MIRI: Winners of the 15th Miri Division Gawai Dayak pageant contest were announced on Saturday night during the grand finale.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas was the guest of honour that night.
Twenty-four finalists competed in the contest which was divided into four categories, namely ‘Keling/Belawan’, ‘Dayung Sangon’, ‘Kumang’ and ‘Keligit’.
For the ‘Keling/Belawan’ category, Emmanuel Paang Jalong, 19, a Kelabit from Long Sobeng, emerged champion after beating five other contestants.
Nicholas Kudi came second while Eliazer Puret El Loter was third.
Recipients of the subsidiary titles in this category were Henry Jita, Alexander Kuleh and Paul Laing.
In the ‘Dayung Sangon’ category, a 25-year-old lass from Padawan, Lydia Hyginus clinched the title after beating five other contestants.
Second was a 22-year-old Bau lass, Jemina Fae James while Anastasia Napoleon, 20, came third.
Three other finalists under this category – Daisy Nyoel, Ketty Freddy and Quyyns Evysia Waysia – were recipients of the subsidiary titles.
In the ‘Kumang’ category, Tasha Jenkins Likan Siti, 19, was crowned as the winner.
Natasha Shareen Pita came second while Nicole Goldy was third.
Winners of the subsidiary titles in this category were Ellis Gawing, Winnie and Jill Genagan.
In the ‘Keligit’ category, Sharon Ubung, 25, from Long Atip, was crowned the winner. Magdeline Story and Cendida Gadung Jok came second and third respectively.
Three other finalists under this category – Brenda Bulan Nelson, Irena Apui and Sarah Nasthia – were recipients of the subsidiary titles.
All winners in each category (champion, first and second runner-up) received scholarships, skincare products and bouquets of flowers.
