Every contribution makes a difference for Miss Samoa, Papali’i Alexandra Iakopo’s journey.

Yesterday, Fiji Airways raised their hand to help the reigning Miss Samoa with a complimentary flight to Fiji as she prepares for the 2017 Miss South Pacific Pageant, which starts this weekend.

Manager Samoa for Fiji Airways, Cecil Leger, said they are delighted to help Miss Samoa.

“We felt that this is our way of helping grow the market and with these partnerships, we hope it will continue next year,” he said. 

For Papali’i, she said yesterday was a very significant day for her. Not only would it be her first time in Fiji, but also on the Fiji Airways.

“I think it is a great package and I am very grateful. I feel blessed by the support of Fiji Airways. It’s going to be my first time on their plane and also in Fiji,” she said. 

Papali’i is also thankful for the support from the local designers and especially those who have been following Miss Samoa’s journey. 

She hopes the people will feel connected to what she has to offer.

“I hope to take with me the support and hearts of the people in this competition. I am very grateful for everything and all the encouragement.”

She believes the competition is going to be tough and despite the nerves kicking in, Papali’i is certain that with the prayers of the people, she will do just fine.

“With this kind of event, you feel all sorts of emotions, basically mixed emotions. I feel confident that through the prayers of the people, this is where I know I get my strength from. 

“Faith creates a solid foundation and for me I feel confident but I have no expectation with anything that will happen in Fiji,” she told Samoa Observer yesterday.

Papali’i said she had no expectations of winning or what would happen but she was certain that she needed to be ready.

She will leave for Fiji today and will take a week’s break from her work to prepare for the pageant.

She will lay everything on the table for the pageant.

“My goal is to put everything on the table, all my efforts and to try. I am going out of my comfort zone and I will never know my capabilities if I don’t try. It is better to aim high and miss then to aim low and hit.”

Selflessness is a key essence of being a Miss Samoa which is why she does not take her calling lightly.

“When you have the people involved, it makes it more special. This job can make you become really selfless because you are no longer thinking about yourself but the people of this nation. 

“For myself it means a lot to me. Even carrying my family name, it is not something that I take lightly.”

She hopes that during her time as Miss Samoa, she will not only empower women, but also bring the community together.

Papali’i is excited to meet the other contestants that she will compete with for the Miss South Pacific title and she is more than thrilled to represent her country in Fiji.