By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 7: Miss Universe Malaysia, Francisca Luhong James has officially landed in Florida, United States for the 69th Edition of Miss Universe competition at 10am (Malaysia Time) this morning.
According to a source close to her, the 25-year-old Sarawakian jewel is currently undergoing a one-day quarantine at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood.
“She will begin the pageant week activity on the next day until the big day of Miss Universe which will take place at 8am local time on May 17,” he told DayakDaily today.
The source also informed that Francisca’s preparation to Miss Universe competition is going well according to plan.
“I believe that with the experience she (Francisca) has now will land her a spot in the Top 21 of Miss Universe. I hope her supporters and fans will continue to support and vote for her to qualify her into the Top 21,” he said.
Francisca will compete with 74 beauty queens around the world for the 69th ‘Miss Universe’ title, hoping to bring pride to her home country.
She will take on the international stage decked in Rizman Ruzaini, who designed her official evening gown, inspired by Sarawak folklore Puteri Sejinjang, which will tell the story of the princess who was cursed into an island.
She will also be donning ‘Kampungku’ (My Village), a creation by Carven Ong for the National Costume segment that weighs 45kg. The costume which depicts diverse tribal elements of Malaysia such as the Dayak, Orang Asli, Orang Ulu and Malay, would promote the traditional kampungs found widely in the country.
Born on Oct 14, 1996 and raised within the Orang Ulu community at the 110-door Uma Belun Leodian, Sungai Asap, Belaga, Francisca who is of Iban, Kayan and Kenyah mixed heritage, is the first indigenous girl to ever win Miss Universe Malaysia.
Francisca believed that many indigenous people could make huge contributions for the country but they are too afraid to get out there since they are the minority group.
“Therefore, it is important for me to do this because it has opened the eyes of many indigenous girls that we could also contribute to the country,” she said in a recorded video posted on Miss Universe Facebook page recently.
Describing her ancestors as fearless warriors, Francisca also believed that their fearless spirit lives on in her as she stands as a spokesperson for Malaysia; representing its people and her community.
Fans who want to show their support and love for Francisca can vote her into the Top 21 at the 69th Miss Universe competition by downloading the Miss Universe official app and casting their votes now. — DayakDaily
