As the Boge-Bada reached the shores of Era Kone(Ela Beach), the voices of the Hiri Hanenamos shouting the famous ‘Hedi-horo Boge-bada’ echoed along the shoreline of Era Kone.
The 13 contestants are participating in the Hiri Hanenamo Quest, which is the prestigious cultural pageant held during the annual Hiri Moale Festival in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The 13 contestants, after their official registration had participated in different judging categories, lead-up events and community engagement within their communities, have now reached the peak of the quest, which is the crowning, that will be staged tomorrow, September 13, 2026, at the Sir Herbert Murray Stadium after the last sway (Koea).
Unlike a conventional pageant, the Hiri Hanenamo focuses rigorously on cultural literacy, community leadership, and the preservation of the historic Hiri trade legacy.
These exemplary young women have been formally nominated by their respective local leaders to serve as cultural ambassadors, representing the identity, oral history, and traditional values of their respective Motu and Koitabu villages.
The annual event is organised by the Motu Koita Assembly, in collaboration with the National Capital District Commission and the Hiri Moale Festival Committee.
The 13 contestants for the 2026 quest are:
• Hanenamo 1: Miss Asi Hota — Gaire
• Hanenamo 2: Miss Edna Moi Oala — Boera
• Hanenamo 3: Miss Keruma Asi — Porebada
• Hanenamo 4: Miss Mary Ruth Kua — Elevala Lahara
• Hanenamo 5: Miss Margaret Mulaseula — Kouderika
• Hanenamo 6: Miss Matlinge Nanai — Pari Taurama
• Hanenamo 7: Miss Latasha Gari — Elevala Laurabada
• Hanenamo 8: Miss Hoeke Allen — Korobosea
• Hanenamo 9: Miss Tyla Aua — Boera
• Hanenamo 10: Miss Judith Julie Gadiki — Kira Kira
• Hanenamo 11: Miss Boio Buri — Pari Taurama
• Hanenamo 12: Miss Cheryl Solien — Araira
• Hanenamo 13: Miss Faith Hale Mataio — Pari Taoata
The 2026 Hiri Moale Festival program is scheduled to run from Tuesday September 8th to Sunday, 13th September 2026.
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