MIRI: Twenty-four finalists will advance to the final stage of the Miri Division Gawai pageant competition this year.
At the semi-finals on Saturday (May 9) aspirants from across Sarawak competed for a place in the grand finals of the cultural showcase.
Held at the Exhibition Hall, Level 3 of Boulevard Shopping Mall, the event featured four categories namely Dayung Sangon, Keligit Orang Ulu, Kumang Iban, and Keling-Belawan.
The final stage of the competition will be held during the upcoming Miri Division Gawai Celebration Dinner on May 16.
The pageant, regarded as one of the highlights of the annual Gawai celebration, showcased the diversity, heritage and cultural identity of the Dayak community, with contestants representing various ethnic backgrounds including Iban, Kenyah, Kayan, Bidayuh, Lun Bawang, Berawan, Kiput and Sa’ban.
The finalists for the Keling-Belawan category are Charles Clement Christopher, 18, from the Kayan community of Long Bemang; Heyward Hezron Lim, 23, a Sa’ban contestant from Long Banga in Ulu Baram; Nevil Leslie Gat, 22, representing the Berawan community from Long Terawan, Tutoh; Malvist anak Buyong, 21, an Iban contestant from Miri; Howard Ngau Lawai, 21, from the Kenyah community of Long Selaan; and Chai Zi Jian, 21, of Chinese-Iban heritage from Rumah Andam, Suai, Niah.
For the Dayung Sangon category, the finalists are Charlotte Danyo, 24, of Bidayuh-Iban heritage from Kampung Sadir, Padawan; Angela Lou Christina anak Pinum, 25, from the Bidayuh Salako community of Kampung Sarayan Hilir, Lundu; Melanie Joyce anak Jeman, 24, from Kampung Raso 2, Lundu; Vanessa Calvary anak Douglas, 25, from Kampung Raso 2, Lundu; Marchelin Maria anak Martin, 19, from Kampung Tematu, Kuching; and Cynthia Aren Ajang, 22, from Kampung Sadir, Padawan.
The Kumang Iban finalists are Ilmeilyana Agulera anak Lian, 24, from Sungai Kelabit Bakong, Miri; Michelle Allison Omban anak Eddy, 20, from Nanga Salu, Sibuti; Vanessa Serawa anak Suel, 24, from Mukah; Vivian Chai Zu Ing, 18, from Rumah Andam, Suai; Sylviana Rinya anak Galing, 22, from Kuala Serupai, Tatau; and Florennisya Urai anak Nudong, 21, from Nanga Kesindu, Julau.
Meanwhile, the finalists for the Keligit Orang Ulu category are Clairesa Mary Mujan Desmond, 24, from Kampung Long San; Rennie Bulan Johnny, 24, of Sa’ban-Lun Bawang heritage from Long Banga, Peluan; Dorea Zoe Mening Simeon, 20, from Kampung Long Julan Pelutan, Baram; Stacy Rosedyana Sigar, 25, from Long Semadoh, Lawas; Jessica Puyang Vincent, 24, from Kampung Long Pilah, Baram; and Stephanie Vincent, 22, of Kiput-Chinese heritage from Kuala Tutoh, Baram.
