Pageant winner Rachel flanked by subsidiary title winners including second-placed Betcy (third right) and third-placed Claudia (second left).
Rachel Frankie
KUCHING: Rachel Frankie, winner of the Bitanding Dayung Gawea Tematu 2015 at Kampung Tematu recently, believes sheer confidence can bring on amazing feats, as she beat 16 other finalists for the coveted title and cash prize of RM1,000 at the multipurpose hall.
“It is important to have great confidence in yourself. When you have that, you can have a lot of fun, and when you have fun, you can do and achieve many amazing things,” said 25-year-old Rachel who overcame nerves as the evening’s entertainment included Miss World Talent 2014 Dewi Liana Seriestha, Sarawak’s top pageant queen.
Of mixed Iban-Bidayuh parentage, Rachel has participated in several beauty pageant competitions including Miss Borneo Beautiful 2011, Miss World Harvest Festival 2012, and Dayung Sikora Redeems 2013.
“I did not expect to win since I never won any beauty pageant competition before. I am very happy and thankful to be crowned the winner. The winnings will be given to my great grandfather as I have promised him that before,” she said when interviewed after the event.
The eldest of two siblings, Rachel who currently works as a sales and marketing executive at the Sarawak River Cruise, aspires to become a successful event projects manager. She is also a part-time model and cultural dancer.
She cited her mother as her idol. “I admire her hard work, perseverance and determination. She is really a strong woman.”
Coming in second in the competition was 17-year-old Betcy Guillen of Bidayuh parentage from Kpg Semeba, Kuching. The fifth former at SMK Jalan Arang won the cash prize of RM800.
Claudia Savanni Awel, 17, a student of Culinary Arts at Kolej Vokesional Kuching, of Bidayuh parentage from Kpg Semeba, Kuching, placed third for RM500. All top three winners also received a trophy, a sash, a bouquet of flowers, hampers and certificate for winning.
Other finalists for the evening included Jessica Flora Brucy, Alivia Bengo, Felissia Alisha Peamix, Steffi Lorea Peter, Stefenie Michell, Meriejane Jehok, Eniel Chelsia Laman-on, Felicity Christa Medam, Hilishalance Saen, Amy Lovelyca Kielo, Michelle Ashley Herman, Cornelia Natasha Ernest, Meretinie Belif, and Ivy Maria Marcus.
Subsidiary titles and its winners were: Miss Photogenic (Hilishalance), Miss Talent (Meretinie), Miss Popularity (Michelle), Miss Personality (Rachel) and Best Costume (Betcy).
Each subsidiary title winner received cash prize of RM200, a trophy, a sash and bouquet of flowers. Other contestants received consolation prizes of RM50 and a hamper each. All participants also received certificates of participation.
Prior to the announcement of the competition, the audience was entertained to dance and singing from Bung Bratak Cultural Group, Bidayuh singer Emil Hamlyn, and Miss World Talent 2014 Dewi Liana.
Contestants were judged on their intelligence, poise, personality and beauty by panel of judges comprising former beauty queens Teresa Michael, Fiona John and Dewi.
Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin was VIP guest.