Special: Miss World Fiji 2012
16-year-old crowned Miss World Fiji 2012
Torika Watters,16, from Nadi, was crowned Miss World Fiji 2012 at the Suva Civic Centre, in Suva. Watters has Fijian, Australian and Irish background. She will represent Fiji in Miss World 2012 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia on August 18. In the photo above, Watters is crowned by Aishwarya Sukhdeo, Miss World Fiji 2004.
The first runner-up was Koini Vakaloloma (right) and the 2nd runner-up was Tuula Aitcheson (left)
Supermodel Rachel Hunter, who judged the pageant, gives a hearty advice to the young queen.
Supermodel Rachel Hunter in Fiji for the pageant
New Zealand-born supermodel Rachel Hunter (photo) is currently in Fiji bringing her considerable expertise to the Miss World Fiji 2012 pageant.
Hunter was at the Pacific Harbour near the capital Suva on Tuesday after jetting into the island nation and has created excitement among the Fijian communities already. She is in Suva Wednesday as the official engagements for the Miss World Fiji pageant begin.
According to Fiji's National Pageant Director Andhy Blake on Wednesday, Hunter and Fear Factor Grand Champion USA Mark Hewlett, as the two celebrity judges, will join local Fijian judges of Hupfeld Hoerder, Zelda Thomas Paige and Carl Probert to decide which Fijian young lady will be Miss World Fiji 2012.
The Fijian beauty will represent Fiji to China for the international pageant.
Blake told media that the contestants would find out this Saturday, who among them would represent Fiji at the Miss World competition and they were certainly excited about the whole pageant.
"This Saturday, one of these 13 young beautiful ladies will be crowned Miss World Fiji 2012, it will be an emotional event as they've all grown close over the previous weeks of preparation," Blake said.
The Miss World Fiji competition started with the Tavarua Island Beach Beauty Competition widely publicized earlier this year. The 13 contestants will find out the winner of the Beach Beauty Competition just before the crowning. (China.org.cn, 4/19/2012)
Thirteen vie for Miss World Fiji crown
EACH of the 13 semi-finalists for the Carpenters Miss World Fiji 2012 pageant has what it takes to capture the Miss World crown.
Pageant director Andhy Blake was adamant that the girls epitomised the motto of the world pageant 'Beauty with a Purpose'.
"Each of the 13 semi-finalists in their own right have showcased to me amazing ambassadorial qualities, including the heart of our platform which is compassion for the underprivileged," Mr Blake said.
The director said the finalists were selected based on their intellect, inner beauty and personality.
The contestants would be presented on the three key attributes inform, empower and create.
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Carpenters Fiji Limited 2012 Miss World Fiji national director, Andhy Blake, sixth left, with contestants during the launching in Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU |
"Without a doubt, I can confidently prophesy that our representative will be one of the selected few that will be earmarked to capture the Miss World crown," Mr Blake said.
He said the girls were also researched and said some were raised from humble backgrounds and their stories would be influential and encouraging to the younger population.
"In the time spent mentoring each of these beautiful special young women, I am honoured to showcase unique gems that have been through the incubation stages of learning the requirements to fulfil the motto of Miss World's Beauty with a Purpose," he said.
The Miss World Fiji contestant would also be an advocate on raising the awareness on mental health.
The Fiji representative would be picked on Saturday April 21 and join 126 other contestants on the Miss World tour from July to August in Mongolia. SOURCE: Fiji Times, 4/17/2012
Tavarua Island plays host to Miss World Fiji photoshoot
The most famous heart shaped island in the South Pacific and one of the World’s famous surf destinations will play host to Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 finalists this Sunday.
Tavarua Island which is located in the Mamanuca Island chain and within close proximity of seven unique waves including the famous and iconic Cloudbreak and Restaurants is hosting the finalists to a photo shoot to be captured by Mr Shiri Ram of Imagine South Pacific Photography – the official ohotographer for the 2012 event.
One of the Directors for Tavarua Island – Mr Rick Isbell is very excited to being apart of this event and looking forward to hosting the Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 finalists.
As part of the preliminary competition, Tavarua Island has also sponsored “Miss Beach Beauty” and will be judged by supermodel Rachel Hunter. The Beach Beauty award is awarded to the delegate that showcases confidence, poise and fitness during the swimsuit segment of the competition and this will be determined on the 19th of April at the private pudging.
Local Fijian Professionals - fashion designer Mr Hupfeld Hoerder, former model Mrs Zelda Thomas-Paige and former Olympic swimmer Mr Carl Probert will also be apart of the judging panel alongside the International line up to select Fiji’s representative to Miss World 2012 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia on August 18th.
Miss World Fiji 2012 Prize List
- Return trip to Ordos, Inner Mongolia to represent Fiji at Miss World 2012
- Spokesperson Fiji Alliance for Mental Health
- Return trip to Los Angeles, U.S.A
- 1 year Modeling contract with L.A Models in Los Angeles U.S.A
- 1 page Editorial with Critical Beauty Journal
- Jewellery set from J Hunter Pearls
- Beauty and Skin treatment from Mantra Fiji
- Handset from Vodafone Fiji
- Dinner for two at Mango Cafe
- Weekend for two at Naviti Resort Sigatoka
- Designer swimsuit from SAHA Swimwear, Bogota, Colombia
- Designer Wardrobe from Toni Marie Compain, Hupfeld Hoerder and Naina Khaiyum
- Designer Footwear from Holsters Australia and Motibhai Group Fiji
- Dental Care
- Nutritional Care
- Personal Trainer and Fitness Guide
- 1 year management for public events, fashion shows, product launch and endorsements including personal stylist for all public engagements
Meet the 2012 Miss World Fiji finalists
A one-year modeling contract for the new queen
LA Models, the largest model agency in the west coast of the US is gifting the winner of Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 with a 1-year model contract as part of her prize package during the inaugural event. Representing the likes of famed models – Sui He, Elisabetta Canalis, Tony Ward and Elle McPherson, Vice President of LA Models – Mr Chris Forberg is excited to have a first look at the exotic beauties contesting the Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 Pageant.
Model scout of LA Models and former winner of reality show "Fear Factor US", Mr. Mark Hewlett will be in Fiji from April 17th and will also be in the jury to select Fiji’s representative to Miss World. Apart from the 1-year modelling contract with LA Models, Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 will also win a return trip to Hong Kong, China and Mongolia touring with over 125 other contestants during the month-long Miss World competition. She will also win a handset from Vodafone Fiji, weekend package at The Naviti Resort, beauty treatments from Mantra Fiji, designer swimsuits from SAHA – the official swimwear of Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji and based in Bogota, Colombia; footwear from Holsters and Motibhai Group Fiji including a designer wardrobe from some of Fiji’s leading fashion designers among many other prizes.
Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 begins on the 19th of April with a private judging then followed by the ‘Fire and Ice’ theme charity cocktail in aid of Mental Health Fiji on April 20th and ‘The Finals’ on April 21st to be held at the Suva Civic Centre. Tickets for both public events will go on sale from this weekend at Village six cinemas and for more information, please visit the website www.missfijiwold.com
Supermodel Rachel Hunter to serve as judge
Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012 is pleased to announce the International Judging line up that will be apart of the jury to select Miss World Fiji 2012 at The Suva Civic Centre on April 21st.
National director Andhy Blake said that apart from the attendance by reigning Miss World 2011 from Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos, Fiji would also play host to Supermodel Rachel Hunter. Ms. Hunter, an original crop of Supermodel along with the likes of Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell and former wife of rocker, Rod Stewart is said to be looking forward to this trip to Fiji.
‘I have always had a soft spot for Fiji and being asked to select Fiji’s representative to Miss World was such a huge honour, I have seen the Miss World Fiji finalists and I am excited to meet each one of the stunning and beautiful contestants.’
Joining Ms. Hunter will be former Miss Australia and Miss Universe 2008 semi-finalist – Laura Dundovic, New Zealand based fashion stylist – Brandon Beattie, humanitarian ambassador – Alexander Petrov and Fear Factor grand champion USA and LA Models model scout – Mark Hewlett. They will be joining our local panel of judges that will be decided in early April.
PRESS RELEASE sent on 3/29/2012
Fashion for Relief: Fiji Flood Appeal
from Andhy Blake
I wish I could greet you in a warm sunny way but I am sure you would have heard about the devastating weather hitting Fiji this very moment.
Our main centers have been affected by rain and flash floods and many people have lost clothing, food and homes - it is heart breaking seeing all of this as this is the second time in 2 months for Fiji to experience the wrath of mother nature.
I am temporarily based here to fulfill my Miss World contract and after viewing the natural disaster and seeing the people suffer, I am hoping to fulfill the motto of Miss World's Beauty with a Purpose.
Together with my 15 semi finalists for Miss World Fiji, we are reaching out to the international community to help our people that are currently suffering from this drastic weather change.
I humbly request your generous support in each of the following areas:
1. Clothing - any sort to help those that have lost almost everything
2. Food items (canned)
3. Blankets
4. Shoes
5. Sundries
6. Toys
7. Books
And for those wishing to donate to our Miss World Fiji Beauty with a Purpose Fashion for Relief Fiji Flood Appeal - we have a ANZ Fiji bank account for any generous donations.
Please let me know if you can assist our people in any way and I thank you in advance for supporting our Beauty with a Purpose cause. Our address to receive all items can be addressed to:
C/O - Miss World Fiji Beauty with a Purpose
Andhy Blake
11 Waimate Street
Lami
Suva
Fiji Islands
Phone +679 935 6724
(Email dated March 30, 2012)
The Miss World Fiji crown
This Miss World Fiji crown is a unique piece and Fiji is the second country in the World from all 126 franchises to have such crown, the other being Venezuela. We would like to extend a huge Vinaka Vakalevu to our crown sponsor, Bralee, based in the USA.
Updates
We are excited to announce our exclusive naming rights partner - Carpenters Fiji Limited.
20 women for Miss World Fiji
In terms of all press and media relations moving forward, our event will now be Carpenters Fiji Limited Miss World Fiji 2012.
I have decided that instead of the 7th of April as being our official launch cocktail, we will now have this on the 14th of April, a week after Easter so as to allow many of us the opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones.
I have also secured The Fale at The Forum Secretariat for our Official 'Fire and Ice' theme ball. This will take place on the 20th of April with further details closer to the time.
Our casting rounds was a huge success - we have found a fantastic crop of young, intelligent and passionate women that I believe will not only do us all proud but take it all the way to winning the 2012 Miss World crown.
Andhy Blake
National Director
Miss World Fiji 2012
(Email dated March 21, 2012)
20 women for Miss World Fiji
MISS World Fiji Pageant organisers will name the 20 semi-finalists in the next two weeks for a boot camp later in the month. Pageant director Andhy Blake and fellow judge Riddhi Damodar were blown away by the response they received from all four casting calls, the final one being held yesterday at the Five Princes Hotel at Samabula.
"The girls that came in for the casting calls were all ambitious and intelligent," Mr. Blake said.
"It's really encouraging for us; we are even more excited now to get things going."
Mr. Blake confirmed 24 girls had already caught their eye.
"I am looking for that x-factor; the girls that come into the room and gives you the warm fuzzies in their confidence and in the way they speak," Mr Blake said.
Mrs. Damodar added one of the things she would be looking for to help her decide on who to select into the semi-finals would be natural beauty.
"Their excitement for the charity and cause they support will also be important to me."
The semi-finalists will be known on April 7.
The boot camp is scheduled to be held on March 26 through to April 18 where Mr Blake will take the semi-finalists in training for etiquette, styling, walking and so on.
The Miss World Fiji Pageant will be held on April 21 in Suva but organisers have yet to confirm the venue.
SOURCE: Fiji Times, 3/18/2012
New sponsors and partners
Firstly, an exciting announcement to inform you all that we have just today secured FIJI TIMES as our Print Media Partner after they had offered us an attractive package for both Editorial and Advertising surrounding Ticket Sales, Press Releases and Exclusive Interviews. We however have been very grateful to THE FIJI SUN for the recent coverage to date.
In a bid to strengthen our branding, we have also decided to merge with HIBISCUS EVENTS GROUP to support our event in terms of their Volunteers and Experience. We were pleased to be approached by Aqela Cakobau and have also decided that our semi finalists would be able to also enter should they decide, Miss Hibiscus Fiji Pageant in August. Both our platforms are similar in that we are a Charitable Event including finding suitable and worthy Ambassadors for Fiji to Miss South Pacific and Miss World contests.
Our Official Launch will take place on the 7th of April - commencing at 7pm and will be held at Five Princes Hotel on Princess Road. This is also a way of honoring your commitments and support for our event as well as a chance to meet and socialize with our hard working team of volunteers including presenting to the Media our chosen 20 semi finalists and announcing our Sponsorship line up.
April 20th is set aside to host our 'Fire and Ice' theme Fundraising Event. We are yet to finalize a venue however we will inform you of this in due course. It is a semi formal event - Males in a Shirt and Black Neck or Bow tie and Females in either Red or White Dresses. Proceeds from this event will be donated towards our Beauty with a Purpose cause - Mental Health.
Our event finals will take place on the 21st of April, from 7pm to 9pm with a pre cocktail event, starting at 6pm for you as sponsors at THE SUVA CIVIC CENTER. This will also be a semi formal event including designated VIP Reserved Seating for all our sponsors in the various tiers of sponsorship you have supported us with.
After our inspection of the venue today, we have decided to place all your banners and signs at the Main Foyer for when guests arrive including the landing for which will host our pre drinks. Please let me know if you have any reservations about this - I am open to any suggestions and aim to please each and everyone of you as without you, this event will not be a success.
Finally, If you can please assist us in supporting our ticket sales to both THE BALL AND FINALS by sending emails to your own data base once our ticket sales begin.
I thank each and everyone of you for your tremendous support and I look forward to meeting you all, having a laugh and enjoying what is truly a unique event for Fiji.
Till our next up date, have a blessed weekend and keep smiling.
Vinaka Vakalevu,
Andhy Blake
National Director
Miss World Fiji 2012
(Email dated March 14, 2012)
Miss World Fiji takes centre stage on April 21st
The inaugural Miss World Fiji pageant is set to take place in Suva on the 21st of April, 2012. In a bid to have representation at the 2012 Miss World pageant in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, 20 young women semifinalists’ will be chosen to compete for the inaugural title of “Miss World Fiji”.
The theme of "Beauty with a Purpose" is at the heart of Miss World, working tirelessly to raise funds for many good causes over the years. Millions of dollars have been raised and donated to local and international organisations in aid of disadvantaged children the world over and as such the Miss World Fiji pageant
has embraced the same "Beauty with a Purpose" charity cause.
In its humanitarian efforts to raise awareness on issues that concerns Fiji, the Miss World Fiji pageant has announced its cause for this year - "No Stigma, Not Mental" in partnership with the Ministry of Health, St Giles Hospital will be the recipient of this year’s Miss World Fiji’s charity Chest.
Miss World Fiji National Director, Andhy Blake said "We are proud to support our nominated cause. Our goal is to help raise funds to develop respite centres for our mental health systems in Fiji". He also adds that the number of mental health cases in Fiji is on the rise and that Fiji needs facilities and services to better deal with the problem, he says “These respite centres will be a place where those who need safe environments to express their thoughts, feelings and just have an outlet to better cope with their mental issues”
Calls for Casting in the West and East
The Miss World Fiji pageant is looking for young, enthusiastic, intelligent, self-driven Fijian women to attend the Miss World Fiji casting at the following places.
8th of March, Thursday - Lautoka City at Pivot Point Fiji, 1st Floor, Baylic Clinic Building, from 3pm – 5pm
9th of March Friday – Nadi Town at Ed’s Bar from 12pm – 3pm
10th of March Saturday – Suva City at 5 Princes Hotel from 9am – 5pm
National Pageant Director Andhy Blake says “We’re looking for young capable women who have beauty of face, figure and personality. They need to be passionate about community and charity work because it's just not about the glamour, it's about giving back and caring about the community you live in. Fiji has the most beautiful, exotic and unique looking women in the world. It is the aim of this pageant to find a young Fijian woman of such calibre and intelligence to be our ambassador to the world and promote Fiji on an international platform.
Mr. Blake also adds “This pageant is the first of its kind in Fiji, it's going to be an eye-opener for the public and the girls who make it to the semi finals, it's a lot of hard work and sacrifice and you need to have the right attitude to be in this to take it all the way. So if you think you've got what it takes come down to the casting calls".
If you're interested in attending the calls for casting here are some of the requirements:
Qualifications
- Must be a Fiji citizen or have Permanent Residence in Fiji.
- Must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity at the time of travelling overseas.
- Must be a natural born female
- Single – not in a de – facto relationship, have neither been married or given birth.
- Should be within the age group of 17 – 24 (during her reigning year)
- Has beauty of face, figure and personality.
- Good moral character and good health to meet the job requirements.
- Familiar with social, economic and political issues both national and international and the culture and values of Fiji.
- Has adopted or willing to adopt a charity or community support organization.
- Completed at least secondary education (6th or 7th Form).
- Have one facial shot and full length photograph in either evening gown or swimsuit.
- No visible tattoos
- The Miss World Fiji team wishes all the young ladies entering the best of luck and we hope to see you at the castings.
For further information, please contact:
Neisau Tuidraki
Public and Media Relations Manager
Miss World Fiji Organisation
Email: missworldfiji@gmail.com
Website: www.missfijiworld.com
BlogSpot: www.missworldfiji.blogspot.com.au
Ph: (+679) 9318 190