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The competition amongst the 13 international contestants should be the highlight of the 2009 South Pacific Pageant which is set for its official opening at Suva’s Albert Park today.
Besides the hosting for the event in over a week, MSSP Organising Committee secretary Aqela Cakobau said the various event held in conjunction with the weeklong festival is expected to boost the interest of the people.
“The whole set up itself and glimpse of the international contestants should be the highlight of this year South Pacific pageant,” Cakobau told FijiLive.
“This year we’re introducing Miss Elegance and we’re also having the Wasawasa Festival which has already captured the interest of the people.”
Five judges from around the Pacific have been selected to gauge the contestants capability and Cakobau added that this has triggered competing amongst the contestants.
“Besides the main prize, there are six special awards which will be based on the contestants’ capabilities and four special awards on creativity, interest, inspiration and talent.
“The prizes are not based on the judges’ decision alone some special prizes will be awarded based on online voting and texting via mobile phone.”
Special awards like Miss Personality is based on the contestants vote while Miss National Tourism is based on the contestants’ behaviour, punctuality and response to participatory exercise.
The Photo shoot at the Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Habour on Sunday will determine the winner of the Miss Photogenic while Miss Internet is awarded to the contestant with the most number of online votes.
Newly introduced Miss Elegance is based on the contestant grace and style while Miss People’s Choice is determined by the number of votes through text messages.
Cakobau said the idea of stretching the event in over a week gives a chance to the contestants to concentrate on a particular activity.
“Unlike before the event was held for three days so the contestants’ schedules were hectic and they didn’t have much time to present themselves. I believe the competition this year is fair, tough and very challenging.”
Meanwhile, a total of 60 stalls and 40 rides are expected to be in full operation today while the theme nights will entertain the crowd who will be accommodated at the newly renovated Kingsford-Smith Pavilion.
“Everything happening during the theme night will be broadcasted live on television and this should promote Fiji to the Pacific.”
Highlights:
Saturday November 21 (Fijian Night)
• 6am Official Opening of the Wasawasa Festival – blessing of the Fiji Canoe and the launching of the Ocean Noise Initiative with WWF
• 10am Flag raising ceremony at the Flea Market and official opening at Albert Park
• 12pm Opening of the Manahanna and Laje- Rotuman Story Telling and Weaving exhibition
• 7.30pm First public appearance for the 2009 South Pacific Pageant contestants at Albert Park
Sunday November 22
• 10am Church Service
Monday November 23 (Melanesian/ Micronesian Night)
• 10am Workshop on affecting change through dance at the Wasawasa Village
• 11am Opening of the Village Art Market
• 12pm Visitation of Queen to the Island Villages at the Wasawasa Festival
• 2pm Workshop on Recycle Art sponsored by the Ministry of Health at Wasawasa Village
• 7pm Second public appearance of contestants at Albert Park
Tuesday November 24 (Youth Night)
• 9am Dance Fiji workshop at Wasawasa Village
• 2pm Launch of Violence Against Women- theme: A night of Peace and Remembrance at Wasawasa Village
• 8pm Contestants’ judge press conference at Albert Park
Wednesday November 25 (Polynesian Night)
• 9am Contestant visit to the Fiji Museum and Botanical Garden
• 12pm Open Mic Jam and workshop based issues of local performance at Wasawasa Village
• 7pm Contestant Sulu and Sarong judging at Albert Park
Thursday November 26 (Fiji Night)
• 10am Pacific Craft Network hosted by World Craft Council at Wasawasa Village
• 12pm Open Mic Jam and workshop based issues of local performance at Wasawasa Village
• 7pm Traditional attire and stage interview & judging at Albert Park
Friday November 27 (Pacific Night)
• 9am Research Topic Presentation at Albert Park
• 11.30am Voting for Miss Personality and Miss National Tourism
• 7pm Contestant Talent Night at Albert Park
Saturday November 28 (Crowning Night)
• 1pm Float Procession
• 2.30pm Special Awards Presentation
• 7pm Presentation of Main Prize
