SIBU: Deirdre Serena Sendi, 22 won the heart of the judges with her pomp and elegance to win this year’s Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival (BDCF) Kumang contest.
In the grand finale on Wednesday night, Deirdre, from Rumah Henry Duit, Sekuau, Kanowit defeated nine other finalists to the crown.
“This is my first time contesting in a beauty pageant. I was not expecting to win it. This is a great surprise to me,” she said when met after the contest.
Deirdre, who have just completed her Diploma in Tourism from UiTm Kota Samarahan campus said as she was a rookie in the contest, she was just giving it her best shot to be in the finals.
She walked home with RM2,500, a crown, sash, trophy and a hamper.
Another Iban lass from Kanowit, Valerie Michelle, 20 of Rumah Ambrose, Sungai Ranan, took second place.
Valerie won RM1,500 for the feat. She also received a sash, a trophy and a hamper.
In third place was Stephny Maszleen, 22 from Sibu who walked away with RM1,000, a sash, trophy and hamper.
The fourth and fifth places were won by Frederica John and Norani Roseline respectively. Frederica collected RM450 while Norani received RM350 for her achievement.
Frederica also won a subsidiary title of Miss Cat Walk.
Assistant Minister for Native Law and Custom Datuk John Sikie Tayai gave away prizes to the winners. BDCF was held in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival here from July 18 to 27.
