I'm like a bird and I am so high
In my lair looking at the blue sky
Can't let another day pass by
Without you knowing what I feel inside
These were the first lines to the late Ruby Laufa’s favourite song, Clap Again, by Akon.
Last night, this song enveloped the area of Fort Banner, UPNG, while candles glowed and lanterns and balloons soared into the clear, night sky.
One of her close friends, Jacquie Simons, revealed that Laufa, in a playful mood, once told them to play this song at her funeral.
Though they had taken her for granted that day, now, listening to the lyrics, they understood why she chose the song.
“We know that Ruby is looking down on us tonight,” Simons told the more than 100 residents who had gathered at the candlelight vigil.
“Even though she has left us, she will always be in our hearts.”
The lanterns signified the late Laufa's independence and free spiritedness.
Meanwhile, the former Miss PNG’s autopsy was completed yesterday. However, the authorities are yet to officially release the results.
Based on the results of the post-mortem, police will determine the charges that will be laid on the suspect.
The late Laufa’s life tragically ended on Saturday, February 11. Information surrounding her death is still sketchy as police continue their investigations.
Born on February 13, 1992, in Port Moresby, she was the Miss South Pacific PNG 2012-2013.
She leaves behind her father, Maurice, from Gulf province; her mother, Hane Sepi Nouairi-Schaaf, of Central province and Tongan-German blood, and her younger sisters, Sherridan and Rhani Villie-Maina.
(Lighting a lantern for the late Ruby Laufa)