Five of the nine contestants for the Miss Heilala 2010-11 crown made their first public appearance yesterday at an orientation program at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel in Nuku'alofa.

The contestants were, Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau, Mele'ana Taulahi; Miss Steak and Rock, Unaloto Holani; Miss Tonga New Zealand, Kafo'atu Tulimaiau; Miss Gano Excel NZ Ltd, Fualusa Feki and Miss Lelei Finance NZ, Adeline Latu.

The girls were accompanied by the current Miss Heilala, Paea Williams.

Four other contestants, Miss Tonga Tourism USA, Nyoka Lavulo; Miss Black Pearl Suites, Saloloma Takitaki and Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia, Abel Tauheluhelu were expected to arrive in Tonga later in the week. Miss Loumaile Lodge, Mafi Tu'inukuafe, a local contestant was not able to attend the first public appearance.

The judging events for the Miss Heilala Pageant begin next week from July 19-23 at the Heilala Village in downtown Nuku'alofa.

Festivities

On Friday evening, July 16 the Heilala Festival Block Party will be held on Taufa'ahau Road, followed by Talent quest on July 17 at the Heilala Village.

A Heilala Festival Choral evening sponsored by Western Union/Fexco Tonga Ltd. will be held on Sunday, July 18 at Pangai Lahi.