Manoa Qaravatu is one of the 13 King contestants at this August’s Vodafone Hibiscus Festival.

His advocacy message is on the effects of electronic devices on the lifestyles of Fijians.

“The introduction of technology has no doubt improved and made our lives easier however most fail to recognise the effects it has on them as individuals,” he said.

He said he believes that technology can now be labelled as a powerful tool because it has made an impact in almost everyone’s life to which is manifested through communication, socialisation and entertainment.

“The reason I chose this message is because it has created social issues like defamation of character, identity theft, cyber bullying, gaming addiction, privacy, health and fitness and sexuality,” he said.

He said the presence of several computers and portable electronic devices in a household could lead to communication breakdown amongst family members and society.

WHO IS MANOA QARAVATU?

Manoa Qaravatu, 23, is originally from Toge, Naloto, Ba and has maternal links to Vitawa, Rakiraki, in Ra.

He grew up in Lautoka with his three siblings and moved to Suva in 2013 for tertiary studies.

He attended Lautoka Methodist School and Natabua High School. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science majoring in biology and chemistry from the University of the South Pacific (usp).

He is currently pursuing a teaching certificate in education at USP.

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

Manoa: I was surprised and speechless when I received the call. To be honest, I had to make the caller (the coordinator) repeat his sentences  pretending I didn’t hear him well, but it was just to give me reassurance that I have been accepted as a King contestant for this year’s Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus Festival.

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

Manoa: I will be looking forward to having a great experience in the one week of festivities as we use the hibiscus platform to advertise the different cultures we have here in Fiji, to educate and advocate to the public issues that are faced by our communities and the nation as a whole.

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

Manoa: Growing up I never thought that I would participate in the Hibiscus Festival because I have always perceived that the platform was only for women who possess the attributes and potential to be crowned Miss Hibiscus. However, times have changed and now young men like me are also given an opportunity to use the platform to address issues that are affecting our societies of which I’m passionate about.

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

Manoa: I would always love to accompany my parents in going on fishing trips but most times I would be either found reading a book or playing a sport.

WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION BY FAR?

Manoa: My grandmother. She has taught me how to handle difficult situations in life and also I’m inspired of how she devotes most of her time in praying and reading the Bible.

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

Manoa: The great experience of using the Hibiscus platform for advocacies and the bond that we have shared of being part of a group composed of 13 strong, handsome, intelligent young men who are passionate of making a change in Fiji.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITES?

Quote: You should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You have to find the redeeming quality and love the person for that –  Jeannette Walls.

Book: The Glass Castle

Food: Rourou with kumala.

Song:  Sacrifice by Elton John

Movie: Impossible

Guilty pleasure: Karaoke.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  mere.satakala@fijisun.com.fj