Bank clerk clinches inaugural Miss Grand Miri crown

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Vanessa (seated, centre), flanked by Cendida on her left and Quyyns, smiles for the camera during a photo-call with other finalists after crowning. Also seen are the other three top-six contestants (front, from left) Monisha, Celestia and Chong.

MIRI: A local bank clerk was crowned the first Miss Grand Miri (MGM) during the finale here last weekend.

Vanessa Gilbert, 22, of Iban-Bidayuh parentage, walked away with scholarship worth RM8,900 from IBS College Miri, in addition to other prizes including a  three-day, two-night stay in Bario, as well as skincare and beauty products.

Additionally, she also clinched two out of 15 subsidiary titles – ‘Miss Best Makeup Look’ and ‘Miss Black Pearl of the Night’.

Vanessa was among the 16 finalists of the pageant, organised by Brenda and Brandan’s Art Paradise with support from Miri City Council (MCC).

With the win, Vanessa will represent this division at Miss Grand Sarawak 2018, to take place in Sibu from Feb 28 to April 1.

Placing first runner-up was school-leaver Cendida Gadung. The 18-year-old Kayan girl took home scholarship worth RM7,120 from IBS College Miri.

At third place was 23-year-old Quyyns Evysia, who is of Bidayuh-Melanau-Rungus-Indonesia lineage. The young woman, who had acquired certificate to become a flight attendant, received RM5,340 worth of scholarship from IBS College Miri.

Cendida and Quyyns also each won two subsidiary titles – the former was named ‘Miss Talent’ and ‘Miss D’Lux of the Night’, while the latter was both ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Miss Kumang of the Night’. Additionally, Cendida will take part in Miss Grand Marudi 2018, slated for next month.

Three other top-six contestants also received scholarships, each worth RM1,780, as well as subsidiary titles – they were Celestia Unyang, 18, who was ‘Miss Cultural’, Monisha Winnie, 21 (Miss Ethnic Beads), and Sweethy Chong, 22 (Miss Social Media and Miss Jayau 2000 of the Night).

Other subsidiary title winners were Rachelle Wong (Miss Natural Beauty), Joana Sapok (Miss Intelligent), Rina Easter (Miss Best Catwalk); Jennifer Sim (Miss LaSoul Miri), Cecilia Thomas (Miss Confident), Mariana Puyang (Miss Body Beautiful), Daryl Shalini (Miss Favourite), Lilian Ulau (Miss Photogenic),  Saira Natasha (Miss Kumang Friendly of the Night) and Ellica Amit (Miss Kumang Voice of the Night).

Gown sponsor Ray Aiman crowned Vanessa, while MGM divisional director Brandan Yeo, Meritz Hotel general manager, Bintang Megamall general manager John Teo and the four judges presented the other prizes.

The judges were Miss Miri Tourism City 2018 Nunda Krisping, Miss Asia International 2008 Eva Mae Chu, Gina Production Studio owner Gina Regina, and seasoned beauty pageant judge Hisdora Dora.

According to MGM founder and its assistant divisional director Brenda Yeo, the organiser is set to hold Miss Grand Miri 2019 following the overwhelming response from the participants and sponsors, as well as solid support from the MCC.

“Women who wish to take part must prepare themselves well, in that they would become the ambassadors of Miri at the advancing levels of the competition,” Brenda said.

(From right) Gina, Nunda, Chu and Hisdora assess each contestant during the finale.