Velentine wins Iban 2011 Kumang Gawai title

0

KUMANG GAWAI: Velentine (centre), flanked by Elizabeth (left) and Shandra.

MIRI: Twenty-one-year-old Velentine Hellyiza Stephen from Ulu Sebauh, Bintulu was adjudged ‘2011 Kumang Gawai’ of Miri City.

Velentine outshone five other contestants in the Iban category of the Kumang Gawai (Dayak Harvest Festival Queen) contest at the ‘2011 Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Celebration’ at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here on Monday night.

The first runner-up was 22-year-old Elizabeth Gia Amui of Kanowit, while Shandra Petrus Juline, 25, from Nanga Geremai, Kanowit was the second runner-up.

In the Bidayuh category, the Gawai Kumang title went to 23-year-old Jennifer Ubung Nawan of Kampung Skiat, Bau.

She beat five others, including 20-year-old Venezia of Kampung Benuk, Padawan and 18-year-old Marie Paye Steve of Kampung Tanjong Poting, Singai who were second and third place winners respectively.

18-year-old Stephanie Singa from Trusan, Lawas was adjudged ‘Gawai Keligit’ in the Orang Ulu category, defeating five others.

Jessica Bulan Stephen, 20, of Long San, Baram took the second place and 19-year-old Karen Disa from Long Selawan, Ulu Baram came up third.

The three ‘Kumangs’ each brought home RM1,000 in cash plus a sash, a trophy, a certificate of participation, a hamper by Maggi and bouquet.

As for the first runners-up in each category, everyone received RM800 and the second runners-up RM600 each, plus a trophy, sash, hamper and bouquet.

All consolation winners of the three categories walked away with RM300, a hamper and certificate of participation each.

They were Bebe Shee, Lessie John and Newn John Tait (Iban category); Fauziah Rapu, Michelle Johny and Priscilla Likau (Bidayuh); Brenda Litad Bobby, Sharene Ormilla Ngilo and Karen Laleng David (Keligit/Orang Ulu).

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Julian Jantum of Nanga Nansang, Sg Poi, Kanowit was picked as the 2011 Gawai Keling/Belawan (Hero) of the celebration.

He took home RM700 cash, a hamper and a certificate of participation.

Ricky Kimwah, 28, a teacher from Lawas was the first runner-up, while 24-year-old Kemmy John of Mamut, Sibuti was second runner-up.

They received RM600 and RM500 respectively, in addition to a hamper and a certificate.

The three consolation winners – 18-year-old Tony Benson of Siang longhouse in Suai, Murphy Epoi, 22, of Long Terawan and 21-year-old Grahan Agan Lim of Barion – took home RM250 and a certificate each.

The celebration was organised by Dayak Association Miri (DAM) in collaboration with Miri Resident’s and District Office, assisted by various ethnic associations in Miri.

This is a yearly event which is organised on a rotation basis among the different associations. This year DAM was the leading organiser.

Next year will see Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) leading the celebration.

The main sponsors for this year’s gathering were Maggi and Nescafe.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang was the guest-of-honour while Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas was the head of the Gawai.

Organising chairman Ellison Ludan Muyang, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat were among those present.