In a remarkable full-circle moment, early February marked a historic milestone as Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, was not only crowned Miss Pacific Islands during the prestigious pageant in Nauru but also followed in her mother’s footsteps, MaryJane Mckibbin-Schwenke. This achievement mirrored an event 27 years prior, in 1997, when MaryJane, too, claimed the titles of Miss Samoa and later Miss South Pacific, as it was then known.
Now, 27 years later, Moemoana stands as a beacon of success, following the path laid by her mother. This milestone, marking the manumea’s flight, sets the stage for the manusina to soar, showcasing both their personal achievement and their devotion to their culture and community.
Adding to the significant symbolism of their victory, MaryJane dedicated a siva to the manumea bird during her reign, while Moemoana paid homage to the manusina bird in the Miss Pacific Islands cultural attire category during the pageant. This connection creates a full-circle moment, where the symbolism of these birds stands as a striking reminder of their journey and the legacy they continue to uphold.
