MANILA, Philippines – Not only fans and supporters from New Zealand, but also Filipino fans are happy for the ex-Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) housemate and Viva artist Franki Russell because of her being appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand 2024.
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| Photo courtesy: Instagram/Franki Russell |
XPEDITION, a magazine based in Dubai, made the announcement of Franki's selection on Instagram.
It can be read, “Her Story. Her Rules. #XPEDITIONWomen.”
“This is her official launch as the new Miss Universe New Zealand (@missuniverse_newzealand). After a four-year hiatus, Franki Russell will carry the torch of New Zealand to represent her culture at the 72nd Miss Universe in Mexico City.”
“Recognized as a reality star and actress in the Philippines, the half-Kiwi, half-Filipina beauty is eager to leverage her new platform to address a prevalent concern among youth in New Zealand and worldwide - Cyberbullying. With aspirations to utilize the Miss Universe New Zealand platform to engage broader audiences and raise awareness about her passionate causes.”
Franki's chance came about when Filipino businessperson Josh Yugen took on the position of the new national director and franchise owner of Miss Universe New Zealand. New Zealand is the newest addition to the growing beauty portfolio of the Yugen Group, which already encompasses Miss Universe franchises in Pakistan, Bahrain, and Egypt. Before this, Franki competed in Miss Universe UAE in 2021, where she secured a spot in the top 30, catching Josh's eye in the process.
In her Instagram post, Franki conveyed her immense joy and excitement regarding this fresh opportunity.
“A new chapter 🙏🏻🇳🇿🥹 Where to begin.”
“This really feels like a ten year journey in the making. I applied for Miss Universe New Zealand in 2014 - I was 19 at that time and really didn’t know who I was as a person. A lost girl just wanting to find her purpose and her place in this world. Now that I am 29, ten years older and with far more life experience, I realized that life definitely works in mysterious ways. As the saying goes: “everything happens for a reason”. and has lead me to this new role.”
“I dedicate this next chapter to my late father. Every day after school he would ask me ‘What is the highlight of your day?’ This taught me from a very young age to always look for that positivity in every day, in big or small ways.”
“I know he is looking down and encouraging me every step of the way in my Miss Universe NZ journey and in the weeks and months to come as I prepare for the Miss Universe competition in Mexico.”
“Of course, I want to thank my Filipina mama and my siblings for being an amazing support system for me.”
“To Josh and the Yugen Group team, my Viva family, Primastella family, the entire Miss Universe organization, Khun Anne, Mr. Raul and Ms. O, for the trust and support and making this small town girls’ dream come true.”
“My friends, colleagues, glam team, the pageant media and everyone who are always there to support and celebrate all my little successes.”
“This is your Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, Franki xoxo,” she said.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
