KOTA KINABALU: It took years for Romandawi Gapari to decide to join the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) pageant – a prestigious cultural event in the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) community.
Romandawi, 25, said stepping into the spotlight is no easy feat, but it is a journey that has profoundly shaped her confidence and deepened her knowledge about her roots.
"I'm passionate about culture. All this while I've been observing the competition as an audience and supporter. Joining UNK is also a chance for me to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.
"It's not easy being in the spotlight but I believe it helps build character and confidence within myself," said the Tambunan lass.
Romandawi who represents the Johor Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) is among the 51 young ladies vying for this year's national Unduk Ngadau title.
"As I grow older and after joining, I can see that as an Unduk Ngadau it's not just about outer beauty. It's about deepening my understanding of the responsibilities and having to sacrifice my own time, energy and money.
"It also means educate myself as well as other people about the meaning of Kaamatan and Unduk Ngadau. This is to make sure that our culture continues for the future generations," she added.
Despite being proficient in English, Malay, and Chinese, Romandawi, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in the Peninsula, said she encounters difficulty in speaking her mother tongue, Dusun, fluently.
"Believe it or not, I was not taught my mother tongue not because it wasn't important but because it was not a priority for my parents at that time.
"I'm learning and trying my best to converse in Dusun. I even bring a Dusun dictionary with me just in case I may need it. So, joining UNK also forces me to master my mother tongue," she admitted with a smile.
As the daughter of Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan who is also the national-level Kaamatan organising chairman, Romandawi is no stranger to public expectations.
"This is also why I initially decided to not join the UNK. I knew the risks but I can only pray and prepare myself as much as I can. I am still trying to block out the noise, as I am only human after all.
"Despite the challenges and the risks, Romandawi's aspirations go beyond the competition, and she is determined to give her best, regardless of the result.
"I hope I can deepen my understanding of my culture and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our culture for my generation. I hope to inspire the younger generations to be more involved in the KDM culture.
"Whether I win or lose, I will always give it my all," she said.
Asked about her unique name, Romandawi said: "My dad named me "Romandawi" which is inspired by the legendary Kadazandusun song called "Rumandawi.
"In short, it basically means "puteri kayangan." There's a tale behind it but I am unsure of its documentation, I've heard it's synonymous to Huminodun."
Themed "Kaamatan, Poingalib Kohimaganon Taakanon" (Kaamatan Beyond Food Security), the Unduk Ngadau is usually the highlight of the month-long celebration.
The "battle of the beauty crowns", will be held on May 31 at the Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA Penampang.
The crowned 2024 National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will take home prizes valued at RM100,000, including RM12,000 cash.
The first and second runners-up will receive a RM10,000 and RM8,000 cash prize, respectively, plus other prizes.
The top seven winners will also participate in a three-day intensive course at the Customary School in Tuaran to deepen their comprehension and expertise in Sabah's cultural heritage and traditions.