50th Samoan Independence Day

The 50th Samoan Independence Day Dinner was a window

for me to meet a lot of Samoans residing here in Hong Kong.

It was such a great privilege to know Mr. Ramesh Mahtani,

the Honorary Consul of Samoa and his wife.

Along with their children, they hosted a gathering in the name of the Samoans

here in Hong Kong who continuously serve their country

with their own talents and  remarkable service.

Last year was held in their very own home. Hogan couldn't stop

talking about it when he got home as I remember.

Fortunately, I was able to attend the 50th along with his brother.

A couple of speeches, sharing well wishes for a stronger camaraderie
between Hong Kong and Samoa, were made to start off the evening.
Mr. Tony Nguyen, the Director of Protocol for the Government Secretariat Protocol Division
hopes for a direct flight from Hong Kong to Samoa

to help out more in the tourism and trading between the mentioned countries.*

Chief Malama Pilae (Samoan) had been staying here in Hong Kong for more than 20 years

ensuring Samoa's pride sharing the culture and value his own country stands for.

RESPECT, HONOR AND ALOFA (LOVE), to name a few.

Some that I have met are rugby players, fire knife dancers/performers and academic scholars.

No time to get bored when you're around with Samoans that's for sure.

Samoa, being the heart of the Polynesia, had been lived by happy people.

There had been a saying that Samoans are known as the gentle giants.

I remember Hogan sharing that to me.

And I think I couldn't agree more.

Despite the title that they own as strong athletes, body builders, and fire eaters,

you'd be surprised how gentle those teddy bears are in the inside.

The night continued to be fun as they all graced us with their traditional dance.

Prizes were given to the lucky winners of the raffle draw.

I won coffee mugs!!!!!

Excitement didn't end there as we headed to Wan Chai

to have an after party ourselves. We enjoyed each other's company

and hanging out with them made me feel I'm at home as they are not

far different from Filipinos when it comes to having a good time.

Dancing the night away with one of my new friends, Samantha Scott,

made this whole experience memorable as we both share the Filipino blood.
(Click on her name for more details about this
award winning body as one of the best rugby players here in Hong Kong).

A part of her is from Bicol, which is actually near to my Dad's hometown, the island of Romblon.
I believe there are similarities with each of the island's respective dialects. 

And to that, I'd like to thank them all for the warm welcome.

Go the Manu!

Related posts:
1. SAMANTHA ROSE SCOTT FEAUSI - this lady can kick ass at a rugby game.
2. 8th INTERNATIONAL SIVA AFI COMPETITION, CHAMPION: Hogan Toomalatai - and this guy can kick ass at the Fire Knife Competition also known as the SIVA AFI COMPETITION.
3. EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE - and you can kick ass with this outfit for a day out!

*For now, flights from Hong Kong to Samoa have to go thru New Zealand and/or Fiji.