KOTA KINABALU: Tommy Gedeus who represented KDCA Putrajaya has won this year's Buvazoi Tavantang or Mr Kaamatan (MrK).
The 27-year-old tour guide beat 45 hopefuls in the finale held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang today.
He brought home prizes worth RM61,260, including RM6,000 cash, an exclusive bedazzled "sigah" (traditional Kadazandusun headgear) worth RM2,500, scholarships and other sponsored items.
The second place was clinched by Deaigo Emanuell of KDCA Penang. He won prizes worth RM47,000.
Lexterinus Harris (KDCA Klang Valley) won the third spot, which saw him bringing home prizes worth RM32,580
All the top three contestants modelled the Penampang traditional costume known as Gaung Koubasanan Moludu.
Completing the top seven list of winners are, in fourth place, MrK Tambunan Joenier Fraider; in fifth place, MrK Kudat Adner Fabrizzio; in sixth place, MrK Kota Belud Eric Junior; and, in seventh place, MrK Nabawan Janius Joseph.
The fourth to seventh-place winners also received prizes.
The MrK pageant is Sabah's cultural male pageant and has been organised since 2008. From a humble beginning, the pageant was recognised as one of the official events for the state's Kaamatan Festival celebration in 2021.
The pageant promotes the uniqueness of the culture, customs and traditional costumes of the Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community apart from finding a titleholder who embodies knowledge and leadership.
Speaking to the press, Tommy said he was proud and thankful for the achievement.
"I believe all of us, the finalists, shared a fair chance of winning the title," said Tommy who fluent in English, Malay and Dusun languages.
He said he joined the competition not merely to win but to promote eco-tourism in the state, such as the interesting spots in his hometown in Papar, some 38 kilometres from the state capital of Kota Kinabalu.
"In my village, Kampung Bolotikon, I can see many potential spots that can be turned into eco-tourism spots.
"This title will also be a good stepping stone for me to go further and work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other interested parties," he said while thanking his family and friends who supported him throughout the competition. - NST
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