Radiant Miss Heilala contestants join orientation [1]
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 20:31. Updated on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 18:49.
Photos by Linny Folau
Twenty out of 25 contestants vying for the Miss Heilala 2019 crown, made their first public appearance this afternoon, June 26 at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa.
The contestants, both local and from abroad, were radiant during an orientation program held ahead of judging events, which start on July 1 and end with the crowning of the new Miss Heilala on July 5.
Reigning Miss Heilala, Kalo Funganitao welcomed 20 of the contestants, with the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Semisi Sika.
Another five contestants are expected to arrive in Tonga later in the week.
The theme of this year's pageant is 'Tonga Masani'.
This thought to be the largest ever number of contestants in the Miss Heilala Pageant.
Contestants at the Orientation were (random order)
Miss Makafeke Resort- Arden Fatai
Miss ‘Alovili Home Australia- Melefifita Percilla ‘Alovili
Miss Salone Accounting Services- Manutu’ufanga Lavemai
Miss Langakali ‘o e Vai ko Puna 2019- Peti Na’a Iotamo
Miss Terra Pacific Australia- Nunia ‘Akanete Petelo
Miss Tonga Australia 2019- Anna Ma’ilei
Miss Apraxus Radio Waves of the Pacific- Tangi ‘a Tonga Latu
Miss Apraxus/Ngutulei Bar and Restaurant- Kieoma Lavulo
Miss Apraxus/Nasita Production- Lolohea Lomekina
Miss Tuitui Fashion 2019 - Soana Aleva
Miss Fe’unu Koula- Fe’ofa’aki Laula
Miss Tyer Runner Express Australia- Finalolani Chanelle Liu
Miss Bou Sports- Lesieli Tonga Kafa
Miss ‘Eua Tourism- ‘Emeline Napa’a
Miss Tonga Tourism- Denise Hafoka
Miss Infrastructure- ‘Otile ‘Ikani
Miss S&S Trading USA- Yehenara Soukop
Miss Vava’u Tourism- ‘Asinate Tupou
Miss Ha’apai Tourism- Mele Malafu
Miss Cruise Ships- Sia Tu’ipulotu
Others to come
Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia 2019- Theresa Mafile’o
Miss Apraxus/LJ Hooker Real Estate- Catherine Hansen
Miss Bou Fashion- Kilisitina Veilofia
Miss Makahokovalu- Seletute Kinikini
Miss Apraxus NZ 2019- Jeanavieve Pome’e