Life In Borneo

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

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

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

Suria FM’s DJ Othoe and DJ Myra

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

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

DJ Nas-T

Rhythm Masala

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

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

Project Pistol

Project Pistol

Project Pistol

Edrie Hashim of Project Pistol

Kadangyan

Kadangyan

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

Datuk Masidi Manjun with Suria FM DJs’ doing the countdown

DJ Lil’ John

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Posted by Daniel on May 18th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

Sabah Fest 2009 – The Cultural Opening

Sabah Fest 2009 started its cultural extravaganza on Saturday, 2nd May 2009, and it was launched by the Sabah’s Head of State T.Y.T Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah bin Abdullah on Sunday, 3rd May 2009 which took place at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu.

This year’s Sabah Fest was separated into two parts. The first part was The Cultural Extravaganza, a two-day event held at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour, while the second part was held at the Sabah Museum Cultural Village.

Sabah Fest 2009 – Mystical Sabah

The theme for this year’s Sabah Fest is “Mystical Sabah”, and the cultural show reflected the tone and feel of the theme. The show highlighted the various ethnic groups of Northern Borneo and their traditional songs, dance and rituals, the likes of which that had never been seen before by the audience.

Among the rituals performed that night was the Memahui Pogun by the Tantagas, High Priestesses of the Lotud people of Tuaran. Mamahui Pogun, which means ‘Cleansing of the Universe’, is a traditional ceremony carried out by the Tantagas once every 10 years to correct the imbalances in nature.

A Cultural Extravaganza

One of the most hypnotic presentation of the night was the Pangalai Agung of the Suluk Sandakan people, where a dancer gracefully dances to the mesmeric charm of the accompanying music – while skillfully balancing on a clay jar.

There were other performances of the night performed by various ethnic groups of Sabah, including the famous Magunatip dance of the Murut and the rarely-seen Monsilad dance of the Dusun Gana of Bingkor, Keningau. Sabah’s local artistes also made special appearances, namely Abu Bakar Ellah, Clarice John Matha, Den Bisa, Kimin Mudin and also Fauziah Gambus.

The festivities has begun, ladies and gentlemen. The month of May promises to bring colour, life and the mystical charm of Sabah, celebrating the diversity and magic of its culture.

Feel free to check the coverage for last’s year Sabah Fest show : Sabah Fest 2008 Launched – An Evening of Colours

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Posted by Daniel on December 15th, 2008 in Events, Sports

The F2 World Cup Powerboat Race 2008 was held at the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront from 12th to 14th of December 2008. It was the final race of this year’s World Cup Powerboat series, and also the event’s second consecutive time being held on the shores of Sabah.

The fastest Powerboat on the South China Sea

There were 18 participants in the F2000 World Cup Powerboat Race, but the spotlight was mainly on two racers – the reigning world champion Colin Jelf and the rising star from Italy, Alex Carella. There was no doubt that Colin had already won the F2 World Cup title from the points accumulated, so all eyes were on who was going to win the Malaysian leg of the F2000 World Cup Series race.

The talented young Italian clocked impressive lap times through the Free Practice and Timed Trials. He continued on to win both the Speed Record and Match Race on the second day of the race.

Colin and Alex met in the final match race on Sunday, but Alex powered through to the finish line just slightly ahead of the Briton to win the Grand Prix race. Colin Jelf won Second place, while Jean Baptiste Thomas won Third.

Here is the race result for the Sabah 2008 F2000 World Cup Powerboat Race:

For more race results, head to http://www.powersportevents.com.my.

Congratulations to Alex Carella and the Steeltrade Racing Team for a superb win, and to Colin Jelf and his team Jelf Racing for winning the overall F2 World Cup Series. We give our hands to the organizers of the event, Powersports Events Sdn. Bhd. for succesfully hosting the F2 World Cup Powerboat Race for the second consecutive year.

Overall Standing Championship Points :

45 points – Colin Jelf
29 points – Jonas Andersson
27 points – Owen Jelf
21 points – Ugis Gross
20 points – Alex Carella
20 points – Jean Baptiste Thomas
19 points – Rick Haakonsen
16 points – Yousef Al Robayan
12 points – Michael Nylund
10 points – Johan Coenradi
06 points – Sven Janson
05 points – Nick Bisterfeld
03 points – Gianni Manici
01 points – Maritns Bergholcs

Information Sources:
http://www.formula2boat.com/index.html
http://www.powersportevents.com.my/
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=61493

Photos by Eshark and Zie

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Posted by Daniel on October 18th, 2008 in Events, Sports

Legend has it that more than two thousand years ago, a Greek messenger ran from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens for two days to bring news of great victory over their Persian Invaders. He ran without stopping, with only the honour of bearing the news giving strength to his weary legs and aching heels. Two millennias later, modern-day runners continued the long-running legacy of Philippides at the Likas Stadium last Sunday in the Borneo International Marathon. We didn’t wish to be left behind, so we packed our equipments and our running shoes and ran to the Likas Stadium at the hour of the owls to cover this international marathon event.

Runners, please take your place

12 October, 2008 – The event started during the early morning hours of Sunday at the Likas Stadium. The organizers – and some of the participating runners as well – had arrived at the stadium as early as 3:00AM to go through their checklists. Representatives from local and international press were also present to cover the event. It is also interesting to note that this is the first time ever that an internationally-recognized event in Borneo had invited bloggers to the event as medias – bringing the Borneon blogging community to the same level as professionals from the press.

The Marathon

The Borneo International Marathon 2008 had 5 categories, but the highlight of the event were the 3 main categories: Full Marathon (42km), Half Marathon (21km) and Quarter Marathon (10km).

The starting of the Full Marathon video

The Full Marathon started first at 4:30AM, followed by the Half Marathon at 6:00AM and lastly the Quarter Marathon at 7:00AM. The routes took the runners to some of the city’s most prominent tourist destination, such as Sutera Harbour, 1Borneo Hypermall and the Coastal Road – known for its scenic view of the coastline. The marathon starts and ends at the Likas Stadium.

The Half Marathon category started at 6:00AM

The Quarter Marathon category started at 7:00AM

Here are the top three finishers for the 3 main categories:

Full Marathon (Men’s Open)
1st – Sammy Kiprop Kiptoo (Kenya), 2hr 25min
2nd – Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen (Kenya), 2hr 26min 42sec
3rd – Elkana Ruto (Kenya), 2hr 33min 18sec

Full Marathon (Men’s Veteran)
1st – Paul Hague (England), 3hr 10min 31sec
2nd – Duanis B. Indam (Malaysia), 3hr 26min 38sec
3rd – Yusop Tungkob (Malaysia), 3hr 31min 5sec

Full Marathon (Women’s Open)
1st – Frida Lodepa (Kenya), 3hr 18min 4sec
2nd – Pui Shan Chan (China), 3hr 27min 48sec
3rd – Joyce Runo Chemeli (Kenya), 3hr 32min 43sec

Full Marathon (Women’s Veteran)
1st – Tan Lee Huang (Singapore), 4hr 57min 27sec
2nd – Christina Daramat (Malaysia), 5hr 35sec
3rd – Ang Bee Hua (Singapore), 5hr 16min 7sec

Half Marathon (Men’s Open)
1st – Wilson Kibogo (Kenya), 1hr 11min 49sec
2nd – Muniandy Ramadass (Malaysia), 1hr 13min 54sec
3rd – Micah Kiprotich (Kenya), 1hr 18min 1sec

Half Marathon (Men’s Veteran)
1st – Guianus Salagan (Malaysia), 1hr 22min 2sec
2nd – Supermaniam Govindam (Malaysia), 1hr 23min 35sec
3rd – Lim Lian Hock (Singapore), 1hr 35min 2sec

Half Marathon (Women’s Open)
1st – Doris Chuchumba (Kenya), 1:24:10
2nd – Michele Tan Bee Kiang (Malaysia), 1:39:26
2rd – Mariana Mohammad (Malaysia), 1:41:11

Half Marathon (Women’s Veteran)
1st – Lian Bee Hoon (Malaysia), 1hr 44min 28sec
2nd – Kirsten Conrad (USA), 2hr 3min 4sec
3rd – Ling Nyuk Hwa (Malaysia), 2hr 4min 11sec

More results can be found at the event’s official website at http://www.borneomarathon.com/home.html

A smile to the finish line

The Greek messenger Philippides ran for two days from Marathon to Athens, but the spirit of marathon itself will continue to run around the world for many years more, crossing every boundaries. Perhaps the spirit of marathon had visited Borneo last Sunday, inspiring everyone to perform their best. Regardless, the Borneo International Marathon 2008 was a great success.

A few runners from the AirAsia Team

We at lifeinborneo.com congratulate all the runners that participated and we give our hands out for the organizers and their supporters for their tremendous effort. We were pleased to be part of this historic occasion and hope that it will become a yearly event in the Borneon calendar.

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Posted by Xander on October 16th, 2008 in Events, Sports

October 11th , 2008 – The BIM 2008 Pasta Party was held at the Likas Sports Complex Indoor Multipurpose Hall at 6.30pm. Among those that attended the event were the events organizers, local press and various medias including celebrity bloggers and international runners from all over the world. The event was held to welcome the participants especially the international runners to Borneo.

International participants and celebrity runners..

The event was an opportunity to mingle with the participants and organizers alike. Some of the celebrity bloggers that attended that evening was Kenny Sia, recognized as one of Malaysia’s most famous blogger. He also participated in last years Penang Bridge Marathon. Another notable person which attended that evening was the ‘Cat Woman’ which hails from Singapore. Jenap M Said (aka Cat Woman) is widely known for running in a cat woman costume at almost every marathon event held in Singapore and throughout the neighboring countries. Some of the runs she has participated in the past were KL Marathon, Great Eastern 30km, Pacesetters 15 New Balance Run, Penang Bridge Marathon and KL Mizuno Run. In Thailand she also joined the Hatyai Nature Run, Laguna Phuket International Marathon and Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon.

Kenny Sia and Catwoman

And the show begins…

It was a night to relax and enjoy the evening with friends both new and old. Besides the good food and mingling that took place, traditional dances were performed that night. With a wide variety of ehnic backgrounds, Borneo is never short of eloquent performances such as the Sumazau dance and even from the far south of Sabah; a variation of the Daling-Daling dance. The performers even invited a few people from the crowd to join them on the stage especially the international runners and notably the AirAsia staff which was also present that night.

Sumazau Dance

The Kenyan runners join the Sumazau Dance

Kate from AirAsia also tries the Sumazau Dance

A variation of the Daling-Daling Dance

The runners join the Malay Joget Dance

Other than the dance performance was also the demonstration of the Borneon blowpipe. Most of the crowd also were invited to try out this weapon which was used by the tribes of Borneo a long time ago. Though they were only aiming it at the balloons tied to the ends of a long pole, it still looked like a hard task in itself and obviously enjoyable too as the people cheered at every target hit.

Borneon Blowpipe demonstration

It was a night that none may soon forget and the next day happens to be a long day indeed for both the participants and the organizers.

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Posted by Xander on October 11th, 2008 in Events, Sports

11 October, 2008 – Conference started at 1.00pm at the lobby of Tune Hotel in 1Borneo Hypermall. The floor was quite packed with the media from both bloggers and the press. 8 AirAsia staff were present for the press conference and photo shoot session which includes the various medias.

Most of the AirAsia staff that is joining the Borneo International Marathon are mostly from Kuala Lumpur while 7 staffs comes from Kota Kinabalu. From the Q&A session, we also learned that 13 of them (AirAsia) will be running for the half marathon circuit while 6 will be entering the quarter marathon circuit. Only one staff will be running the full circuit(21km) which is the captain of the team, Captain Razali.

Most of the team members joining have had experience in long distance runs like Kate, which have joined the the 10K Power Run held in Kuala Lumpur.

Kate

The only stewardess from AirAsia that is joining the marathon is Lily. According to the officials from AirAsia, she is promised by AirAsia CEO Datuk Tony Fernandez, MYR 1000 for each 1KM she completes. When asked how far she thinks she could run for concerning the offer, she said “of course 21KM!”.

Lily

Tonight the Pasta Party will be held at 6:30pm in the Stadium Likas Multipurpose Hall and those who will be attending are the officials, the organizing committee, international runners, local press and bloggers.

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Posted by Xander on July 18th, 2008 in Announcement, Destinations, Promotionals

Date: 12 October 2008
Time: 8:00am
Starting Venue: Likas Stadium Sport Complex

Organizers Office Address:
Championship Sports Events Sdn Bhd
B702, 7th Floor, Wisma Merdeka Phase 2,
Jalan Tun Razak, Kota Kinabalu,
88000 Sabah, Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +6-088-218833

October would be a month to remember for all in the Land Below the Wind. An event unlike no other would be held and it is certain to be a crowd-puller indeed. The Borneo International Marathon happens to be an international sporting event that promises to attract participants from South East Asia and even countless regions around the world.

The Borneo International Marathon are also looking forward to making this a yearly international event to highlight sports tourism in Sabah and also to raise awareness and fund for organizations that need it.

Money raised will be for 8 charitable organizations and 10% of participants entry fees shall go towards an organization of their choice.

With a venue like Sabah, its going to be a holiday that most people would reminisce. With three race routes offered to both experienced and novice runners alike (full marathon, half marathon and 10KM run). The starting and finishing point for the marathon will be at Likas Sports Stadium and the route will take runners along some major highlights in the city.

Full Marathon

Half Marathon

10KM

Race Categories :

Prizes :

Charitable organizations involved are:

• Rumah Kanak-Kanak Bondulu, Tambunan or Tambunan Childrens Home
This home is sponsored entirely by donations and looks after children from this interior town and the surrounding villages; this is a typical rural farming community and comprises some of the poorest areas of Sabah.The money will go to help to pay for the roof on the new dormitory that they have been trying to complete for over a year now.
Contact Person : Sister Rose (Tel: +6019 8719201)

• Emmanual Homes, Kudat, Sabah
Taking care of over 50 children with a small volunteer staff and very little money, this facility is very basic and the children need everything from beds to chairs. It is hoped that we can raise enough money to get them a small van so the kids can have days out. Please also see wish list from Emmanual Homes.
Contact Person: Howard Stanton (Tel: +6013 8818395)

• Borneo Child Aid Society
Providing basic educational support for children living in plantations.
Office: MDLD 6057, Lorong Perdana 3, Sri Perdana, P. O. Box 61850, 91127 Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Contact Person: Torben Venning (Tel: +6089 866857/862402), (Fax: +603-21784113) or (Mobile: +6019 8530656)
Email: info@borneochildaid.org or Website: www.borneochildaid.org

• Food For The Hungry International – Sabah
Office: City Gate, Unit No. C-2-3A, Block C, 2nd Floor, Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jalan Mat Salleh, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu.
Contact Person: Melanie Chu or Horwath T. H. Liew Tong (Tel: +60 88240335) or (Mobile: 016-8391768)
E-mail: fhim@streamyx.com or Website: www.sabah.org.my/fhisabah

• MERCY Malaysia
Vision: Outstanding in the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to all.
Mission: MERCY Malaysia is a non-profit organization focusing on providing medical relief and sustainable health related development for vulnerable communities.
Core Values: We focus on rapid medical response for the assistance of communities affected by disasters. We recognise the value of working with partners and volunteers. We provide an opportunity for individuals to serve with professionalism, upholding the International Code of Conduct for Humanitarian workers. We hold ourselves accountable to our donors and beneficiaries
Website: www.mercy.org.my

• Befrienders Kota Kinabalu
Vision: A world in which fewer people feel the need to end their own lives.
Mission: To alleviate distress and help reduce the risk of suicide through emotional support and public education.
Tel: +6-088-255788 or Website: www.befrienders.org

• SIP (Semporna Islands Project)
Community action for sustainable use and conservation of coral reefs.
Project Officer (Sabah): Helen Brunt. Email : helen@sempornaislandsproject.com
Website: www.sempornaislandsproject.com

• Health In Harmony
Health in Harmony supports an innovative programme in West Kalimantan, Indonesia that partners with local communities to integrate high quality, affordable health care with startegies to protect the threatened rainforest.
Email: kinariwebb@healthinharmony.org or anna.hallemeier@healthinharmony.org
Website: www.healthinharmony.org

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Posted by Daniel on June 21st, 2008 in Events, Sports

Qu Yuan would have been delighted to know that his final act of protest against a corrupt government have inspired an internationally-renowned watersport that brings out the best from ordinary people. On 15 June 2008, The 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008 had just that, when a team of ordinary local fishermen won this year’s Sabah Head of State’s Trophy, despite facing an ocean of a task of defeating the reigning champion Brunei. There were 57 teams altogether that took part in this year’s event, including each from the Philippines and China.

The race went on, come rain or shine

Rain did not stop the participants or the spectators from coming to see this event. People started filling up Likas Bay beach as early as seven in the morning. Hawkers set up food stalls to the delight of the spectators, as food is always a welcomed sight whenever there is a six hour event going on.

The event was officiated by the Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Abidin, Organising Committee Chairman Yang Berbahagia Datuk Irene B. Charuruks and the President of Sabah Chinese Cultural Association Yang Berbahagia Datuk Chau Tet On. Among the dignitaries that attended the event was the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah Yang Berhormat Datuk Masidi Manjun, the Chief Minister of Sabah Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman and Sabah’s Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah bin Abdullah.

0:01 seconds.

That was the amount of time that separated the third, the second and the champion of the Sabah Head of State’s Trophy for the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008. Despite having only two weeks of training, the Pertubuhan Peladang Tuaran dragonboat team managed to beat reigning champion Brunei and bring home the grand prize – a trophy and a cash prize of RM 4,000.00.

The Brunei national team only managed to get a third place in the Sabah Head of State’s Trophy, as the second place was won by another local team from Tuaran, Sabah.

Here are the final results for the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008:

Sabah Head of State’s Trophy

First – Pertubuhan Peladang Tuaran

Second – Terayung, Tuaran

Third – Brunei Darussalam National Team

Sabah Chief Minister’s Trophy

First – Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort B

Second – Pekayuh Skim Remaja, Brunei Darussalam

Third – Tuaran F1

Sabah Chinese Cultural Association President’s Trophy (Men’s Open Category)
First – Penang Forward Sports Club
Second – Persekutuan Persatuan Cina Tawau
Third – Persatuan Teo Chew Tawau

Sabah Chinese Cultural Association President’s Trophy (Mixed Open Category)
First – Sabah Chinese Cultural Association
Second – The Federation of Chinese Association Sabah
Third – Hokkien Association Dragon Team

Sabah Dragon Trophy
First – Mengkabong Mix Team, Tuaran
Second – Nexus Resort Karambunai
Third – Tam Villa, Tuaran

Sabah Tourism Trophy
First – Shan Sui Golf and Country Club Resort B, Tawau
Second – Tay Travel (B), Kota Kinabalu
Third – Shan Sui Golf and Country Club Resort A, Tawau

The race ends for 2008

Congratulations to all the winners of the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008. We hope to see all the participants again next year.

Sources:
Qu Yuan reference from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qu_Yuan
Results from http://dragonboat.sabahtourism.com/2008/results.html

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