To all who gave constructive comments on Unduk Ngadau, thank you. We are glad that given the short time i.e. approximately 2 1/2 months to prepare, we managed to get through with the amazing teamwork from the Organising Committee and Supporters.  To raise funds to finance the 5-day program's expenses i.e accommodation, logistic, meals, medical etc  for all the contestants from all over Sabah is no mean feat.  To all the sponsors who sponsored the prizes, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

For everyone's info. , we are all Volunteers and appointed on ad hoc basis.  Each has their own day job and other responsibilities and we do these willingly by sacrificing our time and sometimes money.   But we do this happily for the sake of our culture and traditions, goodwill and friendship.  We do not expect any other reward as the reward comes from your support and your constructive comments without antagonism.

To Whom It May Concern - For any  ideas of what an Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan should be - it should be forwarded to the proper channel and not just through Facebook as this will reflect back on you - i.e.  'empty tin' .  So you may make noise until you turn blue, but if it is not channeled properly, then it will remain just that.  So please do come forward and work on it. We would definitely support you. Just an idea - perhaps set up an Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Institution.  You have great ideas so why waste it. Send your proposals and working papers to KDCA, but please do it professionally and with sincerity. 

Thank you also to all the UNK Participants. The 5-day program with us certainly was tiring - the photoshoots, rehearsals, seminars, charity visits  etc.  But we did have fun didn't we?. We hope you have made friends, life-long friends among the participants and learnt something from the experience. If given longer time, we  could have done more like what some people's grandiose proposals are - masak masakan tradisi, mongomot, mananom etc - like as if you don't have other things to do.. :).  But you were in a competition  not on holiday and time was of the essence. To have to win that coveted title "Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan" or any title for that matter, one have to work hard at it, no?

So once again, congratulations to all the winners and we welcome our brand new Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2013,  the beautiful Tati Immaculate Lojuki.  Welcome on board dear, enjoy your reign but be prepared for the hard work ahead as you are now officially an Ambassador for Cultural Tourism. You are also expected to do Charity work from time to time ..:).  

Cheers and God bless..

TO MY DAD WHO HAS GONE HOME TO THE LORD..

You went away to a place
where there's no tears, nor sorrow, nor pain
only laughter and smiles....

Happy Father's Day Pa!!
Rest in Peace ya.. 

My handsome father -  the late Mr B. Tianzu..

.. AND TALKING ABOUT HAIR...

Have been toying with the idea of changing them hair style... mine.  Getting a little tired of these long tresses.  Perhaps time to cut it short..or short-..er.   But I'm not sure if I could live with that drastic results after..  hehehe

For as long as I can remember, I have always had long hair and every now and then have it trimmed or treated but never very short.  I did sport a short hair a long time ago... and that was like more than 10 years ago?  Now should I or should I not...decisions, decisions...

..getting tired of them long tresses...

WHAT'S WITH THE HAIR..

the 'gong shaped' hair styles

As a member of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Committee, I would like to take the opportunity to clear the air on the infamous gong hairstyles of the UNK Participants. 

Contrary to popular belief, the GONG style is NOT a prerequisite to the competition. Participants or hairstylists are free to choose other styles such as the modern 'sanggul' as long as the hair is up. 

The modern 'sanggul' (right pic)

The Unduk Ngadau Organizer have since several years ago held briefing to the district's organizers, to advise the participants and make-up artists on these hair rulings. Briefing was also made to the Participants on the 27th and 30th May (competition day was 31st May) to advise their make-up artists and that hints were even made that Judges may even deduct points should the hair becomes too big and does not complement with the participants' face. 

 
The modern 'sanggul'

District winners with the modern 'sanggul'

But each year, some hair becomes bigger and even I cringed with pity for the poor girls. Some even commented that it makes the girls look like "auntie".. and I don't blame them.  

I am compelled to say something about it in the Unduk Ngadau Facebook page and also here when I noticed so many negative comments about the hair.  Some even  resorted to name-calling.  Now that was comical, amusing  but unkind to say the least. But they had a point.   If only it was  commented it in a more professional way instead of ranting like a mad person and not only about the darned hair but about so many other things related to Unduk Ngadau.  

some does look nice when done tastefully

(Miss Melinda Louis, UNK 2012)

Anyway, I can't even remember when this hairstyle came into being.  I don't remember the Unduk Ngadau of yesteryears sporting this hairstyles at all. But am sure it must have started somewhere.  I am not denying that some of them do look nice especially when done tastefully and may have contributed to the 'hair revolution' when that particular girl won the competition!  But then again it is not for everyone. 

The hairstyles of UNK of yesteryears..

Miss Jeremiah Ginajil, UNK 1998

Miss Kathie Renjus, UNK 1999

Miss Nicoleta Sanseh (UNK 2001)

UNK 1991

                    

(Pictures from newspaper cuttings, courtesy of Dolly MJ)

ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL...

The top 7 winners of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2013 

We are proud to welcome Miss Immaculate Lojuki, a beautiful lanky standing at 5' 8.5" (as per her resume) of Kota Kinabalu as the new Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2013.

1st Runner Up - Miss Ritchell Andreas, Ranau
2nd Runner Up - Miss Nillsey Debbie Sening, Tuaran
3rd Runner Up - Miss Diana Gilbert, Putatan
4th Runner Up - Miss Didie Phang, Penampang
5th Runner Up - Miss Ledesma Steven, Klang Valley
6th Runner Up - Miss Sarah Gleophas Gorotud, Tambunan

I wish to thank all the amazing photographers...

Picture courtesy of Donna Gloreyta. 

Picture courtesy of Leslie Isaac Kok

(Velvia Fotographic)

The contestants are judged on: 1. Beauty,

2. Costume,

3. Presentation,

4. Questions & Answers: 2 sets of questions, one of which is in local dialect and another question to be answered in    Bahasa Melayu. This carries 35% of overall marks.

5. Attitude  & Personality. Congratulations to all winners.State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan