Miss Vodafone Rakiraki, Haroons Hardware, Anne- Ruth Heilala Leilani Rarabici says being crowned on Saturday came as a surprise and she dedicates her achievement to her late mum and grandparents who raised her.

“I didn’t expect to win this. I would say I’m overwhelmed and excited for this opportunity because I’m actually a very shy person,” she said.

She said the event boosted her confidence.

“I dedicate this to my mum and my guardians who raised me up, they have all passed, my mom who passed away in 2008, my grandmother who passed away in 2016 and my grandfather who passed away in 2018.”

“These past few days have been challenging, I was the last one to come in as a contestant, everyone had already practised and rehearsed and it was a very short span of time but I was thankful that my sisters helped me from the makeover, dress choices and we shared a very good bond,” she said.

Ms Rarabici’s aunt Emi Adi said she was confident her niece would win.

“She was raised single-handedly by her mom, her mom was with the Fiji Times and started the SeaWeb with Alumeci Nakeke, and her mom’s name is Vasemaca Rarabici.”

The Ketei, Totoya in Lau native with maternal links to Navolau Rakiraki, Ra was crowned Miss Vodafone Rakiraki while Miss Rakiraki Town Council Thelma Matai was the first runner up.

Miss Higgins Fiji Ulamila Rayaya was the second runner up and Miss Dipsha Home Builders Lilieta Lewasau was named Miss Personality.

Story by: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj