Weena Marcus does not believe in backing down from challenges

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FORMER beauty queen and freelance model Weena Marcus, 22, thrives on challenges and meeting her fears head-on.

Thanks to a friend’s challenge, Weena first got her exposure in the modelling industry by joining a competition in her hometown of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah at the age of 17.

“My friend basically challenged me to try out for the competition. It was tough and I did not win, but I learned the basics such as runway walking and posing,” she said.

For Weena, joining the competition was a somewhat risky prospect as she was sitting for her Sijil Pendidikan Malaysia (SPM) examinations that year.

“However, my parents told me to go ahead and join the competition if that was what I wanted. My father’s philosophy is that if you fall down, you learn to be careful the next time. So it was the same with my joining the modelling competition,” said Weena.

Now Weena has a degree in entrepreneurship degree and is ready to accept more challenges.

Never say no: Taking the risk to join a modelling competition despite impending secondary school exams, Weena learnt that sometimes one has to make mistakes and “fall down” in order to learn and develop.

Weena is no stranger to beauty pageants as her mother used to judge many pageants in Kota Kinabalu and young Weena accompanied her regularly to such pageants.

“I also loved playing dress-up and would imitate my mother when she put on her make-up. She’s someone who appreciates beauty and beautiful things. Being the most feminine of her three daughters, I was the one who could connect and relate to her passion for fashion and clothing.We would also read fashion and lifestyle magazines together,” said Weena.

This personal philosophy of taking up any challenges was another reason for Weena participating and winning the 2009 Miss Malaysia Tourism International and going on to represent Malaysia at that years’ Miss Tourism International Pageant.

“I was approached to participate by a friend during my semester break, and I thought I would do something productive during the break,” she said, although her win was unexpected.

“But I believe that when opportunity comes along, I should grab it by both hands, and I will count winning the Miss Tourism Malaysia 2009 as a blessing. Although it was a lot of pressure representing Malaysia as the host country, I also learned to socialise with others and be more open. I made friends with fellow contestants and we still keep in touch through Facebook.”

Weena’s personal philosophy has also led to somewhat incredulous hobbies.

Despite her fear of water, Weena has been actively involved in wakeboarding for the past two years.

“That was also at another friend’s instigation! Even though I am afraid of water, I went for the classes, and there was a coach to guide us through. Basically, I enjoy the sensation from riding on waves and maintaining my balance and I try not to be too afraid.Although I still don’t know how to swim!” she said.

Always ready to try new things, Weena added that she alsoenjoyed the adrenaline rush from heart-stopping roller-coaster rides and swinging ships.

“Whenever I visit a place, I never miss a chance to visit the nearby amusement parks to see what thrill rides they have. I also enjoy bungee jumping,” she said.

Rock-climbing is on Weena’s agenda too, although she says that no friend has challenged her to that...yet.