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

3 Comments

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.

1 Comment

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.

1 Comment

Posted by Xander on February 3rd, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

In welcoming the Lunar New Year 2009, the Chinese New Year Carnival was held at Lintasan Deasoka; right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city. This market which is located along the stretch of Gaya Street, was held annually within the state capital. From January 19th to the 23rd, many performances were also put up to commemorate the festivities and celebration of a year which promises to cultivate hard work and bring about prosperity; which is the Year of the Ox.

The Carnival was filled with celebration and anticipation of the Lunar New Year and it was apparent on the faces of so many people that came to Lintasan Deasoka. With the crowd full of joy and merriment from the spirit of such festivities in welcoming the Lunar Year, many were also present to check out what items that catches their eye at the market because this only happens once a year. The streets were brightly lit with Chinese lanterns (which is also known as ‘Tang Lung’ ) hung along the market; coruscating and resplendent amidst the multifarious vendors along the stretch of Gaya Street.

Cultural performances could also be seen upon the stage which also included traditional Chinese songs and dances performed by so many talented and charming young performers and artists. From the 21st to 22nd, the performances included a singing competition as well, both which were performed by students from local schools in Kota Kinabalu city. The performers mostly in their traditional Chinese costumes frolicking and enjoying themselves whilst putting on a good show, made their whole performance much more breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

Seeing so many lively faces especially on the children, due to the items that the diversity of vendors had to offer at the night market. Various items were so appealing along the whole stretch which included not only colorful, marvelous lanterns and decorations for the Chinese new year jubilation but also wonderful assortment of delightful and tasty pastries, biscuits and candies. These are some of the unique items sold at the night market for this jovial season.

The closing ceremony which was held on the 23rd, was executed flawlessly and attended by so many, from locals to tourists and high officials alike which was ended with displays of scintillating fireworks.

Life in Borneo would like to wish all our  Chinese readers, wherever you are; Gong Xi Fa Cai, Happy Chinese New Year! Let us welcome this year with an open heart and willingness to work hard together and bring about prosperity to each other.

2 Comments

Posted by Xander on September 15th, 2008 in Destinations, Foods, Hot Spots

Ramadhan is a month when the muslim community practices fasting and every year in Sabah, it’s state capital would put up a month-long Food Bazaar in the heart of the city. Located in the Asia City area which is situated nearby prominent malls; is a haven for food lovers as the selections of mouth watering delicacies comes from all corners of Malaysia.

It was officiated earlier this month on September 1st by Y.B. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin. With the multitude of selections presented at the Food Bazaar it is no wonder why the area is packed with so many people even as early as 3 p.m. Upon droves of stalls you can see people from all walks of life coming to this place and some still in their office attire.

Refreshments and Drinks . . .

Some of the staple drinks for breaking fast are the sugar cane juice, lime juice and coconut drinks, though lately the juice stands in the bazaar has diversified its range of refreshments and now you can see an assortment of drinks equally satisfying such as the Carrot juice, Guava and Watermelon.

Pastries and Local Delicacies . . .

In Malaysia, with its multifarious ethnicity and religion it is not surprising to find some of the best and somewhat unique foods available for all travelers to try out. One such food would be the Roti-John. Imagine a hot dog bun and instead of your normal sausage you find yourself biting into scrambled-eggs cooked with minced beef/chicken and onions. It is an enigma on how its name was procured but you’ll find yourself coming back for more of it.

Some other local delicacies includes the onde-onde, kuih lengang, kuih terang-bulan and murtabak-jawa. But no household would be short of one of the more traditional and usually a necessity for breaking fast among the muslim community: Dates. Besides its application in processed foods namely confectionery product, dates are a staple delicacy within the month of Ramadhan; the fasting month.

Grills and Barbecues . . .

The smell of fresh sea foods and chicken wings could jostle your olfactory senses from afar. Though being a food bazaar with a blend of traditional and local delicacies, there are more than just fishes being cooked here. Some includes the the sting-ray, squids, cuttlefish and the well known satay. There are so many stalls to choose from, one should find time to browse through them to find what suits your taste buds.

The Ramadhan Food Bazaar starts its operating hours as early as 1.00 p.m to 6.30 p.m, though it is advisable to come early though due to the fact that most of the best-selling foods here would be finished as early as 5 p.m. But rest assured this bazaar will be on through the whole month of September, and you will find yourself coming back here for more.

4 Comments

Posted by Xander on June 30th, 2008 in Destinations, Hot Spots, Travels

Located along the streets of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Main Bazaar, the Kuching Waterfront is situated along the river banks of Sarawak River. Kuching being the state capital of Sarawak, it is also a focal point or gateway for many travelers visiting the Land of the Hornbills. Upon reaching the waterfront, one could already expect the breath-taking scene and anticipating a relaxed and interesting stroll.

The whole stretch of the waterfront are dotted with multifarious choices of stalls to visit. Starting from Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, various food stalls could be found selling local dishes and pastries. Keep walking and you could find other numerous kiosks of food and beverages variegated in their menu as well.

Taking a stroll along the walkway there are more interesting places to visit like the handicraft stalls. Various kinds of mementos are sold from necklaces and/or wrist-bands made of pearls, beads, aventurine and even jade. Souvenirs of key chains or letter-openers made from ceramic, stainless steel and wood are also present to name a few.

For more choices of souvenirs, make your way to the Main Bazaar Handicraft Market which can be found near the Visitor’s Information Center and National Park Booking Office. The handicraft building could easily be identified by being the only two-storey building to grace the waterfront along the street. The towers located facing the river can be visited to get a wider view of the scenic Sarawak River and the Kuching Waterfront.

Finding your way around is made easier with the Tourist information center located near the Waterfront Security building upon the waterfront walkway. Nearby you could find a small hall that has locals performing cultural dances and playing variegated instruments from different ethnic origins within Sarawak.

The Sarawak River is alive somehow with so many boats servicing the entire river, ready to shuttle visitors from one end of the waterfront all the way to the Main Bazaar Market. For a fare you could also make your way across the river and visit the Fort Margherita. Larger vessels are also present to cater to your traveling needs along the river.

The path along the waterfront has many remarkable sights, sound and smell to entice your every need as a traveler to this exceptional location within Kuching City. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back here when the sun sets and when it does, it is a whole new ambiance and experience altogether. To have glimpse of this place at night time go here.

3 Comments

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.

9 Comments

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.

3 Comments

Posted by Raz on February 3rd, 2008 in Events

[ratings]

On the 2nd February 2008, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (D.B.K.K.) held the KK City Street Parade 2008 at the Promenade Boulevard. The event started from 7pm and lasted until 10.30pm. It was a wonderful night filled with performances by hundreds of local and international participants wearing their respective traditional attire. Continue reading this post…

No Comments

Posted by Raz on February 2nd, 2008 in Events

Happy City Day, Kota Kinabalu! Today, K.K. celebrates the 8th Anniversary of being a city since her official declaration back in 2nd February, 2000. Congratulations to the City Hall (D.B.K.K.) and the people of Kota Kinabalu.

The city of K.K. once known as Jesselton in the 19th Century, was a small town frequented by merchant ships. It was founded in 1899 and in 1947 replaced Sandakan as the capital of what was then British North Borneo. The town was destroyed during World War II but has since been rebuilt and modernized. Then, on 30th September 1968, the name was changed to Kota Kinabalu.

1 Comment