Martina
(From left) Stepheni, Ellna, Martina, Phrisillia and Christina during a photo call after the final.
KUCHING: Martina Litad Balang, 21, was crowned the first Miss Global International Sarawak (MGIS) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Thursday.
Martina, a Lun Bawang from Lawas, who made her first foray into beauty pageant, beat 18 other finalists for the coveted crown. She walked away with RM3,000, a trophy, sash and other sponsored prizes.
“I did not expect to win tonight but I am very happy and thankful to be crowned the first Miss Global International Sarawak. I am very excited to get the chance to represent Sarawak in the upcoming Miss Global International Malaysia,” she said.
The second of nine siblings, Martina aspires to go into business. She hails her father, Balang Tabari, as her biggest influence.
Besides being the champion, Martina also won Miss Body Beautiful and Best Evening Gown subsidiary titles.
The first runner-up was Phrisillia Mujan Peter, 18, a Kayan from Kuching. She received RM1,500, trophy, sash and other sponsored prizes. She also won Miss Elegant subsidiary title sponsored by Andy Love Kadus.
Ellna Jiway, 21, a Bidayuh also from Kuching came in third and received RM1 000, trophy, sash, and other sponsored prizes.
The top three winners now have a one-year contract with MGIS and will represent Sarawak at the national-level Miss Global International Malaysia (MGIM) 2015 in August.
Christina Dana Paulus Ripos, 26, a Bidayuh from Kuching was placed fourth and received RM500. She also won Miss Socialite subsidiary title sponsored by Check In Dance Club.
Stepheni Johari, 24, an Iban from Kapit came in fifth and received RM300. She also won Miss CityONE title sponsored by CityONE Megamall, as well as Best National Costume subsidiary title.
Ezza Hunny, 18 from Kuching, Cammielye Oliver Rega (26, Belaga), Marzella Sigai (22, Sri Aman), Genevieve Gerald Wilson Unting (21, Kuching) and Claudia Gan (21, Sibu) were also placed in the Top 10.
Other contestants were Ainaa L Tacia (18, Kuching), Anny Wong Wei Wei (18, Sibu), Decharmene Gibson (18, Sibu), Paula Nanie Entia Nating (23, Miri), Pauline Nanie Mula Nating (23, Miri), Raden Atul (18, Kuching), Shayndee Dunstan (24, Kuching), Valerina Aren Alfred (19, Marudi) and Wendy Ling Jia Jing (20, Sibu).
Prior to the announcement of the result, the audience were entertained by performances from Melissa Francis, singer-songwriter Jesper Nimoi, Dato CT Nurhaliza, Philame Rosauro from the Philippines, as well as MGIS’ very own Miss Talent Cammielye Oliver Rega.
The grand final was hosted by TV3 newscaster Ramzan Mohd Saufi, while the panel of judges comprising MGIM national director Marlene Lim, fashion designer Rizky from Sposa by Rizky, professional make-up artist Eva Shahrul, jewelry designer of Anna Sue Jewelry Datin Anna Sue, renowned entrepreneur Jackson Goh, economic lecturer Haslan Benjamin Ottot, Mister Diversity Cultural International 2014 Lew Voon Khong and pageantry trainer Dutta Prattama.