Twenty-seven-year old Charlize Leo is the new Miss Samoa Fa’afāfine 2017.

Charlize was crowned at Gym 1 Tuanaimato on Friday during the grand finale of the Miss Faafafine Pageant. 

The new Miss Fa’afafine was proud and humbled.

 “The highlight of the pageant is actually winning tonight,” Charlize said.

 “It has been challenging trying to get everything ready but all of that didn’t matter at the end when finally you knew that you have won and that you were the best.”

 “It was such a surreal moment for me.”

Charlize is looking forward to a break after a tough week.

 “Give it a week to rest and then I will focus on what the road is and what it is about.”

“I am starting to learn now because running for the pageant is a different thing as it was all about trying to do well on the pre-pageant week as well as the night and now that have I won, it’s a different feeling.”

Charlize will meet with the Pageant organisers to determine their next move.

The new Miss Fa’afafine is the youngest child of Sifuiva Ielonimo and Vailili Leo’s eight children. 

Charlize, who hails from the villages of To’omatagi, Sinamoga and Saleaumua, won the best evening gown, best speech, best talent, miss internet, miss photogenic and best interview.

Miss Advocacy went to Maggie Melanie Alatise who is “Papahanamoku” Goddess of Nature, Best swimwear went to Mandy Lemalu Laauli –“Hebe” Goddess of Everlasting Youth and Creative Wear went to Joanne Kabeabealani Iosefo – “Tefiti” Goddess of Creation.

The first runner up is Joanne Kabeabealani Iosefo, 2nd runner up is Ranier Matuaitofiga, 3rd runner up is Jenny Laban Barker and 4th runner up is Maggie Melanie Alatise.