HB lass is new Hiri Queen

HIRI Hanenamo Queen 2010 is Kaia Morea Hila, 22, from Hanuabada representing Poreporena Lahara.
She was announced winner by Justice Minister Ano Pala at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium during the final day of the Hiri Moale festival yesterday. 
Hila, a final year diploma in business accounting student at Port Moresby Business College, was shocked with the win but said, through tears of joy: “I owe it to my parents, my family and loved ones. I can’t believe it, it is a dream come true.”
Mum Igua Arua and dad John Hila were also speechless.
“She deserved to win because she prepared well and we are proud of her achievement,” her proud mum said.
Pala, who was an official guest, stressed that history provided life lessons for a better future saying: “A man who does not know his past, does not have a future.
“Today, we are not only celebrating our history, culture and heritage but we are also making a commitment to move forward to a prosperous future with the guidance of the wisdom of our past.
“All contestants are winners. Each of you represented your people with pride and integrity.
“It is a great honour for me to announce the Hiri Queen for 2010 and I plead to you, contestants, to be role models in our villages and let the young ones take pride of our traditions.”
The 19 contestants, all geared-up to become this year’s Hiri Hanenamo Queen, were judged on the various criterions including traditional dress, cultural symbol for decorations, public interaction, confidence, public speaking and understating of traditional culture and rituals.
Judges of this year’s quest said the battle for the Hiri crown was tough this year; it was hard because every contestant was doing and giving it all according to the Motuan humble traditional standards.