Tonga's Miss Galaxy Queen Pageant a colourful annual event will this year showcase on July 7-9, ten contestants vying for the title.

The event is organised by the Tonga Ladies Association, as part of their mission to reduce discrimination agains fakaleitis and prevent HIV/Aids and STI in Tonga.

The Interim Executive Director of the Tonga Leiti Association, Ms Joey Mataele, said the pageant is an integral part of their work as it provides them with the audience. She said that is why in this year's pageant they have nine judging categories that include two talent events: one for talent and another for Reproductive Health Talent. In addition contestants will present their Red Coloured Creation to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, along with their Own Creation, International Wear, Galaxy Wear, Stage Interview, Condom Creation and Recycle Wear.

Joey said at this stage 10 galaxy queens had registered to join this year's pageant including nine from Tonga and one from San Francisco, called Miss Bionka.

The Galaxy Pageant would be held at the Four Seasons Resort at 'Umusi, where the audience should expect a spectacular program of colourful outfits and performances, he said.

The Miss Galaxy Queen for 2009-10 was Miss Thumbelina, namely Christopher Halafihi.