Looking back at 2008 @ Life in Borneo

As the year 2008 came to a close, we at Lifeinborneo.com decided to take this opportunity to look back at some of the events of last year that the crew covered and share it with all our readers.

January to March
The year started quietly, as there weren’t a lot of events happening, except for one: the welcoming of the year of the rat. The Chinese community celebrated the Chinese new year in February with enthusiasm. We get to see lion dance performances, as well as the open house tradition happening all over Kota Kinabalu.

February was also the month where citizens of Kota Kinabalu celebrate the anniversary of the city on 2nd February of each year. The city hall organized a street parade at the Promenade Boulevard to commemorate this event.

Kota Kinabalu City Day 2008

April to June
As the first quarter of 2008 passed by, the night life in KK started to pick up. Blue Note started their Generation Y events, which brought in DJs from some of West Malaysia’s hottest club to spin dance tunes for KK’s night owls. Shenanigan’s Fun Pub brought J-Style fashion to KK with there Harajuku Night, where they showed models attired in Japan’s latest and most extreme teen fashion.


Generation Y

Fashion Show

Harajuku Night

While the night partied, the morning saw international events on the seas and shores of Sabah. On the 26th of April 2008, Kota Kinabalu held the Freedom of Entry to The City ceremony at Padang Merdeka, where participants from the Royal Malaysian Navy, US Navy, Marine Nationale of France and the Royal Brunei Navy took part in the ancient naval tradition. On the 23rd of April 2008, dragon boats tore through the waters of Likas Bay during the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008, which saw the new-comers and locals from Tuaran beat the reigning champion Brunei for the grand prize.


Freedom of Entry to The City 2008


Sabah Dragonboat Race 2008

But the highlight was definitely in May, when Sabah and Sarawak celebrated the Harvest Festival. In Sabah, May was the time for Sabah Fest, when cultural events took place throughout the month, which ended with the most anticipated event in the Sabah Calendar – The Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals. We also went to Sarawak to experience the Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2008, where we covered their International Cultural Concert, a spectacular theme play based on a local Bidayuh folklore and the grand finals for Miss Fair & Lovely WHF 2008, Sarawak’s own unique ethnic beauty pageant.


Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals 2008


Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals 2008


Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals 2008


Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2008 – Cultural Concert

Panglima Kulow
Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2008 – Panglima Kulow Theme Play


Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2008 – Miss Fair & Lovely WHF 2008

July to September
Things started to slow down after May, but there were events that kept the Lifeinborneo.com crew busy. In July, the Lifeinborneo.com team went to to coastal town of Sipitang to catch the conclusion of the 9th Gambus Festival 2008 – the biggest Gambus festival in Sabah.

Gambus Festival 2008 in Sipitang

In August 2008, we covered more interesting events: the Borneo International Cat Show 2008 at the Sabah Trade Centre and the Sabahan Bloggers Gathering 2008 at Imperial International Hotel. The Borneo International Cat Show was the first international cat show ever to be held in Sabah (and perhaps of Borneo) while the Sabahan Bloggers Gathering invited bloggers from all over Sabah. Also there was the Base Jumping event at the Tun Mustapha Tower.


Borneo International Cat Show 2008


Sabahan Bloggers Gathering 2008


Base Jumping at Tun Mustapha Tower

August and September were also important to everyone in Malaysia. 31st of August 2008 was Merdeka Day for Malaysia, and a Merdeka Day Parade was held at the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront. September 20008 was the fasting month for the Muslim community, known as the Month of Ramadhan. It was also a month which saw multitude of street hawkers selling delicacies that can only be found during the Ramadhan at Food Bazaars.


Merdeka Day Parade


Ramadhan Food Bazaar

October to December
As the Muslim community celebrated Aidilfitri, events in Kota Kinabalu started picking up again. First, there was the Borneo International Marathon 2008 – the first of its kind to be held – which brought in participants from all over the world. Then we have the Tattoo and Art Exhibition at the Monsopiad Cultural Village (a part of a month-long arts event). After that we went to Kota Belud to cover the Annual Traditional Open-Air Market, where we brought you the Tamu Kota Belud – the biggest open-air market in Sabah – the horsemanship of the Bajau people.


Borneo International Marathon 2008


Tattoo Art Exhibition at Monsopiad Cultural Village


The traditional Tamu Besar Kota Belud

In November 2008, we attended the ‘Bear Necessities’ Fundraising Event which was held at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. It was the biggest fundraising event we’ve covered so far. The event successfully raised a total amount of RM1.3 million, which will kick-start the construction of the biggest Sun Bear conservation centre in Borneo.

BSBCC Fundraiser Event

As the Christmas season filled the air in December, we covered clickstartplay.com’s HobbyCon 2008, the biggest hobby convention in KK yet. Then we covered the last sports event of 2008 in KK, the F2 World Cup Powerboat Race 2008. We end our December (and our event-coverage spree of 2008) with Red Bull Female Driver Search 2008, which was held at 1Borneo.


HobbyCon 2008


F2 World Cup Powerboat Race 2008


Red Bull Female Driver Search 2008

It has been a good year for Lifeinborneo.com. We hope that all our readers had a good year as well, and wished you all will have a better year in the new year. We look forward to experiencing the life in Borneo in 2009 with all our readers.

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Freedom of Entry to The City 2008 – Day Events

March
Click on images to zoom

On the 26th of April, Kota Kinabalu had the Freedom of Entry to The City Ceremony at Padang Merdeka. This annual event is jointly organised by the Malaysian Navy and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. It also coincides with the of 74th Navy Day on 27th April. This was my first time watching too.

The event began with the presentation of a “Freedom of Entry To The City” scroll to Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim by Lieutenant Mohd Hazamri Hassan. At 10.00 am, the “Freedom of Entry” March started. The participants consisted of 15 contingents, Royal Malaysian Navy, United States Navy, France Navy, Royal Brunei Navy and 110 secondary students.

The “Freedom of Entry” is an old naval tradition practised since medieval times when the navy enters the city and permission from the Mayor must be obtained. A “scroll” is presented to the Mayor which then allows the Navy to exercise its newly conferred right to march through the city.

Mayor

Among those present were City Hall Director-General Datuk Dr Chua Kim Hing, RMN Commander Naval region 2 First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman, Acting Fleet Commander Royal Brunei Navy Lieutennat Colonel (L) Haji Aznan Haji Julaihi, Commanding Officer of French Surveillance Frigate Floreal Commander Johann De Villars, Commanding Officer USS Fitzgerald Commander Daniel Dusek, Defence Advisor US Naval Attache US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Captain Claudia Risner, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Maznah Abd. Ghani, and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin.

The Captains

At 10.15, the personnel from KD Sri Semporna showed unarmed combat demonstration. These guys are not to be messed with.

Fight

Then at 10.30, the crowd was entertained by skilful performance of silent marching by the Tawau RMN Reserve Force.

Silent Drill

After that, I headed towards Sabah Ports Authority where the Navy Ships area open for viewing. Upon arrival, I saw that there were boat rides available for RM 2.00. There was also a demonstration by the Malaysian navy’s CB90 as well as the Super Lynx and Fennec helicopters. At 11.45am, I heard the air chopping loud noises. I looked up and saw 2 helis, but they were too far away above the other dock, so I had to run for it.

Helicopter

Helicopter

Helicopter

Then I continued to the Navy Ships that were open for viewing here at Sabah Ports Authority. There were 2 Royal Malaysian Navy ships, 1 from France Navy, and 2 from Royal Brunei Navy. The United States navy ship, USS Fitzgerald was berthed at Sepanggar bay.

KD Pahang
Royal Malaysian Navy “KD Pahang”

KD Kepah
Royal Malaysian Navy “KTD Kepah”

KDB Waspada
Royal Brunei Navy “KDB Waspada”

KDB Teraban
Royal Brunei Navy “KDB Teraban”

Floreal
France Marine Nationale “F730 Floréal”

For the night events of “Freedom of Entry to The City 2008″, read Jacq’s blog entry. I was already too tired to run around again… maybe next year we’ll all go together, ok?

info source: www.sabahtourism.com

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Introduction to the Kaamatan Festival

Why Kaamatan?
The word Kaamatan is derived from the root word tomot, a Kadazandusun term for harvest. In the context of this article, Kaamatan refers to the paddy-harvesting period, which involves a series of traditional rituals culminating finally to the Kaamatan (harvest) festival.

The Kaamatan Festival is an annual event in the cultural life of the Kadazandusuns of Sabah since time immemorial. In its deepest sense, Kaamatan festival is a manifestation of Creator and Creation relationship, as well as Inter-Creations relationship. It embodies the principal acts of invocation of divinities, appeasing, purification and restoration, re-union of benevolent spirits, and thanksgiving to the Source of All. It is part of a complex wholesome Momolian religious system centered on the paddy rites of passage and the life cycle of Bambarayon – the in-dwelling spirit of paddy.

Appeasing is done in respect of Bambarayon, Deities, Divinities and Spirits, who may have been hurt by human wrongful, acts. Purification is performed in respect of human and spiritual needs for forgiveness followed by resolutions to make themselves worthy of the gifts of life from God. Restoration in necessary to ensure the health and well being of Bambarayon, mankind and other spiritual beings. Re-union is realised in respect of human needs to be integrated in body, mind and spirit within the concept of the seven-in-one divinity in humanity, as well as re-union of Bambarayon with human Sunduan. Finally Thanksgiving is observed as befitting for all creations to express their gratitude and appreciation for the gifts of life (through Huminodun) and all life supportive system on earth that their Creator lovingly and generously gave them.

Today, the Kaamatan festival has become one of the major national festivals of Malaysia. Unfortunately, the essence, true meanings and purposes of the Kaamatan festival in the context of its original celebrants’ (the Kadazandusuns) culture and belief system have continued to elude the thousands of celebrants each year. As an annual event in the Malaysian tourism calendar, the Kaamatan festival is more than ever before in need of new and relevant approaches in its presentation to the global society so that it is properly understood, appreciated, and respected in its historical origin, cultural significance and contextual perspectives. It must be realized that the State Level Kaamatan festival as it is celebrated today is but only a portion of the whole complex Kadazandusun traditional Momolian religion.

To the younger Kadazandusun generation, who may be experiencing various degrees of cultural dilemma, alienation and values disorientation in the light of rapid social change, it is hoped that this book may help them regain back their cultural consciousness. May they realize in time that they have much to value and be proud of in the wealth of their unique cultural heritage. Most importantly, may this book help rectify the wrong notions, negative biases and the tendencies of those who are unfamiliar with Momolianism to regard it as wholly wrong and/or given to evil in all aspects, for these predispositions have led many to label Momolian as Animism, Paganism or Kafir. It is the author’s view that it is not only wise but necessary for modern religions to cultivate a more respectful openness towards understanding traditional religions, for they too share the major universal values and truth that cannot be monopolized by any individual or single religion. For even during his time, St. Paul had written to the Ephesians:

“This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in the past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel.”

(Ephesians – 3: 3-6)

Why the new religions are readily acceptable to the indigenous peoples of Sabah is perhaps due in part to the already existing shared fundamental concepts and values within both the traditional and the modern religious belief system. Hence syncretism of the new and the old religions have become common phenomenon in the practice of modern religions today.

“Within the realism of our religious pluralism, any religion which fails to open itself to others in the spirit of inter-religious dialogue and cooperation will eventually fall into narrow-minded ghettoism and intolerant fanatism which may eventually destroy other religions, and in itself become as cancerous cell in relation to the whole organism of which it is a parasite.”(Anonymous)

source: http://kdca.org.my/hongkod/kaamatan

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Mulu Batcam Facility Launched

22 April, MULU: Mulu National Park took another step forward in understanding and respecting the millions of bats at Deer Cave in the national park with the launching of the first webcam of real time unintrusive viewing of the mammals in their natural habitat.

LAUNCHED: Prince Albert (right) launches the Mulu Batcam with the help of the mascot Batty Bat and Geneid.The Mulu Batcam facility was launched by Prince Albert II of Monaco during his first visit to Mulu on Sunday.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and State Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot were among those present during the launching ceremony.

The group braved the rain, walking through the three-km walkway through the verdant virgin rainforest, to reach Deer Cave, where the iconic image of Lincoln profile has filled promotion brochures and many travel magazines around the world.

The Mulu Batcam project, regarded as another innovative ecotourism development by the state government, was conceived and implemented by Borsamulu Park Management Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

The technical design and implementation of the digital remote wildlife monitoring system was provided by CTG Security Matrix, an international award winning company from Australia, and the project is expected to be entered for another prestigious international award competition.

Mulu Batcam uses five remote controlled special television cameras and infra-red lighting placed inside Deer Cave, home to three million bats, to provide a spectacularly clear detail of bats’ behaviour in their natural habitat with the help of modern digital technology.

Prince Albert and guests were treated to the first hand look of the bats in the caves, including detailed close-up shots of the bats and swiftlets in the cave.

There was a heavy downpour after the visit to the Deer Cave by the Prince and his entourage, and the Batcam revealed the bats staying put in the cave, including caring for their young, grooming and hanging around the huge cave as they forego their meal outside.

Mulu was accorded the world natural heritage site by Unesco in November 2000, and visitors have increased to 25,000 from all over the world, and the arrival of Prince Albert added a touch of royalty to the world renowned site.

Prince Albert later told the local media that he was impressed with Mulu after watching a BBC documentary on the bats of Mulu and learning about the rich bio-diversity in the park from it and hearing personal anecdotes from the commentary director about a year and half ago. With conservation close to his heart, he said Mulu was an amazing spot of natural heritage which should be safeguarded and protected for posterity.

The Batcam project will not only help scientists but will also help to create greater public awareness of the bats and other ecological aspects of Mulu to generate conservation spirit among them.

Earlier, the managing director of Borsamulu Datuk Robert Geneid said Mulu had come a long way since its inception as a national park and eventual Unesco recognition as world natural heritage site.

Human capital development in proper training of park guides, singage, guide books and others together with infrastructure development under Borsamulu have now placed Mulu on the path of world renowned ecotourism destination, he said.

With locals as stakeholders, the park currently employs 80 local staff in park management and another 200 as local guides, while the Mulu Resort employs and trains another 80 to international standard in the tourism industry.

Her Excellency Evelyne Genta, His Excellency Achille Kallakis, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industries Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan and Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok were also present to witness the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert released 40,000 fish fry into the Melinau River on his way to the Clearwater Cave where the royal visitor launched the mini regatta before proceeding to have breakfast at the foot of the cave.

They later left for Miri where they had lunch before flying off to Singapore.

http://www.muluparkbatcam.com

Written by:
Philip Kiew
The Borneo Post
22 April 2008

source: www.sarawaktourism.com

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Generation Y @ Blue Note – DJ Blink

dj-blink-at-gen-y_01.jpg

Last Saturday night (19th April) was a blast! I joined some friends at Blue Note and the place was packed, even the dance floor was full of people dancin’. DJ Blink was on the decks and he really made the place hot with fast beats. The music was pulling everyone to the dance floor like magnet. He even played Prodigy’s “Breathe” and “Smack My B***h Up” (my fav songs from years ago) and added his own beats and style.

DJ Blinks brings a unique sound to Blue Note when on the 19th of April, showed off his persistence and innate turntable skills. His distinct sound is polished by spinning with DJ Tony Tay from Zouk Singapore, DJ Hyper, Meat Katie and Hybrid. He’s also won several competitions including Vestrax and Heineken Thirst.

Here are more pics:

dj-blink-at-gen-y_02.jpg
DJ Blink spinning tracks

dj-blink-at-gen-y_03.jpg
DJ Blink & VJ Ali G

The hard working VJ Ali G pumps out the visualsThe hardworking VJ Ali G pumps out the visuals

dj-blink-at-gen-y_08.jpg

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Miri International Jazz Festival 2008

mijf-2008.jpg

 

Miri International Jazz Festival aims to be the leading tourism-driven music festival in the region. By assembling regionally and internationally recognised, jazz musicians, the musical event aims to draw visitors to Miri and the Northern Region of Sarawak for a fun-filled and entertaining experience and at the same time showcasing Miri as a city of cosmopolitanism and relaxing lifestyle.

The Miri International Jazz Festival is organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in collaboration with a select group of committee members from the private sectors.

Date: 9 – 10 May 2008
Venue: The Pavilion, Park City Everly Hotel, Miri, Sarawak Malaysia.
Tickets are available online at www.ticketcharge.com.my!
For further enquiries, kindly contact the:
Visitors’ Information Centre
Lot 452, Jalan Melayu in Miri
Tel: 60 85 434181, Fax: 60 85 434179

or log on at www.Mirijazzfestival.com
Email contact: info@mirijazzfestival.com

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Sabah Fest 2008: A 4-Day Cultural Extravaganza

sabah-fest-2008.png

Sabah Fest, the festivity which presents the essence of the cultural extravaganza of Sabah’s diverse people will soon be here again. This year, the event takes place over four days, from May 3rd to the 6th. A presentation of Sabah’s colourful culture, it will be launched by Sabah’s Head of State, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di Pertua Negeri, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah bin Abdullah on Saturday, May 3rd 2008 at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu. On Sunday, the 4th of May audiences can enjoy another night of traditional music and dance while festivities take place at Sabah Museum’s Heritage Village on the 5th and 6th of May.

The much-anticipated event includes a multitude of cultural dances and traditional music performances, local food and beverage stalls for all to enjoy and handicraft-making demonstrations by the respective ethnic groups. On the 3rd and 4th of May there will be exhibitions from 10am to 10pm at the foyer of the Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour.

This is a great opportunity to see skilled craftspeople at work during the handicraft exhibition and a chance to purchase hard-to-find items, from handwoven baskets to intricately-carved Sea Bajau lepas (wooden boat replicas). This year, the Sabah Fest exhibition will also see the participation of some of Sabah’s top spas and wellness centres offering spa treatments for all to enjoy. Come and try delicious local delicacies such as the kuih cincin and sample our famous Sabah Tea.

On the concert nights on the 3rd and 4th May there will be a wonderful array of unique and rarely-seen traditional dances such as the Pangkulian, a Murut-inspired creative traditional dance performed by the students of SK Kiawaian Tambunan and the graceful Igal-Igal Tabawan dance, performed by the Bajau people who reside in Semporna along the East Coast of Sabah. The biggest ethnic tribe in Sabah, the Kadazandusun, will present the Paina and Sumazau, accompanied by the mesmerising beat of the gong.

Sabah is known for its multiculturalism and this year’s theme, Harmony in Diversity, reflects just that. The highlight of the night is the inter-marriage of two different ethnic groups, the Murut and the Bajau. Two traditional mock wedding displays with two very different rituals will be shown on stage – a truly unique experience!

This year an additional two days will be dedicated to give visitors a spectacular cultural experience at the Sabah Museum Cultural Village on the 5th and 6th of May. The village is made up of various traditional houses such as the Rungus longhouse and the bamboo Murut home. Visitors can mingle with the ethnic groups who will be there to show guests their way of life in their respective houses. Age-old rituals will be demonstrated, such as the Rungus fertility ritual called the moginum /manimbang at the Rungus longhouse and a ritual for house cleaning called the mamahui at the Lotud Dusun house. Various other activities will be held to make this event even more colourful, such as traditional musical and dance performances by the Lotud Dusun and the Bajau as well as cooking demonstrations by the Bisaya. This 2-day affair will take place from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with a special traditional dance performance at the Main Stage at 11:00am and 3:00pm.

This event is brought to the public by the Sabah Tourism Board and is organized by Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sabah Tourism Board. For more information, please call Susan Shahira or Melissa Leong of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. (Tel: 088 – 232121).

Tickets for the cultural shows from 3 – 4 May are sold at RM30.00. Tickets for viewing the traditional houses and activities at Sabah Museum’s HeritageVillage are priced at RM10.00. For ticket bookings please contact Jane Lai at 088-232121 or Shirley Teo at 088-212121. All tickets can also be purchased at Sabah Tourism Board and Sri Pelancongan Sabah tourist information counters.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Press Release, 04 Apr 2008)

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Kaamatan Festival 2008 Launching Soon

The launch of Kaamatan Festival 2008 will be officiated by the honourable Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman at the Pa’Musa Hall, Beaufort on 1st of May, 2008. An estimated 3,000 participants will be performing in traditional events and represent their respective ethnicities from all around Sabah. This ceremony will also be included in the Malaysia Book of Records. The state government has allocated RM 600,000 to organise many cultural activities.

As was the preceding year, the Closing Ceremony will be officiated by TYT Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah at the Hongkod Koisaan K.D.C.A. on 31st of May 2008. Don’t forget, this date is also the highly awaited finale that is “Ratu Unduk Ngadau” or Harvest Queen.

Celebration Events according to District/Area

No.

District/Area

Date

1

Tambunan

03 May

2

Keningau

04 May

3

Lahad Datu

04 May

4

Tawau

04 May

5

Kunak

04 May

6

Kudat

06 May

7

Kinabatangan

08 May

8

Tongod

08 May

9

Inanam

08 May

10

Tenom

10 May

11

Banggi

10 May

12

Kota Kinabalu City

11 May

13

Nabawan dan Pagalungan

11 May

14

Kota Belud

11 May

15

Sook

11 May

16

Telupid

12 May

17

Paitan

12 May

18

Matunggong

15 May

19

Sipitang

15 May

20

Sandakan

17 May

21

Beluran

17 May

22

Penampang

17 May

23

Labuan

17 May

24

Semporna

17 May

25

Pitas

18 May

26

Kota Marudu

18 May

27

Tuaran(Tamparuli dan Kiulu)

20 May

28

Menumbok

21 May

29

Kuala Penyu

21 May

30

Membakut

21 May

31

Ranau

22 May

32

Putatan

22 May

33

All of Sabah

31 May

translated from source: http://newkaamatan.blogspot.com/2008/02/kaamatan-2008.html

For KL’s Klang Valley, celebration will be held on 11th May. For more info, visit the KDCA Klang Valley page.

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The Legend of Monsopiad

Legend told that many centuries ago, a lady named Kizabon was pregnant. She lived in a house with her husband, Dunggou. On the roof of their house, a sacred Bugang bird made its nest and stayed there throughout Kizabon’s pregnancy.

When the child was due to be born, the Bugang birds hatched as well. The father of the child took the sign as a good omen and that this was a sign that his newborn son would have special powers. He named his son, Monsopiad. The father paid special care to the birds as well, and whenever his son took a bath, Dunggou would take the young birds down from their nest to have a bath with his son. When done, he later returned them to the safety of their nest. This was done diligently until the birds were strong enough to leave the nest.

The young boy grew up in the village Kuai (which is the grounds of the Village). His maternal grandfather was the headman of the village.

However, their village was often plundered and attacked by robbers and due to the lack of warriors in the village, the villagers had to retreat and hide while the robbers ransacked their homes.

But for Monsopiad, things were different. He was given special training and he turned out to be an excellent fighter and grew up to become a warrior. Well-equipped, he vowed to hunt down and fight off the warriors that had terrorized his village for so long. He will bring back their heads as trophies, he claimed, and hang them from the roof of his house!

All he wanted in return was a warrior’s welcome, where his success will be heralded by the blowing of bamboo trumpet. In order to prove that he really did as promised, three boys went with him as witnesses.

Just as he had promised, Monsopiad’s journey to rid his village of the robbers was a huge success and upon coming home, he was given a hero’s welcome. He was so honored by the welcome that he proclaimed he will destroy all enemies to his village.

Over the years, Monsopiad soon attained a reputation and there were no robbers or evil warriors who dared to challenge him. However, the urge to kill had gotten into Monsopiad’s head and he simply could not stop himself from beheading more people. Very soon, he started provoking other men into fighting him so that he would have an excuse to kill and behead them.

With his changed attitude, all the villagers and his friends became afraid of him. Left with no choice, the village got a group of brave warriors together and they plan to eliminate Monsopiad. Much as they respected Monospiad for his heroic deeds, yet they had no choice for he had slowly turned into a threat.

One night as planned, the warriors moved in for the kill as Monsopiad was resting in his house. As they attacked him, he fought back fiercely but realized that he had lost his special powers that were bestowed upon him by the Bugang bird. By abusing his gift, he was left powerless and it was that very night that Monsopiad’s life ended.

Despite his downfall, the villagers still loved Monsopiad for all that he had done for them. All in all, he collected 42 heads and a great feat that was! In honor and memory of a once great warrior, a monument was erected and the village was renamed after him.

source: monsopiad.com

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Patterns and Colours of Sabah

This annual exhibition features various art forms created, produced and developed by the multi-ethnic communities in Sabah. Euthusiastic craftsmen will show new samples of thier intricate combinations of patterns and colours that make Sabah unique.

Date : 08 May – 01 June 2008
Venue : Sabah Art Gallery
Organiser : Sabah Art Gallery
Contact Person : Datuk Mohd. Yaman Hj. Ahmad Mus
Telephone : +6088 268875
Fax : +6088 210040
Email Contact : gallery_9@msn.com

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