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SAMOA HOME COMING FOR THE ‘ROCK’ DWAYNE JOHNSON
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By Lave Tuiletufuga |
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To understand The Rock, you
have to break him into three pieces. First there's his World Wrestling
Federation persona, also nicknamed "The People's Champ," a
body-slamming muscleman known for raising his eyebrow suggestively and
snarling wisecracks that whip crowds into a frenzy.
Then there's Dwayne Johnson, who turned 30 in May, a former Hawaii
resident and Florida college football player who laughs easily, plays
acoustic guitar in his spare time and dotes on his wife of four years
and their daughter. And lastly, he is the latest Hollywood’s action
hero find.
Since his arrival in Samoa, Seiuli has been headline news. A visit to
the Fugalei market was a surprise treat to the crop sellers, and a sign
of great humility in character. ‘The Rock’ donated US$10,000 to help
Samoa recover from Hurricane Heta earlier this year.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was bestowed the Seiuli title by the Head of
State Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II. And that he says it's a great
honour which he will treasure with pride. He says that Samoans are a
special breed of achievers and he is proud to be Samoan. Seiuli says
that his latest movie 'Walking Tall' also says a message about Samoans'
trials and tribulations all over the world.
Seiuli Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has cemented his allegiance as a proud
Samoan by promising the people of Samoa that he will represent Samoa
with dignity and pride, during his only public appearance in front of
the Government House in Apia. The one hour appearance was schedule to
start at 7:00 in the evening but it was packed two hours before his arrival. And when he made his
appearance he was accorded a roaring applause of approval.
At Lalomanu, Seiuli was a little late but it did not bother his relatives,
Lalomanu village or the children who had patiently braved the hot sun to welcome
one of their famous sons home. Lalomanu is where his grandmother Afelia Maivia
Fanene was born and raised. His mother Feagaimaleata Maivia Johnson was also
born and raised at Lalomanu. So when the Rock became a Hollywood star and one of
the most popular professional wrestling icon, his mother's village had every
right to claim 'The Rock' as their son.
For Seiuli 'The Rock', his homecoming is a |
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson arriving at Faleolo Airport with his
mother Ata Maivia-Johnson and Afimutasi Gus Hannerman. |
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson gets into the Island fun loving spirit
by joining the Samoan ‘siva’. |
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Chief Seiuli Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, bestowed by Malietoa, at
the Fundraising Evening for Mapuifagalele. |
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dream come true. He says he had
always wanted to return home to Samoa to see where his grandparents and mother
were born. Paramount Chief Fuataga Tasimani Lautusi and the Lalomanu Village did
not fail in hosting a cultural welcome for their famous son which included
entertainment. Samoan gifts were also presented to Seiuli 'The Rock' with the 'taualuga'
being performed by Mrs. Feagaimaleata Maivia-Johnson.
The village also used the opportunity to compliment Seiuli 'The Rock' for making
Lalomanu and Samoa proud of his accomplishments. Responding to the fabulous
reception, Afimutasi Gus Hannemann coordinating Seiuli's visit acknowledged the
request for assistance with a $5,000 tala gift to the village. A similar
reception was also hosted by Saleilua in Falealili where his late grandfather
Fanene Peter Maivia hails from.
Seiuli 'The Rock' says he is overwhelmed by the Sisters of the Poors' courage
and dedication in providing a special home for Samoa's senior citizens at
Mapuifagalele. Seiuli was so overwhelmed he donated $10,000 to assist with
expenses of running the senior citizens home. He says that it was also an
emotional episode for him as a guest of the Mapuifagalele residents.
He says that his grandmother and widow to the late Peter Maivia, Ofolia Maivia
had wanted to come to Samoa with him on his homecoming but his grandmother is
ill. In hosting Seiuli 'The Rock' and his visiting group from the United States
that included his mother, a spokesperson for the Sisters of the Poor says that
they are grateful for the assistance. Seiuli was presented with gifts of
homemade pillows, hats, door mats and other gifts made by the senior citizens.
Earlier this week, $35 thousand tala was donated to Mapuifagalele proceeds from
a dinner at Papagalagala where Seiuli 'The Rock' was the guest of honour. Deputy
Minister Misa Telefoni who organised the dinner says that millionare couple from
the United States Carl and Anne Marciniak vacationing in Samoa also donated
$10,000 US dollars for the cause. He says that after the dinners outstanding
bills are paid off and accounts audited by the Chief Auditors, the balance of
proceeds will be handed over to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
He left for the United States to be home for his daughter's birthday. But he
says that this will not be his last visit to his home here in Samoa.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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