Ms Heilala and Mr Maka!

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We have just had an exhausting 2 weeks watching the Ms Heilala contestants go through their paces! Ms Heilala is a Tongan beauty contest. More pics are in our online media at: http://matangitonga.to

I was surprised such a conservative and church going nation would have such a beauty pageant; but this is just the first of many! Ms Heilala is exceedingly popular - it takes place over 2 weeks and includes a multicultural night, a talent contest and of course the sarong parade (there is never going to be a swimsuit parade!).

We are now eagerly awaiting Mr Maka, or Mr Tonga. Bodybuilding is very popular and the local gym(especially the mirrors) gets a real workout. Should be a fabulous event.

But the most exciting, glamorous and anticipated for me is Miss Galaxy. Miss Galaxies are fakaleities, or literally ""fake ladies" sometimes known as ladyboys. Fakaleities have a place in Tongan societies and are killer netball players! But they excel at glamour and dressing up. So come December we expect real excitement as they hold their 2 week festival.

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