Published on: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 |
It was where she grew up and still spends a lot of her time.
"I am very happy to be here, being my first official duty as the State Unduk Ngadau. I have the opportunity to mingle with the people. I must show my gratitude to the people, especially those from this area as I grew up here and know most of them," she said.
Apart from that, Appey said it provided her the opportunity to learn many things regarding the cultures and traditions of Sabah, even though she is quite familiar with Kadazandusun tradition. She is a good Togunggak (local traditional instrument) player.
Sabah Homestay Association President, Joanna Kitingan, said Papar was chosen for the carnival this year. She paid tribute to Appey for her background knowledge on traditions as well as willingness to assist in the Homestay programme.
"She knows the traditional food well and sampled most of them. We are very lucky to have her around," Joanna said.
"I like this job (ambassador), as I get to learn how to prepare the traditional delicacies and at the same time am able to tell the world that we have so much to offer in terms of food and culture.
"Food is the best thing to promote as we have unique dishes you may not find elsewhere such as 'pinasakan' (fish boiled with sour fruit), 'nantung' (sago), 'manuk kampung piansakon hiing' (kampong chicken cooked with local brewed sweet wine), etc.
This is indeed a learning process for me as well, which I don't think I can ever gain from any books," Appey quipped, while making her rounds at the foodstalls.
Appey, who had just completed her Form 5 in SMK St Mary, Limbahau, Papar, would soon join ATI (Asian Tourism Institute) to further her studies in tourism.
On what she intends to pursue, Appey said: "Even though I love modelling, I would only take this up as part time. My real ambition is in accountancy.
I hope to get a post in accountancy even if I am in a tourism-related company," she said and was impressed by what Sabah Supermodel Amber Chia achieved.
She said she was aware of her responsibilities while holding the title for a year. "I will not want to be involved in anything nor allow any irresponsible party to make use of me for their own interest," she said.
