Crowning Miss Hawaii Filipina

LIHUE — The Miss Hawaii Filipina scholarship pageant will be held at 7 tonight at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.

Ahead of the pageant, which is a highlight of the 61st annual United Filipino Council of Hawaii convention, island representatives started arriving on Kauai Wednesday, opening their visit with a courtesy call to government officials.

“Normally, I wear a suit to the pageant,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “But I’ll have a Barong Tagalo for Saturday night.”

Kawakami, who expressed his desire to surf the Philippines, was a recipient of the courtesy visit that also included the Kauai County Council.

Candidates for the Miss Hawaii Filipina crown include Miss Kauai Filipina Isabel Gampon, Miss Maui Filipina Mary Grace Bassig, Miss Hawaii Island Filipina Sarah Barry, and Miss Oahu Filipina Nicole Ashley Kawahara — all selected through their island’s respective scholarship pageants.

The young women will be working through swimsuit, talent, and terno, the Filipino formal women’s wear, and judges’ interview toward the goal of earning the state title that is currently being worn by Joylene Tabon, who was making her way toward Kauai.

“I don’t know what I would do if I had to do talent,” said Kauai Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro. “I don’t have a talent bone in my body. And you folks are courageous as well. I could never go through those speeches. I would have to memorize it, word by word.”

Kaneshiro was informed on the rotation of the UFCH convention, this year being the 61st, through the different islands, and Kauai being host every four years.

Following their arrival, the scholarship pageant contestants face a vigorous schedule that includes interviews, rehearsals, several site visits, including a luncheon hosted by Colleen Faye, a former Miss Kauai Filipina, at the Wrangler’s Restaurant and featuring fashion by Guadalupe Bulatao.

Tickets for the Saturday pageant are available at the door.