Siteri Qalibau, a 21-year-old content creator and aspiring journalist, is eager to make a mark and highlight the spirit and vibrant traditions of her community at the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva. Hailing from Draiba, Navosa, Siteri has always maintained a strong connection to her heritage.
As a contestant, she represents Sigatoka River Safari, combining culture, talent, and a commitment to her community. She has 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, Siteri manages the online presence of her sponsors, showcasing the distinctive offerings of Sigatoka River Safari. This position allows her to merge her academic pursuits with real-world experience, which she intends to expand further through advanced studies in Digital Marketing and Language Acquisition.
“I love connecting with people and sharing the beauty of our culture. Being able to visit local villages with our tourism guests is a form of charity work. It supports and enhances the livelihoods of the local communities,” she expressed.
Fluent in her native dialect, Siteri values her roots and aspires to share them with a wider audience through her future projects. Competing for the title of Miss Hibiscus 2024 is not just about winning a crown for Siteri; it is about representing her culture, community, and the exceptional experiences offered by her sponsors.
Sigatoka River Safari, recognized as Fiji’s original jet-boat and village safari, provides guests with an extraordinary experience. Visitors embark on a half-day journey on specially designed safari jet boats, navigating the stunning Sigatoka River to visit authentic Fijian villages. This safari not only offers adventure but also presents an insight into the lives of indigenous Fijians.
Guests experience the rich culture of Fiji through the stories, customs, and legends shared by their guides, particularly focusing on the Nadroga and Navosa provinces. The 68th anniversary of the Hibiscus Festival, sponsored by FMF and Vodafone, is set to be a lively celebration of Fijian culture, scheduled from August 31st to September 7th at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre.