BANDWIDTH STREET PRESS ISSUE 69 by BandWidth Magazine

JULY 2015

PPH 317/08/2012(031294)

FREE

HAPPENINGS KK JAZZ FESTIVAL INTERVIEW RIO SIDIK ARTICLE SING FOR YOUR SUPPER

chroma Hottest international baND in KK

ISSUE

JULY IN SABAH

HAPPENING MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Crafts Exotica 1 - 26 Jul 2015

Open House Day 20 July 2015

The “Agnes Keith Day” 6 July 2015

9th Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 24 - 25 Jul 2015

Sabah Women Painters Art Exhibition 2015 10 Jul - 16 Oct 2015

Moginakan Festival 25 - 26 Jul 2015

Sago Festival (Pesta Rumbia) 11 - 12 Jul 2015

Closing Celebration of Magahau Rungus Festival 30 - 31 Jul 2015

Sabah Museum’s Golden Jubilee Fair Day 15 July 2015

Warrior’s Day Celebration (Hari Pahlawan) 31 July 2015

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 17 - 18 Jul 2015

Sago Day Exhibition 18 July 2015

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HAPPENING EXCITING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JULY Crafts Exotica This program is one such activity Sabah Museum is planning to popularize the cultural heritage of Sabah in particular shows and clinics handicraft and traditional game shows and competitions ethnic state. It aims to spread awareness and to foster appreciation for the culture of traditional arts and crafts produced by various ethnic groups from various districts in the state. Sago Day Exhibition Sago Palm is traditionally used for many things and no part of the palm is discarded. The leaves can be used as roofing and the palm itself can be used to build walls in traditional houses. Visit Monsopiad Cultural Village to find out more about this amazing plant.

Sabah Women Painters Art Exhibition 2015 This exhibition showcases the artwork of Sabah’s female artists and encourages them to continue expressing their artistic flair through various mediums. See this outstanding collection of artwork at the gallery this month!

Closing Celebration of Magahau Rungus Festival Travel north to Matunggong to witness the closing ceremony of the Magahau Rungus Festival. Activities such as Hontira, a Rungus traditional sport and summoning the rice spirit through a ritual known as Mongivit - Mongirik dot Bambarazon are held on the first day of the festival. The highlight of the festival is the Mindahu Mamapak also known as Mangaraha Palad which means to be grateful for the abundance of life and improve the life that is yet to come. The “Agnes Keith Day” Agnes Keith Day is held in honor of “Ambassador” Sabah Sabah is introduced to the world through his book “Land Below The Wind”. This book has won a prize and put Sabah as an attractive place in the world. In conjunction with the Agnes Keith’s birthday, various activities were organized for school children and the general public. Sago Festival (Pesta Rumbia) Discover the many uses of the sago palm or rumbia at this festival which is one of the main tourism event highlights of Kuala Penyu. Sample delicious local delicacies including the gooey ambuyat and wriggling sago worms - best served live!

Warrior’s Day Celebration (Hari Pahlawan) This day commemorates the contribution and sacrifices of our fallen heroes in protecting and defending the sovereignty of our nation. It is a day to remember those who died at battle in North Borneo and nationwide.

Open House Day This program is part of the event ‘Living Heritage Village’, which highlighted the Hari Raya festivities in the tradition of ethnic groups such as Brunei, Bajau and Iranun. The program will be held at the Heritage Village, Sabah Museum Complex. Sabah Museum’s Golden Jubilee Fair Day In 2015, the Sabah Museum celebrates their 50th Anniversery. Sabah Museum which was officially established on 15 July 1965 to commence operations on the second floor of a building in Jalan Gaya. The second premise is occupied on the second floor, the building Nosmal Court, Jalan Gaya. Sabah Museum now occupies its own premises at the Sabah Museum Complex, Museum Road, Kota Kinabalu area of 16.96 ha.

9th Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival Sway to great jazzy tunes performed annually by a lineup of international artists and hugely talented local acts while contributing to the community in this fundraising extravaganza. A series of fringe events will lead up to the two days of concerts packed with soulful renditions of jazz classics and smooth contemporary tunes. The money raised will be used to benefit various community projects around Sabah.

Sago Day Exhibition Sago Palm is traditionally used for many things and no part of the palm is discarded. The leaves can be used as roofing and the palm itself can be used to build walls in traditional houses. Visit Monsopiad Cultural Village to find out more about this amazing plant. Hari Raya Aidilfitri Ranau will play host to this year’s national-level Kaamatan celebration which is expected to be graced by our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Meant to foster goodwill as well as to encourage unity among all ethnic groups in Sabah, this celebration is held every year with different districts take turn hosting. The event will start at 3pm and will be held at the old Ranau Airport.

Moginakan Festival This event is held at Kg. Nunuk Ragang, Ranau to mark the installation of the Kadazandusun’s Huguan Siou (Paramount Leader) and to commemorate the original settlement of the Kadazandusun community. Visitors can scour for bargain finds at the Tamu (open air market) or enjoy events such as the traditional sports and cultural performances.

Events listing courtasy of Sabah Tourism Board

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Editor Jonathan Tse Writers Keys Abraham Gordon Horace Chin Sharmila Asha Syed Rusydie Hadie Affendie Jonny Dragon Rachel Hee Creative Director Razie Alfiedan Productions Advertising Vekky Stewart Marketing/Events Manager Becka Robert Contact Us Website: www.bwmag.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/BandWidthMag Facebook: www.facebook.com/bandwidthstreetpress Instagram: @bandwidthmag Phone: 016 833 9482 F: Save paper, email us instead For Editorial/Distribution/Advertising inquiries, email us at: kkbandwidth@gmail.com

m o r f r e t t Le r o t i d E the

Time really flies. It’s the 2nd half of the year and there are so many exciting things happening. On our front cover we welcome the new band Chroma, an international band from Philippines performing daily in B.E.D @ Waterfront Kota Kinabalu. They’re set to enhance your party experience in Kota Kinabalu. We also feature Rio Sidek from Indonesia, an amazing musician and personality who will be performing at the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival. The KK Jazz Fest is one of the highlight of this month, enticing more than 3000 people every year with a superb environment, wonderful music and great people.

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We also interviewed the young and beautiful Sasha Ningkan, a singer/songwriter with a lustrous voice from Sarawak about her music and life.

Disclaimer: Bandwidth loves you and our photographers only supply photos for publication with consent either from yourself or the owners of the property you were in. We try and make you look your best. The publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any advertistment. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slender, breach of copyright, infringements of trademark of names of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights of privacy and warrant that the material complies with all of the relevant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or aganets. No responsibility is accepted by Bandwidth Street Press for the accuracy of advertisements or information. We welcome unsolicited editorial and pictorial contributions but any material supplied to Bandwidth Street Press are at the contributors risk, indemnifying the publisher from inaccuracy or consequences arising from its reproduction. No reponsibility will be taken by the publisher, its servants or agents. Opinion published in Bandwidth Street Press are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of Bandwidth Street Press. Bandwidth street press was founded by Arthur Lee. © All rights reserved. No material is to reproduce without written permission of the publisher. Bandwidth Street Press is a free publication and is published under Purpose Records SDN BHD.

Let’s enter the 2nd half of 2015 full of excitement and anticipation. I guess it’s time to check on our yearly resolutions and work on them.

Block 6-2, Wong Kwok Commercial Centre, Jalan Bundusan, 88300 Penampang, Sabah

Wishing you all a blessed Eid al-Fitr!

Printed by Percetakan Kolombong Ria Sdn Bhd (290030-P) Lot 3A & 5, Neutron Park, Mile 5 1/2, Tuaran Road, 88450 Kolombong, Sabah, Malaysia. Recycle Bandwidth supports Recycling. Once you’re done reading, either dispose of this publication responsibly or pass it to the person next to you so they can read this wonderful Magazine. Supported By

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BANDWIDTH STREET PRESS

BANDWIDTH CONTENTS 22

COVER STORY 14 CHROMA INTERVIEW 18 SASHA NINGKAN 22 RIO SIDIK ARTICLE 28 SING FOR YOUR SUPPER 16 THE TWO WHEELED AGENDA 24 ESCAPIST NOTION II HAPPENINGS 12 CONNORS APPRECIATION 20 KK JAZZ FESTIVAL HEALTH 30 VITAMIN C WELLNESS 32 STAYING FIT

28 BANDWIDTH PICK UP AND READING SPOTS

RESTAURANTS & CAFES • Starbucks Palm Square • Starbucks Warisan Square • Starbucks Suria Sabah • Starbucks 1Borneo • Starbucks City Mall • Starbucks The Spring • Starbucks Kuching International Airport • Starbucks Bintang Plaza Miri • Ming Cafe • Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Damai • Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Palm Square • Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Wisma Merdeka • Aubergine 88 Marketplace • Patrick’s Restaurant Lintas Plaza • Party Play Lifestyle Cafe Gaya Street • Hyatt Regency Hotel

CLUBS & PUBS • Shenanigan’s Fun Pub Hyaat • BED Waterfront • The Loft Waterfront • Shamrock Irish Bar • Mynt • Lush • Club Celebrities • Loving MUSIC SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, STUDIOS • RAM Production Damai • Refuge Music Academy City Mall • SIDMA College Bundusan SHOPPING MALLS • City Mall • Wisma Merdeka • Suria Shoping Mall • Star City Shopping Mall • 1Borneo Hypermall

FASHION/BEAUTY BOUTIQUES • Loft Clothing Warisan Square • Quicksilver/Roxy Warisan Square • Quicksilver/Roxy Warisan 1Borneo • The Body Shop Wisma Merdeka • The Body Shop Suria Sabah • The Body Shop Centre Point • The Body Shop1Borneo • The Body Shop Megalong • The Body Shop One Place LABUAN • Tiara Hotel Labuan • Popin Entertainment Centre Labuan • Blue Wave Lounge Labuan • Grand Dorsett Labuan • Lazenda Hotel • Havoc Entertainment

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JULY IN SARAWAK

HAPPENING

Interbike Hash 2015 July 10, 2015 - July 12, 2015

Borneo Cultural Festival 2015 July 30, 2015 - August 8, 2015

PESTA NUKENEN – BARIO FOOD FESTIVAL July 30, 2015 - August 1, 2015

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

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HAPPENING EXCITING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JULY Interbike Hash 2015 The Inter Bike Hash 3 (IBH3) will be a 3 day event held 10 – 12 July, 2015. The programme activities will commence on Friday afternoon, continue with a mass mountain bike ride on the Saturday and end with a city ride on Sunday morning. The main ride event will be held in the vicinity of Bau and will include trails covering 12 – 28 km each. 250 to 300 international participants are anticipated to join some 100 local bike hashers. Borneo Cultural Festival 2015 The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) is a week-long celebration of food, music and dances celebrating the diverse cultural background of Sibu community such as Iban/Bidayuh/Orang Ulu, Malay/Melanau and Chinese. BCF stands as Sibu biggest tourism event. This is a perfect time to mingle with the locals from all walks of life. Fringe events include trade shows, fun fair and stage shows. Borneo Cultural Festival is an annual event organized by Sibu Municipal Council. It is free for the public. The Sibu Town Square (venue) is within walking distance of major hotels in the town centre.

PESTA NUKENEN – BARIO FOOD FESTIVAL The 10th Anniversary Bario Food & Cultural Festival a.k.a Pesta Nukenan & Kebudayaan Kelabit Bario will be held from 30th July – 1st August 2015. The 3-day festival celebrates the unique food, farming, forest and cultural heritage of the Bario Highlands (3,200ft ASL) – one of the last surviving intact traditionally farmed and forested highland watersheds in Sarawak and East Malaysia. Enjoy the delicious organic food cooked by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands. There will be traditional games and dances by young and old. There are plenty of trekking trails to keep your adventure spirit high and cap off a great day by catching the awesomeness of the Milky Way if the timing is right. Pesta Nukenen Bario was founded in 2005 as a community-owned food and cultural festival organised for the first time in 2006. It was introduced by the management team of the multi-award winning E-Bario ICT centre with support from UPM, the Alde Valley Food Adventures UK and The Resident’s Office Miri.

Events listing courtasy of Sarwak Tourism www.bwmag.net 11

HAPPENING

Connors Appreciation Event at Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu On 29th June 2015, the Hard Rock Café (HRC) held a corporate appreciation event – one of the many events HRC has in store for its patrons. It was a Connor’s Stout event presented by Carlsberg. Connor’s Stout is from the Carlsberg brewery, for the sake of the less-informed. The event kicked off at six in the evening and carried on till around 10pm. A free flow of Connor’s Stout was served for two hours beginning from 6pm but this was extended to 9pm as people were still coming in from their places of work. Finger food was also served throughout which included Meat Balls and Tuna Toast. This author reckons she may had generous helpings of more than five of each. Power banks and lucky draw prizes were given to those who answered a question correctly on stage, quizzed by host DJ K-Man.

of Bohemian Rhapsody. Hats off to Drizzle with D.N.A. Those who would like to hear for themselves can catch them, Mondays to Saturdays from 10.30pm onwards.

Local talents the Headhunters played acoustically throughout the early part of the evening, followed by HRC’s new resident Band, Drizzle with D.N.A. played from 10.30pm onwards and they played a beautiful version

Let’s look at the history of Connor’s Stout Porter. In in the early 1700s, one of Great Britain’s growing empire’s success came from commerce. The porters, the workers at the docks, pushed hard and kept things smooth and going. At the

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When asked about why the event was on a Monday, General Manager of HRC, Floyd Pereira said that “everyone hates Mondays, so why not make it on a Monday evening after office hours where you can let your hair down and grab a pint to enjoy a day’s work?” I think we all can agree with that.

HAPPENING end of the day, they would gather around and grab pints of stout porter. It also became popular among the upper class Brits and socialites. Connor’s Stout Porter was inspired by the original recipe from the 1700s. Their Master Brewer carefully re-crafted Stout Porter with the same crisp texture, the rich and smooth aroma, the creamy head and roast-like undertones. The Hard Rock Café is now having a promotion every Monday – buy one and get one Connor’s pint free. Connor’s Stout is smooth and rich without the bitter after-taste. Those who would like to try Connor’s Stout or want to reward themselves after a day’s work or simply just hate Mondays, head on over to the Hard Rock Café at Oceanus Mall. For more information, you can go to www. HardRock.com or go to their Facebook page, Hard Rock Café Kota Kinabalu. For bookings and reservations or inquiries, you can contact them at 088-273952

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FEATURE

CHROMA A little insight into the new band to grace B.E.D. by Zulhaikal Mahdan

B.E.D. is now home to a new band in town. As always, an amazing band has been dished out to us K.K. audiences. Chroma is an ensemble of band members from around the Philippines that has a combined experience of ten years in the business. Speaking to the leader of the band, Jhovy, I was informed that Chroma is somewhat of a reunion for most of its members as they have worked together under different outfits previously. She further asserted that they are now indeed back together, in K.K. nonetheless, and the band is running a new formula that is certain to be appealing to the audiences at B.E.D. Their genre of music is an eclectic mix that Jhovy herself has formulated especially for the local crowd and judging by her experience, I am sure it will be one performance that is guaranteed to give everyone a good time.

Let’s cut to the chase and get straight to the juicy bits.

Here’s the 411 on Chroma: Jhovy is the lead singer of the band, who is joined by two rather fetching singers - Janine and Chu. Of course for all you ladies, there is a male side to the band’s line-up: The only male singer goes by the name of Iggy and as you can see by the photos here, he’s a real charmer. Julius and Paolo are on the

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FEATURE

lead guitar and bass respectively. Drums are covered by Jayar and Glen is on the keyboard. Together they bring a collective experience that spans the globe as they have landed in countries such as Jakarta, Cambodia, Maldives, China and Singapore and these are just some of the countries that Chu and Jhovy are able to recall. These locations have allowed them to

grace nightspots such Top5 Club, Space Bar and Asiana Club. Those of you who have travelled the world will have no problem recognizing their credentials. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to B.E.D. tonight and experience the music from Chroma!

Photos by Radzie Rahman

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ARTICLE

m The For rent In A Deter r e en Lett of An Op sydie Ru ed Sy by Penned

We don’t blame you; marketing has hit all the right spots and done it’s job effectively.

To the eager beginner - regardless of creed, age and experience. Before you get on the skateboarding bandwagon, there are some things you should know. Take this with a grain of salt, some spice, and brace yourself. Sure. We get it. You’ve bought yourself a kit – you’re fitted top to bottom in skate-wear; the whole enchilada. You now have a complete set-up of skateboarding equipment, and hey, that new piece of wood smells good. That’s alright. Take it in. We all do that. You’ve cleared the shelves of your neighbourhood skate shop (at the expense of your mom’s already-overdue credit card but hey, that’s not your problem!) of their new import of this season’s DC’s, matching snapbacks included (the choices of which are courtesy of that swagridden website your equally swag-ridden friends edge you towards). You pick the colours that match and the patterns that complement – who wouldn’t? Can’t be caught dead at the skatepark wearing off-colour clothing, can you?

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Photos from varoius sources

You’ve got a shiny new ensemble and you’re looking real slick, kid. These kooks, with their ripped jeans, recycled laces and run-through shoes ain’t got nothing on your spickity-span exterior overhaul. Heck, you’re the freshest one at the park. The clamour from across the deep end of the bowl celebrates your sense of fashion with much enthusiasm. Just look at those smiles. Genuine. Here’s the thing though; you’re gonna fall down. A lot. In fact, you’re going to fall down so

ARTICLE Even a professional like Sean Malto can land wrongly despite years of practice (This could be you).

much you will contemplate why your bum is so fragile. Elbows, wrists, feet – heck, why do pain receptors even exist? This may come off as a little discouraging but when you hit the ground, that spotless Grizzly Tie Dye will catch more than just a little dirt, dust grime and slime. Heck, perhaps even a tear. Maybe even two. Maybe ten. You’ll find the hard way that the spiffy skinnies your emulated proskater wears offer little to no protection. But hey, you’re a rocker in and out, right? That split down the middle? That’ll keep happening. Kinda hard to scoff at the older dudes who roll around in their baggy-to-death Ruff Ryders now, huh?

(Refer: “Hall of Meat” - Not for the feint of heart). There’s nothing wrong with looking fresh (the author here has been known to indulge a little in fresh-to-death Fourstar sweaters himself); so long as you’re willing to go the distance, risk life and limb, and eat spoonful after spoonful of pain and frustration - all for the satisfaction of hitting your target. Can this approach to persistence be applied to other aspects in life? Most definitely. Well fancy that; there must be more to this whole skateboarding blab than your eager eyes perceive.

Here’s another problem; your trophy skateboard (replete with your favourite professional’s signature equipment and top-of-the-line technology) will get massively messed up. Your white wheels will turn yellow. Your bearings will go from silent to sounding like an overused supermarket trolley. And that wood holding it together? You won’t even recognize it after a couple months of worthy abuse. The truth is, kid, skating ain’t no popularity contest; neither is it a fashion show, nor a hype train to get on (unless you’re getting on to never get off). The truth is skateboarders get down and dirty and only employ what’s necessary for us to achieve the goals we set out for ourselves to do.

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INTERVIEW

Sasha Ningkan The Blossoming of a Flower Undiscovered A Guided Conversation by Syed Rusydie

Not one to shy away from the microphone, young Sasha Ningkan’s rise to local stardom can be regarded as only natural - as is her tone of voice, comfortable demeanour and charming stage presence. Let’s shed some light on what this promising act has a’comin, shall we? Tell us a little bit about yourself, Sasha! Hello! My name is Sasha Ningkan. I am a singer-songwriter. Turning 20 this year and currently taking Diploma in Management with Multimedia in Multimedia College, Sarawak. I am born & raised in Kuching, Sarawak. Growing up, was your aptitude towards music a talent someone encouraged or did you find it in yourself to nurture? Well, no one actually encouraged me to play music. I guess it is in the blood. My grandpa loves music. He plays music and sings as well. My dad and her eldest sister were singers during their younger years and they performed for RTM. I started playing music since I was 10 years old. Before I actually started singing, the first thing I played was the keyboard. It was my late brother’s keyboard. And then I started to learn how to play guitar. I am a self-taught singer/ musician. Sometimes I don’t know what chord I

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am playing - it never really mattered, so long as it’s sound fit in. What bolstered encouragement for you to pursue this road less travelled? I had a lot of ups and downs, received positive and negative comments. Some people tried to put me down but that never really stopped me. Instead, I keep on going and learn and learn and I am trying to improve myself better and prove them wrong. I met a lot of inspiring people and musicians. My late brother, my family and close friends continue to keep me going. They’ve inspired me so much to become who I am today. Who would you say are your most impactful influences & let us in on a lesser-known muse! Yuna, Liyana Fizi, Noh Salleh, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Frank Sinatra. Who you may or may not know? Daniela Andrade. Do you have any original compositions?

INTERVIEW Yes, I do. I actually have 5 original compositions and I am in the midst of recording them with my rusted team and aim to complete it by this year! I’d say most of my originality is reflected in my lyrical attempts.

I’d love to share my music with everyone, perform more in gigs or events, make priceless new connections. I think it’s only natural to want to put your hometown on the map and to show em’ we’ve got what it takes.

Surely you’ve debuted a couple live? Tell us about some of the shows you’ve done! To list down all of my shows is impossible but these are the shows I will never ever ever forget. Is it okay for me to put together a list? Too late!

Please tell us you’ve something coming along this year we can catch you at! AAAAAAAAH SADLY, NO :-( Compiling my productions is what I’ll be focusing on for the rest of this year. I feel the exposure I’ve been given has given me that added perspective on priority!

Yuna Roadshow homecoming concert 2012. (met Yuna though. Yaaayy!) Earth Hour after Dark (got the chance to sing with Guba and he is a Sabahan) Jeenx Music Festival 13’ Jejak Aspirasi Belia; Mukah, Marudi. Meet Up Kuching (2015) Noh Salleh open mic session (2015) The ones that are listed are my favourites. But to top it all; Jeenx Music Festival. Why? It was my first time performing in a full ensemble, my first time performing on a BIG stage, my first time celebrating New Years eve with my close friends & loved ones, and shared a stage with so many amazing local acts from Kuching/KL (i felt so small). It was an amazing, unforgettable experience! That must have opened quite a few doors for you. Did you get offers for more gigs and is the crowd really supportive? I did consequently get a lot of offers for gigs (i am looking forward for more; outside Kuching gigs? *wink*) and the crowd is always supportive <3

Any last words for the fans that know and adore you? I adore you too, kipas! Haha! Here’s to everyone; Keep on doing what you love. Do not let anyone put you down. Prove them wrong. Believe in yourself that you can do it and never give up. Do not waste the talent that God gave you. Life is a journey, learn and enjoy it while you can. :-)

For any shows or bookings; sasha.ningkan@gmail.com Where to find me? & my music? Kuching, Sarawak. Facebook: Sasha Ningkan Twitter: @shaningkan_ Instagram: SashaNingkan Soundcloud & YouTube: Sasha Ningkan

Seems like you’ve got quite the demographic in your hands. Does your sound fit into the local music scene in Kuching? I play blues/jazzy/psychedelic sound kind of music. I’ve yet to perform my own songs in public but yes, i think my sound can fit into the local music scene in Kuching with a little bit of improvisation. I sang for my friends and showed them my songs and they (seem to) enjoy them; they would sometimes lull them into a sleep :p I can’t tell you specifically how I see where it’s heading but I hope listeners get to enjoy, feel, and understand my music. Where do you see it heading and how can you help it out? I will definitely write and produce more songs in the future and I will try to bring my music outside Sarawak, mainly Sabah & Semenanjung. Photos courtasy of Sasha Ningkan

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HAPPENING Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2015 Date Time Venue Website

: 24th – 25th July 2015 (Friday & Saturday) : 7.00pm – 11.00pm : Covered Tennis Court, Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. : www. kkjazzfest.com

Organisers : Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) & Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS)

The Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2015 (KKJF) is an annual fund-raising jazz extravaganza jointly organized by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) and the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS). Staged in the picturesque Nature Resort City of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the jazz festival brings together a musical melting pot of talents from around the world. KKJF recorded a crowd of over 4,000 people during the two –night performance. The festival is on its 9th edition this year every since it was started in 2007. For 2015, the festival will be held on the 24th and 25th of July this year from 7pm to 11pm. For the days leading up to the two-night event, a series of fringe events and the much-anticipated Talent Search have been planned. Performers line-up for this year festival are Motown Legend - Bobby Taylor who most notable for discovering and mentoring the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson, Gugun Blues from Jakarta, Indonesia the winner of the Hard Rock Café

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Battle of the Bands in 2011, Rio Sidik Quartet from Bali, Indonesia, Faizul Sany & The Hybrid winner of 2013 Akademi Fantasia from Sabah, Shun Ng the International Artist of The Year at the Boston Music Awards in 2014, Liyana Fizi YES artist of the month and for Chinese jazz lovers May Mow both from Kuala Lumpur. That’s just some of the performers at this year’s festival. Every year the festival will have up to eight acts every night playing on either the main or center stage which allows for non-stop music throughout the night.

HAPPENING The festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doors open at 6.00pm and first act is at 7.00pm and ends at 11.30pm each night. There are tables and chairs that can accommodate 1,000 patrons. No jazz festival would be complete without good food. This year the KKJF will have some of the best restaurants in Kota Kinabalu serving up their best dishes. Ticket prices are RM 100.00 per person per night while for 2 nights pass is RM150.00 pass per person for regular seating on a first come first served basis. The festival also has a Premier seating section. This section offers reserved seating. The price for the Premier section is RM 1,000 per table (maximum of 6 persons). The festival is a fund-raising event. Money raised from ticket sales is used to fund deserving community projects run by the RCKK. Past projects funded by the KKJF include the clean water project to the villager, literacy program, Avoidable Blindness Campaign, environment protection program, Free medical services to rural communities, initiate the development of cottage industry in the hope that the communities can be independent in their life, building of boarding home for rural children so they do not have to commute the 3 hours walk to school every morning.

Pictures courtesy of KK Jazz Festival

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW:

RIO SID

I had the honour of listening to – and subsequently meeting – Rio Sidik in Kota Kinabalu at the eponymous Jazz Festival in 2012, and once again several years later at the Ryoshi House of Jazz, Bali. A dexterous trumpet player with a distinct tenor voice, there was no difficulty being captivated by a performer of his skill. Add to that his humility and engaging personality? The inevitable birth of a fan. Rio built his career in Bali, “The Land of the Gods” after leaving his birthplace in Surabaya, East Java. As a third-generation musician, Rio began playing the trumpet at the age of 8 years and was “playing all over places” at the age of fourteen. His list-of-places-performedat includes South Africa, Portugal, Australia,

Spain, Russia, Singapore and the Netherlands. Among others, he has performed in the very first Java Jazz Festival, and this year’s eleventh, and several of the ones in between. He also collaborated with fellow trumpeter Maurice Brown and the legendary Incognito at the Bali Live International Jazz Fest last year. He credits Miles Davis, Freddy Hubbard, Arturo Sandoval and Dizzy Gilespie as among his influences. He is also almost always seen in a hat. Hearing that he would be coming again for this year’s jazz festival got was good tidings indeed and I managed to get in touch with Rio again. He is truly as candid as he sounds. Who gave you your first trumpet? The first trumpet I had was given by my grandfather. He was the one who taught me how to play the trumpet when I was 8 years old. He was my master. If not the trumpet, what instrument would you have chosen and why? I don’t really know, bro... Maybe the bass

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INTERVIEW

DIK

By Keys Abraham

(guitar)? Because it looks cool and the bass holds the groove. What do you enjoy about living and playing in Bali? Do you intend to keep playing there? Bali is home, bro... But I have travelled around the world because of music. I love it here in Bali. It’s the best place for me to live in. The people are chill and yet there are many creative people here. Bali is beautiful...

You catch Rio Sidik and his quintet at the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival on the 25th July 2015 at the Sutera Harbour Tennis Court. His second album “Sound Of The Mysical Vibe” was released last November. You can check out some of Rio’s music at https://www.soundcloud. com/riosidik or at his website http://riosidik.com Any parting words, Rio? “When you do something for music, music will do something for you...”

What makes you remain wanting to be a musician? I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t play music... I was born in a musical family... Playing the trumpet is the most natural thing for me to do in life... Music is my life, bro... Who would you join on stage for one song, on vocals or trumpet, given the chance to perform with anyone in the world? Hmmm... Awesome question! Any good musician – I don’t mine.... The more people can hear me the better... How many hats do you have? Tell us more. Hahahahahahahayyy!!!! 32 Fedora style hats and 21 in various style hats... Not that many though...

Photos courtasy of Rio Sidik

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ARTICLE

ESCAPIST’S NOTION II by Ana Jonessy

It would be an understatement to say that Indulge Collective got the short end of the stick despite the small crowd turn up this year at the second instalment of Escapist’s Notion… I mean, whatever. The people who never showed up are most probably pretty lame anyway (but don’t tell ‘em that, of course). As the anticipation built up for Escapist’s Notion II, so did the expectations and this year it featured Kuala Lumpur’ math quartet Dirgahayu, Sarawak’s most celebrated ska punk band United Kids of Oi! and alternative outfit Polar, as well as local champions; Wicked (Tawau), Aylette, Outfall, Boil, The Jethroes and newcomer Corella Attack. There was much singing and good-natured banter (and other subtle attempts at humor) throughout the gig, which made everything all the more special than it already was. Fittingly, United Kids of Oi! opened their set with the band’s most memorable track, setting an approximately 3 minute feel-good oi smasher

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with a cultured badinage about art, heartbreak and life. The positivity that exuded from United Kids of Oi! was very obvious and catchy… ’twas a hella good set! Whatever Polar put out at Escapist’s Notion was just a taste of their fog-influenced energy - some of which are stuff you’re probably not used to hearing. Polar seemed to have reclaimed the edge that most alternative bands have lost or failed to obtain in recent years, and their strongest attribute lies in the way they shift and stir things up within each song. The fine gentlemen of Dirgahayu have crafted a sound unique to anything previously ever made

ARTICLE

in their genre in the country - everything was trippy as f and their performance was a true testament to the depth of their musicianship. It’s pretty evident that Dirgahayu is building a legacy for themselves and “Bahasasa-nya” is a solid example of their inter-woven breakneck guitar work and other wonderful complexities.

about reception, bla bla bla… but none of this was really the case with Corella Attack - you really gotta admire the tenacity of this female fronted post rock sextet. It’s worth noting that punters gave ‘em a generic “4/10 okay-okay show” but also remarked that they were “…tight for a new band,”

Corella Attack on the other hand was… but um, reviewing a band a their first-ever live performance doesn’t exactly strike as a fair proposition, yeah? After all, there are nerves and surge of anxiety to contend with, general unfamiliarity from the audience, uncertainty

Wicked, Aylette, Outfall, Boil and The Jethroes were cool as always and maintained their signature in-your-face momentum we’re all familiar with. All in all, Escapist’s Notion made the weekend extra fun… till next year, then!

Photos by Ijat

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Illustration by Razie Alfiedan

ARTICLE

Sin

for

you

supp By Jonny Dragon

Little boy: “Mummy, when I grow up, I wanna be a musician!” Mother: “Come, come now dear, you know you can’t do both.” I have seen a few variations of this joke doing the rounds on social media, often accompanied by a drawing or a picture of a mother speaking to her young son. And I have to admit it’s actually very funny and to some degree quite valid. Let’s face it, few parents would actually suggest or encourage their young child to be a fulltime musician and I often find myself questioning the reasons to justify such behaviour. Let’s look at just three major factors that may influence a parent’s decision to support a child’s musical ability (or not) but still encourage and insist that they pursue an alternative career path, one that is supposedly more stable and lucrative. 1. Stability

2. Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll

Learning to master an instrument is difficult enough, let alone earn a living from it. Most people are not prepared to pay (or at least very little) for an unknown performer, citing playback music as more reliable, consistent as well as more economical. It’s bit of a “chicken and egg” situation, for in order to be known, one has to perform. This explains why many start off performing for free or for drinks. The experience and the exposure are vital early on. In any country, besides being in a high-end orchestra or a music teacher, a musician will not be given a full time job (read six nights a week) with medical benefits, Socso, EPF, paid vacations and monthly bonuses. Hence, even with all the hours of practice and hard work put in behind the scenes, a musician is never really considered to be “having a real job” especially when they see you having so much fun at work.

This is pretty self-explanatory. Music is often associated with negative elements in society especially in some religions. It’s so powerful it can make people dance, cry, faint, be healed, and be influenced – the list goes on and on. It doesn’t help that news portals and tabloids often highlight the negative physical, emotional and mental health of famous musicians, often related to illegal drugs and alcohol consumption as well as wild, crazy parties. This is true to some degree and to be honest, I don’t know many professional musicians who have not indulged in one (or all three of the above) at some part of their career. However, I would be very interested to compare it with the number of non-musicians who are pharmaceutical junkies due to the stress and pressures of their so-called “secure” employment and daily, monotonous grind.

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Illustration by Razie Alfiedan

ing

ARTICLE

per! 3. Security Ever tried to get a bank loan as a non-famous musician? Man, is it tough! You may be earning more than the car salesmen whom you share a flat with but he has a monthly salary slip, is forced to pay taxes and therefore can apply to borrow money to buy a house, car, equipment or even start his own business. Therefore, by default, being a musician is considered a “high risk” type person and not someone who might be considered responsible, mature, credit card worthy, insurable or capable of repaying that loan. This makes things difficult, especially if you wish to get out of the bars and clubs, start a business or you wish to start a family. Once again though, I would love some comparable data on how many “normal” professionals default on their loans on a regular basis? But in defense of all hard working musicians, I wish to highlight some very positive aspects of such a profession. To start with, most of the full time musicians I have met that have survived comfortably throughout the years look, speak and feel younger than their corporate counterparts of the same age and generation. Most of them also seem to thoroughly enjoy what they do, even though it can be repetitious. This is because, even if the same song is played the same way every time, the audience and the ambience is always different so it’s hardly ever boring. The reward of an appreciative audience

is an experience that never grows stale. We know without a doubt that a lot people would love to be a performer (Karaoke and YouTube prove this) but the plain, unadulterated truth is, that to achieve and maintain even a normal standard of living as a respected professional performing musician is simply put - f…..g hard. But I have saved the best for last. Picture this scenario. You’re a professional performer stranded in a town or city after just being mugged and robbed of all valuables except your instrument. To make matters worse, you know no one. Night is approaching fast, you are hungry and desperately in need of shelter for the night. What are your options? No one wants to beg and musicians don’t have to! To start with, you can busk on the street and within a few hours; you can often earn at least enough for a cheap meal and a bunk bed in some back packers hostel. Or consider this? Walk around and look for places that might want some free music for the night. Many a small café or pub might willingly allow you to play if they don’t have to pay you. Ask for a meal as payment – even if it’s just a sandwich and a glass of water. You can literally sing for your supper. Additionally, if you perform well, there is a very good chance that you’ll meet someone during the course of the evening that will offer you his or her couch at least for one night. If you’re really lucky, you might even get to share their bed. A stranded, mugged accountant couldn’t do that!

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HEALTH

For The Vein

Looking At Injectable Vitamin C By Dr. Knott A. Kvack

(This is the fourth of a series of articles looking at health and medical ideas that have popped up over the last few years and what one should consider before jumping into something. Note that this article is not for consultation purposes and anything one chooses to consume or subscribe to, should be done after discussion with your personal physician)

Last month, we talked about large doses of oral vitamin c and effervescent (fizzy) sources of it as well. Today, let’s talk a little about vitamin C injections. In several countries, the intravenous (I.V.) form of this vitamin has been attempted as a treatment for diseases like cancer. There is even a mixture called Myer’s cocktail (containing magnesium, calcium, various B vitamins and, of course vitamin C – okay, maybe mocktail would be a more accurate name for this concoction –) which allegedly can cure a variety of diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome (arguably a.k.a. fibromyalgia), asthma, heart arrhythmias, migraines, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, depression and hormonal imbalances. Remember what I said in an earlier article – I get a little nervous when one thing seems to offer a cure for too many illness. Sounds oily. Snake oily. Okay. Then how about vitamin C alone, given into the veins? There has been some support from the US National Cancer Institute for high dose injections for certain cancers, including prostate, pancreas, liver and colon. The doses are scary,

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Photos from varoius sources

though. We’re talking five to 200 grams per day. GRAMS. Pricey pee again, maybe? Still, nothing conclusive. The medical world is still much divided over this matter. In fact, the very topic of vitamin C in cancer treatment is taboo among many scientists and physicians. Even the US FDA has not approved its use for the treatment of cancer. Yet. In Malaysia, vitamin C is still not widely used in the treatment of cancer due to lack of scientific data. Therefore, I am not so worried. Yet. Now,

for the more serious matter. beauticians. And the beastly means.

The

Even in Kota Kinabalu, vitamin C injections are being widely used for skin care. Many lovely friends of mine who participate in beauty pageants (yes, I do have such friends) often get themselves jabbed. Their claims include fairer

HEALTH skin, clearer complexions, firmer texture, and everything else the modern woman (or man) wants to see in her (or his) skin. Some get injections with preparations containing vitamin C and combine them with other chemicals, such as glutathione, lipoic alpha acid and collagen.

the course of this column. Whether a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or a physiotherapist, our roles are built on a common foundation: science. Naturopathy is different. Naturopathy has its own definition of “medicine” that differs from that of science-based health professionals.

And the result? Beautiful and bright skin. Or so they say.

While naturopaths describe themselves a primary care providers, just like medical doctors, they do not practice from a scientific framework. Naturopaths offer an array of disparate health practices like homeopathy, acupuncture and herbalism that are linked by the (now discarded) belief in vitalism – the idea we have a “life force”. From this philosophy can sometimes emerge reasonable health advice, but it’s not because it’s based on credible scientific information.

A single injection would set them back by several hundred to several thousand ringgit, depending on the contents of the syringe. And not all the injections are done in clinics. Many beauty centres are offering services as well. Plus, one injection – you are most certain to be told – is never enough. What is even more troubling is many of them are not qualified to administer injections and equipment may not be adequately sterilised, resulting in risk of nerve injury, infection – abscesses, even HIV and Hepatitis B & C virus transmission. And what if someone were to suddenly develop an allergic reaction to any of the contents of the injection? Medical professionals will argue that vitamin C injections, even the ones with collagen in them, is like pouring a pail of water on a little seed, expecting it to grow. It simply appears to be a waste. Interestingly, intravenous services are among the highest advertised among naturopaths. A brief digression: This dispute between naturopathy has been ongoing and will continue to be explored over

Coming back, while vitamin C is indeed a powerful antioxidant, and should as such, protect against free radical damage, it has no effect on the ‘fairness’ or firmness of skin. Glutathione, which is one of the added chemicals to injections, may have a plausible but not wellestablished result on skin tone. It’s just not been proven well-enough. Yet. At the end of the day, don’t be swept off your feet by preposterous claims of beauty, fairness of face and days of grace. Fast results are not always long-term results. Now go and enjoy your chilli and jambu. Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is the fairest of them all? Do you C what I C? www.bwmag.net 31

WELLNESS

. e m i t d e t i m i Staying fit. L ! problem o N By Hadie Affen

die

Staying fit and healthy has become more apparent and popular in our community nowadays especially among the urban residents. But sometimes there will be issues that can prevent one from working out and staying fit. For example – being busy at work, no time to exercise, too tired to exercise, or even not having any idea on what type of exercises one can do. All of these problems stem mostly from time limitations. You may not have time to go to the gym but you still need can be physically active and boost your metabolism by using a bit of creativity in planning your day. Here are some ideas you can use to stay in shape.

Housekeeping chores can burn a significant number of calories. Get into some vigorous sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming.

The famous ‘use the stairs instead of the elevator’ advice is actually very true in maintaining your

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Illustration by Razie Alfiedan

metabolism and increasing your heart rate. Stairs all the way.

During your lunch break, if your working place is near to your regular lunch place then do a fast-paced walk to that place as this can help you concentrate better and improve mood.

Master the basic body weight exercise movements such as push-ups, squats, sit ups, lunges, burpees etc. so that you can do it any

WELLNESS time when you have free time. Combine at least two of the movements and do it together as a couplet. For example, in 5 minutes do 10 pushups follow by 10 squats then repeat until the 5 minutes are up.

While watching your favorite TV show or drama do Yoga or Pilates. These can give you some good exercise.

Practice stretching or light yoga moves while talking on the phone, listening to the news, or while dinner is cooking.

Find the high-energy items on your to-do list and tackle these when you need physical activity. Think about washing the car, digging the garden, cleaning spider web on the ceiling, or reorganizing a closet.

Make a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Challenge Your Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; list with an exercise to do every day and do it. For example the 100day burpee challenge by doing burpees every day and gradually increasing the repetitions by 2 each day until you reach a hundred day. You will automatically find time to do it eventually. Especially people who love challenges, like you. Buy some dumbbells and skipping rope. Put it in

a place where you can spot it every day, so you can perform some short and fast strength and conditioning sessions on your own.

Get up 15 to 30 minutes earlier than the rest of the family and use this time for a run, a walk, or some stretching and yoga. Here are some short exercises you can do;

As many repetitions as possible in 5 minutes. Do Burpees. Record your score.

5 rounds of 10 push-ups, 15 sit ups and 20 squats. Record your time completing.

50 skips, 25 sit ups, 40 skips, 20 sit ups, 30 skips, 15 sit ups, 20 skips, 10 sit ups as quickly as possible. In the morning or late afternoon, you can go for a run. Try this: 4 rounds of 200m runs, 50 squats, and 25 push-ups. www.bwmag.net 33

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