Glowing lanterns for the late Laufa

Glowing lanterns lazily soared up into the dark, night sky of Fort Banner, Waigani, in Port Moresby this evening.

They signified the late Ruby Laufa's independence and free spiritedness.

During the candlelight vigil to commemorate Laufa's 25th birthday, close friend Avis Babalu told Loop PNG that the former Miss PNG died on the day they planned to conduct their early celebrations.

“We, the ‘Fambam’, have this tradition where we always celebrate each other's birthdays to the extreme,” said Babalu.

“We do theme parties or surprise parties for each other.

“For Ruby's party, we decided to do something simple; we were gonna get a hotel room and just decorate it.”

Babalu said Laufa wanted it to be an all-black night.

“She said she wanted to be the only one in white because she didn't want us to outshine her.”

Furthermore, the Fambams wanted to remember and celebrate their friend’s life with joy.

“The way she left us on Saturday was tragic that is why we want to make this event cheerful.

“Tonight we want to celebrate her life.

“We miss her but we hope that this will give her peace.”

Author: 
Carmella Gware