APIA,SAMOA — One of the 10 contestants will be crowned McDonald’s Miss Samoa 2014 this coming Saturday, September 6, 2014 in front of the government building in town.

McDonald’s Family Restaurant, owned by Tautolo Charlie Tautolo is the major sponsor of the event.

The ten contestants are Josephine Mafoa, Faalagilagi Vaifale Tuisalega Farani, Monica Giselle Sene Schwenke, Tu’utasio Aiga Jessica Taulaga, Tusipepa Sandra Lilomaiava, Tili Lafaele, Monica Tuaimau Evans, Fa’ailoga Leagiagi Leota, Cheyenne Faapaia Maiava and Latafale Auva’a.

Samoa News reported on five of the ten contestants in yesterday’s edition.

The lady who will be crowned Miss Samoa will represent Samoa at local and international events, including the Miss South Pacific Pageant, which will be held in November this year.

MISS CULTURE X SAMOA

Monica Gisella Sene Schwenke, 26, was born and raised in Samoa by her late Father Frederick Schwenke and her mother Rita Betham-Schwenke. Ms Schwenke is the youngest of her siblings from the villages of Aleipata, Taufusi, Lefaga, Lepea and Vaoala. She’s lived in the United states of America, New Zealand and Australia. “My time spent between home in Samoa and abroad, has shaped and sharpened me to appreciate and uphold the Fa'a Samoa and Aganu'u.

“I am truly passionate about sharing our colorful culture and rich history with people wherever I go.” She’s an avid member of the Pacific Xpression Dance Company and The Wollongong Theatre Company, where she’s able to combine her passion for sharing my heritage and culture with my unabashed love for creative and performing arts, all whilst traveling across New Zealand and around Australia.

She’s currently studying for her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Performing Arts at Auckland University. Ms Schwenke is a volunteer tutor at Matavai Cultural Arts, where she teaches female students ages 5-19 how to conduct the Siva Samoa and Samoan Culture. “I am proud to say that I have matured into a grounded and graceful Samoan Tama'ita'i who values respect and patience, posses the virtues of honesty and humility, is resilient, hard working and journeys through all things with great love.”

She believes that with God, all things are possible. “I am grateful for the strength he has provided me, the people he has surrounded me with and the opportunity he has given me, to journey to the Miss Samoa 2014 pageant. “My ambition is to become a role model and an ambassador for the Youth of Samoa, to stand tall and encourage them to be proud of their identity and hold on to their culture.”

MISS SUPERKIDZ SAMOA FOUNDATION

Fa’ailoga Leota is an independent young woman, who’s interested in helping other people and serving the public. “I love dancing and showcasing my dancing talent. “I hope to own my own dance company in the future to teach and guide kids to reach their full potential.”

MISS MOATOGA ENTERPRISES

Afiogatuutasioaiga Jessica Taulaga was born and raised in Sydney, Australia but despite living and being invested in this multicultural society, she has also spent a lot of her time in Samoa, growing up with strong Christian faith. “Being raised and taught of the unique values, tradition and culture of our beautiful Samoa, as well as the qualities of a ‘tamaitai Samoa’, I feel beyond privileged to be a Samoan and want to showcase this privilege to others.”

Ms Taulaga is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts & a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism and participating in this prestigious event would allow her the opportunity to further her knowledge of the world and our dear Samoa, to encourage and promote our Samoan Women within our society.

“I love to challenge myself because I want to believe and better myself, hence competing in this pageant will help me gain more experiences and take back wonderful memories. As a contestant in the Miss Samoa Pageant 2014, I will flaunt and uphold the respectful, and moral traditions and values of our esteemed Samoa.

“I will strive to spark the ambition among our Samoan youth to further indulge themselves in our beautiful culture. I humbly look forward to representing the culture, tradition and values of our incredible Samoa.”

MISS POLYNESIAN SHIPPING LINE LTD

Josephine Mafoa grew up in a religious Samoan family which she claimed has shaped her to the woman she is today. Born in Siumu, Ms Mafoa at the age of 12, moved with her to New Zealand, where she attended university. She holds a Bachelors in Commerce, and was an accountant and marketing assistant at Audio Management Group Ltd in NZ. “I'm currently enrolled at Massey University Grad School and recently started a business with my mum and sister.

“In the next 5 years I hope to continue my studies, because I'm a strong believer in a good combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.”

She added,“I strongly believe that the values of our culture, respect — fa’aaloalo, serving — o le ala i le pule o le tautua, humility — loto maualalo and being courteous – aga ma uiga tausa’afia are what defines and sets us tama’itai Samoa apart.

“To be a tama’ita’i Samoa is to carry one’_s self with a humble, graceful poise yet at the same time stand proud in and be empowered by our heritage and culture.” Ms Mafoa is honored to be part of the Miss Samoa pageant 2014 calling it a dream come true “as it is an opportunity to serve our country.

“We are Samoa”, and I look forward to celebrating what makes our country unique, with our culture and traditions while also promoting our beautiful piece of paradise.”

MISS LAVASHE COUTURE

Monica Tuaimau Evans 20, is the youngest in a family of three older brothers. Her father is from Kent, England and her mother is from Saleimoa and Fasitoouta.

“My greatest joy in life is quality family time … Children are not only the center of my personal life but it is a passion that has transformed, into a career choice and future endeavor.”

Ms Evans hopes to establish her own Polynesian child care center upon the completion of her Diploma in Early Childhood Studies with assistance from her already experienced cousins.

She said,“By embarking on this journey, it will be an experience to further strengthen my identity as a Tamaitai Samoa and a platform for me to learn from the other contestants in sharing and promoting our Samoa.”

Samoa News wishes all the contestants best wishes.