PENAMPANG: Papar's Gelvia Vanessa Jenny has been crowned the 66th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan after emerging top among 53 contestants on Sunday (May 31).
Gelvia triumphed in the grand finale held at Hongkod Koisaan, finishing ahead of Juje Elor @ Francis of Tuaran and Criszelbellkah Lorris of Matunggong, who were named the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Liane Melve Grace Lias (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) placed fourth, followed by Kerishine Danil (Pagalungan), Gadrette Gregory (Penampang) and Myra Evana Robert (Sook).
The 23-year-old Bachelor of Malay Studies graduate from the University of Malaya entered the state-level competition after winning the Unduk Ngadau Papar title earlier this year.
Gelvia comes from a family familiar with the Unduk Ngadau stage. She is the third of eight siblings, with her sister Magdalen Jenny having represented Papar in 2024, while another sister, Celarin Jenny, finished third at the state-level pageant last year.
She was also among the standout contestants heading into the finals after winning five subsidiary titles during the Sodop Unduk Ngadau event.
In previous interviews, Gelvia spoke about overcoming stage fright and building her confidence, including improving her command of the Kadazan language as part of her preparation for the competition.
The victory delivered Papar its seventh state Unduk Ngadau crown and second title in four years, following Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi's win in 2023.
Held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival, the annual pageant celebrates the cultural heritage, traditions and values of Sabah's Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities while highlighting the role of young women as cultural ambassadors.
For her victory, Gelvia received RM15,000 in cash, a tiara, the UNK2026 sash, a trophy and a bouquet.
