This is the second consecutive year that I was unable to make myself available for shooting the colourful, beautiful closing ceremony of the month-long Kaamatan festival. Not that I don't support it nor that I've lost my passion for photography. I was away from home during both occasions.
The last time I 'squeezed' myself in to shoot was in 2013 when
Immaculate Lojuki was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan. Great experience.
What I can share with you today is the result published by the local dailies immediately after the event.
The Borneo Post, June 1, 2015
Ryannie Neils Yong (seated middle in the pic) representing Tanjung Aru - donning the Tambunan traditional costumes - was crowned winner of the State-level 2015 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan. She took home RM6,000 in cash, a trophy and a crown, RM25,000 worth of scholarship from ATI, air tickets to London and Melbourne, 4D/3N Bali trip and a designer handbag.
Harian Express, June 1, 2015 (Bahasa Malaysia section of the Daily Express)
Daily Express, June 1, 2015
Full list of winners:-
Top 7 at the Unduk Ngadau (UN) final:
1. Ryannie Neils Yong (Tanjung Aru) - Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2015
2. Shirley Anthony Danggok (Tambunan) - 1st runner-up
3. Evrina Masalan (Tenom) - 2nd runner-up
4. Valencia Ann Primus (Kota Kinabalu) - 4th place
5. Natasha Aprillia Benggon (Inanam) - 5th place
6. Sherrylyn Jane Rannytho (Putatan) - 6th place
7. Kimberly Vung (Likas) - 7th place
Other titles:
Miss Popular Altel - Sherrylyn Jane Rannytho (Putatan)
Tati Topiodo (Miss Natural Beauty) - Kerinah Mah (Pitas)
Tati Tosuau (Miss Friendly) - Natasha Apprillia Jalius S Benggon (Inanam)
Miss Conservation WWF - Olga Willnelia Nasib (Paitan)
The Green Mechanics two cents:
It is good that contestants took note of the Organising Committee's emphasis on choosing this year's Unduk Ngadau
"that would not only be the best embodiment of Huminodun but should also have an in-depth grasp of the origins of their ethnicity and heritage", in their efforts to win the vote of the judges.
I like the winner's back-to-basic approach in her costume selection.
See you on May 31 next year, hopefully.