\n<\/p>\n
Willabelle Ong was first contacted by the casting team in January, who were then interested in understanding who she is beyond what her followers see online.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they were looking for people with genuine stories; not just personalities, but people who have something real driving them: my values, how I handle pressure, what I\u2019m actually made of. For me, I tried to just be honest about who I am, where I\u2019ve come from, and why this meant something to me,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She recalled the waiting period as \u201cintense\u201d, with months of interviews, calls and background checks while sitting with the possibility of being selected. When she finally found out over a Zoom call, she felt a mix of \u201cgratitude, disbelief and excitement\u201d.<\/p>\n
Now, you wouldn\u2019t immediately expect a luxury influencer to take part in the competitive Beast Games. When asked why she decided to go for it, Willabelle Ong said: \u201cOn a personal level, this is about proving something to myself. I spent so many years being shy, shrinking back, saying no \u2013 I was a very forgettable kid growing up and I struggled to stand out [and] express myself. In fact, when I changed schools, I ate lunch alone in the bathroom because I didn\u2019t make any friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, I\u2019ve worked hard to become someone who says yes to life even when it\u2019s scary. Joining Beast Games, with all its uncertainty and challenge, felt like the ultimate test of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said she may not be the loudest or most physically imposing person, but believes that is exactly why she can connect with many people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n