FIVE contestants took part in the 2011-12 Miss Heilala Pre-Pageant Interview this morning, Monday, July 25, the first judging event in the contest that will be decided on the crowning night on Friday July 29.

The final and fifth contestant to join the pageant was Lady Maria Tonga Australia, Victoria Langafisi.

During the interview held at Davina's House, the girls were each asked the same five questions, based on Tonga's history, culture, tourism, current events and the Heilala Festival, asked by a panel of judges that included the reigning Miss Heilala 2010-11 Mafi Tu'inukuafe, Mishka Tu'ifua, Nau Ma'u, Tapu Panuve and Liz Sullivan.

The contestants this year are Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, 'Elisapeta 'Akau'ola; Miss Siangana Travel and Gateway to Paradise Tours, Liberty Afeaki; Miss Friendly Islands USA, Pi'ilani Afu; Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia, Victoria Langafisi; and Miss National Tongan American Society of Utah Lavinia Malekamu (formerly Miss Tonga Utah).

The pageant continues on Tuesday night, July 26, with the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga competition at the Heilala stage located beside the ANZ central Nuku'alofa branch.

On Thursday, July 2, the third and final judging event is a South Pacific Evening night featuring the sarong, talent and island creation competitions.

The new Miss Heilala 2011-12 will be crowned on Friday evening at the Janfull Dateline Hotel.

The festival ends on Monday, August 1 with a float parade starting from Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium to Tu'imatamoana wharf.