AT A GLANCE
Franki said she is "embracing a new era of pageantry with Miss Cosmo."
After three attempts in pageantry, Viva actress and model Franki Russell is excited to walk on the big stage "for the first time" as New Zealand's representative to Miss Cosmo 2024, which will be held in Vietnam from Sept. 15 to Oct. 5.
It was last month when news came out that Franki has been "dethroned" as Miss Universe New Zealand (a post which has since been taken over by another half-Kiwi Pinay, Victoria Velasquez-Vincent, the erstwhile Miss Universe Philippines - Bacoor).
Franki said she has already moved on from the sad episode, reasoning that "not everything works out as expected, but sometimes it can be even better than your expectations."
"When I knew that I was not going to be able to compete in Miss Universe... my heart was still open for pageantry, (and) I feel like that manifested into Miss Cosmo. And I feel even more excited for this journey," she told the Manila Bulletin.
"The fact that I can move on to this next chapter and be a part of a production that's gonna be their inaugural pageant. It's the first time, and it looks bigger and exciting for the pageant community," she remarked.
Eighty-two queens worldwide are expected to vie for the crown in the first edition of Miss Cosmo, which will have a cash prize of US$100,000 and total prizes of up to $1 million. Paula Shugart, former president of the Miss Universe Organization, will also sit on the board of judges.
"Even though I've been involved in pageantry for quite a while, it's my first-ever time to walk on stage. So, I emphasize this. It's my first time being a part of a big competition. I mean, not just try but be a part of it," Franki pointed out.
She added that she looks forward to meeting everybody, including the Philippines' representative, Ahtisa Manalo. "The sisterhood, that's what I'm looking forward to," Franki said, noting that it's a "healthy competition" between her and Ahtisa.
The half-Kiwi, half-Pinay beauty admitted that she is pressed for time with training but is determined to give it her 110 percent. Giving a peek at her core team, Franki said she is undergoing pasarela training with renowned coach Ian Lorenz, and her evening gown designer will be Rian Fernandez.
Franki did not forget to thank Miss Universe franchise owner Josh Yugen, her mentor during her short-lived stint as a beauty queen representing her beloved New Zealand. She credits Josh for "bringing back NZ to the pageant scene after four years of it being dormant."
Franki said she is "embracing a new era of pageantry with Miss Cosmo."
"They made me feel so safe and welcome. And I think they understand that a woman is not defined by her previous experiences or actions," she added.
Franki thanked her fans and people from all over for supporting her pageant journey. "If any woman is reading this, just know you are not defined by anything. Your race, your religion, your gender, your career, your past experiences, things that have happened to you. You will define yourself. And you are worthy, and we're all worthy as women to do whatever we want in this life," she remarked.
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