The evolution of HIP HOP Culture in Borneo

Give a little; Gain a lot

Hola amigo ! Sono manchi tutti ! 

Thank you " BFA Charity Dance Fiesta Participants!"
Photo taken by Melissa Alut Lim @ Likas Sports Complex, Aerobic Hall.  

With the constant change of my location and  task assigned in hand, sometimes i hope that  the "Whassapp" application in my BB allows blogging so i could constantly update the happenings, and keeping everybody in a loop of whats happening over here in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo. I need to learn this on the smartphone anyway.... ; /

"Together we can do great things!" was the tagline that attracts more then 100 participants who came and join "BFA Charity Dance Fiesta" please click HERE for event detail. For only  RM 20 ( Euro 5.00), each participant can dance their way out, with proper "sweatxercise" technique and refreshment upon leaving the fiesta. On top of the healthy sweat out, the priceless value of reaching out to the indigenous woman of Borneo was one of the most encouraging turn out to the participants. Through the open concept Dance Fiesta- BFA has successfully raised RM500 to PACOS Trust - the indigenous woman sector as a token of encouragement and empowering them for a better living. 

The 2 hours dance involve various rhythmic movement ranging from Afro, Hip Zumba,Belly jam, Bangla and modern dance as well as kids hip hop. Arghh... the great work out credits goes to my buddies Mellisa Robert, Nita Maria, Gergianne Lingam as well as Wester the Hip Hoper.These dance movement works on your hip muscle, your buttocks ( gluteus maximus), arms muscle and even belly ( tummy). 

Ouch , this picture was taken when she is at hype, our BFA Principal Yuen 

Me, taking sometimes for a little chat with Anne Lasimbang ( President of Pacos Trust ) 

Wester, leading his Kids HIP HOP team 

The hyper crowd which consist of kids, young and the young at heart. 

Georgianne, giving the crowd a thorough cool down

The Dancing troupe, danced their way out for the goodness of participants and the indigenous of Borneo

PACOS Trust President, Anne Lasimbang, receiving cheque amounting RM500 from Principal of BFA Yuen;
On behalf of the beneficiaries, she extend her heartfelt gratitude for the effort being done by the Sabahan Woman.

As little as we can do as an individual, never forget that "synergy is the best Strategy" and together we can do great things ! Thank you BFA for your great effort ! 

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park ( TAR islands of Sabah, North Borneo )

Christmas Day falls on December 25 and is an occasion for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  In Sabah, many people, even if they are not Christian, give each other gifts, prepare special meals and decorate their homes at this time of year. This is because the Christmas festive falls on the year end school holidays where children enjoy exchanging gifts, setting up wood fire and even decorating Christmas tree.

This Christmas, if you are still contemplating where to  spend your holiday. The isle of islands in Borneo is one of the best options. This near island escapade gives a total opposite feel of winter snow Christmas like Europe; however, these perfects tropical islands provide a memorable vacation island of a lifetime.

Islands of Borneo

TAR Marine Park (Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park)

The TAR islands are easily accessible as they are close to Kota Kinabalu - about 15 to 20 minutes boat ride. You can choose to visit one or more of the islands in a day, or spend a night or two to enjoy the tropical moonlight and even night camp fire with your love ones. TAR Marine parks provide a perfect gateway for family gathering.

Pulau Gaya- One of the largest island at the Park at 140 hectares with 25km of shoreline. For divers, the coral reefs along the entire coast of the island are in excellent condition. There is one tropical resort on this island called the Gayana Island Eco Resort. The untouched coastal Dipterocarp forest is ideal for trekking and studying unique species of plant and animal life.

Pulau Manukan - This 51 acres boomerang shaped tropical Island is the second largest of the TAR Marine Park. Manukan has good stretches of beaches especially on the southern coastline. Ideal for snorkeling, diving and camping. There are also accommodations available with excellent facilities. However, due to the popularity of this particular island, the crowd congestion may be slightly noisy in during the day, making it a similarity like the enchanted island of Bali.

Pulau Mamutik - The smallest of the five tropical islands of the Park covering some 15 acres. Rich coral life surrounds the islands. The island has a jetty, a 3-bedroom rest house for rent and quarters for Rangers on the island. There were also sea sports such as banana boat, canoeing as well as water skiing for rent during the day. Mamutik island also serves as the main off shore station for your scuba dive lesson. Other facilities available include changing rooms, toilets, picnic shelters, tables and barbecue pits. There are also fresh water and electricity in the island.

Pulau Sapi - For a small tropical island of 25 acres, Sapi Island has one of the nicest beaches in the Marine Park. Its clean white sand, crystal clear water and teeming coral reefs fringing the shoreline makes it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Day use facilities are available at the island such as a jetty, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets. There are also hiking trails available through the interior which can provide an excellent opportunity for you to appreciate nature in its wild habitat. If you are considering a destination for your children, this is the perfect edutainment island for children.

Pulau Sulug - Sulug Island with an area size of 20 acres is the farthest away from Kota Kinabalu. The tropical island is also the least developed. The shoreline is mostly rocky with beautiful patches of coral at the southern end. The island is however, very popular for those island hoppers who prefer the tranquil and untouched tropical beach atmosphere. Plenty of naughty long tailed Macaque welcomes your arrival. So, be careful with their snatch and begging behavior. This is the calmest and most quiet island and it is always the perfect pit stop for divers.

Perfect Escaped for the young, the young at heart, and the old

These islands are easily access, perfect destination not only for open water divers but also non divers. You can opt for the non diver package and just chill in your cozy room. It all depends how you want your Christmas to be, a romantic and quiet mode, or celebrating it with a warmth gathering among family members.  This is because Sabah is blessed being well known as “Land below the Wind”. These islands are well sheltered from the rough waters of the typhoon belt. Choose your desired island according to your holiday theme; make your way to Jesselton Point at Jalan Pantai, your holiday is just a doorstep away! 

"Step to Success" - Langkah Syabas

Langkah Syabas- Generally means "step to Bravo! ( Congratulations) " in the malayan phrase. This is a quiet beach front situated at Kampung Kinarut Laut, a 3 acres land from a brainchild of a beautiful mix marriage couple (Peter & Lisa Cantwell) on their  dream in developing a cozy yet welcoming resort for leisure traveller from around the world to Sabah, North of Borneo. For locals, this is a perfect escaped for great luncheon or chill out over the weekend as the Restaurant serves delicious home made beef sausages, and self manufactures cheese ricotta. 

Little Golf driving range

Walkway to lodges

Guard sheep , chilling at the beach front, for
one moment we thought it was a dog

 

Scenic view from restaurant

Chill out Bar (Left) and exotic dining tables

Simple yet appetizing "chicken liver pate" with "home made cheese"

A little more private chalet are just at the new site of Langkah Syabas.... Perfect honeymoon retreat for newly wed couple or even a breakaway from the hustle and bustle of KK city.

For more infor please log on to www.langkahsyabas.com.my

Happy Easter, Its more then just about colourful EGGS

Picture Caption :Babe D Pug, ready for her weekend run

Dear relatives and friends,

On this holy day,

we celebrate the rebirth of Jesus,

claiming to be the son of  God.

No guilt in death, No fear in Death. 

Howdy with the long weekend, 

I wish you a great weekend ...

with lots of Easter EGGS 

with love, 

~Melissasy~

Empowering the Indigineous Woman Through Wellness Program

The spirit of outreaching and making a difference to eliminating poverty does not only involve activist of NGO. Be it an individual, an organization, together we can always make a difference to change the world.

Borneo Fitness Academy (BFA), is a fitness academy founded by Yun Yuen, a born bred Sabahan lass whom has been abroad to venture into her wellness education 30 years back. Being back to her home land, she initiated Borneo Fitness Academy which mainly focus on the core value of fun fit exercise - to the woman of all ages,be it young and the young at heart.

PACOS TRUST (PACOS) is a community based voluntary organization registered under the Trustee Ordinance Chapter 148, Sabah, Malaysia to help raise the quality of life of indigenous communities. PACOS acts as an entrusted Non Profit Organization in reaching out to local indigenous of Sabah in various community development program,  in which financial contributions from members, individuals and international funding agencies helps to sustain most of PACOS activities. 

As the old saying, synergy is the best strategy and together we can make a difference, the objective of this event held is to outreach to the local indigenous women who has the equal rights in "SAFE, HEALTHY; EMPOWERED"  as any others in the world.

The event features various modern fitness movement which are a "hit" in town, namely HIP Zumba, Belly Jam, Batuka Latin, Hot Power Yoga, Afro dance which mainly coordinates upper and lower part of your body with lively Latino music and requires consistant stamina and waist, hip and shoulder strenght. This event gives participants a total body workout with special focus on your core area. 

Come! Join us in this joyous event, be Fun, Fit and Fabulous while never forget to do our part in giving the Indigeneous woman a better world of living.. Let them be Protected, respected and most of all Healthy and Empowered.. 

Event details : 

Date    : 28th April 2012,  Saturday 

Time    : 5pm-7pm 

Venue  : Aerobic Hall, Likas Sports Complex

See you there ! 

    

 

 

When the impossible mission turned reality.. Loro river cruise by BEST society

A new Challenge with Borneo On Wings 2012 (BOW 2012)

Last year, i have the opportunity to discover various region of Sabah, from coastal to interior of Sabah, adventures to relaxation, livelihood to cultural living, also unforgettable spiritual encounter in the heart of Borneo. This year, i took the liberty to promote sustainable tourism through an exciting World Class Aviation Event, spearheaded by a team of extreme Borneo Explorer, who led Borneo On wings 2012.


WHAT IS Borneo On Wings 2012 

An unofficial logo of BOW 2012; yet to finalize

Borneo On Wings 2012 is a world class aviation sports event for  Light, Microlight,Ultralight  or experimental Aircraft held in Borneo particularly Sabah and Sarawak. This event is organized in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism Board and Sabah Tourism Board.It is Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF) sanctioned 1st of its kind being held in Malaysia.


Being introduce by Capt.Tom ( a good friend of mine) on the spearheaded team of fabulous 3, Willy, Jeff and Lorraince, i was aspired by their eagerness and 1Malaysia team spirit ;making this event a success in the eyes of the world. 


So i asked, Why Borneo? 
Knowing Tom as senior captain for having more then 8000 hours under his wings in East Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak were already his second home. 


The various objectives aimed by BOW 2012 which particularly benefits the publicity of Sabah and Sarawak attract me the most. However for BOW, the aim to create a radically new Aviation Event for the World Aviation Calendar specifically for Light, microlight /ultralight  and experimental aircraft is the main target. This world class aviation event took place by promoting the magnificent topography, mystical flora and fauna of Sabah and Sarawak and subsequently promote the isle of Borneo as an Private aviation Tourism Destination. Taking this exciting event, it is hope that this event could create a platform on which  Light Sports Aircrafts, Experimental and Ultralight aviation can flourish and thus inculcate the interest to the young generation. 


The team and its great Patron 

From left Lorraince ( BOW Secretary), Willy Wong ( Event Director),Amrul Nizar ( Event Technical Director ),
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ( Patron of honor),Dato Seri Muhammad Leo Toyad Abdullah ( BOW Advisers) and third from left Jeff ( Event Commander) 

The exact event will be held from 1st until 9th of September 2012, comprising of various activities, from non-competitive aeronautical based event, participants flying in loose formation through out Sabah and Sarawak. Making pit stop at each designated area in urban, suburban, rural and interior part of Borneo. While on the ground, the participants will involves in CSR programme, mingling with the locals and encounter the untouched wilderness of Borneo Cultural Safari. 

Remember Power boat event F2 in Sabah during 2009? So instead on having it on the sea, this time we do it ON AIR ! An exciting first ever aerobatic event, lets bring it on :) 






Thank you BOW team for entrusting me as part of the team in Sabah region, Its time to flap the Borneo wings and spread the wonders of Sabah, land below the wind ! 


  

  

Another year has gone by.....

Pic taken at Geneva lake with Mounia Ghazalli  August 2011 

Over time, we have come to accept things that we cannot change, and if we are smart enough, we will also live life without regret.. learn from the pass and move on for better..

The past "experience" ; is not something we can't let go. Although regret is something very unfamiliar to certain people. To regret means that part of ourself especially our soul is still lives in the past and doing so is not moving forward.As we grow older, we find it more important to live in a now. 

As i get older, i realize that some things and people are important and some are not. I realize that truth and character are all that matters and those who truly loves you are to be cherished.

I also realize that success is made day by day, and accumulative effort that turns some one's passion into perseverance action. Tomorrow may never come and today maybe the last echo in time on one soul has to another. 

I have no complaints at all of what transpired in 2011 for it was another phase of my life to be remembered and achieved, and one that forced me to learn some important lessons. Now 2012, i believe will be even a better and stronger year, as the past has made me better..

Picture taken @ Geneva with Mounia Ghazalli

Good Bye 2011, and hello 2012... Happy New year to all.. May the peace, calm and stress relieve Borneo vibes brings to you where ever you are in the world.

Benvenuto 2012 !

for girls only, more about Melissa alut lim 

Memorable Authentic Italian Community lifestyle.Food for thought.

I still have so much to share throughout my journey of discovery in Venice,Rome and Geneva, Switzerland. The beautiful and meaningful part about "homestay" did not just stop at what i did in Marco's house. 

Sara, my master, preparing pasta for continuously since morning. 

Marco's wife, Sara, is a mother of 4 and a chef for thousand people whenever there is a Bazaar or charity fiesta. Cooking for her is not just a passion, but it also enable her to get together with her mate and be merry while preparing dishes for guest. All income,be it drinks or meals will go into donation through the church. 

I may have language difficulty with them however, each and everyone seems carrying their duty diligent and sincerely. So the food presented maybe simple, but it seems to me the best dish i ever had. 

   

Check out the amount of drumstick and chicken breast to be barbequed. Check out the other side of chicken was the tenderloin beef and pork ribs. Imagine you are preparing this, so imagine standing in front of the charcoal for more then 5 hours.
Lucky the weather was cold. So the charcoal served 2 purposes. To keep warm and to cook. 

So the preparation of charcoal is at the other end, no strong fire to the meat so there were no wastage of over cook chicken or burnt pork rib. 

Young and old, father and son , all are involved in making this fiesta a success.You bring the fine charcoal and i will do the best pork ribs. 

On the other hand, in the kitchen, the women are preparing wedges, chips, onion ring  and each and every duty is being done diligently. 

A wonderful side dish that went very well with my chicken BBQ. But i really cant remember what was the name. :(
I will ask Marco and re caption this photo. 

The kitchen tool.... 

And wallah, here i was.. dancing through the night with the Cowboy dancers.. we had so much fun with the instructor. 

Uno, due, tree, quattro ...girare... anchora anchora ..
So it practically means "1,2,3, turn, again and again", although language is the barrier but those steps doesn't seems hard and anyone can easily join in and have fun.  

This is Martha and her husband.. they both are volunteers in the fiesta. 

Martha daughter, with Deborah ( Marco's daughter) they are just naturally beautiful 

Kiss kiss.... beauty 

Thorn among the roses ?  Nah... make a change "Rose among the thorns"

Experiencing the livelihood, community services and being part of the volunteers, enriching myself with life of Venitien community  is one of most meaningful travelling experience i ever had.

"Anchora, grazie miller Chef Federico, Marco, Sara, Debora, and their beautiful family members of Micieletto"

Some impromptu photos during hitz FM Malaysia 1st anniversary

Before i even enter, i caught JJ reading Firefly Menu, i guess he was super hungry , but then i know i may have to struggle with others to get him for a photo with me inside the party. So , being the naughty JJ, he immediately grabbed me over and asked Ean to take a sot. 

There you go, Ean and his super look.



And off i left to the party.. and i was shock there were such a long que for entry. 

The Big joy in Such Scarcity- An early Christmas gift for these foreign Kids

On fine afternoon, as i was heading to office in my car, i saw the usual two little girls who use to walk to work in one of the factory nearby Kelombong, Industrial area, pulling a gigantic monkey with their bull strength. They dragged the monkey in such hurry, big smile on their face and of course, they were not able to carry the monkey butt even. it was just too huge ! I quickly pull my car over and turned to them. I braked and i actually came out and chase after them. For one moment they thought i was a cop .. then i ask them to smile ..... and cheeeekkchaaaaak... i got this photo of them. 

"Dik, besar juga monyet ni, dari mana kamu orang dapat ni??"
( Hey Kids, this monkey is humongous, from where did you get it ? )

"Dari tong sampah kak sebelah sana kak"
( From the dumping area over there)

They look at me innocently, know nothing about their future holds and if they will be able  drag this  giant monkey home before the cops came and arrest them. Not because of stealing, but because of their unidentified nationality. 

I tailed them.. and i was just wondering where are they heading... 

Slowly, they went into the bushes, heading to the squatter behind the factory. I wonder, if the monkey is able to fit into their tiny house. As mush as i am concern..... police officers are just behind them....

Calling the Farewell with Breeze- Borneo's Premiere Lifestyle Magazine

Since the re launching of Breeze 2011- Borneo Premiers Lifestyle Magazine; I was given the privileged to contribute my journey of discovery in Borneo. From down below, to mountain high.. Further from adventurous journey to relaxation sun, sea and beach. I may not be a good writer, but putting an effort and pen down my experience and share widespread about Sabah, North Of Borneo perhaps is what i can do for my home land. Marking this farewell, i want to extend my bundle of gratitude to 

Mr. Dinoza ( The creative Director of Breeze) and 

Mdm Noor Ali ( My precious editor, that must have been cracking her head for trying to empathy my article) 

Here are some of my favorite write up in Breeze Mag. This magazine features the happenings in Sabah, personality of young successful Sabahan, local travel destination, events, movies, whats Hot ! and even gossips if you happen to read them. 

July Issue on Animal- Birding With TG Osman in Borneo Rainforest

october issue on Art in Borneo - Borneo Art Tattoo

And the latest issue on "Voluntourism" in Borneo

Breeze is available for free reading at all lifestyle coffeeshop such as Starbucks, Coffeebean, The Core Fitness Centre, or  you can even buy them at RM2.00 at any book store in town.

Kudos to Breeze for the revamp, making it a social networking magazine among locals and reaching out to Brunei and Sarawak , you guys work hard and stretch a lot to the neighboring land.

Ciao Breeze.. keep up the good spirit !

Tamu Besar, Kota Belud

This Bajau Boy, leading his horse,in his utmost pride, marching into the centre of Kota Belud field.

    Kota Belud- Generally reckon by the locals as the Cow boy town of Sabah, North Borneo. Tamu Besar, means the feast market which gathered everyone far and near around Kota Belud, to display their best products such as fruits, greeneries(vegetables), handicrafts, local desserts, or even battle nut leaves and  traditional cigars collection. As far as i can remember, the last time i visited Kota Belud, when my grandpa was still alive and he used to hold my hand and walk around negotiating his marketing in Bajau languages. He is gone now and these Bajau traders has turn totally strangers to me, as i sometimes have totally no idea what are the traditional name of certain mouth watering fruits or local delicacies.

As the Bajau are generally also the "sea gypsies" especially those at the east coast, fisheries is also one of their expertise and survival income. Here, in the fish market, you can see, plenty of freshfish selling cheap and fresh, choices at your fingertips.

  

Of course, the prime moment of this Tamu Besar would be the Horse and Buffalo parade that became the centre attention of the crowd.

Parades Move on forming various patent to show symbolic of Bajau tribal victory.

As the horse parade went on, the Kulintangan team keep the rhythm
alive for the riders to follow.   

A Bajau woman concentrating on her Kulintangan instrument.

Beside the Trojan horses, the buffaloes were also one of the main attention gather of the event. Buffalo were once a multi purpose  animal especially to the paddy owners, it is not only as a working tools but also a gift for the bride's family  if a guy is about to marry a Kadazan Dusun daughter in the family. 

The buffalo race is no doubt the most exciting game to view. Taking into account of the heavy rice bag to carry along while controlling the buffalo, i suppose this is not an easy game to handle.

Last but not least, you also have a chance to savour  a moment of being the Bajau queen. The whole world is looking at you, and your hero is the typical Bajau alike "SANDOKAN". Further to the attention from the whole town. What more can you ask for :)

Till we meet again next year! Yeeeehhhaaaaa....