KOTA KINABALU: The five days of intensive grooming, consultations and public appearances were no mean feat for the 11 finalists of the Sabah Model Search 2010 – they were really working hard to get the best out of the competition.
ASPIRING MODELS: The 11 Sabah Model Search 2010 finalists taking a photo with the owner of Little Italy, Emiliano Ceresa (centre).
According to Cassandra Patrick, chief executive officer of Foxy Production and event organiser, after selecting the 11 finalists from the walk-in auditions, the aspiring models went through various fashion shows and training sessions, including having a luncheon at Little Italy here yesterday.
The finalists are Melanie Lee, Chong Ka Yan, Marie Baxter, Gzell Liew, Pachara Apin, Annabel Lee, Joyner Emily, Abigail Tay, Chyi Wong Yee, Jennifer Yap and Rachel B.
In special interview sessions with The Borneo Post, some of the finalists are first timers in a modelling competition.
Most of the first timers showed great interest in the modelling industry and want to make it big one day.
First-time model contest finalist Chyi Wong Yee, 18, said she did not join the competition just for fun or to fill up time, but to be a serious figure in the modelling industry.
“Through this competition I have gained a lot of key experience, especially from Cassandra.
These are the tricks of the trade which every model needs to master and I will give my best to learn everything I can,” she said.
Chyi shared that being in the competition with all the training and fashion shows, it is not just a stroll in the park.
However, she hopes to become a professional model after the competition.
For Joyner Emily, 20, she was very keen on doing her best and getting the best out of the competition.
“I did not join this competition for fun. I really want this,” said the confident Menggatal lass who was previously working as a beautician.
“Though this is my first competition, I have some experience in the beauty industry.
I am feeling so great because I have so many friends to show me the ropes, showing me how to do catwalks.
“Cassandra has also helped me with my catwalks and poses. I am very proud to be able to work and train under her (Cassandra). I will try my best,” said Joyner.
Another first-timer, Pachara Apin, 19, said this contest could be her ticket to the modelling world.
“Training with Cassandra has been very intensive. We did real catwalks not just strolling down the runway, but this is for real. She is strict, and she has her own style,” said Pachara.
The tourism student of a college here said she wanted to gain all the experience through the competition, especially from Cassandra and the other experienced contestants.
Not all the finalists chosen this year are new comers to the beauty world, as some familiar faces in the beauty industry have also made it to the top 11.
For Miss Sabah Malaysia World 2009 Marie Bibiana Baxter, 20, this competition is the real deal.
She said the competition would bring out everything that a finalist has. It really puts them to the test.
“The training session is no joke. I have to really work on my catwalk because my catwalk is still not like a model’s catwalk.
“I was trained to have a beauty queen’s catwalk which is very different from a model’s catwalk.
Many people think that it is easy, and do not know the difference but I can tell you it is hard,” she said.
Marie also took home the Miss Best Catwalk subsidiary title during the Grand Finals of the Miss Sabah Malaysia World 2009 pageant.
The winner of Sabah Model Search 2010 will represent the state in the national final of Miss Malaysia Model of The World 2010 in Ipoh.
Among others, the winner will walk away with one year of international modelling contract with Foxy Production, cash and prizes worth up to more than RM20,000.
The climax of Sabah Model Search 2010 will include special performances by local singer Esther Clement Tubong and Lester of Andalusia at the State Grand Final Night on April 17 at Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort.
Tickets are sold at RM75 each (theatre seating).
For tickets and further details, contact Jessica at 013-8893715 or visit www.foxyproduction.com.my.