CONGRATULATIONS: Kumang Gawai Song queen Marylene Enol (centre) flanked by Flora (left) and Doris.
KAPIT: A student from University Technology Malaysia (UiTM) Kota Samarahan Campus, Marylene Enol Baling was crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak at a pre-Gawai Dayak celebration held at Song Community hall on Friday evening.
The Office Management diploma student beat seven others to capture the Kumang Gawai Dayak Song 2012 title. She received a trophy, sash, hamper and RM750 cash.
In second place was also a UiTM student Doris Belambang from Rumah Jala, Nanga
Miaw, Katibas. She brought home a trophy, hamper and RM600.
In third place was Flora Muling, who received a trophy, hamper and RM450.
Five other contestants received consolation prizes in the form of hamper and RM200 each respectively.
On hand to crown the Kumang Gawai was Datin Marie Therese Blikau, wife of state assemblyman for Katibas, Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan, who later gave away the prizes to the winners
To bring more cheer to the celebration, several activities were held including the presentation of incentives by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Song branch to students who excelled in public examinations (UPSR, PMR, SPM, STPM) and co-curricular activities for the year 2011, a lucky draw and entertainment by popular local Iban recording artiste Winnie Albert.
Present at the function were Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Katibas assemblyman Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan, political secretary to the Chief Minister, Tengku Geruna, Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot and wife Francesca Bawing Bilong, organising chairman, who is also Song District Officer Galong Luang, Deputy Walikota of Kapit District Council, Jefferson Jamit Unyat, heads of the various government departments, community leaders headed by Pemanca Gudang Geramong and some 600 guests.