STAFF members of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat took out this week's Bula Friday competition after judges decided that their poses best exemplified the bula spirit of the promotion.
Senior staff members of The Fiji Times who judged this week's promotion said the staff members of PIFS with their theme 'Bring on the New Year' deserved to be on the winners' podium a second time — having previously won in week one with their 'Jungle Fever' theme.
"The bula spirit was clearly evident in the entries this week, they all looked bright, warm and happy," the judges said.
"But the winning photo was really full of life, excitement and celebration and really captured a fun and festive bula mood. They stood out again, so congratulations to the Forum Secretariat, they're $800 richer today."
Other notable entries in this week's competition included those from New India Assurance and Greymouse.
Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, Arti Sharma of Greymouse said the bula Friday competition was a commendable initiative as it brought out the bula spirit in workplaces.
"It's great that we get to dress up as a team and create a lively working atmosphere. It gives a cheerful mood to the office and is a nice change from having to wear uniforms every day to the office," she said.
"Dressing up in bula brings teams together," she said.
Ms Sharma added the bula spirit meant being happy and friendly to all adding that it was about spreading cheer as well. Staff members of New India Assurance Co Ltd also weighed in on what the bula spirit meant to them.
"Bula spirit is traditionally one of Fiji's endearing qualities. It conveys with it that sense of warmth, affection and community, caring spirit that makes Fiji what it is, that is, a mix of diverse cultures intermingling in ways that are special. It shows uniformity and equality," the staff members said.
Next week is the last week of the competition with $900 up for grabs.