At the coronation of Miss Samoa NSW, Maria Otulao Aholelei was crowned Miss Earth Tonga 2018 by Miss Earth Tonga 2014 Sicilia Makisi. Maria will now represent Tonga at the upcoming Miss Earth 2018. From Nukalofa, Tongatapu, Tonga, Maria who was placed as the first runner-up at Miss Fangailupe pageant, currently resides in Sydney.
On her crowning and release of official statement, Maria could not contain her excitement and shared this news on her official social media. She began by saying, “The official news is out. Last night at the Miss Samoa NSW pageant, I was crowned as the new Miss Earth Tonga 2018! “
Maria thanked everyone who played a vital role in her journey to becoming Miss Earth Tonga 2018. “To my mentor/designer Teeto LC Tito a.k.a Lavashe Couture words cannot explain how grateful I am to you for giving me these amazing opportunities to show the world that us Pacific Island women are more than the normal title we are given by the world.”
She also thanked her predecessor Miss Earth Tonga 2014 Sicilia Makisi for her encouraging words of wisdom and for crowning her last night. She expressed, “So much love for you it was a pleasure meeting you last night and having laughs backstage. Much love, Tongan Queen.”
Also at the finale, Sally Moe was crowned Miss Earth Samoa 2018. She will continue her journey as the official representative of Samoa at Miss Earth 2018.