Tawau to hold international cultural festival

TAWAU: The second Tawau International Cultural Festival is expected to attract between 50,000 to 70,000 visitors, and tourist and tourism players are called to play their role and promote the many places of interest in the district.

Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) president Datuk Ismail Mayakob when confirming the festival date on February 11, said this year’s festival would showcase the traditional wedding ceremony of each ethnic group apart from their unique traditional dance that would be performed by the villagers themselves and not by performers.

“There are a lot of changes this year and 25 ethnic groups have already confirmed their participation,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Ismail said apart from the many ethnic groups in Tawau, Johore Bahru and Sarawak had also confirmed their participation, while Indonesia and Brunei had given a positive response to the invitation,” he said.

He said in the morning, there would be a showcase and sales of traditional food and the highlights would be at night in front of the TMC building.

Continue reading at: Tawau to hold international cultural festival
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Paitan festival enriches country’s traditional culture

BELURAN: Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang has described the holding of the Taggungu Festival as an effective approach to promote the cultural heritage of the Paitan area and to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

“I believe there are traditional music and arts in this district which still remain unexposed to the outside world.

“The organising of this festival can be viewed as a platform for the Sungai Labuk tribes to promote their cultural heritage.

“By re-introducing traditional music and dances, it will help to revive our cultural heritage thereby enriching the country’s traditional culture,” Salang said when officiating the festival here yesterday.

More than 2,000 local people attended the event, including Beluran member of parliament Datuk Ronald Kiandee, Kuamut assemblyman Masiung Banah and Sugut assemblyman Datuk Surady Kayong.

Meanwhile, Salang expressed hope that heritage arts, such as carving and weaving, could be included in the festival next year since the area has the experts not only in traditional music and dance but also in the field of sculpture, weaving and other crafts.

Continue reading at: Paitan festival enriches country’s traditional culture

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Sabah cultural village set to be latest attraction at KDCA compound

PENAMPANG: There is no better way to promote the rich cultural diversity in Sabah than allowing one to experience it themselves.

And with that in mind, Datuk Richard Bainon took up the challenge to redevelop the existing cultural village within the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), also known as the Hongkod Koisaan (Place of Unity).

With the addition of a suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage as final touches to the area, it is set to be the latest attraction complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of nearly RM1 million, the place is run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Dubbed the KDCA Cultural Village, Bainon, who is the venture’s chairman, said the area complements Hongkod Koisaan, which is already a magnet for revelers during the final week of the month-long Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival celebration in May.

“But it remains idle the rest of the year except for a few activities. So we thought that since Hongkod Koisaan is already a household name for cultural programmes, why not make full use of the advantage and turn it into a one-stop centre to further promote the rich cultural diversity from Sabah.

“They will stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah by our very own dance team. In fact, we are also encouraging locals from different ethnics and districts to come and stay at their respective ‘houses’ to promote their handicrafts. This interactive exhibition will be done inside the 11 traditional houses,” said Bainon,who is also KDCA deputy president.

At the new cafe, the public will be served with traditional delicacies.

“We want to present our food in such a way that it can be savoured and appreciated by visitors … you are bound to find hinava, bambangan and basung fish on the menu,” he said when hosting a get-together with tour agents and other tourism players recently.

Continue reading at: Sabah cultural village set to be latest attraction at KDCA compound

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Places of Interest in Sabah: Murut Cultural Centre, Tenom

The Murut Cultural Centre is situated in Kampung Pulong, about 10 kilometers away from Tenom town.



The location of this cultural centre is conspicuously located just by the roadside, on the left hand side of the road if you’re heading from the direction of Kota Kinabalu.



The centre covers an area of 33 acres and lies next to the Pegalan River. The humongous building of the Murut Cultural Centre alone stretches out to 20 acres large. The cultural centre houses an interesting gallery which displays many artifacts such as jars, gongs, and traditional designs of the indigenous Murut inhabitants.



The impressive buildings of the Murut Cultural Centre are mainly constructed out of local timber. The gigantic pillars epitomize elements of Murut architectures. Chiseled carvings on the pillars and the buildings’ interior panels offer a glimpse of the authentic Murut architecture.



The Murut Cultural Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Source: Sabah Tourism



NOTE: Photo Copyright to e-borneo.com

ED NOTE: A recent visit on a sleepy Sunday found the Murut Cultural Centre to be 'sleeping'. We were not greeted by anyone and we simply tour the compound on our own. The Centre normally only comes alive once a year during the Pesta Kalimaran cultural celebration in April. It would be a shame if this impressive work of art and culture is left lifeless during the majority of the year. It would definitely be hard to impress tourists (both local and foreign) who walk-in to the Centre. More crucially, the colourful Murut culture will lose the opportunity to be introduced to visitors. But, it is still worthwhile to drop by at the Centre when you are in Tenom. With well-written information along all the displays and exhibits, a self-guided tour will be equally intriguing to learn more about the culture of the Muruts, one of the indigenous people of Sabah.

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National-level Gawai Dayak open house on July 11 to be held in a 21-door Iban longhouse

PAKAN: The national-level Gawai Dayak open house to be held at Rumah Wilson Begat Bakir in Ulu Paku, Betong on July 11 will be graced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin would arrive by helicopter at the longhouse at 11am, revealed Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture, Datuk Joseph Salang.

“He will be accorded a traditional welcome on his arrival,” he told reporters after visiting victims of a fire that razed Rumah Usar in Rantau Betebang in Wak here yesterday.

Twenty families were left homeless after fire destroyed Rumah Usar at 9am on June 19. There were no casualties.

Salang said more than 3,000 people were expected at the event to be held at the traditional 21-door Iban longhouse (Rh Wilson Begat Bakir) which is more than 85 years old.

It is also the longhouse of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas.

Salang said canopies equipped with close circuit televisions (CCTV) cameras would be set up in the compound of the longhouse for guests.

“The guests will be entertained to cultural performances and served Dayak delicacies,” he said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: National-level Gawai Dayak open house on July 11 to be held in a 21-door Iban longhouse

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Sumazau dancers create record

KOTA KINABALU: One thousand traditionally-garbed performers danced their way into the Malaysia Book of Records with the graceful Kadazandusun sumazau to mark the highlight of the Tadau Kaamatan Malaysia open house here last night.

With outstretched arms and swaying gracefully in unison to the beating of gongs, they were rewarded with loud cheers and applause by a crowd of thousands who braved the rain at the historic Padang Merdeka here.

Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin launched the celebrations, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and other state and national leaders.

Musa told the crowd that Sabah's ethnic diversity was never an obstacle to unity among the people.

“Instead, this unique aspect has become our pillar of strength that has resulted in political stability, paving the way for economic and social growth,” he said.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia as a whole had reached a level of harmony that the people could be proud of.

In his speech, Dr Rais said the Kaamatan had become a renowned celebration and was among the basis on which the 1Malaysia concept could be built upon.

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Dayak community welcomes Gawai

KUCHING: It is that time of year again, when Sarawak’s rich diversity of culture is showcased at its best.

Traditionally, the Dayak community welcomes the Gawai celebrations to give thanks to the gods for another successful harvest of the paddy, while praying for another good season up ahead.

Celebrated in the State on June 1 each year, Gawai Dayak is both a religious and social occasion.

Gawai Dayak simply means a ritual or festival celebrated by the native ethnic groups of the Iban and Bidayuh people of Sarawak and neighbouring Kalimantan of Indonesia.

Even though many of the younger generation have migrated to the city and are not involved in paddy planting anymore, Gawai Dayak remains an integral part of the Dayak traditions and customs.

Evolving with time and social changes, Gawai now symbolises a time to give back, to reunite with family members, friends, the community and above all, to strengthen the understanding and appreciation of the traditions, cultures and the roots of oneself.

Although the colourful cultural extravaganza and fiesta of the Gawai Dayak runs through June until its ‘Ngiling Tikai’ (closing ceremony), it is the rituals, prayers and celebration to welcome Gawai that would be considered its highlights.

For the Iban community, be it in the longhouse or the urban housing communities, celebration starts on the eve, on May 31 itself.

During the evening, a ceremony among the Ibans, a ceremony called Muai Antu Rua (to cast away the spirit of greed) is conducted to ward off the spirit of bad luck .

Around 6pm (twilight), an offering ceremony called ‘miring’ would take place.

The longhouse chief or the most respected senior figure in the community would conduct the miring ritual by thanking the gods for the good harvest, asking for guidance, blessings and long life as he waves a cockerel over the offerings.

The cockerel would then be sacrificed and a little blood is used together with the offerings. Before the ceremony, ‘gendang rayah’ (ritual music) would be performed.

Once the offering ceremony has been carried out, dinner would then be served at the ‘ruai’.

Just before midnight, a procession along the ‘ruai’ for seven times called ‘Ngalu Petara’ (welcoming the spirit gods) would be performed.

It is usually during such procession that a beauty pageant to choose the festival’s queen and king (Kumang and Keling Gawai) would be held.

However, in this modern time, with the growing interest of the Kumang Gawai festival, the pageants would be held days or weeks earlier leading to Gawai Dayak.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Dayak community welcomes Gawai
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Kaamatan promotes Sabah’s rich diversity

KOTA KINABALU: The Harvest Festival has indirectly help promote the uniqueness and diversity of Sabah apart from celebrating the cultural heritage of the Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) communities.

The promotion through the concept of Malaysia Open House has also contributed to the increase in the arrival of tourists to Sabah which had recorded its highest growth so far of 2.5 million people in 2010.

“This is our uniqueness and I hope the spirit of Harvest Festival celebrations will continue to provide inspiration and strength for us to unite and strengthen the unity to ensure stability, peace and prosperity of our beloved state,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan here yesterday.

The official closing ceremony was performed by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

“I myself had the opportunity to attend various celebrations and are pleased with the involvement and support of people of various races and cultures all over the state,” he noted.

Although the festival had reached its end, Musa believe the spirit of the celebration will continue and should be used as a platform to unite the people in the state, in line with the theme for this year celebration ‘understanding of the culture-wise step forward’.

He said the debut of some ethnic groups brought by KDCA at this year celebrations such as Tidung, Dusun Labuk, Sukang, Kuizau, Murut Tangala, Dumpas, Orang Sungai Kuamut and Orang Dusun Tabilung were to expose the uniqueness of their culture in a spirit of friendship, understanding and harmony.

He said the traditional performances presented throughout the celebrations by the various races and ethnic groups had further strengthen our cultural understanding, making Sabah an example for harmonious society as well as the best model for the 1Malaysia concept, achieved by everyone regardless of political boundaries.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan promotes Sabah’s rich diversity

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Kaamatan a platform to strengthen unity

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the Harvest Festival celebration has provided a platform not only for all communities to come together but also to bury any hatchet and differences.

“It is time for forgive and forget our past and move forward,” he said at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan here yesterday.

Pairin who is also the main organising chairman, said apart from the merriment, the celebrations has also provided a platform to strengthen the unity and understanding of the state diverse races, culture and ethnic groups as well as to appreciate the sacrifices of Huminodun while enjoying a bountiful harvest.

Sabah United Bisaya Association president Datuk Lajim Ukin who was present at the ceremony said: “There are more than 31 ethnic groups in Sabah who have their own custom, culture and dance respectively.

“So with this festival, we have the opportunity to highlight their culture and traditions to the public as well as become an attraction for the tourists,” said the Deputy Minister of Housing & Local Government.

“Our diverse cultures should be promoted to the visitors and when you understand our cultures, the international communities will recognise us,” he said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan a platform to strengthen unity
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Hongkod Koisaan impresses with new look for Kaamatan 2011

PENAMPANG: The state-level Kaamatan 2011 has received thumbs up from regular visitors following a noticeable improvement of facilities at the Hongkod Koisaan, the permanent hosting site for the annual cultural extravaganza.

Kaamatan, the harvest festival of Sabah’s biggest ethnic group – the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM), is traditionally celebrated as a way of showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest of padi or rice.

Today, however, the Kaamatan festival is more of a celebration of culture and tradition, part of a continuous effort to preserve the colourful identity of an ethnic, and highly recognized as a tool for promoting inter-racial understanding.

And this year’s festival, according to visitor Shamsul Adzrin, is as grand as ever, only more joyous and festive with more people from all background coming to join the celebration.

“It’s more happening this year, that’s the vibe you get. You can see a number of new and upgraded structures, and more importantly there are more people and everyone is excited and happy,” said the 40-year-old from Johor.

Shamsul said he almost never missed coming to Hongkod Koisaan every Kaamatan since residing in Sabah 16 years ago, and noticed that the organizing of the event had continued to show gradual improvements over the years.

“I think this year’s improvement is quite noticeable. It is a job well done for the Kadazan Dusun Murut Cultural Association (KDCA),” he said, as unending flow of visitors continued to arrive despite the simmering hot midday temperature.

Over the years, local residents and tourists have been flocking to Hongkod Koisaan (which means the Unity Hall in the Kadazan language), for the state-level Kaamatan festival closing ceremony held every May 30 and 31.

However, this year, the organizer, KDCA, decided to go for a major revamping, offering visitors a refreshing change, both with the itinerary and facilities.

The renewal literally started at the doorstep, with visitors being greeted by the ‘KDCA Cultural Village’ arch which led them to a hanging bridge with a man-made pond underneath.

Continue reading at: Hongkod Koisaan impresses with new look for Kaamatan 2011

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Kaamatan Traditional Shows Strengthen Cultural Understanding

PENAMPANG -- Traditional shows put up during Pesta Kaamatan can strengthen cultural understanding between the various races and ethnic groups in Sabah.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the understanding forged via dances and exhibitions will strengthen unity and make them recognise and accept the heritage.

"This makes Sabah the best model for 1Malaysia Concept that should be joined by all regardless of political leaning", he said at the closing of Sabah Pesta Kaamatan at Hongkod Koisaan here Tuesday.

He believed that the spirit of Pesta Kaamatan will remain and used as a unifying platform by the people of Sabah.

Continue reading at: Kaamatan Traditional Shows Strengthen Cultural Understanding
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Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

KOTA KINABALU: A new era beckons the cultural village in the compound of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building, also known as the Hongkod Koisaan or "Place of Unity".

A suspension bridge, a handicraft centre, a landscape garden with a pond and a fully functional stage look set to become the latest attractions complementing the 11 traditional houses at the cultural village.

Developed at a cost of over RM1 million, the place will be run by KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a private company and the association which aims to turn the Hongkod Koisaan into a one-stop tour attraction to woo guests all year long.

Tapping Sabah's booming tourism industry, a team dedicated to promoting the assets within the Hongkod Koisaan grounds has been set up to showcase the unique cultures and traditions of the people here.

The venture's chairman, Datuk Richard Bainon, said the Hongkod Koisaan was a magnet for revellers during the final week of the month-long Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration in May but remained idle the rest of the year except for a few activities.

"We plan to bring guests from all over the world to the place regularly and introduce them to the culture and traditions we have in Sabah," said Bainon, who is also the KDCA deputy president.

There will also be stage shows with performances from the various ethnic groups in Sabah, interactive exhibitions inside the 11 traditional houses showcasing the lifestyles of the people and sale of handicrafts.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Unlocking village's tourism potential at Kadazandusun Cultural Village

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Kaamatan kicks off with fun and games

KOTA KINABALU: An age old Dusun ritual to appease the rice spirits took centrestage at the two-day state level Pesta Kaamatan harvest celebrations.

The ritual known as Bobogo to mark a bountiful padi harvest was performed by a group of Tatana Dusuns from Kuala Penyu in southwest of Sabah and leading them was a chief priest known as Babaga.

The ritual was then followed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and Kadazandusun paramount leader (Huguan Siou) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan trying their hand at making a sago delicacy known as ambuyat.

Musa later beat the gong to mark the start of the Pesta Kaamatan celebrations at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association grounds in Penampang here yesterday.

The colourful annual celebrations of the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities saw a series of 11 traditional games, which included a tug-of-war match in which Musa and other VIPs took part.

Among the other games played were rampanau (bamboo stilt walking), mipulos (arm wrestling), momolistik (catapult), membujak (spearing), sumpit (blowpipe), pounding padi husks and gunny sack race.

Visitors were entertained with traditional music and dance by the various ethnic groups at this year's celebrations themed “Cultural Understanding The Way Forward”.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan kicks off with fun and games
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Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak Festivals Worthy Of World Attention

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak festivals celebrated by ethnic communities in Sabah and Sarawak this week serve as an opportunity for Malaysians to showcase the country's cultural and ethnic diversity to the world.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Malaysians living in Borneo would share their rich culture with other people with pride, including with fellow Malaysians from the peninsula.

Najib said peninsular Malaysians should take the opportunity to learn more about the country's cultural heritage.

"We shouldn't forsake our age-old traditions that bind us as one race, as we strive to transform Malaysia into a developed nation of high income.

"It all starts with our homeland, the need for us to appreciate our rich cultural heritage," Najib wrote in a posting on his www.1malaysia.com.my blogsite Monday.

Continue reading at: Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak Festivals Worthy Of World Attention

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New Itinerary For This Year's Kaamatan Celebration

PENAMPANG (Sabah) -- Over the years, local residents and tourists have been flocking to Hongkod Koisaan (which means the Unity Hall in the Kadazan language), the venue for the state level Kaamatan festival held every May 30 and 31.

Regular or repeat visitors already familiar with the traditional houses, the multipurpose hall and the handicraft and food stalls erected around the vicinity know what to expect during the two-day programme.

However, this year the organizer, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA)of Sabah, has decided to go for a major revamping, therefore visitors to the event can expect a refreshing change, both with the itinerary and the facilities for the harvest festival.

CULTURAL VILLAGE TO BE PROMOTED THROUGH TOURISM PACKAGES

The renewal literally starts at the doorstep, with visitors greeted by the 'KDCA Cultural Village' arch which leads them to a hanging bridge with a man-made pond underneath.

After crossing the bridge, there is a new open stage on the left, and just further up, a handicraft outlet awaits those interested in bringing home souvenirs. It would be hard not to notice the new cafe next to it.

Also, some of the traditional houses now sport a new look.

"Renovation work on landscaping and those on traditional houses started about two months ago."

"Most of the houses have been given touch-ups, but we even went to the extent of demolishing one of the houses, namely the Tambunan house, and erected a new one," said KDCA Secretary General Suman Yasambun.

CENTRE TO BE USED EVEN AFTER KAAMATAN

While some may think that all the preparations may be too much, compared with previous years, there is actually another reason for it.

After the Kaamatan celebrations end, the KDCA Cultural Village will be promoted as a tourism destination through a joint venture company to generate year-round economic activities at Hongkod Koisaan.

KDCA and Tombituon Enterprise had jointly established KDCA Cultural Village Sdn Bhd to manage the Cultural Village, which would largely promote the 11 traditional houses through daily activities for visitors and tourists.

"Over the years, local and international tourists alike have been crowding this place during the Kaamatan state-level event.

"KDCA is embarking on this new area of advancement, we want to use these traditional houses for money-making activities," said Suman.

At the same time, they also hope to provide an educational avenue for students and younger people, to remind them of traditional cultures and their ancestor's activities through demonstrations to be held at the houses.

"Most of the youths nowadays are not familiar with their own cultural background, so if we introduce this tourism product, it can also give them some knowledge and maybe they will get to know traditional rituals or tools used from the olden days," he explained.

UNDUK NGADAU ON BOTH DAYS

On the itineraries, the highlight of the celebration is the Unduk Ngadau or the Harvest Festival beauty pageant.

George Mijin, the programme head for the state-level Kaamatan celebration, said that previously the event was held on the second afternoon with results expected at the end of the day.

However, this time around the first round will be held on the morning of the first day and the 15 short-listed finalists will continue on to the finals on the second day.

"The beauty contest is usually held inside the multipurpose hall, but this year we will hold the first round on May 30 at the open stage to accommodate a bigger audience."

At the same time, George said that this year's state-level Kaamatan celebration will also showcase, for the first time, a 'menabib' demonstration, which is the ancestral art of making 'lokub'(rope) using rattan.

This rope, back in the old days, was tied onto the buffalos' pierced nose and used to pull the animal, he explained.

"This demonstration is specifically requested by our KDCA President, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, and the art originates from Tambunan, his district of origin," he added.

Another new element that the public will get to see this year is the symbolic 'moginum orang tatana' ceremony during the launch of the celebration, which is unique to the district of Kuala Penyu, which is the district chosen for the launch of the next Kaamatan festival, said George.

Continue reading at: New Itinerary For This Year's Kaamatan Celebration
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KDCA Welcomes Suggestion For Kaamatan Festival To Become National Celebration

KOTA KINABALU -- The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has welcomed State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said Keruak's suggestion that the federal government should recognise the state-level Kaamatan Festival, observed annually on May 31, as a national-level celebration.

Deputy President Datuk Dr Clarence Bongkos Malakun said the move would allow the celebration to be organised on a larger scale.

"In the past, we had to rely heavily on sponsorships from corporate companies every year to make this event a success, since the state government could only give us a limited allocation.

"If it is elevated to a national celebration, then we hope we will get a higher allocation," he told reporters after signing a sponsorship agreement with DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd for the Kaamatan Festival, near here, today.

On Sunday, Salleh said that a national-level Kaamatan Festival would be in line with the government's goals under the 1Malaysia concept, which aims for unity within a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

Malakun, who is also the chairman of the Kaamatan Festival Coordinating Committee, said the Tourism Ministry and the Information Communication and Culture Ministry could play large roles in organising the festival given that it was one of Sabah's biggest tourist attractions, and promoted the cultures and traditions of the Kadazandusun and Murut.

Continue reading at: KDCA Welcomes Suggestion For Kaamatan Festival To Become National Celebration
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2011 Iban Kumang Gawai Harvest Festival Queen

MIRI: Twenty-one-year-old Velentine Hellyiza Stephen from Ulu Sebauh, Bintulu was adjudged ‘2011 Kumang Gawai’ of Miri City.

Velentine outshone five other contestants in the Iban category of the Kumang Gawai (Dayak Harvest Festival Queen) contest at the ‘2011 Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Celebration’ at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here on Monday night.

The first runner-up was 22-year-old Elizabeth Gia Amui of Kanowit, while Shandra Petrus Juline, 25, from Nanga Geremai, Kanowit was the second runner-up.

In the Bidayuh category, the Gawai Kumang title went to 23-year-old Jennifer Ubung Nawan of Kampung Skiat, Bau.

She beat five others, including 20-year-old Venezia of Kampung Benuk, Padawan and 18-year-old Marie Paye Steve of Kampung Tanjong Poting, Singai who were second and third place winners respectively.

18-year-old Stephanie Singa from Trusan, Lawas was adjudged ‘Gawai Keligit’ in the Orang Ulu category, defeating five others.

Jessica Bulan Stephen, 20, of Long San, Baram took the second place and 19-year-old Karen Disa from Long Selawan, Ulu Baram came up third.

The three ‘Kumangs’ each brought home RM1,000 in cash plus a sash, a trophy, a certificate of participation, a hamper by Maggi and bouquet.

As for the first runners-up in each category, everyone received RM800 and the second runners-up RM600 each, plus a trophy, sash, hamper and bouquet.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: 2011 Iban Kumang Gawai Harvest Festival Queen
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The Colourful and Beautiful Sabah Fest

KOTA KINABALU: Some delays and minor technical hindrances, but otherwise the Sabah Fest 2011 musical theatre, staged at a leading hotel here over the weekend, was a resounding success.

It drew about 1,000 people, approximately half of them being tourists, both foreign and domestic.

Sam, who was in a group of travel agents from Australia and was visiting Sabah for the first time, was impressed by the musical, titled “Papakang – The Odyssey of Seven Brothers.”

“Very colourful, very beautiful!” he exclaimed.

Asked whether there was anything in the show that the group might not be happy about, Sam replied, “The delays, and we didn’t understand what the actors were saying.”

He added that the audience was aware that the delays were not the organiser’s fault. But he thought, apart from the narrator, there should be a translation projected onto the screens set up on the stage. This would allow foreigners to understand the dialogue between actors, which were spoken in local dialects.

Entrepreneur Hashim Ahmad and his wife, both from the peninsula, were also awed by the dance performances which nailed home the fact that “there are so many tribes in Sabah.”

While this was only his second visit and his wife’s first to Sabah, he said they were not totally ignorant about the people of the Malaysian Borneo state.

“Over there we tend to identify Malaysians as Malay, Chinese and Indian. Only when you are in Sabah, and I suppose Sarawak, too, that you begin to realise how narrow your perception of being Malaysian is.

“People from the peninsula should come to the Sabah and Sarawak and experience being ‘Truly Malaysian’, and Sabah Fest is a wonderful eye-opener too,” he added.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has been organising Sabah Fest, this being the 23rd year, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd, which began the festival in 1988.

Continue reading at: The Colourful and Beautiful Sabah Fest
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Kaamatan an avenue to enhance unity

TAMPARULI: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman has called on people in Sabah to regard the annual Harvest Festival as an avenue for enhancing unity and promoting culture.

He said the festival or Kaamatan, through its display of unique cultures, also contributed to the tourism industry in the State.

“For us in Sabah, this is a perfect opportunity to enhance unity and harmony among the various races,” he said when speaking at the launch of the State-level Kaamatan celebration on Sunday held at the Tun Hamdan Hall here.

Also present was Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also the president of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association and Minister of Local Government & Housing, Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Understanding Culture – A Step Forward”.

Musa said the theme clearly reflected the importance of culture and for people to respect and appreciate the different and unique cultures in the State.

It was this diversity, he said, that formed the core and strength of unity and harmony in the State within the spirit of 1Malaysia.

“People in Sabah are one and this can be seen when we all celebrate the different festivals together in peace and harmony,” he added.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan an avenue to enhance unity
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Sabah Fest 2011 - A Colourful Cultural Extravaganza

KOTA KINABALU: The annual Sabah Fest, a cultural extravaganza, the state’s largest and most colourful cultural event of the year is here again.

It started yesterday with the Cultural Extravaganza while the Premiere Show will be held today at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort at 7pm.

The grand launching will be carried out by the Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Juhar Mahiruddin, who will be accompanied by his consort, Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Norlidah Datuk R.M Jasni at the Magellan Grand Ballroom of Sutera Harbour Resort at 8pm.

At a recent press conference, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun revealed that the 23rd edition of Sabah Fest will bring to the audience the story of ‘Papakang – The Odyssey of Seven Brothers’, a one-hour musical theatre-style production based on a local folklore of the legendary Nunuk Ragang.

Guests can hope to be entertained by a dazzling display of Sabah’s traditional songs and dances, as the legend unfolds.

The story is about the seven sons of the Nunuk Ragang, chief of Kampung Tompios in the district of Ranau, who coveted the mystical Papakang stone.

They looked for it but it was the youngest son, Aki Lintobon, who successfully retrieved it from the bottom of the river.

After he retrieved it however, the brothers squabbled over who would possess the stone.

Seeing this, their father smashed the stone into seven pieces and gave each son a piece, telling them that this would serve as a reminder of their identity as siblings and their origin.

As time passed, food became scarce in that area and famine began to beset the land.

They were more quarrels as they strived to survive.

They fought amongst each other and headhunting became rampant.

The people had no choice but to make an option; migrate and look for better land or risk starvation.

They took the latter and the the six older brothers led their people to different areas.

They began their journey towards other part of the land one day, holding on to the stone their father gave them so that they may identify their people in other parts of the land one day.

The youngest named Aki Lintobon, remained in Tompios and even as he watched his siblings walked away, he vowed to seek and reunite his brothers.

The years went by and one day Aki Lintobon decided that it was time to bring his family back together again and thus began the amazing journey of Aki Lintobon across the land to look for his family and the stone of Papakang.

Guests tonight will see the depiction of this journey through the drama and dance.

Continue reading at: Sabah Fest 2011 - A Colourful Cultural Extravaganza
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