KUCHING: Three beauties from the Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Iban communities will be making a special appearance at the State-level Gawai Dayak celebration this Saturday at the Imperial Hotel here.
The three are Miss Malaysia World 2014 Dewi Liana Seriestha (Bidayuh) who won the Miss Talent subsidiary title at the Miss World 2014 finals in London; Miss World Malaysia 2018 Larissa Ping (Orang Ulu); and second runner-up of Miss Planet International 2019 Viviana Lin Winston (Iban).
They are part of the 12 beauties – Dayung Sangon (Bidayuh), Kumang Gawai (Iban) and Keligits (Orang Ulu) who will be joining the kumang parade at the celebration to be attended by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife.
Chairman for the Dayung Sangon, Kumang and Keligit sub-committee Datuk Peter Minos said Dewi will sing a song during the special appearance by the beauties.
“This is the first time three winners of international level beauty pageants representing the three communities are making their special appearance at the celebration,” said Minos when met during the rehearsal at the Imperial Hotel here yesterday.
According to Minos the other beauties are from all over the state and had won beauty pageants titles, either at state or community levels.
Joining these beauties on the stage will be six kelings (warriors).
Two experienced choreographers, Ricky Kiwah and Wagner John are being engaged to train the participants.
This year’s state-level Gawai is hosted by the Bidayuh community.
The main organising committee is led by chairman Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Meanwhile, Kampung Pichin longhouse in Serian Division will host the closing of this year’s state-level Gawai Dayak celebration on June 29.
Uggah is expected to officiate at the event.
For Bau District, the closing will be held at the Bau Civic Centre on June 22.
This year’s state-level Gawai Dayak celebration was also held at Annah Rais longhouse and Kampung Jagoi Duyoh in Bau District on May 31 and June 1, as well as Kampung Pueh in Lundu on June 2.
