Funny Taganes

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Meri-Paul takes a selfie as Benny and Saimone look on. Picture: SIKELI QOUNADOVU

EVERY afternoon Meri-Paul Ratuloco, Beniamino Kaloudau and Saimone Tamanitoakula return from school, they know very well what to do.

“Change the horse, collect coconuts and firewood and go to the farm,” they all said with a laugh.

Enjoying life at the village in Nawaido, Solevu, Bua, the three young boys decided to document their daily routine and since their first video was uploaded, it has taken social media by storm.

What makes their video a joy to watch, is that this is really life back in the village.

From climbing coconut trees, changing horses followed by the joys and the laughter, of boys being boys, Fijians locally and abroad enjoy watching their videos reminiscing their days back in the village and their humble beginning.

“There are no scripts to our videos — they are simply off the cuff. We just thought it was fun to have our days out in the farm video recorded, and ever since the first video was uploaded on Facebook and Instagram, we have received a lot of comments and likes from everyone, who wants more videos from us.

“Here we decided to do more videos and it has been a joy,” said Meri-Paul, the 18-year-old who is the interviewer in all their videos.

Beni and Saimone are the interviewees and the funny ones who often respond in their own way comfortable to them, with a mixture of English and the iTaukei language, some say it is broken English but to them it does not really matter as long as they enjoy themselves.

Such is their popularity that they were invited to be present at the Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and Chiefs at the ANZ Stadium. They even had the opportunity to greet the two teams and rub shoulders with the players as they landed at the Nausori airport and even produced videos with players.

Their video with Crusaders winger Manasa Mataele took social media by storm and less than 24 hours after it was uploaded on Facebook it has been shared more than 1000 times receiving more than 2000 likes with a massive 41,000 views.

One thing for sure the three young boys are having the time of their lives and to witness the Super Rugby match is something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

“I feel happy to be here to watch the game. This is the first Super Rugby match for me to watch live,” said Beni who is originally from Nukubalavu but with maternal links to Nawaido.

“I am happy too,” added Saimone, originally from Cicia in Lau but born and raised in Nawaido.

Already they have had several offers for overseas tours, the trio who now call themselves the Funny Taganes have been advised to hold off all tours because they need all negotiations to benefit them also and not only for commercial exploitation.

While they continue to make people laugh, they also have their dream job.

Meri-Paul wants to be a meteorologist, Beni a naval officer while Saimone hopes to continue toiling the land and become a full-time farmer.

Their first trip to Suva is a step in the right direction.

 

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