PADAWAN, July 25: Ten Bidayuh beauties from Padawan, Serian and Bau will be vying for the crown at the final of Dayung Remus Bidayuh Mystique beauty pageant this coming July 30.
The finals will be held at St Paul Bunuk Parish Hall, Jalan Borneo Heights at 7.30pm.
The 10 contestants are Fellicia Pamella Francis, Pretty Rimba John Rizal, Sonia Jee Yong Ching, Selvia Lagoon James Rengis, Gloria Eunice Tuam, Patriana Mathew, Nisarina Rayu, Dessyfarolyna Malai Suwe, Jesmina Fae James and Venessa Beda Sigar.
The competition, which offers cash prizes amounting to RM6,400, is being held in conjunction with the three-day Bidayuh Mystique Festival 2022 from July 29 to 31.
The festival is organised by the Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (Segu Bunuk Penrissen Association).
The winner will go home with a cash prize of RM2,000, a trophy, a sash and supplimentary prizes, while the runner-up and third place winners will each receive a cash prize of RM1,500 and RM100, in addition to a trophy, sash and supplimentary prizes.
In addition, there are also seven consolation prizes, each in the form of RM200 cash and supplimentary prizes.
According to the festival’s manager Robert Kenneth, the competition aims to unearth new talents among Bidayuh women.
“Many of those who participated in or won beauty pageant contests are already successful in their respective careers.
“In this competition, we are not just looking for winners who are beautiful in appearance but also someone who is intelligent and has a good personality,” he said in a statement recently.
Regarding the activities to be held throughout the festival, Robert said the beauty pageant, traditional Bidayuh dance competition and performances by several popular Bidayuh singers are expected to attract festival goers.
Other activities include a cooking competition and a poco-poco dance competition.
“Besides that, there will be 40 stalls selling food and drinks, and exhibition booths of several government agencies and private sectors, and also health screening by the Malaysian Health Ministry.
“To enliven the atmosphere of the ceremony, six popular Bidayuh singers and the Pinanak Sentah musical group have been invited to perform at the festival,” he said.
The invited singers include Rozzie Mila, Claudia Geres, Four Kadun, Justina Pereira and Marshal Enric. — DayakDaily
