Anaseini Laweibau, the woman whose offbeat slogan "E BASI ma’awa, io na music ji’o ‘ina" (The bus might be old, however there’s music in it) became a social media sensation, has taken her message of joyful resilience to Hong Kong. In the latest development in her story, Laweibau was among the passengers on Fiji Airways flight FJ393 to Hong Kong on Thursday night and, despite not initially having a ticket to the main event at Kai Tak Stadium, managed to gain entry with the help of a Good Samaritan.
Laweibau arrived at the departures lounge calmly and smiling, she told reporters, and said being in Hong Kong was “a dream come true.” “The only reason was because I always wanted to go to Hong Kong. I wanted to be up close and then I wanted to feel that atmosphere in Hong Kong this year,” she said, describing the trip as the fulfilment of a long-held wish. Her appearance at the stadium meant some Fijian fans in the crowd would have heard the woman behind the viral catchphrase in person.
Her rise to prominence came from that viral post, in which she used the bus metaphor to argue that age or appearance need not diminish one’s spirit if joy and music remain. The phrase has since become widely quoted among Fijians online and used to express resilience and optimism. Thursday’s trip marks a tangible follow-up to that online fame, showing how a viral moment has translated into personal opportunities and public recognition abroad.
Laweibau is not only a social media figure but also an entrepreneur. She told reporters that demand for her handmade pieces has remained strong — so much so that orders for customers whose events are months away were completed and delivered before she left for Hong Kong. Her ability to balance a busy small business with travel plans highlights how everyday entrepreneurs can capitalise on sudden popularity while maintaining regular work commitments.
On managing the long flight and potential jet lag, Laweibau said she had a plan: rest on the 10-hour trip and be ready to enjoy the festivities on arrival. “I’ll wait, yes, when we get there because it’s a ten hour flight. The ‘basi makawa’ (old bus) needs to rest but I’ll make it,” she said, indicating she expected to be present for the opening-day matches featuring the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s and women’s 7s sides.
Her story on Thursday — arriving via FJ393, finding a last-minute ticket through the kindness of a stranger, and juggling business obligations with travel — underscores how a simple, upbeat philosophy has resonated beyond Fiji’s shores. Laweibau’s presence in Hong Kong turned a viral catchphrase into a real-world encounter for fans and a moment of personal fulfilment for the entrepreneur known for spreading a message of joyful perseverance.
Leave a comment