🌴 #03 Fiji Flow: Sports Bras, Discipline & Flashmobs

Bula FijiFlow Fam,

Welcome to your latest dose of FijiFlow! 🌴📬

From zero-deposit home loans to bidding farewell to a Suva icon, this issue’s packed with stories you’ll want to check out.

Wondering why rugby players look like they're sporting 'sports bras'? We reveal the surprising reason behind this trend. 🏉🤔

Plus, we’ve got entertainment highlights, including the magic of Vou’s Flying Circus and a festive Diwali flashmob that turned supermarket aisles into a dance floor. 🎪✨💃

Scroll on for all the stories and more!

Unlocking Doors with Zero Deposit 🔑🏠

With the rising challenges of home ownership, Merchant Finance has stepped in with a solution! They’re launching a Zero-Deposit Home Loan in January 2025, aimed at helping first-time homebuyers get a foot in the door.

Here’s the Lowdown:

📉 Interest Rates:

• 3.99% p.a. Fixed for 5 Years
  💸 Who’s Eligible? First-time buyers with a combined annual income of $50,000 or below.
  🔍 Tip: This rate is locked in for 5 years, so make sure you’re prepared for any changes after that period!

• 5.99% p.a. Fixed for 1 Year
  💼 Who’s Eligible? Buyers earning more than $50,000 per year.
  🤔 Heads Up: After 1 year, the rate may change, so be sure to check the new terms before locking in.

Why This Matters: This initiative is a great step, especially for young families looking to start their home ownership journey. 🌱 With 100% loan access, debt can be spread out over time, making weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments more manageable.

📢 Local News

📸 Farewell to a Suva Icon: Caines Jannif to Close After 120 Years

Caines Jannif, the revered name in photography and picture framing in Fiji, has announced its closure after 120 years of dedicated service. This beloved institution, known for capturing cherished moments—from graduation photos to custom picture frames—shared the news via their Facebook page.

The announcement has stirred heartfelt memories and nostalgic reflections throughout the community, with many expressing gratitude for the role Caines Jannif played in preserving their life’s milestones.

🥭 Mango Season

It's mango season, and the roadside stands along Yako Village are bursting with the juiciest, golden-hued mangos you've ever seen. If you're in the west (Nadi), don't miss the chance to savour these sun-ripened treasures fresh from the source.

⚡Entertainment

The Magic of Vou’s Flying Circus 🎪✨ 

Last week, our very own Gabriel was on the scene in the west and scored a last-minute ticket to the Vou Fijian Flying Circus in Lautoka. The show was a mix of breathtaking acrobatics, endless laughter, and stunts that left the crowd in awe – pure magic from start to finish! ✨

Missed the show? Don't worry, Vou is still set to perform in Tavua and Nausori before the year wraps up. Head over to Ticketmax for more info along with dates 🎟️

Here’s a glimpse of what went down:

📚 General Knowledge

Why Are Rugby Players Wearing 'Sports Bras'? 🤔

When Jon asked the question, you could almost see the excitement in the eyes of a few eager punters, ready to dive into the responses heading his way.

Full points to Theo for mustering up this unique logic! 😂 While it's not quite the right answer, you’ve got to appreciate the creativity!

The real reason behind the ‘sports bras’🧐 Rugby players wear these GPS vests 🏉 to track their performance during games and training. They hold small GPS devices that monitor key metrics like distance, speed, and heart rate, helping optimise performance and prevent injuries.

💬 Opinion

A Curious Connection: Corporal Punishment and the 'Gay Rights Effect' 🧐🏳️‍🌈

The Fijian Teachers Association is pushing for public consultation on bringing back corporal punishment in schools. 📚⚖️

But what really stands out is the unique observation made by their General Secretary, Manumanunitoga:

💭 According to Manumanunitoga, the move away from corporal punishment wasn’t sparked by decades of child psychology research 🧠📖, but instead by the rise of the gay rights movement—because, apparently, human rights are contagious,

Clearly, not everyone was on board with Manumanunitoga’s theory:

🏋🏽‍♀️ Health & Fitness

Suva’s New Premier Workout Spot!

Attention Suva fitness enthusiasts! Your wait for a cutting-edge gym with a modern touch is finally over. Say hello to Evolve Fitness, now open at 33 Raojibhai Patel Street, Suva!

💡 What makes Evolve stand out? Member numbers will be capped to ensure a premium, comfortable workout experience for all. While membership fees may be a bit steeper than other gyms, the investment is reflected in the high-quality commercial equipment and sleek, inspiring design that’s sure to elevate your fitness game. 💪✨

Curious for a sneak peek? 📹 Check out this clip by Salote (IG: @lotetiko)

📸 Photo of the week

Only in Fiji

FBC brought a new twist to the festival – wishing everyone a Happy Diwlai! Hope your celebrations were as unique as their spelling!

🎥✨ Video of the Week 🌴

Diwali Dance Magic Hits the aisles at Extra

Extra Supermarket in Flagstaff turned into a Diwali dance floor! 🪩✨ Shoppers got a surprise treat when the Mata Dance Group busted out a flashmob – talk about festive vibes and creative moves! 🕺💃

Thanks for reading, gang! We’ll be back in a fortnight with more trending topics, local stories, and a few laughs along the way.

We’d love it if you could share this with anyone who might enjoy it, and don’t forget to follow us on our socials (details below).

Vinaka!