Thirteen contestants for the Miss Heilala 2008-09 Crown were introduced at an orientation programme at the Heilala Village in central Nuku'alofa yesterday, July 21.

This year only one of the contestants is a local girl and the other 12 are Tongans who have come from overseas to join the event. The local girl is the Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, Lasela Manoa.

The theme for this year's Miss Heilala Pageant is 'Our King, Our Country', and the judging events will consist of the modeling of Sarongs, a talent presentation, a Contemporary Island Creation competition, the Tau'olunga dance competition and interviews.

The pageant was to be officially opened on Tuesday, July 22 with a welcome reception. The girls will make their first appearance in the Miss Tau'olunga contest on Thursday, July 24, and the Heilala Festival program will run from July 21 to August 2.

A Heilala Float Parade will be held on Saturday, July 26 from Teufaiva Stadium to Tu'imatamoana Wharf. The Miss Heilala Final Pageant night will be on Tuesday, July 29 featuring the Sarong, Talent and Contemporary Island Creation competition, Tau'olunga, interview and the crowning of the Miss Heilala 2008-09.

This year's Miss Heilala activities will be held at the Heilala Village, which occupies the vacant lots on Taufa'ahau Road in central Nuku'alofa, from where the Bagwan Store used to be to the TCF store site, and the Tungi Arcade site. The village has been marked with two white tents on either side of the Hala Taufa'ahau and also a stage.

The Contestants for this year's Miss Heilala Crown are:

1. Miss 'Amanaki Lelei, 'Ana Sunia

2. Miss M. F. 'Aloua & Sons Transport Mele Siniva Koloamatangi

3. Miss Famous Pacific Money Transfer, Losaline V. Toutai

4. Miss E. M. Property Engineering Ltd, Karen Lenora Taufa

5. Miss Apraxus Tonga NZ 2008, Natasha Fa'onelua 'Ilaiu-Tafolo

6. Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia 2008, Fiona Makisi

7. Miss Nikua Security Australia 2008, 'Emalata Hepisipa Tu'iono

8. Miss Dupincia Lodge, Michelle Mahoni Bowen,

9. Miss Tonga New Zealand 2008, Yvonne Cecilia Maama

10. Miss Ocean Star, Primrose Teejay Cocker

11. Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, Lasela Manoa

12. Miss Island Girl, Lavinia Fonoifua, USA

13. Miss Malo e Lelei Travel, Faliki Lolohea