E te mau hoa here, IaOrana tatou

Posted by Scott Friday, March 29, 2013 0 comments

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E te mau hoa here, IaOrana tatou
As the new President of Tahiti Nui International, I would like to start by saying “Bravo”!  I am humbled and overwhelmed by the response that we as an organization have received thus far.
Each of you performed your hearts out.   From the front of stage dancers, singers and drummers, the tamarii, to the back of stage, the parents who helped with costuming and rehearsals; you all deserve a big round of applause.  I take my hat off to the Ra’atira Pupu for your ingenuity, creativity, and ability to execute such incredible presentations.  You are truly amazing and I remain awestruck at the leadership you have exemplified during the entire event.
A special recognition is well deserved for Auntie Denise, Christopher, Allen and Theresa Ramento of Here Tama Nui.  Congratulations for your win as Hura Tau Overall Grand Champion for the third consecutive year.  Your theme presentation of Herumoa, Te Hanahana o Waikiki was “genius” and enjoyed by our judges.  Thank you for your suggestions to showcase the Hura Tau Grand Champion as the closing group in all future Heiva I Honolulu.  This will be implemented and documented into the group rules and regulations for 2014.
I would like to welcome back Tiare Ura O Tahiti to the Waikiki Shell.  Though your presence has always been with us in the solo competition, your win as Hura Ava Tau Grand Champion and Perpetual proves your place at Heiva I Honolulu as essential and we look forward to seeing you each year here forward.
A last minute judge’s recognition was made on stage during the Award Ceremony to Maohi Nui’s portrayal of the Puaka in their ote’a production of Oriata.  On behalf of the judges’ and Tahiti Nui International we would like to thank Maohi Nui for your participation at Heiva I Honolulu 2013 and congratulate you for your win of the Hura Tau Perpetual Award.
Manarii and Nalani Gauthier of Tahiti Mana, Elizabeth and Nene of Nemenzo, Kevin and Aulii Kama of Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui, Tino Moe of Tamatoa, Pualani Horiuchi of Puahinano, Charelle Silva of Mehetia Productions and of course Rey and Lisa Aguilar of Te Mana O Te Ra, thank you for gracing the Waikiki Shell stage with your unforgettable performances.  I would like to also express my heartfelt gratitude to our exhibition groups O Rainearii from Tahiti and also Te Ahitoa from Laie, Hawaii.  Your exhibition performances were exactly what we needed to enhance Heiva I Honolulu 2013.
You are all truly amazing artists and we are extremely grateful for your support of Tahiti Nui Interational and Heiva I Honolulu each year.  To all of our dedicated staff and especially my Vice President of Operations Mana Mo’o, I am blessed and honored to work with you all.
Na roto I te here o Te Atua, Mauruuru e Mauruuru Maita’i

Rose Perreira
President, Tahiti Nui International

AND the WINNER is....

Posted by Unknown Monday, March 25, 2013 0 comments


As Heiva I Honolulu 2013 comes to a close, Tahiti Nui International would like to thank all participants, as well as their family and friends for coming together in support of the event.  Your energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the tahitian culture were well represented this year through your performance and attendance.  Heiva I Honolulu to our guests may be a one or three night event of the best entertainment on the island, but to you, we know it represents months, if not a year, of dedicated learning, teaching, rehearsals, and costuming.

We would also like to thank our volunteer staff :  the Perreira family, the Ulima family, Aunty Gerry Baker and family, Francine Wong and family, Richard Nagai, Renee Cabrinha, Austin Parker, Ho'olaulea Steffen, Meghen Steffen Perreira, Colleen Lomavita, Halau Na Pua Mai Kalani, Mike Bambi (Event Photographer), David Wittenbrook (Event Videographer), and Brandon Jimenez (Event Audio).    We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors for providing services throughout the event:  The Polynesian Cultural Center, Black Pearl Designs, Aloha Hula Supply, Germaine's Luau, Tahiti Instruments by Fatu Kramer, Tahiti Imports, Tihatis, Vanille de Tahiti, Hopaki Creations, Poerava Kitchen, HuliHuli Hawaii and Missing Polynesia.

And of course a big mauruuru roa to our emcees of Heiva I Honolulu, the beautiful and lovely, Cathy Teriipaia, Mana Mo'o, and VAIHI!

AND the Heiva I Honolulu Winners are...

Overall Solo Vahine                       
Poerava Goo, Tahiti Toa, Honolulu HI

Overall Solo Tane
Teva Takafumi Gima, Puahinano, Okinawa JP
_______________________________

Hura Tau (Senior Division)

Ote’a
First Place, HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento
Second Place, Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo
Third Place, Tahiti Mana, Ra’atira Pupu Manari’i and Nalani Gauthier

Original Aparima
First Place, HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento
Second Place, Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo
Third Place, Tahiti Mana, Ra’atira Pupu Manari’i and Nalani Gauthier

Vahine Ahupurotu
First Place, Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo I
Second Place, HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento
Third Place, Tahiti Mana, Ra’atira Pupu Manari’i and Nalani Gauthier

Drumming
First Place, HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento
Second Place, Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo
Third Place, Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Kevin Kama

Grand Champion (Cumulative: Ote’a, Original Aparima, Vahine Ahupurotu, Drumming)

HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento

Hura Tau Perpetual (Cumulative: Ote’a, Original Aparima, Vahine Ahupurotu, Drumming, and cumulative scores of all solo finalists)

Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo
_______________________________

Hura Ava Tau (Junior Division)

Ote’a
First Place, Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez
Second Place, Tamatoa, Ra’atira Pupu Tino Moe

Original Aparima
First Place, Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez
Second Place, Tamatoa, Ra’atira Pupu Tino Moe

Vahine Ahupurotu
First Place, Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez
Second Place, Tamatoa, Ra’atira Pupu Tino Moe

Drumming
First Place, Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez
Second Place, Tamatoa, Ra’atira Pupu Tino Moe

Aparima
First Place, Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez
Second Place, Tamatoa, Ra’atira Pupu Tino Moe

Grand Champion (Cumulative: Ote’a, Original Aparima, Vahine Ahupurotu, Drumming)

First Place, Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez 

Hura Ava Tau Perpetual (Cumulative: Ote’a, Original Aparima, Vahine Ahupurotu, Drumming, and cumulative scores of all solo finalists combined)

Tiare Ura O Tahiti, Ra’atira Pupu Jerrold Martinez 
_______________________________

Tamari'i (Children Division)

Tamari’i Ote’a
First Place, HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento
Second Place, Puahinano, Ra'atira Pupu Pualani Horiuchi
Third Place, Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo
_______________________________
Best Ute
Nemenzo, Ra’atira Pupu Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen and Magdalena Nemenzo

Best Ote’a Costume                       
HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento

Best Ra’atira
HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento

Best Couple
Maohi Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Mervyn and Joanne Lilo

Best Fact Sheet                        
 Tahiti Mana, Ra’atira Pupu Manari’i and Nalani Gauthier

Group of the Year (public vote)
HereTama Nui, Ra’atira Pupu Chris and Allen Ramento

 UPDATED:  March 25, 2013 2:04pm




Tahiti Mana Wows the Waikiki Shell

Posted by Unknown Saturday, March 23, 2013 0 comments


TAHITI MANA, Hura Tau group participant from Honolulu, Hawaii concluded the day's events with their interpretation of the famous legend of Tafa'i, Tahitian demi-god that championed any great feat including the reunification of the spirit and body of his beloved Hina. (Photo Above)

Groups gathered for competition at the Waikiki Shell Friday, as finalists awaited anxiously for the results of Thursday's solo competition.  Friday morning began with Hura Ava Tau group participant Tamatoa's Tamari'i Otea themed Voyage, followed by other group entry performances:  Tiare Ura O Tahiti's Drumming and Vahine Aparima entries, as well as Nenemenzo's drumming and Tamatoa's return with their Vahine Ahupurotu.  The Solo Award Ceremony highlighted the afternoon despite the incredible performances of hard hitting drumming by Tamatoa, and ote'a exhibition by one of Tahiti's very own dance schools from Taravao, O'Raineari'i, directed by Hearani Salmon.





Who's on FIRST? Solo Awards Ceremony

Posted by Unknown 0 comments

2013 Heiva I Honolulu Solo Competition Results:

TAMARI'I DIVISION

Tamahine 4-6 years of age

First Place     Mariah Oliveros-Nau, TO'ERAU MANU RAHI
Second Place     Dallas Deuz, MAOHI NUI
Third Place     Tianna Wailehua, MAOHI NUI

Tamaroa 4-6 years of age

First Place     Mose Lilo, MAOHI NUI
Second Place     Maviri Gauthier, TAHITI MANA

Tamahine 7-10 years of age

First Place     Tiani Bello, MERAHI PRODUCTIONS
Second Place     Alana Nicely, HERETAMA NUI
Third Place     Malia Pedro, HERETAMA NUI

Tamaroa 7-10 years of age

First Place     Yuri Kyan, PUAHINANO
Second Place     Alize Kinimaka, MAOHI NUI
Third Place     Shane Kinimaka, MAOHI NUI

TAURE'ARE'A DIVISION

Tamahine 11-13 years of age

First Place     Destiny-Rose Battaya, IA ORA O TAHITI NUI
Second Place     Sierrah Baldomero, MAOHI NUI
Third Place     Mariah Salinas, TE MANA O TE RA

Tamaroa 11-13 years of age

First Place     Darien Panday, TO'ERAU MANU RAHI
Second Place     Naoshi Ahiya, PUAHINANO
Third Place     Maru Irei, PUAHINANO

Tamahine 14-17 years of age

First Place     Tehani Perkins, TE VAI URA NUI
Second Place     Brooke Leslie, HERETAMA NUI
Third Place     Abagail Manalac, NEMENZO

Tamaroa 14-17 years of age

First Place     Anthony Petersen, NEMENZO
Second Place     Jeshuahn Uta, TE VAI URA NUI

TANE/VAHINE DIVISION

Vahine 18-21 years of age

First Place     Chelsea Clement, MAOHI NUI
Second Place     Alexa Ashley Cezar, TIARE URA O TAHITI
Third Place     Kayla Fontanilla, NEMENZO

Tane 18-21 years of age
First Place     Okuto Horiuchi, PUAHINANO
Second Place     Keenan Chun, TAHITI MANA
Third Place     Damon Bannag Jr., NEMENZO

Vahine 22-26 years of age

First Place     Poerava Goo, TAHITI TOA
Second Place     Heather Ruth, TE VAI URA NUI
Third Place     Ayumi Asano, TOKARIGA KALOKEMELEMELE

Tane 22-26 years of age

First Place     Teva Takafumi Gima, PUAHINANO
Second Place     Shane Galicia, TIARE URA O TAHITI
Third Place     Yoshichika Gima, PUAHINANO

Vahine 27-35 years of age

First Place     Michelle Baker, NEMENZO
Second Place     Desiree Woodward-Lee, NEMENZO
Third Place     Mareva Anderson, TE ORI TAHITI HERE

Tane 27-35 years of age

First Place     Anthony Ing, NEMENZO
Second Place     Jerrold Martinez, TIARE URA O TAHITI
Third Place     Jerome Kaleikoa Pave, HERETAMA NUI

Vahine 36-45 years of age

First Place     Tomoko Hanada, TE ORI TAHITI HERE
Second Place     Analyn Koeger, MAOHI NUI
Third Place     Herenui Ayuka Hattori, PUAHINANO

Tane 36-45 years of age

First Place     Secca Tanuvasa, MAOHI NUI
Second Place     Daniel Sherman, TE VAI URA NUI
Third Place     Rey Manalac, NEMENZO

Vahine 46+

First Place     Marilyn Aquino, NEMENZO

Tane 46+

First Place     Lawakua Gabriel, MANUTAHI

From Solo Competition to Solo Awards....

Posted by Unknown Friday, March 22, 2013 0 comments

From the Solo Competition held Thursday, March 21, 2013, we move gracefully to the Awards Ceremony being held today, Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Waikiki Shell.

Mike Bambi photos here...  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.583734624978346.1073741846.100000254418146&type=1

The Ceremony is scheduled for 2:30pm today, shortly after the lunch break, where competitors in yesterday's elimination rounds and final round were vying for champion, second, and third place awards.  Yesterday's solo rounds portrayed the best in tahitian dance outside of French Polynesia with representatives from dance schools from Japan, the mainland USA and Hawaii.  The first place finishers will compete yet again on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:00am for the titles of Best Male and Best Female solo dancer at Heiva I Honolulu 2013 and will be awarded a roundtrip air and hotel to Tokyo, Japan to perform at Heiva I Japan 2013 in September.

Drumming groups will be competing similarly, for the chance for five of their team members to travel to Japan to perform as house drummers of Heiva I Japan 2013.  Group events begin today, Friday, March 22, 2013 with most Hura Ava Tau (Jr.) groups performing, one Hura Tau (Sr.) group closing the night, and an exhibition by one of Tahiti's own dance schools, O Raineari'i, directed by Hearani Salmon.  Here is a summary of today's schedule:

9:00 am Gates Open to Public
10:30 am Opening Day Introductions
11:00 am Group Events begin
1:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm Awards Ceremony
3:30 pm Group Events continue
8:00 pm End of Day

General Admission tickets can be purchased on-site at the Waikiki Shell box office.  $15 Adult $10 Child, children under 4 free, a $1 ticket fee may apply.


DRUM ROLL ....

Posted by Unknown Thursday, March 21, 2013 0 comments

Waikiki is about to be HIT with the HEAT of Heiva I Honolulu!

Today at the Waikiki Shell, Maeva I Patitifa of the north shore of Oahu, will pound the airwaves with their syncopated beats for all participants of the annual Solo Competition scheduled to begin at 10:00am HST.  Solo competitors in nine age divisions will compete for first, second, and third place awards which will be announced, Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Solo Competition Awards Ceremony at the Waikiki Shell, 2:30pm HST.

Here is a summary timeline of today's event:

9:00am  Waikiki Shell gates open to the public
10:00am  Introduction of Judges and Maeva I Patitifa
10:30am  Solo Competition Round 1
12:30pm  Solo Competition Round 2
3:30pm  Final Round
7:00pm  Waikiki Shell gates close to the public

The venue will be filled with vendors, representing local food and polynesian art and handicrafts.  Here is a list:

Black Pearl Designs
Kealohi Creations
Island Pearl Creations
Lauwa'e
Purea Creations
Missing Polynesia
Vahine Oviri
Taitua Pearls
Aloha Fabrics
Orama Vision
Tahiti Toa
Alofa's Custom Design
Huli Huli Hawaii
Pareo Tahiti
Mami's Tahitian Creation
Patu Creation
Kaipoa Creation
Tahiti Instruments by Fatu

Heiva i Honolulu to rock the Waikiki Shell this weekend

Posted by Scott Wednesday, March 20, 2013 0 comments

PRESS RELEASE –

 
Honolulu, Hawaii – March 20, 2013 - HEIVA I HONOLULU, produced by Tahiti Nui International, is Hawaii’s biggest and best Tahitian dance competition. Tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, March 21-23, 2013 the Waikiki Shell stage will be full of hundreds of soloists and premier Tahitian performance groups representing Hawaii, North America and Asia. A full three-day of activities for visitors and locals, this Heiva is a gathering of the best in Tahitian culture.
 
What is a heiva you ask? In Tahitian, the word Heiva (hei meaning to assemble, and va meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise, and festivals. Music, dancing, singing and sporting events have always held an important place in the Polynesian community. Heiva i Honolulu, now in its 11th year, is modeled after Heiva i Tahiti, which occurs annually during the month of July and is the largest cultural event in Tahiti and French Polynesia.
 
From the fast hip shaking Otea movements to the powerful beating drums to the seductive rhythms of song and legends, this competition is sure to entertain. This year we also feature Polynesian fashion shows and an exhibition by a local Marquesan group performing traditional haka’s rarely seen outside of French Polynesia. An array of Polynesian arts and crafts unique solely to this event, complete the festivities.
 
Months of rehearsal culminate for all participating groups with dramatic energized performances of the Otea, Ahupurotu, Drumming, and Aparima. Soloists alike prepare for a complete day of competition amongst those similar in age for the coveted award of top dancer in their age
group as well as advancing to the solo champion award, the Overall Tane and Overall Vahine titles.
 
Tickets are on sale at the Blaisdell Ticket Box Office, or each day two hours prior to the event start time at the Waikiki Shell Box Office. General Admission: Adult (11yrs+) $15 Child $10 (4-10yrs). Ticket prices noted are per day. The celebration is open to visitors and locals alike.
 
Heiva i Honolulu 2013 is sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Cultural Center, Aloha Hula Supply, Black Pearl Designs, Germaine’s Luau, Hokapi Creations, Tahiti Imports, Tahitian Drums by Chief Miko, Tihati Productions, and Vanille de Tahiti.
 
TAHITI NUI INTERNATIONAL is a cultural organization founded for the purposes of preserving, promoting and sharing the cultures, arts and crafts of the five groups of islands that make up French Polynesia, commonly known as Tahiti.
 
For more information, if you would like to schedule in studio or have press passes provided, contact: Mana Mo’o (manamoo@mac.com), Tahiti Nui International, 3246 Hinano Street, Honolulu, HI 96816 (808)732-7342 www.tahitinuiinternational.com.

LESS THAN A WEEK....

Posted by Unknown Friday, March 15, 2013 0 comments

We are less than a week away from Hawaii's most renown Tahitian dance and music event.  With a full schedule of tahitian song and dance from local, japanese, and mainland groups, new awards and prizes, guest performances, arts and crafts, and more...the Waikiki Shell will be the HOTTEST spot next weekend, March 21-23.  General Admission tickets are on sale at the Waikiki Shell Box Office each day of the event, OR in advance from the Neil Blaisdell Ticket Office or via Ticketmaster.com.

Gates will open daily at 9:00am.  The event start time will vary daily and end time is dependent on the days events, but the venue closes daily at 9pm.

We are still taking solo entry registration through March 20, 2013.  Group entries are CLOSED.  We have a line up of groups that will be categorized as the best entertainment in Waikiki next weekend;   hot lineups both Friday and Saturday.  Thursday will be fun filled with Soloists, performing their best for the titles of Best Female and Best Male dancers in tahitian dance.  There will be guest performances  by local artists and groups, as well as a performance group from Tahiti next weekend.  Local designers will be on stage to exhibit the latest in tahitian clothing and costume.

Don't miss it!  Buy your tickets early, see you there.

An advanced announcement to all attending, please be aware PARKING will be limited due to multiple events taking place in and around the Waikiki Shell.






Heiva I Honolulu 2013 T-SHIRT!

Posted by Unknown Friday, March 8, 2013 0 comments


The Heiva I Honolulu 2013 T-Shirt is going to print for March 21-23!   Pre-Order your t-shirt with our Novelties and T-Shirt Order form.  Available for pick-up only from the Waikiki Shell during the event.  Contact Rose Perreira for more information, mrstahiti@mac.com. (Click on the t-shirt for a link to the order form.)


(This is a mock up of the t-shirt.  The designs may be smaller or larger dependent on t-shirt size.)





THREE WEEKS AWAY...

Posted by Unknown Friday, March 1, 2013 0 comments

We are less than three weeks away to Heiva I Honolulu 2013!  A more detailed schedule will be published shortly, however, keep in mind the following as you plan:

Thursday, March 21 - Solo Competition (1st, 2nd and Final Rounds)
Friday, March 22 - Solo Award Ceremony & Jr. Division Group Presentations
Saturday, March 23 - Solo Overall Competition (First Places) & Sr. Division Group Presentations & Awards Ceremony

Each day, the Waikiki Shell gates open to the public at 9:00am, and program start time is 10:00am.  Parking is limited around the Waikiki Shell and Kapiolani Park.

As a note for participating groups and soloists, please calendar the following deadlines if you haven't already:

March 1 - T-shirt and Novelties pre-order deadline
March 7 - Solo Application deadline (no late fee)
March 13 - Group Ticket pre-order deadline
March 15 - Group lyrics and performance summary (Ahupurotu, Aparima)
March 18 - Group lyrics and performance summary (Overall Otea, Tamarii Otea)

Additionally, the schedule for group staging is complete (Ahupurotu, Aparima, Overall Otea, Tamaraii Otea).  If you have missed the t-shirt and novelties pre-order deadline and have an interest, please contact Rose Perreira, mrstahiti@me.com.


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