Heilala talent and beachwear night [1]
Friday, July 23, 2010 - 18:45. Updated on Friday, September 6, 2013 - 15:28.
Last night, July 22, contestants were judged on three categories: the colourful sarong swimwear, contemporary island creation and talent competition.
Attracting many spectators, the night began with the contestants in their colourful sarong swimwear followed by the creative contemporary island creation costumes, and talent competition.
The top five contestants in each category were announced. Overseas contestants are doing well, along with a local girl Miss Loumaile Lodge, Mafi Tu'inukuafe (18) who has been placed in the top five of the five judging events ranging from the first pre-pageant interview, the tau'olunga competition, sarong, contemporary island creation and talent competition.
The top five in random order from Thursday night's competition were:
Sarong
Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia
Miss Steak and Rock
Miss Tonga Tourism USA
Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau
Miss Loumaile Lodge
Contemporary Island Creation
Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia
Miss Steak and Rock
Miss Tonga Tourism USA
Miss Tonga New Zealand
Miss Loumaile Lodge
Talent
Miss Tonga New Zealand
Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau
Miss Loumaile Lodge
Miss Black Pearl Suites
Miss Tonga Tourism USA
Poor staging
Unfortunately this year, the setting of the Heilala Village stage under a relatively small tent facing about 100 posh seats for guests in central Nuku'alofa, was totally inappropriate for such a popular national event. Hundreds of spectators could only stand milling around on Taufa'ahau Road trying to get a glimpse of the stage, which is set at a 90-degree angle to the road. There was nowhere for all of the families with small children to sit and settle to watch the show, and from the road it was hard to see and hear. The small cramped site also made it difficult for journalists and photographers who were trying to cover the event and for people who needed move into and out of the area during the show.
Last year dozens of families were able to sit on a sandy area that was provided in front of a stage that faced the road, and there was easy access to the stage.
The Heilala Festival concludes tomorrow, July 24 with a Float Parade.