Miss Pacific Island Pageant

This was the first time that the Pageant organisers had taken contestants to the island. Contestants were welcomed in the traditional Samoan way by the matai's (chiefs) of Faletagaloa Safune village and the Don Bosco College students.

An Ava (drinking of Kava) ceremony and a dinner were held in honour of the contestants.

Miss Pacific Islands, Abigail Havora said:

"Everything was just wonderful.  We were touched by the welcome. The experience is something that we will remember for a long time."

Henry Iyaro of Wantok Clothing said this when asked how he felt to be the stylist for Miss PNG entrant to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Samoa in December.

Henry is the design partner of Genevieve Igara - Faleva, of Wantok clothing.

It is a joint family business and 100 per cent PNG owned and operated.

Wantok Clothing was the stylist for Miss PNG entrant last year, who won the best sarong and went on to being crowned Miss Pacific Island.