Itinuturing ni former Pinoy Big Brother Otso housemate Franki Russell na bagong chapter ng kanyang buhay ang pagkakahirang na Miss Universe New Zealand 2024.
Bukod sa bagong kabanata, ang pagkaka-appoint daw sa kanya bilang kandidata ng New Zealand sa Miss Universe 2024 ay "ten-year joruney in the making."
Half-Filipino at half-New Zealander si Franki.
Noong 2014, nag-apply si Franki para sa Miss Universe New Zealand.
Read: Franki Russell to represent New Zealand in Miss Universe 2024
Mensahe niya sa Instagram, "A new chapter [New Zealand flag emoji] 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."
Inaalay raw niya ang bagong kabanatang ito sa kanyang buhay sa pumanaw na amang New Zealander-European.
Aniya, "I dedicate this next chapter to my late father.
"Every day after school he would 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."
Gayundin sa kanyang Pilipinang ina.
"Of course, I want to thank my Filipina mama and my siblings for being an amazing support system for me."
Para rin daw ito sa Filipino franchise holder ng Miss Universe New Zealand na si Josh Yugen, manager nito, at iba pang supporters.
Saad niya, "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"
View this post on Instagram
Franki russell also tried for miss universe uae 2021
Ayon sa announcement ng Dubai-based magazine na Xpedition, si Franki ang magiging representative ng New Zealand sa Miss Universe 2024 na gaganapin sa Mexico City. Mexico.
Dati nang sinubukan ni Franki ang kanyang suwerte sa beauty pageant nang sumali siya sa Miss Universe UAE taong 2021.
Sa kasamaang palad, nakansela ang pageant dahil sa kakapusan ng oras para sa preparasyon.
Read: PBB Otso housemate Franki Russell tries her luck in Miss Universe UAE 2021