Mr Kaamatan to mark milestone in event’s 16-year history
Published on: Tuesday, May 16, 2023
By: Ricardo Unto
Mackey, Casey and Royvernand with the finalists.
Kota Kinabalu: This year’s State Mr Kaamatan (Mr K) or Buvazoi Tavantang will mark a milestone in the event’s 16-year history.Organising Chairman Casey Jovial said it would be held for the first time at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA hall, in Penampang, later this month.ADVERTISEMENT
“I am excited, but at the same time aware of the challenges we will face,” he said after the State Mr K registration at the Sabah Art Gallery (SAG), here.
“Previously, we held Mr K outside of May…and this year, we have to plan well to fit in slots for rehearsals at the hall as it is packed with activities.
“One good thing when Mr K is held in May is that we can be part of this month’s merriment.”
He also said there would be a dedicated talent showcase for the finalists this year.ADVERTISEMENT
“We had a similar fringe event previously, but we are doing it on a bigger scale this year.
“We want to highlight their talents as several agencies or quarters had contacted us before to help supply talents for their activities, such as acting, news reading, and so on.
ADVERTISEMENT
“As such, during this year’s showcase to be held on May 20, we will invite several agencies to make it easier for them to scout for talents that suit their needs,” he said.
On May 21, there would be another fringe event, A Night of Cultural Fashion, where the contestants will showcase contemporary wear by local designers.
This year’s edition would feature 46 young Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) men from around Sabah and KDCA branches vying for the coveted title.
The winner will walk away with prizes worth RM40,000 including RM5,000 cash prize, while the second and third-place winners would receive RM4,000 and RM2,000, respectively.
State Cultural Board (LKNS) General Manager Mackey Apison officiated the registration and sash hand-over ceremony, and also present was MrK 2021 winner Royvernand Jaydarren.
The male cultural pageant was first held in 2008 on a small scale and in 2018, Mr Kaamatan was registered as a brand with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).
In 2017, the pageant’s concept and implementation were improved with the formation of new committee members, the selection of new venues and fringe events, and a new judging system.
In 2021, Mr K was recognised as one of the official events for the State Kaamatan Festival, and LKNS acts as the event’s implementation coordinator.
The final stage of Mr K is scheduled to be held at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA hall, starting 10am, on May 29. This year’s finalists are Brandon Junny for Banggi, Bilvin Berni (Beaufort), Izwan Jesson (Beluran), Fernandez Parancis (DBKK), Anjalo Johnny Kinsung (Inanam), Daniel Luke (Johor), Gleen Ryan Lee (Kalabakan), Jirimmie Philbah (Kapayan), Maxwell Nouva Roger (Karambunai), Benny Jhonvy (Kemabong);
Ralph Maxily Petrus (Keningau), Ealbie Breandent Abinus (Kinabatangan), Alven Cheldando Solidius (Kiulu), Lexterinus Harris (Klang Valley), Eric Junior George (Kota Belud), Muhammad Shahril Bahlie (Kuala Penyu), Adner Fabrizzio Jamain (Kudat), Felix Liuhan (Kunak), Alvin Lim Key Leng (Labuan), Reeyon Bryan Petrus (Lahad Datu);
Alden Noel Boning (Likas), Darren Charles Jokumin (Matunggong), Albes Awang (Melaka), Rayner Jaulis (Membakut), Jaili Ayub (Menumbok), Janius Joseph (Nabawan), Azlee Jems (Pagalungan), Devean Aloysius (Paitan), Constantine Jude Leo (Papar), Duncan Christen Dannis (Penampang), Ranwan Malinkun (Pitas);
Deaigo Emanuell Wayring (Penang), Jordan Ordnell Joseph (Putatan), Tommy Gedeus (Putrajaya), Villy Glenn Gurok @ Joseph (Sandakan), Ritchel Eachley Junior (Semporna), Javan Yafet (Sipitang); and
Eyron Krispin (Sook), Joenier Fraider Johny (Tambunan), Charlie Chellness Joannes (Tamparuli), Sherman Timothy Junil (Tawau), Eddy Gerald Untam (Telupid), Nico Wenceslaus (Tenom), Thien Kah Seng (Tongod), Aaron Marc (Tuaran), and Joelorence Birig (Tungku).
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.