PENAMPANG: Twelve young women representing five villages here will compete for the prestigious Unduk Ngadau Divatto 2025 title at Togop Jetty on June 28, as part of the Kaamatan festival celebrations.
Unduk Ngadau Chairperson, Susanna Mojiniu, said the contestants are from Divan, Kampung Totoikon, Kampung Buzut, Kampung Sava and Kampung Togop.
“We encourage residents from surrounding Penampang villages, especially from the five Divatto villages, to attend in large numbers to celebrate the Kaamatan festival,” Susanna said in a statement promoting the cultural event.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The village-level beauty pageant serves to honour Huminodun, a revered figure in Kadazan-Dusun culture, while promoting traditional values of feminine beauty, grace and wisdom.
The competition also aims to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage among the villages.
This year’s event will feature an additional Tati kaanangan (Miss Favourite FB) category, with online voting from June 22 until 3pm on June 28.
Organisers are seeking support from individuals and private companies, including hamper donations, to enhance the celebration. Those interested in contributing may contact Susanna at 019-581 7336.
