Miss Heilala 2025 embraces her calling to inspire Tonga's future

“It’s been a whirlwind,” is how Miss Heilala 2025, Siosi'ana Patricia Lavulo Robert Taumoepeau, describes the past few days following her crowning glory last weekend.

Speaking from the island Kingdom to PMN Tonga, Taumoepeau shared the overwhelming love and support she has received from around the world.

“It's been such a blessing to have so much of my family with me here, both from the Kingdom of Tonga, but also from around the world to support,” she says.

“I'm just feeling very honoured and very grateful.”

Born in Germany and raised in the United States and Canada, Taumoepeau has deep roots in France and the Kingdom of Tonga.

She proudly represents the villages of Fasi Moe Afi, Kotu, Kolofo’ou, Kolomotua, Ha’avakatolo, Tuanuku, Pangai, Ha’afeva, and Hihifo.

At 24 years old, Taumoepeau is an alumna of Biola University in California, where she earned her degree in Business Marketing and Management, with a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Her decision to enter the pageant came after completing a two-year training programme with a non-profit organisation during last year’s Heilala Festival. When her family asked her what her next step would be, her cousin encouraged her.

“As we were talking about the Heilala, my cousin said, ‘I think this is your time to go’,” Taumoepeau explains.

“After a lot of prayer and reflection and time with mentors and family, I felt like the Lord is calling me to come back to the Kingdom to serve and to represent our family.”

Her academic journey has strengthened her foundation in faith, leadership, and service. As a devout Christian, Taumoepeau has delivered aid, hope, and healing to global communities through the humanitarian organisation, Samaritan’s Purse.

Taumoepeau gives all glory to God for the abundant blessings she has received.

“The Lord really was knocking on my heart and used a lot of people to encourage me, which was a huge blessing and led me to where I am now."

Siosi'ana Taumoepeau won the Best Puletaha, Best Sarong Wear, Miss Popularity/Miss Internet, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Tourism categories. Photo/Facebook

Taumoepeau follows in the footsteps of her mother, Anita Roberts, who was crowned Miss Heilala in 1997. Together, they are Tonga’s first mother-daughter duo to have both won the title.

“It's been such a blessing to have my mom with me and just her giving me inspiration throughout this process,” Taumoepeau says.

“Her experience in it firsthand and now as a mother going through it, it's been very sweet for both of us.”

By winning the pageant, Miss Heilala is more than just a beauty queen, she becomes a role model, an ambassador, and a symbol of the strength and grace of Tongan women.

Role and responsibility

As Miss Heilala, Taumoepeau will play a key role in promoting the Tonga Tourism Association (TTA) and representing the Kingdom in the global tourism industry.

The title also offers the potential to compete in global pageants like Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss Pacific Islands.

Taumoepeau has quickly started her duties, making an appearance at the Heilala International 9s Rugby League Tournament.

“I'm realising the weight that the title holds and the influence and the potential of encouraging and inspiring our youth.”

Miss Heilala 2024-2025 Racheal Angelica o Manakakapu Guttenbeil performs her final tau'olunga as the title holder. Photo/Facebook

As for the issues she wants to highlight, Taumoepeau is focussing on family, youth, and the future.

As Tonga advances technologically, Taumoepeau hopes to bridge generational differences and increase accessibility by digitising the Kingdom’s rich history, stories, and traditions.

“I'm passionate about a lot of issues, but the one that I've always been passionate about, ever since I was young, is generational faith,” she says.

“Whether it's school or through church or through our family, the generational wealth and passing that down to our youth, encouraging those relationships.”

Siosi'ana placed first runner-up in the Island Creation category. Photo/Facebook

“Hopefully, through social media, tell a lot of our stories, both from the youth perspective and the older generation," Taumoepeau says.

"Doing interviews or podcasts to share the story of our Kingdom with such a rich history and culture that, I feel, hasn't been shared with the world quite yet.”

Taumoepeau admits that the full weight of her crown hasn’t fully set in, but she aims to serve Tonga with humility.

“I think with any leadership role, you realise that when you have influence, there's a different accountability that's held to you, and especially with those formalities.

“So I think I'm just praying and asking others to just give me any bit of wisdom to steward and capitalise on this opportunity for our people, for our nation, and for our Lord.”