Malaysia Borneo Cultural Festival: Inner beauty needs no make-up

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Inner beauty needs no make-up

Salaam, valued readers.

There is no doubt that the celebration of Harvest Festival is a celebration that is often eagerly awaited each year, especially for Sabahan. And, of course, the most anticipated event is Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (traditional beauty pageant). This event will be less lively without the presence of "non-professional jury." This sounds cynical, but this is the reality. Here are some of the verses that will normally be echoed here and there, much less something like these:

“Punya cantik tu sumandak. Bulih tahan oh!”

“Ini kalilah saya punya kuda. Kihoyy!”

“Mana cantik tu. Bida juga tu kalau inda da mekap.”

“Astaga, paitungnya!”

“Arahi oku ti sumandak.”

…and the list goes on. Oh, dear!

We have different opinions, different thoughts, that’s normal. But (yes, there’s always but) mind our language. Avoid using words that can hurt their feelings. These girls are between the ages of 18-26 years, very young teens! However, the make-up and hair styling makes them look more mature than actual age. This does not mean they are not beautiful (the practice of improper make-up?), but a little bit of their styling has resulted in their face submerged their originality. I mean original looks. It is well known that the traditional attire of every community in Sabah has its own identity and we need to have the right technique to wear it. After all, the accessories used are original sets, authentic, and should be handled with extra care. However, in my honest opinion, in order to balance the outfit ‘loaded with diversity’ (such as beads, woven and so on), a stylist should not impose excessive makeup. Another good idea is a natural looking makeup. Close-to-natural, I must say. Hidung yang sudah semulajadi mancung tidak perlulah dimancungkan lagi. Kan?

People should choose for themselves if they want to look effortless or well-polished. It all comes down to how they feel about themselves, how they want to express themselves and the messages they are conveying to others. If all of these things are in harmony, then it is right for that person (effortless or not).

It seems like a lot of women tend to do things based on how other people will react. If we want to wear makeup and dress up, we are seen as "trying too hard." If we don't want to put in the effort, we face the risk of being judged. Some women even downplay the way they look, not wearing makeup or looking their best so that they don't make their female friends insecure.... This too, I feel is not right.

Again, I think that as long as we are making choices about our appearance with conviction and make decisions for our own satisfaction, it will come off well as others view us.

In conclusion, all contestants are encouraged to be their natural selves. This means natural expressions and energy. They are expected to be elegant, smooth and poised. Postures are not supposed to be stylized or faked. And the most important thing is you must satisfy the judges that in your most natural self, you portray the best virtues and potentials to resemble the beatified Huminodun, the Kadazandusun Queen of love and compassion, the ultimate symbol of perfection and purity.

Less makeup, more natural beauty. A wise man once said, "Don't look like a crayon just raped your face."

Simply said, Huminodun wannabe is a no no!

Sincerely yours.

Notes:

These are the pictures photographed during the 2013 Klang Valley Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan selection.