Elrico Munoz has dedicated his life helping people.

Mr Munoz is the general manager of the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD).

Through SPBD, he has managed to help many women throughout the country to start their own business.

“Being part of SPBD is a dream job because ever since I graduated from university, it was always about me helping out people.”

“Before, I worked with different non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) and government agencies, but I find it less challenging,” he said.

Mr Munoz was born and raised in the Philippines and has worked in the Pacific region for more than 20 years now.

He has worked in Pacific Island Countries like Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. For the last 10 years, Mr Munoz has been working in Fiji and two years ago he became a Fijian citizen.

Mr Munoz is married and has two children.

How Many Places In Fiji Have You Been To?
I have visited many places in Fiji.

In the interiors of Namosi to Rakiraki and I have been to Yasawas island, Taveuni island, Moturiki Island, Rabi and Rotuma. I have been to Ovalau many times.

I usually venture to those areas where most tourists don’t go and are hard to reach.

Namosi Eco Retreat offers 10 bures in the highlands of Namosi.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Every Visitor To, And Why?
I would like them to visit the picturesque villages of Namosi Koro and Wainimakatu in the interiors of Namosi Highlands.

It will take about three hours via rough roads to reach these villages.

But, when you reach there, you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery.

You will get to see different farms such as dalo and ginger farms.

Although it’s rural, at the same time you will get to experience the wonders of nature, the smiles of the people as they welcome you with bowls of kava and with different native delicacies, the kokoda.

Pies from Mana Coffee.

What Is Your Favourite Place For A Pie Or Coffee, And Why?
My favourite place for pie and coffee is Mana Coffee.

I love this café because they offer fusion Fijian foods and it is also a good place to have meetings.

They also have a kava bar.

Nasese foreshore. Photo: Shreya Kumar.

What Is Your Favourite Secret Backyard Spot?
My favourite secret backyard spot is Nasese seawall.

Before, I used to go for a walk there and meet people.

Sometimes, I go to Nasese seawall with my wife and during the COVID-19 pandemic that was the only place people could visit to feel the breeze.

The Nasese seawall is really peaceful, especially late in the afternoon.

It is a nice place to be.

A beachfront in Taveuni.

What is the one place in Fiji that is on the top of your bucket list?
I will be going to Taveuni Island very soon.

I have been to Taveuni once but I really want to spend more time on the island.

I want to explore the waterfalls and go up to the mountains to see the Tagimoucia flower which blooms only in December.

Tavoro Falls, Taveuni.

Feedback: shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj