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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Posted by Xander on May 27th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

From 14th to 16th of this month, Kota Kinabalu city was the venue for its annual city level of the Tadau Kaamatan happening every year in the month of May. The Kaamatan festival is held annually and probably one of the most indigenous and illustrious celebration in Sabah. Held within every level of the state from the villages, moving to the districts and finally converging at its pinnacle at state level.

This Kaamatan festival is a uniquely momentous affair for the Kadazan people in which to honour the Bambarayon which is also known as ‘Spirit of the Paddy’ and also to thank the god Kinoingan for their plenteous harvest and for fostering friendships and prolonged life on this earth through this festival.

As was last year, the whole spread of the Gaya Street and Lintasan Deasoka was vivid and dazzling with an assortment of radiant lights and a throng of high spirited people both foreign and domestic. The streets were dotted with diverse mixture of stalls and booths. A traditional hut in the centre of Lintasan Deasoka was set up presenting the range of traditional necklaces, locally made handicrafts and costume jewelry that many suburban Kadazan locals still wear till today.

This place is set to be one of the hottest tourist spot all throughout the year in Kota Kinabalu since this city-level event was started last year.

Upon the arrival of the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Y.B Datuk Masidi Manjun at 8.15 p.m, he was greeted with a warm welcome from the Kota Kinabalu City Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim and also a traditional dance by the performers from the Tourism Board.

A speech was given by the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu city, indicating the significance of this years’ theme which is “To Mould a Better Future”. Kaamatan festival being the hub for nurturing harmony and togetherness among the multifarious ethnic groups that exists in Sabah, he reminds every one what could be achieved when we cooperate together to better understand one another through cultural diversity and work hard to maintain a healthy relationship for the future.

After the speech was given, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Y.B Datuk Masidi Manjun and the Mayor were accompanied by other delegates upon the stage to officiate the carnival with the Gong-hitting ceremony.

Everyone was given a presentation by the Maktab Sabah Choir Group; a high school within the Kota Kinabalu district, with their dance and song performance.

The Magavau rite was up next upon the stage as it is a significant part of the Kaamatan festival. Magavau is the Kadazan word which in essence means ‘to recover what one has lost’.

It also refers to the charge of the Bobohizan, an elder high priestess, to reclaim what was lost, taken or abandoned Bambarayon/Bambaazon or spirit of the rice.

At 9.15 pm, the dancers yet again enthralled the crowd with their immaculate choreography as they performed the Sumazau which translates to ‘dancing’ in the Kadazan language. The show went on with the Magunatip, a bamboo dance. The dancers with their meticulous timing and feat would dance through the snapping bamboo shoots thumping at their feet as they are brought together by other performers.

The throng of people that gathered around the stage was also given a show of fireworks at 10.00 pm, which also marked the climax of the night where the contestants of the Kota Kinabalu city level of the well known Unduk Ngadau event; were brought upon stage. These young and vibrant ladies of the Kadazan-dusun descent are to compete for the title of Kota Kinabalu Unduk Ngadau and to represent the city in the final state level of this prestigious occasion.

Among the categories were Miss Popular and Miss Tati Tavanus Celcom. The winner of Tati Tavanus would be ascertained by the number of SMS votes (text message) they collect in this three day event and as for Miss Popular; these are determined to be the winner if they managed to acquire the most bouquets of flowers given to them by the public; the flowers were being sold every night of this event to the public.

The VIPs and delegates were among the first to show their favorites that night and many of the ladies received plentiful amount of bouquets; notably the ones that had most that night were 18 year old Miss Macdelina Masidah, 20 year old Pearl Dianne Petrus and 22 year old Cindy Jessica Frenendez. Though only on the final night will the winners be revealed.

The night was still young as can be seen from the number of people still captivated by the show on the stage, Linda Nanuwil was also invited to perform a couple of Kadazan songs. She was quite the crowd puller; being one of the favorites in the last Akademi Fantasia 6 show (a local singing competition shown in national cable network) it was no surprise why the Kota Kinabalu Tadau Kaamatan city level event was as memorable as it was last year.

Stay tuned for ‘Part 2′ of the Kota Kinabalu City Tadau Kaamatan Carnival 2009 which showcases the finals of the Unduk Ngadau and high lights of the second and final night of this event, coming up soon in lifeinborneo.com.

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Posted by Daniel on January 1st, 2009 in Events

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

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

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

Kota Kinabalu City Day 2008

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

Generation Y

Harajuku Night

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

Freedom of Entry to The City 2008

Sabah Dragonboat Race 2008

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

Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals 2008

Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals 2008

Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals 2008

Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2008 – Cultural Concert

Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2008 – Panglima Kulow Theme Play

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

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

Gambus Festival 2008 in Sipitang

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

Borneo International Cat Show 2008

Sabahan Bloggers Gathering 2008

Base Jumping at Tun Mustapha Tower

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

Merdeka Day Parade

Ramadhan Food Bazaar

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

Borneo International Marathon 2008

Tattoo Art Exhibition at Monsopiad Cultural Village

The traditional Tamu Besar Kota Belud

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

BSBCC Fundraiser Event

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

HobbyCon 2008

F2 World Cup Powerboat Race 2008

Red Bull Female Driver Search 2008

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

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Posted by Daniel on June 4th, 2008 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals, Legends

The Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals was held in the Main Hall of KDCA’s Hongkod Koisaan on 31st May 2008. 36 contestants represented their respective districts, including one from Klang Valley. Dressed in traditional ethnic costume, the contestants graced the audience with their charm and beauty in the most anticipated event of this year’s Kaamatan Festival.

In the footsteps of a Legend

The first Unduk Ngadau competition was held in the early 1960s, but the true history and meaning of the beauty pageant goes back to the time of myth and legends, when the earth 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. Kinoingan’s only daughter Ponompuan, often referred as Huminodun, 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 world. Thus the importance of rice in the lives of the Kadazandusun, as rice embodies the spirit of Huminodun who sacrified herself to save humanity.

Ethnic Beauties of the Harvest

Earlier during the event, the hosts introduced the contestants one by one on stage as they walked on stage, accompanied by roaring cheers from the crowd, which filled up every seats there were on that day. The ladies of the pageant were garbed in the most dazzling traditional ethnic costumes, with accessories befitting a princess of princesses.

The Finalists

Out of 36 potentials, 15 made it through to the second round. Also known as the question-and-answer round, the second round has always been regarded by many as the most difficult stage of the competition. This is the stage where the contestants’ wisdom are tested; to walk on the path of a legend, one must not only have the heart but also the mind. The winner of this year’s Unduk Ngadau gave the best answer to the best question, in which the crowd responded in a thunderous applause.

After the second round, only 7 finalists were shortlisted.

The results were announced in reverse order from 7th place to 3rd place. It all went down to these two lovely ladies; Ms. Florence Masimbin and Ms. Leonie Lawrence Gontuni.

And the Unduk Ngadau 2008 title goes to..

Ms. Leonie Lawrence Gontuni!

The full list of winners:

• Unduk Ngadau: Ms. Leonie Lawrence Gontuni (Penampang)
• 1st Runner Up: Ms. Florence Masimbin (Kinabatangan)
• 2nd Runner Up: Ms. Emily Majil (Tambunan)
• 3rd Runner Up: Ms. Petronella Cherry Bernard (Papar)
• 4th Runner Up: Ms. Verone Lansu (Keningau)
• 5th Runner Up: Ms. Aloysia Thecla Philip (Kota Belud)
• 6th Runner Up: Ms. AnneMary T. Khan (Klang Valley)
• Celcom Tati Tavanus: Ms. Florence Masimbin (Kinabatangan)

The end of Harvest Festival

The winner of Unduk Ngadau, Ms. Leonie Lawrence, gave the best answer to the best question of that day. The question was: “What makes the Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant different from other beauty pageants?” And Ms. Leonie’s answer was: “Unlike other beauty pageants, Unduk Ngadau re-lives the story of the legend of Huminodun, who sacrified herself to save mankind.” That answer tells a lot about the people of Sabah, their traditions and their culture. And for that, the title of Unduk Ngadau was deservingly hers. Lifeinborneo congratulates all the winners and all the participants for re-living the legend, and preserving the ways of the Kadazandusun.

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Posted by Xander on May 20th, 2008 in Events, Night Life

Shenanigans is one of the most leading fun-pubs in Kota Kinabalu city. Upon entering this establishment one can’t help but feel relaxed and laid back. From the decor of the interior , the regular patrons and the music gives you this ‘vibe’. Harajuku Night was an event unlike any other that this establishment has ever held which made it a night to reminisce; alive with people, music and of course the Goth-Lolitas.

And on May 14th it was a night to relish for all the visitors of this famed nightspot whether they are regulars or new patrons. Somewhat the atmosphere changed just a tinge while still keeping to the aesthetic ‘feel’ of place. The first difference that a regular of Shenanigans noticed were the new and somewhat ‘uniquely-attired’ visitors that came through the door. The music also changed to punk, punk-rock and goth. People started coming in with slightly varied ‘dress-codes’.

The term “Harajuku” has been used for sometime by the media to depict teenage culture in Tokyo, where many young people gather around Harajuku Station and engage in cosplay (“costume play”), dressed up in crazy costumes to resemble manga/anime characters, musicians, etc.

There was a fashion show in Harajuku style. Also held were competitions for the Goth-Lolitas and/or cosplayers where categories for best dressed, best hair-style and best-pose/dance are judged. It was a twist within the normality of a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere which Shenanigans are usually known for but it was an exciting permutation nonetheless.

It was definitely a night that will be remembered by all patrons no matter their nationality, locality or sense of unique dress-code. Harajuku Night at Shenanigans was unforgettable.

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Posted by Daniel on May 19th, 2008 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

At KK Kaamatan Carnival 2008, the citizens of Kota Kinabalu were treated to three nights of carnival last week celebrating the Harvest Festival at municipal level. Held at Lintasan Deasoka, the three-night event started with its officiation on Thursday night by Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai, Minister of Resource Development & Information Technology, and ended with the closing on Saturday night with the crowning of the winner of the Unduk Ngadau. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Iliyas Bin Ibrahim, Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City and his wife Yang Berbahagia Datin Naimah Hajjah Hassan attended all of the events.

Harvest Festival and Peace Through Culture

Sumazau Dance

The aim of the organizer this year is to promote the Harvest Festival or Kaamatan alongside the other various cultures in Sabah, as well as to promote the city of Kota Kinabalu as a tourist destination, a platform to promote locally made goods, and to choose representatives for Kota Kinabalu to compete in Sugandoi (Star of Kaamatan) and Unduk Ngadau (Beauty Queen) at Sabah State Level on the 30th – 31st May 2008.

The Municipal Council also took this opportunity to promote its on-going campaign to educate the public on the importance of keeping the city clean, which was also pointed out during the Mayor´s speech.

Locally made handicrafts

Throughout the three-day nightly event, visitors could loot at and even purchase a variety of locally made handicrafts, displayed in a long-house style display booths brilliantly constructed out of wood and bamboos, recreating the feel of a traditional Sunday bazaar or Tamu as it is more commonly known by the locals. A variety of other goods were also being sold at the nearby Gaya Street, a stretch of road also well-known for its weekly Sunday Tamu.

Three Nights of Festivities

Thursday Night – The Opening Night

The events on Thursday night includes the Opening Ceremony (including the officiation of the event by Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai, Minister of Resource Development & Information Technology), the Magavau Ceremony (a traditional ritual to appease ¨Bambaazon¨ or ¨Bambarayon¨, the Spirit of Rice), and lastly performances by a choir group, a cultural dance group and local artists. It was also on Thursday night that the Unduk Ngadau contestants for the Municipal Level were lined-up on stage and introduced to the public for the first time.

The Spirit of Rice

The Magavau Ceremony

Officiation by Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai

Fireworks after the officiation

Choir group with traditional costume

Friday Night – The Search for the Star of Kaamatan

The main event for Friday night was the search for Kota Kinabalu´s Sugandoi, or Star of the Harvest Festival. It is singing competition where the contestants were required to sing two songs (one from a compulsory list and the other one of their own choice) in the span of two rounds. The songs drawn from the compulsory list were all in Kadazandusun language. Between the rounds, the audience were treated to a performance by the Universiti Malaysia Sabah´s Musical Orchestra. The night ended with the prize giving ceremony to the winner of Kota Kinabalu´s Sugandoi, who will go on to represent the City of Kota Kinabalu at the State Level at the end of May.

Saturday Night – The Crowning of Kota Kinabalu´s Unduk Ngadau

On the third and final night of the Kota Kinabalu Kaamatan Carnival 2008, the crowd gathered to see the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau. Before that, the hosts of the event re-told the legend of Huminodun, and also the meaning as well as the importance of Unduk Ngadau to Kaamatan.

Below are the contestant that reach to the final seven..

Ms. Viola G. Julasim

Ms. Alvira Cora M. Jipinis

Ms. Kimberly Fay Cathrinus Sham

Ms. Noemi Halima Dingle Ligunjang

Ms. Andrea Peter

Ms. Flina Runtum

Ms. Jizeresta Jimmy

Just like the Sugandoi, the Unduk Ngadau were split into two rounds, with the second round being the final round. After the end of the second round, as the judges went on to discuss who will be crowned as Unduk Ngadau, local artists (one of which was the winner of Sugandoi the night before) entertained the crowds with a selection of local songs. But before the announcement of the winners and the prize giving ceremony, the dignitaries were invited to dance with the Unduk Ngadau contestants.

Crowning of the Unduk Ngadau

Kota Kinabalu Unduk Ngadau 2008 winners

The Winners of Kota Kinabalu City Unduk Ngadau 2008:
First Place – Ms. Jizeresta Jimmy
Second Place – Ms. Flina Runtum
Third Place – Ms. Andrea Peter
Fourth Place – Ms. Alvira Cora M. Jipinis
Fifth Place – Ms. Noemi Halima Dingle Ligunjang
Sixth Place – Ms. Kimberly Fay Cathrinus Sham
Seventh Place – Ms. Viola G. Julasim

The Spirit of Paddy Lives On

Despite the heavy rain on Thursday and Friday night, the locals pressed on night after night to support the event. The crowd was at its largest on the final night of the carnival, which was probably the most important night of all. The success of the event meant that the Spirit of Paddy lives on. And so will the traditions and cultures of the Kadazandusun.

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