Latest news with #Atitih
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
No more ‘loud' introductions for Unduk Ngadau pageant
Joanna Kitingan – photo by Mariah Doksil KOTA KINABALU (June 3): Future Sabah State-level Unduk Ngadau pageants will not adopt the loud, showy self-introduction style often seen in international beauty contests, as demonstrated during the Gala Night held on May 28. Datuk Joanna Kitingan, co-chair of the 2025 Sabah State-level Unduk Ngadau Organising Committee, emphasized that after 65 years, the pageant should remain rooted in tradition and elegance, rather than imitate the flashy trends of international pageants. 'After 65 years, we should be elevating our Unduks to the next level of grace and finesse — not following the trends of other pageants,' she said. 'We have already set the trend 65 years ago as graceful, gentle yet strong, empowered women. You don't have to shout. Look at the strength and power of the bobolians — they have spiritual power.' Unlike many international contests, which feature upbeat and performative self-introductions, the Unduk Ngadau pageant traditionally highlights modesty, heritage and cultural identity. However, during the recent Gala Night, finalists introduced themselves in a loud and flamboyant manner, sparking debate about the preservation of the pageant's values. Joanna said she was not informed about the change during rehearsals and was shocked by the unexpected display. 'Looking back, I feel we are losing the unique elegance of our Unduk Ngadau, especially when they wear their ethnic contemporary evening wear. I always emphasise modesty — be elegant without being sexy, to be heard without being loud. 'Natagak nodi iti' (This is lost), which means we are going down to the level of any ordinary beauty pageant that does not have a cultural background or belief system,' she said. She acknowledged that some netizens are questioning whether the Unduk Ngadau pageant is losing its identity by mimicking other contests. 'So next year, we shall revert back to grace and elegance instead of loud and flashy.' Meanwhile, newly crowned 2025 Sabah State Unduk Ngadau, Atitih Yatih Robert, shared the personal sacrifices she made to compete in the pageant, including a dramatic weight loss of over 10kg. 'I think this is my biggest challenge, as I had to control my food intake. Prior to this, I weighed 70kg,' she said. A lover of sweets and chocolates, Atitih said she had to give them up during her preparation. 'There were days when I felt faint standing up because of fasting,' she admitted. She now weighs 57kg and stands at 163cm. In addition to the physical challenge, Atitih also struggled with extreme shyness. 'Even now, I am very shy,' she said. 'But I practiced. For eight years, I have been practising, and now I think I can control my shyness.' She first joined the pageant in 2017 at the age of 18, representing Kota Marudu and winning the Miss Popular Facebook title, though she did not reach the top seven.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Getting crowned on the second try
KOTA KINABALU: Eight years ago, she walked away empty-handed. This year, she walked away with the crown. Atitih Yatih Robert of Tamparuli was crowned the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan at the Hongkod Koisaan on May 31, a traditional beauty pageant held in conjunction with the Kaamatan harvest festival. The 26-year-old emerged the winner among 51 finalists from across Sabah and beyond, including participants from the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Johor. A graduate of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Education (Bahasa Malaysia), Atitih is currently awaiting her teacher placement. She first entered the pageant in 2017 at age 18, representing Kota Marudu, where she placed in the top 15 and was named Miss Popular Unduk Ngadau Sabah – a victory that nevertheless sparked disappointment among fans. 'I know many were disappointed back then. They asked me to return and this time, I gave it my all,' Atitih said. After an eight-year hiatus to focus on her academic and career goals, she made a comeback with renewed purpose – this time representing Tamparuli, where she was crowned the district's Unduk Ngadau. Her maternal family traces its lineage back to Kampung Ruminding, Kiulu, in the Tuaran district, where her late grandmother Sungkim Elohoban once lived. Many of her relatives, including the current village chief, are still based there. Atitih's return to the stage wasn't easy. In the five months leading up to the pageant, she lost over 10kg by practising regular workouts and a strict diet. 'That was my biggest challenge,' she admitted. 'I used to weigh about 70kg. I loved sweets – especially chocolate – but I made the decision to commit,' she said, adding that she pushed through even though there were moments when she felt like fainting from hunger. 'It's not just about appearance. I wanted to show discipline and that I was serious.' She also worked on building her confidence and overcoming deep-seated shyness. Atitih has been active in traditional dance, singing, acting and poetry recitation throughout her university life. She also held leadership roles, including in the Sabah Student Association at UPM and Persatuan Siswazah Sabah di Semenanjung (G3S), where she promoted cultural pride among Sabahan youth. She wore a traditional dress from Tenghilan known as the Pinialap, making her the first contestant to ever showcase the design at the Unduk Ngadau stage – a nod to both her heritage and pride in her team. Atitih took home RM15,000 in cash, a tiara, a UNK2025 sash, a trophy, bouquet and other prizes including scholarships, skincare products, dental treatments, free hotel stays and airline tickets. Held annually as the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival, the Unduk Ngadau pageant is a cultural tradition cherished by the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community – symbolising beauty, sacrifice and the legacy of Huminodun. This year also marked a turning point for the pageant with the introduction of e-Unduk, a digital scoring system developed by Sabahan IT expert Aedeshie Daisy Rayner. The organising committee described the system as an innovation that enhances the traditional scoring framework using scientific algorithms – a move they say will ensure greater fairness and credibility in the judging process. As the curtains closed on the final night, cheers erupted for the top seven finalists who stood tall on stage – each carrying the pride of their districts and the spirit of Kaamatan. Joining Atitih were Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan) as first runner-up and Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) as second runner-up. Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Jenylin Janis (Ranau) and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) were the other finalists.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Eight years later, Atitih takes the crown that once slipped away
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Atitih's determination to stage a comeback was rewarded with victory as she claimed the UNK crown. PENAMPANG: She once stumbled in the pursuit of the crown, but Atitih Yati Robert stood taller this year, rising with grace to be named Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. Atitih, representing Tamparuli, emerged victorious over 50 finalists at the grand finale of the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2025 held at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall here on Saturday. The 26-year-old took home RM17,500 in cash, a tiara, a fully-beaded sash, a trophy, and other sponsored prizes, in a celebration of heritage, beauty, and cultural pride that drew thousands. Tambunan's Elka Alika Pijeh was named first runner-up, receiving RM13,000, a trophy, and sponsored prizes, while Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) took third place with RM10,500 and other prizes. The event marked one of the major highlights of the State-level Kaamatan Festival, which culminates with cultural showcases and pageantry. 'I first joined eight years ago when I was 18, representing Kota Marudu,' said Atitih, who hails from Kota Marudu but chose to represent Tamparuli this year due to her paternal roots. She revealed that her return was deeply personal: 'This victory is significant, not just for me but for all who have supported me – especially those who were disappointed eight years ago.' Back in 2017, Atitih had won the Miss Popular Facebook title, yet did not make it to the Top 7, a result that left many of her supporters disheartened. 'Some even encouraged me to make a comeback. 'They wanted to see me return to the stage, and I carried that spirit with me since then.' Atitih, a graduate of Malay Language Education, recently passed her Education Ministry interview and is awaiting placement to become a teacher. 'This year, I was determined to give my best. 'When I accepted to rejoin the pageant, I devoted myself fully to the process, knowing I had a purpose to fulfil.' Describing her toughest challenge, Atitih said it was managing her weight: 'I used to weigh 70kg and lost almost 10kg in five months – it was a struggle, especially because I love sweets and chocolates. 'I fasted, exercised, and changed my diet. 'There were days I nearly fainted just standing up because I had to reduce my food intake so drastically,' she said. Beyond the physical transformation, Atitih said the past eight years were also spent improving her communication skills and overcoming shyness. 'I was very shy before – still am – but I practised a lot. 'Now I can manage it better because of the confidence I've built over time,' she said. During the final, Atitih wore a traditional costume from Tenghilan called Pinialap, marking the first-time appearance of the attire on the UNK stage. 'My manager suggested I wear it and supported my comeback. He helped me from head to toe.' Atitih also shared a personal glimpse into her family life, revealing she comes from a large household: 'I have 15 siblings.' As the new Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Atitih is expected to serve as a cultural ambassador and participate in various engagements under upcoming contracts. 'For now, I am fully committing myself to this role. 'I came back with intention, with heart, and with the hope of honouring those who believed in me," she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Tamparuli's Atitih Yatie Robert 2025 Sabah State Level Unduk Ngadau
Atitih (centre) flanked by Elka (left) and Celarin. PENAMPANG (May 31): Tamparuli Unduk Ngadau Atitih Yatie Robert is the 2025 Sabah State Level Unduk Ngadau. She beat 50 other aspiring contestants for the title at the Penampang Hongkod Koisaan on Saturday night. As the newly crowned queen, she brings home RM17,500 in cash prize, the 2025 Sabah State Level Unduk Ngadau crown, a trophy, a specially handcrafted beaded sash, a North Borneo University College (NBUC) scholaship worth RM35,000, ATI scholarship, skincare, haircare, a year supply of rice from Sazarice, return air ticket to South Korea sponsored by Trippo and others. During the first session of the question and answer session, Atitih was asked about making chocolate and she replied in fluent Dusun that she visited the Cocoa Fair at the Sabah International Convention Centre a few days ago and participated in chocolate making. She joked that her chocolate did not win anything but everyone ate it until there was none left, which left all those in the hall bursting our laughing. During the top-seven general knowledge question and answer which carried 20 points, she was asked about the significance of the 'Magavau' ceremony to the KDMR (Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus) people and she replied that the ceremony was conducted to ensure all proceeded well during a ceremony such as the Kaamatan. Tambunan Unduk Ngadau Elka Alika Pijeh is first runner-up. She brings home a cash prize of RM13,000 and a trophy, a NBUC scholarship worth RM30,000, and one year of rice supply from Sazarice, skincare and haircare, and sponsored items. The second runner-up title went to Kiulu Unduk Ngadau, Celarin Jenny. She wins RM10,500 in cash, a NBUC scholaship worth RM20,000, one year supply of rice from Sazarice, and three-day and two-night stay at Taman Badukan Riverside Resort and others. Meanwhile, Beluran Unduk Ngadau Rini Aswanda Jukilin won the fourth placing which came with a RM8,000 cash prize, scholarship and others. Fifth place went to Unduk Ngadau Beaufort, Steavaynie Ginadus who won RM6,000 cash, a scholarship and other sponsored items. Ranau Unduk Ngadau Jenylin Janis came sixth and won RM5,000, scholarship and other sponsored items. Bandaraya Unduk Ngadau, Evanatie Sannie wins seventh place and brings home RM4,000 cash, a scholarship and other sponsored items. Meanwhile, the Miss Popular Vote Video C. A. N. went to KDCA Klang Valley, Norasnih Madjalan with 2,247 likes, winning her RM1,000 cash. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, officiated the closing of the State-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA on Saturday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier officiated the opening at the same venue on Friday. Kinabatangan was the only Sabah district that did not take part in the contest this year.
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Tamparuli's Atitih crowned State Unduk Ngadau 2025
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Atitih (middle) is flanked by Elka (left) and Celarin. – Pic by Ricardo Unto | Daily Express PENAMPANG: Atitih Yati Robert, representing Tamparuli, was crowned the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2025 at the finals held at the KDCA Hall on Saturday. She took home RM17,500 in cash, a tiara, a fully-beaded sash, a trophy, and other sponsored prizes. The first runner-up title went to Tambunan's Elka Alika Pijeh, who received RM13,000 in cash, a trophy, and sponsored prizes. Celarin Jenny, representing Kiulu, secured third place and won RM10,500 in cash, a trophy, and sponsored prizes. The event was one of the main highlights of the State Kaamatan Festival celebration, drawing thousands in a tribute to culture, beauty, and heritage. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
