Iban lass first S’wak Ethnic National Queen
KUCHING: Rachel Lynn Johnson Lapok, 23, was crowned the fi rst Sarawak Ethnic National Queen ( SENQ) at Sri Bunga Rampai Banquet Hall here recently.
Rachel, who is of Iban parentage, beat 13 other finalists for the coveted crown to walk away with RM2,000 in her first foray into beauty pageants.
“I feel so relieved and happy with this win. I dedicate this victory to my family and supporters who have always been there to support me along the way and believe in me.
“Every participant delivered a spectacular performance throughout this competition and for me, everyone here is a winner,” she said.
The second of five siblings, Rachel, who is working as a project geologist at Kumpulan Ikram (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, hails her mother Shelley Earnest as her biggest influence for her tireless efforts to provide the best for their family to live a comfortable life.
“I want to return the favour and give her all that she deserves in life,” Rachel said.
Her designer Rozie Khan Couture won the SENQ Best Designer 2016 ( Contemporary Costume) subsidiary title – thanks to their eye- catching ‘Red Kebaya’ creation.
“I will save the cash prize for school as I plan to further my studies for a Masters of Teaching in Australia next year,” she said.
Rachel hopes to help society and become a better person by becoming a teacher to help the less fortunate including children with autism. She also hopes to inspire young women to always feel beautiful from the inside.
On her advice for aspiring pageant contestants, she said: “Just go for it. Be confident, stay beautiful and keep shining wherever you go.”
First and second runnerups
I feel so relieved and happy with this win. I dedicate this victory to my family and supporters who have always been there to support me along the way and kept believing in me.
were Caroline Kueh and Percyliana Ju’wai, respectively. Kueh bagged a cash prize of RM1,500 while Percyliana received RM1,000. All top three winners also received a tiara and bouquet of flowers.
Thirteen fashion designers competed at the event for two awards namely the SENQ Best Designer 2016 ( Evening Dress Costume) and SENQ Best Designer 2016 ( Contemporary Costume). They were Andini Diman Tailor, Rozie Khan Couture (two entries), Hafiz Dressmaker, Pak Bek (Petra Bridal), Azie Zaini Creation, Mal Anuar, Lentera Astana, Lyona Stephen ( Classy), Ben Nazary (Cotton Button), Latip’s Collection, Aisamuddin Creation & Services, Shamsul Kipli ( Keringkam Jinggal Bridal), and Daniel Alfian Couture ( D’Jejari Emas Bridal Studio).
Apart from a cash prize of RM200, other subsidiary title winners also received a trophy and sash including Lidya Yusreena Abdul Ellias ( SENQ Talent Queen 2016, and SENQ Congeniality Queen 2016), Putri Nurbizauwatul Sapun @ Yusuf ( SENQ Charity Queen 2016), Rabbani Mariani Majid ( SENQ Photogenic Queen 2016), Kueh (SENQ Favourite and Popularity Queen 2016), Crystal Ann Daniel Manja ( SENQ Confident Queen 2016), Marie Alexandra Beatrice (SENQ Best Catwalk Queen 2016), and Neng Ayu Ahmat (SENQ Best Designer 2016 for Evening Dress Costume designed by Petra Bridal).
Consolation prize winners which included Amanda Disman, Dayang Nur Azizah Abang Abdul Razak, Syaza Shuhaila Abdul Ellias, Agatha Musa and Emelda William received a trophy and bouquet of flowers.
All finalists were presented with certificates of participation.
Prior to the announcement of the results, the audience were entertained to songs and dance from Angela Martin, Arm Amran and award-winning dance troupe Girumpung Baatan Asal Kampun Ta- ee as the fi nalists sashayed on the catwalk in their contemporary ethnic attires and evening gowns.
The Sarawak Ethnic National Queen 2016 – organised by Mary Anne Borneo Legacy – was a smashing success with collaboration by Persatuan Warisan Bumi Kenyalang Kuching and sponsors including Dayak Shutter, Elegan Wedding & Event Management, Vee Villas Indian Cuisine, Glam Bridal, Rebbeca Adang, Diana Kidang, Juliet Malek, BCS Sdn Bhd, D’Celebrities Event Management, Sara Urus Harta Sdn Bhd, Bungai Terung Café, Barrock Karaoke & Pub and Nomie Florist.
The pageant themed ‘Empowering Woman, Embracing Cultures, and Embodying the beauty within’ aims to provide a platform to showcase beauty, intelligence and cultural diversity while creating opportunities for women to progress in their career and personality development.
The grand fi nal was hosted by Patricia Judin and Romie, while the panel of judges comprising Sarawak Cultural Village general manager Jane Lian Labang, RTM Sarawak TV Producer Datin Lydia Paya Rinyud and beauty pageant professional Ferdinand Rayner.
Also present were SENQ organising chairman Mary Anne, Kayan Women Association chairperson Roselyn Lah and state fashion icon Anna Su.
Rachel Lynn Johnson Lapok, Sarawak Ethnic National Queen (SENQ)