BY JOY OFASIA
AS Honiara prepares to host the highly anticipated 2025 Miss Pacific Island Pageant from February 1st to 8th, excitement is building across the Solomon Islands.
This year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of beauty, strength, and cultural unity, with the theme “Leadership in Diversity and Adversity” honoring the resilience of Pacific Island women.
During the first press conference held at the Heritage Park Hotel by the event’s organizing committee, Pageant Director Ms. Joyce Konofilia outlined the significance of this pageant for the Solomon Islands. A board member of the Miss Pacific Island Pageant Board, Konofilia spoke passionately about the honor of hosting the pageant, despite the challenges faced by the small organizing team.
“This is a huge responsibility for us.
“We are a small group, but we’re incredibly honored to carry out this major event on behalf of the government and the people of the Solomon Islands,” said Konofilia.
Eight contestants from across the Pacific Islands region will compete for the coveted crown, each embodying the strength and spirit of their cultures. The pageant is set against the backdrop of a significant cultural moment, showcasing the wisdom and leadership of women who have navigated adversity and championed diversity in their communities.
Ms. Konofilia explained that the pageant is made possible by the ‘Triple P’ partnership—combining efforts from the public sector, the government, and the private sector. This partnership has been instrumental in organizing the event for the eighth time, ensuring that it continues to grow in both prestige and impact.
As the pageant draws closer, the organizing committee is focused on creating opportunities for the public to interact with the contestants and feel a sense of ownership over the event. One of the key improvements this year is increasing community engagement, with the queens visiting various parts of Honiara and even traveling to Kakabona in West Guadalcanal.
“We’ve learned from past pageants that there’s a real need to connect the public with the contestants.
“This year, we’ve dedicated our time and energy into ensuring that the people of the Solomon Islands have a chance to meet the queens and take part in the pageant,” Konofilia said.
The pageant’s schedule includes a variety of events, from speech day and float day to the eagerly awaited crowning night. Additionally, the queens will participate in visits to sponsors, charity events, and a special trip to meet the Prime Minister during the first week of the pageant.
However, the organizing committee also faces financial challenges, as the original budget of SBD 5 million has been revised down to SBD 3 million. Despite the reduction, Konofilia remains optimistic that the government will provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the pageant.
To help offset costs, tickets for the crowning night will be sold at different price points, ranging from SBD 200 for general admission to SBD 1,000 for dining-inclusive tickets. Group tables will be available for SBD 10,000, and children’s tickets will be priced at SBD 100. Only ticket holders will be permitted entry to the crowning night.
Beyond the competition, a community event on February 7th at the SMI grounds will offer a chance for locals to engage with the queens and enjoy a day of entertainment. Following the float parade, the queens will meet with the local community, and market stalls will be set up for vendors at a fee of SBD 100.
Despite challenges, the organizing committee’s dedication to fostering community involvement and showcasing the remarkable resilience of Pacific Island women remains steadfast. With the pageant fast approaching, it promises to be an unforgettable week of celebration, culture, and leadership.
