Injin Puput: Passage to the Heart of Borneo

I was lucky enough to get a free media pass to attend the media preview on the 3rd of May at Sabah’s JKKN Complex, from Nova, who was so supernova enough to give me one. I was ecstatic because I’m keen about the Sabahan culture that never cease to fascinate me.

Injin Puput tells the story of a grandfather, Aku Arusop and his grandson, Aaron going on a train ride along the west coast of Sabah. While at it, Aki Arusop reminiscences his father, Aki Gounon’s love story with a Chinese girl, Mei Ling. The musical started with a Murut warrior having a premonition of the arrival of British which was also a forecast of the  appearance of Vulcan trains which is extended into the heart of Sabah.

What I loved about this musical is the forbidden love story between Aku Gounon and Mei Ling which would be a cliche in movie theaters unless you add pale vampires, horny werewolves or aliens. This, I thought, was just classic.

Falling in love over glutinous rice wrapped with bamboo leaves. Romantic eh?

Watching Injin Puput gave me a revelation, a reminder of how beautiful the cultures we have in Sabah. It was also an educating experience as I’ve got to learn some of the customs/traditions or rituals that I’ve never seen or heard before, especially the Bosilat Mandung – Mandung and the Sazau Modsuhung of the Kadazans of Papar.

Bosilat Mandung – Mandung.

Limbai.

It would be unfair though, if I were to compare this production with the musicals and plays I’ve seen in Istana Budaya.  There were some things I thought in Injin Puput were ‘off’.

For instance, I thought that the screen which portrayed the visuals were over used that to me, seemed to be sort of a short cut to create the scene’s setting. If physical props have been used to create the setting, it would give a sense of awe and would be more realistic compared to just depending the visuals on the screen.

I’m not going to touch on the choreography of the traditional dances because my knowledge is not to that extent. But I did find that the fighting choreography during the scene with Mei Ling’s brother was quite weird and funny. At the back of my mind was ‘Ah, itu seja? Lawan, mati and then lari?’. It was just plain to me and I didn’t give any excitement of ‘wow, these dudes are really fighting’.

Easy, breezy duel. Notice of bare the stage was without any physical prop create the setting? Instead, the visual on the screen created the setting. The stage felt empty.

At times as well I find the stage was too crowded especially in the scene where Mei Ling sells her glutinous rice. The stage blocking was poor, the extra actors were scattered without any apparent motive, well, other than wanting a piece of the glutinous rice.

Everybody was waiting for kao chung. It look scattered. The scene would be more interesting there were stalls where some of the actors sell fabrics, fruits or fish, in other words, the local activities of the community. Takkan the activity of the community is just to wait for Mei Ling to jual her kao chung kan?

The story line on the other hand, it was just okay for me. It would have been more dramatic if the tension of the story was build up from the beginning when Mei Ling and Aki Gounon met. Then only the conflict would become stronger, when the conflict is strong, of course the love birds will try to do everything just to resolve the conflict.

I can’t really say if this is the best Sabah Fest production for I cannot make any comparisons as I haven’t attend last year’s Sabah Fest. Last time I went was when Sabah Fest was still held at Sutera Harbour, which is around 2009. But viewing from the whole production, the cultural aspects of Injin Puput is always an amazing educational experience. Production wise, it can be improved, from the story, to stage design and acting. Only then I believe, it would a solid act. Or maybe, this was just the preview night, therefore, the production didn’t went all out?

During the marriage ceremony between Aki Gounon and Mei Ling, the Argus pheasant feather was missing on the Aki Gounon’s headgear and there weren’t any tattoos that shows that he is a Murut tribesman. A friend of mine posted a picture of this scene during the last night of the show and surprisingly, the male’s costume was complete, with tattoos as well. Hhmm.

Despite what the ‘offs’ that I mentioned, I congratulate the team behind Injin Puput for their efforts, hard work and ideas into making this production, a reality. I look forward for improvements on next year’s Sabah Fest. Thanks once again to the supernova, Nova, for the media pass.

MICDJ KK Semi Finals II

Last week KK party people witnessed the first semi finals of Malaysia International DJ Championship held in Chocolate Factory KK Times Square. Endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment of Sabah, three DJs qualified to the finals and they are DJ Fenx, DJ Vivivenna and DJ Chalie D.

This evening, the second semi finals will be held at Shenanigan’s Fun Pub at 7.00 p.m. 

You can witness six more DJs from around Malaysia competing for a spot

MICDJKK aims to uncover the young DJ talents who aspire to establish themselves in the electronic music scene. Final round will be held at BED Club on the 10th of May 2013. Winner will take home RM 5000 cash prize and the title of Malaysia International DJ Champion.

But until then, feast your eyes with music from these young DJs tonight at Shenanigan’s!

GE13: I Did Not Vote

This year, I am 22 years old and I’m eligible to vote. But I didn’t.

Therefore, as some of you have mentioned, those who have not vote, have no rights to complain if any of the government policies is not in my favour. But I still have my freedom of speech. I can still voice out what I have in mind.

GE12 was in 2008. Back then I was only 17. Being a teenager, I didn’t care much about politics. All I knew was I want to have loads of fun though SPM was approaching. I never discussed politics with my friends, never with my parents or with my family. It was more of an adult thing and I didn’t bother. The lack of my understanding and knowledge on politics made me uninterested about the subject.

When I entered my tertiary education, only then my eyes opened. Whether we like it or not, politics concern us. One starts to acknowledge ones’ rights and role as a citizen as well as understanding how the constitution in Malaysia works, especially, local politics.

I start to realize the issues that concerns Sabah. With the likes of poor public transportation, poor medical access to rural areas, badly patched or graveled roads and illegal immigrants. It is this time as well I learned about the history of Sabah’s politics, thanks to the access to various information from various resources. I started to become aware and my awareness became stronger as GE13 approached.

Poor public transportation service in Sabah.

But as I have mentioned, I did not vote. I haven’t registered myself as a voter and to those who may condemn me for I have not exercised my right to vote given the fact that I’m eligible to vote, I apologize.

Source: Hornbill Unleashed

This time however, GE13 has thought me lessons. It has thought me to be more mature in my political awareness, to know how democracy in Malaysia works and to educate myself of the process of election. It has also thought me to keep an eyes to those who won their seats, to get to know the political leaders, mark their progress and transformation brought. This way, regardless of the government or opposition, I can cast my votes rationally without the strong influence around me. In other words, be a smart voter, not just going for what majority around me rooting for.

Out of the 222 Parliament seats, 133 seats won by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat won 89. It takes a minimum of 112 seats to win and 148 seats for two-thirds. For Sabah’s state Parliament seats, BN won 22 out of the seats while DAP won two seats and PKR a seat. On the state assembly seats, BN won 48 out of 60 seats while PKR won seven seats, DAP won four seats and STAR one seat. 

I share the devastation and sadness of all the voters who went for the opposition. That, the hopes for reformation has lost. That we have to wait five more years for a change. Five more years for a better, Sabah (and our neighbouring state, Sarawak). Five more years to speak out and demand our rights that has been scraped off since many years ago. Also the fact that after each blackout, a party mysteriously won. It raised questions of fraud and integrity whether if GE13 was a clean and fair election or not.

Bersih will set up an investigation on the electoral fraud of GE13. Source: Malaysia Kini

Despite what has happened, I believe hope is not lost, change is possible and giving up is the last thing that we should do. We’ve seen the changes in the GE13 results. It wasn’t a big leap, but small steps towards a bigger, better transformation. Those of you who have voted, made a move forward from where you were five years ago.

To the reigning champion, Barisan Nasional and the people who supports the coalition, congratulations. Those who weren’t in favour in your government understood your decisions and hope that, you also understand why, those who voted against the coalition wanted a reformation. I hope that the newly elected government will start fresh, and meet the expectations of the people. Never to let them down and conduct their affairs corruption free. Not just giving promises because, promises, are meant to be broken. This goes to the opposition as well. Whether it’s government or opposition, I hope that they can perform well. And I hope, this GE13 result will result in a better and mature Malaysia.

Malaysians, though our political views differ, let us not make it a reason that drifts us apart. Last time I checked, this is still Malaysia, and Malaysians, stick together. Let us ponder the meaningful lyrics to Keroncong Hujan, written by the late Yasmin Ahmad shall we?

“Hujan membasahi bumi, melahirkan keluhuran budi,

mengeratkan perpaduan suci, kasih sayang abadi” 

I would like to quote someone I met a couple of years back, “if you’re not in favour of the government, you can change it every five years”. And I will cast my vote.

See you in the next general election.

Unduk Ngadau: Beauty or Cause?

The anticipation is over for the Kadazandusun community of Sabah as May has arrived and it is the month of Kaamatan, the annual Harvest Festival. It’s where different Kadazandusun ethnic groups around Sabah gather to celebrate a good harvest, to strengthen the bonds between these communities and just to have a good time.

It is also the time where the Unduk Ngadau will be crowned, celebrating the beauties that Sabah has. But, nowadays, is the Unduk Ngadau all about beauty or the cause?

2011 State Level Unduk Ngadau.

A friend approached me and asked whether she has a chance of winning the title in the district level. But I asked her back, what’s your cause in joining the competition? What do you want to stand up or fight for? For instance, encouraging the youths to learn the Kadazan language. She doesn’t have any answer to that.

* * *

A long time ago, the Kadazandusuns expereinced a shortage of food supplies. Kinoingan was worried and felt sorry for his people. It was said that Kinoingan sacrificed Huminodun, the only child of Kinoingan and Suminundu. She was the most beautiful maiden during her time. She was also kind-hearted and blessed with wisdom beyond her years.

Huminodun was willing to be sacrificed and be an offering to the great Earth so that there will be seeds once again for planting and there will be food for the people. There was nothing the people could do to change her mind.

So it was then Kinoingan sacrificed Huminodun the whole world turned dark and there was thunder and lightning. That year, the people has never seen such a harvest.

Therefore, to this day, the Kadazandusun people have included the Unduk Ngadau pageant as a grand part of their Kaamatan festival. It is a manifestation to the deep sense of respect and admiration the the Kadazan Dusun people have for the legendary Huminodun. It is a sacred title ascribed to Huminodun, to her obedience to Kinoingan, so much as to be a willing sacrifice for her father’s creation. Unduk Ngadau is then a commemorative term in the phrase of Huminodun’s eternal youth and the total beauty of her heart, mind and body.

The term ‘Unduk’ or ‘Tunduk’ literally means the shoot of a plant which, in it most tangible description, signifies youth and progressiveness. Likewise, in its literal meaning, “Ngadau” or “Tadau” means the sun, which connotes the total beauty of the heart, mind and body of an ideal Kadazandusun woman. In essence therefore the “Unduk Ngadau” is a processual event of selecting from among the Kadazandusun beauties, one who would resemble the ascribed personality of “Huminodun”.

For the full version, visit Borneo Today. 

* * *

Thus, the excerpt suggest that the Unduk Ngadau is more that just the physical beauty but it’s the beauty from within that embodies the wisdom and selflessness qualities that Huminodun has. But has today’s Unduk Ngadau became superficial? Commercialized to the extent that the pageant has lost its essence? Is it more about beauty than the cause the contestants could stand up for?

Miss Kadazan (Unduk Ngadau) 1964 – (Datuk Hajah Rita Bagong).
Then, there weren’t any elaborate make up and hair do as well as heavily sequined traditional costumes. Simplicity at its best. *

“The Unduk Ngadau to me is essentially like Easter. Unduk Ngadau means “girl crowned by sunlight.” The festival commemorates the day when Huminodun, the daughter of god saw the people starving and suffering and sacrificed herself for them” Nadira Ilana, a Sabahan filmmaker told me when I asked her opinion on the pageant. She added, the Unduk Ngadau is meant to embody the spirit of Huminodun whereby she represents kindness, wisdom, humility, generosity, selflessness and those are the origins of her beauty. Not just her looks, which is why she felt it’s abhorrent to think of the Unduk Ngadau as a mere ‘beauty pageant’.

She is concerned about the growing number of ‘pageants’ that only focus on women’s physical appearances. “I can’t think of any female-centric awards or competitions in Sabah that aren’t beauty pageants.” She worries that this contributes to gender inequality because it creates an impression that women should only be rewarded for their beauty, not their skills or intelligence.

 On Unduk Ngadau has become more of beauty than cause, she said, “she’s more of a symbol and a spokesperson but she doesn’t really become an ambassador of any sorts, which is a shame. It’s a shame that we don’t value Huminodun’s sacrifice now that Sabahans have converted to Christianity and Islam, we tend to treat her as little more than a legend but I think she makes a great local role model. As it is, we need more dialogues about gender equality and empowering girls and women. We need more female role models and as Sabahans, whether or not Huminodun is real she is part of all our stories and she deserves a special place in our hearts. Not just as a pretty face that changes every year.”

Hence, how or why does physical beauty become the determining factor for one to be crowned Unduk Ngadau when in fact, physical beauty is universal? Maybe it has got to do with the fact that the judging criteria allocates 35% – 40% out of 100% for beauty which is defined as charm, grace, elegance and poise. Whereas, 20% is only allocated for questions and answers.**

There’s even a Miss Popular Kaamatan award.

Moreover, gala nights, evening gowns and titles like ‘Miss Friendly’ and ‘Miss Natural Beauty’ are added to the competition which I guess to make it more current and relevant in accordance with time. But these additions has made the Unduk Ngadau drifted away from it’s essence and simplicity behind the pageant. It has become just another vain beauty pageant.

How is it natural beauty when natural beauty is covered underneath cosmetics? And that oversized gong hair do. Err.*

Do I want just another pretty face? No. Because I know Unduk Ngadau is more than just beauty. There’s wisdom, values and attributes behind it that the contestants should manifest. An Unduk Ngadau should be able to speak for the people, as Nadira said, a symbol and a spokesperson, having a cause the she believes in. A clear example is one I gave at the beginning of the post. Language. Or even creating the awareness of preserving the Kadazandusun culture that is slowly lost in time.

The legend behind the Unduk Ngadau gives the pageant a uniqueness that sets apart from all other beauty pageants. The title itself comes with responsibility.

So, the answer to my friend’s question, I couldn’t say that she does have a chance of winning or no, she can’t win. Cause she’ll never know, unless she tries. As the saying goes ‘menang atau kalah, adat pertandingan‘ (win or lose, it’s part of the game). All I said was, if she does have a cause, then believe in it, fight for it, fight it for the people. And as a friend, I’ll be behind her back, supporting her.

Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan.

* Pictures courtesy of journalist, Ricardo Unto.
**Based on the 2012 State Level Unduk Ngadau Judging Criteria. 

101 Things To In KL (Part 2): Things I Did for the First Time

Welcome people to Part 2 of 101 Things To Do In KL. This time its about the things I did for the first time. For those of you who’s missing out, check out Part 1 of this post, Been There, Done That.

Now before I tell you my experiences, there’s an (should I say) error I’d like to point out. *gasp*

As I was browsing through the cover story of Time Out KL’s (TOKL) April issue, which is the inspiration behind this post, I realized that I already did number 93, experience the good and ugly side of Changkat, Bukit Bintang. The ‘orang KL‘ in me says ‘gile ape duduk KL tak pernah gi Changkat? Less than 20 minutes (without the jam) jer kot dari rumah kau!‘. I swam in the pools at one of the condos, chill with my buddies at one of the clubs and have a roadside steam boat after a fun night.

Thus, add number 93 to the other 10 things I did in the the previous post, equals to 11. I did 11 things in the list and 90 to go!. Yes I know, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not checking the list thoroughly.

But no biggie. Now get your train tokens ready and drop down at Pasar Seni station cause the first thing I did in the list for the first time is…

88. Buy a keris at Central Market for self defense. 

Central Market is filled with handicrafts, souvenirs and traditional attires. It’s colorful ambiance makes the place lively and inviting.

It is here I bought my first keris for the purpose of, well, as number 88 says it, self defense. No matter how big or small you are or the fact that you are a professional martial artist, you’ve just got to be careful. You never know someone might abduct you and sell your kidneys at the black market. Err.

I bought a keris just because I can.

After you’re satisfied with your keris, you can have a happy meal at the second floor food court.

Next!

 

80. Seek other forms of joy at the old Sin Hua Bakery. 

Since I’m around the corner, I decided to stop by at the old bakery. It wasn’t that hard to find as I’ve strolled the streets of Chow Kit and Jalan Raja Laut before.

This old bakery sells your childhood biscuits that can trigger many fond memories and makes you relive the joy you had when you start to reminisce. Tsk!.

 

77. Navigate the back alleys of Petaling Street for a roadside haircut. 

I had no GPS to navigate. I even thought of buying a map (to tap into the tourist side of me) but I thought ‘screw it. I’m gonna get lost anyways. And yes I was lost but I didn’t mind. I like strolling the streets of KL looking at stuff, old buildings and people. It’s all part of the experience of being in KL.

While constantly wiping sweat off my forehead, finally, I found it! The roadside barbershop.

 

I was so ready to get myself a buzz cut and thought that it was going to be so cool to get a roadside haircut. Unfortunately, I was denied a haircut. Can you imagine, denied! It was like the word denied in shouting capitals was stamped onto my forehead in red. The uncle merely said that I was too young to get my haircut there. Pfft!

I was devastated and heartbroken. I walked many miles (exaggerating) uncle. Many miles just to get a cool roadside haircut.

So what does a young, devastated and brokenhearted dude gotta do when he was denied a haircut? Drag his ass to an Indian barbershop (another thing to do in KL)!. And the best part is, you get your shoulders massage and your neck ‘cracked’, which is always a scary experience for me but the sensation is freaking undeniable.

Or, go to Joe’s Barber Shop at SS15, Subang Jaya (another thing to do in KL) with hip hop tunes blaring from the speakers in the background. Joe’s Barber Shop brings out the hombre in you.

p/s: I know the uncle didn’t cut my hair but number 77 counts. I didn’t get myself lost and sweat for nothing. ;p 

 

43. Decipher social commentary from the graffiti in KL. 

I’m not going to say much, I’m just going to let you decipher the graffiti in KL, an expression from the graffiti artists that speaks today’s issues with these pictures. (Note: Pictures in number 43 are purposely edited differently making the colors pop to give you a worthwhile online deciphering experience. Hahaha!) 

 

No pun intended Yuna fans, but the the longer I decipher on this Yuna grafitti, the more I think Yuna looks like a man.

 

Add them all up, 15 down 86 to go! But unfortunately, I’m not in KL to do the other 86 things in the list. Kinda sad really because I was so into completing the list but I couldn’t. Nevertheless, I would like to congratulate myself for my effort (self appreciation).

And according to TOKL, my score (15/101) gave me the rank of a ‘Tour Bus Traveller’. Which basically means that I ‘need to get off that tour bus and into a mamak’. Mamak? Been there, done that lah. I was hoping to get a score of 71 – 101 which gives the rank ‘King of the Coffee Shops’; a true KLite and comes with the offer of working for TOKL. *Perasan akan dapat kerja kat TOKL*

Eventually, I’ll raise my rank when I get to KL next time and do the rest of the things in the list. But before the times comes, I’m going to share with you Part 3 of this post. What Part 3? Yes, I’m making a trilogy people, and I hope Peter Jackson will do some Lord of the Rings magic with it. Just joking. But I’m serious about Part 3 though, where I’ll be sharing about the things that could be on the list.

Anyways, I would like to wish Time Out KL a fifth anniversary. Keep on doing the great job! And it’s not a birthday without presents as TOKL said on its Facebook page. Get a free download the digital version of TOKL’s April issue here.

For those of you who fancy a 101 Things To Do In KL challenge, checkout the app of the same name on TOKL’s Facebook page.

See you in Part 3.

Keralan Chicken Curry

I was browsing through the magazine section at Times Bookstore, Suria Sabah a couple of months ago and found Jamie Oliver’s Recipe Yearbook 2012/13. Being the food lover that I am and a fan of Jamie’s, I immediately took it from the rack and paid RM 58 for it. I thought it was really worth it as it contained recipes from Jamie himself(and some from brilliant contributors), divided into four seasons. There are recipes for spring, summer, autumn and winter. Plus, the recipes were clear and easy to understand. The pictures in it just inspires you to out try the recipes.

Photo credit: Greek Girl Eats

So I flipped the pages and stopped at page 98, Keralan Seafood Curry, a summer recipe.  Since it doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients and an oven I decided to go to the market to get the ingredients. In the recipe as well, Jamie quoted ‘if you really must, you can swap the fish for chicken’. So I did. Instead of fish, I used chicken. Hence, Keralan Chicken Curry.

Here are the ingredients you need:

1. Vegetable Oil

2. 2 Tsp Mustard Seeds
Also known as biji sawi. You can get them at spice section at Giant or Servay.

3. 1 Tsp Fenugreek Seeds
Also known as biji halba.

4. 1 Green Chilli
Deseeded and finely sliced. But, I used red cause I love the color red.

5. 1 Handful Fresh or Dried Curry Leaves

6. 2 Thumb-size Ginger
Peeled and coarsely grated.

7. 3 Onions
Peeled and finely chopped.

8. 1 Tsp Chilli Powder

9. 1 Tsp Turmeric

10. A hand full of Cherry Tomatoes.
Ripe and yellow. Chopped. If you can’t get the yellow ones, just used the red ones or, you can just chopped the big red ones.

11. 1 x 400 ml Coconut Milk.

12. 1 Heaped Tsp Tamarind.

13. Chicken
I used two chicken breasts.

14. Coriander.
A few sprigs would do. Leaves picked and chopped.

15. 2 Limes.
Limau kapas to serve.

 

There you go. 15 ingredients. If you can’t find all of the in one supermarket, then try looking for the ingredients at the market. Once you got all of them, put on your apron  and…

 

1. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Once they start to pop add in the curry leaves, fenugreek seeds, green chili and ginger. Stir fry and when you can smell the aroma then add the onions.

2. Cook for ten minutes or until the onion is soft and golden. Add chili powder and turmeric.

3. Cook for two minutes and add 200 ml of water and the coconut milk. Stir until it slightly thickens and add a little of salt.

4. Add the chicken, tomatoes, and tamarind and simmer for another 6 – 10 minutes.

5. To serve, sprinkle with the chopped coriander leaves and serve with the lime.

Note: My method of cooking is slightly different from the recipe in the book and FYI, I added dry tofu as well. Ikut kreativiti orang bilang. Prefer seafood? Use prawn and fish. 

 

It tasted good. A little bit spicy and there were hints of the seeds used, the richness of the gravy as well as the slight tanginess of the lime just makes it perfect for a summer lunch.

Using chicken made the curry lovely, but as Jamie said ‘you’re rather missing the point’. Next time, I’m going to use seafood.

 

Sabah Food Industry Expo 2013 (#SFIE)

In conjunction with the Kota Kinabalu Food Fest, Discover Kota Kinabalu (previously known as Delicious Sabah) held the first Sabah Food Industry Expo at The Main Atrium, Suria Sabah on the 20th – 21st of April 2013.

The expo encouraged manufacturers, suppliers, local food producers and brands to commercialized their brand. It was also served as a platform for small and medium scale food producers and business to showcase and sell their products to the public and commercial operators.

Majulah Koko Tawau Sdn. Bhd., Kopi Ping Cafe and Pink Roses Cakes are among the exhibitors during the two day event. There were also many exciting activities that visitors participated just like Kopi Ping Cafe photo contest which an old uncle (and others) won an RM 20 voucher. Visit Kopi Ping’s Facebook page to check out the excitement on the uncle’s face.

Commercialized traditional rice wine by Lihing Nilyn.

The enthusiastic Kopi Ping Cafe’s crew promoting the brand.

It was an eye opening and educational experience for me as I got to know that the food manufacturing industry in Sabah is indeed a blooming industry. These local brands/products should be commercialized as they have the potential to go far in exporting their brands/products to a whole new level. These entrepreneurs deserve our support as well, and buying their products, like how I spend on these products below, is one way to show your support.  :p

1, 2 and 6: Various juices from Nutrifres. RM 10 for 3.

3 and 4: Hoko Chocolate Spread and Mulberry Jam from Majulah Koko Tawau Sdn. Bhd. RM 6 each.

5: Bottled kopi ping by Kopi Ping Cafe for RM 2.50/per bottled. Perfect  balance between the coffee and milk.

Sabah Food Industry Expo or SFIE for short will be held annually and becoming the catalyst for Sabah’s food industry to produce quality products as well as becoming the main platform for Sabah food entrepreneurs their products at commercial level. Hopefully next year, more local food entrepreneurs will participate this event and gain more positive feedback/participation from visitors.