Former ‘PBB’ housemate Franki Russell to represent New Zealand in Miss Universe

Miss Universe New Zealand Franki Russell/ARMIN P. ADINA

New Zealand has not been sending a delegate to the Miss Universe competition for years already, and trust Filipinos to be involved in reawakening a country from its pageant dormancy. Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Franki Russell, whose father is from “The Land of the Long White Cloud,” is now tasked to represent the Kiwis in the global tilt.

The 29-year-old model and actress was introduced as the new Miss Universe New Zealand in an intimate gathering with members of local media at the Top of the Alpha in Makati City on March 21. Public relations practitioner Josh Yugen presented her at the event as her national director. This brings his Miss Universe franchises to a total of four, including Bahrain, Egypt and Pakistan.

The new titleholder ventured into modeling and acting after her stint as PBB housemate, She was previously seen in ABS-CBN’s “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and the movie “Pabuya” with her ex-boyfriend, Diego Loyzaga.

She said that even if her appointment is meant to be “hush-hush,” she immediately shared the good news with her fellow “PBB” housemate Diana Mackey. “She was in [Binibining Pilipinas] two years ago, and she’s one of my best friends. I remember I asked advice from her because she has first-hand experience, and she is so excited,” Russell shared.

“I really feel that we share each other’s wins. I was so excited to see she was flying with [Philippine Airlines], a dream of hers, she’s now traveling around. And she was so stunning in Bb. I was so excited to be watching her there in Araneta, so, she’s excited. She’s definitely giving me advice,” Russell continued.

She said she had a crash course on walking from another close friend, two-time Bb. Pilipinas semifinalist Karen Laurie Mendoza from Iloilo City. Yugen said Russell will have a more intense “pasarela” sessions with Filipino runway coach Ian Mendajar, and will also undergo more pageant preparations in the Philippines.

But Russell said she will make sure to infuse the “kiwi spirit” in her runup to the Miss Universe pageant. “I think I’m always never going to forget my roots and forget where I came from in New Zealand. And even though we have Filipino trainers, it’s all about shining a light on New Zealand, and it’s so exciting. I mean, I think it’s in me, I’m a kiwi. So that’ll shine through in my performance,” she explained.

She said she also plans to incorporate New Zealand in her styling. “I would love to wear New Zealand colors, our silver fern. Our national flower is the kowhai, it’s a yellow flower. So let’s see. You’ll definitely see it,” Russell said.

She first screened for the Miss New Zealand pageant 10 years ago, but did not make it. After a decade has passed, Russell has grown into a mature woman with a wealth of experiences as an actor and model who has worked in different countries. She had also enlisted in the Miss Universe UAE (United Arab Emirates), but that competition did not push through.

The opportunity to go on the Miss Universe stage as the representative of New Zealand only came several months ago, and Russell said she is grateful for the responsibility. She said she will use the platform to spread awareness on cyberbullying, and hopefully help prevent it. Her country has alarming bullying statistics, she shared.

She is also grateful for the Miss Universe Organization’s measures promoting inclusivity. If it were not for the new directive lifting the maximum age restriction, she would not have gotten the opportunity to join the pageant at 29.

“It’s really about allowing everyone on inclusivity. And I feel this year is the reason why it’s better than ever. I mean, now you can be a wife, you can be a mother, you can be of any age. Why not give every woman a chance?” Russell said.

And to those who do not approve of the organization’s move to loosen its qualifications, this was what she has to say: “You know, we’re in 2024. Let’s make these changes and use it for good. We’re here to promote advocacies, and mine is cyberbullying. So it’s just for a good cause. So if they’re there to see someone who’s beautiful on the Miss Universe stage, wait to hear what they’ll say, and maybe your mind will be changed.”

New Zealand has only scored one victory in the global tilt, courtesy of Lorraine Downes in 1983, and Russell hopes to become the country’s second winner. She will attempt that at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant that will be held in Mexico later this year.—With Jessica Ann Evangelista