Iampela Popena: The Historic Rise of Miss PNG | First Miss Bird of Paradise from Western Highlands

Описание: Discover the inspiring journey of Iampela Popena, the 19-year-old economics student from the University of Papua New Guinea who became the first-ever Miss Bird of Paradise Papua New Guinea 2025-2026 from Western Highlands Province!

Crowned in December 2025 after sweeping major categories (Best Talent, Best Sarong, People's Choice, and more), she made history as the crowd favorite and first from the Land of Eagles. From her roots in Mt Hagen, her mixed heritage (Western Highlands dad, Enga mum), family of seven, dedication to education, advocacy for youth and vulnerable children, to representing PNG at the Miss Pacific Islands 2026 in Fiji — where she stunned with her talent, sarong transformation inspired by the Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly, won Best Traditionally Inspired Attire and Miss National Tourism, and finished as 1st Runner-Up — this is a story of cultural pride, resilience, and Pacific empowerment!

In this 8-minute deep dive, we cover:
0:00 - Intro to Miss PNG's Trailblazing Rise
1:15 - Origins in Western Highlands & Mt Hagen
2:30 - Family Background & Heritage
3:45 - Education at UPNG & Economics Passion
4:50 - Path to the Crown: Miss Western Highlands to National Win
6:00 - Miss Pacific Islands 2026 Highlights & Achievements
7:20 - Message of Hope & What's Next

She's more than a queen — she's a beacon of brains, beauty, and benevolence! What do you think of Iampela's incredible story? Drop your thoughts in the comments, smash that LIKE if you're proud of PNG, SUBSCRIBE for more Pacific stories, and hit the bell icon for updates!

#IampelaPopena #MissPNG #MissBirdOfParadise #MissPacificIslands2026 #PapuaNewGuinea #PNGQueen #WesternHighlands #MissPacificIslands #PacificBeauty #CulturalPride #YouthEmpowerment #PNG #FijiPageant #BeautyQueen #InspiringWomen #PacificIslands

Sources:
  / 1f5dqtpiux  
  / 17zvczjud4  
  / 15yyahfssep  
  / 1ffcgheuct  
  / 1832mud6an  
   • An eagle's eye view of Mt Hagen, Western H...  
   • Night View | Mt Hagen | Western Highlands ...  
   • 🇵🇬Tourists at Mt Hagen Market🍉🍍  
   • MOUNT HAGEN VEGETABLE MARKET TOUR  
   • Aerial View of Wabag Town, Enga Province, ...  
   • Over 300 Students Proudly Graduate from Po...  
   • University of Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬  
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUfztc...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUrpCO...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUp08b...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUpE5n...