The answer to the question you’ve just read is something I’m a bit kesian…

YA! I’ve missed it!!

I’ve missed the SUPER GT 2009 race this year, I missed those loud sounds of 500hp engines, I missed the smell of burning Sepang track, I missed Mai Sakamoto (the RAYBRIG babes), Kaori Minami, Junko Iida (the ZENT babes), the Yokohama tyre gals, and lastly I missed shooting with my favorite sniper..

My absence to this one of the hottest race on earth is due to heavy work load a.k.a ndak kena suru pigi!

So, this morning while I was browsing for some fresh photos of the SUPER GT 2009 race event  (just to lepas my rindu la kunun), I stumble into one photography forum and spotted one photo of the last year race which I was on that photo!!

Wahh.. it’s actually rare to see me captured in action!

This photo was uploaded by a forum member named bugger, here is the link to this photo #19 at Velocity forum

Those who knows how I look, try if you can find which one is me on this photo?

Hint : Aiming the camera straight to the GT babes without no fears of anyone behind him!!

Thank you bugger! ;p

I was at the Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu for a short visit to the Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia Tadau Kaamatan 2009 on last 07 June 2009. This was my ever shortest visit to such event so far, due pack wedding assignments on that particular day.

However, I manage to snap a number of photos during the morning session for some of you who have missed the event..

There was number of bamboo stall placed outside the Padang Merdeka area which selling some Sabah local home-made food.

I was there at around 9.30am and the area was already crowded with local tourist + visitors.

There were traditional local food exhibition held during that day.

Let me start with this Hinava, all-time Penampang favorite food. Made of Tuna fish and some mixture of Bambangan seed.

Nonsom Bambangan, a mixture of Bambangan fruit + red chilies and normally kept about a week before you can eat it.

Hinompuka, another Kadazan Penampang favorite food.

Ingredients for Hinompuka; red rice flour, coconut milk, brown sugar, glutinous rice flour.

The famous Panyaram/Penyaram, the Bajau local food favorite.

One of my local favorite too actually.. sadap kalu mkn dengan Neslo panas2!!

There are also Kuih Cincin, which also sadap kalu mkn dengan Neslo panas2!!

Linongot, a popular local food of Tambunan district which made of rice, tapioca, potato, yam and tarap leaves.

Another Bajau delights, Pais Ubi covered with banana leaves and made of Tapioca, coconut and some sugar. Pais can also be eaten with Banana.

There were also few traditional bamboo house during that day, this one is Rumah Papar means ‘House of Papar’

The Gong players, most of them are the senior citizens. Nowadays it seems hard to find a younger generation who know how to play the Gongs.

The Kulintangan, another Sabah’s famous traditional musical instruments.

Pinahapaha, a combination of local herbs + fruits which consist of; mazang, kayu kokos, sahi, pisang sahi, kayu oumis, hangod-hangod, lautan, lumun kihau, hugus, buah kondiu and buah dimuan.

Another traditional house was built was the Rumah Penampang.

and lastly, I give you one last shot.. a senior citizen of the Kadazan.

The major highlights of this event was actually started at 5.30pm, pity I couldn’t wait that long, I’m done visiting + shooting at about 11.00am..

How’s kamurang punya Sunday? Me.. went to watch the 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2009 at beautiful fresh scenery near Likas bay.. just the sun was super hot! Lucky I was wearing smart Nike long sleeve jacket.. enough said, I wore the wrong pants, a short pants.. I’m burned again!!

Happy Monday guys!!

more event updates comin soon..

Sompoton, a traditional musical instrument played by the Kadazan Dusun tribe and its originally from Tambunan district, Northern part of Sabah. Sompoton is made of by dried gourd and using a combination of 8 bamboo pipes inserted into it together with beeswax and 5 vines. The sounds of Sompoton can be described similar as the bagpipe + the mouth organ which are now occasionally been played during the Harvest Festival.

How to play Sompoton?
Using a mouth to blows and sucks air through the gourd mouth-piece to released the sounds of Sompoton.

Again, as last year’s top post in MadeinSabah with 16,034 views so far, I brings you the complete 41 sumandaks of Unduk Ngadau 2009 Contestants listing which made to the grand final round at KDCA last week. The official winner has already been announced and those who missed the battle at Grand Finale Unduk Ngadau 2009, check them out here!

Ms. Gilda J Joeplik, Sandakan

Ms. Emilda Albert, Paitan

Ms. Lydia Binti Binidik, Kemabong

Ms. Jukini Gamius, Semporna

Ms. Deizi Sebastian Mojinu, WP Labuan

Ms. Lynnestherwenns Masuin, Kudat

Ms. Flina Binti Rutum, Tamparuli

Ms. Erra Quency Victor, Kota Belud

Ms. Laine Binti Tinggangau, Kota Marudu

Ms. Hulliwta Eliser, Tungku

Ms. Rounnah Bab Robert Sylvester, Tenom

Ms. Rachel Martinus, Inanam

Ms. Diana Binti Ngoai, Menumbok

Ms. Evilin Binti Mathis, Pitas

Ms. Sarimah Bt Tangkungon, Pagalungan

Ms. Jovetta Joprine, Kuala Penyu

Ms. Victoria Yam Pei Ling, Kunak

Ms. Wineh Binti Diwalang, Nabawan

Ms. Elsie R Marius, Tanjung Aru

Ms. Sheron Olga Fedilis, Sook

Ms. Cecelia Riymante, Membakut

Ms. Clarencena Kadius, Matunggong

Ms. Joanne Bernadette John, Beluran

Ms. Jennifer David, Telupid

Ms. Gloria Lyne Bami, Kinabatangan

Ms. Maylesthelyn Matius, Putatan

Ms. Elinna Binti Musuin, Likas

Ms. Wanda Hendryana Pius, Lahad Datu

Ms. Cindy Celestine Sipilis, Tawau

Ms. Efahrina Nicholas, Tambunan

Ms. Jacqueline Monalisa, Banggi

Ms. Jovenea Jim Lajim, Klang Valley

Ms. Earoziana Elvy Venture, Tongod

Ms. Stella Nakaran, Ranau

Ms. Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut, Tuaran

Ms. Jacqueline Bt Joseph, Keningau

Ms. Pearl Dianne Petrus, Kota Kinabalu

Ms. Affy Jackleyinda Entawin, Beaufort

Ms. Roziyanah Bt Mutang, Sipitang

Ms. Appey Rowenna Januin, Papar

Ms. Joanne Kimberley J Majalap, Penampang

This year will be a bit different compare to last year voting, you may vote from a number of 1 vote to even 100 votes (supaya sanang sia kira bah!)

Bah! apa lagi kamurang.. start your VOTES now!!

Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia Tadau Kaamatan 2009
Date : 07 June 2009
Venue : Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Time : 10.30 am – 5.30 pm

What to expect :
Cultural show, song performance by local artist, appearance of Unduk Ngadau 2009 winners.

The 3 days Karnival Tadau Kaamatan KK City Unduk Ngadau 2009 was held at Lintasan Deasoka, Kota Kinabalu from 14th to 16th May which was officiated by Y.B Datuk Masidi Manjun, The Culture & Environment minister.

Day 1 :

The event start with an opening speech by the Y.B Datuk Masidi Manjun and later by Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, the Kota Kinabalu City Mayor.

The spirit of rice

The event continues with the traditional dance performance of the Kadazan group.

The famous bamboo dance performance by Monsopiad Cultural Village dancers

Beside the cultural dance perfomance, the crowd was entertained by the few of Sugandoi past singers..

Donna Masinda

Both them got lovely voice, especially si Donna (my fevret tuh!)

But compare to all singers that perform, no one can beat this uncle, he really knows how to perform the crowd.. he rocks!!

and later that evening, when it comes to the introduction of KK City level Unduk Ngadau 2009 contestants, all the crowds are getting really excited.. me as well

#1 – Ms. Richelle Audrey J. Jautin

#2 – Ms. Noemi Halima Dingle Ligunjang

#3 – Ms. Sharon Walker

#4 – Ms. Cindy Jessica Frenendez

#5 – Ms. Elinna Musiun

#6 – Ms. Elsie R. Marius

#7 – Ms. Ariel Jezlynda Jimmy

#8 – Ms. Angena Rubinsin

#9 – Ms. Patricia Francis Jiolin

#10 – Ms. Carrie Grace Jaymes

#11 – Ms. Clarencena Kadius

#12 – Ms. Anastasha Dina Yahia

#13 – Ms. Pearl Dianne Petrus

#14 – Ms. Florencia Shamsudin

#15 – Ms. Macdelina Masidah

There are 15 contestant battling up for three places at the Grand Final Unduk Ngadau 2009 State Level.

There will be a winner of ‘Miss Popular 2009′ to a contestant that received the highest number of flower bouquets worth RM10, RM50 and RM100, while the ‘Tati Tavanus Celcom’ winner determined by a total SMS votes from the public which will be announce on the day 3

Day 2 : The final battle for Sugandoi 2009 Api-Api level.

and the winner goes to Rifanzie who will proceed to the Grand Finale Sungandoi 2009 at KDCA.

Day 3 :

On Day 3, the event continued with an opening short theater story telling of the Unduk Ngadau legend..

Before the event proceed to the final stage, all VIPs are invited to perform a ’sumazau’ dance with the Unduk Ngadau contestant and I must say, The Mayor really had good taste la.

The final 7 :

From 15 contestants, the jury have selected 7 contestants to proceed to final stages and before the winner announced..

all contestants again had to faced the final test, is to give a good answer for a very simple question.

Some of the questions are not that simple actually..

and before the winner finally announce..

Ms. Jizeresta Jimmy, the Unduk Ngadau KK City level 2008 making an appearance to the stage to hand over the Unduk Ngadau crown.

and The final 3 was announced :

The final 2 :

and finally the winner for Unduk Ngadau DBKK level..

…Ms. Pearl Dianne Petrus, she also won the ‘Miss Popular 2009′ category.

Ms. Pearl won the cash prize of RM4000 + a trip to Bali by Air Asia + a hamper from Nestle.

The 1st place winner will be presenting DBKK while 2nd place winner, Ms. Elinna Musiun will represent Likas and 3rd place winner, Ms. Elsie R. Marius will represent Tg. Aru level, all three of them will join the other 36 Unduk Ngadau contestant from each level for the grand finale Unduk Ngadau State Level 2009.

Overall winners :
1st place : Ms. Pearl (Miss Popular 2009)
2nd place : Ms. Elinna Musiun
3rd place : Ms. Elsie R. Marius
4th place : Ms. McDelina
5th place : Ms. Clerencena Kadius
6th place : Ms. Richelle Audery J. Jautin (Best Costume 2009)
7th place : Ms. Cindy Jessica Frenendez

Ms. Patricia (Tati Tavanus Celcom)
Ms. Angena Rubinsin (Creative Design)

Check out last year’s winners :
Kota Kinabalu District Level Kaamatan Carnival 2008 – Part 1
Kota Kinabalu District Level Kaamatan Carnival 2008 – Part 2
Kota Kinabalu District Level Kaamatan Carnival 2008 – Part 3

Closing ceremony of the Harvest Festival Month 2009 and Crowning of Unduk Ngadau 2009 by Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Hajah Dayang Masuyah.

Date : 30 – 31 May 2009
Venue : Kadazandusun Cultural Association, Penampang, Sabah.

What to expect :
Bamboo orchestra, traditional sports, traditional dances, concert Kaamatan, Children Unduk Ngadau competition, Musical theater, Grand Final Unduk Ngadau state level Kaamatan 2009.

Following by the celebration of  the Sabah Fest 2009 – Cultural Extravaganza show at Magellan Sutera recently, Sabah Museum continues the cultural celebration of Sabah Fest at Heritage Village (4 – 11 May), where there were live displays of authentic age-old rituals and diverse ethnic cultural practices and also traditional dance by several ethnic groups of Sabah.

Those who again missed the annual Sabah multi culture show, you may enjoy some of the photos I took during that panas day..

The Heritage Village is open everyday from 9am – 5pm, but only during the harvest festival in May you have the chance to witness various number of cultural show here.

Lotud house

The Dusun Lotud

Bisaya house

Chinese house

There also Tidong mock traditional weddings displayed at Suluk House.

Matod, a traditional wedding ceremony of the Dusun Lotud.

The Kadazandusun of Papar perform their ritual Thanksgiving ceremony called, Adat Babadai.

Beside the cultural ritual and dance show, there are some live demo of  the exotic and rich Sabah hand-made handicrafts.

The high priestess of the Kadazandusun

There are actually more traditional houses inside the Heritage Village like Brunei, Rungus, Bajau which I didn’t have enough time to visit that day, hope kamurang enjoy the photos la

Next on MadeinSabah :

Unduk Ngadau 2009 KK Selection!! Jengg .. jen.. jenggg

This is Kaamatan featuring Alvin a.ka. Defoo

As every Sabahan knows that May is one of the most happening month in Sabah due to Kaamatan festival here and there, today.. let me spice up some juice to your Kaamatan celebration with special Kaamatan song available to download for FREE!!

you heard me.. it’s FREE bah!

Thanks to our talented urang Sabah, Kay.. he really rocks Kaamatan.. ;p

aramaiiii tihh!!

To those that didn’t make it to the Sabah Fest 2009 Cultural Extravaganza 2009 last last week which was held at the Magellan Sutera Harbor Resort, here I’ve published some photos from the cultural events for you guys to see..

Bah! enjoy kamurang!

The event start on 2nd May till 4th May 2009, which was usually to be held only for two days, but since the new PM planned to come on Monday, the event extended for 3 days..

On the morning session, the event start with handicrafts and food exhibition which started at 10.00am.

A spiritual ritual dummy set for the exhibition.

Stall displaying Sabah hand-made handicrafts.

The Rungus costume rich with colorful beads.

Sompoton, traditional musical instruments in Sabah.

Sompoton usually played by the Kadazan tribe.

Can this be consider as sompoton + saxophone = somsophone?

The Bajau tribe are very skillful in craftsmanship.

Sabahan products sale at cheaper price, Tenom coffee.

Borneo chocolates..

Some collections of Sabah artworks by the local Sabahan artists.

Some stalls are open for live Portrait + Caricature drawing.

One of the interesting stall displaying Sabah arts I found in this year Sabah fest exhibition would probably this stall, selling Stone Painting.

With using an acrylic, the stones looks very impressive.

Which I must say can be a very unique souvenirs while you in Sabah.

These are the artists behind those impressive artworks.

They are known as the Mayuri House, the place where you can buy collections of Sabah arts.

Mayuri House of Art also providing art class from kids to adult level.

Look at these sketches which I thought mcm gambar suda nih!

Rafflesia flower..

Meet the available bachelor artists, Ramel and Alan. These two talented young gentlemen can be reach at Mayuri House of Art

This is Rufinah, a Rungus women from Kudat, saying that the sketching of that  old man in that photo is actually her 80 years old grand father.

Highlights :
As the time was around 7pm, some of the visitors and VIP guests started to enter to the main ballroom for the event highlights which was the cultural dance performance by the cultural groups of Sabah.

One of the VVIPs that present that night was Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and wife.

The show begun..

The Bajau Semporna.

Urang kita..

The Bajau Tuaran

Fauziah Gambus

The Rungus beauty

Murut warior..

The Dusun Lotud of Tuaran.

At the end of the show, as usual all visitors are welcome to join the cultural dance.

Sabahan faces..

Hope you guys enjoy the photos, more will coming soon!

If you have NOT seen the Sabah Fest 2008 – Harmony & Diversity, feel free to check them out!

Sabah Museum – The Heritage Village
Situated about 5 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu city centre, the Heritage Village is located at the Sabah Museum Complex along the Jalan Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu. The Sabah Museum Heritage Village was officiated by His Excellency the Head of State Tun Said Keruak on 15th July 1990 during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Sabah Museum.

The Heritage Village displays traditional replica houses which are mostly made out from bamboo and wood, there are the houses of the Lotud, Bisaya, Brunei, Rungus, Bajau, Brunei, Chinese, Suluk and Iranun tribe from various ethnic group in Sabah. Sits at the surrounding of The Heritage Village compound are the ethnological gardens that consist of green natural plants and small lake which covers an area of 16.96 hectors of lush green planted jungle. Opens Daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Kalimaran Festival 2009, its a traditional Murut celebration which been held at Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom town, located in Interior Division of Sabah, East Malaysia.

Tenom is known as the “gateway to Murut country” with the majories are the Murut group comprises of several number of sub ethnic groups such as Alumbis, Ambual, Ganaa, Paluan, Nabai, Sambakung, Serudung, Tagol, Timogun and many more claimed to be the third largest indigenous ethnic group in Sabah.

Main entrance to the building of Murut Cultural Center.

Once you step in, you found hand-made Sabah handicrafts for sale at really cheap price compare to usual.

There also few booth of Murut sub ethnic group exhibition.

Displaying some of the Murut artifacts.

Also some various types of Murut weaponary.

The Timugon beauty

The Serudung warrior

One of the highlight during this year Kalimaran Festival was the Tagol Murut traditional wedding rite ceremony which was held at the Langsaran House (next to the main building of Murut Cultural Centre).

This traditional practice is also known as Tinauh, means the occasion for celebrates the final settlement of dowry given before the full wedding ceremony start.

These are some of the wedding gifts.

After the traditional Tinauh ceremony ends, the ceremony continue with ‘makan time’

and some Tuak (rice-wine) drinking.

This traditional ceremony was officiated by YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard G. Dompok, President of Rumpun Momogun (FORUM).

The traditional bamboo cutting ceremony call ‘Ahimbalut’.

Some Murut beauties..

Some really Murut beauties.. ini baru la!

This part where I got the sun burn where at this point, most of the dancers are lining up waiting for the VIPs as the Kalimaran Festival 2009 continue with the performance of traditional dance competition by the local Murut dance group late afternoon.

Manyasal I didn’t get any long sleeve, the sun was terriblly HOT!!!

But it’s okay la, seeing all the photos, its consider berbaloi! (kasi sedap hati sendiri this..)

Next year, sia pakai ala ninja costume.

Ganaa beauties..

Traditional costume of Ganaa tribe for the male.. have anyone notice that leopard/cheetah skin?

Costume of Ganaa tribe for female.

and lastly..

Next :

Sabah Fest Extravaganza 2009 @ Magellan Sutera Harbor Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

Stay put!!

It’s time for the opening of the grand + most anticipated cultural event in the land below the wind!

SABAH FEST 2009 – Cultural Extravaganza
Date : 2nd May – 4th May 2009
Venue : Magella Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Handicraft + Food Exhibition : 1000 am – 2200 pm
Cultural Extravaganza show : 0800 pm

Purchase your ticket at Sabah Tourism Board + Sri Pelancongan, also sold at the entrance to the venue at Magellan Grand Ballroom.

Come + feel the cultural Journey!!

Calling all sumandak-sumandak who stay in Kota Kinabalu area, age between sweet 18 – 25 years old with minimum height of 5′ 2” are encourage to participate in the most happening Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant this year.

First stage selection : 5 May 2009
Venue : First floor, Meeting hall, DBKK
Time : 1300 – 1700

Second stage selection : 8 May 2009
Venue : Hotel Le Meridien, KK
Time : 1900 – 2300

Final stage selection : 14 – 16 May 2009
Venue : Lintasan Deasoka, KK
Time : 1700

3 finalist will automatically represents Kota Kinabalu, Tg. Aru and Likas district which eligible them to go to the Grand Finale Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2009 in Penampang this 30th – 31st May 2009.

Get the entry form at DBKK office or download at www.dbkk.gov.com.my
More info about the entry registration :
Mrs. Dorin Datuk Thomas (088-214509)
Mrs. Elizabeth Borubui / Mr. Felix Malangkig / Mrs. Glorie Joseph (088-521800)

photo above :  Unduk Ngadau 2008 KK, Tg. Aru and Likas district