Samoa impresses Miss Pacific Islands

By Sarafina Sanerivi 12 September 2016, 12:00AM

The current Miss Pacific Islands 2015-2016, Abigail Havora graced the Miss Samoa Pageant this year with her presence. 

While she was in Samoa, Abigail also had the opportunity to experience and observe the Samoan culture close up during the Teuila Festival.

“The purpose of us moving around is because I am an ambassador for the Pacific, and if I stay in my country alone, then what’s the use of being an ambassador if you don’t know much about what’s happening around the rest of the Pacific?” 

As it was her first time in Samoa, Abigail said everything about Samoa impressed her. 

“It’s exciting to be here,” she told the Samoa Observer. 

“This is actually my first time here in Samoa and I was really impressed with all the cultural performances and the variety of the festival. 

“I enjoy the weather and the environment, and the people are so friendly so yeah, I’m loving my time in Samoa.”

Abigail’s visit here to Samoa is part of her role as an ambassador of the Pacific. 

“I was invited to come and attend the Miss Samoa Pageant.

“We’ve been going around the Pacific, and we just came from the pageant in Tonga, and we will also go to American Samoa for their pageant. 

“This is done so the Miss Pacific can go and witness the different pageants around the Pacific. 

Nevertheless, she was very impressed with the Miss Samoa pageant, particularly the girls who competed this year. 

“They were all confident, smart and beautiful. 

“They expressed and presented themselves so well and I commend the girls for that. 

“I know it’s not an easy thing to do. You don’t know how hard it is until you get up and do it. 

“The pageant was exactly what I had expected. The girls did well and they were very talented.”

Finally, Abigail said she wants to encourage more young Samoan girls if they feel that they have what it takes to represent the country.  

“From my experience and from my journey so far, the pageant is about getting up and representing your people. 

“It can be really tricky because there are a lot of expectations and a lot of challenges. But if you are brave enough to do it, then no one should ever stop you. 

“The essential part about wanting to represent your people, is knowing who you are first. 

“And if you know who you are, you will confidently represent yourself and your culture. 

“Culture is the heart of everything that we do here in the Pacific. 

“It is a way of life, and its part of our identity and who we are. 

“The first thing I would encourage them to do, is to get in touch with their roots. 

“You should know where you come from. 

“The Pacific is made up of so many beautiful and intelligent women and our purpose is to show the world that Pacific women are able to do so many things. We are beautiful and smart and we need to carry that with us everywhere we go. And if you feel that you have something in your heart to show the world, then get up and show it, and don’t let anyone hold you back.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 12 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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