Fiji Sun

Legendary Fire Walkers of Beqa for Tappoo

- SHAHANI MALA SUVA Feedback: shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj

Astage four cancer survivor Remal Tappoo humbly considers himself privileged to be serving people of his motherland. Mr Tappoo is one of the executive directors of Tappoo Group of Companies and have been appointed as the Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee of the Sai Prema Foundation Fiji.

He is inspired by the life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. “Currently we are spearheadi­ng the constructi­on of the South Pacific’s first children’s heart hospital,” he said.

Mr Tappoo is a Pharmacy graduate from the University of Auckland and has practiced as a pharmacist for several years in New Zealand and Australia before joining his family business in Fiji.

“My core passions in my trade are shopping centre management, project management, real estate and property management, philanthro­py and pharmacy,” he said.

Mr Tappoo is in full remission after undergoing six cycles of chemothera­py a few years ago.

He considers every day as a gift (from God) which is why it is called the present.

How many places in Fiji have you been to?

I have travelled around the whole of Viti Levu. I have visited most parts of Vanua Levu also.

A long time ago, I have also visited Levuka, Fiji’s old capital.

I have been to some of the islands in Mamanucas

What is the one place in Fiji you would take every visitor to, and why?

Modriki Island in the Mamanucas where the Tom Hank’s iconic movie Castaway was shot.

The crystal-clear water there is absolutely stunning.

What is your favourite place for a pie or coffee, and why?

Cuppabula Cafe and Bar in Sigatoka.

I always stop for a coffee and food when I am on my way to and from the Western division.

Their coffee is great.

What is your favourite secret backyard spot?

Rovadrau beach.

You can see Beqa Island from there.

What is the one place in Fiji that is on the top of your bucket list?

To see the legendary fire walkers of Beqa Island in action walking on the white hot stones without getting their feet burnt.

 ?? Remal Tappoo. ?? Traditiona­l firewalkin­g in Beqa.
Remal Tappoo. Traditiona­l firewalkin­g in Beqa.
 ?? ?? A still from Tom Hank’s famous Castaway movie which was shot in Modriki island.
A still from Tom Hank’s famous Castaway movie which was shot in Modriki island.
 ?? ?? Sandwich offered at Cuppabula Cafe in Sigatoka.
Sandwich offered at Cuppabula Cafe in Sigatoka.
 ?? ?? Staff serving a customer at Cuppabula Cafe in Sigatoka.
Staff serving a customer at Cuppabula Cafe in Sigatoka.
 ?? ?? Clear waters at the Modriki Island in the Mamanucas.
Clear waters at the Modriki Island in the Mamanucas.

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