Fiji Sun

Give a brief summary of yourself

My name is Senibua Likukula, 16-years-old, originally from Matasawalevu, Naka­saleka, Kadavu. I have my maternal links to the beautiful sandy beaches of Matoka­na, Ono-i-Lau. I have one brother and one sister.

I grew up in Suva attending Assemblies of God Primary School for my primary education.

Now I’m attending John Wesley College as a Year 11 student pursuing my studies in Commerce to become a professional bank officer.

What was your first reaction when you were told that you were one of the Teen con­testants at this year’s festival?

I came back from town one evening when my father told me that he received a call from the co-ordinator informing him the surprising news.

They said congratulations Sir, your daughter is one of the final Teen Contest­ants in this year’s Vodafone Hibiscus Fes­tival.

I jumped with joy because it was unex­pected for me. I was shocked to hear that I made it through out of all the girls that went through auditions and I thank Al­mighty God for his provision upon me.

What was the motivation behind entering for this years Hibiscus?

I just wanted to try out in this year’s Hibiscus Festival, to show everyone that I’m capable enough to participate. With a huge motivation and words of encour­agement from my dearest friend (Asinate Koroi)

Briefly talk about your theme for the

festival?

The theme that I’ll be addressing is mini­mising the increase of students dropping out from school and the reason why, be­cause it really makes me sad to hear that school dropout is one of the major events happening now in Fiji.

What are you most looking forward to for this year’s

festival?

Actually to deliver my advocacy message, stress some of the important issues about it to the youths, make friends and learn great new things.

Has it ever crossed your mind growing up and watching the festival that one day you’ll be a part of it?

I had never thought of be­ing a contest­ant one day in such a big fes­tival. However, it is indeed a pleasure to have a great opportunity to be a part of this year’s festival.

What do you like do­ing in your spare time?

I love to play netball, participating in this sport makes me crazy because my alter­nate dream is to broaden my netball career.

Who are your greatest inspiration by far?

None other than my family. Their love and support has brought me this far and made me the person I am today as a great role model and an ambassador for the country.

What would you like to take away from this year’s Hibiscus?

I would like to give all my best for the fes­tival, for the supporters and for my family because the sky is the limit in everything I do.

Give a brief summary of yourself

My name is Mannishka Shanon Lal and I am 17-years-old.

I grew up and am currently living in Suva with five siblings, two sisters and three brothers. I’m attending Rishikul Sanatan College pursuing my studies in Commerce and Computer Science to become a human resources manager in a well-known firm.

What was your first reaction when you were told that you were one of the Teen

contestants at this year’s festival?

I was stunned for a moment as I couldn’t believe that I made it through. I was over­whelmed and excited because it was a dream come true.

What was the motivation behind entering this year’s Hibiscus?

My parents motivated me to take part in this pageant, because they believe that I can successfully advocate on increasing is­sues in my community.

Briefly talk about your theme for the

festival?

My advocacy message for this year’s Hi­biscus Festival is to stop sexual assaults towards the young, because it is an in­creasing issue in my society and the world at large.

This will continue to increase unless someone takes a stand to stop it.

I personally believe that the perpetrators must be severely punished for their deeds and the survivors must be treated with dignity, respect and compassion because what they endure is beyond anyone’s im­agination.

What are you most looking forward to for this year’s festival?

I’m looking forward in successfully con­veying my message to the public and of course enjoy the rides and food during the festival.

Had it ever crossed your mind growing up and watching the festival that one day you’d be a part of it?

Yes, it did. I’ve always had an interest in things outside the education system which includes pageants, social work and socialising.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love playing with dogs, watching tel­evision series and movies, listening to music and reading story books.

Who are your greatest inspiration by far?

My sibling Sonam is my greatest inspira­tion. I grew up watching her overcome a lot of challenges in life. She now has a successful life with a baby and a caring husband. She is a great dancer and prefers to express her ideas in a crea­tive way.

What would you like to take away from this year’s Hibiscus?

I would like to take away memories that will be created with my fellow contestants and forge new friendships.

Senibua Likukula

Mannishka Lal

Favourite quote: A winner never quits and a quitter never wins: Vince Lombardi

Favourite book: Novels (Legendary)

Favourite food: Anything prepared on the table

Favourite song right now: Unconditional by Katy Perry

Favourite all time movie: The Smurfs

Favourite guilty pleasure: Chatting with my friends

Favourite quote: Losing a best friend is more painful than losing a romantic relationship

Favourite book: Charmed

Favourite food: Vegetarian Pizza with tomatoes

Favourite song right now: Complicated and Innocence by Avril Lavigne

Favourite all time movie: Harry Potter

Favourite guilty pleasure: Breaking rules, doing things I’m not supposed to do.