Posted by Xander on January 7th, 2010 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals, Night Life

December 31st 2009, Kota Kinabalu - Stompin’ Sabah 2009, the Ultimate Borneo Music Blast took place in the city in conjunction with New Years’ celebrations and was also the first for the state as the biggest musical extravaganza ever held in The Land Below the Wind. Jesselton Point was chosen as the venue to welcome the extraordinarily talented and marvelously fascinating performers of this grandois event.

Organized by Contagious Concepts and KUSO as co-organizers, the event also has the full support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Sabah Tourism Board and endorsed by Kota Kinabalu City Hall. Various official sponsors also includes Xpax, Imperial International, Edaran Tan Chong Motors Ltd, My Cola, Faces and SuriaFM as the official radio station.

Suria FM’s DJ Othoe and DJ Myra

Jesselton Point was definitely the place to be for the new years’ eve bash. As one of the many tourist hot spots in Kota Kinabalu city, this venue also introduces a variety of local delicacies served by the multifarious food vendors along side the pier. It is a place where most food connoisseurs come to visit on the weekends to enjoy good food and awesome ambiance.

As the cool breeze of the South China Sea reaches the pier, so were the thunderous crowd converging upon the boardwalks of Jesselton Point. Among the countless people that came included families as well as youngsters, foreigners and locals alike; they all arrived as early as 8 pm obviously eager to delight themselves upon the fusion of several aspects of ‘urban music’ and ‘nature inspired music’ is not to be missed.

DJ Nas-T

Rhythm Masala

The stage was immense and it exudes an ambiance of ostensible grandeur and chromatic magnificence as it kicked off the night with the performance by Singapore’s Rhythm Masala, one of the best Fusion Percussion Group in the city state as well as Asia. Followed up by a wonderfully awe-inspiring performance from our very own Monsopiad Tribal Village Troupe. Included were also the pre-event performers which were the enigmatically breathtaking performance from the Mascara Dancers’ and fire breathers’ dancers as well as the illusionist, Ezad.

The show did not end there as there were more outstanding performers ready to send the crowd into a convivial frenzy of excitement like the Project Pistol comprised of top musicians from Malaysia such as Edrie Hashim, Fiat, Lola, Yuri and Wan Kelly.  They took over the stage with their drum battle performance and a number of rock tunes from Red Hot Cilli Peppers, U2 and Lenny Kravitz just to name a few which was voluminously impressive and electrifying. Kadangyan of the Philippines followed up the show with a more traditional aspect of the show as well as being a musical fusion.

Project Pistol

Project Pistol

Project Pistol

Edrie Hashim of Project Pistol

Kadangyan

Kadangyan

As the crescendo of the celebration almost reached its’ climax with the performances by the White Percussion Unit of Malaysia, DJ Nas-T and later, DJ Lil’ John; the throng of people went wild cheering and dancing through the night counting down the seconds welcoming the new year. Datuk Masidi Manjun was also present on the stage as the fireworks greets the year 2010 with vibrant illumination and tremendous sounds of various musical fusions and joviality.

Datuk Masidi Manjun with Suria FM DJs’ doing the countdown

DJ Lil’ John

Stompin’ Sabah 2009 was one of the most climactic and stupendous event ever held in the state capital. An event which claims to be the biggest yet in Sabah it certainly did more than just delivered what was promised and left the everyone in awe of their magnetic performance.

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Posted by Daniel on November 6th, 2009 in Events, Sports

October 31st to November 1st, Likas Stadium – It was truly an epic weekend for the titans of Asian rugby as the players from all corners of Asia converged into the stadium for this momentous sports event. The Malaysian Rugby Union was the host for the Borneo Sevens and to receive such  support from the  international sports organizations to hold this spectacular event in Sabah was overwhelming indeed for the locals.

The top 12 teams that participated were Japan (1st seed), Hong Kong (2), China (3), Chinese Taipei (4), Korea (5), Malaysia (6), Thailand (7), Guam (8), India (9), Philippines (10), Brunei (11) and Indonesia (12).

All of the participating nations were grouped into three pools(four in each pool) which begins with a round robin pool before the knockout matches commenced.

The main aspirations of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series is to implement a sevens-specific ranking of Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) nations. Future ARFU tournaments and various sports events shall use this ranking as it is also a relevant aspect in recognizing these Asian teams for IRB World Sevens Series events.

Japan clinched the Asian Rugby Seven Series event at Likas Stadium, Sabah by beating Hong Kong 38-14. They maintained a formidable game record, posting 187 points and only conceding 26 throughout their participation in this event. Korea claimed the Bronze medal after defeating the weary Malaysian team 31-7.

The Borneo Sevens is the third event in the Asian Rugby Seven Series, and it is the second of two ranking events of the whole series. Japan’s win in the Borneo Sevens means that they have a lead at the top of the series standing, closely followed by Korea and Hong Kong.

The most interesting match up of the event was between the sevens of Guam and Thailand. For the former, this was their first time playing in the Asian Rugby Sevens Series. In their match against Thailand, the latter was the favourite team as well as the most experienced between the two in the Asian Rugby Seven Series, but they held their ground and triumphed against the Thais 24-7, finishing seventh place.

The Asian Rugby Sevens Series concluded the event in Borneo for this year with Japan winning the top spot, but the series still has two more events to go: Kish Island Sevens in Iran on 20 and 22 November, and Sri Lanka Sevens on 28 and 29 November of this year.

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Posted by Xander on August 21st, 2009 in Events, Festivals

AUGUST 8th 2009 – University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu was chosen as the venue for Malaysia’s most prestigious and illustrious event which celebrates the accomplishments of the men and women of the local film industry; The 22nd Malaysian Film Festival(Festival Filem Malaysia Ke-22.) The aspirations of the Malaysian Film Festival is to commend the outstanding achievements of the film makers, actors, actresses and artists of the local film industry.

It is also to encourage these artistes to strive with more determination and passion in their outstanding profession that the local films would culminate into global recognition. This is the main reason for this years’ theme which is, ‘Filem Malaysia ke Persada Dunia’ or  ‘The Malaysian Film to the World ’. This inaugural event for Sabah was not only a significant juncture to Sabahans but also shows how distinguishably paramount it is in promoting this state to all Malaysians as well as our neighboring countries.

Attendees kept pouring in as early as 7.30 pm as more people rushed to the Chancellor Hall of UMS to have a glance at their favorite celebrities. The variegated collection of talented and charming artists present that night were Datuk Aziz Sattar, Afdlin Shauki, Jaclyn Victor, Liyana Jasmay, Mohd Nor Kassim, including the exquisitely stunning Amber Chia and Carmen Soo just to name a few among the many effervescent personalities.

Organized by FINAS & GAFIM among other societies of prominent film makers and producers, this auspicious occasion is supported by the Ministry of Information, Communication & Culture, Sabah State Government and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall. The grandeur of such an ostentatious occasion, the resplendence is made even more opulently exceptional as it was graced with the presence of the Tuan Yang Terutama Ahmad Shah, Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Musa Aman, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment,Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun and the mayor of Kota Kinabalu city Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.

The stupendously marvelous opening performance to this luxurious awards ceremony was simply astounding as diverse musicians and dancers permeates the hall with convivial elation weaved into their exhibition of flair and panache and added to the jovial ambiance was the gorgeous Vanida Imran and charismatic Shahrin Ahmad as the main hosts for the night.

And the Award goes to. . .

Best Picture : Papadom

Best Director : Yasmin Ahmad for the picture Talentime.

Best Actor : Afdlin Shauki in ‘Papadom’.

Best Actress : Liyana Jasmay in ‘Papadom’.

Best Screenplay : Yasmin Ahmad for ‘Talentime’.

Best Original Story : Afdlin Shauki for ‘Papadom’.

Best Cinematography : Mohd Nor Kassim for ‘Setem’.

Best Comedy Picture : ‘Los dan Faun’.

Best Supporting Actor : Mohd Shafie Naswip from ‘Talentime’.

Best Supporting Actress : Salina Saibi from ‘Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam’.

Best Child Actor : Mohd. Hadziq in ‘Syurga Cinta’.

Most Promising Actor : Zahiril Adzim in ‘KAMI The Movie’.

Most Promising Actress : Jaclyn Victor in ‘Talentime’.

Most Promising Director : James Lee for the picture ‘Histeria’.

Special Jury’s Award : Box Office Film for the movie ‘Geng:Pengembaraan Bermula’.

Best Director : Yasmin Ahmad for the picture Talentime which she received posthumously. Her younger sister accepted the award on behalf of Yasmin which gave a very moving speech that almost made her shed tears on the stage.

Best Picture : Papadom

Best Actor : Afdlin Shauki in ‘Papadom’, Best Original Story : Afdlin Shauki for ‘Papadom’.

Best Supporting Actress : Salina Saibi from ‘Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam’.

A blend of an almost unprecedented attendance of diverse esteemed guests, acclaimed artists, fascinating celebrities and personalities which came for a momentous reception; it was expected to be an evening that would set it apart from other official functions that ever transpired in the Land Below the Wind.

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Posted by Xander on August 12th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

JULY 26th 2009, Papar Municipal Hall – The 10th  Sabah Gambus Festival 2009 was a spectacle with this years’ venue of the town of Papar. The Association of Bruneian Community of Sabah (help  me translate this better) or the Persatuan Masyarakat Brunei Sabah brings this musical and cultural celebration to promote not only the traditional gambus instrument but also to nurture the the values of the katani ethnics’ customs and traditions as well to preserve a sense of unity and progress in Malaysia.

Gambus, Instrument of Unity was this years’ motto and staying true to such an adage, it can truly be felt from the people and environment in which this occasion took place. Several competitions with a variety of categories that revolves around the gambus instrument took place here in Papar.

Representing the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Musa bin Haji Aman for the final day of this affair was Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment. Among the delegates and VIPs that also attended were Datuk Karim Bujang, the President of the Association of Bruneian Community of Sabah; Yang Berbahagia Datuk Haji Yusoff Bin Datuk Haji Mohd Kassim and to name a few.

Datuk Masidi Manjun was presented with a memento in the form of the gambus instrument by Datuk Haji Yusoff Kassim to officiate this monumental event for the Bruneian people in Sabah.

Along with the participants of the Gambus Competition, several acclaimed musicians and singers also graced this auspicious affair. These artists includes Fauziah Yunus who brought the gambus instrument to national level by performing all throughout Malaysia and the world, the celebrated guitarist Roger Wang and the illustriously distinguished gambus musician Farid Ali.

The day began with an instrumental piece from the Labuan group which was specially invited by the organizers for this event.

The first team to perform and also one of the participants of the Gambus Competition which is held in conjunction for this festival was performers from Papar that was represented by the Kampung Buang Sayang. Elegant and refined as well as talented they were in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and unique performance.

Kg. Warisan, Kota Kinabalu.

Sipitang in a combination of anomalous and regal both in the color and style of their attire.

Kg Binsuluk, of Membakut.

Beaufort, from the town of Menumbok with an impressive portrayal in their dance which depicted the hardships of the Bruneian people as they were once originally fisherman in the past.

Kg. Weston from Kimanis, representing Bongawan.

Winners of Gambus Group Category . . .

Consolation prize went to Kg. Warisan from Kota Kinabalu and Kg. Weston of Kimanis which took home RM1000.

2nd Runner-up, Kg. Buang Sayang from Papar took home RM2000.

1st Runner-up, Menumbok awarded RM3000.

Champion of the Gambus Group category of the Gambus Festival was bestowed upon the group from Kg. Binsuluk which performed for the Membakut district and the prize of  RM5000.

As was last year, Gambus Festival 2009 did not fail to deliver the communal conviviality of such wealth of customs and traditions delivered from the Brunei Society of Sabah.

Any interested party(s) may contact the website admin should they require further information and/or services pertaining to this event.

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Posted by Xander on July 14th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

JULY 7^TH, – Sabah International Folkdance Competition was set to be  an even more stimulating than the night before as the winners would be announced at the end of the event. As was the night before, the opening was a celebration of camaraderie in the anomalous presentation of each of their country’s cultural backgrounds and to share among their fellow men that this world has such an omnifarious wealth of customs and traditions.

Tonight each team is allowed a maximum of 5 minutes for one performance and points would be deducted for extra time on top of being awarded points for other criteria. This is also one of the many reasons why most teams would show some of their best performances, though to everyone that attended they were already winners in the hearts of the audience.

PESAKA dance troupe from Brunei started off the night with a dance known as Anding Rimba, an elegant performance which sets the tone of how the night would be, resplendant in their bright red and gold costumes.

Cambodia, as was  their performance the night before they once more showed how they can get the crowd to share the effervescent feel of their Chayang dance. Their joviality was to portray this dance as a thanks giving dance performed usually upon a good harvest season. The male performers shared their hilarity yet the women, dancing vivaciously added a mix of elegance to an already humorous yet very engaging performance.

China, with a different form of dance for a good harvest season, their dance was one of the most vibrantly colored and gracefully lithesome of performances. The women of the Guang Dong province truly showed the audience their joyfully pliant dancers.

It seems that the festival are not short of dances based around a good harvest celebration, Punjab Folk Arts Centre from India also shared their conviviality and this time they are fully garbed in variegated colors of the Punjab people costume cheering the masses in the hall with their energetic and delightful dance.

Indonesia, of the Daya Presta dance troupe.

Indonesia, from the Burung Raya Regency of Central Kalimantan performed a dance based on the Dayak tradition of a cleansing rite implemented to cleanse a family of any bad elements they may encounter in future.

The On Alty Kyz from Kazakhstan was one of the performances that truly standout and epitomizes the term sui generis. A dance in which encompasses a favourite past time among the Kazakhstan people, tea drinking. They displayed their charming young dancers executing arduous routine of  exchanging tea cups as they danced to this rendition of the tea drinking festival.

Philippines, of the Tacloban Performing Arts made a second appearance with dazzling array of colors and sensational arrangement of choreography. Its’ presentation expressed in a fiesta-like approach was simply wonderful and awe-inspiring.

East Barito Regency from Central Kalimantan.

Saudi Arabia, presented a performance inclusive of live instruments and singing which usually performed by their fishermen to honor and praise the sea for a bountiful catch.

Singapore.

Some of the highlights of the evening was a feature presentation which was given to the audience as the various participants of the competition performed a musical fusion. Live instruments of diverse origins and cultural backgrounds utilized by an assortment of some of the worlds’ best traditional dancers and musicians was an ensemble that many would never soon forget including acclaimed local singers.

An eventful and almost indefatigable night experienced by all who were there at the Penampang Cultural Centre, it was certainly an unforgettable affair for all. As Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun executed the closing ceremony after the announcement of winners and presentation of mementos to all the judges, juries and dance troupe managers’; the stage was filled with all the performers dancing the local kadazandusun dance, the sumazau.

Winners of the 4th Sabah International Folkdance Competition…

Best female dancer: Ari Tri Marnila from Daya Presta group of Jakarta.

Best Male dancer: Mark Rayan from the Tacloban Performing Arts of Philippines.

2nd Runner-up and Best Costume – On Alty Kyz from Kazakhstan

1^st-Runner up -  from Jakarta Daya Presta.

Champion and winner of Best choreography and Best music – Tacloban Performing Arts from Philippines.

Any interested party(s) may contact the website admin should they require further information and/or services pertaining to this event.

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Posted by Xander on July 14th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

On July 6th, the 4th Sabah International Folklore Festival reached its’ apex as various dance troupes from almost every corner of the world came to enthrall us with their elegance, grace and anomalous performances. The total of 11 countries joined in on this spectacular event and as grand as the name of this event; grander were their fascinating dances, traditional musical ensemble and an unparalleled representation of their countries’ exceptional ethnic backgrounds.

With the arrival of the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun and other delegates which includes the juries and judges from several countries; the event kicked off to a dazzling and radiant evening as the various dance troupes took up centre stage and communally performed a melodious song as the crescendo of pyrotechnics illuminated and reverberated the hall with their combination of radiance and resonance.

The competition would be adjudicated by a panel of judges from various countries and particular criteria’s were carefully reviewed such as presentation, costume, choreography timing and music. For tonight, the teams participating in this competition were given a time limit of 7 minutes per recital.

For every dance recited that night, it had a legendary tale to convey to the audience and it has an important significance to the peoples from which the dances originated from. With a diverse gathering of wonderful performers it was already a night which promised to be both breathtaking and spectacular. The host country, Malaysia also disqualifies itself from this competition just as was in the previous folklore festivals.

Dance Troupes of the World. . .

The PESAKA group of Brunei began the night with a dance normally presented for the royal family; though nowadays this dance can be seen performed at wedding ceremonies.

Next up was Cambodia of the Cambodian Culture & Arts group; a dance which is based around the praying-mantis and said to bring peace and happiness. Attached upon the dancers’ elbows and knees were instruments of a kind in which they also used to provide the beat to such an inimitable and intricate dance.

An adroit performance from Guang Dong province of China featured some of the most lithe and statuesque dancers that night as they performed a dance that tells a tale of a young girl playing alone nearby a river as the fishes joins her in an afternoon of merriment.

India, of the Punjab Folk Arts Center was one of the more lively performances of this festival as they performed Bhangra, a Punjabi dance. Along with their live music and singer upon the stage, the audience were cheering to the joviality of their dance as it permeates throughout the hall.

Indonesia, Daya Presta company. This dance is known as Tarian Topeng Betawi, a very characterful dance which portrayed  3 different personalities within a legendary tale; the soft hearted, the stern and the restless.

Indonesia, Central Kalimantan, from the Burung Raya Regency Artistry Team. Lawang Terantang Mancha is a dance that tells a tale of two legendary brothers and renowned warriors of central kalimantan.

Indonesia, of the East Barito Regency dance troupe delved deeper into the many folktales of Central Kalimantan as they performed this dance concerning a woman whom about to transcend as the witch-doctor of her village after she overcame her mysterious illness and thus elevated to this significant position among her people.

Singapore, performing a dance called Nadi which means ‘Pulse’.

Saudi Arabia, with an a folklore dance is usually a war dance in the past, though now it is performed for wedding ceremonies. With live instruments on stage adding more jocundity to an already lively dance.

Philippines, from the Tacloban Performing Arts was captivating as they portray the legend of Sariman. An interesting display of such a mythical tale weaved into this performance put the audience into a trance tht lasted throughout the night.

Kazakhstan, with one of the most enthralling performances that night; the On Alty Kyz dance troupe did not fail to fascinate the crowd with this dance as translated as God’s Blessing. An enchanting and enigmatic  swan-based dance; this rendition also showed the multifariously colorful costumes they have as many dancers converge on stage with varied attires.

Only being the first night of such an extravaganza of cultural performances, most of the audience stayed long into the night to enjoy some of the dancers still dancing the night away with other performers from different countries.

More to come in the Sabah International Folkdance Competition Part 2…

Stay tuned as we bring you more news of this wonderful event here only at lifeinborneo.com…

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Posted by Xander on July 12th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events

July 3rd-4th, Sabah Cultural Center  – The Sabah International Folklore Festival which began its history since 2001 and successfully staging two more of such a propitious event in 2004 and 2007. This year, the event was launched since the 1st of July this year and promises to feature the various folklore dances from all over the world.

Two competitions were held in conjunction with this festival, the Sabah Creative Dance Competition and the International Folklore Dance competition. Tickets for the local dance competition were priced at RM20 for 1st class, RM10 for normal and RM5 for children under the age of 17 years.

The evening started off as the audience was welcomed with a spectacle of pyrotechnics and an ensemble of young performers from all over Sabah. These youths are none other than the students from the many elementary schools and high schools from each districts within Sabah. They are also the participants for the Creative Dance Competition which is also part of this auspicious and splendorous of occasions.

Each district was represented by an elementary school or high school which will be competing for their respective titles. For these two nights the audience were enthralled by their glittering and dazzling performances.

The elementary schools that participated showed how charming and graceful these young performers were and they captivated the hearts of the crowd. One such school was from the Stella Maris Elementary school performing a dance from the Murut people.

St. Peter of Telipok performed this particular dance which has one of the most colorful attire and it is a dance derived from a traditional dance of the people of Bajau. Though this rendition of the dance was slightly modified but it stayed true to the occasion and it was indeed creative nonetheless.

One specific dance which was surprising to see that night was a performance by the Putatan High School. It is rarely seen outside of its district which hails mainly from the Kokos people of the Tawau district.

Some performances that night also included the choir from Saint Francis Convent high school, adorned in various costumes of different ethnicity and background of the world singing a classic local tune ‘Tinggi-2 Gunung Kinabalu’.

Winners of Elementary level school.

Announcing the winners – The Special Jury Award went to Labuan Federal Territory of S.K Pekan Satu. Kumpulan Harapan category was given to S.K. Tamparuli.

Best Male and Female dancer each received RM300.

Best Costume and Best Choreography – S.K Piawaian of Tambunan.

2nd runner-up was awarded to S.K Likas while 1st runner-up went to Stella Maris Elementary school. The 1st place was given to S.K Piawaian of Tambunan.

Winners of the High School categories.

Special Jury’s Award Anugrah khas juri – St.  Peter of Telipok.

Kumpulan Harapan category – Labuan Federal Territory.

Best Costume – Kota Belud.

Best choreography – Maktab Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

2nd place -Putatan High School.

1^st place of this years creative dance competition high school level was won by Maktab Sabah High School

Don’t miss out on the coverage of the International Folklore Dance competition which was held on the 6th and 7th so stay tuned to lifeinborneo.com.

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Posted by Daniel on June 28th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events

The 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2009 was held at Likas Bay on the third weekend of June. The two-day event, which ran from 20 June until 21 June 2009, saw the participation of 65 teams. The participants consisted of teams mainly from Sabah, and Brunei Darussalam is the only country outside of Malaysia that returned for this year’s race. Last year’s champion, Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Tuaran, also returned for this year’s event.

Two Days of Dragon Boat Race
This year’s race was held for two days, with the heats conducted on Day 1 of the event. The final race was held on Sunday, 21 June 2009.

The final race was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Yang Berhormat Datuk Masidi Manjun and Sabah’s Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah bin Abdullah.

Champions again
The team from Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Tuaran defended their title in the Sabah Head of State’s Trophy event, and brought home RM4,000 of prize money. Last year’s second place winner, the team Terayung, won second place for this year’s race. Pasukan Kebangsaan Negara Brunei Darussalam, last year’s third place winner, could only manage a fifth placing.

Results
Here are the finals results of the 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2009

Sabah Head of State Trophy
No.	Team	Time
1	PERTUBUHAN PELADANG TUARAN	02:38
2	TERAYUNG	02:39
3	RASA RIA AS	02:40
4	SHAN-SHUI A	02:41
5	PASUKAN KEBANGSAAN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM	02:44
Sabah Chief Minister Trophy (Malaysian Men)
No.	Team	Time
1	PASUKAN SEPILOK LAUT SANDAKAN	02:35
2	SHAN-SHUI B	02:36
3	PERSATUAN PENGAYUH PERANAK GAYANG A	02:37
4	TORONG OPIS MENGKABONG	02:38
5	SERI SULAMAN	02:40
6	RUKUT-RUKUT LOK BO, EOH TUARAN	02:41
7	SERANDAH MASUT PENCHIL	02:42
Sabah Dragon Trophy (International & Malaysian Mix Teams)
No.	Team	Time
1	NEXUS RESORT A	02:34
2	MAJU ORIENTAL B	02:36
3	MENGKABONG MIX TEAM	02:37
4	UMNO IMAN (KAMPUNG DARAU LAUT)	02:40
5	SAPP ZONE TAWAU	02:52
6	M2	03:00
7	PEMUDA PBS	DNS
SCCA President’s Trophy (Chinese Men’s Teams Only)
No.	Team	Time
1	SANDAKAN FISHING TONG KANG ASSOCIATION	02:48
2	PERSEKUTUAN PERSATUAN-PERSATUAN CINA TAWAU	02:50
3	PERSATUAN TEO CHEW TAWAU	02:51
4	KOLEJ TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN	DNF
SCCA President’s Trophy (Chinese Mix Teams Only)
No.	Team	Time
1	SANDAKAN FISHING TONG KANG ASSOCIATION	03:09
2	PEAK DRAGON	03:17
3	KK FOOCHOW TEAM	03:23
4	KK HAKKA ASSO. TEAM	03:26
5	KIAN KOK DRAGON BOAT	03:54
6	THY DOLPHIN KOTA KINABALU	04:16
Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Under 20)
No.	Team	Time
1	SHAN-SHUI JUNIOR	02:32
2	INAI KIARA	02:35
3	PERSATUAN PENGAYUH PERANAK GAYANG	02:38
4	DARAU KIDS	02:39
5	DARAU VILLAGE JUNIOR	02:40
6	REMAJA GILING	02:42
7	REMAJA G.M.L DRAGON	02:47
Men’s Team Open 200m Race
No.	Team	Time
1	PASUKAN SEPILOK LAUT SANDAKAN	36:00
2	SHAN-SHUI B	36:10
3	NEXUS RESORT B	36:20
4	PENANG FORWARD SPORTS CLUB (PIDBF)	37:00
5	TERAYUNG	38:00
6	PERSATUAN PENGAYUH PERANAK GAYANG B	38:60
7	DARAU VILLAGE	39:93
Mix Team Open 200m Race
No.	Team	Time
1	MENGKABONG MIX TEAM	38:20
2	MAJU ORIENTAL C	39:25
3	MAJU ORIENTAL D	40:00
4	SHANGRI-LA’S RASA RIA RESORT MIX TEAM	41:20
Charity Race
No.	Team	Time
1	NEXUS RESORT C	02:31
2	DARAU VILLAGE	02:34
3	PERSATUAN PENGAYUH PERANAK GAYANG TUARAN	02:36
4	HYATTI	02:49
5	SHANGRI-LA’S RASA RIA RESORT MIX TEAM	02:51
6	SUTERA HARBOUR RESORT	02:59

Congratulations to all the winners of the 24rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2009.

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Posted by Daniel on June 13th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals, Legends

The Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals of 2009 was held in the Main Hall of KDCA’s Hongkod Koisaan on Sunday, 31st May. This year’s Unduk Ngadau saw 41 contestants representing their respective districts, as 5 more districts have joined the competition, including Putatan, Paitan, Pagalungan and Banggi Island.

The Legend of Huminodun

The event started with a brilliant play called “Teater Lagenda Huminodun”, which tells the legend of Huminodun. According to the legend, the earth, in the days of old, was plagued by the seven scourges sent down by the deity Kinoingan to punish mankind for their sinful ways. The seventh scourge was draught and famine which threatened to end all life on earth.

Huminodun, Kinoingan’s only daughter, took pity on mankind’s plight and sacrificed herself to end the famine that had plagued her father’s people.

Her body parts were planted as seeds and became rice, the food resource of the people. Thus the importance of rice in the lives of the Kadazandusun, as rice embodies the spirit of Huminodun who sacrified herself to save humanity.

Beauties dressed in ethnic attires

Earlier in the afternoon, the hosts introduced each of the hopefuls as they were presented on stage. The ladies were dressed in ethnic attire from native cultures found throughout Sabah, such as the distinctive black-and-white Lundayeh set and the hooded Dusun Tindal costume.

Tati Cecelia Riymante (Membakut)

Tati Sheron Olga Fedilis (Sook)

Tati Efahrina Nicholas (Tambunan)

Tati Gilda J Joeplik (Sandakan)

Tati Wanda Hendryana Pius (Lahad Datu)

Tati Flina Binti Rutum (Tamparuli)

Tati Elsie R Marius (Tanjung Aru)

Tati Sarimah Bt Tangkungon (Pagalungan)

Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut (Tuaran)

Tati Emilda Albert (Paitan)

Tati Roziyanah Bt Mutang (Sipitang)

Tati Hulliwta Eliser (Tungku)

Tati Jukini Gamius (Semporna)

Tati Jacqueline Monalisa (Banggi)

Tati Affy Jackleyinda Entawin (Beaufort)

Tati Joanne Bernadette John (Beluran)

Tati Rachel Martinus (Inanam)

Tati Lydia Binti Binidik (Kemabong)

Tati Jacqueline Joseph (Keningau)

Tati Erra Quency Victor (Kota Belud)

Tati Jovenea Jim Lajim (Klang Valley)

Tati Deizi Sebastian Mojinu (Labuan WP)

Tati Rounnah Beb Robert Sylvester (Tenom)

Tati Elinna Masuin (Likas)

Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus (Kota Kinabalu)

Tati Laine Binti Tinggangau (Kota Marudu)

Tati Maylesthelyn Matius (Putatan)

Tati Appey Rowena Januin (Papar)

Out of 41 contestants, 15 made it through to the second round. During this round, the contestants’ wisdom and intellect were tested which requires them to answer a question chosen from a pile of sealed envelops. The questions ranged from subjects that touched social issues such as cultural identity, to economic issues such as how to improve Sabah’s tourism industry. The questions were many, but none of them were easy. This was definitely the hardest part of the competition.

The Top 15

Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus (Kota Kinabalu)
Tati Elinna Masuin (Likas)
Tati Elsie R Marius (Tanjung Aru)
Tati Joanne Kimberley J Majalap (Penampang)
Tati Maylesthelyn Matius (Putatan)
Tati Appey Rowenna Januin (Papar)
Tati Jacqueline Joseph (Keningau)
Tati Rounnah Beb Robert Sylvester (Tenom)
Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut (Tuaran)
Tati Flina Rutum (Tamparuli)
Tati Stella Nakaran (Ranau)
Tati Gloria Lyne Bami (Kinabatangan)
Tati Rozyanah Mutang (Sipitang)
Tati Jacqueline Monalisa (Banggi)
Tati Jovenea Jim Lajim (Klang Valley)

The 7 Finalists

After the question-and-answer round, 7 finalists were announced in reverse order from 7th to 2nd.

7th Place was won by Tati Elinna binti Musiun, who represented Likas

6th Place was won by Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut, who represented Tuaran

5th Place was won by Tati Jacqueline binti Joseph, who represented Keningau

4th Place was won by Tati Flina binti Rutum, who represented Tamparuli

3rd Place was won by Tati Joanne Kimberley J. Majalap, who represented Penampang

2nd Place was won by Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus, who represented Kota Kinabalu

And the Unduk Ngadau 2009 title goes to…

Tati Appey Rowena Januin from Papar!

The full list of winners:

Unduk Ngadau: Tati Appey Rowena Januin
2nd Place: Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus
3rd Place: Tati Joanne Kimberley J. Majalap
4th Place: Tati Flina binti Rutum
5th Place: Tati Jacqueline binti Joseph
6th Place: Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut
7th Place: Tati Elinna binti Musiun
Digi’s Miss Popular: Tati Clarencena Kadius (represented Matunggong)

This year’s Harvest Festival has finally come to an end. Lifeinborneo.com congratulates all the winners of this year’s Unduk Ngadau and to all those that participated in this event and hope that the Spirit of the Harvest will be merrier next year!

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Posted by Xander on May 29th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

May 16^th 2009, Lintasan Deasoka, Kota Kinabalu – This city again celebrates the Kaamatan festival with its’ city-level Unduk Ngadau contest which is part of this prestigious and colorful state event. On its final day the throng of people that came to visit this auspicious occasion were substantially lower than the other days due to heavy downpour. Though it hardly deterred most of the patrons they stayed on till the end to show their support for their favorite contestants.

Organized by Kota Kinabalu city council and Celcom being the executive sponsor of this event, it already promises to be quite an auspicious affair along with Nestle and Air Asia; the prizes that awaits the contestants were certainly substantial and generous indeed. As covered on May 14^th, there are other categories in which the participants will also have a chance to win.

Among these categories are Best Costume and Creative Design Attire which will be chosen tonight by the selected judges invited especially for this event; and it is also up to them who makes it to the 2^nd Heat for that night and finally which one will represent Kota Kinabalu city in the state level Unduk Ngadau pageant.

Miss Popular would be determined from the number of flower bouquets they garnered from May 14^th and the same goes to the Tati Tavanus Celcom where they are voted through SMS votes from the public since the beginning of the carnival.

These are the line up of the contestants that night that made into the 1^st Heat of the competition:

No.1 – Ms. Richelle Audrey J. Jautin

N0.2 – Ms. Noemi Halima Dingle Ligunjang

No.3 – Sharon Walker

No.4 – Cindy Jessica Frenendez

No.5 – Elinna Musiun in an attire of the Kadazan Penampang.

No.6 – Elsie R. Marius elegant in a Srimpak Dusun Tindal inspired from the district of Kota Belud.

No.7 – Ariel Jezlynda Jimmy was dazzling wearing the costume instinctive of the Lotud Tuaran.

No.8 – Angena Rubinsin

No.9 – Patricia Francis Jiolin

No.10 – Carrie Grace Jaymes

No.11 – Clarencena Kadius dressed in a Rungus outfit, a design uniquely dissimilar from the other contestants yet stunning.

No.12 – Anastasha Dina Yahia brilliant with her Sinuga Penampang costume.

No.13 – Pearl Dianne Petrus was refined and elegant donning the costume of Kadazan Penampang.

No.14 – Florencia Shamsudin graceful in her Murut dress.

No.15 – Macdelina Masidah wearing the Dusun Lotud clothing.

The public was given a show of local artistes performing a number of songs in the Kadazan language. Despite the rain still pouring as late as 9.30 p.m, the crowd stayed on regardless. Goes to show that this annual occasion always has the locals and foreigners filled with jovial spirits. As the night almost reached its apex, the results came in and with the elevation of emotions and suspense everyone felt it was worth the wait all through the harsh weather.

Presenting the winners …

Creative Design was given to #8 contestant, Miss Angena Rubinsin.

Miss Patricia, contestant #9 managed to collect the most votes via SMS thus winning her the Tati Tavanus Celcom category.

With the complementary categories completed, it was time to announce the Top 7 that made it into the 2^nd Heat of the illustrious city level pageant. For all that joined the competition and also the public, each and every one of these charming ladies are already winners. All the participants that did not manage to get into the finals are also awarded complimentary cash of MYR350.00.

7th – Ms. Cindy Jessica Frenendez.

6^th – Ms. Richelle Audery J. Jautin which was also awarded the Best Costume.

5^th – Ms. Clerencena Kadius

4^th – Ms. McDelina

3^rd – Ms. Elsie R. Marius, winning cash prize of MYR2500 and a ticket to Labuan courtesy of Air Asia.

2^nd – Ms. Elinna Musiun which managed to win cash prize of MYR3000.00 and an Air Asia ticket to Kuala Lumpur.

And the winner of Unduk Ngadau Kota Kinabalu …

Miss Pearl Dianne Petrus.

Since the beginning of this memorable event she was known to be the most propitious among the participants. Winning the hearts of both the crowd and the judges, this resplendent and statuesque 5’ 8” lady was also seen as one of the most favored contestant to win the Miss Popular category in which she also won that night.

Along with the honor of wearing the crown, Ms. Pearl also took home with her cash prize of MYR4000.00, hamper from Nestle and a trip to Bali courtesy of Air Asia. She will be contesting for the coming state level Unduk Ngadau which is the most renowned pageant in Sabah. Participants from all over the state will be eyeing for this esteemed title and it will definitely be a marvelous and wonderful festival.

Congratulations to all the winners and we wish them all the best in the upcoming state level Tadau Kaamatan event which will be held this weekend at KDCA.

Be sure to stay tuned to lifeinborneo.com as the crew makes its way to this ostentatious festival.

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