Sports – Melesiu Jasmine Fale Ula (19)
- Miss Keiutu – Vrana Margot ‘Ofa-ki-latai (19)
- Miss Loumaile Lodge – Lilipeti Kathy Alla Sally Manu (20)
- Miss S&S USA Store – Linga Tamoua (20)
- Miss Sustainable Tourism Development – Tu’ipulotu Sia ‘I Lomipeau (20)
- Miss Tonga Tourism - Margarita Vaselina ‘Ana Fehoko Havea (22)
- Miss Tuitui Fashion – Titania Tiara Monic Matekuolava (23)
The first public judging is scheduled for July 3.
