UPKO State Level Harvest Beauty Pageant a merging of beauty and culture

13 May 2024

By AVV

KUALA PENYU: The vibrant celebrations of the

United Kinabalu Progressive Organisations (UPKO)

harvest festival saw beauty, culture and tradition merge.

The beauty pageant serves as a platform for young women to not only display their physical beauty but also their intelligence, talent, and The UPKO State Level Harvest Beauty Pageant a merging of beauty and culture of their cultural roots.

Before the contestants walked the stage, a knowledgeable individual recited an incantation over the paddy to show respect to the essence of the rice, embodiment of the spirit of Huminodun.

The contestants were supposed to embody the spirit and characteristics of Huminodun.

In a dazzling display of elegance and grace the 18 beauty queens chosen from their respective UPKO divisions walked the stage showcasing their traditional clothes.

After much deliberation, five judges reached their decisions.

UPKO Papar representative Patricia John was crowned the champion of the UPKO 2024 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, after a thrilling competition.

With the crown she received a cash prize of RM3,000 along with a trophy, a bouquet of flowers, and accompanying prizes.

Marylyn Bundoi who represented UPKO Kota Kinabalu Division, grabbed second place that brought with it RM2500 with other gifts.

Meanwhile the third place was won by Alstenety Shane Japrin representing UPKO Keningau Division. She brought home RM2,000 along with accompanying prizes.

The Unduk Ngadau competition held at the Datuk Shahbandar Makang Community Hall here today attracted an excited crowd, all rooting for their respective contestant of choice.

All prizes were presented by Datin Connie Parantis, spouse of the UPKO President who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, and Datin Angie Elon, the wife of Datuk Nelson Angang, the Chairman of the Organising Committee.