Miss Madang Kariha hands over crown to uni student Leong

MISS Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha has handed over her crown as Miss Madang to Lavianna Leong from New Ireland on Saturday night.
Leong, a Madang Technical College student, scooped the crown ahead from five other contestants at the Madang Resort in Madang.
“I handed the crown over to another young and ambitious girl, and I am certain that she will do well,” Kariha said.
“I remember very well when as a student at Divine Word University, I was crowned Miss Madang in 2018, and then was fortunate to represent Madang in the Miss PNG pageant in December of the same year.
“I did not realise what had lay ahead of me but I had a truly amazing journey so far.
“I want to thank and acknowledge those who encouraged and supported me to enter the Miss Madang pageant which then launched me onto Miss Papua New Guinea Pacific Islands platform.”
Kariha said the Madang Resort and the Kalibobo Village’s Sugen Aben Park was the most conducive location for the Miss Madang pageant’s traditional category.
The traditional category, a part of the judging criteria for the pageant, took place on June 6 at the Sugen Aben Park.
“The six girls did really well, it is such a privilege to be with them and to see them do their best.”
Kariha said she could not wait to meet the contestants for the Miss PNG pageant which will be held in Port Moresby from Aug 26-31.
“I also looking forward to welcoming the Queens from the various island nations who will be here in Port Moresby from Nov 25-30 for the Miss Pacific Islands pageant; the finest cultural extravaganza in the region.”