October 24, 2016 The National Main Stories
By SHARLYNE ERI
University of PNG student Kellyanne Limbiye, 23, was crowned Miss Papua New Guinea (PNG) 2016 in Port Moresby last Saturday.
The Pacific Assurance Group-sponsored contestant will be the country’s representative at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) in Samoa.
Limbiye, a final-year political science student was also judged winner of the sarong wear and talent categories. First runner-up was Miss Queen Emma Chocolates Lois Doules Ilave, second runner-up was Miss International Training Institute (ITI) Rose Lakoro Pitoi and the third runner-up Miss Pacific Balanced Fund (PBF), Melody Leke.
Head of the judging panel Robert Aisi said it was a tough job for the panel because the contestants demonstrated courage and grace.
Limbiye said that it was through the motivation and inspiration of her mother, sisters and the MPIP committee members, particularly Molly O’Rourke, that pushed her to perform to her best.
She made a special mention of Pacific Assurance Group for coming to her aid in the final weeks leading up to the actual pageant week.
Special awards were Best Traditionally Inspired Dress Miss Queen Emma Chocolates Ilave, Miss Photogenic and Patrons’ Choice Miss Italpreziosi Dorothy Elliot, Miss Friendship Miss Institute of Business Studies (IBS) Samantha Kuase and Best Topic Presentation Miss ITI, Pitoi.
Limbiye bagged the People’s Choice Award sponsored by bmobile and Miss Tourism Award.
She will represent PNG in the MPIP in Samoa in December, accompanied by her designer-stylist Tabu Pelei-Warupi.
