Life In Borneo

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 April 23rd, 2009 in Events

Freedom of Entry Ceremony

18th of April marked another historical day for Sabah where this illustrious event takes place here in Kota Kinabalu city at the Segama Waterfront. The ‘Freedom of Entry Ceremony’ is an old Naval tradition that began since the medieval era, where the City or town council confers the right to the Navy to march with ‘Swords drawn, drums beating, band playing, Colors flying and bayonets fixed’. And staying true to that tradition was what transpired that day with a congregation of multifarious colors and flags of participating countries.

This right to march through is usually conferred with a ‘Key’ by the Lord Mayor and in this event the honour goes to Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim passing the Key to Royal Malaysian Navy’s’ Region 2 Commander, First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Bin Syed Osman. This represents the city allowing the Navy to exercise its newly conferred right to march through the city.

Among those attended the ceremony were Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin which was also there to witness the passing of a memento by the First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Bin Syed Osman to the Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim in commemoration of this event.

Marching Through The City

With over 10 contingents joining this year the march was more than a spectacular performance of uniformity and conduct. The parade started off with the Royal Malaysian Navy which was followed by other detachments from the Indonesian Navy, Royal Brunei Navy, Indian Navy and United States Navy to name a few.

The crowd was in jovial spirits as the parade marched through as onlookers were in awe of the participating contingents which was making their way to the center of the Segama Waterfront where the dignitaries and VIPs were seated. Each participating navy was resplendent in their march as well as their uniform, executing  their drill with flawless perfection as shown here by the Indonesian Navy, some were in their unique attires representing mascots for their detachment.

The Segama Waterfront was used as the location for this years’ event and dotted along the stretch are booths of various government and non-governmental societies and departments were set up. Among them were the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Royal Brunei Navy and Indonesion Navy also known as  Tentera Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL).

The Battleships

After the ceremonies at the Segama Waterfront the lifeinborneo.com crew headed out to the Sabah Ports Authority to witness the ships docked for this very event. Some ships were docked at the Kota Kinabalu Naval Base but those that were open to public was never short of visitors. The Indian Navy had two ships docked which is also their first time being here in Sabah. The Royal Brunei Navy was also here with two ships and also the Royal Malaysian Navy has a patrol class cruiser docked.

We were given a tour by an officer of the Royal Malaysian Navy of the ship KD Kedah. It was indeed an exhilarating as it is a learning experience to enter this Malaysian freigh docked here at the Sabah Ports Authority as well as the ships from the Royal Brunei Navy.

This event was  jointly organized by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. We hope next year this event would be bigger and more countries would join this ostentatious of ceremonies by the navy.

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Posted by Xander on April 15th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

April 3rd – 5th 2009, Murut Cultural Centre – Situated 10 kilometers away from Tenom town in Kampung Pulong, located saliently at the left side of the road if one is traveling from Kota Kinabalu City.

Sits in the middle of this area of 33 acres positioned next to the Pegalan River is the building of the Murut Cultural Center exorbitantly built and designed covering an area of up to 871,200 square feet. This monumental structure exhibits some of the most engrossing and fascinating gallery displaying artifacts which include vases, gongs and traditional percussion and wind instruments originating from the autochthonous Murut people.

Built from local timber, the Murut Cultural Center was constructed with elements of Murut architectures in mind. Within its structures one can see the carvings upon large pillars which have significance and meaning to the Murut People like the ‘Sinimpung’.

Sinimpung

This chiseled carving is usually displayed in the visitors’ area in the Murut houses to show guests to have better understanding and encourage them to establish better relationships among feuding tribes. It also proves that a harmonious coexistence between them could be nurtured by informing the rest of the community of the strong unity among the Murut people.

The Murut comprises of several sub groups such as Tagol, Timogun, Paluan, Kolor Baukan, Nabai, Sambakung, Alumbis, Ambual, Serudung, Tenggara, etc. Traditionally the Murut people inhabit the interior and south-eastern parts of Sabah and the territory athwart the Kalimantan and Sarawak borders. Most of them are shifting cultivators and hunters with some riverside fishing. Nowadays, the Murut people are educated and skillful and have joined the public service, owning their own businesses and professional sectors and as well as politicians.

For this festive occasion, many stalls were set up around this elegant structure which also contains the Murut Cultural Museum which houses the history of these indigenous people dating back since the early 1970s’.

What made the Kalimaran Festival this year special was that a mock Murut wedding-rite of the sub-ethnic Murut Tagol known as ‘Tinauh’ was held at the Langsaran House located within the compound of the Murut Cultural Centre. ‘Tinauh’ word also means congregation feast.

Organized by the Ministry of Arts and Culture Sabah and with the valued cooperation of the Murut Society of  Sabah; this ceremony was graced with the attendance of several dignitaries and VIPs. The ‘Tinauh’ was officiated by YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard G. Dompok, chairman of Rumpun Momogun and Minister in the Prime Ministers’ Department; with the bamboo-cutting ceremony known as ‘Ahimbalut’.

He also gave a speech to the public addressing them concerning the program which is part of this event called “Program Merakyatkan Seni Budaya” or “Art and Culture for the People”. Its purpose is to promote and encourage the public, especially from the suburban areas to be more active and be part of traditional and cultural activities such as the Kalimaran Festival. It is also important to en kindle the spirit of communal cooperation within their society and strengthen the bonds with one another.

At the end of the ceremony, a large feast took place within and around the compound of the Langsaran house catered to the public. With such a copious crowd that comprised of both locals and foreigners alike; it was this convivial assemblage of people that made this three day affair quite an amazing event.

Meanwhile back at the Murut Cultural Centre, a traditional dance competition was held. It was joined by various groups from all over Sabah; the dance is known as ‘Magunatip’. In their endemic attires these performers were elegant and fascinating with their choreography.

With such a setting and grandiose architecture and locale; it’s no wonder the Kalimaran Festival at the Murut Cultural Centre this year was some of the best places to be in Sabah.

Source – Murut Cultural Museum.

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Posted by Daniel on July 31st, 2008 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

Last Sunday was the conclusion of the 9th Gambus Festival (Pesta Gambus) 2008. Sipitang was the host for this year’s three-day annual festival that celebrates the musical culture of the Brunei community in the West Coast of Sabah, with the Gambus instrument as the central theme.

The crew of Lifeinborneo.com went to visit the windswept coastal town of Sipitang on the third day of the event to witness the Gambus Competition Finals, where Gambus troupes from seven zones of the state of Sabah compete to become the state-level champion in the Group Performance category. The 9th Gambus Festival 2008 was held inside the Sipitang Community Hall.

Sipitang, host of this year’s Gambus Festival 2008

The sun shone brightly during the day, but the cool breeze from the ocean kept the crowded town of Sipitang alive and bustling with activities. Rows of tents were setup around the area leading to the community hall. Some of these tents were selling locally made foods and handcrafts, including some handcrafted Gambus. The tents eventually lead up towards the Sipitang Community Hall, where the main event of the day was to be held – the Gambus Competition in the Group Performance category.

Group performances from seven competing groups

After the delivery of the opening speech by the representative of the Chief Minister of Sabah, the event started with an opening musical presentation from the combined performing members of the Association of Sabah Bruneian Society (PMBS), followed by the performance from each of the competing groups, one group at a time. Each group must perform two musical piece selected from a pre-determined list, one of which must be from the compulsory list.

The result for this year’s Gambus Competition in the Group Category are as follow:

Champion – Papar

First Runner-Up – Beaufort

Second Runner-Up – Sipitang

The Gambus still plays on…

That’s all for this year’s Gambus Festival 2008. We hope that the next one will be bigger, brighter, better and somewhere within an hour of driving at most. Until then, we bid our Bruneian brothers and sisters to keep strumming the instrument of cultural unity. See you all next year!

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Posted by Eshark on July 11th, 2008 in Culture & Traditions

A Gambus is carved from a single piece of wood shaped like a pear sliced in half and comes with 6 gut strings and sometimes 12 nylon strings that are plucked with a plastic plectrum to generate sound. In peninsular Malaysia, the Gambus is normally played during the Malay traditional dance like Zapin and Joget, while in Sabah, Gambus are played by the Brunei community during important events and festivities like a wedding ceremony.

Gambus can be closely related to the Arabian region where the origin of this unique instrument came from the ‘qabus’ of Saudi Arabian. Gambus also closely related to other Arab country such like the ‘gabbus’ of Oman, the ‘gabbus’ of Zanzibar, the ‘qanbus’ of Yemen, the ‘gabusi’ of the Comoros and also the ‘kabosa’ of Madagascar.

illustration of Gambus is courtesy of esharkdesign.com

info sources:
http://www.musicmall-asia.com/malaysia/instruments/gambus.html
http://www.asza.com/igambus.shtml

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Posted by Raz on May 15th, 2008 in Events

The Sultan of Brunei is celebrating his 62nd birthday in July. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty is the 29th ruler of his line, which began with Sultan Muhammad in 1405.

This is one of the most important events in the national calendar, with activities and festivities held nationwide, beginning with a mass prayer throughout the country. On this occasion, His Majesty the Sultan delivers a royal address, followed by an inauguration ceremony held at the Istana Nurul Iman palace. The event is also marked with gatherings at the four districts where His Majesty meets with his subjects.

Date: 15 July 2008
Venue: Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien

source: www.tourismbrunei.com

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Posted by Raz on April 30th, 2008 in Events

Click on images to zoom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Malaysian Navy “KD Pahang”

Royal Malaysian Navy “KTD Kepah”

Royal Brunei Navy “KDB Waspada”

Royal Brunei Navy “KDB Teraban”

France Marine Nationale “F730 Floréal”

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

info source: www.sabahtourism.com

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Posted by Raz on April 29th, 2008 in Culture & Traditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Ephesians – 3: 3-6)

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

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

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

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Posted by Raz on April 15th, 2008 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

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

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

Celebration Events according to District/Area

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

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

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