The amazing 50th Anniversary -Pacific Story made the night come alive on Saturday by showcasing a series of spectacular performances at the Hubert Murray Stadium in Kone, Port Moresby city.
The Hubert Murray Stadium’s visitors witnessed 12 exceptional presentations of dances, songs and story-telling performances by the Brisbane based Mamana Academy of Tongan Arts & Culture Inc.
This successful event left event goers, guest and dignitaries mesmerized.
Those present include NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Amazing Port Moresby Committee, Chair Mr. Moescope McCarthy, Lead Organizer and Laison Officer, Mr. Peniamina Leavi (Last week), Lead Organizer and Laison Officer (Today) Pastor Tevita Latu, Lead Organizer & Laison Officer Mr. Salote Mucunabitu (Next weekend), Pacific Community and TBC.
The event represented diverse heritage of the Kingdom of Tonga, Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Hawaii, showcasing exciting and colorful displays from the performances, which included chanting, singing, dancing, swaying and smiling with heart.
The event consisted of 12 activities such as.
– The Talanoa- A pacific Early Missionary Story (Tongan)
– Marina Davis- International Singer
– Video- Film capturing the essence of the Pacific Story
– Tongan Show- Mamana Academy of Tongan Arts and Culture
– Cook Islands Dance- Heilani Production
– Kingdom of Tonga- PNG with a link to Tonga
– Tahitian Show from French Polynesia- Heilani Production
– Tongan Dance- Tongan Tau’olunga (Dance to Honor the Kiribati family unable to be present.
– Hawain Hula- Heilani Production
– Tongan Dance- Tau’olunga Fakatokolahi- Upe o Manumataongo
– Tahitian Fire Dance- Heilani Production
– PNG-Tongan Community- Ma’ulu’ulu (Final performance)
The Pacific Story festival aligns accordingly the NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s vision in September 2024 to bring together Asia Pacific countries that have stood alongside and contributed to Papua New Guinea’s development since 1980’s. Governor Parkop envisions a broader Port Moresby, Broader PNG, and broader Pacific in celebration of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
Next weekend on Saturday 31st, May 2025, will expect to see the Fijian take the evening away showcasing their traditional and cultural dances and songs, celebrating the companionship between the two nations leading into 50 years of independence of PNG.