Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — When the Flag Day festivities came to a halt during the pandemic, the Society of Fa’afafine’s in American Samoa - SOFIAS, went on a hiatus and did not host their annual SOFIAS pageant for 2 years due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Now, they will be hosting their 39th annual Miss SOFIAS Pageant at the Department of Youth and Women’s Affair center in Tafuna, this coming Saturday, Apr. 22, 2023.

This year’s theme is “The Doll House Where Dreams Are Made” and will be highlighted during the Lady SOFIAS category of the pageant.

Last week Friday, April 14, they hosted their Meet the Contestants event, held a church service at the Ekalesia Fa’apotopotoga Kerisiano i Amerika Samoa church in Nu’uuli, and also participated in the Savavaliga and Solo walk during the Flag Day on Monday.

Today, the current Miss SOFIAS, Aruni Talaifaga and the four lovely contestants will be paying a visit to the Pediatric Ward at LBJ Medical Center with a gift presentation. The visit is a prerequisite event for all four contestants, who must make a public appearance. For the reigning Miss SOFIAS, it is her last charity event before passing on her crown this coming Saturday.

Shanee Masoli, SOFIAS president — along with eastern zone leader and pageant coordinator, Tualevao Auzzy Asiata, went on KVZK-TV’s nightly program Le Manuo last Wednesday to announce the association’s plans for this week and to discuss the pageant with the public.

 “Our annual SOFIAS pageant comes in time also to close off the celebration of American Samoa’s Flag Day festivities and this Saturday will be the culmination of this week’s celebrations,” said SOFIAS president.

The four contestants vying for this year’s coveted title are Karen Sekai, Kandi Lei Fanolua, Vashley Mulitalo and Christian Sa’alea. 

Special guests will include Miss UTOPIA- Washington Paris Mae Mackie Te’o Yandall; Miss UTOPIA- Alaska Tai Mauga; and, Miss Samoan Fa’afafine Association Leon So’onolole, from neighboring Upolu.

Tickets and corporate tables are still available for purchase and if you’re trying to get tickets, please contact their Facebook page, Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa.

Doors will open at 6:30p.m. and the show begins at 7p.m.