HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - SEFA PALU & JESSICA MATAVAO from The Amazing Race Australia
SEFA PALU & JESSICA MATAVAO
COMPETITORS IN THE AMAZING RACE AUSTRALIA
TONGAN & SAMOAN
.
SEFA - I'm from Western Sydney, Australia. Born in Auckland, NZ but have lived in Australia since I was 9. My mum and dad are Tongan and come from Tofoa, Ha'apai and Holonga, Tongatapu respectively. I did high school in Sydney, then moved to the US when I was 19 for a mission for my church and then I stuck around for college over there. I have a degree in Public Relations and Philosophy and I am currently working as a Sales Rep in the health sector. So, a bit of mixed bag in regards to life experience.
JESSICA - I'm of Samoan heritage. My mother is from Falefa which I know more about than my fathers side. I was raised in Samoa (Leifiifi) until I was 14, I moved to Sydney Australia. I work in Government. I am just your average Samoan girl trying to live her best life, always down to try new, out of ordinary things and was crazy enough to try out Amazing race Australia. I am that crazy person in my family and circle of friends that if anyone wants to try out something new or crazy, they will ask me to do it with them.
You made it onto the Amazing Race Australia! - what made you want to try out for it and who's idea was it? Did either of you need much convincing to go for it?
SEFA - Auditioning from the show was DEFINITELY my idea. Usually, the TV aspect isn't something Jess likes to do. But it's hard to deny that she's a natural. It's funny, because after the first couple of rounds of auditions, Jess dropped out. She didn't think we would make it that far hahaha! So she took some coaxing but was finally convinced.
JESSICA - It was Sefa’s idea to do amazing race. This kid lived in America for the last couple of years, moved back in 2018 or 2019 and thought he was well travelled and experienced to take on AR. It wasn’t much convincing initially just to submit an application because in my mind there is no way in hell they will even look at our application. It wasn’t until they contacted us, we had our first interview with the production that I was in shock and at one point I said no I didn’t want to do it. I felt the pressure of everything and I was not prepared mentally and physically for this kind of experience. Obviously, eventually I cave in cause I wanted to be a person of my words cause I already said yes and then just accepted it as an experience to push myself and have fun.
What was the process you had to go through to make it on to the show?
SEFA - Interview, paperwork, then more interviews. Simple process. It's just nerve racking because you don't know if you've moved onto the next round until they email you again with the next step. So after we applied, we didn't hear anything for a couple weeks. Then we got asked for an interview. It was a round by round process after that. It felt like a job application.
JESSICA - I wish there was an exciting process. We submitted our application around May or June 2020 with not much enthusiasm, did a 3min video (which we record off my iPhone) of us introducing ourselves. And with that we were contacted. They got to see us banter, and no holding back talking smack but also said some nice things. It was like love at first sight with the production team when they met us.
What were your family's reactions when you broke the news to them that you'd made it in?
SEFA - My mum's heart sank a little because she knows I don't always think things through. So she just didn't want me to suck on national television. In her words, she says 'our family has had enough embarrassment'
JESSICA - My family are such mockers and we actually don’t take many things seriously. They were shocked but didn’t really care. I am a random child in my family so they were not surprised that I am doing this. My Dad just laughed and then told me to make sure to run fast. My parents are fanatics of the show, we all grew up watching it but they’ve seen all seasons there is worldwide. My Mum tried a couple of times to convince me to not do it cause she was concerned about my health and also she knew how scared I am of snakes, lizards and any reptiles.
There is a diverse lineup of contestants on the show! How do you feel being the first Polynesians on the Amazing Race and how important do you think it is for Polys to be represented in reality TV like this?
SEFA - I probably didn't think about this enough but since the announcement, it really hit me. There is a community of talent that has been unrepresented for years. I don't know if I want to be the spokesperson, but I'm glad just being on the show is able to help push diversity on television in a positive direction.
JESSICA - To be honest when I said no initially, part of it was the fact that we would be seen as that and that is some big shoes to fill. It was a huge pressure I didn’t want to take, not because I am not a proud Polynesian but more so I didn’t feel worthy I was good enough to be that representation. I understood that we are all different and have unique way of being Polynesian, I just had to be myself do my best and hope that’s enough. I hope this will encourage our ppl that they can do this. Try out for reality tv and show that we are just as capable, a lot to offer with our talents, personalities and humour and our beauty, there is nothing stopping us but us.
Without giving anything away - in what ways did your Polynesian culture and upbringing help you throughout the race?
SEFA - I grew up just having a laugh at everything and so that's what you'll see during the race. We are there to compete, but will laugh at the ridiculousness of some of the situations because it was epic! I enjoy being competitive but being raised to care for people first, it made some decisions difficult. I want to help people through their struggle at some challenges, but it's a race. So I shouldn't.
JESSICA - I grew up not having to be handed things but really work hard to live and survive really. You don’t wait for someone to hand you things or happiness but rather you just do and figure out what’s needed to get things done. That’s the attitude I’ll say we took on and also our relax friendly islander vibe and humour. We honestly didn’t take things too seriously, the 24/7 mocking and joking but all in good spirit and fun or until someone cries or fist fight then it was too far.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
SEFA - 'On a first date, don't be yourself. Be anyone else, or she won't come back' - My mum.
JESSICA - My Father: 'Forget yourself, have fun and run fast'
Tune in to support the team on The Amazing Race Australia tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 10
Follow Sefa and Jessica on Instagram here -
Sefa - @misterheavypetty
Jess - @jess_ioane