SMK Nabalu construction yet to commence?

If you read the local newspapers the past couple of days - Daily Express, The Borneo Post - Where's your promise?, New Sabah Times - yesterday and today, chances are you will read one leader ticking off another to defend himself aka 'menegakkan benang yang basah', our way of saying 'I'm right and I stand by it'.

"Dr.Puad ticked off Masidi for labelling him as an outsider who made empty promises". Read more about it here.

The next day Datuk Masidi expressed his appreciation and welcomed Dr. Puad’s announcement that the construction of the SMK Nabalu would commence next month, but 'stood by what I've said' earlier.

When it comes to how the leaders administer the country, I don't normally care too much about 'who says what' and prefer to care more about 'what was accomplished'. I do not have too much interest in politics but I care and feel strongly about decisions made that affect the people in general, and especially if that happens near me. I think it is just natural to feel that way. I certainly don't look at our pemimpin-pemimpin handalan as outsiders. But if the action or the lack of it brings about difficulties in my daily routines then it is only fair that I have my say on a thing or two.


Should you (and I) make a fuss about this?

Education is the foundation of tomorrow's progressive, innovative and knowledgeable generation. Educating people can be done anywhere and anytime but a school is still the ideal place to do it efficiently.

People around Pekan Nabalu has been asking for a secondary school for a long time now; if I can recall correctly that happened during the tenure of the previous Tuaran MP, Mr. Yunof Maringking. I was still a student myself back then. Subsequent MP replaced him in Datuk Madius Tangau later and he was vocal enough in Parliment meetings to ensure the people's wishes, including this proposed school, are brought up to the attention of the cabinet. Both men hail from this area. I like Tangau's contemporary style, he connects well with the old and young generation. Maringking used to be more laid back but I enjoyed visiting his law firm office in Kota Kinabalu.

The current MP for Tuaran is Datuk Mojilip Bumburing.

Now that Datuk Masidi Manjun is the state minister entrusted with the responsibility to take care of educational issues in Sabah, it is only fair that he channels his effort in ensuring that the people of Nabalu get the appropriate education facilities such as school.

While I disagree with the utterance of the word 'outsider', I totally stand by him for his chili-hot outburst on the inaction of the Deputy Eduaction Minister. In fact I wouldn't even call it outburst; it was a mere gentle reminder.

Datuk Masidi Manjun talks to participants of the Worls Class Paragliding Event in Tamparuli, 2010

Deputy PM (cum Education Minister) approved the construction of SMK Nabalu in August 2009 for RM35mil and of course he will expect his deputy to do the necessary to get the job done. To be fair, about six to nine months is needed to take care of the financial and technicalities before the construction can actually go ahead. It has been almost 2 years now and any layman such as myself, would but can't help thinking some one is not doing his job, or some one is purposely delaying taking action. The next general election is now lurking and it add spices to the perception that leaders are only waking up when their terms are almost up.


Let's support a leader who is willing to 'make noise' for the Rakyat

So, come on Datuk Masidi! Don't let this guy stop you from doing your job. People can love or hate you but as long as you kick, hard-hit, bicker with, or tick off your peers in honest manner and with clear conscience I am totally with you. "Spank" them if you need to, I'm okay with that!

I like your style! I like leaders who speak up for the rakyat without fear or favour on issues that need attention.

Syabas!!

To sign off, let's share this. I like it, really.

"kalau pembinaan SMK Nabalu tidak bermula tahun hadapan tuan-tuan boleh penggal kepala saya" (if the SMK Nabalu construction does not start next year you all can chop off my head). - quote Daily Express, 6/7/2011 Front Page.

UNDUK NGADAU 2011

The most anticipated peak to the harvest festival celebration is the crowning of the festival queen, known as Unduk Ngadau in the Kadazandusun language. I will not elaborate on its significance but if you have the time you can find further readings on Unduk Ngadau here.

Unduk Ngadau 2011: Miss Bo Tiza A. Disimon. She's said to have received prizes totalling not less than RM38,000.00


The final of the 2011 Unduk Ngadau pageant was held as follows:

Date : 31 May 2011
Venue: Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, Penampang, Sabah
Time : 12.00 noon - 4.30pm


Enjoy some of the many pics captured during the final. Please ask for permission should you like to use any of them in your online or writings and or publications.



The seven vying for the seat currently occupied by Miss Crystal Eve Huminodun.



The seven unduk ngadau's waiting anxiously for the winners announcement.

One UN after another left the group, to be considered unlucky this time around.
Here, Miss Sophie Angela Kutam of Ranau in the 4th place proceed to receive her trophy from Her Majesty the wife of Sabah TYT.

Then it was down to the three of them.

"Constant, cukup-cukup lah bah ko kasi tambah nervous dia orang tu.."
Constantine (teasing Bo Tiza and Jovenea) and Lalita (not in the pic) were the masters of ceremony that day.

1st Runner Up: Miss Jovenea Jim Lajim (Tamparuli)

2nd Runner Up: Miss Caroline Anthony (Tuaran)

Unduk Ngadau, Miss Bo Tiza Disimon of Penampang is flanked by Miss Jovenea Jim Lajim of Tamparuli (left) and Miss Caroline Anthony of Tuaran (right).

Congratulations!

The 7 recepients of the main prizes:

1st Runner Up: Jovenea Jim Lajim (Tamparuli)

2nd Runner Up: Caroline Anthony (Tuaran)

4th Place: Sophie Angela Kutam (Ranau)

5th Place: Rachel M. Alliun (Kota Kinabalu)

6th Place: Alvera Raymond Kisil (Sandakan)

7th Place: Adeline Joyce Masidah (Likas)

And...last but not the least,

Not forgetting Miss Crystal Eve Huminodun the reigning 2010 Unduk Ngadau. Today is the final day of official duties for her.

Congratulation to all the winners & Kotobian tadau tagayo do Kaamatan.

Note: I'm not a professional photographer meaning I don't make money out of photography and I know these images aren't as great but they are copyrighted and under no circumstances should they be used or caused to be used without prior and informed consent from me, the rightful owner.

Sabah Fest 2011

Selamat Datang ke Pesta Sabah (Sabah Fest) 2011.

Kepada En. Phillipus dan Pn. Maria yang saya temui di Sabah Fest 2011 baru-baru ini, maaf kerana entri yang sangat lewat.

Mereka adalah antara peserta pameran yang sempat saya temu-bual ketika berlangsungnya Sabah Fest 2011 bertempat di Magellan Sutera Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Sabah Fest 2011 merupakan acara kebudayaan terbesar Sabah yang memaparkan kisah rakyat mengenai tujuh bersaudara bertajuk "Papakang: The Odyssey of Seven Brothers".  Kisah ini menceritakan mengenai tujuh anak lelaki Nunuk Ragang, ketua Kampung Tompios di daerah Ranau, dan berkisar pada pengembaraan anak lelaki bongsunya Aki Lintobon ke seluruh pelusuk negeri untuk menyatukan keluarganya dan batu mistik papakang.

Gambar diambil pada Julai 2010 semasa melawat lokasi ini

Replika gergasi tuod (banir) pokok Nunuk Ragang di Tompios, Ranau. Lagenda mengatakan kononnya di sinilah penempatan asal orang Dusun di Sabah, Borneo.

Saya sendiri tidak pernah mendengar cerita dongeng ini sehinggalah ia disebut semasa pesta kebudayaan Sabah tahun ini. Agak malang kerana tidak sempat menonton teater mengenainya kali ini. Difahamkan tiket-tiket dijual pada harga RM30 - RM50.

Saya setuju dengan kata Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah Datuk Masidi Manjun bahawa sudah tiba masanya orang ramai menerima kenyataan yang kita perlu membayar untuk menyaksikan persembahan kebudayaan; sama seperti kita membayar untuk menonton konsert nyanyian.

Koleksi gambar ini saya ambil di lobi pameran di luar dewan teater Magellan Sutera.

Ruang pameran yang eksklusif dan selesa.

Pn. Maria Mariana memperagakan pakaian tradisional suku kaum Murut

Corak lain pakaian tradisi kaum Murut

"Ngam kah?" - Pn Maria mesra melayan pengunjung yang ingin mencuba pakaian tradisi yang dipamerkan. Bagi pengunjung yang berminat, pakaian-pakaian tradisi tersebut adalah untuk dijual.

Modern Murut attire, kepunyaan Pn Maria di Lawas boleh dihubungi di telefon 019-8858157. Harga pakaian-pakaian tradisi beliau sangat berpatutan dan pada hemat saya lebih murah daripada beberapa butik pakaian tradisi di sekitar Kota Kinabalu.

Artis, Phillipus Jani memainkan sekasfon yang diperbuat daripada bambu. Beliau sudah bergiat dalam pembuatan peralatan muzik daripada bambu sejak beberapa tahun dan mempunyai syarikatnya sendiri, Bambuza Productions.

Beliau boleh dihubungi di somporingsabah@yahoo.com; beliau juga menyediakan khidmat sebagai artis pengiring (sekasfon) dalam acara-acara tradisi dan moden.

"Macam piano juga ni, bunyinya boleh di kasi tune macam Do Re Me" - rakan Phillipus dengan alat kulintangan gabang kayu (wooden xylophone) diperbuat daripada kayu ringan.

Kediaman unik - Replika sebuah Lepa yang merupakan rumah tradisi etnik Bajau (Semporna) sejak dahulu kala. Rumah kediaman yang cukup menarik perhatian.

Pameran lukisan daripada Galeri Seni Sabah.

"Jangan goyang-goyang aah" - Artis, IdaMan membuat demonstrasi live painting. Senyuman sentiasa terpampang di wajah beliau semasa melukis. Best!

Mantap...! - beberapa karya nukilan IdaMan.

Jumpa lagi di Sabah Fest 2012. Pesta tahun depan dijangka diadakan pada tarikh yang hampir sama.

Faces of Celebration

[The Borneo Post news clipping]

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman kicked start the Kaamatan in Tamparuli. He is also expected to officiate its conclusion on 31st May 2011.

I would probably be sharing mostly pictures of the opening and closing (or peak) ceremony of the month-long Harvest Festival, and not the faces of the winners of the Unduk Ngadaus as many would perhaps expect. In Sabah, one can feel the celebratory mood from 1st May to 31st May every year partly due to the various cultural and non-cultural events by both government and NGOs, and partly to the shopping carnivals organised by the big malls in the city. The general public play their part too by writing, blogging, taking part, and donating for the cause during the month.


Rain-soaked opening ceremony did not deter visitors from crowding the small town.


In between the dates, the more than 40 districts and sub-districts would hold their own festival which would normally be marked with the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau and Sugandoi champions. In the normal case the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Festival Queen) would represent their respective district at the state level Kaamatan on 30th-31st May, traditionally held at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang.

Citing an example of the Tuaran district level celebration, people of different cultures convene in the true spirit of solidarity, putting aside their differences in religious beliefs and political ideologies and sit back to enjoy the moment. While I can testify for the truthfulness of the high level of religious tolerance in Sabah, I can't assure myself about the latter.

But then again that is the sad truth of what is happening in Malaysia in general; leaders of different political ideology seldom sit together to work for the people. "My role is nothing else but to discredit my opposing team, from this election to the next".


Alright, let's forget about politics and let us see some pictures of people celebrating:

Red carpet for the VIPs


Ladies handing out the Linopot, a traditional Dusun staple. It's mainly rice with thick blend of yam. Other areas in the state use different blends for variety and for uniqueness.


Beating the gong and kulintangan (an array of smaller gongs) by the Lotud community.


Kids wearing the Lotud traditional costume:- the Siwot (head ornament) and the Mandapun (red cotton collar with embossed gold plate).

Find more about the Lotud Traditional Costume here.


Bajau traditional costume with jars and kitchenware.

Metal traditional accessories of the Kadazandusun.

Headhunters of Borneo?The blowpipe, locally called Sumpit is popular among the native Murut and Lundayeh, and is used as a hunting tool for live food such as birds, mouse deers, squirrels, and wild boars.

In Bajau language betitik means beating of traditional musical instruments such as kulintangan, tawak, bandil and gendang. The betitik regained its popularity following more aggressive promotion exercise by the state's cultural board since a couple of years back.

The gendang is an important component of the gong beating orchestra of the ethnic Kadazandusun in Papar.

Creative locals produced saxophone of their own. This one is made of bamboo and if you are familiar with the modern saxophone you will be amazed by the built quality and the pitch tuning precision of this instrument.

Gentlemen from ethnic Kadazandusun in Papar, Sabah.

Handwoven beads baskets trimmed down in size suitable for decoration. The motifs here are popular among the Murut and Lundayeh communities in Sabah.

Kotobian Tadau Do Kaamatan 2011

This Time For TAMPARULI

This year's month long Karamayan Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) will kick off in a small West Coast town of Tamparuli. For several years now the month of May has been officially declared as the State's Harvest Festival celebration month. The beating of gong to commemorate the traditional festival will be on 1st May 2011 at Dewan Tun Hamdan, Tamparuli.

Note: Unless otherwise specified, all pictures in this article were taken by the author himself.

Related opening ceremony which happened on 1st May 2009 in Papar can be viewed here.

Image credit: Sami Bangud, PKR of N11-Kiulu

Picture showing of one of the Walai (traditional dwelling house) constructed to give a brief impression of the kind of shelter our grandparents had in the olden days.

So, lets throng Tamparuli this Sunday and get to witness first hand, not just the celebration but the taste of foods you wouldn't find elsewhere, the culture and especially the warm welcome and friendship you will feel as you walk among the folks.

Let's revisit some of the images I personally captured about Tamparuli:

Bukit Ruhiang (some call it Bukit Prahu):  The World Class Paragliding - Sabah Malaysian Borneo XC 2010 competition was held here in June 2010. Note the tiny size para-gliders waiting to be flagged off.



"Digital age":  A man in traditional costume taking picture of the crowd during the World Class Paragliding - Sabah Malaysian Borneo at Tamparuli Tamu  ground.





" Sebenrnya ramai juga saudara-mara saya di Tamparuli in..", Datuk Masidi Manjun - Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah as he officiated the World Class Paragliding in Tamparuli.



"Satu kilo dua ringgit saja."  Scene of Tamu traders negotiating sale of Langsat

The two bridges of  Tamparuli. Remember the song Jambatan Tamparuli?

Tamparuli Tamu  ground. The weekly bazaar is on Wednesday. The hill at the background is Bukit Ruhiang, the highly potential take-off spot for paragliding enthusiasts.





Sun setting behind oncoming rain, seen from Jalan Ranau, Kg. Minangkob Tamparuli.




Mount Kinabalu viewed from Pekan Nabalu, Tamparuli. If you are travelling to Ranau, Sandakan and Tawau, don't forget to spend sometime to enjoy the spectacular view of the South East Asia's tallast mountain from this location.


**Picture on page top: Unduk Ngadau 2010, Miss Crystal Eve Huminodun (middle) is flanked by 1st runner up Miss Rochelle Fayrenie (left) and 2nd runner up Miss Lydia John Alai (right)**

CLASsy Esther Won It.

SEASON-4 (2011) : CLAS AWARDS

CLAS is a Malay acronym for Carta Lagu Artis Sabah and this year is the 4th edition in the RTM's calendar for recognising talents and awarding local artists for their contribution in the musical industry.

For the record 2010 award went to the witty and lively Felix Agus (ex-student of Akademi Fantasia).

Date : 20th March 2011
Venue : 1Borneo Centre Atrium
Organised by : Radio TV Malaysia, RTM
Champion: Esther Applunius (Song: Selalu)

Senarai finalist:

1. Alvin - Cincin (dinyanyikan oleh Ferrardy)
2. Suib Zainin - Bohong
3. Dayang Noraini - Kelawar O' kelawar 
4. Rieno - Mahu tapi malu
5. Esther - Selalu
6. Momain Blues (gabungan Kump NSD & Jiaja) - Blues Kita
7. Frontman Company - Emosi muzikal
8. Albab - Lamunan silam
.
Juri profesional:
.
1. Pn Lucy Gawis,
2. Pn Aminah Ag Besar,
3. En Richard Akim,
4. Prof. Madya Abd Jamal Abd Hamid (ketua juri),
5. Pn Zalina Yusuf

Untuk anugerah CLAS Musim Ke-3 (2010), sila lawat di sini.




The Champ: Esther Applunius, with her number Selalu
Esther is also one of the finalists in "One In A Million" reality TV Show in 2009.



Tidak seperti tahun lepas, freelance photographers tidak dibenarkan berada dalam kawasan yang dikhaskan untuk peserta dan tetamu. Para peminat dan jurukamera persendirian hanya berpeluang mengambil gambar dari tepi pentas, belakang atrium dan di tingkat-tingkat atas hypermall tersebut.


For better image resolution, go to Photostream here.





"Handsome boy!!!"  Ferrardy is the substitute for Alvin who could not make it due to family commitment.
Check out Alvin at KKFM. Alvin is also a blogger. Good to know.




"yeaahhh! yeahhh!! you rawk!" Suib Zainin dengan lagu Bohong
Get to know Suib here.




Dayang Noraini dengan lagu popular Kelawar O' Kelawar.  Lagu ini khabarnya dirakamkan di luar negeri.
Dayang Noraini's Fan Club page is here




"Mantapsss!"   Persembahan bertenaga telah menobatkan beliau sebagai artis dengan persembahan terbaik.





"Aku jugalah yang menang paling ramai cewek pengiring."
Rieno dengan lagu Mahu Tapi Malu





"...balik kampuuu...ng konon juara,  mahu bertanding tanah digadai..."
Caya lah lirik korang, bro!
 Kumpulan Momain Blues, lagu Blues Kita

Jiaja's Fan Page is here, and click here for Momain Blues.



Momain Blues (featuring Jiaja) - don't play play ah, macho2 ni!


For better image resolution, go to Photostream here.



Kumpulan Frontman Company, lagu Emosi Muzikal
Temui kumpulan Frontman Company di sini.




Kumpulan Albab, lagu Lamunan Silam
Kumpulan ini berasal dari Sandakan dan anda boleh melawat mereka di Albab Page.




Kedudukan SMS terkini. "Pelan-pelan kita pai sama dia, mana tahu ada hung!"





Ebi dan Obby. "Esteady kamurang, kasi gegar sama dia! Tapi jangan berebut microphone aah"





Ebi: Akak rasa siapa yang menang ni kali?
Peminat: Mestilah dari Sandakan! (dengan selamba jak..)
Ebi: Huh, kenapa dari Sandakan?
Peminat: Sebab saya dari Sandakan....





"Terimakasih sokongan anda"
Datuk Masidi Manjun - Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah





"Gotcha!"
Kalau tidak silap, beliau ialah penyanyi Janrywine Jelusin dengan lagu Maafkanlah Aku tahun lepas. Jadi photographer rupanya sekarang.





"Bergaya dan penuh penghayatan, nampak!" - Felix Agus, pemenang anugerah juara CLAS Musim ke-3 (2010)


For better image resolution, go to Photostream here.