Sonia Menon took part in the Miss Pesta Pulau Pinang 2008 as a way of challenging herself – to see whether she had what it takes to be a beauty queen.
And now she knows. The 21-year-old, who recently graduated with a Diploma in Fashion and Retail Design from the Limkokwing University in Cyberjaya, not only won the title in a field of 17 other contestants, she also clinched two subsidiary titles – Miss Best Catwalk Step and Miss Best Personality.
“Frankly speaking, I’ve always seen the beauty contest as a glamorous event. However, it takes guts to put yourself out there and let your voice be heard.
“To me, it was a worthwhile experience. I feel now as though anything is possible if you just believe in yourself and do your best,” said the first-time contestant who won RM3,000, a Takasima massage chair worth RM9,000 and an air ticket to Hong Kong, among others.
Miss Pesta Pulau Pinang 2008, held on Dec 5 at the Red Rock Hotel in Penang, was the highlight of a charity dinner organised by the Penang Tourism Board and the Lions Club of Bayan Baru to raise funds for kidney dialysis machines.
“It was fun!” said Sonia, who is the ‘middle’ of three daughters to playwright-actor Jay Menon and private medical practitioner Dr Gita Nayar.
“I loved the photo shoots and getting all dolled up for them.
Which girl wouldn’t? But I think this pageant is more than just about beauty. To me, it was an educational experience as well,” she said, adding that visits to heritage sites and unique places in Penang, her home State, were an eye-opener for contestants.
“I really look forward to doing my part as a tourism ambassador and promoting Penang,” said Sonia who has done modelling part time, such as for the KL Motor Show. “Modelling is something I want to pursue.
I’ve gained many things from this pageant, especially the confidence and motivation to venture into the unknown.”
Receptionist Nor Hidayah Abdul Wahab, who aspires to become a businesswoman, emerged as first runner- up while accounts clerk Ong Wei Sian, 25, was second runner-up.
And as for her next challenge, Sonia is looking forward to taking part in a national beauty pageant.
“Perhaps it could open more doors for me in my related field of fashion and modelling. I’ve always believed in three things.
Work hard. Do your best. And just be yourself. Life’s too short for regret. If you don’t try, you’ll never know!”
*Written By Sheila Rahman | Published on 2008-12-15 17:45:00 for Malay Mail Newspaper.
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