THE public can expect a range of powerful young women with substance and a passion for charity in this year’s Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus festival.
Queens’ co-ordinator, Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti said the public can also witness a beautiful array of cultural attire from the contestants as they will be dressed by some of our renowned local designers and some great variety of performance for their talents and entertainment.
Mrs Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti said preparations for the contestants started two months ago for kings, queens and teens.
“For the queens they underwent an extensive training on public speaking, communications skills, Q&A, deportment and several workshop on climate change with the ministry of environment as well as make-up workshop with Rani of the “Perfectionist” hair and make-up team,” Mrs Tikotikoivatu-
Sefeti said.
When asked as to what were her expectations this year from the contestants she said her expectations are the same for all co-ordinators and that is to be on a high.
“However, for any contestant going up onstage it will be a test on how well they are able to control and channel their nervousness to their benefit,
I have faith in my girls and all the contestants for this year,” she said.
Mrs Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti said most of the contestants have been sponsored and some sponsors were waiting for the venue to be confirmed before coming in.
“All the amazing sponsors started coming in now, the girls will all be sponsored by next week,” she said.
The former Hibiscus Queen said the three valuable lessons that she learnt from the festival and would like to impart to the contestants this year were to:
• Understand the expectation and challenge them to meet it and be a better version of themselves
• Learn to listen to the questions fully before they start formulating their answers
• Always remain grounded with a genuine heart for the people around them and become a good cultural ambassador wherever they go.
With this year’s festival being held at Nasinu, Mrs Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti said there has been a lot of hype around the venue for this year and as much as the committee wanted it held in Suva there was no other available option.
“However, the show must go on and it is our hope that you all come and support the Suva contestants, Adi Senikau contestants and live entertainment that will light Nasinu up like never before.”
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