🌴 #07 Fiji Flow: Cash Grabs, Pizza Dreams & Big Tackles

Bula FijiFlow Fam,

Welcome to 2025 and the first FijiFlow of the year! 🎉 This edition dives into cash grabs, thin-crust pizzas, resort dining debates, and a fiery take on journalism in Fiji. 📰🍴

From VLY’s $1000 giveaway shutdown to Sun Fryer’s Feast Box, it’s the perfect way to kick off the year.

Let’s dive in!

Cash Giveaway: 🚩 Transfer $2 for a $1000 Cash

So, VLY (a Fijian entertainer) just dropped a reel about a $1000 cash giveaway in partnership with Jive Entertainment. Sounds exciting, right? Not so fast. Here’s the deal: to enter, you need to send $2 via Mpaisa. You can enter as many times as you like, with the winner being announced on 13 February 2025.

But here’s the catch—this has red flags all over it! 🤔 A quick scroll through Jive Entertainment’s profile (they claim to empower artists and creators) doesn’t exactly scream credibility. And let’s be real, charging $2 to enter a random cash giveaway to “help with bills” is giving serious monkey business vibes.

What’s great, though, is seeing commenters calling it out. From “When “daylight robbery” becomes a person” to endless alarm bells in the replies, people aren’t buying it—and rightfully so.

Giveaways are supposed to be about giving back, but this one feels more like a cash grab.

What are your thoughts? Are we being too harsh, or is this a straight-up scam? Let us know! 👇

🚨 Update: Mpaisa Giveaway Suspended!

Before we hit publish, the public had already taken action, reporting this ‘giveaway’ to the Cyber Crime Unit, resulting in the suspension of the Mpaisa number used for transfers.

At a time when scams and shoddy schemes are at an all time high, it’s great to see the people are on top of it. While VLY claims no malicious intent, this is a timely reminder to always double-check the legitimacy of giveaways before handing over your hard-earned cash. Big ups to those who reported this and kept the community in check! 👏

🍴 Turned Away for Lunch: A Closer Look at Resort Dining Policies

David’s tweet (below) about being turned away from the Intercontinental (Natadola) for lunch because the hotel was fully booked has sparked some conversation. On the surface, it’s easy to see how this might feel like bias against locals, especially when you're just craving a meal.

But let’s zoom out for some perspective. Resorts like Natadola operate in a unique ecosystem—where balancing the expectations of in-house guests (who pay a premium) with those of walk-in visitors is a delicate dance. When the resort is at capacity, priority will naturally shift to ensuring a seamless experience for those who are already staying there.

This isn’t a uniquely Fijian quirk—it’s a practice common in high-demand hospitality worldwide. From boutique hotels in Paris to beachfront resorts in Queensland, many prioritise their in-house guests, especially when resources like dining areas are stretched.

It doesn’t take away from the sting of being turned away, though. Businesses in Fiji (and beyond) must continue finding ways to better communicate these policies to the public. In the end, it’s not about bias—it’s about logistics. But man, it still sucks when all you wanted was a good feed.

⚡Opinion

Fiji’s Journalists Called Out: Cowardice or Complexity? 🤔📰

The recent statement by Fiji Transparency accusing mainstream media of being "too lamu" (cowardly) to pursue investigative journalism caught our attention. While we typically steer clear of political matters, this comes from an apolitical Facebook page with 32k followers, making it a claim that transcends politics—one we felt was worth exploring further.

1. Accountability Goes Both Ways
   Fiji Transparency raises a valid point about the need for fearless journalism. But credibility matters—making such claims anonymously undermines the message. True accountability means putting your name and reputation on the line, just as journalists do when they publish stories.

2. The Complex Realities of Investigative Reporting
   Investigative journalism isn’t for the faint-hearted. It takes months (sometimes years) of digging, verifying facts, and navigating legal risks—especially in Fiji’s tight-knit society. To suggest journalists avoid it solely to stay on the party guest list oversimplifies the real challenges they face.

3. The Role of Anonymity
   Operating anonymously, as Fiji Transparency does, has its place. But let’s not ignore the privilege of critiquing without consequences. Journalists sign their names to their work, bearing the weight of public scrutiny—shouldn’t the same standard apply to those throwing stones?

Your Take? 🤷
Instead of pointing fingers, how about we ask the real question: How can investigative journalism thrive in Fiji? It’s a collective effort—supporting independent media, calling out unethical practices, and valuing transparency from all sides, including anonymous critics.

At the end of the day, we’re all after the same goal: a media that serves the public without fear or favour.

🍽 FOOD FINDS

Sun Fryer’s Feast Box: Worth the Hype?

We hit up The Sun Fryer at Kundan Singh Village to take on their Feast Box.

Here’s what’s inside:

• 🍔 Double Smash Burger

• 🍔 Spiced Chicken Burger

• 🍗 2 pieces of Fried Chicken

• 🐟 3 pieces of Fried Fish

• 🍟 Large Fries

• 🥗 Coleslaw

• 🤤 Their signature Cluck Sauce

All this goodness for $54.80—perfect for sharing (or not, we don’t judge 😏)

From Thin Crusts to Pancake Bliss: The Tipsy Italian

On your way to the West or cruising back to Suva? Swing by The Tipsy Italian in Maui Bay for some of the thinnest, crispiest pizza crusts around. Pair it with a cold shake to beat the heat, and you’re set! 😎

Oh, and we couldn’t resist trying their banana pancakes—because honestly, when isn’t it pancake time? 🥞

Check out how it all looked:

📈 Health & Fitness

💪 Outdoor Gym Goals | Nadi Sports Club

Nadi Sports Club is leveling up! While their indoor gym is getting a glow-up, they’ve just launched a brand-new outdoor gym area for members. 🌞🏋️‍♀️ Think fresh air, open skies, and a perfect way to soak up some vitamin D while breaking a sweat.

Check out the video:

🥋 Get Hands-On with Jiujitsu | Metro Gym Suva

Looking for a workout that’s all about skill, technique, and going hands-on? Brazilian Jiujitsu might just be your next move. 💪

For Suva locals, classes are held at Metro Gym on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, this is your chance to sharpen your skills and try something different.

Check their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/bjjfiji

📸 Photo of the Day: Big Catch… or Did It Shrink? 🐟

This gem comes from Namotu Island and their Namotu Fishing crew, where Eddie proudly poses with a massive Ruby Snapper. In the background, you’ll spot some smaller snappers hanging out on a string.

🎥✨ Video of the Week 🌴

No Place like Fiji

Who needs a stadium when you’ve got family? ❤️ From an epic tackle to endless laughter, this Fijian family brings all the feels with their touch rugby match. 🌴🏉 The laughter at the end is absolutely contagious!

Thanks for reading, gang! We’ll be back in a fortnight with more trending topics, tasty eats, and plenty of laughs to keep you going.

In the meantime, please share this with your friends and fam—and don’t forget to ask them to subscribe. The more, the merrier! 🙌