PUNCAK BORNEO: The “Dayung Remus” beauty pageant will be the main attraction at the Bidayuh Mystique Festival, which will take place from July 29-31.
Participants will be vying for cash prizes amounting to RM6,400 and response has been encouraging.
The Bidayuh Mystique Festival is organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP).
“Entry to the beauty pageant is open until July 22. No fee is charged,” said PSBP chairman Gabriel Michael.
“The competition is open to Bidayuh ladies with either parent of Bidayuh descent, and aged 18 to 28.
“The champion will take home RM2,000, a trophy, sash and crown, while the runner-up and third-placed get RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively.”
Those who are interested contact Cynthia at 012-883224, Beverly at 019-8377553 and Alvine at 019-8949377 for more details and entry forms.
Other activities that will also be held during the three-day festival include traditional dance competitions, traditional food cooking competitions, poco-poco dance competitions, food bazaar and exhibitions by various government and private agencies.
Gabriel said the objective of the festival was to popularise the culture, art and food of the Bidayuh people to the public.
“Preparations are progressing well and we expect the number of visitors to be high, even from outside Sarawak.
“Besides that, the festival provides an opportunity for stall operators to generate additional income.”
He said to enliven the festival, several Bidayuh singers, including Rozzie Mila and Claudia Geres, had been invited to perform.
Federal Deputy Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara J.P will officiate the festival in the evening of July 30.
