Glowing Miss Heilala contestants make first appearance [1]
Thursday, June 29, 2023 - 21:31. Updated on Friday, June 30, 2023 - 11:41.
Photos by Linny Folau and Katalina Siasau
Twelve contestants vying for the Miss Heilala 2023 crown, made their first public appearance on 28 June, at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, Nuku’alofa.
Contestants were glowing as they gathered in an orientation program, attended by sponsors and families.
Each contestant was introduced, then drew their order of appearance for the Miss Heilala contest. They also drew their interview topics for their first competition, which will be the pre-pageant interview, to be held on 3 July.
Contestants in order of appearance for Miss Heilala contest:
- Miss Tuitui Fashion, Sabne Lata Ma’ile
- Miss S&S USA, Manila Graceann Ma’ake
- Miss Tonga Australia, Monica Vave
- Miss Lady Maria Australia, Natialee Mahe
- Miss Senis Online Boutique Australia, Petiola Makatu’u
- Miss Fia Dance Academy, Halamehi Tuimana
- Miss Bou’s Fashion, Mele Luisa Meredith
- 8. Miss Brilliant Star Silapeluua, Lata ‘i Tu’a Tau Naeata
- Miss Malo E Lelei Travel, Loketi Serenity Mahoni
- Miss ‘Eua Masani, Sitita Hamilton Va’enuku
- Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia, Angaefonu Angelina 'Uhatafe
- Miss Ha’apai Masani, Mele Afenga-He-Lotu Sika
- From left: Mele Sika, Angaefonu 'Uhatafe, Sitita Va'enuku and Loketi Mahoni. Tanoa Dateline Hotel, Tonga. 28 June 2023. Photo: Matangi Tonga.
The reigning Miss Heilala, Yehenara Soukop delivered a motivational speech to the girls. She encouraged them to pray during the journey, to embrace their sisterhood, and to use the best of their time during the Miss Heilala.This year, the famous Island Creation fashion category, will be replaced by a new category, Kiekie Creation.
Awards:
The cash prize for this year's Miss Heilala winner has been increased to TOP$10,000.
- Miss Heilala 2023 TOP$10,000
- First-runner up TOP$7000
- Second-runner up TOP$5000
- Third-runner up TOP$3000
- Fourth-runner up TOP$2000
- Best pre-pageant interview TOP$1000
- Miss Tau’olunga $1000
- Best sarong swim-wear TOP$500
- Best talent TOP$1000
- Best kiekie creation TOP$1000
- Best stage interview TOP$500
- Best teunga tau’olunga TOP$1000
- Special Awards: Miss Photogenic & Miss Personality