The countdown to the McDonald’s Miss Samoa Pageant 2017 is on. Nine contestants have been confirmed for this year’s Pageant scheduled for Saturday 9 September. Today, we are introducing you to the contestants:

Contestant #1: Miss Samoa NZ 

Sponsor: Pacific Events and Entertainment Trust (NZ)

Full Name: Natalie Leitulagi Toevai

Age: 23

Village: Afega, Vailele, Vaisala

Education: Holds a Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology & Pacific Studies (Honors), University of Auckland. 

Comments: “I am the eldest of two but was raised with my numerous cousins and Faasamoa was the crux of my upbringing with cultural traditions, values and beliefs providing a firm foundation of God at the forefront. Dance is a great passion of mine, which was founded through my love for our siva samoa. I believe that dance is the true expression of what words cannot explain and therefore should be utilised and celebrated with pride, passion, purpose and empowerment.”

Occupation: Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Auckland. 

Hobbies: Dance, Sport &Youth

Contestant #2: Miss EMD

Sponsor : Events, Marketing & Distribution (EMD)

Full Name: Karameli Oriana Schuster

Age: 23

Village: Sinamoga, Fasitoo Uta, Salani Falealili, Saleimoa, Apia

Education:  Holds a Bachelor of Science, University of the South Pacific, Fiji

Comments: “I have lived in Samoa all my life, excluding the five years I lived in Suva, Fiji undertaking my bachelor studies. I joined the Titan Women’s Touch Club to develop my skills and knowledge of the sport. I am friendly, time-oriented, a team player and a fast learner. I also enjoy volunteering myself in activities to provide assistance. I am very excited and looking forward to what this journey will bring.“

Occupation: Technical Support - Tech for Samoa Water Authority (SWA)

Hobbies: Touch Rugby, Reading, Fashion, Dancing & Listening to Music.

Contestant #3 : Miss Tahiano MaugaLui 

Sponsor : Tahiano Perfect Fit & MaugaLui

Full Name :  Luma’ava Ava Tuna Papalii Tautaloleua

Age: 21

Village: Palisi, Sapapalii, Faga, Papa Sataua, Salailua  

Education: Student studying a Bachelor of Education, National University of Samoa (2nd year)

Comments : “I am from a family of five brothers and five sisters. I am a product of Apia Primary School, Leiififi College and currently studying at NUS. I am a passionate, optimistic, dedicated young person who takes up responsibility with enthusiasm.”

Occupation: Full time Student

Hobbies: Netball, Touch Rugby, Reading & Singing.

Contestant #4 : Miss TAPZ Fashion

Sponsor: TAPZ Fashion

Full Name:  Naitosala Jane Schuster

Age: 24

Village: Ululoloa Faleata, Saasaai-Savaii, Lotofaga & Safata 

Education: Leififi College, Avele College and Ashburton College

Comments : “I was born and bred in Samoa until my family migrated to New Zealand. I am a determined, highly motivated, optimistic and a realist person. I cope well when  the going gets tough and I am very good at finding solutions to problems. I am a positive, enthusiastic and relish a challenge. I am a fun, easy going & sociable person, I am a family person and enjoy spending time with my extended family.” 

Occupation: Owner & Director of Golden Paws Company, Ashburton, NZ.

Hobbies: Reading, Business Networking, Volunteering.

Contestant #5 : Miss Samoa NSW

Sponsor: Miss Samoa NSW (Sydney)

Full Name: Fasi Faitafa Talimatasi Liolevave

Age: 22

Village: Faleatiu, Vaimea, Fogapoa, Iva

Education: Full-time Student, studying for a Bachelor of Nursing, University of Western Sydney. (second year)

Comments: “Growing up in a strict and Christian Samoan family, it has taught me the importance of embracing my culture and understanding of the fa’asamoa way of life. I grew up in a traditional Samoan family where I was taught the importance of embracing our culture and understanding the fa’asamoa way of life. Being the eldest of 6 children, I was brought up in a Christian household with emphasis on the value of respect, discipline and humility. Health is my major passion and I hope to pursue a career in Nursing in the future. I strive to give back to the Samoan community the skills and knowledge I would gain. I am honoured and blessed to be part of the Miss Samoa 2017 pageant.”

Occupation: Full-time Student 

Hobbies: Family, Kick boxing & Church

Contestant #6: Miss Samoa Australia

Sponsor:  Miss Samoa Australia Beauty Pageant (Brisbane)

Full Name: Hopelynn Aiesi Toloa

Age: 21

Village: Fasito’otai, Toamua

Education:  Full-time Student, pursuing a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts & Humanities, Australian Catholic University. (second year)

Comments: “It has always been my dream to be in a beauty pageant or to be in some form of which I am able to represent my country, Samoa. It is still overwhelming that I’m now chosen to be the Miss Samoa Australia.  I now look forward to the experience and many challenges I am going to face, but I know my good Lord will help me, I will do my best and He will do the rest.”

Occupation: Customer Service, Woodridge News Agency.

Hobbies :  Singing, Dancing, Reading, Sports

Contestant #7: Miss Samoa Victoria Inc.           

Sponsor: Victoria Samoa Advisory Council Inc.

Full Name: Adele Faaosofia

Age: 21

Village : Tiavea, Vaiee, Neiafu, Fagalii.

Education: Holds a Victoria Certificate in Music Production, Keysborough Secondary College, Arcadia Campus, Melbourne Australia

Comments : I am one of six children, raised by pastoral parents within the Christian Faith. I own a business “Glamin with Adele - that provides make up services. My lifetime motto is to “Follow the call of God not the need of Man. I have a passion for living a Christian life in this time of world turbulence and supporting groups and activities that promote the preservation of the Environment as this is a gift from God.”

Occupation: NAB Assistant Adviser, National Australian Bank

Hobbies: Singing, Hiking, Sight seeing, Travelling & Exploring.

Contestant #8: Miss Original Style

Sponsor: Original Style

Full Name: Natasha Darryl

Age: 25

Village: Patamea, Matautu (Vaimauga)

Education: Holds a Bachelor of Arts - Double Major Anthropology, Film & Media, Otago University, NZ

Currently part time student - Post Graduate Gender Studies, University of South Pacific Alafua, final semester.

Comments: “I am from a family of three and my mother is my role  model that has contributed to my independence and passion for gender equality and human rights. I was born and raised in Samoa, and I enjoy meeting new people, learning different cultures & travelling. I am a member of the Apia Protestant Church. I love fashion and enjoy new experiences. I’m outgoing, I’m our family breadwinner, and I am always striving for the best.”

Occupation: Senior Policy Analyst, Public Service Commission (PSC)

Hobbies: Reading, Hanging out with friends, Exercising, Watching Movies, Listening to music.

Contestant # 9 : Miss House of Gold

Sponsor: House Of Gold

Full Name: Alexandra Iakopo

Age: 23

Village: Sapapalii, Fusi Safotulafai, Moamoa

Education: Holds a Bachelor of Arts, National University of Samoa

Comments: “I am a descendant of German, Tokelauan and Samoan ancestry, born to parents serving as Deacon for the Catholic Church. Born in Samoa, raised in Jamaica and USA, I have faced challenges that have strengthened my faith, eager to grow as an individual, serve and share my culture with the world, and contribute to the sustainable development of Samoa.”

Occupation: Qualification Officer for Samoa Qualification Authority (SQA)

Hobbies: Reading, Arts and Crafts/Junk Sculptures, Entertainment, Music, Sports & Travelling.