PENAMPANG: The second time is the charm for Karambunai representative Christina Imelda Rudy, who was crowned champion of the National Sugandoi Kaamatan competition at the Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here on Friday.
At the finals, the 18-year-old defeated nine other hopefuls to walk away with RM7,000, a trophy and a certificate.
She also won another RM1,000 for grabbing the best vocal award.
Scolastica Ann Bonnieface, who represented Tuaran, and Gretchene Quirina Salipa (Penampang) took second and third place, respectively.
Scolastica won RM5,000, while Gretchene received RM4,000. Gretchene also won RM1,000 for the best performance award, and shared another RM2,000 with Feli Stacy Paimin (Ranau), for the best battle award.
The other finalists were Eleliah Bianus, who represented Keningau, Ain Faresha Azamain (Tanjung Aru), Chrispine Joseph (Beaufort), Sentilina Jamurang (Kota Marudu), Ackley Arthur Amin (Tamparuli) and Carrenicqa Evs Petrus (Kota Belud).
Each finalist was given a consolation prize of RM500.
The prizes were presented by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also KDCA Deputy President cum State Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Chairman.
