DREAM COMES TRUE FOR SINO TOMBONUO LASS
22-year-old has always wanted to join ‘Unduk Ngadau’ pageant
THIS year’s Kaamatan festival ended with the crowning of Kerinah Mah as the new Unduk Ngadau. The 22-year-old Sino Tombonuo, who represented Kota Kinabalu, beat 43 other participants and took over the role of legendary figure Huminodun from former Unduk Ngadau queen Sherry Anne Laujang.
She won a RM45,000 scholarship sponsored by Asian Tourism International College and Almacrest
International College, a return ticket to Bangkok, RM8,000 cash, a Samsung Galaxy A5, trophy, sash and bouquet of flowers, among others.
During the question-and-answer session, Kerinah said it has
always been her dream to take part in the Unduk Ngadau pageant. And that she convinced her parents to let her join the pageant.
“As the Unduk Ngadau, I’m able to enhance my knowledge on our traditions and the Kadazandusun language.”
Kerinah was crowned by Puan Sri Genevieve Kitingan, the wife of Deputy Chief Minister and Huguan Siou (Kadazandusun paramount leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, at the event held at Hongkod Koisaan here.
Shareene Francis Loudin, who represented Penampang, was the first runner-up while Arveyna Pamella Januin of Papar came in third.
The pageant is one of the most important highlights of Kaamatan. It depicts Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine and have a bountiful harvest.
The newly crowned Unduk Ngadau is expected to carry out social and charity work, as well as promote Sabah tourism for a year.