Bonivanture wins State Mr Kaamatan
Published on: Friday, May 31, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
Bonyvanture (middle) flanked by Jeffry (left) and Jack.
PENAMPANG: Bonivanture Hee, who represented Klang Valley, emerged victorious in the State Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) 2024 finals held at Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old bank officer took home a prize package worth over RM70,000, including RM7,000 in cash, education scholarships, an exclusive winner’s headgear and other sponsored items.
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In second place was Jeffry Jumenik @ James from Sipitang, while Jack Arrey Jaim (Labuan) secured third place.
Jeffry and Jack received RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively, along with other sponsored prizes.
The other top seven winners were Achilles Elor @ Francis from Libaran in fourth place, followed by Dougles Lee Yong Liang (Kemabong), Oswald Xavier Puji (Papar, and Reky Chee Hau Jun from Penampang.
Bonivanture, originally from Ranau, said this was his second attempt after participating in the cultural male pageant in 2017, where he finished in fifth place.
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“In 2017, the requirement for finalists to pledge manifestoes had yet to be introduced,” he said.
“Since a few years ago, this requirement was implemented in the competition, and from there, I was inspired to rejoin. My pledge is to set up a BTK alumni association.”
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He said this association would serve as a platform for former participants to engage in cultural and community activities.
“My victory is not just about winning but also about being able to continue my mission,” he said. This year, 49 finalists from all over Sabah and KDCA branches participated in the competition.
The male cultural pageant was first held in 2008 on a small scale. 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, BTK was recognised as one of the official events for the State Kaamatan Festival, with Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) acting as the event’s implementation coordinator.
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