When chaotic blend of modern and contemporary -brings music to life

I have nothing much to say.. Just post this up and hope you enjoy the ethnicity blend of this music played by Roger and Hazekiah, it was an instrument called "Sape" in Hazekiah's hand and Roger with his little "guitar" ( i m not sure what you call that) ; i took it with my D5000, from a distance away. It wasn't too good but this is the highlight and best moment i enjoyed during the Concert of Roger Wang & friends at Likas Trade Center. For more details on Roger A local pioneer guitarist and talent developer... visit his website at http://www.rogerwang.net

Volunteer + Tourism = Voluntourism

Hi, for some friends who have been wondering why couldn't reach me while you were in Sabah. I am so sorry ( Especially @Jackie@Andrew@Anton & Catherine@Pilot Tom@Dwi), for you know i am currently very much involved with out reaching Community Projects, especially on building local community capacity. I sometimes travel to remote area, where the line are really bad.. Although the yellow man ( DIGI/ the leading Telco in Sabah) seems always with me, but somehow still a lot of you guys are complaining that couldn't get hold of me. Check out the organization that i am with,so whatever my organization do, its where i blend in all my passion and vision to eliminate the poverty in Sabah. 

Check this article out where it summarizes what my organization did and still doing now :- 

 ECU on Ecotourism Study Tour

 

 Being the contributor for TIES ( The International Ecotourism Society) under the umbrella of BEST Society.

On top of that, turning my passion to reality, i also write for Lifestyle magazine ~ Breeze. This magazine is free circulated every month in most of the cafe, fitness center as well tourism destination i.e lodge, restaurant and terminal? I am not sure ( but hey, they are cool stuff , check them out in facebook if you are not in town )   

Being the contributor for Breeze ( A Borneon lifestyle magazine ) specializes in domestic Ecotourism Destination. 

Ahh~ this one was featured this month ( for your information May is the Harvest Festival month, which means everyone is their culturistic and drinking mode :)  )

And of course, i do still spend time with my three furkids... who can never leave me alone :) . In fact recently just brought Babe ( my eldest ) to Sully in Timesquare, KK for a Party Animal event, a fund raising event for SPCA KK. So this is for you Catherine, Jacqui Leong and Crystal Fetting, Caroline Anthony. I do remember you girls. 

A gorgeous guest adoring babe...

Till then, amigo. :) 

I am giving my boyfriend away !

My Lazy Boyfriend  - Bacho ! 

Hey... 

Anyone of you need a good companion for drinking, looking after your house and mess up your living room...

Do let me know. 

I am giving out my boyfriend Bacho! He is such a CLEVERRRR boy.. Aramaiti before the Harvest Festival ! 

When i am busy taking pictures for the Unduk Ngadau session in every district, he started his drinking session already, and when i am back.. he is like this ( above picture ) 

How can you rely on a sire like this to watch after your house.. thats why i call him a companion. 

Useless dog.. i am giving my boyfriend away.... 

JUST FOR LAUGH ! TO ALL SABAHAN....  HAPPY HARVEST FESTIVAL  ! 

Pesta Ka’amatan – What it meant to Sabahan nowadays

The month of May, is the busiest and exuberant month for the indigenous of Sabah. In this joyous month, 32 tribes with more than 80 dialects will join together to celebrate this meaningful occasion. Pesta kaamatan generally means “Harvest Festival”. It is intricately connected with rice cultivation and with a cycle of life. Rice is Sabah golden crop, it is the grain of life and Pesta Kaamatan marks the end of the planting cycle. It is intimately related to the ethnicity ranging from culture, social strata and mostly of all religion. If you want a glimpse of Sabah’s origin and nativity, and at the same time capture the true spirit of the mystical “Land below the Wind” this is the time to visit us!

A Short History of Pesta Kaamatan

The life of the people in Borneo, essentially that of hunters, subsistence rice farmers and wild fruits collectors. The livelihood which involve everyone from youngest to the eldest, man and woman was a hard one. Preparing rice fields, collecting firewoods, weeding, prepare seedlings, planting, watching out for crops to harvesting ripe crops involved back-breaking process. But it wasn’t just the labor intensive nature that caused such veneration for the crops; a natural disaster such as flood, drought, and herbicides has become the main obstacle, not enough rice meant famine. Over decades of years rice cultivation superstitious and taboo sprung up, no one thanks God for rice more gratefully then the humble farmer.

"Huminodun"- by Yee-I Lann, produced the rich historical of Photographing was exhibited at the national Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.

The Mengavau Ceremony

“Mengavau” literally means to recover what one has lost, by whatever means, it is a thanksgiving ritual, led by a female religious priest called “Bobohizan”. When the Bobohizan cuts the first shoot of ripe paddy grains to mark the beginning of the harvesting time, a long beckoning prayer is recited to invite “Bambaazon” to return home to the household rice barns to rest until the time comes for selecting the grains to be sown anew.

Nowadays, such festival is open to all, merry making feast take place and “The natives” celebrate them in more of a joyous way. “Tapai”, which is a formed of rice wine were served in a small bamboo cups or a big ceramic jar. When one is salute with the word “Aramaiti”, it means “cheers” to the festive. As the non-stop "Tapai” pouring goes, the spirit of sharing, forgiving and fellowship is practiced, the harmonious mingling and interactions of the Kaamatan celebrates who come from all walks of life, from various colours, creed and cultural tradition. The continuous bit of gongs and Sumazau dance to the joyous rhythm continue for days. “Sumazau is the traditional kadazanDusun that every generation of the origins has learned to live.

The Cultural dance- Mengunatip has become an international

performance each varies from 32 tribal of North Borneo.

Little "Unduk Ngadau"

From Ethnicity to Nationalism

Nowadays, we do not solely rely on rice cultivation nor we have such plentiful land where we can plant rice but we celebrate Kaamatan every year to embrace our tradition. In the capital of Sabah, kota Kinabalu city, everybody works in government offices or private company and so on, it varies so much. However in the individual context, people from all walks of life come together and interact with one another in order to nurture and strengthen friendship (silatul-rahim), which was established among us without distinguishing between ethnic group and religion. Be it differ in colour, culture, language and even religion. The community of Sabah has never deviate from the “1 Malaysia” concept.

My beloved Kadazan Family

Aron, Charmaine and Zachary Mobijohn

Taking this opportunity, i wish you all " Kotobian Tadao Tagozo Do kaamatan" ; Aramaiti! and have fun with the "Tapai" ",Sumazau" dance as well as experience the "Bahar" "Lihing" and "Montoku" !

My next blog will feature one of the Unduk Ngadau winner from Tuaran District- Caroline Anthony ....

Tapai Session with David Kitingan

I have been outstation a lot lately, due to the happenings and preparation of kaamatan (Harvest Festival) next month. so many events been happening, so many ideas in mind, so many photos to shoot and so much "Tapai" to taste ! I write for Breeze, Borneo Travel Blog as well as BEST Society. In my blog, i would love to write about something behind the scene, something i don't have to care so much if it is relevant, but something came from the back of my mind.

The most relaxing assignment i came across was having a session with David Kitingan. The Operator of the Tapai Factory Tambunan Village Recreational centre (TVRC). Knowing its a TAPAI ( rice wine) factory.. all my family members couldn't help but offer all sorts of assistance they can give. Juli ( my sister) offer to gather input so she can follow,Alut (my dad) couldn't be more happier then being my driver to Tambunan, you see.. this is how a kadazan gin in us.. as the saying in us " With Wine and Hope; Everything is Possible ! " ...LOL

"The wooden Tapai Factory, humbly located at the end of Tambunan Village Recreational Centre, we went in through the back door, and found David quietly reading newspaper in his Tapai kingdom. "

"David , preparing his humble table for our little Interview"

Well, i do not want to describe so much on the factory as you will be able to access various information about TVRC Tapai factory through google search, all i endure is my "Lihing" session and deep chat with David- a retired sergeant and currently an operator of this Tapai factory.

Me: " David, this Tapai jar looks old, are they still usable?"
David: " Yes, we custom ordered from Tuaran, ceramic factory, all of them are capital investment and all of them are kept for future use.

Me: " But they look so old.. so ermm.. "
David : " No before we use we have to boil them, soak them in a big stainless steel pot and boil them, this not only eliminate germs and it also helps to preserve the rice wine in order not to turn sour.. "

Me :" So, can you tell me a little about process of making Tapai?"

David : " Today we do not have production, its pretty simple. Rice grain is smashed in this smasher called "lesung padi" to separate the husk from the grain..the rice is put in the centre and smashed using the 'wooden smasher'..i don't know whether to call it smash or squeezed or what - or even if it is the correct word to use..but whatever it is ..the usage is almost like in the mortar used in labs the other almost-oval-shaped 'thing' is called the tampi...which is woven from thinned bamboo sticks..the function is to let the husk fall while retains the rice grain in it..the mechanism is simply by moving the 'sifter' up and down..preferably in windy condition.."

Me: " Hmm... too bad you don't have production today ( it was Sunday when i met him), i really would love to see some action in this factory.

David :" No.. no.. no.. no.. today i just want to drink, with your dad .. and you.. and we talk, we tell story.

Me: " OK... :) OK.. i like that..
"Tan Sri Joseph pairin Kitingan- Huguan Siu of kadazanDusun community in Sabah"

Me: " So, tell me.. you are the elder brother of our "Huguan Siu", Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.. tell me more ..

David: " Yes i am.. i am the elder brother, but i don't like to be a public figure. This TVRC is founded by my other brother Jeffrey and i am in charge specifically on this wine factory." i tell you what.. take some of this Lihing.. and you try and see you can taste the different...

Me: " OK, OK.. ( i sipped on the Lihing ) .. wow.. it taste sweet and smooth.. i think its good to cook my favorite Chinese dish "The Drunken Chicken" , Do you have more? i want to buy...

David: " No Mel, i can't produce too much as the demand is not there, and this wine cannot be kept too long, it will turn sour and it will waste all my time and ingredient." Some one need to market, some one need to do a lot of publicity about this wine production. We are under utilize and we can produce up to 50 Tajau in a production. Just to bad the demand is not there, we have compete with the individual home maker.."

Me : " Well, i understand that, marketing alone is not enough, we need to also involve a lot of operational cost, maintenance, even inculcate the cultural element in this Rice wine making.. It has to be not just about the wine, it has to be about the culture, the visitors who endure the history and such veneration on the Rice Wine making.

David :" Yes.. exactly, come "aramaiti"... next two week Monday you can come, i have production.

Mel : " Production? oh.. how many people are working ? "

David :" Two, plus me.. three .."

Mel :" ohh ok, how does the job function goes....?"

David : " well... there are three of us.. 2 of my staffs will be complete the Tapai preparation untill the end. One time production we produce around 30-50 jar.. so .. my job is to taste them."



Mel : " To taste?! Wow, thats pretty interesting and cool job function.. by the end of the wine tasting, you are gone.. hahahaha"

David : " Yes, sometimes i have to make sure the rice is not over cook, its not too sour or its at the right temperature for fermentation; my tolerance is high.. it taste even better with the Guinness in it."

Mel: " Hahahah, obviously that not wine tasting already... thats Monginum :) !"

David :" Well, you know our culture, our people and our weaknesses... we can refuse, but we can resist." He said it with a calm smile. OK, ok, let's come to the back kitchen, i have some good old wine and Lihing.. thats my secret drinks.. only for you guys...

and so the day went dozing off with continuous pouring of wine...

"Dad, counting his Lihing... happily displaying on the table..."

The district kaamatan celebration in Kg.Teranaan, Tambunan is on the 21st and 28th May 2011.Do feel free to come visit the Tamu market and you will be served with various local native delicacies and cultural exposure...

The RUNGUS Tribe in North Borneo

The Rungus, is one of the most ancient indigenous tribe in Borneo. The are mostly concentrate in the North Borneo, Kudat. By right they are actually a sub group of the kadazan-Dusun, however due to the pride and modernization of the indigenous mindset, Rungus are known to have their own uniqueness in terms of their traditional accustom as well as distinctive attitude ( which is their pride, dignity and..... ignorant at times.) During my community project reached out last month, i discovered that Rungus lasses are simply unique, they have small, fine chinese looking eyes ( in malay we actually call SEPET), thick lips, broad shoulder, and high forehead.

" The Rungus girls proudly presenting their traditional costume"

The event that led me here was actually a community development programme being done by the foundation i am attached to ;BEST Society. A" Living Water Project" that benefits more then 80 household in a village named Terongkongan Laut & Darat... ( well i have difficulty pronouncing this village name before, it absolutely feels like a tongue twister, ain't it :)? )

The Rungus dance performance came in during the prime of the event. We were all sitting in the multi purpose hall which was made of traditional raw material. The thatched roof was made from tidy weaved of dried nipah palm, and the solid house frame were the best quality timber called"Berlian" and the flooring was elevated platform of split bamboos giving the hall a great ventilation and ample of sitting area. Oh, and the wall were partition by a kind of tree skin, which eventually helps to absorb moisture that cause fungus to the building structure. No wonder Rungus are so proud of their talent and arts, I salute !

" The Rungus Dance, smooth and charming"

When the soothing gong orchestra starts playing, a row of charming young dancers led by a male lead dancer,stepping out in raw with their feet in sequel ( pretty much different from Sumazau) each with the bell anklet on their feet. Wrapping around them were colourful handmade beads, and criss cross through their shoulders were the long bead bands. Now i know why Rungus were reckon as the best handicraft maker among the Sabah Indigenous people.

"Simple and inspiring chat with Samoil"

While enduring the breeze and cheerful crowd, i took the time to meet Samoil, whom is the wisest and most respected village headman, also the owner of this piece of land we are sitting on, Samoil told me" Our lives are simple, we have experience in many fields but limited income,” his sparkling charm peeking through in a glance and seriousness, “we like to be self– employed , and have our freedom from “disturbance” ; however to capitalize our strength as a RUNGUS, we have to accept CHANGES. Because of PRIDE, many of us are resistant to change the mindset and carry the attitude of arrogant and preserve, we have to open up and CHANGE , or else we will be leftt behind modernization.” Judging from his words, i now know why he has serves the village as a headman for five series.

"A good caption with my team mates before leaving the local community"

I feel lucky to be here today. To endure the joy of young kids being splashed by clean water after the launching of Living Water Project, years of clean water supply shortage has given an alarming health hazard to them.I am enlightened by Samoil, a simple down to earth man but created significant impact not only to his community but also to me... People who are resistant to change, is always left behind the evolution ......so to my indigenous friends ; come out from your comfort zone, and accept the challenge to come, no one can help you beside yourself.

P/S: Some pictures courtesy by Joebonaventure. Thanks Joe... :)