Born at the crossroads of love between Kota Marudu and Kudat, a young child grew up with a dream to grace the traditional stage with grandeur, determined to elevate the Rungus culture and language.
A journey filled with challenges, fighting against self-doubt, accompanied by prayers and blessings – Criszelbellkah Lorris, 21, has successfully secured third place in the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2026 competition. This is not merely a victory on stage; it is the culmination of a long journey marked by trials, sacrifices, and unwavering determination.
More meaningfully, this achievement is also a gift to her parents, especially her father, who has always been her source of strength.
“One day, your daughter will stand up there, Ama.”
That was a promise young Criszelbellkah kept in her heart every time she watched the Unduk Ngadau competition with her family.
The native of Kota Marudu and Kudat admitted that her interest in Unduk Ngadau had taken root at an early age. Watching contestants display their grace and wisdom on stage, she began nurturing a dream to one day represent the Rungus people on the highest platform of the competition.
However, the path to that dream was not as easy as she had imagined.
For four consecutive years, from 2023 to 2026, she kept trying and never gave up. Each year came with its own set of challenges, especially in balancing her responsibilities as a student and her preparations for the competition.
“There were times I felt very stressed because I had to divide my time between my studies and Unduk Ngadau. Sometimes I wondered if I could really handle everything,” she said, smiling.
But the biggest challenge was not a packed schedule or intense competition. Instead, it came from within herself.
“I often doubted my own abilities. I was afraid I wasn’t good enough, that I couldn’t go further. There was even a moment when I thought about quitting because I felt so insecure,” she said, her face still reflecting those memories.
Yet every time doubt crept in, she chose to keep moving forward.
Her faith in God became her main anchor, helping her rise again each time she faced pressure and fear.
“I surrendered everything to God. I believe that if this is truly the path meant for me, He will open the doors and show me the best way,” she said.
For Criszelbellkah, this achievement is not merely about position or title. More than that, she sees the Unduk Ngadau platform as an opportunity to champion her ethnic identity.
As a young Rungus woman, she believes that cultural heritage and language must continue to be preserved by the present generation.
“Culture is our identity. If we don’t appreciate it ourselves, who will defend it?” she emphasised.
She also urged young people not to be ashamed of learning their mother tongue and understanding their cultural roots, despite the many challenges.
“Even if some people mock your efforts to learn your own culture and language, don’t stop. Keep learning and be proud of who you are,” she said with full awareness.
As a guiding principle in life, she holds dear a saying from the Rungus community that is close to her heart:
“Ong Atagak Boros Tokou, Opunso Bansa Tokou” (If we cherish our language, our people will thrive), she said wholeheartedly.
Now, after making personal history at the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2026, Criszelbellkah sees this success as the beginning of a much larger journey.
She aspires to organise cultural workshops for young Rungus people and to produce a book documenting the heritage, language, and traditions of her people so that they are not lost to time.
Because for her, true success is not standing on stage and receiving accolades.
True success is when the legacy passed down by her ancestors continues to live on, known and appreciated by future generations.
Behind the success she enjoys today lies a story that proves that every great dream begins with the courage to believe in yourself, even when others have yet to see your potential.
