PUTATAN: The qualities of the Unduk Ngadau that are sought after by judges during the Unduk Ngadau competition (a beauty contest held in conjunction with the Harvest Festival) are beauty, confidence and eloquence.
Expressing his views when met during the registration of contestants for Putatan District Unduk Ngadau at the community hall here yesterday, Martin Buguk, an experienced make-up artist with over 20 years of involvement in the competition and one who is very much sought after during such festivity, said these were his findings
after years of involvement.
“Being tall is definitely a bonus … we are seeing more preference towards taller contestants in the last few years. However, it is not a prerequisite when joining the competition,” he said.
“Also an advantage is the contenders’ ability to converse in her local dialect,” he said.
Martin began involving himself in the Unduk Ngadau competitions since the 1990s.
Four of the contenders he helped in the Unduk Ngadau state-level competition were crowned winners.
They were 1999 state Unduk Ngadau, Kathie Rengos representing Inanam; 2008 state Unduk Ngadau representing Penampang, Leoni Gontuni; 2010 state Unduk Ngadau representing Tanjung Aru, Crystal Huminodun Mojimbun, and 2011 state Unduk Ngadau Botiza Arthur Disimon.
Meanwhile, the Putatan district Kaamatan Festival and Unduk Ngadau competition will be held on May 10 at the Putatan District Council Hall.
Over 30 lasses registered for the selection last night. Out of the total, only 15 would be contending come May 10.