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Organisers of the 2009 Miss South Pacific Pageant in Suva hope that future hosts of the event will have it run for a week, just as they’ve done.
According to chairman, Dhansukh Lal Bhika, whilst the pageant has been around since the late eighties, this the first time the event will be held over a week.
“Normally, other Pacific islands host the pageant over one evening only,” Bhika said.
The business end of the Suva pageant is featured in the last three nights, when the competition really heats up.
“Our plan is to spread the judging of each criterion over three nights with the crowning to take place in the fourth and final night - that is going to be exciting,” explains Bhika.
“Another new feature is the showcasing of the Pacific Island art, culture and tradition from one area. This is where we’ve introduced the Pacific Island Village where each island can showcase art, craft and music.”
Contestants will be judged on their ability to share ideas, punctuality, interviews, presentation, talent, beachwear and traditionally inspired costumes.
In regards to prizes, Bhika said: “This year, Miss South Pacific will fly Air Pacific to Los Angeles while the runner up will fly to Sydney with the second and third going to Brisbane. The fourth runner up will fly Air Pacific to any Pacific destination”.
“Miss South Pacific Internet will once again be decided through online voting by sponsors FijiLive while the People’s Choice will be decided through the most number of texts received via mobile phone.”
Bhika added that Air Pacific is sponsoring the Miss National Tourism Award while the Pearl Beauty Soap Miss Elegance Award comes with a five year modeling contract with Fiji-based regional exporter, Punja and Sons.
There are also prizes from Best Talent sponsored by CK Ezi Buy, best traditionally inspired costume sponsored by Coca-Cola and the best sulu beach wear, sponsored by Jacks Handicraft.
The pageant will conclude with the crowning of the 2009 Miss South Pacific on the evening of Saturday, November 28.
Crowning and Special Awards:
Wednesday November 25
· Contestant Sarong and Sulu Judging Night
· Best Sulu and Beachwear- sponsored by Jack of Fiji
Thursday November 26
· Traditional Attire and Stage Interview
· Best Traditionally-Inspired costume- sponsored by Coca-Cola
· Best Interview- sponsored by Fiji Times
Friday November 27
· Miss Personality- based on contestants votes - prize sponsored by Pacific Builders Solution
· Miss National Tourism- based on punctuality and presentation - sponsored by Air Pacific
Saturday November 28
· Miss Photogenic- based on best photo shoot - sponsored by Fiji Broadcasting Corporation
· Miss Internet- based on most number of online votes - sponsored by FijiLive
· Miss People’s Choice- based on most number of text message - sponsored by Vodafone
· Main Prize presentation
Miss Niue 2008, Vanessa Marsh, is the reigning Miss South Pacific.
