Siteri Qalibau, a 21-year-old content creator and aspiring journalist, aims to make her mark and highlight the spirit and vibrant traditions of her people at the 2204 Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva. Hailing from Draiba, Navosa, Siteri has a deep connection to her heritage.
As a contestant, she represents Sigatoka River Safari, showcasing a blend of culture, talent, and a strong sense of community. Siteri has recently finished 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 manages the online presence of her sponsors, showcasing the unique experiences offered by Sigatoka River Safari.
This position allows her to combine her academic pursuits with practical experience, and she hopes to continue exploring this synergy through further 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 province’s dialect, Siteri values her roots and aspires to share them with a wider audience in her future endeavors. As she competes for the Miss Hibiscus 2024 title, Siteri represents not just her personal ambitions but also her culture and community.
Sigatoka River Safari, recognized as Fiji’s original jet-boat and village safari, offers an unparalleled experience for guests. Visitors embark on a half-day journey aboard custom-built safari jet boats, navigating the stunning Sigatoka River to experience authentic Fijian villages. This safari provides not only an adventure but also insights into the lives of indigenous Fijians, with guides sharing the rich culture, stories, customs, and legends of the Nadroga and Navosa provinces.
The upcoming 68th Hibiscus Festival, sponsored by FMF and Vodafone, promises to be a lively celebration of Fijian culture, scheduled from August 31 to September 7 at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre.