Classical Guitar Concert

The French Embassy together with the Alliance Francaise will hold a Classical Guitar Concert on Saturday, 29 March 2008, from 7pm, at the Holiday Inn, Suva. A quartet of classical guitarists from the Music School of New Caledonia will be performing.

Fiji Bodybuilding Championship

The Fiji Bodybuilding Federation together with the Buksh Family of Canada will hold the Buksh Bodybuilding Championship on Saturday, 19 April 2008, from 5pm at the Suva Playhouse.

Colonial Cup Series Semi Final

The Suva Highlanders will meet Tailevu Knights in a semi-final of the Colonial Cup Rugby Series this Saturday, 29 March 2008, 3.30pm, at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

Fiji's games at the Hong Kong Sevens

Fiji's pool games at the 2008 IRB Hong Kong Sevens this weekend are as follows :

• Fiji vs Korea, Friday, 28 March 2008, 9.14pm;
• Fiji vs Zimbabwe, Saturday, 29 March 2008, 5.26pm; and
• Fiji vs Wales, Saturday, 29 March 2008, 9.50pm.

All Fiji's games will be aired live on Fiji One Television. All other games will be aired on Saturday with the finals on Sunday.

Public Lecture : Building Networks of Locally Managed Marine Areas

The Faculty of Islands and Oceans, School of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific will hold a public lecture titled "Building Networks of Locally Managed Marine Areas That Evolve Organically from the People's Will" today, Thursday, 27 March 2008, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The speaker will be Alifereti Tawake, Project Manager, Institute of Applied Science.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 24.3.08)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Fiji First School Term, from Monday, 21 January, to Friday, 25 April 2008;
• Term 1 of Classes to Learn Fijian, Hindi or French, from 4 February to 25 April 2008, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Creative Dance Classes, Term 1, from 18 February to 25 April 2008, Oceania Dance Theatre, Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Expressions of interest for the Festival of Pacific Arts from Fiji artists for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held from 20 July to 2 August 2008 at Pagopago, American Samoa, open until 28 March 2008 (see related blog entry for more details);
• Educational exhibition designed for students in Form 3 to 7, ‘Racism through the microscope’, by Mr Roger Lesgards, President of ‘Science & Society’ in Fiji, Tuesday, 18 March, to Tuesday, 25 March 2008, opening hours on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm on those days, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• India InStyle 2008 (shopping event), Friday, 21 March, to Sunday, 30 March 2008, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Easter Basketball Championships, from Friday, 21 March, to Monday, 24 March 2008;
• Wine Tasting, Tuesday, 25 March 2008, from 6pm to 8pm, Bad Dog Restaurant, Suva;
• Public lecture on "The 2008 US Presidential Elections : America at the Cross Roads?" by Professor Emeritus, Roger H Davidson, Tuesday, 25 March 2008, from 7pm to 9pm, AusAid Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Francophone Day, Wednesday, 26 March 2008, from 6.30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Launch of the French Angoulême Festival (Comic Festival), Thursday, 27 March 2008, 6.30pm, Suva City Library, Suva;
• French Angoulême Festival (Comic Festival) Exhibition, Friday, 28 March 2008 to Friday, 11 April 2008, 10am to 5pm daily, Suva City Library, Suva;
• Dance performance by dancers of the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture and visiting Australian dancer, Bernadette Walong, Friday, 28 March 2008, from 7pm, Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• IRB Hong Kong 7s Match - Fiji vs Korea, Friday, 28 March 2008, 9.14pm, live on Fiji One Television;
• Colonial Cup Rugby Series Semi-Final - Suva Highlanders vs Tailevu Knights, Saturday, 29 March 2008, 3.30pm, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• IRB Hong Kong 7s Match - Fiji vs Zimbabwe, Saturday, 29 March 2008, 5.26pm live on Fiji One Television;
• IRB Hong Kong 7s Match - Fiji vs Wales, Saturday, 29 March 2008, 9.50pm, live on Fiji One Television;
• Colonial Cup Rugby Series Final between Tailevu Knights and Crusaders, Saturday, 5 April 2008, from 3pm, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Arts for Kids by Kathy Oyagawa, starts from 5 April 2008, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Australian Building and Construction Trade Show, Monday, 7 April, and Tuesday, 8 April 2008, Australian High Commission, Princess Road, Suva;
• Easter Volleyball Championships, Friday, 18 April, and Saturday, 19 April 2008, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• TFL Young Musso's Acclaim - Fiji Secondary Schools Original Song Competition, Friday, 25 April 2008, Suva Civic Auditorium;
• Fiji Secondary Schools Coca Cola Games, Friday, 25 April, and Saturday, 26 April 2008, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Pacific Rugby Cup 2008 Competition, Fiji Barbarians vs Upolu Samoa, Friday, 25 April 2008, 7pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Second School Term, from Monday, 12 May, to Friday, 15 August 2008;
• Hibiscus Festival, Friday, 15 August, to Saturday, 23 August 2008, Albert Park, Suva;
• Fiji Third School Term, from Monday, 1 September, to Friday, 28 November 2008;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs France, 1 November 2008, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, Australia;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs Scotland, 5 November 2008, Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast, Australia.

Recurring Events:

• Horse Riding, Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 7am to 4pm, Suva Pony Club, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Suva Taekwondo Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm - Junior Classes, 5.30pm to 7pm -Senior Classes, Suva Civic Centre;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.45pm to 7.45pm, Hyundai Fitness Centre, National Sporting Complex, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meets every Mondays and Thursdays, at 5.30pm, Mitchell Clinic, 83 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• Capital Toastmasters, every Tuesday (beginning 29 January 2008), from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, JJ's Boardroom, Suva;
• Karate classes, Tuesdays, 4pm to 5.30pm, Thursdays, 5.30pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, China Club, Nasese, Suva;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Reggae Rock Night, Thursdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Arts for Kids, 2 or 3 Saturdays every month, starting 5 April 2008, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street, or 9am at Calvary Temple, Samabula, Suva.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail promotingsuva@gilbert.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Oceania Dance Performance

The dance performance by dancers of the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture will be held on Friday, 28 March 2008, from 7pm at the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Also performing will be visiting Australian dancer, Bernadette Walong. Bernadette is an internationally renowned dancer with 23 years of experience in performing arts. The theme of the performance will be focused on cultural identify, the experience of voyaging and exploring each other, and how we connect with others. Bernadette joins forces with Alan Alo of the Oceania Centre. For more information or tickets, please contact the Oceania Centre on telephone (679) 3232832.

Comic Arts Festival Launch

The French Embassy in Fiji together with Alliance Francaise will present an exhibition by the French Angoulême Festival. The exhibition will be in the form of a series of posters prepared by the francophone cartoonists, illustrating the work of Jules Verne. Two French cartoonists, Lewis Trondheim and Emile Bravo, will offer live demonstrations at the launch. The launch is on Thursday, 27 March 2008, 6.30pm, at the Suva City Library. The exhibition then continues 10am to 5pm daily, until Friday, 11 April 2008.

Public Lecture : America at the Cross Roads

The United States Embassy in Fiji together with the School of Social Sciences, University of the South Pacific, are holding a public lecture on "The 2008 US Presidential Elections : America at the Cross Roads?" The guest speaker will be Roger H Davidson, Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, USA. The public lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, 25 March 2008, from 7pm to 9pm, AusAid Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. For more information, pls contact Ms Tara Baikeirewa on telephone (679) 3232136 or e-mail baikeirewa_t@usp.ac.fj.

India InStyle 2008

Visit India InStyle 2008 currently held at the Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva, until Sunday, 30 March 2008. Buy goods direct from India including imitation jewellery, ready-made garments, furniture, handicraft, home decor, textiles, footwear, watches, etc. There are also Indian cultural shows every 2 hours.

Invest in Fiji Blog

Please visit our other blog, http://investinfiji.blogspot.com/ or through the appropriate links at the right hand side of this blog, for information on the financial sector in Fiji as well as information on the business services that we provide through our financial advisory services and consulting business, Gilbert & Samuels Company Limited. To contact us, you can e-mail investinfiji@gilbert.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Francophone Day Celebration

Francophone Day will be held on Wednesday, 26 March 2008, from 6.30pm, at the Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva. There will be a buffet meal with a variety of dishes from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Madagascar, The Comoros and French Polynesia. Guitarists from New Caledonia’s Music School will provide music with a mixture of contemporary and South American music. Tickets are selling at F$10.00 per person. For more information, pls call the Alliance Française on telephone (679) 3313802 or e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj.

Wine Tasting

The Wine Tasting event continues on Tuesday, 25 March 2008, from 6pm to 8pm at the Bad Dog Restaurant, Suva. For sampling will be a variety of French wines. For more information, pls call Niv Karan at Victoria Wines on telephones (679) 3312968 or (679) 9908648.

Suva Highlanders vs Northern Sharks

The Suva Highlanders vs Northern Sharks Colonial Cup Series Rugby match will be held on Saturday, 22 March 2008, 3pm at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay. Suva.

Festival of India 2008

Great Indian shopping experience from 16 March to 23 March , Tattersalls Leisure Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva. On sale will be authentic Indian materials, hand-crafted wooden furniture, traditional art and craft, herbal skin care products, pearl and silver jewellery, heena, carpet and home furnishing, footwear, etc.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 14.3.08)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Fiji First School Term, from Monday, 21 January, to Friday, 25 April 2008;
• Term 1 of Classes to Learn Fijian, Hindi or French, from 4 February to 25 April 2008, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Creative Dance Classes, Term 1, from 18 February to 25 April 2008, Oceania Dance Theatre, Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Expressions of interest for the Festival of Pacific Arts from Fiji artists for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held from 20 July to 2 August 2008 at Pagopago, American Samoa, open until 28 March 2008 (see related blog entry for more details);
• Colonial Cup Rugby match Knights vs Highlanders, Friday, 14 March, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• ROC Market, Sunday, 16 March 2008, from 10am to 3pm, in front of the Esquires Café (former ROC coffee shop) beside Dolphin's Foodcourt, FNPF Place, Suva;
• 1 Degree Fiji Fun Cycle, Monday, 17 March 2008, starts 8am, from the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Pacific Writing Forum's Slam Poetry Workshop, Tuesday, 18 March 2008, from 6pm to 7pm, Theatre Space, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise screening of short films to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Tuesday, 18 March 2008, from 6.30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Educational exhibition designed for students in Form 3 to 7, ‘Racism through the microscope’, by Mr Roger Lesgards, President of ‘Science & Society’ in Fiji, Tuesday, 18 March, to Tuesday, 25 March 2008, opening hours on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm on those days, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Easter Beach Volleyball Championships, Friday, 21 March, and Saturday, 22 March 2008, National Beach Volleyball Court, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Easter Basketball Championships, from Friday, 21 March, to Monday, 24 March 2008; Colonial Cup Rugby match Highlanders vs Sharks, Saturday, 22 March, Suva;
• IRB Hong Kong 7s Tournament, Friday, 28 March, to Sunday, 30 March 2008, Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong (matches usually aired live on Fiji TV);
• Arts for Kids by Kathy Oyagawa, starts from 5 April 2008, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Easter Volleyball Championships, Friday, 18 April, and Saturday, 19 April 2008, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• TFL Young Musso's Acclaim - Fiji Secondary Schools Original Song Competition, Friday, 25 April 2008, Suva Civic Auditorium;
• Fiji Secondary Schools Coca Cola Games, Friday, 25 April, and Saturday, 26 April 2008, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Pacific Rugby Cup 2008 Competition, Fiji Barbarians vs Upolu Samoa, Friday, 25 April 2008, 7pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Second School Term, from Monday, 12 May, to Friday, 15 August 2008;
• Hibiscus Festival, Friday, 15 August, to Saturday, 23 August 2008, Albert Park, Suva;
• Fiji Third School Term, from Monday, 1 September, to Friday, 28 November 2008;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs France, 1 November 2008, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, Australia;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs Scotland, 5 November 2008, Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast, Australia.

Recurring Events:

• Horse Riding, Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 7am to 4pm, Suva Pony Club, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Suva Taekwondo Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm - Junior Classes, 5.30pm to 7pm -Senior Classes, Suva Civic Centre;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.45pm to 7.45pm, Hyundai Fitness Centre, National Sporting Complex, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meets every Mondays and Thursdays, at 5.30pm, Mitchell Clinic, 83 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• Capital Toastmasters, every Tuesday (beginning 29 January 2008), from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, JJ's Boardroom, Suva;
• Karate classes, Tuesdays, 4pm to 5.30pm, Thursdays, 5.30pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, China Club, Nasese, Suva;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Reggae Rock Night, Thursdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Arts for Kids, 2 or 3 Saturdays every month, starting 5 April 2008, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street, or 9am at Calvary Temple, Samabula, Suva.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail promotingsuva@gilbert.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Films

The Alliance Francaise will put on screening of several short films to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Tuesday, 18 March 2008, from 6.30pm, at the Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva. The program includes :

• Screening of several short films that were acclaimed by the reviews when released in France in 2001: ‘No stories! 12 ways of looking at racism in everyday life’; and
• Presentation of the educational exhibit designed for students in Form 3 to 7, ‘Racism through the microscope’, by Mr Roger Lesgards, President of ‘Science & Society’ in Fiji.

The exhibition continues at the Alliance Française until Tuesday, 25 March 2008. Opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm. No entry fees required.

Slam Poetry Workshop

The Pacific Writing Forum will be holding a Slam Poetry Workshop will be held on Tuesday, 18 March 2008, from 6pm to 7pm at the Theatre Space, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The workshop will focus on different writing and performing techniques including language conventions, language structure, figurative language and delivery methods. For more information, please call Pravin on telephone (679) 9382947 or email pwfusp@gmail.com.

ROC Market this Sunday

The ROC Market is on this Sunday, 16 March 2008, from 10am to 3pm, at in front of the Esquires Café (former ROC coffee shop) beside Dolphin's Foodcourt, FNPF Place, Suva. On sale will be arts, crafts and homeware. For more information, pls call the Market Master at the Esquires Cafe on telephones (679) 3300828 or (679) 9267847.

Suva Highlanders vs Tailevu Knights

The Colonial Cup Series match between Suva Highlanders and Tailevu Knights will be held today, Friday, 14 March 2008, 3pm at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

2008 Boxing Season

The 2008 Boxing Season starts on Tuesday, 11 March 2008, at the Lower Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre. Bouts start at 5.45pm. For more information, pls call Paula Raqeukai on telephones (679) 9206310 or (679) 3321946.

Easter Basketball Championship

The Easter Basketball Championship will be held from Friday, 21 March, to Monday, 24 March 2008. For more information, pls call Fanny Simpson on telephone (679) 3317213.

Easter Volleyball Championship

The Easter Volleyball Championship will be held on Friday, 18 April, and Saturday, 19 April 2008 at the Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva. For more information, pls call Tepau Rota on telephone (679) 9910883.

1 Degree Fiji Fun Cycle

The 1 Degree Fiji Fun Cycle will be held on Monday, 17 March 2008. The cycling event starts at 8am from the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. Entry fee is F$5.00 per child under 13 and F$10.00 per adult. Each participant gets a free 1 Degree Fiji Fun Cycle t-shirt. Profits go to the National Diabetes Centre. The event is organised by Velocity Cycling and Multi Sport Club.

Fiji 7s Rugby team to Hong Kong

The Fiji 7s Rugby team to the IRB Hong Kong 7s Tournament to be held from 28 to 30 March 2008 was announced after the Marist 7s last night. The team includes :

• Semisi Naevo;
• Mosese Volavola;
• Viliame Maya;
• Marika Vunibaka;
• Setefano Cakau;
• Emosi Vucago;
• Tomasi Mawi;
• Iliavi Satala;
• William Ryder;
• Nasoni Roko;
• Ratunaisa Narukutabua;
• Timoci Matanavou;
• Epeli Vuniwaqa;
• Jone Kuruduadua; and
• Lepani Nabuliwaqa.

The Prisons Gold team won the Marist 7s title 33-19 over Army Red. The Prisons Gold team included well known reps such as Setefano Cakau, Tomasi Mawi, Akuila Nawerecagi and Epeli Dranivasa.

Self Defence Hapkido Classes

Hapkido self defence classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at the China Club, Nasese, Suva. For more information, pls call telephones (679) 9972288 or (679) 9991755.

Expressions of Interest : Contemporary Dance

The Fiji Arts Council is calling for expressions of interest for Contemporary Dance Choreographers and Dancers to be part of the Fiji delegation to the Festival of Pacific Arts to be held at American Samoa this year. Suva auditions will be held on Saturday, 29 March 2008, from 9am to 5pm. For more information, pls call Ana Drekeni on telephone (679) 3311754 or e-mail fijiartcouncil@unwired.com.fj.

2008 Hibiscus Festival dates confirmed

The 2008 Hibiscus Festival dates have been confirmed and will run from Friday, 15 August, to 23 August 2008 at Albert Park, Suva. The Hibiscus Committee is looking for expressions of interest from those that wish to take part in the pageant. The categories advertised include :

• Hibiscus Queen;
• Hibiscus Princess;
• Lady Hibiscus;
• Hibiscus Teen; and
• Hibiscus King.

For more information, pls contact the Hibiscus Secretariat on telephone (679) 3311168 or e-mail aqela@hibiscusfiji.com.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 7.3.08)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Fiji First School Term, from Monday, 21 January, to Friday, 25 April 2008;
• Term 1 of Classes to Learn Fijian, Hindi or French, from 4 February to 25 April 2008, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Creative Dance Classes, Term 1, from 18 February to 25 April 2008, Oceania Dance Theatre, Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Expressions of interest to serve as a Director of The Fiji Arts Council's, open from Saturday, 23 February to Friday, 7 March 2008, Suva;
• Expressions of interest for the Festival of Pacific Arts from Fiji artists for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held from 20 July to 2 August 2008 at Pagopago, American Samoa, open until 28 March 2008 (see related blog entry for more details);
• National Youth Day Celebrations, Friday, 7 March 2008, 9am to 3.30pm, Sukuna Park, Suva; National Youth Day - Music Fest, Friday, 7 March 2008, from 7pm to 9pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Women's Crisis Centre "Reclaim the Night" March, Friday, 7 March 2008, starting at 7pm, from Suva Flea Market to Government Buildings;
• Marist Sevens Rugby Tournament, 7 and 8 March 2008, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• 2008 Boxing Season, starts Tuesday, 11 March 2008, from 5.45pm, Lower Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• French animation film week, Tuesday, 11 March, and Thursday, 12 March, Suva (see detailed program in related blog entry);
• Ministry of Health, Women and Social Welfare and the School of Economics, University of the South Pacific - Symposium on Financing Gender Equality, Saturday, 8 March 2008, 9am to 1pm, Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Colonial Cup Rugby match, Suva Highlanders vs Bligh Roosters, Saturday, 8 March 2008, from 3pm, Garvey Park, Tavua;
• Colonial Cup Rugby match Knights vs Highlanders, Friday, 14 March, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• 1 Degree Fiji Fun Cycle, Monday, 17 March 2008, starts 8am, from the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Easter Beach Volleyball Championships, Friday, 21 March, and Saturday, 22 March 2008, National Beach Volleyball Court, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Easter Basketball Championships, from Friday, 21 March, to Monday, 24 March 2008;
• Colonial Cup Rugby match Highlanders vs Sharks, Saturday, 22 March, Suva;
• IRB Hong Kong 7s Tournament, Friday, 28 March, to Sunday, 30 March 2008, Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong (matches usually aired live on Fiji TV);
• Arts for Kids by Kathy Oyagawa, starts from 5 April 2008, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Easter Volleyball Championships, Friday, 18 April, and Saturday, 19 April 2008, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• TFL Young Musso's Acclaim - Fiji Secondary Schools Original Song Competition, Friday, 25 April 2008, Suva Civic Auditorium;
• Fiji Secondary Schools Coca Cola Games, Friday, 25 April, and Saturday, 26 April 2008, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Pacific Rugby Cup 2008 Competition, Fiji Barbarians vs Upolu Samoa, Friday, 25 April 2008, 7pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Second School Term, from Monday, 12 May, to Friday, 15 August 2008;
• Suva Hibiscus Festival, Friday, 15 August, to Saturday, 23 August 2008, Albert Park, Suva;
• Fiji Third School Term, from Monday, 1 September, to Friday, 28 November 2008;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs France, 1 November 2008, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, Australia;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs Scotland, 5 November 2008, Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast, Australia.

Recurring Events:

• Horse Riding, Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 7am to 4pm, Suva Pony Club, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Suva Taekwondo Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm - Junior Classes, 5.30pm to 7pm -Senior Classes, Suva Civic Centre;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.45pm to 7.45pm, Hyundai Fitness Centre, National Sporting Complex, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meets every Mondays and Thursdays, at 5.30pm, Mitchell Clinic, 83 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• Capital Toastmasters, every Tuesday (beginning 29 January 2008), from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, JJ's Boardroom, Suva;
• Karate classes, Tuesdays, 4pm to 5.30pm, Thursdays, 5.30pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, China Club, Nasese, Suva;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Reggae Rock Night, Thursdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Arts for Kids, 2 or 3 Saturdays every month, starting 5 April 2008, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street, or 9am at Calvary Temple, Samabula, Suva.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail promotingsuva@gilbert.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

National Youth Day : Music Fest

A music fest is organised for Friday, 7 March 2008, from 7pm to 9am at the Suva Civic Centre to celebrate National Youth Day. There will be performances by :

• Nausori Gospel Youth;
• Usaia Cirikiwai;
• Pauline and Jane Bautolu and Group;
• Narere Youth Group;
• Vunidakua MYF;
• The MIKS; and
• 4 Bois.

National Youth Day Program

The National Youth Day will be celebrated today, Friday, 7 March 2008, at most centres in Fiji with its holiday being on next Monday, 10 March. Here is the program of activities in Suva :

• 9am, Youth march from Suva Flea Market;
• 9.45am, March reaches Sukuna Park;
• 10.05am, Spiritual thought by Deputy Director, Young People's Department;
• 10.20am, Flag raising ceremony;
• 11am, Official Address by Chief Guest;
• 11.30am, Launching of NYSS Program;
• 11.45am, Entertainment from groups including FIT Choir, 4 Bois, Fiji Youth, Indian Youth, Chinese Youth, Rabi Youth and Rotuma Youth;
• 3.30pm, Closing.

Arts for Kids by Kathy Oyagawa

Arts for Kids starts from 5 April 2008 at the Fiji Museum, Suva. There will be programs for 2 or 3 Saturdays every month. The first art program will be on Saturday 5 April and 12 April with the theme ‘Mosaic Mirrors’ which will provide a guide on how to do mosaic mirrors. There will be 2 sessions on those Saturdays, from 10am to 12pm (5-10 yr olds), and from 2pm to 4pm (10-15 yr olds). For more information, pls call Kathy Oyagawa on telephone (679) 9943206 or e-mail kathy_fiji@yahoo.com.

French animation film week

There will be a French animation film week event from Tuesday, 11 March 2008. The film program from Tuesday, 11 March and Thursday, 12 March, is provided below :

• Tuesday, 11 March, 4pm, Raining Cats and Frogs;
• Tuesday, 11 March, 5.30pm, ‘Kirikou and the Sorceress’ (Kirikou et la sorcière);
• Tuesday, 11 March, 7.30pm, ‘Renaissance’;
• Thursday 13 March, 4pm: ‘Kirikou and the Sorceress’;
• Thursday 13 March, 5.30pm, ‘Black Mor’s Island’;
• Thursday 13 March, 7.30pm, ‘Triplets of Belleville’ (Les triplettes de Belleville).

Reclaim the Night March

The Women's Crisis Centre is organising a march on Friday, 7 March 2008, starting at 7pm on the theme "Reclaim the Night". The march is generally to campaign against rape and is in support of International Women's Day. The march is from Suva Flea Market to Government Buildings, Suva. For more information, pls call the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre on telephone (679) 3313300.

Symposium on Financing Gender Equality

The Ministry of Health, Women and Social Welfare together with the School of Economics, University of the South Pacific are holding a Symposium on Financing Gender Equality on Saturday, 8 March 2008, at the Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The program starts at 9am and finishes with lunch at 1pm. Topics covered will include :

• Gender inequalities in employment, underemployment and incomes : the challenges;
• Earnings capacity and Gender Equality;
• Fijian Perspective and Gender Equality;
• Enhancing Women's Participation in Elections; and
• Government Strategies in Gender Equality.

Colonial Cup Rugby Match this week

The Suva Highlanders play Bligh Roosters at Garvey Park, Tavua, 3pm this Saturday, 8 March 2008. Tickets are F$5.00 per adult and free for children under 12.

Beach Volleyball : Easter Championships

The Beach Volleyball Easter Championships will be held from 21 to 22 March 2008 at the National Beach Volleyball Court, Laucala Bay, Suva. For further information, pls call Joe on telephone (679) 9333423.

Blog Readership : January 2008 vs February 2008

Here are some interesting readership statistics for our Promoting Suva blog for the months of January and February 2008. Data for January is given first followed by data for February. January 2008

• total number of visits - 1,599;
• total number of page views - 2,323;
• top 15 countries of origin of readers and no of visits per country - Fiji, 383; United States, 325; Australia, 300; New Zealand, 121; United Kingdom, 91; Canada, 68; India, 43; Ivory Coast, 33; Germany, 23; Japan, 19; Nigeria, 18; France, 12; Malaysia, 9; Italy, 8; Ghana, 8;
• top 10 referring source - google / organic, 1,291; (direct) / (none), 66; yahoo / organic, 66; blogger.com / referral, 34; images.google.com / referral, 13; google.com / referral, 11; aol / organic, 7; images.google.com.fj / referral, 7; world66.com / referral, 7; babasiga.blogspot.com / referral, 6;
• top 20 keywords used in searches - adi cakobau school, 13; mhcc fiji, 9; fiji suva, 8; suva, 8; blogspot blogger fiji, 7; fiji activities, 6; morris hedstrom, 6; dinesh lal yadav, 5; lenora qereqeretabua, 5; fiji girl guides, 4; fiji prison service, 4; fijiliving, 4; ramadan in fiji, 4; tappoos fiji, 4; bula shirts, 3; http://promotingsuva.blogspot.com/2008/01/suva-activities-events-and.html, 3; jese mucunabitu, 3; kaila club, 3; nabua suva, 3; nausori rugby club, 3.

February 2008

• total number of visits - 1,709;
• total number of page views - 2,430;
• top 15 countries of origin of readers and no of visits per country - Fiji, 460; United States, 377; Australia, 297; New Zealand, 131; United Kingdom, 99; Canada, 70; Ivory Coast, 36; India, 30; Nigeria, 19; Germany, 17; Japan, 14; Malaysia, 9; France, 9; Ghana, 9; South Africa, 8;
• top 10 referring source - google / organic, 1,379; yahoo / organic, 77; (direct) / (none), 67; blogger.com / referral, 25; aol / organic, 11; live / organic, 10; images.google.com / referral, 7; virtualtourist.com / referral, 7; babasiga.blogspot.com / referral, 6; google.com / referral, 6;
• top 20 keywords used in searches - suva, 18; tappoos fiji, 14; fiji activities, 9; fijian recipes, 9; tappoos, 8; mhcc fiji, 7; adi cakobau school, 6; jacks fiji, 5; shopping in fiji, 5; fiji cancer society, 4; jese mucunabitu, 4; mhcc suva, 4; alcoholics anonymous fiji, 3; babasiga blog, 3; coconut buns, 3; davui ensemble fiji, 3; fiji sports awards, 3; fred whippy, 3; learn fijian, 3; national sporting complex, suva, 3.

Observations

• Readership of the blog rose in February 2008 (although it was only a 29 day month);
• Readers from Fiji, USA, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada continue to form our largest readership group rising to 84% of our blog readers compared to 81% in January 2008. Readers from these countries can best be targeted for marketing from this blog;
• Top referring site continues to be google.com with our search ranking and hits from google.com remaining high again this month. Our site's search ranking on Google continues to do well with most searches, e.g. for 'Suva activities', 'Suva events', 'Suva Sports', 'Suva art', 'Suva craft', 'Suva tourist activities', 'Suva shopping', our site usually appears on Page 1;
• Keyword searches indicate that readers are searching for a broad range of issues from individuals, to activities, to places and sights, to shopping and art.

For advertising to our wide readership base, check our advertising rates here. If you wish to discuss how we you can advertise your products and services on our blog, e-mail us on promotingsuva@gilbert.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 2.3.08)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Fiji First School Term, from Monday, 21 January, to Friday, 25 April 2008;
• Term 1 of Classes to Learn Fijian, Hindi or French, from 4 February to 25 April 2008, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Creative Dance Classes, Term 1, from 18 February to 25 April 2008, Oceania Dance Theatre, Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Expressions of interest to serve as a Director of The Fiji Arts Council's, open from Saturday, 23 February to Friday, 7 March 2008, Suva;
• Expressions of interest for the Festival of Pacific Arts from Fiji artists for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held from 20 July to 2 August 2008 at Pagopago, American Samoa, open until 28 March 2008 (see related blog entry for more details);
• Wine Tasting, Tuesday, 4 March 2008, from 6pm to 8pm, Bad Dog Restaurant, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• "Woman, in Celebration of You" (a night of art, poetry & music) to commemorate 2008 International Women's Day, Thursday, 6 March 2008, from 6pm to 9pm, Oceania Arts Centre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Marist Sevens Rugby Tournament, 7 and 8 March 2008, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Colonial Cup Rugby match Knights vs Highlanders, Friday, 14 March, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Colonial Cup Rugby match Highlanders vs Sharks, Saturday, 22 March, Suva;
• IRB Hong Kong 7s Tournament, Friday, 28 March, to Sunday, 30 March 2008, Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong (matches usually aired live on Fiji TV);
• TFL Young Musso's Acclaim - Fiji Secondary Schools Original Song Competition, Friday, 25 April 2008, Suva Civic Auditorium;
• Fiji Secondary Schools Coca Cola Games, Friday, 25 April, and Saturday, 26 April 2008, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Pacific Rugby Cup 2008 Competition, Fiji Barbarians vs Upolu Samoa, Friday, 25 April 2008, 7pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Second School Term, from Monday, 12 May, to Friday, 15 August 2008;
• Suva Hibiscus Festival, Saturday, 16 August, to Saturday, 23 August 2008, Albert Park, Suva (TBC);
• Fiji Third School Term, from Monday, 1 September, to Friday, 28 November 2008;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs France, 1 November 2008, WIN Stadium, Wollongong, Australia;
• Rugby League World Cup match - Fiji vs Scotland, 5 November 2008, Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast, Australia.

Recurring Events:

• Horse Riding, Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 7am to 4pm, Suva Pony Club, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Suva Taekwondo Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 4.30pm to 5.30pm - Junior Classes, 5.30pm to 7pm -Senior Classes, Suva Civic Centre;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Hapkido Self Defence Classes, every Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.45pm to 7.45pm, Hyundai Fitness Centre, National Sporting Complex, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meets every Mondays and Thursdays, at 5.30pm, Mitchell Clinic, 83 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• Capital Toastmasters, every Tuesday (beginning 29 January 2008), from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, JJ's Boardroom, Suva;
• Karate classes, Tuesdays, 4pm to 5.30pm, Thursdays, 5.30pm to 7pm, and Saturdays, 2pm to 4pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Reggae Rock Night, Thursdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street, or 9am at Calvary Temple, Samabula, Suva.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail promotingsuva@gilbert.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

International Women's Day

An event to commemorate the 2008 International Women's Day, "Woman, in Celebration of You" (a night of art, poetry & music) will be held on Thursday, 6 March 2008, from 6pm to 9pm at the Oceania Arts Centre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Celebrate being a woman by sharing with poets, artists and performers their pieces, artworks and items during the night. Proceeds are going to the Fiji Association of Women Graduates' Scholarship Fund which pays tuition fees of young women studying Automotive and Electrical Engineering at the Fiji Institute of Technology. Tickets are selling at F$10.00 per person. For more information or tickets, pls contact, Seni on telephone (679) 9276099, Ronna on telephone (679) 9922423 or email fawg.members@gmail.com.

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting continues on Tuesday, 4 March 2008, from 6pm to 8pm at the Bad Dog Restaurant, Victoria Parade, Suva. The theme for the event is "Triplets In Price Brackets". For tasting are : Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris & Merlot, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Entry fee is F$15.00 per person. For more information and reservations, pls contact Niv Karan at Victoria Wines, on telephone (679) 3312968.

Fiji Arts Council : Expressions of Interest for Festival of Pacific Arts

The Fiji Arts Council is calling for expressions of interest for the Festival of Pacific Arts that will be held from 20 July to 2 August 2008 at Pagopago, American Samoa. The Fiji Arts Council is coordinating the Fiji delegation to the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts and is calling for artists to submit expressions of interest in the areas of :

• fine arts - painting and sculpture;
• adornment and ornamentation
• film submissions - documentary, feature films and short films;
• photography.

For further information, pls call Ana on telephone (679) 3311754 or e-mail fijiartscouncil@unwired.com.fj. Closing date is Friday, 28 March 2008.

Marist Sevens Tournament 2008

The Marist Sevens Tournament 2008 will be held on Friday, 7 March, and Saturday, 8 March 2008, at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. For more information on the tournament, pls contact Bill Mar on mar_w@fit.ac.fj. For a self catering two bedroom accommodation in Suva, pls e-mail promotingsuva@gilbert.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.