Siteri Qalibau, a 21-year-old content creator and aspiring journalist, aims to make her mark by showcasing the spirit and vibrant traditions of her people as she competes in the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva. Hailing from Draiba, Navosa, Siteri has a strong connection to her roots.
As a contestant, she represents Sigatoka River Safari, combining culture, talent, and a deep sense of community. Siteri recently completed her first year at The University of the South Pacific, where she is majoring in journalism and social work. In her role as a social media content creator, she effectively promotes her sponsors, particularly highlighting the unique offerings of Sigatoka River Safari.
This role allows Siteri to merge her academic pursuits with hands-on experience, which she is eager to expand upon in advanced studies in Digital Marketing and Language Acquisition. “I love connecting with people and sharing the beauty of our culture. Visiting local villages with our tourism guests is a form of charity work that helps support and enhance the livelihoods of the local communities,” she stated.
Fluent in her province’s dialect, Siteri values her heritage and hopes to reach a wider audience through her future projects. As she aims for the Miss Hibiscus title, her focus extends beyond winning; she represents her culture, community, and the unique experiences provided by her sponsors.
Sigatoka River Safari, recognized as Fiji’s original and the world’s first jet-boat and village safari, offers guests an extraordinary adventure. Visitors embark on a thrilling half-day journey on custom-built safari jet boats, navigating the majestic Sigatoka River and visiting authentic Fijian villages. This experience not only provides excitement but also insight into the lives of indigenous Fijians.
The festival, celebrating its 68th anniversary, is organized by FMF and Vodafone and will take place from August 31st to September 7th at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre, promising a colorful showcase of Fijian culture.