Life In Borneo

Posted by Daniel on June 13th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals, Legends

The Unduk Ngadau Grand Finals of 2009 was held in the Main Hall of KDCA’s Hongkod Koisaan on Sunday, 31st May. This year’s Unduk Ngadau saw 41 contestants representing their respective districts, as 5 more districts have joined the competition, including Putatan, Paitan, Pagalungan and Banggi Island.

The Legend of Huminodun

The event started with a brilliant play called “Teater Lagenda Huminodun”, which tells the legend of Huminodun. According to the legend, the earth, in the days of old, 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.

Huminodun, Kinoingan’s only daughter, 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 people. Thus the importance of rice in the lives of the Kadazandusun, as rice embodies the spirit of Huminodun who sacrified herself to save humanity.

Beauties dressed in ethnic attires

Earlier in the afternoon, the hosts introduced each of the hopefuls as they were presented on stage. The ladies were dressed in ethnic attire from native cultures found throughout Sabah, such as the distinctive black-and-white Lundayeh set and the hooded Dusun Tindal costume.

Tati Cecelia Riymante (Membakut)

Tati Sheron Olga Fedilis (Sook)

Tati Efahrina Nicholas (Tambunan)

Tati Gilda J Joeplik (Sandakan)

Tati Wanda Hendryana Pius (Lahad Datu)

Tati Flina Binti Rutum (Tamparuli)

Tati Elsie R Marius (Tanjung Aru)

Tati Sarimah Bt Tangkungon (Pagalungan)

Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut (Tuaran)

Tati Emilda Albert (Paitan)

Tati Roziyanah Bt Mutang (Sipitang)

Tati Hulliwta Eliser (Tungku)

Tati Jukini Gamius (Semporna)

Tati Jacqueline Monalisa (Banggi)

Tati Affy Jackleyinda Entawin (Beaufort)

Tati Joanne Bernadette John (Beluran)

Tati Rachel Martinus (Inanam)

Tati Lydia Binti Binidik (Kemabong)

Tati Jacqueline Joseph (Keningau)

Tati Erra Quency Victor (Kota Belud)

Tati Jovenea Jim Lajim (Klang Valley)

Tati Deizi Sebastian Mojinu (Labuan WP)

Tati Rounnah Beb Robert Sylvester (Tenom)

Tati Elinna Masuin (Likas)

Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus (Kota Kinabalu)

Tati Laine Binti Tinggangau (Kota Marudu)

Tati Maylesthelyn Matius (Putatan)

Tati Appey Rowena Januin (Papar)

Out of 41 contestants, 15 made it through to the second round. During this round, the contestants’ wisdom and intellect were tested which requires them to answer a question chosen from a pile of sealed envelops. The questions ranged from subjects that touched social issues such as cultural identity, to economic issues such as how to improve Sabah’s tourism industry. The questions were many, but none of them were easy. This was definitely the hardest part of the competition.

The Top 15

Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus (Kota Kinabalu)
Tati Elinna Masuin (Likas)
Tati Elsie R Marius (Tanjung Aru)
Tati Joanne Kimberley J Majalap (Penampang)
Tati Maylesthelyn Matius (Putatan)
Tati Appey Rowenna Januin (Papar)
Tati Jacqueline Joseph (Keningau)
Tati Rounnah Beb Robert Sylvester (Tenom)
Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut (Tuaran)
Tati Flina Rutum (Tamparuli)
Tati Stella Nakaran (Ranau)
Tati Gloria Lyne Bami (Kinabatangan)
Tati Rozyanah Mutang (Sipitang)
Tati Jacqueline Monalisa (Banggi)
Tati Jovenea Jim Lajim (Klang Valley)

The 7 Finalists

After the question-and-answer round, 7 finalists were announced in reverse order from 7th to 2nd.

7th Place was won by Tati Elinna binti Musiun, who represented Likas

6th Place was won by Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut, who represented Tuaran

5th Place was won by Tati Jacqueline binti Joseph, who represented Keningau

4th Place was won by Tati Flina binti Rutum, who represented Tamparuli

3rd Place was won by Tati Joanne Kimberley J. Majalap, who represented Penampang

2nd Place was won by Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus, who represented Kota Kinabalu

And the Unduk Ngadau 2009 title goes to…

Tati Appey Rowena Januin from Papar!

The full list of winners:

Unduk Ngadau: Tati Appey Rowena Januin
2nd Place: Tati Pearl Dianne Petrus
3rd Place: Tati Joanne Kimberley J. Majalap
4th Place: Tati Flina binti Rutum
5th Place: Tati Jacqueline binti Joseph
6th Place: Tati Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut
7th Place: Tati Elinna binti Musiun
Digi’s Miss Popular: Tati Clarencena Kadius (represented Matunggong)

This year’s Harvest Festival has finally come to an end. Lifeinborneo.com congratulates all the winners of this year’s Unduk Ngadau and to all those that participated in this event and hope that the Spirit of the Harvest will be merrier next year!

• All photos and article are copyright of LifeInBorneo.com.Unauthorized publication or exploitation of text, images or content of this website is specifically prohibited. Anyone wishing to use any of these files or images for use, publication, for any purpose, must request and receive prior written permission from the administrators of LifeInBorneo.com.
  

6 Comments

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

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

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

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

Sinimpung

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source – Murut Cultural Museum.

2 Comments

Posted by Raz on April 3rd, 2008 in Events

The Pesta Kalimaran celebrates and honours the Murut people and their traditions, featuring a myriad of traditional Murut dances, songs, food, games and handicraft. Come and join the folks of Tenom in this colourful 2-day event.

Date : 26 – 27 April 2008
Organiser : Sabah Cultural Board
Contact Person : Azrul Junilus
Telephone : +6088 268 884/879/863/818
Fax : +6088 265 235

No Comments

Posted by Raz on March 1st, 2008 in Events

This Carnival is celebrated to mark the 7th anniversary of the Park’s launching. It will be a fun-filled event, featuring various competitions and exhibitions. Take the opportunity to visit the many gardens of the Sabah Agriculture Park. Bring your family and friends for a fun day!

Date: 15 March – 16 March 2008
Organiser: Sabah Agriculture Park

Contact Person:
Muhidin Hj. Ismail, Pengurus Taman Pertanian Sabah
Puan Wan Masalmah Wan Abedin, Pegawai Pemasaran

Telephone: +6087 737952, 737558 (Tenom), +6088 258529
Fax: +6087 737571 (Tenom), +6088 258529

Email Contact: agripark@sabah.net.my
Website: http://www.sabah.net.my/agripark/home.htm

No Comments