MC Magazine 2017 FINAL FULL

Yet we remained patient.
Mrs. Ah Sam proceeded with
the prize giving and with each
announcement mentioning
Mangere College. There was strong
competition this year but we had
faith that we were able to show
everyone who doubted us, everyone
who supported us from the start and
along the way that we could do it
once again. “O le a’oga ua na maua le
tulaga muamua a a’oga tu’ufa’atasi o
teine ma tama...Mangere College.”
In addition, Mangere College was
the host for the Samoan Stage and
on the hot sunny days leading up
to our performance day we were
exposed to beautiful representations
through speeches and performances
by all schools. The senior students
were involved in all preparations
backstage and witnessed the nerves
felt by other schools. In hindsight,
this somehow made us feel at ease
seeing how common it was for
all students to have the feeling of
nervousness before a performance.
Hours in the sun at Polyfest was no
doubt very draining however, we still
returned to our school auditorium to
continue practising as every minute
was crucial. And finally, Saturday
the 18th of March arrived. The
group’s nerves grew as the time to
perform approached. We comforted,
encouraged and reminded each
other of how long and arduous the
journey was. Before we were due on
stage, we changed and gathered
in prayer, listened to last words of
support from ex-students, parents
and tutors, and then we headed out
towards the ramp. As we lined up
and prepared to express our culture,
our bodies glistening from the baby
oil, goosebumps evident on our skin,
we made our entrance and were
cheered on by the crowd. As the
last group to perform for the 2017
competition, there were thousands
watching.
“There is no guarantee that we will
win. When you go on that stage and
perform, I want you to come off that
stage knowing that you had given it
your best. That is all I ask.”
I took Mr. Fesulua’i’s words seriously
and it played over in my head during
our performance. The feeling of
being surrounded by these people
that I call family, synchronizing
our movements and harmonising
our voices, was so invigorating. We
performed our hearts out and left the
stage with no regrets.
We all broke off into little groups
to eat before leaders were called
backstage for prize giving. As we
waited backstage, our hearts sunk as
thoughts of our hard work not being
enough, crept in.
Tears of joy and cheers of support,
erupted from the crowd. It was so
hard to keep our composure while
walking along the stage to receive
our trophies we had most certainly
earned.
On behalf of all the members of the
Samoan group, we would like to
thank all of those who supported us
along our journey, whether it may
have been with dances, singing,
emotional support or just simply,
being there for us. We would like
to say thank you to Mr. Fesulua’i
and Mrs. Smith for giving up their
precious time and for everything
that they have done for our group.
Thank you to the most gifted tutors
ever – Musuiaiga Neil Tapu, Iulia
Ioane, Melania Agaimalo, Mema Futi,
Clarence Soti, Numia To’omata, and
Mike Pio Sanelivi. A special mention
to Uaea Lamese, Sharon Filiga along
with past students for their support
also. We would not have been able to
even come close if it wasn't for your
knowledge, support, and guidance.
STAGE RESULTS
Ulufale/ Entrance
Uniform
Mauluulu/ Action Song
Sāsā/ Action Dance
Pese o le Aso/ Group Song
Taualuga/ Final Dance
Ulufafo/ Exit
Taupou
Fuataimi
2nd Place
3rd Place Equal
1st Place
1st Place
1st Place
1st Place
3rd Place
1st Place
1st Place
SPEECH COMPETITION
Year 9 Adyhana Urika Filifilia 1st Place
Year 10 Herilla Salu 3rd Place
Year 11 Julia Luamanu Kilipati 1st Place
Year 12 Jane Malauulu 3rd Place
Year 13 Maria Moeai’a Toleafoa 4th Place
Impromptu Tua Levao 3rd Place
OVERALL WINNERS FOR THE SAMOAN STAGE 2017 – MANGERE COLLEGE.
30 Mangere College - 2017