Breeze #173 - The Culture Issue

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DJS PLAYGROUND IS NOW IN KOTA KINABALU | image by Noel Jinguli

Kota Kinabalu, 10 April 2023 - DJs Playground celebrated their grand opening on this day as a new DJ academy in Kota Kinabalu. The academy was first established in West Malaysia. It was awarded 2022 Malaysia Best DJ Academy and is Pioneer Malaysia Certified. DJs Playground is the place to be for those who want to take DJ Courses and also looking for DJ products. For more information, go to web.facebook.com/DjsPlaygroundkk.

SABAH’S VERY OWN NEW MISS PEARL PAGEANT WITH A CROWN WORTH RM200,000

Kota Kinabalu, 30 April 2023 - Kimora Entertainment Network Sdn Bhd, founded by Ken Wong in 2013, has announced the launch of Sabah’s very own Miss Pearl Pageant, a modern beauty pageant that aims to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The winner of this year’s Miss Pearl will be donning a most valuable and beautiful crown, specially made for the winner of the Miss Pearl pageant. The crown is constructed of white pearls, diamonds, and white golds, making it worth nearly RM200,000. The Miss Pearl Pageant is expected to develop into one of Asia’s most renowned and lucrative beauty pageants, known worldwide. The pageant is open to Malaysian citizens who are maidens, non-Muslim, minimum height of 160cm, age between 18 to 26 years old, have no criminal background and are not under any binding contract. The auditions for Miss Pearl Pageant 2023 is to be held on 4 June 2023, at Kimora Kinabalu, from 9am to 5pm. The grand final is expected to be held on 29 July 2023. The winner of Miss Pearl will receive RM5,000, a sash, and the precious crown. Miss Pearl Pageant is currently sponsored by Evergold Roofing Sdn Bhd, Floor Concept, Yat Sang Borneo Holding Sdn Bhd, Amber Chia Academy, Makeover Paris, New York Fitness, Xiang Xiang Bak Kut Teh, and Bubblegram Holdings Sdn Bhd (Travel Of All). For more information, go to web.facebook.com/Kimora.Net.

Women’s Run: Define Feminine

After a 2-year hiatus, Women’s Run is back! The year’s theme, “Define Feminine,” challenges everyone, young and old, from all backgrounds, to shatter stereotypes and define femininity in their own unique ways. Women’s Run strives to share these stories and celebrate the individuality and diversity of each person.

Though it’s only been about a month since their launch, it has already attracted a lot of attention, with approximately 300 people signing up for the fun run scheduled for June 16th. The flag-off location will be Tanjung Aru Marine Ecosystem Center, or TAME Center, and up to 600-800 participants are expected to join in the fun!

It is customary for Women’s Run to make donations to organizations or causes that benefit women, children, or both. They have previously collaborated with SAWO and Kinabalu Pink Ribbon during their past events, and this year they are working with Rotary Club Penampang to donate a percentage of the registration fees to the Makatip Orphanage Home in Tambunan.

To register for the run please whatsapp 013-4881995 and check out their Facebook page at Women’s Run Borneo.

Kaamatan is one of Sabah’s most significant annual celebrations. When asked what makes it special, most would agree it is the atmosphere and quality time spent with friends, while others love seeing tradition being passed on through generations. However, many believe the festival would not be complete without the Unduk Ngadau.

But who or what is the Unduk Ngadau? She is essentially the beauty queen of the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, held annually to commemorate the spirit of Huminodun, a maiden known for her total beauty of heart, mind, and soul. Legend has it that Ponompuan, the daughter of Kinoingan and Sumundu, sacrificed herself to save her famine-stricken people. Her flesh gave rise to rice, while other parts of her body became edible food for her people. She was then known as Huminodun, which means “transferred sacrifice.”

The pageant is unique to Sabah and is the most recognizable cultural event. The first pageant was held in 1960 in Penampang, with 25 contestants participating, ultimately won by Mui Lan. Initially, most contestants were from Penampang, but as its popularity grew, other districts had their representatives as well. In 1995, Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia were also invited to participate.

Speaking of the peninsular, in 2003, Daphne @ Dahlia Eleanor Mozes Iking became the first and only Unduk Ngadau winner from the peninsular, Klang Valley to be exact. In contrast, the West Coast of Sabah seems to historically produce the most

Unduk Ngadau winners since its inception, with 54 winners. But that hasn’t stopped many contestants from all around Sabah from working hard to achieve their Unduk Ngadau dreams.

The Unduk Ngadau pageant is mainly contested by aspiring Sabahan women who are of the KDM (Kadazan-Dusun-Murut) descent of Sabah. Contrary to popular belief however, there have been winners who are mixed race. For example Mui Lan, the very first Unduk Ngadau pageant winner, is Sino-Kadazan, which is Kadazan mixed with Chinese. Other notable winners are Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas, who is of Dusun-British heritage and was the first Unduk Ngadau with western roots, while Maya Hejnowska has Kadazan-Polish roots. Participants such as Jane Lisa Marie have British blood and Nicolita Sanseh is mixed German.

The Magic of the Unduk Ngadau Pageant

The pageant starts with district-level competitions. The winners of each district competition will then represent their districts in the state-level pageant. The finalists will have sessions of understanding culture, for them to further embrace their cultural heritage before the pageant begins. These sessions would include visits to cultural centres, experiencing cultural activities, and photoshoots. The main event will be held on the 31st of May, where the winner of it all will be crowned the Unduk Ngadau. As she commemorates Huminodun, fans of the pageant believe she should exude a high level of morality and become a role model for members of the community, especially those who are younger.

Other than the main pageant, a Gala Night will be held before the main event. This gala night is for the contestants to showcase custom gowns by local designers. Said gowns must have designs that reflect the traditional and cultural costumes of Sabah, be it in the patterns or implementations of said designs in modern silhouettes. Contestants would also be awarded titles based on certain categories. Titles would include Tati Tosuau (Miss Charming) and Tati Topiodo (Miss Natural Beauty).

The Unduk Ngadau pageant has evolved through the years to become more competitive and entertaining. For instance, the question-and-answer round was reformed in 2012. Apart from the obvious catwalks, contestants would also need to introduce themselves and answer the Q&A round in their native tongue. Not only does this showcase their proficiency with their native language, but also displays the use of Sabah’s native languages to foreign fans as well.

In 2020, the pageant was suggested to be held online due to the pandemic, but it was ultimately cancelled, marking the first time no winner was crowned for the year. Going fully digital didn’t follow the spirit of Kaamatan itself, as fans and viewers appreciated the feeling of physically rooting for their favourite contestant in the KDCA hall. The excitement of witnessing Unduk Ngadau history in the making is the magic that attracts everyone to the pageant.

With the theme of this year’s Kaamatan being “Kaamatan Enculturates Unity”, the organisers hope to channel said magic to foster unity not only among the fans of the Unduk Ngadau, but also to everyone celebrating Kaamatan. Bringing people together, no matter what their background, is what’s special about Kaamatan and the Unduk Ngadau. It’s the very essence of the celebration.

Image | Viso.co

city cineplex MAY 2023 movies

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

Release Date: 4 May 2023

Genre: Action, Sci-fi

Director: James Gunn

Cast: Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji, Bradley Cooper

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.

BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

Release Date: 4 May 2023

Genre: Romance, Drama

Director: Roger Kumble

Cast: Dylan Sprouse, Virginia Gardner, Austin North

College freshman, Abby, tries to distance herself from her dark past while resisting her attraction to bad boy, Travis.

KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC

Release Date: 11 May 2023

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Director: Tomasz Baginski

Cast: Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, Sean Bean

When a goddess of war reincarnates in the body of a young girl, street orphan Seiya discovers that he is destined to protect her and save the world. But only if he can face his own past and become a Knight of the Zodiac.

FAST X

Release Date: 18 May 2023

Genre: Action, Crime

Director: Louis Leterrier

Cast: Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Jason Momoa

The Fast Saga continues as Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of a past enemy, Hernan Reyes.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Release Date: 26 May 2023

Genre: Family, Fantasy

Director: Rob Marshall

Cast: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy

A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

music

Justin performed “Oh Kinabalu” before thanking the crowd and all those who contributed to the success of the event and the video clip. The live performance of “Hauzz” followed, and Justin’s energy and ability to build rapport with the crowd got them going.

The video clip was played immediately after the live performance, with the crowd showing their appreciation with a thunderous applause. The party mood continued with renowned drummer Lewis Pragasam conducting a drum workshop using a drum kit made out of cardboard boxes, metal trays, beer kegs, and other unconventional items. Marlin then performed FISH’s first single from their debut album called “Hujan Keluli” and an acoustic cover version of Yazoo’s “Only You”

Throughout the night, Justin had impromptu dance performances, which got the crowd joining in and added to the party atmosphere. In conclusion, the launch of “Hauzz” succeeded in its objective of getting people from all walks of life to forget their worries, mingle with each other, and have a great time.

Sabah-based singer Justin Lewis, also known as JLewis, launched the official music video for his latest single “Hauzz” on April 29th at the Beer Garage in Sunway. Originally from Selangor, Justin has been residing in Sabah for the past few years and has fallen in love with the state’s culture, people, and natural beauty. In his first release about Sabah, titled “Oh Kinabalu,” Justin expressed his admiration for the land below the wind.

While in Borneo, Justin was inspired to create a song using local words that would bring people together and have a great time. He collaborated with Don Linus in Sabah and Marlin (of FISH, former Warner music recording artist) to produce the track. The gongs in the song were recorded at Kg. Babah, Penampang, during last Christmas holidays when Marlin discovered that his mother-in-law had a set of gongs. Justin put his heart and soul into this track, resulting in lots of re-recordings and additional vocal parts added on as time went by.

The video clip was shot earlier this year at Beer Garage, Sunway and Araimaiti, Kuala Lumpur. The launch event was a lively affair, with more than a hundred people in attendance. The party was started by resident band Greg & the Stan Konnexions.

Hauzz: JLewis feat Marlin (FISH) music video launch

Watch Hauzz by JLewis ft. Marlin (FISH) on YouTube.

Image | JLewis

Everyone wants a giant screen to enjoy their piece of entertainment. Be it movies, TV shows, or sports, watching on a bigger screen sure is a lot more fun and immersive compared to smaller screens. However, TV’s with huge screens can take up a lot of space. So, what’s the other alternative? Well, projectors of course!

Now I know what you’re going to say, projectors are cumbersome so setup. With Nebula’s Capsule 3 Laser, you won’t even need to break a sweat. The small and portable projector is almost the size of a can of soda and can be put on most level surfaces around the house. It also offers auto-focusing and auto-keystone capabilities, so you won’t need to tinker with the settings to get perfectly focused and levelled images.

Another great function this projector has is the inclusion of Android TV 11. Even though you can, you don’t really need to wire it up to any sort of media player. Just connect it to your WiFi source and you’re good to go. Enjoy YouTube, Netflix, or any other streaming service to start your movie night. Plus, with the added “OK Google” voice controls, you can simply just talk to your Capsule and it’ll automatically find your movies for you. You also don’t have to connect speakers to this too, because it has its own 8 watt Dolby Digital speakers to provide cinematic sounds, even outdoors.

With all that said, how’s the image quality? Well, for starters, it’ll only project up to 1080p, so no 4K as of yet. In their own words however, “with Laser Forge technology, you’ll see your movies go from dim to dazzling, always bright and clear on an epic scale.”

This tech allows for twice the brightness of LED projectors, for a brightness level of up to 300 ANSI Lumens. The images also show more contrast compared to older projectors, and you can project up to 120 inches from a distance of 11.5ft, while still allowing for amazing images to be displayed.

Projectors might just be the future for home entertainment. However, I do have one or two gripes with them, especially the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser. First of, depending on where you put it, you still have the risk of people or things blocking the projection during the most intense moments of a movie. Second, compact and advanced projectors such as this one still fetch a high price point, so why not just get a TV instead?

by Noel Jinguli Image | us.seenebula.com

Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector

Fastest production Cars in the World

he fastest car in the world” is a prestigious title any car manufacturer would be proud to hold. Not only does it signify the prowess of a manufacturer in the automotive world, but it also showcases how we as humans continue to push the limits of what’s possible in terms of travelling. Just so you know, we’re only going to talk about production cars that have achieved blistering speeds. So I’ll only be able to give a shout out to the Thrusts SSC, a literal jet car that reached speeds of up to 763 miles per hour in 1997.

The first two cars I want to mention have long lost the title of “Fastest Car in the World” but it would be a crime if I don’t mention them. Both these cars did battle to obtain the coveted title but only a few miles per hour separated the two. I’m talking about the Porsche 959 and the Ferrari F40. The 959 was the pinnacle of German ingenuity, as Porsche made it the most engineered car of its time, and still till today. In contrast, the F40 was treated with the classic “maximum power, minimum weight” approach, and it shows. Drivers couldn’t even enjoy an interior door handle!

The next car to be mentioned held the record and title with a 196.2 mile per hour top speed. The McLaren F1 was McLaren’s debut in the production car world, with only 106 cars being produced to the world. What’s amazing about the F1 is, it’s naturally aspirated. This means McLaren didn’t employ the help of a turbo or supercharger for the F1 to reach amazing speeds.

Even though it lost the title of fastest production car, it still is the fastest naturally aspirated car till this day.

Now for the current record holder. The manufacturer actually held the title before with a previous model called the Veyron. However, after other competitors started challenging and even toppling Bugatti from the top, they got serious and released the Chiron. Still, many competitors were still vying for the title, but Bugatti released the Chiron Super Sport 300+, which is able to reach 304.773 miles per hour, cementing Bugatti as one of the craziest car manufacturers today.

An honourable mention goes to the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, which can reach 330 miles per hour, in theory that is. But who knows if production cars will ever reach those speeds, or even more, in the future. Technology certainly needs to improve by then, not only in terms of aerodynamics and horsepower, but the tyres as well.

by Noel Jinguli Image | Various Resources

JAMBATAN

TAMPARULI:

SABAH’S MOST FAMOUS BRIDGE

Jambatan Tamparuli is located at Tamparuli, a sub-district of Tuaran, which is about an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu City. The 200-Metre-long suspension bridge is made famous by the Kadazandusun (biggest indigenous tribe of Sabah) folk song “Jambatan Tamparuli” (jambatan means bridge) written by Justin Lusah in 1977. It’s also known as the Lover’s Bridge because of a heartbroken love story. However, this is not the same hanging bridge that inspired Justin Lusah to write the song. The “original” hanging bridge was washed away by flood in 1999.

You could have a nice view of the surroundings of Tamparuli town on Tamparuli Suspension Bridge. From the bridge, you can also see Ruhiang Hill (Bukit Perahu), a spot for hiking and paragliding during weekends. In addition, Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain of Malaysia can be seen from the bridge too during good weather. If you visit the bridge on a Wednesday, there is a tamu (weekly open market) at Tamparuli town that tis worth checking out.

In 2021, Tamparuli Bridge received a facelift under the Linangkit Mural and Lelewangan Jambatan Gantung Tamparuli project. The artwork is completed by Tujuh Tompinai or 7T (means seven friends or teachers in Dusun language). The support posts and walls of the bridge are decorated with Linangkit motifs and a giant mural, which are the results of these projects. The giant mural of Tamparuli Bridge depicts the stories, legend, cultures and attractions of Tamparuli.

Unlike the traditional hanging bridge, the new bridge is supported by concrete pillars and steel cables, so rock solid that you can bring a full cup of coffee walking nearly 200 Meters to another end without spilling a drop.

Nonetheless, the construction of the old Tamparuli bridge posed a big challenge to British engineers in the 1930s because it’s always destroyed by flood. Bobolian (local high priest) said that Tambuakar, the river spirit, was angry with the building of the new bridge. To appease the spirit, a human sacrifice was demanded.

Therefore, a fair maiden named Solungkoi was put into a jar and buried alive under the first pole of the bridge. After the offering, the bridge lasts until today, though it’s flooded by the rising river occasionally. Legend says one of the British engineers was in love with Solungkoi, making their love story sound more tragic.

by mySabah.com Image | mySabah.com

More on Jambatan Tamparuli at www.mysabah.com

The first in Malaysia, a new store concept was launched last month with the opening of the new The Body Shop at IMAGO Shopping Mall, Sabah. The Body Shop Changemaking Beauty Store is an interactive ‘changemakers’ workshop’ that encourages people to explore products and discover how –together – we can fight for a fairer and more beautiful world.

Customers of the new store will experience new features at this The Body Shop store, one of the most sustainable in Malaysia.

Refill station: The Body Shop is on a mission to use as little plastic as possible with aluminium refill bottles that can be cleaned and brought back to the store to be refilled from 10 to 12 of the brand’s best-loved shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and hand wash.

Sustainable store fixtures: The store has been outfitted with sustainable fixtures made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastics to help minimise its environmental footprint. Examples include a metal facade constructed in aluminium, which requires less energy production than other materials and is infinitely recyclable. The store also boasts worktop surfaces that are manufactured from 100% recycled material otherwise destined for the landfill.

The Body Butter Tower: One the most beloved The Body Shop products, The Body Shop body butters are displayed in full glory in a towering rack. With an attached sink, customers can test out different hand wash and shower gels before slathering on their favourite body butter or body lotion at this testing station.

The ACT Wall/Station: This is where the public can pledge to do something sustainable for the good of the environment, while also inspiring and encouraging others. From time to time, this ACT wall will feature different themes to activate causes that are in line with the values of The Body Shop including youth activism and female empowerment.

Meanwhile, coinciding with Earth Day 2023 on 22 April, first 100 visitors to the store on that day were treated to free plants to be brought home and help green the Earth.

Image | Dinoza Mahruf

personality

PRESENTING THE UNDUK NGADAU TEAM: KAAMATAN ENCULTURATES UNITY

Unduk Ngadau is an annual pageant held during the Kaamatan festival. It started in 1960 and has since been running strong until today! Their secret? The passionate and dedicated team of organisers. Let’s meet this year’s Unduk Ngadau organising committee.

TINDARAMA ZANDI JOANNA DATUK KITINGAN

Tindarama Zandi Joanna Datuk Kitingan, originally from Tambunan, is a prominent figure in her community. With a deep passion for preserving cultural heritage and empowering young women, Zandi Joanna serves as the current Unduk Ngadau chairperson. Her extensive involvement in the Kaamatan festival spans over three decades, starting from her early days as a committee member to eventually assuming the role of chairperson.

One of her main objectives this year is to revitalise the Unduk Ngadau pageant by actively involving more young people. Under her guidance, the organising committee aims to host the most vibrant and engaging Unduk Ngadau event to date. Embracing the theme of “Kaamatan Enculturates Unity,” Zandi Joanna believes that promoting unity within the government and the broader community is highly pertinent.

Zandi Joanna finds immense joy in witnessing the enthusiasm of participants during the registration process. As they proudly represent their districts, their passion and commitment to their cultural heritage deeply resonate with her. The pinnacle of the event, however, is the crowning ceremony, where the crowd eagerly awaits the announcement of the winner. Alongside the thrill of this responsibility, Zandi Joanna is determined to enhance the efficiency of the event, ensuring that the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau takes place by 6 pm sharp.

In addition to her organisational role, Zandi Joanna’s true passion lies in imparting knowledge about the history of Kaamatan and the significance of Unduk Ngadau to the young participants. With her extensive research and expertise as a historian, she educates and instil a sense of pride in the Unduks, emphasising their role in preserving the KadazanDusun cultural identity. She firmly believes that the Unduk Ngadau pageant goes beyond mere beauty, serving as a means of cultural preservation and propagation. Through traditional costumes and the use of the mother tongue, the Unduks exemplify the richness and beauty of their heritage.

Zandi Joanna’s dedication to her role as chairperson stems from her genuine love for her community and a desire to empower young women. She sees herself as a beacon of knowledge, ensuring that the spirit of Huminodun, the sacrificial figure in KadazanDusun folklore, lives on through the Unduk Ngadau pageant. Over the years, witnessing the remarkable achievements of numerous successful Unduk Ngadau contestants has filled her with immense pride and reaffirmed her commitment to the continued relevance of the Kaamatan festival and the Unduk Ngadau pageant.

Tindarama Zandi Joanna Datuk Kitingan is an inspiring leader, historian, and advocate for cultural heritage. Her unwavering dedication to the Unduk Ngadau pageant and her community has made her an invaluable asset to the organising committee, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless young women and the preservation of the KadazanDusun culture.

ANGELINE BOILIS

Angeline Boilis, a resident of Penampang, has served as the Secretary of the committee since 2007, contributing significantly to the organisation and management of the event.

In regards to this year’s Kaamatan theme, Angeline believes it is timely and fitting. Kaamatan, being a traditional and cultural celebration of the Kadazandusun people, has evolved to include participation from individuals of diverse religious beliefs and races. The festival has become a unifying event where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate, fostering camaraderie, unity, and a sense of togetherness.

Angeline recognizes the inclusive nature of the festival, where the spirit of Kaamatan transcends cultural boundaries, creating an atmosphere of harmony and acceptance. The theme reflects the essence of this celebration, highlighting the collective celebration of traditions and the unity that emerges from it.

Overall, Angeline appreciates the theme for capturing the spirit of Kaamatan, where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate and foster a sense of camaraderie, unity, and togetherness.

PHILOMENA ENGSUN

Philomena Engsun, a vibrant 63-year-old resident of Penampang, has been actively involved in organising the state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant for an impressive 15 years. Despite her age, Philomena maintains a youthful spirit and continues to contribute her expertise to the event.

Currently serving as the Vice Chairperson and Honorary Treasurer, Philomena plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. She also assists the chairperson and takes on responsibilities related to F&B, accommodation, and the selection of judges. The committee members work closely together in a small but dedicated team, often multitasking to accomplish various tasks. Despite occasional disagreements, the group functions like a family, prioritising progress, development, and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Every year, the excitement surrounding the event remains unchanged, regardless of the committee’s long-standing involvement. The grandeur and pageantry of the occasion are ever-present, and the anticipation escalates as contestants register and entrust themselves to the committee until the grand finale on the 31st, which culminates in a thrilling experience.

The theme of this year’s Kaamatan, “Kaamatan Enculturates Unity,” resonates deeply with Philomena. The pageant brings together beauties representing various indigenous KDMR (Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus) groups, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a single celebration. Philomena finds this unity and inclusiveness awe-inspiring, making the event truly remarkable.

TERESA MOLIDU

Introducing Teresa Molidu hailing from Kg. Kambau in Penampang. She has been an active member of the committee for an impressive period of 19 years, starting from 2004. Within the committee, Teresa holds the role of Assistant Treasurer, contributing her financial expertise to support the smooth functioning of the Kaamatan festival.

When asked about her perspective on this year’s Kaamatan theme, Teresa expresses her strong approval. She believes that the chosen theme is highly suitable, as the celebration has consistently fostered closer bonds and kinship among the diverse ethnicities in Sabah. Like any other festivity, Teresa emphasises the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of each community. By honouring and embracing these cultural practices, the people of Malaysia can coexist harmoniously, promoting unity and understanding.

Teresa Molidu’s longstanding commitment to the committee showcases her dedication to the success and continuity of the Kaamatan festival. Her role as Penolong Bendahari highlights her organisational skills and financial acumen, ensuring the efficient management of resources for the event. Her endorsement of the Kaamatan theme reflects her belief in the power of cultural celebration to strengthen relationships and promote harmony within society.

FROLYN PANSI

Frolyn Pansi, a dedicated member of the committee, has been serving as a committee member since 2009. Her commitment and contribution to the Unduk Ngadau organisation have spanned several years now.

She holds the role of managing sponsorships and plays a vital role in securing sponsorships for the Kaamatan event, ensuring the necessary financial support to make the celebration a success.

Regarding this year’s Kaamatan theme, Frolyn strongly believes it is on point. The theme emphasises the power of Kaamatan in unifying the people of Sabah, despite the region’s rich diversity, which is one of the highest in the country. She recognizes the importance of appreciating this theme as a means to prevent conflicts and ignorance. By embracing and understanding one another’s cultures and traditions, Sabahans can foster harmony and celebrate their diversity together.

WALTER MISIR

Walter Misir, an educator from Keningau, is a remarkable individual with a passion for promoting cultural diversity and unity. Currently serving as an educator at SM Lok Yuk in KK, Walter has dedicated himself to shaping young minds and nurturing their potential.

In addition to his role as an educator, Walter is also the founder of MRK (Mr Kaamatan Buvazoi Tavantang), an organisation that celebrates the rich traditions of the Kaamatan festival in Sabah. Since 2010, he has been actively involved as a committee member (AJK) for this event, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of his community.

Walter’s talents extend beyond education and cultural advocacy. His role for the event is a stage artist and entertainment manager. Walter will be in charge of the multimedia, LED sound, and lights. With his expertise, he will also be orchestrating the Unduk Ngadau Gala Night performances and contributing as a dance choreographer, showcasing his artistic flair and organisational skills.

One of Walter’s core beliefs is that Kaamatan, a longstanding tradition among Sabahan people, emphasises the importance of diversity and serves as a reminder for generations to come. He strives to inspire the youth to embrace this message of harmony, fostering a peaceful coexistence among communities.

Walter Misir is an influential figure who combines his roles as an educator, cultural advocate, and artistic manager to contribute to the preservation of traditions, promote diversity, and ensure a harmonious society in Sabah.

MARTIN BUGUK

Martin Buguk, a devoted resident of Penampang, has served as a committee member for over 20 years, dedicating himself to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Sabah.

His role involves styling, grooming, and attire for events, ensuring participants in the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant exude elegance. He also emphasizes the importance of language preservation, requiring contestants to showcase their mother tongue proficiency during multimedia self-introductions. Martin’s expertise extends to teaching walking techniques and choreography to Unduk Ngadau contestants during the Gala Night and Grand Final, captivating the audience with their synchronised movements.

The Kaamatan festival unites diverse ethnic groups to celebrate their customs and culture, passing down this unique legacy. Martin believes it fosters appreciation for Sabah’s cultural richness among Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others. With his unwavering dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to unity, Martin Buguk is a valuable committee member and an ambassador for Sabahan heritage.

FLAVIAN MAJAIL

Flavian L. Majail, a resident of Kg. Kerokot in Tambunan, has been actively involved in the Unduk Ngadau State Level Kaamatan as the Chief Chaperone for the past 10 years. Her dedication to this role has been instrumental in the success of the event.

This year, the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan State Level Competition will see the participation of around 50 finalists. Flavian has played a crucial role in overseeing the chaperones and ensuring the smooth execution of the pageant. She does her best to make sure the participants are all safe and comfortable, during the event itself, as well as any activities they’ll be participating in.

For Flavian, the chosen theme “Kaamatan Enculturates Unity” holds significant importance in highlighting the connection between unity and our culture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying united through thick and thin. By focusing on the harmonious relationship between culture and unity, the theme advocates for the preservation of unity as Sabahans and Malaysians. She views the theme as a way to unite everyone from all walks of life through the celebration of Kaamatan.

STEVE JOHNNY MOSITUN

Steve Johnny Mositun, hailing from Papar, is a 39-year-old individual who has been part of the committee for several years, contributing to various activities of the Unduk Ngadau, including the Blood Donation Campaign in collaboration with the Unduk Ngadau’s appearance.

Within the committee, Steve’s role revolves around assisting in the management and his contributions involve supporting and coordinating various tasks related to the organisation’s operations.

Regarding this year’s Kaamatan theme, Steve believes it clearly highlights the enduring unity among the people of Malaysia, which remains unwavering in Sabah. The theme emphasises the celebration of diverse cultures without any issues, emphasising that different cultures can be embraced and celebrated together harmoniously.

JUNZUENN BASALAN

Junzuenn Basalan, also known as June or Girl, is an active member of the Unduk Ngadau State Level Committee, representing Tambunan/Keningau. Despite being the youngest member, Junzuenn has been part of the committee, on and off, since 2009.

Over the years, Junzuenn has taken on various roles within the committee. Starting as a chaperone, then later assisted with administrative tasks. From manning the foyer on May 29th’s Sodop Unduk Ngadau, to working closely with the protocol team during the Grand Final at KDCA on May 31st and more. In 2019, she was appointed as the Head of Digital & Social Media, leading a team responsible for managing UNK’s social media platforms. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in building the official website, www.undukngadau.org, which serves as a comprehensive platform to learn about Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan.

Regarding this year’s Kaamatan theme, Junzuenn believes it is a crucial opportunity to promote and preserve traditions and customs amidst the digital age. The theme emphasises the role of Kaamatan in fostering unity, understanding, and friendship among individuals of diverse races, beliefs, and cultures. By leveraging technology and embracing the concept of Malaysia MADANI, the theme aims to strengthen the spirit of fraternity and celebrate the cultural diversity that Sabah takes pride in.

Image | MVP Virtual Studio

Championing Research, Industry Linkages, Alumni and Community Network for UiTM Sabah Branch

Part 2

Alumni

Every year, UiTM produces a lot of graduates and some certainly leave a memorable mark that inspires the current students to further their studies. The UiTM Alumni carried out UiTM KK’s Alumni Spotlight programme to exemplify and promote the success and achievements of alumni in social media. Some of the honourable alumni are;

1. Professor Ts. Dr. Imbarine Hj Bujang ( A well-known professor at the Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Sabah)

2. Miss Allora Alisa Demona Stephen ( An Executive Change Management at Petronas Floating LNG (L) LTD, Kota Kinabalu)

3. Miss Cheryl Ellron ( The current CEO and founder of Makan Bites Ltd. in United Kingdom)

One of the programs conducted was the STEM Outreach Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan and Sekolah Menegah Kebangsaan Tongod, Telupid from the 3rd to 4th of October 2022. The program was under the Imbak Canyon Expedition Program, which was initiated by PJIM&A with the help of UiTM Sabah’s researchers and lecturers. The Tongod district was known as one of the poorest districts in Sabah, and due to this, most schools faced some limitations in terms of their science activities’ resources. In addition, taking into account the current pandemic, resources were at an all-time low for both the teachers and the students.

The program was conducted in hopes to expose students to Science and Technology knowledge, influencing students

Another activity conducted by UiTM Alumni is the Alumni Book Pilot Project which has involved several parties including the Association Alumni of UiTM Sabah, Sabah Credit Corporation and UiTM Sabah Branch.

Thanks to a generous donation from Sabah Credit Corporation, 100 Alumni branded laptops have been successfully produced in direct consultation with companies from China. Until now, the UiTM Sabah Branch Alumni Book has evolved to the 4th edition with a system of more efficient processing to meet the needs of online learning.

The purpose of this project was to help provide students with better equipment for their studies, however, only the affected students during the pandemic were given this laptop.

Networking

PJIMA has significantly reached out to those in need, especially those who are heavily affected by the pandemic. Anne Frank once said, “How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”.

Group photo taken during STEM Outreach Programme Day.

For the primary school session, ten students from each of the five primary schools were involved, which were SK Pekan Tongod (Co-Host), SK Sogo-Sogo, SK Kiabau, SK Kiandongo, and SK Imbak. 10 students from each of the respective primary schools were invited to SK Tongod to attend the programme itself along with a representative or guardian. For the secondary school session, all 50 students were from SMK Tongod and all of them were in Form 4 classes. The students were very supportive and collaborative as the typical programme is rarely done in their school. Moreover, the principal of each school was thankful and hoped that UiTM would organise it again in

Tongod school students during a group discussion

The pandemic has also taken a detrimental toll on workers. Some struggled from paycheck to paycheck, and others

For the primary school session, ten students from each of the five primary schools were involved, which were SK Pekan Tongod (Co-Host), SK Sogo-Sogo, SK Kiabau, SK Kiandongo, and SK Imbak. 10 students from each of the respective primary schools were invited to SK Tongod to attend the programme itself along with a representative or guardian. For the secondary school session, all 50 students were from SMK Tongod and all of them were in Form 4 classes. The students were very supportive and

Group photo taken during STEM Outreach Programme Day

pandemic has also taken a detrimental toll on workers. Some struggled from paycheck to paycheck, and others ended up jobless. With that, there were various programmes and activities supported by PJIMA in order to aid them to get job opportunities especially those in the B40 community;

principal of each school was thankful and hoped that UiTM would organise it again in future.

pandemic has also taken a detrimental toll on workers. Some struggled from paycheck to paycheck, and others ended up jobless. With that, there were various programmes and activities supported by PJIMA in order to aid them to get job opportunities especially those in the B40 community;

2021 - Freshwater Lobster Production - Green Aquaponics Perennial System (FLP - GAPS) , under Team Community Development Studies (ToCoDeS)

2022 - Ferti Chilliprenuer Komuniti Lestari

ended up jobless. With that, there were various programmes and activities supported by PJIMA in order to aid them to get job opportunities especially those in the B40 community;

that PJIMA succeeded in with big industries to foster entrepreneurship among graduates:

2021 - Freshwater Lobster Production - Green Aquaponics Perennial System (FLP - GAPS) , under Team Community Development Studies (ToCoDeS)

1. 2021 - Freshwater Lobster Production - Green Aquaponics

30 April 2022 - Projek Peningkatan Upaya Untuk Pelancongan Lestari

1. April 2023, Maybank Megapreneurship: Go Digital Workshop

Komuniti Kawasan Inanam

2022 - Ferti Chilliprenuer Komuniti Lestari

Perennial System (FLP - GAPS) , under Team Community

2. From November to December 2022, Unipreneur Fiesta

30 April 2022 - Projek Peningkatan Upaya Untuk Pelancongan Lestari

Komuniti Kawasan Inanam

2.

3. December 2022, Grants Recipients for Novice 2.0 Ceremony

4. November 2022, the Digi Day Road tour at Campus

5. October 2022, The Tiktok Mental Health Awareness Forum

6. June 2022, The Industry Visit to Kuala Lumpur

All the efforts made by PJIMA were to foster the development of talented entrepreneurs by providing a resource-rich environment, while the collaborators can discover untapped markets. Consequently, more local start-ups will be fuelled by the strong cooperation between the university and industry, which in turn drives economic development and success, particularly for the state.

Conclusion

Group photo of Freshwater Lobster Production - Green Aquaponics Perennial System - GAPS), under Team Community Development Studies (ToCoDeS) with the sign

UiTM is now emerging from the shadows and making progress in terms of industrial linkages and collaborations. Thanks to recent aggressive and strong collaborations, coupled with the teamwork of the PJIMA management, UiTM is making great strides in increasing its visibility among industry players. Their impressive list of accomplishments includes:

1. Winner of the 2022 Best Graduate Employability Programme Award

2. Winner of the 2023 Highest Entrepreneur Alumni Production Award

3. Winner of the 2023 High Impact Project Presentation on Ferti-Chillipreneur Komuniti LESTARI Program

4. Second place in the 2023 Most Impactful Collaboration Community Project for Industry and Alumni Award

Entrepreneurship

It is essential for universities and businesses to work together to foster an entrepreneurial environment. Insights, validation, and routes to commercialisation may be provided by industry, while universities can provide the information, resources, and supportive environments needed by aspiring entrepreneurs. University-industry partnerships foster new ideas and lead to economic development, job creation, and increased entrepreneurial activity.

Thus, PJIMA’s goals were to offer essential training, digital industry exposure, hands-on entrepreneurial experiences, and encourage university graduates’ business start-ups. Maxis Business Innovation Centre, Pentas IO, Maybank, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Council (DBKK), PERKESO, LHDN, DIDR, FAMA, ASNB, TAKAFUL Malaysia, Sabah Creative Economic & Innovation Centre (SCENIC), TikTok, Huawei Technologies, MRANTI, SEED Lab., AirAsia Academy, and budding local enterprises were among the notable collaborators. Here are some collaborative initiatives

5. Third Place of the 2023 Best Industry Collaboration Award

In addition, UiTM Sabah Branch was honoured with the SKPG 1.0 Response Achievement Award (Graduates Tracer Study) for reaching a response rate of more than 90%!

Dr. Sharifah believes that with a positive mindset and teamwork, UiTM students, graduates and staff will achieve even greater heights than before. They will have access to a plethora of opportunities, both nationally and internationally, as their exposure grows.

Michael Jordan once said, “Talent may win games, but it takes teamwork and intelligence to win championships.” So true! #teamwork #intelligence #championshipmindset

by Aries Henry Joseph and Shirleen Octavia Austin

Perennial System (FLP - GAPS), under Team Community Development Studies (ToCoDeS) with the sign around Tuaran and KK areas.

Group photo of Freshwater Lobster Production - Green Aquaponics Perennial System - GAPS), under Team Community Development Studies (ToCoDeS) with the sign around Tuaran and KK areas.

fitness

resistance training for older adults (AGING)

As human beings enter late adulthood, our muscles begin to atrophy and we start to encounter various health complications. However, it is also true that there are ways to retain our health and physical functions. One of the most effective ways is to take up resistance training, also known as strength training or weightlifting. Resistance training is a type of exercise that can help older adults maintain and even increase muscle mass and strength, leading to improved overall health.

One of the main benefits of resistance training for older adults is the prevention of sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging. Resistance training has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and increase muscle fibre size, which can help prevent or even reverse sarcopenia. This can lead to improved physical function and a reduced risk of falls, which are a major concern for older adults.

In addition to preventing sarcopenia, resistance training has been shown to improve bone density and joint integrity, which is important for preventing osteoporosis and fractures. As we age, our bones become more fragile and prone to breaking, so maintaining strong bones and joints through resistance training can be a crucial part of maintaining overall health and function. Resistance training can also have positive effects on heart health, as it can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol markers. These benefits can help reduce the risk of heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in older adults.

Another important benefit of resistance training for older adults is improved balance and coordination. As we age, our balance and coordination can decline, which can lead to an increased risk of falls and injuries. Resistance training can help improve balance and coordination by strengthening the muscles that are involved in these functions.

Resistance training is a safe and effective form of exercise for the elderly. However, it is important for seniors to work with a qualified exercise professional to develop a safe and effective resistance training program that accounts for their individual needs and limitations. Look no further! Reach us on our Instagram if you think we can help you with anything at all.

Personal Training, Group Classes and Nutrition Coaching available in Hustle Fitness!

by Joshua Tsen Image | Unsplash

Rice wine is a popular alcoholic beverage in East and Southeast Asia that has been consumed for centuries. Made by fermenting rice with yeast and water, this beverage is known for its unique flavor and aroma. But aside from its taste, what are the potential benefits of drinking rice wine?

One of the most notable benefits of rice wine is its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to various health problems. Rice wine contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Another potential benefit of rice wine is its ability to stimulate digestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, rice wine is often used to aid digestion and improve gut health. It is believed that the enzymes and bacteria in rice wine can help break down food and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Moderate consumption of rice wine has also been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption, including rice wine, can help to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, which are both risk factors for heart disease. However, it’s important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on heart health, so moderation is key.

Despite these potential benefits, it’s important to note that excessive consumption of rice wine or any other alcoholic beverage can have negative health effects. Overconsumption

Rice wine and its benefits

can lead to liver damage, increased risk of certain cancers, and addiction. Pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions, such as liver disease or pancreatitis, should avoid drinking rice wine altogether.

If you choose to drink rice wine, it’s important to do so in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that women limit their alcohol consumption to one drink per day, while men should consume no more than two drinks per day. One drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor.

In conclusion, while there are potential benefits to drinking rice wine in moderation, it’s important to remember that alcohol consumption should always be done responsibly. Moderation is key, and individuals with certain health conditions or who are pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol altogether. If you choose to consume rice wine, do so in moderation and enjoy the unique flavor and potential health benefits that this ancient beverage has to offer.

Mouth breathing, the habit of breathing through the mouth rather than the nose, can have significant implications for facial and dental health. Together with Dr. Sylvia of Phi Dental, let’s explore the causes and effects of mouth breathing, as well as prevention and treatment options available.

Understanding Mouth Breathing:

Mouth breathing refers to the practice of breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Unlike natural nasal breathing, which allows for optimal air filtration and humidification, mouth breathing bypasses these important functions.

Causes of Mouth Breathing:

Chronic nasal congestion or obstruction, allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, deviated septum, facial or dental abnormalities, and habits like prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking can contribute to mouth breathing.

Effects on Facial and Dental Structure:

Mouth breathing can have profound effects on facial and dental structures. Prolonged mouth breathing may result in a long face appearance, high and narrow palate, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), crowded teeth, and changes in the position of the tongue, lips, and jaw.

Reversibility of Effects:

While the effects of mouth breathing can be significant, they are not necessarily irreversible. Early identification and intervention are crucial. Consulting with a stomatologist or dentist can help determine appropriate treatment options based on the individual’s specific condition.

Correcting the Effects:

Treatment for mouth breathing and its effects on facial and dental structures may involve a multidisciplinary approach. This can include addressing nasal congestion or obstruction, orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy to improve tongue and lip posture, and sometimes surgical intervention if necessary.

Significance During Childhood:

Mouth breathing during childhood is particularly critical due to ongoing facial and dental development. Early intervention, preferably before the age of 7, can help prevent long-term effects.

Preventive Measures:

Maintaining good nasal hygiene, effective allergy management, avoiding pacifier use or thumb sucking, and addressing underlying factors causing nasal congestion or obstruction are key prevention strategies. Regular dental check-ups aid in early identification.

Mouth breathing can have substantial impacts on facial and dental health, but early intervention and appropriate treatment can help mitigate these effects. Understanding the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards improved overall health. Consulting with healthcare professionals is essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Image | Unsplash

RANTS & RAVES

Drunks are Punks

There are only certain drunk people that deserve this title. And I do have a very good reason, so allow me to explain. I’m thinking about those who act unruly and are a danger to others and themselves. Legit reasons, right?

Don’t get me wrong, even though I don’t drink and have never needed a reason to require liquid courage. I get it… some find the whole experience exciting. Let’s not forget that it gives you a buzz, releases dopamine and endorphins and I mean, who doesn’t want to feel good?

Unfortunately, too much of a good thing is NEVER good in the long run. If you’ve had one too many, alcohol kicks out rationality and fogs up your memory pretty well. You become incoherent and unrestrained. I guess if you’re going for the “forget my worries and leave my cares behind” this is the way to go but if you “wanna have the time of your life”, how would you do that if you can’t remember a dang thing!!!

You have every right to choose your beverage of choice, you have every right to party, you have every right to have a good time. However, if you end up looking like a belligerent idiot then shame on you. I remember back in the day when I went clubbing, you could easily point out the Asian flush and that was no biggie. It was the people who were loud, handsy, crying or staggering from bar stool to table that I would watch and think to myself. That person’s gonna regret it tomorrow. And honestly, acting like this looks stupid as hell. You should be ashamed cause heck, I am ashamed for you.

On a side note, watching drunk people can be quite amusing. Not for them obviously but for the spectator, it sure is. It’s like watching a train wreck, you’re uncomfortable but you can’t look away. I don’t think anyone would want to be the butt of the joke.

All jokes aside, the main rant is if you are going to drink, be responsible.

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE. Plain and simple. There really isn’t any excuse these days, call someone to get you, get a Grab and last resort, sleep it off somewhere safe. Hurting or killing yourself is one thing but if you are responsible for taking the lives of others. There really is no excuse, you should be ashamed and will have to live with that regrettable decision for the rest of yourself.

So my friend, have an absolutely great time this Harvest Festival, get your drink on but please, please, please be smart about it.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

by Noor F.Z. Ali Image | Unsplash

The significance of Kaamatan

POP CULTURE

Another event many are eager to witness is the Sugandoi, a state-level Kadazan-Dusun singing competition held during the Kaamatan celebrations. In the old days, “Sugandoi” was the name of a spirit the Bobohizan would call upon during their Inait chants called the Monugandoi, in order to bring good tidings for a family. Today, the word Sugandoi is synonymous with the singing competition, which was actually called Bintang Kaamatan (Kaamatan Star) from 1987 to 2002.

The question now is, has the significance and meaning of Kaamatan changed through the years as well? From personal observations, Kaamatan has transformed into more of a gettogether event, with a focus on Sugandoi participants and Unduk Ngadau beauty queens, rather than on honouring and giving thanks to spirits for the harvest.

This shift often relegates traditional rituals to mere entertainment openers before the “main” events commence. Despite the various factors contributing to this change, it is essential not to lose sight of the original purpose of celebrating Kaamatan. Even if traditional rituals have taken a backseat and the event is now valued more as a source of entertainment, let us never forget to express gratitude and appreciation, regardless of our beliefs.

May marks the beginning of the festive season for the Kadazan-Dusun in Sabah. Kaamatan is coming on the 30th to 31st, and many are preparing to celebrate it with family and friends. As a celebration that’s full of traditions, many today seem to have forgotten what it’s really about. So let’s take a step back and appreciate what makes Kaamatan special in our Sabahan culture.

Deriving from the Kadazan word “tomot”, which means harvest (to harvest paddy in this context), Kaamatan is a harvest festival to honour and give thanks to Huminodun, the Daughter of Kinoingan (God). Traditionally, the Bobohizan (priestess) would conduct several rituals to appease the spirits after a harvest. These rituals include Kumogos, Kumotob, Posisip, Poiib, Magavau, and the Humabot. Among these rituals, the Magavau is the most important, as it restores the Bambazon (paddy spirit) as well as offering food to them. It used to be performed in the paddy field on the night of the first full moon after a harvest.

Kaamatan has evolved through the years, especially in 1960, as the celebrations and rituals started to be centralised. The first ever Kaamatan festival was held from 30 June to 1 July in 1960, at the St Michael’s School in Penampang. It was also here that the first Unduk Ngadau pageant was held, which at the time was called the Miss Kadazan pageant. Keeping it short, the Unduk Ngadau pageant is a way to commemorate Huminodun because of her sacrifice to save humanity. Historically, however, no such rituals or pageants to specifically select a “Huminodun representation” was ever recorded prior to the 1960 pageant.

by Noel Jinguli

Image | Noel Jinguli

CRISPY CALAMARI Food

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg calamari

Dry ingredients:

• pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon of sugar

• 1 teaspoon curry powder

• 1 cup of all purpose flour

• 1/4 of baking powder

Wet ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 2 cups of water

• 3 cups of cooking oil

METHOD

1. In a big bowl, combine the dry and wet ingredients. Stir to mix well.

2. Once coated in the batter, allow the calamari a few short minutes to sit in a colander before frying.

3. When the oil is heated, deep fry the squid until they turn light brown in color.

4. Then drain on a paper towel. Serve with marinara sauce and lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!

by Beverly Chow www.quicktakesorder.blogspot.com Image | Beverly Chow

Fish noodle soup is a really popular dish in Sabah and Yummy Sup Ikan is fast gaining popularity for its version of it. Located at Grace Point Food Court in Sembulan, the outlet is owned and operated by Dato’ Kalina, an award winning cook. She made Sabah proud when she brought home two silvers and three bronze medals in the Malaysia Culinary World Cup 2023 earlier in February this year.

Following up with her recent wins, she opened up Yummy Sup Ikan as her next step to venture into the food & beverage business. The outlet may be small but it packed quite a punch with various versions of its Fish Noodle Soup. Customers can order their fish noodle soup with one of the delicious pastes which are Original, Soto, Kari (Curry), Tomyam, and Tomato. You can also order rice instead of noodles to go with the soup. All pastes are home made by Dato’ Kalina herself. The fish noodle soup served uses good quality fish meat and is also healthy without any MSG.

Yummy Sup Ikan is a must try for all fish noodle soup lovers. Its popularity has already led to the opening of a recent branch in Sandakan and more coming soon in other parts of Sabah.

Kedai kupi of the month

YUMMY SUP IKAN

Address: Grace Point Food Court, Jalan Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening Hours: 10AM-8PM daily

Tel: +6010 946 8004

Facebook: Yummy Sup Ikan

restaurant review

THE NATIVE CAFE: IT SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR

When you think of native or cultural food, where does your mind usually wander? The usual suspects of where to find them are during celebratory events in villages (or the suburbs of the Kadazan-Dusun community), cultural festivals, tamus (local markets), or even hidden gems in obscure shop lots around town. You would never think of finding hotels that primarily serve traditional food in their restaurant often, if any at all. Then there’s The Native Cafe, who make it their mission to introduce the wonders of our traditional meals to an international crowd.

Sandra Paut, from Sipitang, is the director who leads The Native Cafe. With prior experience in a corporate setting, Sandra’s vision for the future is to bring Sabahan cuisine to an international audience, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of her homeland. Passionate about traditional Sabah food, she takes pride in representing her roots and aims to make it widely known, particularly to tourists. Sandra’s journey began years ago, and she is delighted to share the flavours that define her comfort zone and upbringing with the world.

The Native Cafe first opened their doors to diners earlier this January at the lobby of Hotel N°5 in Penampang. The outlet is spacious and cosy, having a fusion of modern and traditional vibe to it. Part of this comes from the beautiful wall of wood with an intricately carved mix-match of traditional patterns. All of this is topped off by a graceful sunshine shining into the outlet.

The fusion of modern and traditional doesn’t stop there, as they balance the two in their meals as well. The Native Cafe comes from a passion to bring traditional food to another level, hence

why they’re targeting the international crowd at Hotel N°5. Their ingredients are all local as well, while all their side dishes are homemade. However, it isn’t all about taste at the end of the day, as telling the history of the food to tourists and such is also an important part of the process. Not only will diners be familiar with the taste, but they’ll also learn a thing or two about Sabahan culture too.

Starting off with their main Nantung/Ambuyat set, which comes with a few condiments along with your choice of protein and Pinasakan soup (tumeric soup). We had the chance to try it out with the Sada Basungan Guring (fried sardine). The condiments include Tuhau (pickled wild ginger), Bambangan (pickled wild mango), Losun (stir fried chives), Ikan Masin (salted fish), salted eggs, Hinava (raw fish salad), and Ulam.

All these condiments have their own distinct flavours, yet they pair so well with the Ambuyat and with each other. Ambuyat, which is a starchy and sticky sago dish, is bland on its own. But dip it in the Pinasakan soup or pair it with any of the condiments, you’ll immediately taste an explosion of flavours. You’ll get the sourness and hints of spice from the soup, Tuhau, Hinava, and Bambangan, the saltiness of the Ikan Masin and salted eggs, plus the savouriness of the Losun and the Sada Basungan Guring. All of which complement each other perfectly.

It’s much the same with the Linopot set, which has the same condiments as the Ambuyat set. The only difference is the Linopot itself substituting the Ambuyat. Linopot is a rice dish that’s wrapped up in a leaf, which was how people used to tapau

Sandra Paut, Director of The Native Cafe

their lunch in the old days. The Native Cafe uses brown Bario rice for their Linopot, which is very soft. The Losun and the Sada Basungan Guring give both the Linopot and Ambuyat crispy and crunchy textures as well.

Moving on to one of their signature dishes, the Tuhau Oxtail Assam Pedas is like a classic sweet and spicy oxtail dish you can find anywhere. However, the thing that separates it from the rest is the use of tuhau instead of regular ginger. You can definitely taste the kick of the tuhau as soon as you put it in your mouth, which is a very welcome surprise. The meat is very tender, which simply slides off the bone, while the fats just melt in your mouth, also creamy in a sense. I recommend slathering your rice with the gravy from this dish as well. Honestly, my favourite dish out of the bunch.

If you’re hankering for seafood, The Native Cafe has got that covered for you with their Sambal Udang Petai. It’s prawns cooked in a bitter bean sambal. The prawns are very fresh and they’ve made it easier for you to peel the skin off. The prawns have a smoky aftertaste to it while the sambal gives it that extra bit of a kick. You can definitely taste the spice but it doesn’t overpower the other flavours of this dish. One acquired taste is the Petai, which is of course bitter when you bite it on its own. However, just like the spice, you only taste a hint of that bitterness when you eat it with the prawn.

Speaking of acquired tastes, here’s where things get interesting. The Native Cafe also serves Butod (sago larvae) either fresh, fried, or as toppings on your pizza. We tried the pizza and it tasted like any pizza out there, not in a bad way. When baked, the Butod tastes like shrimp or prawns. If you’ve had either with the skin still on, that’s exactly what you can expect the Butod to taste like. Remember not to eat its head though.

For all you guys craving for traditional food from home, The Native Cafe is certainly the place to satisfy that craving in the city. For tourists wanting a taste of what Sabah has to offer, we definitely recommend stopping by The Native Cafe.

Location: Hotel No. 5, No. 1 Jalan Pintas, Penampang, 89500 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening Hours:

Monday - Sunday (11AM-11PM)

Call/WhatsApp: +016 833 2381

Facebook: My Native Sabah

Instagram: @mynative.sabah

by Noel Jinguli Image | Noel Jinguli

Pizza Butod Assam Boi & Cendol

Sambal Udang Petai

Tuhau Oxtail Assam Pedas

Ambuyat Set Linopot Set

nightlife

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS HONOR AMONG THIEVES FAN MEET & WATCH | 8 APRIL

2023 | CITY CINEPLEX CITY MALL

Organized by Lucky Tavern, D&D: Honor Among Thieves - Fan Meet & Watch featured cosplayers, merchandise, lucky draw and Dungeons & Dragons board game session.

Image | Lucky Tavern