By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Feb 19: A best-dressed competition for a Chinese New Year dinner took an unexpected turn last night and ended up as a lion dance dance-off.
The six-cornered competition was hard-fought, but Abdul Shafiq or better known as ‘Bobo’ emerged the winner following his attempted floorwork and body wave while carrying a lion head.
Despite his plump stomach which the master of ceremony had described as ‘prosperous’, Bobo, dressed in a Tang suit, was pretty light on his feet as he tried to mimic a lion’s movements.
Other contenders namely Yok Lok, Madang, Alldric, Manggang and Chee Kee Kiat did not take the dance battle lightly as well.
Every one of them gave their best as they hopped, kicked, wiggled, twirled, and shuffled.
All their performances were impressive, knowing the fact that they were hearing-impaired, meaning they had to feel the beat through vibrations on the stage floor.
The ladies were next. Six shortlisters including Jeredine, Winnie, Xue Yun, Nurlinna Tang, Augusta and Foo Siew were called upon stage, this time, to perform the Chinese fan dance.
The girls were comparatively shier than the boys, but Nurlinna’s extravagant outfit – red cheongsam with a furry shawl, stood out from the rest and won the favour of the panel.
Both winners, Bobo and Nurlinna, had walked away with each a RM100 red packet (‘angpow’).
The series of events took place during the Sarawak Society for the Deaf Chinese New Year celebration and appreciation dinner at a local hotel.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng was the invited guest in replacement of Deputy Chief Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Minister of Public Health, Local Government and Housing.
Sarawak Society for the Deaf was established in the 1980s and is currently chaired by Albert Wong with a membership of over 300 members, comprising school children, young adults and working adults. — DayakDaily
