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Daily Express
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Cultural grace over global glitz, says Unduk Ngadau organiser
Published on: Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 03, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Joanna (right) and Mary PENAMPANG: Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) should remain rooted in tradition and elegance, and not be swayed by the flashy presentation styles of international beauty pageants, said Datuk Joanna Kitingan. Responding to public reaction, the State UNK 2025 co-chair said she was shocked by the finalists' loud self-introductions at the May 28 Gala Night, calling it a break from the pageant's 65-year tradition. 'In our pageant, an Unduk is not just beautiful but graceful, gentle yet empowered – there is no need to shout or perform,' she said, adding that the traditional introduction style was about conveying poise, cultural pride and inner strength. She clarified the unexpected change had not been communicated during rehearsals, and both she and fellow co-chair Mary Gambidau were visibly stunned when it unfolded live. 'I turned to Mary and said, this is not Unduk,' she shared, expressing concern that the cultural pageant was being diluted by attempts to modernise it to fit global trends. Joanna warned that embracing such performative styles lowers the standard of a cultural event that was founded on deep belief systems and Indigenous identity. 'Look at the bobolians – their strength lies in spiritual power, not volume; that is what we want our Unduks to reflect,' she said, referring to Sabah's traditional ritual leaders. She stressed that while other pageants focus on glamour and spectacle, Unduk Ngadau celebrates modesty, heritage, and the role of women as cultural torchbearers. While some netizens supported the new approach, especially those more familiar with global pageantry, the majority of traditionalists felt the event had veered off course. It was also understood that some finalists confided they felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about the style of introduction but were compelled to comply with the format imposed on them. Joanna reiterated her commitment to restoring the pageant's original spirit next year, ensuring it reflects the unique grace and dignity that has defined Unduk Ngadau since its inception. 'We have already set the trend 65 years ago,' she said, vowing to uphold the cultural values that make the pageant unlike any other. * 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
02-06-2025
- 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.
Travel Daily News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Corendon Airlines announces innovations at 20-year celebration
Corendon Airlines celebrates 20 years with a grand gala, industry guests, special flight discounts, anniversary menus, and continued growth plans. Corendon Airlines marked its 20th anniversary with a spectacular Gala Night at the Cosmos Theatre in Antalya on 22 May. Organised under the theme '20 Happy Flight Years – 20 Mutlu Uçuş Yılı', the evening brought together distinguished figures from the aviation and tourism industries as well as from government institutions, business, sports, politics, and the media. The night, hosted by Corendon Airlines Chairman of the Board Yıldıray Karaer and Corendon Tourism Group Co-Founder Atılay Uslu, welcomed many prominent guests, including Acun Ilıcalı – Owner of Hull City FC, plus representatives of the UK travel industry, including Maddison Broadbent, Head of Aviation at Stansted Airport, James Spalding, Regional Director for Northern Europe and North America, Emma King, Head of Commercial for Thomas Cook and Hakan Kavalci, CEO, Holiday Best. The event featured unforgettable performances from various international artists, including Spanish singer Nalaya Brown and French-Lebanese performer Carolina Karam. The stage concept extended to the dinner menu as well, as guests were served a variety of dishes reflecting the authentic flavours of destinations within Corendon's flight network. Yildiray Karaer, founder and CEO of Corendon Airlines, officially opened the event with the following words: 'Twenty years ago, my business partner Atilay Batu and I decided to found Corendon Airlines during a car ride from Brussels to Amsterdam. Our goal was not just to establish a new airline, but to create a holiday airline that brings people to their destinations safely, comfortably, and with warmth. Today, we are incredibly proud to see that this vision has become a success story. Millions of passengers have been a part of it over the past two decades.' Karaer added: 'Over the last 20 years, Corendon Airlines has continuously developed, thanks above all to our dedicated employees, reliable partners, and loyal guests. Our journey is far from over. We aim to continue growing, offering top service, and welcoming many more passengers on board in the years to come.' Founded in 2005 with the motto 'The Holiday Airline', Corendon Airlines has offered millions of passengers a comfortable and inspiring travel experience, leading the way with innovative practices and strong partnerships. Since its launch, the airline has grown steadily and now operates a fleet of 35 aircraft. Discount on 20,000 flights and new onboard anniversary menus To mark the anniversary, Corendon Airlines is surprising its passengers with several special offers. On 20,000 selected flights between now and 31 July, the leisure airline is offering a 20% discount on tickets. Passengers can enjoy a special anniversary meal deal on board, with seven different menus to choose from, each including wine, beer, or a soft drink, as well as coffee or tea. Additionally, with the promo code CORENDON20, Corendon is offering a 20% discount on all hotel bookings for the current year until June 8
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
African Festival of Boston Celebrates 15 Years with First-Ever Gala and Weekend of Culture
Boston is coming alive with the sights, sounds, and soul of Africa as the 15th Annual African Festival of Boston returns with its most dynamic celebration yet. BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2025 / / -- Boston is set to come alive with the sights, sounds, and soul of Africa as the 15th Annual African Festival of Boston returns with its most dynamic celebration yet. To mark this milestone year, organizers are introducing a brand-new Gala Night on Friday, August 15, followed by the beloved two-day outdoor festival on August 16–17 at Boston Common. For 15 years, the African Festival of Boston has served as a vibrant hub of cultural exchange, community empowerment, and artistic celebration. This year's theme — '15 Years of Cultural Connection and African Pride' — highlights the festival's journey, growth, and continued commitment to supporting African immigrants, diaspora artists, small businesses, and youth. 'This is more than a festival — it's a tribute to our heritage, resilience, and global influence,' said one of the organizers. 'Boston becomes a bridge between Africa and the world.' The inaugural Gala Night will be a formal, red-carpet event recognizing African excellence through awards, live performances, and distinguished guest appearances. Confirmed special guests include: • Annette Addo-Yobo, Former Miss Texas 2024 and First Runner-Up at the 2025 Miss America Pageant • African Ryou, cultural ambassador from South Korea • Fotocopy, Ghana's youth music sensation • Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), iconic Nigerian actor and global figure Following the Gala, the free outdoor festival will transform Boston Common into a vibrant African village, featuring authentic music, cuisine, fashion shows, wellness activities, storytelling, youth programming, arts and crafts, and performances by local and international artists. This family-friendly event promises an immersive experience for all ages and backgrounds. This year's festival is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: the City of Boston, Boston Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, Meet Boston, AfroSurge Radio, Wellness Health Plan, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Eastern Bank, TD Bank, and many more. A special thank you to Trace+Plus, our official Global Media Partner, for amplifying the festival's message around the world. Event Highlights: • Gala Night: Friday, August 15 | Red Carpet, Awards & Performances | Formal Attire | Ticketed Event | RSVP at • Outdoor Festival: Saturday & Sunday, August 16–17 | Free Entry | Boston Common | All Ages Welcome All are invited to celebrate Africa's rich culture and lasting influence. Come connect, learn, dance, eat, and experience the joy of unity in diversity. For more information, tickets, or media inquiries: [email protected] Instagram: Mireille Tushiminina African Festival of Boston email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Pembrokeshire Herald
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Milford Haven Business Circle to host fundraising gala in support of Founding Day
Magical entertainment and community spirit set to take centre stage at Boulevard Theatre THE MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE has announced a special Fundraising Gala Night in support of the town's much-loved Founding Day celebrations. The event will take place on Friday, 30th May 2025, at the Boulevard Theatre, Charles Street, starting from 7:00pm and running late into the evening. Guests will be treated to an evening of light-hearted entertainment, headlined by a magical performance from Mellusion Magic, and compered by the ever-popular Drew Baker. The event will also include engaging speeches, a light table buffet included in the ticket price, and a charity auction offering a wide range of desirable items and experiences. All proceeds from the evening will go towards covering the substantial costs of organising Milford Haven's Founding Day—an annual event celebrating the town's heritage, with staging costs in excess of £6,000. The celebration has become a highlight of the local calendar, drawing families, visitors, and residents together for a day of festivities, many of which are free or low-cost to ensure accessibility for all. A spokesperson for the Business Circle said: 'We're incredibly excited to host this event at the beautiful Boulevard Theatre. It's not only a fantastic evening of entertainment, but also a way for the whole community to support Founding Day—an occasion that means so much to Milford Haven. We encourage everyone to grab a ticket early and help make this year's celebration our best yet.' Tickets are £15 each, including buffet, and are available from several Charles Street businesses: Phoenix Yarns Taste of Haven Ambulance Friends Cast n Craft – Fishing for Health Moon Goddess Emporium / Captured Soul Photography Event summary: What: Milford Haven Business Circle Fundraising Gala Night Milford Haven Business Circle Fundraising Gala Night When: Friday, 30th May 2025, 7:00pm until late Friday, 30th May 2025, 7:00pm until late Where: The Boulevard Theatre, Charles Street, Milford Haven The Boulevard Theatre, Charles Street, Milford Haven Tickets: £15 (includes light buffet) £15 (includes light buffet) Featuring: Mellusion Magic, Drew Baker, speeches, auction, and more The Milford Haven Business Circle is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting local economic growth and supporting community initiatives. Through events like the Gala Night, the group aims to strengthen connections between businesses and residents while helping fund important community celebrations.
