My Unexpected Journey into the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2015

Wearing AA Tribal for a photo shoot on the Great Court, University of Queensland in 2015. Photographer: Comme des Michelle. Stylist and director: Philma Kelegai and Cassandra Rangip

Participating in a pageant was never part of my dreams. Not because I had some grand objection to it, but honestly, I didn’t think I’d make the cut. Growing up in the small town of Goroka, nestled within the gated campus of Goroka Technical College, my world revolved around books and TV. My mum, a dedicated teacher for 32 years, ran a tight but loving ship, while my older siblings were off in Universities. So, my “squad” consisted of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, Enid Blyton’s fantastical tales, and Anne M. Martin’s Babysitters Club. Oh, and let’s not forget Kids Kona with Lisa Kerowa on EMTV and CHM Supersound with Carl- you will know them if you're a 90s kid.

Back then, I watched awe-struck as queens like Ephreddie Jubilee, Olivia Wilson, and Yaku Ninich graced the screens in the Miss Red Cross Papua New Guinea Pageant. Fast forward to my mid-twenties, I found myself in that very lineup. How, you ask? Blame it on fate—or maybe the scouting at UPNG Forum square with late queen Ruby Laufa, who casually suggested one afternoon after class that I should give it a go and introduced me to a very lovely Mrs Molly O'Rourke.

 Aunty Molly, the head chaperone had a knack for turning nervous contestants into confident young women. It was all exciting—until I got inside the competition. Let me tell you, once you’re in a room full of poised, glowing women, every single insecurity you didn’t know you had suddenly RSVP’s to the party- My feet were suddenly huge, my teeth weren’t white enough, why didn’t I have a flat butt or a curvier waistline? and why, oh why, wasn’t my hair long enough to put in a bun? Why couldn't this dress fit? Cue a crash course in finding inner peace, strength, and the loudest self-love pep talk of my life.

The Real Crown: Relationships and Growth

During the pageant, I had the privilege of meeting some truly incredible people. Christine Aiwa, ever soft-spoken and encouraging, became a quiet source of inspiration. I met Antonia Singut, who was as graceful in real life as she appeared on TV, and Alexandria Kalinoe, a powerhouse lawyer and entrepreneur. Kevin Alo brought lighthearted fun and wit to every room, while the Lam family from Samoa offered their kindness and hospitality.

And then there were my fellow contestants—Bethany, Nadia, Leanne, Sallyanne, and Tianna. Together, we laughed, supported each other, and shared the nerves and excitement of being in the spotlight. Behind the scenes, a team of remarkable Simbu people—including Rose Alphonse Daggy, Grace Dom, and Anna Amos—cheered me on and ushered me through every high and low.

I entered the pageant thinking it was all about beauty and poise, but I quickly realized it was so much more. It was about identity. About having the confidence to own who you are, represent your culture, and use your voice for something greater.

Representing PNG at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant

The cherry on top of this whirlwind experience came in December 2014, when I had the honor of representing Papua New Guinea at the annual Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Samoa. It was a privilege to bring awareness to vital issues affecting our environment, women, girls, and the state of health, education, and basic services in our country.

The pageant wasn’t just a platform—it was a masterclass in public speaking, etiquette, and meaningful conversation. Most importantly, it was a growing space where I learned to channel my identity and believe in my own capabilities. I met many amazing people around the country from rural Doctors and nurses, teachers, devout Christians who served through the church missions,  Police officers, local village and ditrict court magistrates and many more who were the engine room of service delivery of our country's most forgotten places. It showed how resilient Papua New Guineans continued to be. 

Looking back, my journey from a tiny town in Goroka to international pageant contestant was nothing short of transformative. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be this: sometimes, the unexpected paths hold the most growth—and the most sparkle. ✨


Traditionally inspired dress on stage in Apia Samoa. Picture: Ken Taitin, November 2014. 


Lined up for the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea at the Yaught Club, Port Moresby with then reigning queen late Rubyanne Laufa, Sallyanne Tucker, Nadia Parascos, Bethany Carlua, Lyanne Saun, Tiana Solomon and the official chaperone, Molly O'Rourke





Getting etiquette tips from Kathy Johnston, then Chairlady of the Miss PNG Pageant. I've always admired her for her elegance and poise. Chin up, shoulders back and tummies in!


Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Samoa 2014. From left to right: Analisi (Miss American Samoa), Kauai (Miss Nauru), Miss PNG, Latafale (Miss Samoa), Teuira (Miss Pacific Islands 2014), Cassandra (Miss Tonga), Nanise (Miss Fiji), Miss Niue and Miss Cook Islands
Leading the March against Gender Violence in Goroka Town with the Kabiufa singing group and the Eastern Highlands Family Voice team


A hearty welcome from a village chief in BogoKawa Kerowagi as I visited the Primary School with headmistress Roselyn Teine. He told me he knew my grandfather and that he would have been proud to see me today. Although my safety was not of concern, I think my police escort was very serious about his job that day. 

A village affair. My 25th Birthday was celebrated in the Kerowagi district with the whole town coming out to wish me happy birthday and welcome the crown of Miss PNG. I must admit, I felt very important that day. 
Contestants and wonderful ladies I had the pleasure of sharing this pageant journey with. Left to right: Nadia Parascos, Leeanne Saun, Bethany Carlua and Tiana Solomon and missing was Sallyanne Tucker. 

Girl Talk with the Mingende Primary School, Kerowagi in Chimbu, students while curious boys peek through the windows. 

A quick photo with the Don Bosco Technical School students in Barawagi, Chimbu. I met around 200 students who had some tough and very intellectually stimulating questions to ask. We should be grateful for mission run institutions in PNG. 


A public appeal in Goroka with the University of Goroka students for the cyclone in Vanuatu. Here, we stood on top of a truck in the centre of the Goroka Market (not a flattering time to wear heels)


I had a fun time with the Australian International School students at Mr and Mrs Ghablihas' place for their camping trip in Asaro valley, Goroka 2015. 

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