Fa’afafine deserve a ‘special day’

SAMOA – The newly-crowned Miss Samoa Fa‘afafine, Precillia Mulinuu Ulberg, believes that fa‘afafine deserve a special day in Samoa in line with Mothers Day, Fathers Day and White Sunday.

Ulberg who won the best interview, based on the opinion as to whether Samoa should declare a special day for fa‘afafine, was adamant that they should.

“We deserve to have a special day to acknowledge our work,” Ulberg said. “We fa‘afafine’s have contributed a lot to the community and we have lived to serve and live to love.”

Ulberg said they have served their families, their villages and their churches and that is the kind of work that merits a special day as there is for mothers, fathers and children.

The reigning Miss Fa‘afafine added that they are high achievers and they are serving in many government ministries as executive officers and their work should be acknowledged.

On being selected as the winner for 2016, Ulberg was shocked but very excited.

“This is the third time I have competed. I entered in 2014 and 2015 and now I have finally got the crown in 2016.”

The 2016 Miss Fa‘afafine believes that experience from the previous competitions has built the self confidence needed to walk on that stage.

“I didn’t expect this tonight because we are all winners and all the girls are beautiful.”

Ulberg will turn 24 this week and winning has been an early birthday present from the Samoa Fa‘afafine Association.

The eldest of five siblings, Ulberg grew up under the care of grandparents at Tuaefu.

“I thank my mum Salaevalu my grandparents Faaniusami and Tuisila Paul Ulberg especially for their support.”

Ulberg took out four prizes, best swimwear, best talent, best evening gown and best interview.

Miss Samoa Fa‘afafine New Zealand, Jessica Hunt Auva‘a, was the first runner up and winner of the speech competition.

Miss Internet went to Barbra Tiufea Va‘a who also won the best tutti frutti creative wear.

Miss Photogenic was Celine Knowel Hunter.

With the overall winners, the 4th runner up went to Tara Poumare. Third runner up was Barbra Tiufea Va‘a. Second runner up was Maxine Fa‘amoe Etene and the first runner up wa Jessica Hunt Auva‘a.

- Samoa Observer