2007 PIFA San Diego photo gallery

The 13th Annual Pacific Islander Festival featured a crowning of a new Miss PIFA 2007, new scholarships and traditional dance performances by many groups from throughout the area. San Diego's Ski Beach in Mission Bay was the venue for activities. Participating groups included Heali'is Polynesian Revue, Kaleo Onalani, Na Pua Ilima O Kehaulani, Samoan Community Council Dancers, Motu Nehenehe, LeiIsa, Kutturan Chamoru Performers, Imahen Taotao Tano and the Tongan Methodist Church.

The nonprofit event is organized annually by the Pacific Islander Festival Association. It is a volunteer based organization made up of members of the San Diego community. They work to help perpetuate the cultures of Polynesia and South Pacific areas including Melanesia and Micronesia.

The new reigning Miss PIFA 2007 is Kristen Paruginog. Kristen is currently attending San Diego State University. She is a young woman who is very personable, goal-oriented and knows what she wants to do in life. With the title also comes a scholarship totalling $3000. The title of Miss PIFA Princess 2007 went to Ricarda LaQuesha Maria “Kekoa” Hawkins, a vibrant member of the local Chamorro community. Kekoa has a passion for design, her family and culture and shows such grace with her presence. Her scholarships award totaled $1850.

The PIFA Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego Scholarship Pageant provides a forum that allows young women to find and embrace who they are, participate in the community and become role models for other young women.

Photos of the event are forthcoming on the PIFA official site gallery. Check back for updates.