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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Artwork by EsharkDesign

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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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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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The Ramadhan Bazaars is a nation-wide food carnival that starts from the first day of Ramadhan until the eve before Aidil Fitri. Most Bazaars throughout the country sell mostly food and drinks for the breaking of fast, but certain places also sells essential items for the celebration of Aidil Fitri. However, it is the delicious food that attracts hordes of people to these Bazaars, some of which are not available anywhere else.

Hari Raya biscuits

In Lintasan Deasoka’s Ramadhan Bazaar in Kota Kinabalu, sellers open their stalls as early as 1:00PM, just in time for non-muslims to enjoy the delicacies the sellers have to offer. Most of the dishes they offer here are not easily found during normal days, which makes food-lovers attracted to these bazaars even more.

Lemang, one of the staple foods of Hari Raya

Putu Piring

Visitors will find a variety of mouth-watering delicacies, whether it is a traditional Malay dish like Nasi Dagang and Nasi Beriyani, to Chinese-influenced buns such as the Pau Melayu Inah. Those with sweet-tooth can indulge themselves with popular desserts like cendols and sugar-canes. Nevertheless, visitors will surely find something that would satisfy their taste buds.

Pau with filling like tausa, chicken or beef

Sweet ice cold Cendol

There was also a band consisted of disabled people, playing Hari Raya songs

There’s plenty more being offered at Lintasan Deasoka. If you wish to see more, head down there between the hours of 1:00PM and 5:00PM. Missing these savoury dishes and sweet pastries would mean that you probably have to wait for another year before you get to enjoy them again.

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1Borneo was once again the host for the Borneo Auto Challenge, an exhibition-cum-competition for the industry to showcase their modified rides and over-the-top audio systems. The event took place on 15 and 16 August at 1Borneo Hypermall’s Gourmet Lane. It was organized by 1Borneo Hyper Mall and Angkatan Hebat Group.

This is the event’s second year running, which started in 2008 in the same month when 1Borneo Hypermall had its soft opening. The event is both an exhibition and a competition, which gives enthusiasts and players in the industry the chance to showcase their modified (or modded) cars and bikes, and crank up music from their ridiculously high-end sounds systems.

K-car Category :

The modifications that they did weren’t just limited to everyday aftermarket fenders and rims; these were modifications that transformed their rides. There were horror-themed mopeds and racing-themed Japanese-made cars, complete with decals, paint jobs, LEDs and electronics. Some, however, went as far as to completely transform their cars to honour iconic animated characters – Doraemon and Hello Kitty.

Open category :

There were also cars that were modded into high-class VIP-style rides, kind of like the ones features in rap videos. Fitted into these cars were things people would normally see in Rolls Royce or Bentley, such as holders for a wine bottle and a wine glass, a cigar compartment, lightings fit for a Hilton Hotel, and leather seats. These cars were modded to look posh and classy.

VIP Series category:

The event was also a competition, and there were two categories: the Best Modified Car category and the Car Audio Challenge category.

Best Interior, Mr. Arthur Suleiman

Open category :

3rd place winner,  Mr. Puspanathan Krisnan with his stunning Orange Wira

2nd place winner, Mr. Arthur Suleiman with Proton Wira

1st place winner, Mr. Yussof B. Matysin with his Red Wira-Evo Aeroback from Labuan

Congratulations to all the winners of the Borneo Auto Challenge 2009, and to all the automotive enthusiast here in Borneo, we hope you will keep on rolling with style!

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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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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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.

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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.

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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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