01/05/2026
Our beautiful ‘ASUPA MOTU’APUAKA was lovingly laid to rest yesterday in San Mateo, California - surrounded by family and friends. She was truly a city girl of Nukuʻalofa…through and through!
In 2024, she graced the UTAH PACIFIC FASHION runway at the luxurious Grand Ballroom of Utah’s Grand Pacific Hotel, modeling HTP CREATIONS by Joey Joleen Mataele. We both knew then that her illness was terminal and that this would be her final walk on a fashion platform. She had made peace with her Lord and chose to offer hope to others - a gesture that perfectly embodied her lasting elegance and grace.
As Tonga’s MISS HEILALA 1984, Asupa honored and upheld her title for more than four decades. She carried herself with timeless beauty, maintaining her graceful figure and always presenting herself with impeccable style (even in jogging wear). She was generous with her influence and gave back wholeheartedly to the Tongan community with her deep commitment to animal welfare. A talented designer and a true icon of poise, she was undoubtedly one of the finest Miss Heilala to ever wear the crown!
On a personal note, Asupa was my beautiful cousin. Our grandmothers were sisters from Nukuʻalofa - Api ko Fangavale, Hala Sipu, Kolomotuʻa - a bond that makes her loss especially close to my heart.
May she rest peacefully in the loving embrace of the Lord. Fakafetaʻi — ko Ia naʻa ne foaki pea ko Ia kuo ne toe ui ke foki.
Toka aa i he nonga ae Eiki…’ofa atu fau!💖
ALAI INTERNATIONAL, Kalolaine Tangakina Pahulu Rapp
~ Photos: Erin Sakalia & UPF
~ I do not have the rights to the music.