This is a chance to show everyone how interesting and beautiful our culture really is.

These were the sentiment of the various contestants for the 2009 Miss South Pacific Beauty Pageant.

Miss Tuvalu Akelita Marisa Pesega said that when she takes to the stage today, it will be for a dual purpose, to ask for help in raising awareness on the effects of global warming and also show the locals the Tuvaluan way of life.