Telesia Kaitapu, Miss Heilala 2004-5 [1]
Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 14:59. Updated on Thursday, May 1, 2014 - 18:01.
A nineteen year old local beauty, Telesia Kaitapu was crowned Miss Heilala 2004-5 last night, by the Hon. Fane Tupou Vava'u Tuita at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, Nuku'alofa.
Telesia becomes Tonga's ambassador for Tourism and wins a return trip to Sydney along with other prizes.
"It's a new feeling," said Telesia this morning, "but I'm still myself. To me winning Miss Heilala is a responsibility as well. I will have to put extra effort into everything I do,"
Telesia works for the airport Leiola Duty Free Shop, her sponsors in the pageant. She is a former Tonga High School and Apifo'ou student and completed Tonga Form 7, before becoming a stewardess for Royal Tongan Airlines 757. She is the fifth of the eleven children of 'Aloisio and the late Lusia Kaitapu of Tu'atakilangi, Nuku'alofa.
Telesia is the third member of her family to win the title, her sister Christina was Miss Heilala 2000-01, and their first cousin Tafolosa Kaitapu was Miss Heilala in 1992.
Telesia won the Ngatu Creation, with high places in the Talent, Sarong and Interview parts of the contest, as well as the prize for the Best Modern Ta'olunga Costume.
"I have had a great time and so much fun taking part in this contest, it's been a good experience," said Telesia. Without the support of her family, Joey Mataele and the gang, the Leiola Duty Free and other supporters, she said she would not have been able to do it.
Telesia's trip to Sydney is courtesy of Polynesian Airlines, and $1000 cash prize from BansalCountry Fried Chicken, and other prizes from contest sponsors.