ARKIPELAGO SPOTLIGHT: Franki Russel
Cristina Pettersson- Manalaysay May 17, 2023 at 03:50 PM EntertainmentFranki Russel is a vibrant and talented actress, model, vlogger, and beauty queen who has captured the hearts of audiences with her stunning looks and captivating performances. Born to a Filipina mother and a New Zealander-European father, Franki has a unique multicultural background that has shaped her into the remarkable individual she is today.
Russel grew up in New Zealand and moved to Sydney, Australia, at the age of 18. Her passion for modeling led her to explore new opportunities, and it wasn’t long before she caught the attention of talent scouts. In 2019, she made a life-changing decision to move to the Philippines to pursue a career in commercial modeling. Her impressive portfolio includes starring in various television commercials, one of which is the popular Shakey’s Pizza with Lucky Manzano.
It was during her time in the Philippines that Franki Russel made her first major breakthrough by becoming a housemate on the popular reality TV show, Pinoy Big Brother. Known as the “Wandering Stunner ng New Zealand,” Franki quickly became a fan favorite with her charming personality and undeniable beauty. Inside the PBB house, she formed a close friendship with fellow housemate Diana Mackey, and their bond became a highlight of the show.
Following her successful stint on Pinoy Big Brother, Franki Russel took her talents to the international stage by participating in the Miss Universe United Arab Emirates pageant. Her beauty and grace earned her a place among the top 30 contestants, but unfortunately, the pageant was canceled just a week before the coronation night. Nevertheless, Franki’s participation showcased her versatility and ambition to reach new heights.
Outside of pageantry and reality TV, Franki Russel has also made a name for herself in the film industry. She has starred in several films, including “Pabuya,” “Laruan,” and “Tag-init,” directed by the esteemed Jose Javier Reyes. These films can be enjoyed by viewers on the Vivamax streaming platform.
One of Franki’s most remarkable roles was in the film “Martyr or Murderer,” where she portrayed Claudia Bermudez, the former girlfriend of President Bongbong Marcos. Her performance in this thought-provoking movie demonstrated her ability to delve into complex characters and leave a lasting impact on audiences.
In the realm of personal life, Franki Russel has been the subject of media attention due to her relationship with fellow actor Diego Loyzaga. Their romance was confirmed by Loyzaga himself in an interview with Rico Robles of Monster RX93.1’s All Out in June 2022. However, the couple’s decision to unfollow each other on Instagram caused a stir among their fans. It was later revealed that this was all part of their method acting approach for their movie “Pabuya.”
In addition to her acting and modeling career, Franki Russel joined ABS-CBN’s hit TV series, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, as a member of “Cardo’s Angels.” Her inclusion in the show further solidified her presence in the Philippine entertainment industry and showcased her versatility as an artist.
As Franki Russel continues to shine in the spotlight, her undeniable talent and captivating beauty serve as a testament to her dedication and hard work. With her multicultural background, she bridges different cultures and captivates audiences worldwide. We can expect great things from this rising star as she continues to leave her mark in the world of entertainment.
Photo: Franki Russel IG