Benefitting from two worlds

TAHITIAN beauty Herevai Hoata, 22, is enjoying life in both worlds – the traditional and the western.
She is among the 12 island queens from Pacific nations vying for the Miss Pacific Pageant crown in Port Moresby. Miss PNG Leoshina Kariha is the reigning Miss Pacific. Herevai has a degree in Communication and Information and works for a local TV channel as a weather reporter. She aspires to one day become a news journalist. She won the Miss Heiva contest in April this year.
“Miss Heiva is a representative of our cultures. She is the ambassador of our dances, languages, songs and much more. Growing up, culture and traditions have always been part of my life. That’s why having this title is such an honour for me.”
Herevai is looking forward to be in PNG during the week-long pageant next week. She hopes to be crowned Miss Pacific.
“I always believe that to be true to one’s roots is the foundation of one’s life and the wings to one’s future.”
She credits her family and friends for moulding her into the woman she is today.
“My two brothers shaped my love for adventures. My parents made me aware of my choices. I feel I am strong, determined, courageous, optimistic and conscious of my environment and surroundings.”
She believes the Miss Pacific Islands pageant is providing an opportunity for young women to discover the beautiful cultures and traditions as well as to share common ideals.
“I cannot wait to meet all the contestants, their chaperones and each person making this adventure possible.”