Page 7 - MidWeek - March 15, 2023

Dear Darah,
I’d like to say thank you to my director, Vilma Cafirma Tucay, for giving me the opportunity and guidance of a lifetime. Vilma, you radiate confidence, reliability, organization, lead- ership and volunteerism. Be- cause of you, I have person- ally learned these attributes as Miss Philippines Hawai‘i 2022. I cannot thank you enough for the immense time and effort you put into coach- ing each one of your queens weekly. With this guidance, you have transformed not only my life, but also each of your queens’ lives in order to become the next generation of
tantly, a real guiding light to me and everyone around you. Brittni Friedlander Miss Philippines Hawai‘i 2022
Dear Brittni,
Thank you for being such a wonderful representative! Cafirma Tucay responds, “Brittni, you are a sweet- heart. Young women like you are one of the reasons whyIdowhatIdo.I’veal- ways been passionate about helping others, especially those who have the desire and motivation to better themselves, and those who want to be empowered and empower others. I thank my mom, Narcisa Cafirma, a single mother, for always
reminding me to think about others and not only myself. My mother had a big heart, always wanting to help oth- ers, especially those who wanted to pursue their ed- ucation.
then became Miss America 2001.
empowered women.
You not only coach us in-
With the support of my husband, Ricky, and my boys (Bronson, Braeden and Brennan), especially my oldest who does all my ads and videos, I will continue to inspire, motivate, guide and empower young women who will become our leaders.”
dividually, but you also plan and prepare outreaches, events and fundraisers for the whole community. Because of you, we have been able to make a difference through outreach- es such as Family Programs Hawai‘i, Children’s Miracle Network, Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center, Hui Ma- hi‘ai ‘Āina and so many more impactful organizations.
“I started joining pageants in my late teens. My goal was to overcome my shyness. I also wanted to model and become an actress. While attending University of Ha- waiʻi, I took acting and com- munication/speech courses. I enjoyed writing; therefore, I majored in broadcast jour- nalism. Outside of the uni- versity, I was teaching mod- eling, acting, coordinating fashion shows, interning at radio stations, and writing for local newspapers and
Vilma Cafirma Tucay and Miss Philippines Hawai‘i 2022 Brittni Friedlander PHOTO COURTESY VILMA CAFIRMA TUCAY
magazines. After graduat- ing from college, I opened my own modeling company, Vogue International, at the age of 23. Miss Asian Univer- sal was my first pageant, and Angela Baraquio was one of my first candidates, who
Mail letters to MidWeek c/o Mahalo Nui at 500 Ala Moa- na Blvd. Ste. 7-500, Honolulu HI 96813, or email mahal- onuiwithdarah@gmail.com. Include your name, where on the island you reside, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of the person
Your time, energy and in- vestment in our community will never go unnoticed. You embody the queen we all should aspire to be. You have been a mentor and immense supporter, but most impor-
you’ re thanking so contact him or her.
she can
MARCH 15, 2023 MIDWEEK 7
Honoring A True Champion Of Women
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