YOUR STORY: Meet Calvin a Winner of a Male Pageant in Sabah

Participating, competing and winning in beauty pageants may be the dream of many girls or women and also the one thing that most men generally couldn’t associate with.

However, one man has proved that beauty pageants need not be gender-specific and could be inclusive for everyone.

Meet Calvin Laurentius Ambu from Sabah who was recently crowned as the Mr Grand Ambassador Of Borneo 2022.

Starting from nothing

While Calvin is currently basking in all the attention that he is getting from the beauty pageant industry, he admitted that competing in beauty pageants wasn’t always what he imagined himself doing especially during the pandemic-hit times.

“I used to be a street musician in 2019 and 2020 just when the Covid-19 pandemic happened. Sadly, I lost my job, had no money and nothing to feed my family.

“Since all of us had to stay at home during the period, I also lost my performing stage value between 2020 to 2021. I also suffered from anxiety issues,” the 33-year-old told Rojak Daily.

Despite the difficult phase, he persevered and didn’t say no when the beauty pageant opportunity came knocking on his door.

“Growing up, I used to watch modeling shows on TV and followed the local beauty queen competition organised every year during the Harvest Festival season in Sabah.

“At that time, I didn't know anything about beauty pageants and I had zero interest in them,” he explained.

The beauty pageant journey

Calvin shared that he first joined beauty pageantry in early this year when he participated in the I Am Model Search Malaysia 2022.

“I auditioned for the mix gender adult category. I had no experience and skills but still tried the catwalk and runway demo. Sadly, I didn’t qualify for the competition.

“Then, in February 2022 I saw another opportunity to participate in a beauty pageant via the Mrs/Ms/Mr Grand Ambassador Of Borneo 2022.

“I participated in it and was quite nervous throughout. I learnt about straightening the body, planning your attire, doing the performances, and the catwalk on the runway,” he said.

Calvin’s hard work paid off as he emerged the title winner, Mr Grand Ambassador Of Borneo 2022.

“It was a proud moment for me, and my parents were happy and satisfied with my victory.”

Calvin is a perfect example someone who never gives up and works hard to achieve his dreams. What an inspiration!