Four young women have registered to compete in Tonga's first Miss Valentine Pageant that will debut in the capital on Thursday February 14, Valentine's Day.

The four girls are Maria Kata (19) of Ma'ufanga, Seini Tu'ihalangingie (19) of Kolomotu'a, Miriam Ngaue (21) of Ma'ufanga and Luse Nonu (18) of Patangata.

Monalisa Palu, the Director of Professional PR Tonga, the organiser of the event said this is an excellent opportunity for girls of poise, pride, talent and beauty as it serves as a stepping-stone to greater opportunities.

"It is a celebration organized to develop the talents of Tonga's beautiful young women. It should build confidence with opportunities for personal growth of contestants," she said.

The contest will consist of four judging categories that will include the Best Traditional Wear, Best Sarong Wear, the Best Evening Wear and Interview.

Mona said the winner would receive a $1,000 pa'anga prize and an all expense paid trip abroad, with one week of training on the catwalk, a wardrobe and a modelling interview in New Zealand.

"The rest of the paid trip is a surprise," which we will announce later, she said.

"Valentine's Day is a worldwide celebration that we can also celebrate here in Tonga, and this fun event will do just that," she said.

The contest to be held at the International Dateline Hotel may become an annual event in the kingdom.

Two more girls are expected to register for the contest later this afternoon.