Miss Kiribati – Kimberly Tokanang arrives in Honiara to a colourful welcome this morning ahead of the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) 2025 which kicks off next week.
The 25 year old was welcomed by Miss Solomon and members of the MPIP-SI organizing team, the Kiribati community and members of the public in Honiara.
She was very happy to experience the welcoming spirit from those who met her upon arrival. The melodious sounds from the Are’Are panpipers also added flavour to the welcome ceremony.
In a short interview with the local media, Miss Kiribati acknowledged the welcome, describing it as eye catching.
“I didn’t know where to look first.”
She added that its a blessing to be here.
When asked what she’s looking forward to in the competition, she said, the theme itself encompasses what all the contestants are all aiming to thread out.
“So for me, it’s not just promoting my culture but also learning other cultures as well.
“Not only that but also addressing the issues that we currently face. There are different issues as well as common issues that we, as Pacific nations have and I’m happy to be able to talk about them in this platform,” Miss Kiribati said.
The theme for this year is; “Leadership in Diversity and Adversity.”
She is excited and looking forward to the weeklong activities and programs.
“This program will give us, the eight sisters, ways to mingle with each other and I’m looking forward to listen and learn from them as much as they will learn from me as well. I’m sure they are going to bring diverse ideas to the table.
“I’ve already seen some of their posts as well and I like what I’ve seen. I like what they contribute to the communities as well.
“I’m looking forward to friendship because what’s for sisterhood without friendship,” she happily said. So yeah, I’m just looking forward to blend with my sisters and learn lots of things,” she said excitingly.
The Kiribati Queen acknowledged her fans back home for their ongoing support.
Miss Kiribati is the first of the other contestants to arrive in Honiara for the much anticipated MPIP 2025 hosted here in the capital.
Other contestants will arrive on Thursday and Friday.
Report and photos by AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
