Lavagirl will be showcasing its second LGX Fashion show on October 19th, 2024, at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby. The runway show, which is also known as Lavagirl's Xplosion Fashion show, will be returning bigger and better with now more expectations from the audience who came to witness the first show that was showcased last year, 2023. Preparations have so far been slow according to Entrepreneur and owner of Maku Gifts, Annette Sete. The show which was initially supposed to take place in May a week before Mother’s Day (since Lavagirl’s products are basically to do with women), has now been postponed to October due to a number of events that popped up causing the show to be moved. However, Sete told PNG HAUSBUNG that preparations are going quite well despite certain factors and since Maku Gifts and Lavagirl are both marking their 10th anniversary, there will be ten collections, and each collection will have ten pieces each on the runway. “Lavagirl, which is the brand and Maku Gifts which is the shop, are celebrating ten years of surviving the hush business environment in PNG. Just like my first fashion show, this year I am yet again collaborating with Barata PNG who does street wear for men and boys.” “We’re both collaborating, being that Barata PNG’s brand compliments what Lavagirl puts out. So, we are collaborating again this year and founder of Barata, Christopher Lam, will be producing my show.” Most of the production are done in-house so Sete and the team are producing in both branches of Kokopo and Port Moresby for the show, and with an eye opener and a wow factor that they have produced last year during her first show, they now have to top it up making it better than last year. The show is set to showcase some of her unique designs throughout her journey as well as showcasing new ones on the runway. This she hopes to maintain that standard that she had set at her first fashion show last year. “There is a lot of new print to expect and new items for the show and so for those who are regular customers or who follow us closely would recognize some of our new items coming out. The show is also our avenue to actually showcase new items that are going to come out in the next few months as well.” Meanwhile, a model call is to be made to all those interested to join in this year’s fashion show. Sete stated that they will be expecting many entries just like the previous year and the entries are to be done online. It will open this Thursday, 26th of September. “Based on the entries, we will then screen all applications and will narrow down to 300 for our Saturday Walk in Auditions.” “For those screened successfully, will then come in for the auditions at APEC Haus and from there will then trim down to sixty models and that is the total number of models who will take part for the fashion show.” “Since Lavagirl brand is every woman, I am looking for every shape and size. We’re not looking for a specific type; as my brand is for everyone." "Whether thick or thin, we want a mixture of people who will represent what we put out and what we sell. We are also looking for attitude and vibe so if you fit the bill, then why not. So, this model call out will be open for anyone to attend.” Furthermore, tickets for the show will be E- tickets, which are to be purchased online and are now available at the Maku Gifts shops. After purchasing, contact details are to be provided so that the tickets will be emailed to those who have purchased and from there must then be downloaded so that their tickets can be scanned on the night before entering the show. “Tickets are K400 per person and for corporate clients, K4, 000 for ten. They will have their own row of seats with free access to bar.”

The Civil Society Organization led coalition for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women has made an urgent call to the government to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Porgera, Enga province. The recent outbreak of violence has caused a widespread of displacement especially among children and women and has left a number of essential government services such as healthcare, education and security, absent. The call on the government came from a number of human rights defenders and NGOs including Magna Carta PNG, Advancing PNG and Business Coalition for Women whom some of them currently have their own workers on the ground in Porgera, desperately needing the help from the government and relevant authorities. According to President and Board Chair of Advancing PNG Women’s Leaders Network, Ruth Kissam, she particularly stressed the urgent need for female representatives in the Community Development Agreement signing made yesterday. “We urge the Mineral Resources Authority, the Enga Provincial Government and other relevant government agencies to prioritize women’s rights and perspective to secure a just and equitable future for all in Porgera. The time for action is action!” “The majority of the men that are sitting on the board at the signing are men and not women; how can men be able to represent the voice of women especially in the extractive areas when a lot of conflict that are happening, are affecting women and children.” She further stated that Porgera alone has the highest number when it comes to weaponization of sexual violence against women. She then stated that there are rape cases happening whereas men are using rape as a form of war and that is happening mostly in places of conflicts. Meanwhile, though there are not enough essential government services such as health services working effectively in the area, Kissam said that there are other services that work quite effectively; church services and human rights defenders on ground. In addition to this, Executive Director of Papua Native Landowner Association, stated that they have number of human rights defenders that work on ground in Porgera in which a few of them have also been injured. “We have one of our female workers who has been attacked whilst trying to help other individuals to move. She has now requested for a chopper to go in bring out some of the victims out but it’s not a good time when a woman is in that situation thinking of her child, her health and its within a conflict area.” “Matters like these we need support from airline companies and we mostly need to support those who are handicapped and living with disabilities too.” Furthermore, Kissman stated that accessibility is an issue; therefore, Churches have always been the ones who have been at the forefront, however, even churches need help too. “Churches are not a law enforcement agency yet they have filled in the gap that could have been filled by the state or other partners we have. So our call primarily is to the government. At the moment all churches are refugee homes for all victims and that is why we need support to save our women and children.” “We stand with our women and children in Porgera to make sure women’s voices are heard especially in making sure they have a seat at the table of the Community Development Agreement.”

First time fashion designer for the PNG Fashion Week Runway show 2024, Stephanie Tukavai was all smiles as she expressed excitement showcasing some of her unique pieces that she is bringing to the runway tonight in Port Moresby city. Tukavai is among three emerging designers who were selected by PNG Fashion Week to take part in this year’s runway show and with that, shared with PNG HAUSBUNG an insight into her collection. “My collection is called Kuma Ri Kai, which in Kuanua tokples (language) means, ‘arise.’” Tukavai, who comes from a mixed parentage of Madang and East New Britain provinces and lives in Lae city, has always had an interest in fashion and now in reality can share that tonight with others to see, especially the guests international designers. “Mostly, my collection is more casual. I am into up- cycling and recycling sustainable fashion and that’s something I haven’t seen any other designers do yet and so I’m both nervous and excited at the same time to bring in something new to the runway.” “My pieces are more to do with off cut fabrics in the dresses that I make. So right now, I am mostly focusing on women’s wear and later in the future, hopefully get into creating men’s wear as well.” In addition, Tukavai hopes to grow and nurture from here in this area of fashion and to bring something unique and wearable for all ages to wear. Meanwhile, the show will start at 6pm this evening at the APEC Haus. For those who have not had a chance to purchase tickets, they can still purchase them at the venue entrance.

PNG Fashion week is hosting its 2024 Runway this evening on the eve of the country's 49th independence anniversary, to celebrate showcase the work of local designers. The fashion show, which is now in its seventh year, has progressed and developed immensely and now for this year’s show, has collaborated with a designer and two models from Fiji Fashion Week who have also travelled to join in on this occasion. According to Director of PNG Fashion Week, Philma Kelegai, the reason behind the collaboration with Fiji Fashion Week is to lift their game; bring in the expertise as the fashion industry can contribute significantly to the economy of the country. “Fashion is a billion-dollar industry globally and we should take advantage of that in terms of economy. Push our brand further! Collaboration helps boost this industry as well as help our people grow and will also strengthen tourism.” With the collaboration, this will also help both the PNG local models and designers with the Fijians to learn a lot from an international standard and progress further from there, This is the main aim in which Kelegai has elaborated on to push the local talented ones out from their comfort zones and try something new and exciting. In addition to this, Fiji Designer, Temesia Tuicaumia, shared excitement on coming to the country to showcase some of what he has produced and share with other talented designers as well, especially the local ones. Tuicaumia will be focusing and showcasing particularly men’s wear in which he has always been a men’s wear fashion influencer. “With PNG Independence which is just the next day after our fashion show, what a great way it will be to showcase PNG on the runway.” Moreover, with the event’s theme, ‘Ascension,’ Tuicaumia shared sentiments upon reflecting on the theme in which he stated that the word, ‘elevate,’ was the first word that came to mind when thinking about the theme. He further stated that from one Melanesian nation to another, this is a great way and experience to share the different cultures both have. The runway show will have a total of eleven local designers as well as two international designers from Fiji and New Zealand that will be showcasing their collections on the night. Out of the eleven designers, three are emerging designers who will also be taking part for the first time in such a big event. Fifty models, including two international models from Fiji, will also be walking the runway. In addition to this, adding to the runway event, Air Niugini will be showcasing their new uniform during the pre-show before the actual event starts. The event is to take place at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby with the show to start at 4.30PM. Limited tickets are still on sale at the Rangeview Plaza, which is K500 for VIP in Row One and includes own bar. K300 for Row Two, K200 for Row Three and K100 for Row Four. Prizes for the winners will also be announced and given based on best performance. The top prize is K10, 000 to be awarded to the best designer of the night, K5, 000 for emerging designer and K2, 000 for innovation award, K2, 000 for the textile wool and K2, 000 for the model of the year. Another prize which will be included on the night is Air Niugini’s Excellence award in which Air Niugini will judge and decide on the winner. Air Niugini will be adding two prizes to the prize pool; one to award a designer, which is the Air Niugini Excellence award in which that designer will fly to Fiji to participate in the Fiji Fashion Week 2025. The other is the Excellence award, which is for a model to take part in the same event next year.

Telikom mobile users can now enjoy the convenience of purchasing 321 Lotto tickets directly from their phones using airtime credit. Through your Telikom mobile, you can purchase a ticket for the bi-weekly Wantok Jackpot draw for K3.50, with the chance to win up to K500,000 or try your luck with the Paradise Jackpot daily draw for K2.30, offering a top prize of K100,000. Both games also feature a range of prize divisions, providing more chances to win beyond the jackpot. Players must be over 18 years old to participate. 321 Lotto Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Egan, acknowledged the assistance of Telikom’s management, technical, product, and marketing teams for making it easier for customers to access 321 jackpot games via their mobile phones. Mr. Egan remarked: “With Telikom, we've opened up a whole new level of accessibility for our players.” “From the heart of the cities to regional areas that Telikom services, you can now purchase 321 jackpot game tickets with ease. Just recharge, dial *321#, and play – it’s that simple.” Egan further clarified that Telikom provides a convenient way for players to participate in 321jackpot games, but winning players must visit their nearest 321 Lotto shop or authorised agents such as Post PNG with their mobile phone ticket and valid ID to claim their prize. To buy a 321 Lotto ticket using your Telikom mobile, simply dial *321# and follow the prompts. The USSD menu will guide you through selecting your lucky numbers for both the Paradise and Wantok draws. A concierge fee of K0.50 is applied to each ticket purchased, reflecting the ease and convenience of playing via your mobile. After successfully purchasing a ticket, you will receive an SMS confirmation with your selected numbers and a unique ticket reference number. The Wantok Jackpot live draws are televised on EMTV every Tuesday and Friday at 8:30 pm. During the draw, 7 numbers are selected from a total of 36 balls. Results will be available on the 321 Lotto website and Facebook page, and Telikom customers can also check results by dialing *321#. 321 Lotto PNG is licensed and regulated by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) of Papua New Guinea. Telikom Limited has been approved by the NGCB as an official lottery agent for 321 Lotto.

In a historic and joyful moment, the people of Vanimo, West Sepik, warmly welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis on Sunday, September 8, 2024, marking a memorable visit to Papua New Guinea. After celebrating a Eucharistic Mass in Port Moresby, Pope Francis made his way to Vanimo, where he was greeted by Member for Vanimo-Green, Belden Namah, and a large crowd of well-wishers. Namah expressed his gratitude for Pope Francis' visit, noting that Vanimo, often overlooked, feels blessed to have been chosen as a destination. "Your visit to Vanimo confirms all we have heard. We are humbled. We are pleased and blessed by your visit." “This land, the sea, and all on and in them are blessed by your presence. God’s people in this province and in this country are blessed by your presence,” Namah said, expressing the deep gratitude and excitement of the local people. Namah also highlighted the strong international ties that Vanimo shares, noting that visitors from Indonesia and workers from abroad were present. “We have friends from Indonesia and many visitors as well as workers from abroad here who are blessed by your presence. Missionaries from your own country, Argentina, have offered tremendous service to our community here and PNG’s first orchestra; the Queen of Paradise Orchestra, comes from here.” Namah’s speech touched on both the beauty and challenges of the region and spoke of the close bond the people share with nature, where Papua New Guineans are deeply connected to the land, animals, and plants. He said that the people depend closely on each other and cling to each other as they have done for generations, but also voiced deep concern over the impact of global warming and unsustainable resource use, which threaten this delicate balance. “This unity and security is now being seriously threatened by the effects of global warming and by the effects of unsustainable harvesting of resources and irresponsible use of them," Namah said, further emphasising the growing threat of climate change, by acknowledging the Pope's call for environment protection and sustainable development. “We are heartened by your description in Indonesia a few days back. You said the world is sick and that it has a high fever which needs love and tender loving care. You have humanized a global catastrophe in the making," Namah said, as he drew attention to the real effects of rising sea levels, which have already displaced people in the Cataret Atolls in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and the Duke of York Islands in East New Britain. He called on industrialized nations to take responsibility for controlling emissions and pollution that harm vulnerable communities like Papua New Guinea. As Namah spoke about the country’s economic and environmental struggles, he expressed hope for divine guidance in facing these challenges. “We are asked to conserve our resources and our forests, and we can do that, but we need to survive economically,” he said, adding that the balance between survival and conservation is difficult but necessary. Namah praised Pope Francis for his courageous visit to Vanimo, expressing gratitude for the divine intervention the Papua New Guinea needs to overcome challenges, noting that a third of the country’s population are devout Catholics, and that Vanimo, often overlooked, feels blessed to have been chosen as a destination. "Your visit to Vanimo confirms all we have heard. We are humbled. We are pleased and blessed by your visit." “Your courage to make this trip, perhaps against the best advice of your doctors speaks volumes about what we must mean to you and that warms all our hearts. It teaches us much. Vanimo is the last post before Indonesia." "We, in turn, pray that God almighty will bless you here and in the balance of your trip and return you safe and sound to Vatican City, Rome." The Pope departed PNG on Monday, September 9th and is now in Timo- Leste, the next destination on his world tour.

In a historic first, the SWG Valley Hunters have booked their first ever Pepsi Capital Rugby Union grand final berth after beating the Harlequins in the men's preliminary match on Sunday 08th September 2024, 14 points to 10 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. Both teams were brutal all throughout the first half forcing errors on both sides, seeing the Valley Hunters dominating to be the first on the score board. The match was tough between both teams giving Harlequins a chance to their first penalty with an unsuccessful attempt of a goal. The Valley Hunters hit back with a try by lock Gerald Maritua followed by a successful conversion, extending their lead to 11 - nil. Harlequins responded with a try in the last quarter of the first half, bringing the score to 11 - 5 in favour of the Valley Hunters. The Harlequins came out stronger in the second half of the game with a try prompting a brutal defence by the dominating Valley Hunters who were in the lead. The Harlies were on the attack all through the second half with several line breaks, but the Valley Hunters maintained their lead with a tight defence. The last two minutes of the game was bone-shattering as the Harlies strived for a turning point. The Valley Hunters maintained their stance causing the fulltime score to win 14 - 10, over the Harlequins. The Valley Hunters coach Frank Genia told PNG HAUSBUNG today that the boys have worked hard all year round. "They've worked hard all year and it's not easy to beat a team like Harlequins who, year in year out is playing in the grand finals, is a huge achievement." "They've got two weeks until the grand finals date, which is set for the 21st of September 2024." "We'll be preparing accordingly; we've got a couple days this week and of course we are into the independence where they (the boys) would have some time off with their families and then we'll get together next week for a couple of sessions and hopefully we'll be ready to go." The team was under a lot of pressure in the last 15 minutes of the game with a yellow card but with their scrambled defence, held back the opposing team until fulltime to claim the victory.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that he will respond to a petition by the students of the University of Papua New Guinea on September 13th, 2024, and not today the 9th of September, as initially scheduled. This is due to Prime Minister attending a significant meeting between Pope Francis and young people in Port Moresby, followed by a farewell to the Pontiff. On Friday, August 30, the Prime Minister received the students' petition and committed to providing a formal response by September 9. However, due to his commitments with the Pope’s visit, Prime Minister Marape has rescheduled his meeting with the UPNG Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and students to Friday, September 13, 2024. “Due to the Pope’s meeting with Catholic youths of Port Moresby, and the fact that I will later be seeing the Pope off at the airport, I’m asking the UPNG Students’ Representative Council that we defer the reply to their petition to Friday, September 13.” The Prime Minister confirmed a formal letter was sent to the UPNG SRC and the UPNG Council informing them of the change. He emphasized the importance of addressing the students’ concerns thoroughly and said he intends to involve Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu in the upcoming meeting to provide detailed explanations on key national issues. “The students’ petition concerns matters of national importance, so I intend to bring Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu with me to explain to the students where exactly the country is in regard to the economy, inflation, and other relevant issues.” He commended the students for their professionalism and maturity in the manner in which they submitted the petition. “We recognize students as an important voice of society, and there must be a proper response to their petition.” “I once again commend the UPNG students for the maturity in which they gave the petition to me at the end of last month.”

The conclusion of the Pope's Holy Mass this morning in the Port Moresby city saw Pope Francis issuing his final message to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to the Asia Pacific Region, highlighting the significance of peace amongst nations and nature. The Pope's message comes at a time when the region is experiencing geopolitical situations and tensions created by the major powers of the world, and climate change, which is impacting people in the pacific including PNG. "From this land blessed by the Creator, I would like to ask together with you, through the intercession of Mary most Holy, for the gift of peace for all people." "I ask this in particular for this great region of the world, Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Ocean, peace for the nations and also for creation. No to rearmament and the exploitation of our common homme. Yes, to the encounter between people and cultures, yes to the harmony of men and women and with creatures," said the Pope. "Maria- Queen of Peace, help us to be converted to God's plans, which are plans of peace and justice for the great human family." Pope Francis also called on everyone gathered to carry out the good work in helping those in need, especially the sick and the needy through the intercession of the mother of Christ. The Pope also during his sermon from the Gospel according to Mark, urged Christians to come closer to God through their faith in Jesus Christ. In addition, His Eminence, Archbishop Sir John Cardinal Ribat, thanked Pope Francis for his presence and for enriching everyone for his visit to the country. "I would also like to thank the spiritual leaders of Australia, New Zealand, as well as the Archbishop of Fiji for their presence as well as the Asian region and all missionaries who have come to join us," said the Cardinal.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, arrived at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to begin the main event, Eucharistic Mass. He arrived at 7.40AM, beginning with a lap around the stadium in his popemobile to visit all faithful gathered to share this mass with him. The mass started as early as scheduled, between 8AM and 8.15AM. The mass is currently on at the stadium, with thousands gathered to witness and be part of this significant celebration. His Holiness will depart Port Moresby for Vanimo in West Sepik Province at 1PM as scheduled.

A few more hours before Pope Francis sets foot in Papua New Guinea and schools, churches and communities are truly gearing up to welcome him to the country. 35,000 people throughout the country have been confirmed to attend after registering, especially during the main event on Sunday the 8th of September 2024. His Holiness will arrive tonight at 7PM at the Jackson’s International airport where he will begin his visit on Saturday (tomorrow), 7th of September, starting with the Governor General’s residence, then followed by the APEC Haus then to Caritas Technical Secondary school and finally to Don Bosco Technical Institute. On Sunday the 8th of September is when the main itself will take place and that is to celebrate the Eucharistic mass with him at Sir John Guise stadium before leaving for Vanimo and returning to Port Moresby the same day. On his final day in the country, which is the 9th of September, he will then meet with just the youths at the same stadium where a youth festival will take place. This will see the youths from all walks of life coming to meet the Pope and share with him their struggles and hopes for the future. 18, 000 youths have registered to attend. For these areas that the Pope has been scheduled to attend, will see parts of the roads nearby will remain closed. According to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) advisory notice, parts of Morea-Tobo Road leading to the Jacksons International and the Kumul Fly will be partially or fully closed from 5PM to 9PM when he arrives tonight and when he departs on Monday, the 9th of September from 11AM to 2PM. For Saturday, 7th of September, Igau and Bava street will remain closed from 3PM to 7PM due to Pope Francis’ visit to Caritas School and Don Bosco Technical Institute. On the following day, which is the main event itself, expected closure of roads leading to and around the Sir John Guise stadium precinct from 12AM to 12PM and finally on Monday the 9th, is from 4AM to 12PM when the Pope visits the youths at the same stadium. According to Papal Visit Chairperson, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, there will be Candlelight Welcome when he arrives; however, must not obstruct the motorcade but stand beyond on the footpath and must follow protocols. The Candlelight Welcome for the motorcade route will take place starting outside APEC Terminal, International Airport roundabout, End of Kumul Fly Over, Parliament Haus roundabout, Somare Foundation roundabout, Gordon Police Barracks roundabout, Courts roundabout, Five Mile Roundabout, Four Mile roundabout and Murray Barracks roundabout. These areas mentioned are where each Catholic parish will be stationed to stand and welcome him during the motorcade.

Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has issued a welcome message on behalf of the nation to His Holiness Pope Francis who will be arriving in Port Moresby tomorrow. His Holiness Pope Francis will be in the country on a four-day State Visit beginning tomorrow. Grand Chief Sir Bob said the visit of Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea is timely and is for all Christians throughout the country to embrace and come together in unity. “As a professed Christian country, we in Papua New Guinea warmly welcome the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to our shores.” “We have been looking forward to this visit for many months. As universal head of the Christian Church, the visit of His Holiness is not for those of the Catholic faith alone, but for all Christians throughout our nation.” He added that the visit of the Pope is timely and comes at a time when the country is facing many challenges. He said that this visit demonstrates the need for all Christians to come together in unity. Despite the cultural differences and varying beliefs, he stressed that the country must strive for unity and refer to receive His Holiness as our leader of the Christian faith. He further stated that the proposal to officially declare PNG as a Christian country is commendable and highlights that despite our vast cultural and religious diversity, we are united in the Christian faith which is a positive step for the nation and for future generations. “We are grateful for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and wish the Holy Father god’s blessings and guidance on this the longest and furthest tour he is undertaking to the Asia-Pacific region." Pope Francis will arrive in Port Moresby tomorrow and pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General at Government House on Saturday the 7th of September 2024, before he embarks on a program of activities that include meetings with political, business, and religious leaders, leaders of Pacific Island countries, and visits to Catholic run schools and institutions. The Pope will travel to Vanimo on Sunday and host Holy Mass on Sunday and Monday in Port Moresby. Pope Francis is the leader of Roman Catholic Church and Bishop of Rome and is referred to as head of the Universal Christian Church. Furthermore, Pope Francis departs Port Moresby on Monday the 9th of September 2024 back to the Vatican City in Rome, Italy.