Special day for fa’afafine requested

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 04 September 2016, 12:00AM

The newly-crowned Miss Health Fa’afafine Association 2016-2017 Precillia Mulinuu Ulberg believes that fa’afafine deserve a special day in Samoa in line with Mothers Day, Fathers Day and White Sunday. 

Ulberg who won the best interview, based on the opinion as to whether Samoa should declare a special day for fa’afafine, was adamant that they should.  

“We deserve to have a special day to acknowledge our work,” said Ulberg. 

“We fa’afafine’s have contributed a lot to the community and we have lived to serve and live to love,” Ulberg added. 

Ulberg said they have served their families, their villages and their churches and that is the kind of work that merits a special day as there is for mothers, fathers and children. 

The reigning Miss Fa’afafine added that they are high achievers and they are serving in many government ministries as A.C.E.O.s and C.E.O.s and their work should be acknowledged.

On being selected as the winner for 2016, Ulberg was shocked but very excited. 

“This is the third time I have competed. I entered in 2014 and 2015 and now I have finally got the crown in 2016.” 

The 2016 Miss Fa’afafine believes that experience from the previous competitions has built the self confidence needed to walk on that stage. 

“I didn’t expect this tonight because we are all winners and all the girls are beautiful.” 

Ulberg will turn 24 this week and winning has been an early birthday present from the Samoa Fa’afafine Association. 

The eldest of five siblings, Ulberg grow up under the care of grandparents at Tuaefu. 

“I thank my mum Salaevalu my grandparents Faaniusami and Tuisila Paul Ulberg especially for their support.” 

Ulberg also acknowledged the great support of SSAB Samoa especially to the Managing Director, Fiti Leung Wai and the supportive staff. 

Ulberg took out four prizes, best swimwear, best talent, best evening gown and best interview. 

Miss Samoa Faafafine New Zealand, Ms Jessica Hunt Auva’a was the winner of the Speech Competition. 

Miss Internet went to contestant No 9 Ms Barbra Tiufea Va’a who also won the best tutti frutti creative wear.

Miss Photogenic was contestant No 2. Celine Knowel Hunter. 

With the overall winners, the 4th runner up went to contestant No 3 Tara Poumare. 

Third runner up was contestant No 9 Barbra Tiufea Va’a. 

Second runner up was contestant No 7 Maxine Fa’amoe Etene and the first runner up was contestant No 4, Jessica Hunt Auva’a. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 04 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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