KUCHING: Priscilla John Pillai from here was adjudged the winner of the first edition of CATS Kumang Gawai Darlie 2017 pageant, taking home the inaugural title and RM2,000 prize money at the grand final on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Iban girl won the hearts of professional judges and the public not only with her beauty and grace but also with her warm personality.
On her victory, Priscilla said she was “very happy but surprised as other contestants were equally good.”
The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) student also said the pageant helped her to improve her social skills and self-confidence.
Meanwhile, the first runner-up was Balannie Sulan Imong, 20; Balannie also won a subsidiary title, Miss Darlie Smile, winning vouchers and hampers sponsored by Darlie.
Maria Madelina Sujie, 21, emerged second runner-up.
CATS Kumang Gawai Darlie 2017 is the first ethnic beauty pageant organised by CATS FM in collaboration with Darlie.
The first edition received encouraging response from eligible Sarawakians throughout the state but only 10 were selected to compete in the final.
A 5000-strong crowd witnessed the finale which took place at the Samarahan Summer Mall.
Also present at the event were CATS FM Chief Executive Officer, Hj Mohd Iskandar Mohd Nawawi, Summer Mall’s Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Chee Fui and Area Sales Manager of Sarawak & Brunei Hawley & Hazel Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Jefferson Chua.
