Single women, married women with children, and even transgender women could become Miss Universe Samoa as the Samoan qualifying pageant was launched at the Orator Hotel on Wednesday morning.

In an exciting development for Samoa's pageant scene, Manaia Event initiated the launch of Miss Universe Samoa with the ambitious goal of securing a place for Samoa on the international stage in one of the top four global pageants, to be held in Mexico later this year. 

Reverend Dr. Siaosi Salesulu commenced the formal proceedings with a poignant sermon, urging the organising committee to utilise pageantry platforms to showcase God's beauty and light through Samoan women. 

He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their vision, disregarding any naysayers who doubted their capabilities.

Director of Miss Universe Samoa, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, highlighting the opportunity to promote Samoa's beauty on an international scale. 

He revealed that Miss Universe organisation granted them the license to organise and recruit a candidate to represent Samoa, with efforts underway to finalise the selection criteria.

Leiataualesa disclosed that they have asked the Miss Universe organisation to consider exemptions for Samoa, for example, regarding traditional Samoan tattoos such as the malu worn by Samoan girls. 

They eagerly awaited the organisation's response before officially opening applications for candidates.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rana Bose, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Samoa, emphasised that the Miss Universe entry criteria are relatively lenient compared to other international beauty pageants. 

He clarified that there was no age limit and even married women with children were eligible to compete. Transgender individuals who had undergone the complete transition were also welcome, albeit with additional medical verifications.

Vodafone Samoa, serving as the telecommunication partner for Miss Universe Samoa, pledged support and knowledge-sharing throughout the journey, building on their successful collaboration in sending Samoa's first-ever contestant to the Miss Global pageant last year.

Leiataualesa expressed the hope of securing government support, whether in the form of moral encouragement or financial assistance, underscoring the initiative's aim to empower young Samoan women and to showcase the nation's talents through pageantry.

Despite facing challenges in securing sponsorships and financial backing, Manaia Event remains optimistic about the initiative's potential positive impact on Samoa. 

The possibility of approaching former Miss Global Samoa, Haylani Pearl Kuruppu, for potential representation at Miss Universe Samoa 2024 remains open, given her experience and training in international pageantry.

With support from renowned designers, artists, and fashion houses, Manaia Event is poised to embark on this journey with determination and optimism, aiming to make Samoa proud on the global stage of Miss Universe.