Life In Borneo

Posted by Xander on September 6th, 2010 in Culture & Traditions, Foods

Ramadhan Bazaar Tanjung Aru

Fasting from the daylight hours of dawn to sunset, the holy month of Ramdhan is at its’ end and with it welcomes a month which is also known as the Festival of Breaking Fast or Aidilfitri (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) which is estimated to fall on September 10^th. As was previous years, Ramadhan Bazaars are set up all across the nation and with it an eclectic and delectable feast of multifarious foods available throughout the month of fasting.

This year in the state capital, the Ramadhan Bazaar situated at Tanjung Aru Plaza is one of the many fête which only opens its stalls from the first day of the fasting month till the eve of Aidilfitri. Food connoisseurs should not miss the chance to indulge themselves at the numerous scores of scrumptious delicacies awaiting them to sate their appetites.

Situated at the outdoor parking lot of the Tanjung Aru Plaza; it is not only conveniently located within walking distance of the Tanjung  Aru town but it also boasts a larger selection of foodstuffs due to the close proximity of the Tanjung Aru Plaza’s food market. The Bazaar includes the favorites among the local food lovers such as barbecued chicken wings, sting-rays and various sea foods.

For those that fancy a more lighter bonne bouche could browse through the range of fried pastries such as Pisang Goreng, Kuih Jala, Martabak Jawa, Chakueh or rarities such as Popiah Basah as well as the staple food in any Bazaars in Malaysia- the Roti John.

Other varieties comprised of sweet pastries like the onde’-onde’ and iced drinks such as the Air-Batu-Campur(ABC), Cendol and sugar cane juice just to name a few as there are countless more variations of these iced drinks which serves as desserts.

The Tanjung Aru Plaza’s food market also adds diversity to your palate as they display an assortment of cuisines originating from almost all corners of Malaysia such as sizzling hot noodles and rice, Malay-style fried noodles and Chinese cuisines such as Char Kuey Tiaw. If these are not to your taste then worry not for this place also exhibits a mixture of Western foods like sirloin steaks, chicken and lamb chops and also fish and chips.

The Ramadhan Bazaar is for all to enjoy and relish upon the abundance of food selections. If one would pass up on the rare savories which are only available during the fasting month is to miss out on a gastronomically stimulating and gratifying experience.

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Posted by Promoter on August 5th, 2010 in Beauty & Wellness, Promotionals

The Festival of Aidilfitri – ‘Tis the time to forgive and forget…and look absolutely great!

The Aidilfitri (or popularly known as Hari Raya) festival is coming in a months’ time and it will be so exciting to be able to celebrate with your family, relatives, and friends. Yes, one of the highlights of Hari Raya is definitely the delicious and mouth-watering food, but it is crucial to look your best too!

That’s why we are providing LifeInBorneo.com visitors the golden opportunity to try out our Foto Advanced Hair Removal RF™ trial at only RM68! (Regular price: RM1100) T&C apply. Recommended by world-renowned dermatologists and plastic surgeons, Foto Advanced Hair Removal RF™ offers safe and non-surgical hair removal treatment on any body part possible including the face, armpit, abdomen, back, bikini line, and legs.

Call 088 – 260 949 today to make your appointment and we hope to see you soon!

Dermsense Skin Health & Beauty Centre
Shoplot 2-0-6, Ground Floor
Block 2, Api-Api Centre
Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088 – 260 949

We are in Facebook too! Join us at ‘Dermsense Skin Health & Beauty Centre’ and ‘ISKIN® Concept Store’ to get the latest updates on our monthly promotions.

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Posted by Promoter on August 5th, 2010 in Beauty & Wellness, Promotionals

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Rejuvenate yourself at Dermsense™ and ISKIN® Concept Store, where you will be immersed in a relaxing environment while being pampered with the luxury of extraordinary health & beauty treatments by our highly skilled and professional beauty consultants who are medically supervised. At Dermsense™ and ISKIN® Concept Store, we make every effort to listen to your needs and goals and offer customized cost effective aesthetic and wellness solutions to suit individual needs.

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We are in Facebook too! Join us at ‘Dermsense Skin Health & Beauty Centre’ and ‘ISKIN® Concept Store’ to get the latest updates on our monthly promotions.

The Festival of Aidilfitri – ‘Tis the time to forgive and forget…and look absolutely great!

The Aidilfitri (or popularly known as Hari Raya) festival is coming in a months’ time and it will be so exciting to be able to celebrate with your family, relatives, and friends. Yes, one of the highlights of Hari Raya is definitely the delicious and mouth-watering food, but it is crucial to look your best too!

That’s why we are providing LifeInBorneo.com visitors the golden opportunity to try out our Foto Advanced Hair Removal RF™ trial at only RM68! (Regular price: RM1100). Proven to show visible results only after 1st session, this treatment specializes in circumferential & cellulite reduction for concerned areas such as arms, tummy and thighs; as well as skin tightening for the face. Call 088 – 260 949 today to make your appointment and we hope to see you soon!

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

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

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

The 15 Finalists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suria FM’s DJ Othoe and DJ Myra

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

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

DJ Nas-T

Rhythm Masala

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

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

Project Pistol

Project Pistol

Project Pistol

Edrie Hashim of Project Pistol

Kadangyan

Kadangyan

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

Datuk Masidi Manjun with Suria FM DJs’ doing the countdown

DJ Lil’ John

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

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Posted by Daniel on September 18th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Foods, Hot Spots

The Islamic month of Ramadhan is known by many as the time of fasting. It is the time when Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured for 30 days, from dawn until sunset. For food lovers, on the other hand, it is a month where they get to enjoy delicacies they normally won’t find on other days, as they are available only at Ramadhan Bazaars. For those who are staying around Kota Kinabalu City, you can find such a place at Lintasan Deasoka.

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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Posted by Daniel on August 26th, 2009 in Sports

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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Posted by Xander on August 21st, 2009 in Events, Festivals

AUGUST 8th 2009 – University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu was chosen as the venue for Malaysia’s most prestigious and illustrious event which celebrates the accomplishments of the men and women of the local film industry; The 22nd Malaysian Film Festival(Festival Filem Malaysia Ke-22.) The aspirations of the Malaysian Film Festival is to commend the outstanding achievements of the film makers, actors, actresses and artists of the local film industry.

It is also to encourage these artistes to strive with more determination and passion in their outstanding profession that the local films would culminate into global recognition. This is the main reason for this years’ theme which is, ‘Filem Malaysia ke Persada Dunia’ or  ‘The Malaysian Film to the World ’. This inaugural event for Sabah was not only a significant juncture to Sabahans but also shows how distinguishably paramount it is in promoting this state to all Malaysians as well as our neighboring countries.

Attendees kept pouring in as early as 7.30 pm as more people rushed to the Chancellor Hall of UMS to have a glance at their favorite celebrities. The variegated collection of talented and charming artists present that night were Datuk Aziz Sattar, Afdlin Shauki, Jaclyn Victor, Liyana Jasmay, Mohd Nor Kassim, including the exquisitely stunning Amber Chia and Carmen Soo just to name a few among the many effervescent personalities.

Organized by FINAS & GAFIM among other societies of prominent film makers and producers, this auspicious occasion is supported by the Ministry of Information, Communication & Culture, Sabah State Government and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall. The grandeur of such an ostentatious occasion, the resplendence is made even more opulently exceptional as it was graced with the presence of the Tuan Yang Terutama Ahmad Shah, Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Musa Aman, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment,Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun and the mayor of Kota Kinabalu city Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.

The stupendously marvelous opening performance to this luxurious awards ceremony was simply astounding as diverse musicians and dancers permeates the hall with convivial elation weaved into their exhibition of flair and panache and added to the jovial ambiance was the gorgeous Vanida Imran and charismatic Shahrin Ahmad as the main hosts for the night.

And the Award goes to. . .

Best Picture : Papadom

Best Director : Yasmin Ahmad for the picture Talentime.

Best Actor : Afdlin Shauki in ‘Papadom’.

Best Actress : Liyana Jasmay in ‘Papadom’.

Best Screenplay : Yasmin Ahmad for ‘Talentime’.

Best Original Story : Afdlin Shauki for ‘Papadom’.

Best Cinematography : Mohd Nor Kassim for ‘Setem’.

Best Comedy Picture : ‘Los dan Faun’.

Best Supporting Actor : Mohd Shafie Naswip from ‘Talentime’.

Best Supporting Actress : Salina Saibi from ‘Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam’.

Best Child Actor : Mohd. Hadziq in ‘Syurga Cinta’.

Most Promising Actor : Zahiril Adzim in ‘KAMI The Movie’.

Most Promising Actress : Jaclyn Victor in ‘Talentime’.

Most Promising Director : James Lee for the picture ‘Histeria’.

Special Jury’s Award : Box Office Film for the movie ‘Geng:Pengembaraan Bermula’.

Best Director : Yasmin Ahmad for the picture Talentime which she received posthumously. Her younger sister accepted the award on behalf of Yasmin which gave a very moving speech that almost made her shed tears on the stage.

Best Picture : Papadom

Best Actor : Afdlin Shauki in ‘Papadom’, Best Original Story : Afdlin Shauki for ‘Papadom’.

Best Supporting Actress : Salina Saibi from ‘Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam’.

A blend of an almost unprecedented attendance of diverse esteemed guests, acclaimed artists, fascinating celebrities and personalities which came for a momentous reception; it was expected to be an evening that would set it apart from other official functions that ever transpired in the Land Below the Wind.

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Posted by Xander on August 12th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

JULY 26th 2009, Papar Municipal Hall – The 10th  Sabah Gambus Festival 2009 was a spectacle with this years’ venue of the town of Papar. The Association of Bruneian Community of Sabah (help  me translate this better) or the Persatuan Masyarakat Brunei Sabah brings this musical and cultural celebration to promote not only the traditional gambus instrument but also to nurture the the values of the katani ethnics’ customs and traditions as well to preserve a sense of unity and progress in Malaysia.

Gambus, Instrument of Unity was this years’ motto and staying true to such an adage, it can truly be felt from the people and environment in which this occasion took place. Several competitions with a variety of categories that revolves around the gambus instrument took place here in Papar.

Representing the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Musa bin Haji Aman for the final day of this affair was Yang Berbahagia Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment. Among the delegates and VIPs that also attended were Datuk Karim Bujang, the President of the Association of Bruneian Community of Sabah; Yang Berbahagia Datuk Haji Yusoff Bin Datuk Haji Mohd Kassim and to name a few.

Datuk Masidi Manjun was presented with a memento in the form of the gambus instrument by Datuk Haji Yusoff Kassim to officiate this monumental event for the Bruneian people in Sabah.

Along with the participants of the Gambus Competition, several acclaimed musicians and singers also graced this auspicious affair. These artists includes Fauziah Yunus who brought the gambus instrument to national level by performing all throughout Malaysia and the world, the celebrated guitarist Roger Wang and the illustriously distinguished gambus musician Farid Ali.

The day began with an instrumental piece from the Labuan group which was specially invited by the organizers for this event.

The first team to perform and also one of the participants of the Gambus Competition which is held in conjunction for this festival was performers from Papar that was represented by the Kampung Buang Sayang. Elegant and refined as well as talented they were in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and unique performance.

Kg. Warisan, Kota Kinabalu.

Sipitang in a combination of anomalous and regal both in the color and style of their attire.

Kg Binsuluk, of Membakut.

Beaufort, from the town of Menumbok with an impressive portrayal in their dance which depicted the hardships of the Bruneian people as they were once originally fisherman in the past.

Kg. Weston from Kimanis, representing Bongawan.

Winners of Gambus Group Category . . .

Consolation prize went to Kg. Warisan from Kota Kinabalu and Kg. Weston of Kimanis which took home RM1000.

2nd Runner-up, Kg. Buang Sayang from Papar took home RM2000.

1st Runner-up, Menumbok awarded RM3000.

Champion of the Gambus Group category of the Gambus Festival was bestowed upon the group from Kg. Binsuluk which performed for the Membakut district and the prize of  RM5000.

As was last year, Gambus Festival 2009 did not fail to deliver the communal conviviality of such wealth of customs and traditions delivered from the Brunei Society of Sabah.

Any interested party(s) may contact the website admin should they require further information and/or services pertaining to this event.

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Posted by Xander on July 12th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events

July 3rd-4th, Sabah Cultural Center  – The Sabah International Folklore Festival which began its history since 2001 and successfully staging two more of such a propitious event in 2004 and 2007. This year, the event was launched since the 1st of July this year and promises to feature the various folklore dances from all over the world.

Two competitions were held in conjunction with this festival, the Sabah Creative Dance Competition and the International Folklore Dance competition. Tickets for the local dance competition were priced at RM20 for 1st class, RM10 for normal and RM5 for children under the age of 17 years.

The evening started off as the audience was welcomed with a spectacle of pyrotechnics and an ensemble of young performers from all over Sabah. These youths are none other than the students from the many elementary schools and high schools from each districts within Sabah. They are also the participants for the Creative Dance Competition which is also part of this auspicious and splendorous of occasions.

Each district was represented by an elementary school or high school which will be competing for their respective titles. For these two nights the audience were enthralled by their glittering and dazzling performances.

The elementary schools that participated showed how charming and graceful these young performers were and they captivated the hearts of the crowd. One such school was from the Stella Maris Elementary school performing a dance from the Murut people.

St. Peter of Telipok performed this particular dance which has one of the most colorful attire and it is a dance derived from a traditional dance of the people of Bajau. Though this rendition of the dance was slightly modified but it stayed true to the occasion and it was indeed creative nonetheless.

One specific dance which was surprising to see that night was a performance by the Putatan High School. It is rarely seen outside of its district which hails mainly from the Kokos people of the Tawau district.

Some performances that night also included the choir from Saint Francis Convent high school, adorned in various costumes of different ethnicity and background of the world singing a classic local tune ‘Tinggi-2 Gunung Kinabalu’.

Winners of Elementary level school.

Announcing the winners – The Special Jury Award went to Labuan Federal Territory of S.K Pekan Satu. Kumpulan Harapan category was given to S.K. Tamparuli.

Best Male and Female dancer each received RM300.

Best Costume and Best Choreography – S.K Piawaian of Tambunan.

2nd runner-up was awarded to S.K Likas while 1st runner-up went to Stella Maris Elementary school. The 1st place was given to S.K Piawaian of Tambunan.

Winners of the High School categories.

Special Jury’s Award Anugrah khas juri – St.  Peter of Telipok.

Kumpulan Harapan category – Labuan Federal Territory.

Best Costume – Kota Belud.

Best choreography – Maktab Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

2nd place -Putatan High School.

1^st place of this years creative dance competition high school level was won by Maktab Sabah High School

Don’t miss out on the coverage of the International Folklore Dance competition which was held on the 6th and 7th so stay tuned to lifeinborneo.com.

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