Peceli Naviticoko is one of the confirmed 13 King contestants for this year’s Vodafone Hibiscus festival in Suva in August.

His advocacy message is on advocating on the issue that “has become a national shame” and it is quite disturbing, monstrous and disgusting to read, hear and watch it on our media daily.

“RAPE, is an issue that is currently become a topic of everyday discussions in our communities, homes, work places and all sorts of gathering. Today, anyone could be a victim.”

Therefore he stands as a youth, brother and a son on this platform to address this rising issue on how rape can be prevented and the importance of discussing it within our families, communities and country as a whole.

WHO IS PECELI NAVITICOKO?

Peceli Gaunaca Naviticoko, 21, is originally from Somosomo, Naviti, Yasawa, and has maternal links to Namata, Tailevu.

He is the youngest of seven siblings.

He grew up in Vanua Levu where his father was serving as a Catechist for the Methodist Training Schools and Churches there.

He attended Labasa College and currently is a student at the University of the South Pacific, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Journalism and Politics.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU WERE TOLD THAT YOU were ONE OF THE KING CONTESTANTS?

Peceli: I was a bit emotional but I just have to smile since I was on the phone and besides, my friends were all staring at me, waiting for the news since we were all expecting that phone call that week.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL?

Peceli: The experiences and challenges that Hibiscus will bring especially community work, charity work, meeting people where we could share our thoughts on issues but most importantly the bond that I’m currently sharing with the other 12 brothers

HAS IT EVER CROSSED YOUR MIND GROWING UP AND WATCHING THE FESTIVAL THAT ONE DAY YOU’LL BE A PART OF IT?

Peceli: Yes, it was always a dream for me while watching contestants who are young and confident addressing issues that affects and interests our community on the national platform, so I promised myself that one day I will also be up on that stage.

Apart from your current position, what do you like doing in your past time?

Peceli: Reading newspapers, watching documentaries or listening to songs especially VUDE or just having a good long sleep

WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION BY FAR?

Peceli: My Parents.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS YEAR’S HIBISCUS?

Peceli: Every big and little ideas, life lessons I’ve been taught from the day I started with my rehearsals, all the information regarding issues faced by our communities and the importance of addressing climate change at this national level shared amongst other brothers but most importantly the experiences and challenges of being part of the Hibiscus Festival.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITES?

Quote: “For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth”- John 4:24

Book: The Holy Bible.

Food: Rourou balls cooked in thick coconut cream, with Dalo, Lemon and Chilies.

Song:  “Rui Mosimosi Vei Au” – by Eta Gonerogo and the Sauca Seda

Movie: The Land Has Eyes.

Guilty pleasure: Listening to those old I- Taukei classics, sung by musicians who have passed on.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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