Elssey Lessianna wins first Dayung Sangon

KUCHING: Elssey Lessianna Richard (pix) eclipsed the competition when she was adjudged fairest of them all at the inaugural Dayung Sangon 2014 (Bidayuh beauty contest) last night.
Using poise and personality to her advantage, the 23-year-old student and part-time model left 11 other contestants trailing behind at the event held in the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multi-purpose hall here last night.
The beauty from Kampung Pichin, Serian received RM3,000, a trophy and hampers from Nestle Products.
The first runner-up was Jacqualine Ayong, 20, a university student from Kampung Simpok, Padawan while administration clerk Iesha Bezzani, 23, of Kampung Taiee, Serian took the third prize.
Jacqualine and Iesha received RM2,000 and RM1,000, respectively, besides trophies and hampers.
The top three winners will represent the Bidayuh community at the national-level Gawai parade in Miri. The respective wives of state infrastructure and communications minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin and assistant public health minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil crowned the winners.
Nine consolation winners each received RM300 cash and hampers from Nestle Products. A total of 41 contestants participated in the preliminary round but only 12 were chosen for the final.
Manyin, who is DBNA chief advisor graced the event which was held in conjunction with this year's Gawai festival.
Besides the beauty contest, guests were also entertained to cultural performances by the Kampung Semban cultural troupe from Penrissen, and the cultural troupes of Biatah, Serian and Bau.
Themed 'Cultures in Diversity', the beauty pageant hopes to bring the various Bidayuh groups from Kuching, Bau, Serian, Lundu, Penrissen and the Padawan areas to demonstrate the uniqueness of each group via its costumes, language and even food.
"This competition is an important platform for the participants to groom their personality and build up their confidence and become ambassadors for the Bidayuh," said DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik.
He said plans were underway to make the cultural activity an annual affair for inclusion in the state's tourism calendar. – Bernama