BY JOY OFASIA
IN just a few weeks, the Solomon Islands will be buzzing with excitement as the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 kicks off in Honiara.
The pageant will run from February 1st to 8th, featuring three major events: Speech Day, Float Day, and the crowning night. The event aims to create a closer connection between contestants and local communities, allowing them to experience the event firsthand.
For Ms. Joyce Konofilia, the Pageant Director, this year’s event promises to be a truly special occasion, one that goes beyond the glitz and glamour of beauty contests and places a strong focus on connecting with the local community.
Ms. Konofilia recently spoke to the media during the first press conference of the Pacific Islands Pageant SI organizing committee, held at the Heritage Park Hotel. During her address, she outlined the key events scheduled for the pageant, which will begin on Thursday, February 6th. The opening event will feature a speech competition at the AJ Mall conference room, east Honiara offering an opportunity for the residents of Lunga and Burns Creek to interact with the contestants.
“We wanted to make sure that our locals are not just spectators but are part of the experience.
“By engaging with the community from day one, we hope to create a sense of ownership in this pageant. It’s not just about the contestants; it’s about all of us coming together to celebrate the Pacific,” said Ms. Konofilia.
The pageant will feature eight contestants from various Pacific islands, including Miss Samoa, Miss American Samoa, Miss Tonga, Miss Cook Islands, Miss Kiribati, Miss Nauru, Miss Papua New Guinea, and Miss Solomon Islands.
The next major event, scheduled for Friday, February 7th, will be the float parade. Contestants will travel from the National Stadium to the Sun Valley roundabout and back to the SMI grounds, west Honiara for an exciting market day. Here, the public will have the chance to meet the contestants, watch live entertainment, and purchase goods, creating an interactive atmosphere.
The highlight of the week will undoubtedly be the crowning ceremony, which takes place on Saturday, February 8th, at the Friendship Hall, east Honiara. But for Ms. Konofilia, the journey leading up to that moment is just as important. She’s worked hard to ensure that the contestants get to experience Solomon Islands culture and traditions by visiting key community locations, including charity organizations, hospitals, and even the Prime Minister’s office. They will also visit the St. Barnabas Cathedral to attend a church service on February 2nd.
“We’ve learned from previous pageants that we can do better, and this year, we are making sure that every part of the event involves the public.
“From East Honiara to Kakabona in the West, we want people everywhere to feel included and engaged. By bringing the contestants closer to the people, we believe this event will be more meaningful and memorable,” she explained.
