By Shikin Louis
BAU, May 26: The Tasik Biru Festival 2025 became a celebration of sisterly triumph as Fellicia Pamella Francis was crowned Mrs Tasik Biru 2025 last night (May 25), just a week after her younger sister Joana Jane Francis won the Miss Tasik Biru 2025 crown.
The 27-year-old teacher from Kampung Stenggang, Bau, who is of Bidayuh-Berawan heritage, received the title during the grand finale held at the main stage of the festival.
Her 22-year-old sister Joana had triumphed in the Miss category on May 18, making this a rare and proud double victory for the Francis family.
“I didn’t expect to win, but I feel so proud that I am able to win tonight,” Fellicia told the media after the event.
When asked what she planned to do with her winnings, Fellicia replied with a laugh: “I’m going to spend it on McDonald’s, KFC, and so on—I want to eat all the food that I want! Because before this, I went on a diet [to prepare for the pageant].”
While Joana is a trainee teacher currently studying at Teacher Education Institute (IPG) Batu Lintang Campus, Fellicia has been teaching for the past three years at SK Nanga Embuau in Song, Kapit. She majors in music education but also teaches Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Pendidikan Jasmani dan Kesihatan (Physical Education and Health or PJK).
Having given birth to her first child—a baby girl just eight months ago—Fellicia juggled motherhood and teaching while preparing for the competition.
More than just beauty and poise, Fellicia also believes in using her platform to promote values close to her heart.
“I want the younger generation to appreciate our nature and Tasik Biru. This lake is part of our heritage that we must protect and conserve it so that it does not [fade into history],” she added.
Fellicia who walked away with the coveted Mrs Tasik Biru 2025 crown, received RM2,500 in cash, a crown, trophy, sash, flower bouquet, certificate, and exclusive sponsored items from Borneo Medispa.
Coming in as first runner-up was Ennelia Johnek, who took home RM2,000 cash along with a crown, trophy, sash, flower bouquet, sponsored items, and certificate, while second runner-up Shinia James won RM1,500 cash and similar prizes.
Voon Ngat Jan and Annette Diseng placed fourth and fifth respectively, each receiving RM300 in cash, a sash, flower bouquet and certificate.
The top 10 finalists were rounded up by Chrisna Entera, Shino Chung, Jennifer Andrew, Jessica Giang, and Angeletti Amen, who each received RM250 in cash, a sash, flower bouquet and certificate.
Five other contestants—Jane Lai, Alice Lee, Irene Phang, Monica Sagai, and Jessica James—received consolation prizes of RM150 cash, a sash, flower bouquet and certificate.
In addition to the main titles, five subsidiary titles were awarded. Shinia James bagged two—Best Evening Gown and Mrs Borneo Medispa, earning RM350 cash and a trophy for the former, and a Skinflix Brightening Travel Set worth RM500 sponsored by Borneo Medispa for the latter.
Ennelia Johnek was honoured with Best Traditional Contemporary Dress and received RM350 cash, a trophy, sash and bouquet.
Mrs Popularity, decided through public voting from May 22 to 8pm on May 25, went to Jennifer Andrew, who took home RM400 cash and a trophy.
The Mrs Photogenic title was awarded to Monica Sagai, who received a framed photo sponsored by Mick Long, while Alice Lee was named Mrs Body Beautiful, winning RM150 in cash, a trophy, sash and bouquet.
A special award for Best Self-Empowering: Woman of Strength and Grace (Mrs Inspirational) was given to Jennifer James, who received RM200 in cash sponsored by Michaelina Mitop, chairperson of Pertubuhan Wanita Daerah Bau.
Present to officiate the final stage of Mrs Tasik Biru 2025 was Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, together with his wife, Datin Margaret Lim Sok Kiang. Also present was Bau District Officer, Eddy Nayoi.
Mrs Tasik Biru is open to all married, currently or previously married women aged between 25 to 55 years old from Bau District, who are in good physical and mental health.
The winners were selected by a panel of judges comprising Dr Esther Michael, Dr Dalvinder Singh AL Harinder Singh, and Arzmy Hargreaves, with Danny Ngumbang serving as chief jury and Doris Lalak as assistant chief jury.
The event was made possible with support from generous sponsors, including Goldland Development Company, Ah Hian Welding Workshop, KSL Hardware and Agro Cham Sdn Bhd, Atica Construction, Sedayu Enterprise, Syarikat Bumi LMI, Parkway Economy Centre Sdn Bhd, Borneo Medispa, Muan Gift & Florist, Micklong Bridal Studio, Charles P Molujin, Nautical Resources Sdn Bhd, Ybhg Dato Nyomek Nyeap, Biyun Enterprise, PS Sam Laya, PS Thomas Balan Bang, and Oil & Gas Meta. – DayakDaily
