Life In Borneo

Posted by Xander on August 22nd, 2010 in Culture & Traditions, Festivals

July 21^st – 25^th, Sabah Cultural Center – A culmination of multi ethnicity and cultural diversity as well as variegated harmonious musicians and fascinating performers from the world over converged upon the Malaysian Borneo for the 5^th Sabah International Folklore Festival 2010. Unlike previous festivals, this is promised to be a completely different experience for everyone for many reasons and one of them being that this year there are a total of 14 countries competing for this epochal event.

As was previous years in conjunction with this cultural and musical festival, the Sabah Creative Dance Competition precludes the international participants of this ostentatious event where the assortment of ethnicity, traditions and lilting symphonies from schools all over the state gathers together for the second time at the Sabah Cultural Center.

The competition is held for two days from July 21^st to the 22^nd as part of a ‘curtain-raiser’ for the Sabah International Folklore Festival. It involves all elementary and secondary schools from each district in Sabah and each of them has the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent. Tickets were priced at MYR 20.00 for premier class, MYR 10.00 for adults and MYR5.00 for under 17 years old.

The night was infused with an atmosphere of convivial cheers and high spirits coming from the crowd which pervades the hall that night. The gathering of audience which consists mostly of students from the participating schools, teachers and their families were amongst the crowd.

S.M. Saint Peter of Telipok district performing the ‘Nunuk Ragang’ dance.

S.M.K Datuk Panglima Abdullah from Semporna with their rendition of ‘Creative Igal‘ or ‘Kaut‘. This dance is a narrative which symbolizes the Bajau people being thankful for the bounties the ocean has given to them.

S.K Pekan Tamparuli elementary school performs the ethnic Lotud dance of Guno which in essence means ‘Spirit’.

The Kadandiu dance performed by S.M Teknik of  Keningau.

S.K Tanjung Papat 1 elementary school from Sandakan with their rendition of the Mengalai dance originating from the ethnic Suluk.

S.M.K Putatan performing Dansa which literally means ‘dance’ in malay and are usually executed for wedding ceremonies. It originates from the people of Kokos which derives from the Christmas Island of Australia.

S.K. Seri Gaya of Kota Kinabalu city with the dance called ‘Serumpun’ which connotes the lives of the Murut community in Sabah.

S.K Pengalat Besar from the district of Papar with the ‘Sulam’ dance.

S.K Kiawayan of Tambunan displaying their talents with the ‘Lumaag’ dance which was one of the many remarkable performances by the elementary school students as the second night continues with the Sabah Creative Dance Competition.

‘Sazau Papar’ from the students of S.M. St. Peter of  Telipok; which is a rendition of the sumazau dance which is performed by the Kadazandusun community of the Papar district as each area has a slightly different variation and uniqueness to its style in the execution of this acclaimed dance from Borneo.

S.M.K Datuk Panglima Abdullah high school brings to the audience the Igal-Igal dance also known as Igal Tabawan from the ethnic Bajau/Suluk people of Semporna.

S.M Teknik, Keningau executing the ‘Pengalai Kipas’ dance which how the Suluk elucidates the  philosophies of life in within their community.

S.K Tanjung Papat 1 from Sandakan performing the  ‘Mengiluk’ dance.

Towards the end of the night, more schools performed admirably and executed their dances with more panache and vigor than they did last year. One such performance was the students of S.M.K Putatan as they displayed a superlatively excellent recital of the ‘Rengut Selinap’ dance.

What separates this troupe from the rest was that they infused their fast paced performance with Step Dance and Hip-Hop into their arrangement of the traditional aspects of the dance. It is also the only school to have included a total of 18 dancers, the most performers for a single dance. It was definitely voluminous as they performed, for the deafening cheers of their friends and families reverberates throughout the hall showing support for their school.

S.K Seri Gaya, Kota Kinabalu elementary school performing the ‘Sazau Papar’ dance.

S.M.K Sepulut from Nabawan with their delivery of the ‘Lulusung’ dance.

S.K  Pekan Kinarut, Papar with the Limbai dance from the Bajau ethnic from the Kota Belud community.

Every school implemented their training and ingenuity to the fullest as more of the students accomplished their dances with vibrantly energetic and graceful maneuvers and it really shows that they worked harder this time around as shown by S.M. Maktab Sabah.

Once again the crowd went wild as the troupe took to the stage their version of the ‘Rait’ dance of the Bajau ethnic. Their costumes were not only stunning but their performance which added a few elements of alteration to their music induced their presentation with lithe acrobatics as the added tempo lent a vigorous spirit not only to the students but to the spectators as well.

Labuan Federal Territory also joined in this year represented by S.M.K Labuan with this piece known as ‘Waris Taming’. Their costumes which included blinking-lights around their wrists and elbows are some of the more uniquely reworked traditional attires of the night.

All of the 21 schools that participated these two nights have distinguished themselves as some of the best young performers from Sabah, probably even the whole of Malaysia. As it is known as a creative traditional dance competition, each group is allowed to affix their own interpretation of the dance they choose to perform.

Here are the full results of the competition:

Secondary School:

First Place – S.M.K. Desa Wawasan, Tambunan

Second Place – Maktab Sabah

Third Place – S.M.K. Sepulut, Nabawan

Best Choreography Award - S.M.K. Desa Wawasan, Tambunan

Best Costume Award - S.M.K. Sepulut, Nabawan

Best Performance Award - S.M.K. Sepulut, Nabawan

Best Music Award - S.M.K. Putatan

Best Male Dancer Award - Marius Manoel of Maktab Sabah

Best Female Dancer Award - Cherryann Chelsea Alex of S.M.K. Tenom

Primary School:

First Place – S.K. Kiawayan, Tambunan

Second Place – S.K. Pekan Tamparuli

Third Place – S.K. Pekan Kinarut

Best Choreography Award- S.K. Kiawayan, Tambunan

Best Costume Award - S.K. Kiawayan, Tambunan

Best Performance Award - S.K. Pekan Tamparuli

Best  Music Award – S.K. Kiawayan, Tambunan

Best Male Dancer Award – Mohd. Zahir Abdul Latif of S.K. Tamparuli

Best Female Dancer Award – Sharon Line Abinus of S.K. Kiawayan

We congratulate all the winners of the Local Folkdance Competition. Stay tune to Lifeinborneo.com for our coverage of the International Folkdance Competition!

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Posted by Daniel on May 22nd, 2010 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals, Legends

On 14 May 2010, Kota Kinabalu City Hall held Unduk Ngadau DBKK 2010 Finals at Lintasan Deasoka. If you are a new reader of Life In Borneo.com, you can read more about the origins of Unduk Ngadau here.

The Sumazau Dance was performed before the finalists went up on stage

The 15 Finalists

The finalists had a series of Q & A session from the judges on why they should be chosen and also had to give their opinions on certain current issues regarding the city and the state.

The winner of 2009, Miss Pearl Diane Petrus was present to pass the crown to her successor

The winners with Datuk Illiyas Ibrahim, the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu and wife

Ms. Lydia John Alai was crowned as the winner of Unduk Ngadau DBKK 2010. The 1st runner up was won by Ms. Crystel Eve Huminodun, while the 2nd runner up was won by Ms. Debra Fiona Alexius.

The top three winners of Unduk Ngadau DBKK 2010 will represent three different districts of Kota Kinabalu at the Unduk Ngadau 2010 Grand Final, which will be held at the main hall of KDCA’s Hongkod Koisaan on 31st May, during the Harvest Festival.

Here is the full result of the Unduk Ngadau DBKK 2010:

Winner: Ms. Lydia John Alai – representing Kota Kinabalu City
1st runner up: Ms. Crystel Eve Huminodun – representing Tanjung Aru
2nd runner up: Ms. Debra Fiona Alexius – representing Likas

4th – Ms. Pachara Emmanuel Apin
5th – Ms. Lyora Kok
6th – Ms. Jaslinder Kaur
7th – Ms. Lidia Dari

Ms. Digi SMS – Ms. Lydia John Alai
Ms. Popular – Ms. Crystel Eve Huminodun William Majinbon

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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 Eshark on December 25th, 2009 in Announcement, Festivals

We here at lifeinborneo.com would like to wish all our Christian readers Merry Christmas 2009. May you and your loved ones be joyous this festive season!

Artwork by EsharkDesign

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Posted by Eshark on September 19th, 2009 in Announcement, Festivals

We the lifeinborneo team would like to wish all muslims readers and everyone a Selamat Hari Raya Aildilfitri.. May you have a wonderful Syawal and joyous Aildilfitri celebration.

Artwork by EsharkDesign

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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 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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