Nothing was left undone... every detail was seen to... all attention was focused to make this 70th birthday celebration memorable.
The man honored was Naselesele's very own chief -- Ratu Talemo Ratakele -- still making waves in Taveuni, Fiji, with his steadfast, caring presence... a true servant of the people.
Colorful balloons mix with traditional masi...
Synthetic flowers with natural coconut fronds decorate the posts...
Kata and Juki posing before their artfully decorated post...
The women elders spreading the many logas (mats) -- gifts to honor Ratu Talemo...
Women from both sides of the family (from Naselesele, Wiwi, Qelene, Vuna, etc...) laboring joyfully to create tasty dishes for all...
The men-folk doing their part -- husking and grating coconuts for vakalolo... waiting for the lovo to cook the toa and dalo...
Luisa, Wani and Marlene doing their share... all the while, catching up with chit-chat (talanoa)...
Almost done with the decor!
The elders relaxing -- all the logas already spread out -- watching the goings on...
The lovo uncovered, the tasty aroma of slow-baked taro/dalo and toa (chicken) permeating the tropical heat...
Giant pots, filled with bulumakau (just-butchered cow) and vuaka (pork)... cooked to perfection(?) by the many chefs...
Feast for all -- the invited kavalagi guests... as well as all the village folks, from near and far... the only requirement: to bring their empty stomachs so as to fill to the max!
Sepo (formerly of The Maravu Band Boys) serenading Ratu Talemo, Matawalu and all present, with sweet Fijian melodies...
Woven mats -- the more in number and quality, the more the honor given to the recipient...
Guest-of-honor table... a sumptuous lay-out indeed! But everyone eats the same feast... the VIPs to the smallest child share the same abundant meal...
Ronna of Coconut Grove, attentive to the chiefly program... Everyone was all ears to hear about Ratu Talemo's contributions and accomplishments -- not only as chiefly leader of Naselesele, but of his governmental leadership as member, then president, of the Fijian Senate. Ratu was also part of the interim government in 2000. Talemo Ratakele governed with integrity -- refusing to be a "yes man" -- holding fast to his caring dedication to serve his people.
Everything said... everything served... the blessing prayed... KANA at last!
Finally! Everyone filling their stomachs to full capacity!
Delicious creation by Ann, complete with Ratu Talemo's favorite...
When i interviewed Ratu Talemo and asked about his loving wife Matawalu, his most gracious reply was that "behind every successful man is a great woman." He said that he was blessed indeed to have married Matawalu, who was the support and backbone of the family as he attended to the various offices during his productive career.
May GOD continue to bless Ratu Talemo Ratakele with continued success in all his endeavors, continued passion in serving his people, and continued strength and integrity as he focuses his direction towards his new life goals, as a man blessed by GOD.
P.S. i am again raising funds for the Naselesele Village school children in Taveuni, Fiji. Your charitable donation of any amount is deeply and heartfully appreciated! GOD bless your loving heart!
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