Serena proud to fly PNG flag at pageant

By BOURA GORUKILA
SHE failed to get a top-six placing in the 2019 Miss Scuba pageant in Malaysia recently but Serena Paul is so happy that she took part – for two reasons.
One, the 26-year-old loves modelling.
Two, she is an advocate for marine conservation, which the pageant was all about.
“It was a new experience for me being alone to contest for the crown with 22 women from around the world with diverse backgrounds.
“I also saw the importance of the initiative towards Miss Scuba International as it focuses in its work in protecting the oceans globally. I have learnt so much and proud to fly our flag.”
Serena was born on Sept 16, 1993 at Moreguina Health Centre on the outskirts of Port Moresby. Dad Paul Kob Misob is from Central and mum Carla Vela Paul is from Madang.
She is the third eldest in a family of seven.
She started pre-elementary education at the Cocoalands Elementary School in 2000 when dad Paul was working as a Department of Agriculture and Livestock officer.
The family moved to Upulima Station in 2004. She completed Year Eight in 2008. She attended Kupiano Secondary as a boarding student for four years.
Serena graduated with a Higher Education Certificate in 2012, and attended the Institute of Business Studies for two years, graduating with a diploma.
“I decided to get a job, and continue my studies when I was financially ready, since I had other siblings attending college as well.”
In November 2014, she joined Digicel TVWAN.
“I started as a sales executive. Now I am a media administrator.”
She models “for leisure” and last year decided join Miss Scuba PNG.
“It is quite different from other pageants I’ve come across, many of which embrace great causes, but none focused on our oceans.
“It’s a platform to promote and advocate on marine conservation nationally and internationally.
“Coming from a mixed parentage of the two beautiful provinces of Madang and Central, I believe in my values as an islander to protect marine biodiversity for my family, my community, my nation and our future generations.
“For a long time we haven’t valued our biological diversity and this platform displays the importance of maintaining the functionality and productivity of the ecosystem.
“This pageant celebrates not only the inner beauty and courage but also advocates worldwide marine conservation.”
PNG Modeling Agency director Jemaema Koike explains that the judging categories included talent acts, national attire, swim wear, public speaking and knowledge in marine conservation.
“We missed out on the six finalists but I’m happy that PNG participated this year which is the second time since 2017.”
Miss Scuba Australia won the pageant. She won a one-year contract to work with Miss Scuba International.
She will travel the world as an ambassador/advocate on saving the ocean globally with worldwide sponsors.
Serena enjoyed her two weeks in Malaysia.
“It has been the most challenging journey in my life. Yes, not everything goes the way you planned and this has made me stronger than I was. Building self-confidence, opportunities, community involvement and lessons you learn that guide and build you as an individual.”