Audrey Batise is the Dayung Sangon Biperoh 2013

 

THE WINNERS: Audrey (seated), flanked by the runners up and other contestants, posed for group photograph after the prize presentation

Audrey Batise Kais from Kampung Git defeated 14 other contestants to win the first-ever Dayung Sangon Biperoh title (Miss Biperoh Beautiful 2013).

Her poise, and eloquence when answering question, scored her big marks.

She will represent the Biperoh clan at the Bidayuh beauty queen pageant to be held in July.

The 23-year-old, a diploma in environmental health holder and currently a health inspector, walked away with the main prize of RM1,500 cash, a trophy and a hamper.

In second place was 24-year-old clerk Debbie Jesselynn David from Kampung Karu and third was 18-year-old student Edlina Diana Borders from Kampung Giam.

They both brought back RM1,000 and RM700 cash respectively and hampers.

The other 12 contestants did not go home empty handed as they each got RM100 cash prize and hampers sponsored by Nestle.

The consolation prize winners Ellyvia Nawog, 20, Wina Uding Dollin, 23, Jane Masing Perry Rikan, 25, Chloe Syaine Robin, 22, Cathy Lam Akeng, 24, Amanda Lona Ah Kok, 20, Elmarina Toming, 22, Anastasia Glennie Aking, 20, Natalie Philip Dorab, 20, Yvonnie Marie Charles Riam, 19, Anthea Thomas, 25, and Velarie Robert, 20.

Prizes were presented by guest of honour Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil and wife Lee Chai Foong.

Earlier, Biperoh Association of Kuching (BAK) president Dr Benedict Poris said the beauty pageant was held to promote love for culture and traditions amongst the younger generation.

He pointed out this was because the contestants must wear authentic Bidayuh traditional costumes during the contest which they need to source for themselves.

"The winner will represent the Biperoh people for the beauty contest to be held during the Gawai Fest organised by Redeems (Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai) in July," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Jerip who is also Bengoh assemblyman and a Biperoh himself, praised the effort of BAK to organise such event can produce 'beauties with qualities' among the Biperoh.