Honoring Tradition: Miss Pacific Receieves Guadalcanal’s ‘Pataka’ Necklace

THE reigning Miss Pacific, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, was pictured wearing the Solomon Islands’ national colors along with a cultural necklace from Guadalcanal Province.

Upon her arrival at Honiara International Airport yesterday, she was welcomed by Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, who adorned her with a ‘Pataka’ necklace.

‘Pataka,’ from the Malango language of Central Guadalcanal, symbolizes a deeper meaning of “welcome,” “friendship,” and “connections.”

The reigning Queen of the Pacific is in the country for the Miss Pacific Pageant 2025, which will take place from February 1st to 8th.

Established by the Government of Samoa in 1987 and formerly known as ‘Miss South Pacific,’ the event aims to recognize and promote the attributes, intelligence, and talents of Pacific Island women.

Despite its intermittent participation since the 1990s, Solomon Islands has never won the title.

Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, now carries the nation’s hopes as she competes against the other seven Pacific contestants, for the prestigious Miss Pacific title.

Source: GP Media Release