Exploring Shanghai’s depths at the Intercontinental Wonderland
| Leave a CommentBy Andhy Blake As the Brand, Marketing, and PR Executive for Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey across China as part of the Tourism Fiji ‘Great China Roadshow’. Among the five captivating cities I explored, Shanghai emerged as a true gem, capturing my heart with its […]
Read moreVavavi’s Soul Food
| Leave a CommentBy Kite Pareti Editor’s note: Vavavi has moved location since this article, but still offers a rich local food experience. It is a bright Saturday morning, and I am heading out of Nadi to learn how to make some delicious local food. Lovo is a traditional cooking method, practiced for centuries in Fiji and across […]
Read moreThe healing power of art
| Leave a CommentNina Nawalowalo returns home By Samantha Magick When director Nina Nawalowalo shared her film, A Boy Called Piano at the Samabula Juvenile Centre late last year, she was struck by the scenes that resonated with its young audience. The movie centres on the journey of Fa’amoana John Luafutu and his son Matthias. Fa’amoana moved to […]
Read moreFilm Review: Monkey Man
| Leave a CommentBy Ben Wheeler Recently the debate around how to release new movies – in theatres or home streaming – has raged. Doug Liman all but walked on his awesome remake of 80s classic Roadhouse when Amazon announced it would not receive a theatrical release some weeks back. He threatened to boycott the premiere, but then […]
Read moreThe Bulaccino Farm
/ | Leave a CommentA visionary’s oasis in Nadi’s heart By Prerna Priyanka Nestled in the embrace of the Sleeping Giant Mountain range, Bulaccino’s 30-acre farm in Nadi is not just a picturesque scene, but a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Eileen Chute. From fruit orchards to hardwood forests, medicinal plants to a tilapia pond, […]
Read moreProject Rotuma
/ | Leave a CommentA passion project taking the Rotuman diaspora by storm By Donna Hoerder What started as a passion project for two cousins is creating a flurry of interest for many other Rotumans. Especially the Rotuman diaspora who can relate to the challenges and expense of visiting Rotuma, an island 400 miles northwest of the capital Suva, […]
Read moreToberua: A solar-powered haven
/ | Leave a CommentBy Kalinga Seneviratne Toberua is a unique resort just off the coast of Fiji’s capital, Suva. Occupying a four-acre privately-owned island, it features tall coconut trees, lush tropical gardens, a swimming pool, slivers of sandy beach, and 15 small bures, plus a three-bedroom villa. Fiji’s first private island resort, Toberua’s bures face the sea. Each […]
Read moreSu Elliott: Painting new paths
/ | Leave a CommentBy Samantha Magick In an age where art is increasingly digitally-manipulated, there is no mistaking the artist’s hand in the work of Su Elliott. Elliott likes to leave the faint traces of her erasures and evidence of her brush strokes in her finished works. “To me it is important for whoever’s looking at the work […]
Read moreEmbodying the essence of the Pacific
/ | Leave a CommentBy Debbie Singh In September 2022, the VOU Dance Company in Fiji was awarded a grant of almost €180,000 through an African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) – European Union (EU) funded project to promote the sustainability of cultural and creative industries in the Pacific. The project is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) in partnership with […]
Read moreVeggie restaurant: Sharing a love for vegetarian cuisine
| Leave a CommentBy Vittoria Pasca Originally from China, Xiao Lian (also known as Lucia) moved to Suva in 2017 and soon after, opened Veggie Restaurant in Flagstaff. She became vegetarian 14 years ago for religious reasons and since then, she has been very passionate about sharing her love for plant-based cuisine. In the beginning, Xiao was running […]
Read moreA tranquil retreat in Fiji’s hidden paradise
| Leave a CommentBy Andhy Blake Nestled along the picturesque Hibiscus Highway in Savusavu, La Dolce Vita Holiday Villas beckons travellers seeking a tranquil haven amidst the beauty of Fiji. Imagine waking up to your own private beach, witnessing a breathtaking sunrise, and feeling the soothing waves lap against the nearby reef. This idyllic retreat invites you to […]
Read moreSavusavu: A guide to Fiji’s hidden paradise
| 1 Comment on Savusavu: A guide to Fiji’s hidden paradiseSavusavu Bay is one of Fiji’s most glorious stretches of water and most charming towns. Formed from the caldera of a volcano, the bay is home to marinas, wonderful swimming and snorkelling spots, and a world-famous pearl farm. The town itself provides many diversions, under and on the water, and on land. Things to do […]
Read moreAdorning Pacific bodies
/ | Leave a CommentBy Kite Pareti Fijian warriors holding tiki torches and performing meke dances at night are some of Sandy Lyons’ best memories of the Arts Village. “I grew up in the Arts Village in its heyday, and there was such a good vibe. My parents had a shop here, and my primary school was located here […]
Read moreLevuka
| Leave a CommentLevuka makes a memorable first impression. Arriving by sea, colourful storefronts and historic buildings are framed by the forested slopes of an extinct volcano rising sharply behind the township. Levuka, as Fiji’s first capital (1874-1882), is a town of many firsts. It is a significant cultural world heritage site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific […]
Read moreBen Masirewa: Fijian guitar virtuoso shares his musical journey
/ | Leave a CommentBy Prerna Priyanka Ben Masirewa, who has been dubbed a “one-man musical genius,” is returning to the Fiji Fringe Festival after his blazing performance last year. Masirewa credits his father for instilling a rebellious spirit within him, fostering a love for rock ‘n’ roll and encouraging him to dare to be different. “He dared me […]
Read moreVagina Monologues: A celebration of women’s voices
| 2 Comments on Vagina Monologues: A celebration of women’s voicesBy Prerna Priyanka In a bold move to amplify women’s voices and challenge societal taboos, the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival is set to feature a riveting theatre performance of Eve Ensler’s renowned “Vagina Monologues.” Roshika Deo, a prominent figure in Fiji’s gender equality movement and the driving force behind the production, says the performance will […]
Read moreMeli Derenalagi to lead Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in 2024
| Leave a CommentBy Prerna Priyanka The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially named Meli Derenalagi as the captain for the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Derenalagi, known for his exceptional skills as a backrower and his leadership both on and off the field, has been a pivotal figure for the Fijian Drua since its […]
Read moreJane Ricketts’ memories of Fiji and family
/ | Leave a CommentBy Samantha Magick and Elizabeth Kolivuso Suva painter Jane Ricketts’ paintings are a window into Fiji’s history and history-makers, iTaukei and Indo-Fijian culture, cityscapes and intimate depictions of her family. Ricketts developed her interest in art at a very young age, at the knee of her grandfather, who painted landscapes. But it was a turning […]
Read moreInsideOut’s music with meaning
/ | Leave a CommentBy Rowena Singh “There’s never a last song,” says InsideOut lead singer and guitarist, Apakuki Nalawa about the band’s ability to fill dancefloors. “We have to literally run off the stage. People just don’t want to stop partying, dancing and singing.” InsideOut’s passion, iTaukei lyrics, melody and instrumentation has brought them fame across Fiji and […]
Read moreKillers of the Flower Moon, Fourth Cinema and the Future of Fijian Film
/ | Leave a CommentBy Ben Wheeler For many, the name Martin Scorsese is synonymous with American cinema. His films Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas are considered by many to be among the greatest Hollywood has ever produced. Others like After Hours and The King of Comedy have a distinctly cult following and have inspired art as varied […]
Read moreTUINZ, Fiji’s dynamic duo ready to dazzle at the Fiji Fringe Festival
/ | Leave a CommentBy Prerna Priyanka In the vibrant world of urban and open-style hip-hop dance, TUINZ stands out as a dynamic duo, making waves in Fiji and beyond. Comprising twins Adriel and Akuila Tuivaga, TUINZ promises an unforgettable showcase of talent, creativity, and a tribute to a dear friend at the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival. With a […]
Read moreThe wonders of Qilaqila, Lau
| Leave a CommentBy Samisoni Pareti Located on the northwest tip of Vanuabalavu, Lau, tiny limestone islets— many of them looking more like boulders –litter the bay to make up this natural wonder. The limestone rocks are secure anchors, and the many narrow channels and sheltered coves form natural anchorage and berthing bays for yachts, motorboats and other […]
Read moreSharing ginger beer goodness
| Leave a CommentBy Rowena Singh It’s hard to imagine a more refreshing drink option than a cold glass of Ginger Lei’s lemongrass or moli ginger beer, pumped straight from a frosty keg. You may have tried it at the ROC Market or at the Ginger Café in Suva, or poolside at the Sofitel Resort on Denarau. Now […]
Read moreMoana Loa: Bringing wonderland and fantasy to the Fiji Fringe Festival
/ | Leave a CommentBy Prerna Priyanka In a blend of creativity and performance, Moana Loa is set to mesmerise audiences at the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival with a whimsical performance inspired by a childhood favourite. Choreographer Maleina Molia says: “The audience can expect Moana Loa to bring a fun performance to the Fringe Festival with a themed storyline […]
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