Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson - The Worlds #1 Box Office Star for 2015
Coco-Congrats go to the one and only Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson taking back the #1 title of International Box Office Star of 2015.
He's the only Pacific Islander to ever make the Box Office Star list, first receiving the number one spot in 2013. The persistence of the 'Furious' franchise and the strong success of his leading role in sci-fi disaster flick 'San Andreas' have put him back at the top again.
Johnson posted this to his FB to express how he was feeling:
Humans Of The Islands - Tugi Paula Ryan Togiaheulu
Tugi Paula Ryan Togiaheulu
30 years old
World traveller
What’s your Pacific heritage?
My father is Niuean and part Tongan from Tamakautoga, Tuapa, Fatai and Nukuknuku , Hihifo. My Mum is Niuean, Cook Island from Hakupu and Palmerston Island.
What are you currently doing and how did you get there?
I’m currently teaching in Valledupar on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America. Being Polynesian, it’s in our blood to voyage. I’ve always been curious about the world, different cultures, ancient knowledge, rituals, medicine, language, music, history, art, religion - it all fascinates me. Travelling was just a natural progression on my quest to learn and discover more about the world and myself.
What did you before then?
I studied Live Sound Audio Engineering at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand and then went on to complete a degree in Criminology and Social Sciences at A.U.T I’m about to start post graduate studies soon.…more
Parker vs Bergman #RumbleInParadise
Check out what both parties had to say in their upcoming match to be held in Apia, Samoa this Saturday night!
Epic Polynesian Wedding Proposal
Christian Parker, brother of NBA superstar Jabari Parker, proposed to girlfriend Terina Oto on New Year’s Eve with the help of friends at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii.
Oto, a lead performer in the evening show at the Polynesian Cultural Center, thought the choreographed dance was a tribute to the service missionaries at the PCC, but it was all for her. Parker enlisted the help of Oto’s uncle, a choreographer at the PCC, who came up with the idea to create a flash mob. Parker then recorded a song in a studio in Chicago, using the voices of LDS friends such as The Jets and The Moleni Brothers.
On the night of the proposal, Oto escorted the service missionaries, who she thought were being honored, to the front of the stage after the PCC evening show. She then watched as more than 200 people, including students at her preschool, family, friends and co-workers, participated in the flash mob that led to Parker’s proposal.…more
Iupati named Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year
Arizona Cardinals Offensive Lineman Mike Iupati has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year Award presented by Hawaiian Airlines.
The Award recognizes the most outstanding professional football player of Polynesian ancestry.
The 6-foot-5-tall, 330-pound American Samoa native was born to Aposetola and Belinda Iupati and is of Samoan ancestry. Iupati attended the University of Idaho where he played for the vandals and earned All-American and All-WAC honors.
"As a proud Polynesian and Samoan, I am honored to be selected as the inaugural Polynesian Pro Football Player of the Year," said Mike Iupati. "I would like to congratulate the other finalists, Marcus Mariota, Rey Maualuga, Koa Misi and Manti Te'o as they represent the very best of our culture and the National Football League."
Iupati, in his sixth season out of the University of Idaho, has helped lead the Arizona Cardinals to a 13-3 regular season record.…more
Sol3 Mio star weds sweetheart
Pene Jnr Pati - one quarter of the accalaimed Opera-trio Sol3 Mio, tied the knot in front of friends and family at the Villa Maria Estate in Auckland on Friday afternoon.
Photos by PoppyMoss Photography
Pene married fellow Opera singer Amina Edris in the same setting where he had proposed to her just over a year ago.
With close family and friends in attendance, the ceremony and celebration was a family affair with all four of the Pati siblings involved in the ceremony.
Amina looked picture perfect in her one-of-a-kind wedding dress, with her bridesmaids in gorgeous pale blush-pink dresses.
The groomsmen, including fellow Sol3 Mio boys Moses McKay and brother Amitai Pati (the best man) looked elegant in their matching grey suits.…more
Rieko Ioane, Sonny Bill Williams share trade secrets
Sonny Bill Williams arrived for his first official day in All Blacks Sevens camp on Sunday with numerous question marks hanging over his head.
"The big thing for me is just getting out there and doing it, getting reps in," Williams said.
"I've got confidence that I'll be able to pick it up eventually but that's the reason I'm a full-time Sevens player this year, because I knew coming into it that it would be really tough and I've got to give it my all."
Rubbing shoulders with Sevens veterans DJ Forbes and Tim Mikkelson has been invaluable for Williams' education in what is his fourth professional sport and he has already begun drawing from their combined 62 tournaments' worth of experience.
But it's not only the old heads helping out, with 18-year-old Reiko Ioane revealing he has also been sought after by the code-hopping star for advice.
"He definitely has a lot of learning to do.…more
Samoan designer fights for freedom through fashion
Stunning, gutsy and bold are just some of the words people on social media have used to describe the designs by young Samoan designer Janice Brown Setu-Galo.
The pacific fashionista has been heralded by some for pulling off ‘print on print’ with designs that are putting a definitive stamp on the industry.
But it’s about more than just clothes.
After a decade-long career in the fashion industry left her feeling unsatisfied, she bravely embarked on a new journey.
The creative designer went on several mission trips, and found that she wanted ‘helping people’ to be at the heart of her work every day.
A revelation which became a turning point in her career.
“It came to a point in my life where I really wanted to amalgamate what was in my hand and what was in my heart” said Janice.
And so, Salt & Light Threads was birthed.
The brand combines her passion for fashion and creativity, alongside her innate desire to help others.…more
Humans Of The Islands - Dr Semisi Lolohea
Dr Semisi Lolohea
General Surgeon, Colorectal Surgeon
I grew up in the Islands where I went to school and I was 17 years old when I moved to New Zealand. It was my first time outside of Tonga and it was quite daunting. My English wasn’t very good. I could have reasonable conversations with people but it was very hard for me adjusting in the first year.
And did you know at that time that you wanted to pursue a medical career?
Yeah I was always quite keen on doing medicine. I worked hard with my studies but it was challenging because of the language barrier. When I made it into Medicine school I could understand what they were talking about but asking questions and actually having a conversation with the Teacher was a struggle. Sometimes I wanted to answer questions but I was a bit embarrassed because I could not speak English properly. It remained a barrier even all throughout my career but over time I gained more confidence.…more
Humans Of The Islands - Susana Leota
Susana Leota
32 years old, living in Samoa.
Legal Adviser, National District Health Board
Describe your family background?
I have 6 other siblings and we also often grew up surrounded by lots of extended family. My parents raised us with traditional fa’asamoa values but they also encouraged us to adapt in western society. They taught us to value education and encouraged us to read lots of books. We had to speak politely and use our manners. We often labeled as posh kids by our peers.
Do you have a treasured memory from your childhood?
I attended a school for kids with special needs or who had vision impairment and one year they put on a Halloween party. My parents dressed me up as a little Taupou. I remember it was raining and the treasure hunt went around the whole school. I needed crutches to walk on and my Dad didn’t want me walking the distance in the rain so he piggy-backed me through the whole treasure hunt. That’s one of my favourite memories.…more