PAGO PAGO, AS — SOFIAS - Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa to kick of their pageant to be held April 20th evening, at the Lee Auditorium, has held a series of events in April.

This year the association celebrates 30 years of fa’afafine beauty and charity pageants in American Samoa.

In the spirit of community service, and as a long-time charity donator, SOFIAS scheduled an exclusive event to show their appreciation and celebration for Hope House, Fatu-o-Aiga.

SOFIAS members decided to take out a few hours of everyone’s busy Saturday schedules and work to beautify the Hope House, visit and cheer patients, and let Hope House know that SOFIAS does care.

During the early morning hours last Saturday, the members went out to collect local flowers to make 20 flower arrangements for Hope House.

As everyone is aware, it is with no doubt that most of the locally crafted flower arrangements are being done by our local fa’afafine community for our churches and local events. 

SOFIAS wanted to do the same for Fatu-o-Aiga free of charge. Flowers were delivered for patient’s in their rooms and to beautify Hope House’s patient ward, lobby area and offices.  In addition, the society did a cleanup around the yard, put up balloons and ribbons for decoration.

Members sang songs for Hope House patients and all along instilling in the young members the need to be reminded on the importance of community service. A few words of thanks for SOFIAS was received from the Sisters of Hope House. To end the service project, SOFIAS delivered a full sheet cake and ice cream for the  patients, sisters, and staff of Hope House as they bid farewell and left the compound.

2nd Event on April 13th, 2013 (Noon)

A week ago, SOFIAS had an evening activity — the 1st Meet The Pageant 2013 Contestants at Ta’alolo lodge hosted by members of SOFIAS residing in the Western Districts or Falelima I Sisifo.

A special award was presented to the contestant with the best platform presentation from that night. Judges for this particular event included Tapumanaia Galu Satele of the HIV/AIDS Core-Committee, American Samoa’s Teacher of the Year – Josie Muasau, Miss American Samoa 2012 Miss Arielle, and Ms. Cherylmoanamarie Ripley. 

A second Meet the Contestants was also hosted by the Eastern District members at Avaio $2 Beach right after the service project at Fatuoaiga. The event was fully sponsored by the members of SOFIAS living in le Faelima I Sasa’e (East). Bus transportation was provided by the eastside for all members from FatuoAiga to Avaio. 

Attendees were greeted with a Hawaiian dance performance, leis, and given red ribbons.  The ribbons is SOFIAS activity for raising awareness on HIV/AIDS and whereby everyone is reminded to make the right choices.  The program was well attended by members and many fa’afafine of American Samoa. A full bbq, umu and luau, and a whole lot of local menu favorites were provided for everyone that attended. 

A special part of the program at Avaio was the Sarong Competition for contestants. The sarong is a special award where the winner of the event will be announced on the night of SOFIAS 30th Pageant to be held this Saturday at the Lee Auditorium. 

The highlight of the day was the attendance of the  First Lady Mrs. Cynthia Moliga who was invited to judge along with Mrs. Tino Roberts, Vice Principal at Lauli’I Elementary and whose family owns the $2 Beach. The 3rd judge was the reigning Miss SOFIAS – Tepatasi Vaina. The First Lady Moliga performed the taualuga with the contestants after the official program, and gave words of support, advice, and motivation afterwards. The beach fun day continued with more food, drinks, and games for everyone that attended to enjoy.

3rd Event – April 14, 2013

SOFIAS members attended Sunday Mass at FatuoAiga in the morning for the faithful. Members provided ulas and were part of the taulaga procession during the mass. As is customary for many island preparations, SOFIAS sought for the Lord’s blessings as they look forward to hosting the upcoming MISS SOFIAS 30TH ANNUAL.

A to’ana’I followed after the service for the contestants at Hong Kong Restaurant and for all the members that attended the service at Fatuoaiga.

Source: SOFIAS media release