KUCHING: Ten young beauties have secured their places in the finals of the third edition of Miss Bengoh Culture Beauty Pageant to be held at Bengoh Resettlement Scheme (BRS), Jalan Puncak Borneo, about 40 kms from here next Saturday (22 July).
They were selected from among the 29 contestants who turned up for the competition’s preliminary round held at Awah Café of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) headquarters here on Saturday.
The finalists are Crystal Daniel, Patricia Ho Chia Chin, Rachel Yeow Chen Chen, Cincilin Voon Tara, Anna Faustina Rued, Christina Petrus, Lydia Hyginus, Elviana Tenit, Felicia Michele Juram and Prishyella Florencia Walter.
The beauty pageant is held in conjunction with the third edition of the Bengoh Cultural Carnival and second edition of the Padawan 4×4 International Race, which will run from July 21-23 at BRS.
According to the pageant’s assistant coordinator, Alvine Ling, the contest offers a cash prize of RM1,500 for the winner, while the first and second runners-up will receive RM1,000 and RM500, respectively.
Ling added that there are also seven consolations prizes offered in the contest.
“This contest is not only about choosing beautiful lasses to win the title but it is also about them being confident, intelligent and good role models,” she explained.
“The finalists will be wearing their traditional costumes during the final and they will be judged on their beauty, the costume they wear, intelligence and poise,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bengoh Cultural Carnival (BCC) chairman Rangen Jamang said the beauty pageant would be just one of the many interesting activities to be held during the three-day carnival.
He said other activities included a gong-beating and traditional dance competition on 21 July starting at 8 pm, traditional sports competitions (blowpipe and catapult) and Karaoke singing competition.
He said the gong and traditional dance competition will feature cultural troupes from Padawan, Penrissen, Bau, Siburan and Serian.
He disclosed that the champion team will take home RM1,000, RM700 and RM500 for the first and second runner-up winners, respectively.
“Two consolation prizes will also be awarded,” he said.
He added that the Karaoke competition, which is a new event introduce in this year’s carnival will be held on 23 July.
“The competition is divided into two categories (men and women category) and is open to all. The contestants are allowed to sing Bidayuh songs only and the champion will receive RM150 and a trophy while the first runner-up will take home RM100 and a trophy. The second runner-up will receive RM50 and a trophy.
“The blowpipe and catapult competition will be held on 23 July 23,” Rangen said.
He added that a Malaysian Army exhibition will also be held during the carnival where the Army will showcase its weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques, survival tactics, as well as providing health and dental screening.
“For this year’s event, we have constructed a traditional Bidayuh Gawai house to display Bidayuh culture and heritage, which we expect will be another crowd puller during the carnival,” said Rangen.
He said the five world renowned brass ring ladies of Kampung Semban will also be at the Gawai house to greet visitors and perform their traditional dance.
“This would be a great opportunity for visitors to meet the brass ring ladies and take photographs with them,” he said.
Rangen said there will also be a food bazaar with about 40 food and handicraft stalls operating throughout the three-day carnival and exhibitions by various government departments and agencies.
He said the carnival is held to introduce Bengoh as a tourist destination apart from showing the local community’s rich culture and customs.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the opening on 23 July while Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil will officiate at the closing ceremony.
