Keona Cross crowned as Miss Purotu 2011

Keona Cross, Miss Purotu 2011

The second annual Miss Purotu pageant was recently held at the Aloha Tower Marketplace and crowned Keona Cross of Maili as the new reigning Miss Purotu. She succeeds Miss Purotu 2010 - Lesly Poerava Goo. Tiare Alvarez claimed 1st Runner Up and Candice Panoke was named 2nd Runner Up. In addition, Miss Purotu Iti (Tamarii) Taylor Acosta was also crowned. The event is organized and produced by Purotu Designs' Nalini and Manari'i Gaulthier who also head up the award-winning Tahitian dance group Ia Ora Tahiti Nui.

Nine contestants from Oahu vied for the crown and competed in 5 categories that included:
• Costume Naturel - Contestants must create and model an outfit made from natural materials.
• Pareu – Contestants given fabric from Tahiti to create an outfit that reflects their personality.
• Talent - 1) Contestants must perform a solo Ote'a and 2) Choose between singing a Tahitian song or dancing a slow Aparima (Ahuroa).
• Island Formal - Contestants will model a Tahitian style dress - Purotu, custom fit and designed for them by designer Linda Mataoa from Tahiti.
• Interview - Contestants must answer questions proposed to them by the Master of Ceremony.

Miss Photogenic - Darla Carino

Keona received $1,500 in cash and additional prizes upon receiving the crown. The Miss Photogenic title went to Darla Carino who dances for Manutahi Tahiti, who also won the Best Talent category. Miss Congeniality went to Kathleen Valdez.

The evening event included not only the pageant, but also Tahitian entertainment, a Tahitian dinner and cocktails. Sponsors of the event included Purotu Designs, Fashion Quick, Arii Creations, Hawaii's Wedding Professionals, Rotui Tahiti, SNJ LLC, and American Income Life.

The Miss Purotu Pageant is a Tahitian style pageant that allows young women to develop and share their inner and outer beauty, talent, and love for the Tahitian culture.