LIST OF UNDUK NGADAU CONTESTANTS:

MISS NEREIN OKIUN (KUDAT) MISS JULIANA APING (LAHAD DATU) MISS SHIRLY MERVIN (BELURAN) MISS JILNAH MAJINTAL (BANGGI) MISS SYLVIA L SIPAYANG (PUTATAN) MISS ANDREA PETER (TANJUNG ARU) MISS CECILY GISMIN (INANAM) MISS MASYIN MADEYOK (PITAS) MISS LEYDIANI P. NELDSON (RANAU) MISS ALOYSIUS THECLA PHILIP (K BELUD) MISS VERONE LANSU (KENINGAU) MISS SURAYANI SIPIN (NABAWAN) MISS ANNEMARY T KHAN (KLANG VALLEY) MISS NORSITIH BINTI BAYAK (KEMABONG) MISS MARILYN CYNDI JOHN (MATUNGGONG) MISS AUDREY JOAN ANTHONIUS (TAMPARULI) MISS LIATY BINTI AHAYA (SIPITANG) MISS FLORENCE MASIMBIN (KINABATANGAN) MISS ADELINE JOPRINE (KUALA PENYU) MISS ROSZIANI SIMON (TENOM) MISS STANCE WONG (LABUAN) MISS FLINA RUTUM (LIKAS) MISS LEONIE LAWRENCE GONTUNI (PENAMPANG) MISS RAISSEY SINUAR (KOTA MARUDU) MISS STEPHANIE RODNEY CHAI (SOOK) MISS ROZAINI BINTI AYU (PAGALUNGAN) MISS JESSICA JOHNDERY (SANDAKAN) MSS DIERDRE T. JOANNES (TUARAN) MISS FELICIA YAPIN (BEAUFORT) MISS PETRONELLA CHERRYBENARD (PAPAR) MISS IRIS MY PETER JANGKI (MEMBAKUT) MISS MISS JIZERESTA JIMMY TAYLOR (KOTA KINABALU) MISS MAILIN JULMIN (TONGOD) MISS CLAYRINA LIEW (SEMPORNA) MISS GILDA J JOELIK (TAWAU) MISS EMILY MAJIL (TAMBUNAN) Posted By: Allan G Dumbong

 

By : Julia Chan

?The Huguan Siou (Paramount Leader) of the Kadazandusuns Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan hitting the gong to open the 2008 Tadau Kaamatan celebrations in the Klang Valley-level at Flamingo Hotel, Ampang

KUALA LUMPUR: The melodious sopogandangan (gongs) beating the ancient rhythms of the sumazau will reverberate throughout Sabah this month, signifying Tadau Kamaatan, or the Harvest Festival, is here.

The Bobohizans, or high priests or priestesses, performing intricate and ancient rituals to restore and appease the Bambaazon.

For the Kadazandusuns, who make up more than 30 per cent of the population in the state, May is a time for merry-making and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. But more importantly, it is the time to return to one's roots and celebrate Kadazandusun culture by continuing a tradition practiced since time immemorial. "Early records of the British in North Borneo in the late 18th century show the Kadazandusuns were celebrating Tadau Kamaatan, even then," said Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) deputy president and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili. "The whole festival is essentially about being thankful for a good padi harvest. Remember, the Kadazandusuns' staple food has always been and still is rice." The month-long festival, culminating on May 30 and 31, was originally celebrated on a small scale in the villages. In the 1960s, it was institutionalised as a state celebration when the first Chief Minister Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens gazetted May 31 as a public holiday. Originally, Kamaatan honoured the rice spirit Bambaazon (See 'The Six Stages of Bambaazon' below). Legend has it there was once a severe draught and a great famine. Kinoingan, the almighty God and creator, took pity and sacrificed his only daughter Huminodun to save his people. Her body was sown as seeds throughout the land, and from these sprang the Kadazandusuns' staple food: rice. Red rice is considered the most sacred as it grew from Huminodun's blood and flesh. Huminodun is embodied in the seven-in-one rice spirit Bambaazon, and during Kaamatan, the Bobohizans, or high priests and priestesses, perform intricate and ancient rituals to salvage, rescue, unite, restore and appease Bambaazon, who could have been injured or lost during the harvest. Six rituals are performed, but the most important is the Magavau when the Bobohizans search for and rescue Bambaazon. Special prayers beckon the spirit back home to rest until the next planting season. Some of the offerings given include fermented rice (tondut), seven bamboo cups of the best tapai (rice wine), eggs, banana blossom, fermented fish (nonsom) and chickens. "With the advent of religion the ceremonies became more symbolic. "Originally, Kaamatan was to honour the Bambaazon and give thanks to Kinoingan. "Now, it's about being grateful and celebrating a good harvest after all the hard work. "It's also a time for reunion with family and friends." At the end of the month, the state-level celebration will be held at the KDCA Hongkod Koisaan (Unity Hall) in Kota Kinabalu. The most anticipated event is the Unduk Ngadau, a traditional beauty pageant. The pageant pays homage to Huminodun, whose selfless act of sacrifice saved her people from starvation. The winner of the Unduk Ngadau is said to embody the qualities of Huminodun, who was perfect and whole in soul, mind and beauty. "Unduk Ngadau is not merely a pageant -- it is a showcase of the Kadazandusun culture," said Ongkili. The contest, open to unmarried girls of Kadazandusun lineage between 18 and 25 years old, is not your typical beauty pageant. Skimpy bathing suits and catwalk struts are noticeably missing. The girls (sumandak) are dressed in their traditional finery. Bonus points are given to those who can speak Kadazandusun. The judges pay particular attention to the traditional attire, which must be complete with all the trimmings and jewellery. The participant's hair is even fashioned in the traditional style. "In the past only school-leavers took part. Now, we have doctors, teachers and postgraduate students. "About 60 per cent of the participants have tertiary qualifications. "To me, this is an indirect reflection of the progress of the Kadazandusuns." In a bid to ensure the younger generations stay rooted in their culture, the KDCA is intensifying preservation and promotion efforts. This year's Kaamatan will include an exhibition of traditional tools for padi cultivation. Another addition to the celebration is a half-day showcase of local delicacies, such as bambangan (pickled wild mango), pinasakan (fish stew) and hinava (raw fish). THE SIX STAGES OF BAMBAAZON 1. The Kumogos Ceremony Before a harvest begins, the Bobohizan selects, ties and puts aside seven stalks of the best padi from a padi field. These will only be harvested after that field has been completely harvested. The seven stalks of padi are then scattered all over the field as a gift to the other spirits who may be there not to disturb the people during the harvest season. 2. The Kumotob Ceremony The Bobohizan selects seven s talks of the best rice from padi fields which have yet to be harvested. The stalks are tied together and placed in a tadang (a special basket for keeping rice). Once this is done, the harvest can be completed. 3. The Posisip Ceremony The Bobohizan takes the seven stalks of padi in the tadang to a rice hut. While chanting, she takes out the bundles and inserts them into a bamboo pole in the tangkob (rice container). The chants invoke the spirit of the rice to stay in the rice hut until the next planting season. 4. The Poiib Ceremony In the rice hut, the Bobohizan carefully pours the rice into the tangkob. This process is repeated until there is no rice left in the tadang. The Bobohizan then recites chants appealing to the rice spirits to keep watch over the rice stored in the tangkob. 5. The Magavau Ceremony This is the most important ceremony in Tadau Kaamatan. This focuses on the restoration of Bambaazon. Chants are recited and offerings made to the rice spirit. The Magavau is performed on the night of the first full moon after the harvest. 6. The Humabot Ceremony The final stage involves a lot of merry-making and entertainment. This ceremony is celebrated at villages and districts, with state-level celebrations culminating on May 30 and 31. Traditional sports, gong-beating competitions and buffalo races are held. The highlight of the celebration is choosing the Unduk Ngadau.

PERTANDINGAN OKESTRA BAMBU KAAMATAN PERINGKAT NEGERI 2008 SYARAT-SYARAT PERTANDINGAN

1. Pertandingan in terbahagi kepada dua kategori;

• Kategori A ialah kumpulan yang sudah berpengalaman atau pernah mandapat nombor dalam pertandingan (pertama, kedua atau ketiga) okestra bambu;
• Kategori B ialah kumpulan yang baru ditubuhkan dan tidak pernah mendapat nombor (Johan, Naib Johan atau Ketiga) dalam pertandingan okestra bamboo.

2. 95% peralatan musik mestilah diperbuat daripada bambu dan bahan-bahan asli daripada hutan.
3. Jumlah peserta tidak kurang daripada 8 orang
4. Masa persembahan ialah 10 minit
5. Setiap kumpulan akan mempersembahkan 2 buah lagu iaitu wajib (lagu Kaamatan) dan 1 lagu bebas.
6. Tajuk-Tajuk Lagu wajib adalah seperti berikut:
   • Kasakazan Do Bambaazon ? Claudius Sundang Alex
   • Tadau Do Kaamatan ? Frederic Mojilis
   • Tadau Tagazo do Kaamatan ? Dr James Ongkili
   • Misompuru Doid Koubasanan ? Benedict Topin
   • Kotobian Tadau Kaamatan ? Petronella Lansing
   • Kaamatan ? Clarice John Matha
   • Sayang Kinabalu ? Mudin Kimin
   • Nokoikot No Monombuhui
   • Norikot Nodi Bulan Lima ? John Gaisah
7. Semua peserta dalam kumpulan diwajibkan memakai pakaian tradisi mengikut suku-suku kaum yang terdapat di negeri sabah.
8. Wang penyertaan pertandingan ialah RM100.00 dan wang penyertaan tidak akan dikembalikan sekiranya kumpulan menarik diri di saat-saat akhir
9. Tarikh akhir penerimaan borang penyertaan ialah 25 Mei 2008
10. Penganjur akan menolak 5% daripada jumlah markah yang diperolehi sekiranya kumpulan gagal mematuhi salah satu syarat yang termaktub dalam perjanjian ini;

Pertandingan ini akan diadakan pada 30 Mei 2008 seperti berikut;

a. Kategori A bermula 10.30 pagi b. Kategori B bermula jam 1.30 petang.

CIRI-CIRI YANG DIADILI

• Keaslian peralatan musik bambu 30%
• Mutu dan kehormatan musik 40%
• Kreativiti 20%
• Pakaian 10%

Jumlah 100% ALAT-ALAT MUSIK YANG DIBENARKAN

1. Sompoton
2. Suling
3. Bungkau
4. Marakas
5. Kulintangan
6. Tongkungon
7. Gitar
8. Rek Bambu
9. Gendang

PESERTA-PESERTA KATEGORI A (i) Kinabalu Merdu Sound (Ranau) (ii) Lembah Bambu Kinabalu (Kundasang) (iii) D?Rokian (Likas) (iv) Tenghilan Bambu Sound (Tenghilan) (v) Rinukut Bambu Sound (Tamparuli) KATEGORI B (i) Damroh (Kota Marudu) (ii) Penampang Okestra Bamboo (penampang) (iii) Somporing Merdu (Tambunan) (iv) SMK Tenghilan Bamboo Sound (SMK Tenghilan) (v) Gaur Bamboo Sound (Kota Belud) (vi) Suara Bambu Perindu (Ranau) (vii) Keningau Bamboo Sound (Keningau) (viii) Komulakan (Kindasang) HADIAH-HADIAH KATEGORI A

1. Piala Pusingan
2. Johan (RM3000 + Trofi)
3. Naib Johan (RM2,500 + Trofi)
4. Ketiga (RM2,000 + Trofi)
5. Saguhati (RM1,000 x 2 kumpulan)

KATEGORI B

1. Johan (RM2,000 + Trofi)
2. Naib Johan (RM1,500 + Trofi)
3. Ketiga (1,000+ Trofi)
4. Saguhati (RM500 x 5 kumpulan)

KETERANGAN LANJUT, SILA HUBUNGI: GUN. SAIMAN SANDAH ? KDCA HQ (088-713696/013-8788151)

KADAZANDUSUN: "PIBABASAN MAYA KOUBASANAN" BAHASA MALAYSIA: "KEAMANAN MELALUI KEBUDAYAAN" ENGLISH: " PEACE THROUGH CULTURE"

In conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival 2008, KDCA is organizing a major KDCA Blood Donation Drive at the following venue, date and time: Date: 21 May 2008 Time: 8.00 am - 10.00pm Venue:? Hongkod Koisaan All KDCA, RUSAPAN members and the general public are invited to participate in this blood donation drive.? Certificates will be issued to all donors.? One gallery ticket for the Sugandoi Kaamatan Final will also be given free to all donors. Free medical check up (blood pressure and BMI) will also be conducted by Rafflesia Medical Center during the event. For further details, please contact: Hongkod Koisaan (088-713696)

In conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival 2008, KDCA in collaboration with the Sabah Education Department is organizing the International Student Cultural Exchange Program (ISCEP) Concert on 28 May 2008 at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall.? There are about 200 Sabahan and Korean students involved in this concert. Program: 0630 pm - Hall opens 0700 pm - Multimedia show 0715 pm - Expected Arrival of the Director of Education Sabah & invited guests. 0730 pm - Expected arrival of the Guest of Honor, Huguan Siou YB Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Datin Seri Panglima Genevieve 0800 pm - Concert starts - Musical play and dance on "Evolution of the Kadazandusun Culture" by Sabah students - Prehistoric Dance by ISCEP Alumni - Huminodun Legend Dance by SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, Kiulu - Villagers of Nunuk Ragang & Chinese Dance by ISCEP Alumni - Daling-Daling and the Barter Trade by SMK Bahang - Magarang by SM St Martin Tambunan - Angalang & Magunatip by SM St Francis Xavier, Keningau - Sazau Papar by SM St Joseph, Papar - Mongigol Sumundai by ISCEP Alumni - Sumazau Penampang by SMK Bahang - Creative Dance of the Kaamatan by SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, Kiulu - Angklung Band by SM St James, Tenghilan - Bamboo Orchestra by SMK Kundasang and SK Kundasang - Performance by Korean students from Yeong Kwang Middle School, Korea (JATAGO, Sports Dance) - Creative Dance of Nunuk Ragang & Golden Celebration by ISCEP Alumni - Sing Along with Huguan Siou "Misompuru Id Koubasanan" 1030 pm - End Tickets: RM50 (Premier), RM20 ( Deluxe) & RM10 (Gallery) Contact Persons: Ms Athanasia (012-8298569)/ Ms Norhanida (019-8711887)

PESTA KAAMATAN KE-13 PERINGKAT KLANG VALLEY 2008 TARIKH : 11 MAY 2008 (AHAD) MASA : 11:30 PG - 7.00 PTG TEMPAT : FLAMINGO HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR JLN HULU KELANG, AMPANG PAKAIAN : TRADISI / SANTAI & KEMAS MASUK : PERCUMA Kad Jemputan ke Pesta Kaamatan KDCAKV 2008

If you ever wonder how to get to Hongkod Koisaan, this map should help you. We are located along Penampang Road, Km 7. Kopivosian. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Hongkod Koisaan Location Map - click for Large Image"][/caption] Read more information about Hongkod Koisaan ...

*State-Level Kaamatan Festival Launched In Beaufort* BEAUFORT, May 1 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival (Harvest Festival) was launched here today by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. The launch of the month-long festival was a joyous occasion which began with the cutting of seven stalks of padi as a symbol of honour by the Kadazandusun community to the spirit of the padi. Musa then sounded a gong seven times followed by the 'Magavao' (a Kadazandusun traditional ritual in conjunction with the harvest festival) by Bobohizan (priestesses). Earlier in his speech, Musa called on the various races of Sabah to continue practising their traditions and preserving their culture as these were the basis for peace, tranquility and comfort. "History has proven that any race that practises and preserves their culture prevents disunity and splits," he said. Musa said the state's peaceful situation should be used to propagate the various unique cultures in the state. He said beside being a platform for racial harmony, the traditional culture of the some 30 ethnic-groups in Sabah also served as an attraction for foreign tourists. "Considering that the Sabah Development Corridor also focusses on strengthening Sabah's position as a popular tourist attraction, I believe our cultural heritage can act as tourist drawing factor," he said. --BERNAMA

ATURCARA BAGI HARI SELASA 30 MEI 2008:MAJLIS PELANCARAN PAMERAN & SUKAN TRADISI 7.00 Pagi Ketibaan Ahli Jawatankuasa Penganjur. Arrival of the Organizing Committee members. Koikatan di puu komiti Mengangazu. 8.00 Pagi Ketibaan orang ramai. Arrival of the members of the public. Koikatan tuhun ginumuan. 8.15 Pagi Ketibaan kumpulan-kumpulan kebudayaan. Arrival of local cultural groups. Koikatan tinimungan koubasanan ngavi. 8.45 Pagi Ketibaan Huguan Siou Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, Pengarusi Jawatankuasa Induk Perayaan Pesta Ka?amatan Peringkat Negeri Tahun 2008 merangkap Timbalan Ketua Menteri/Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar dan Yang Berbahagia Datin Seri Panglima Genevieve Kitingan Arrival of Huguan Siou The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, Chairman of the State level Pesta Ka?amatan Celebration 2008 cum Deputy Chief Minister/Minister of Rural Development and Yanf Berbahagia Datin Seri Panglima Genevieve Kitingan. Koikatan di Huguan Siou in Tapantang Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, Ponikoon Komiti Tagazo Mangazu Lamai Tadau Tagazo Ka?amatan Nazatab Pogun 2008 om ponogi Timbang Vozoon Montili om Montili kotundaan Habus kakadazan om Tapantang Datin Seri Panglima Genevieve Kitingan. 9.00 Pagi Ketibaan pemimpin-pemimpin Persekutuan dan Negeri dan dif-dif undangan yang lain. Arrival of Federal and State dignitaries and other invited guests. Koikatan di vovozoon mantad Hongkod Pogun om Pogun ih tahap di susuvai. 9.15 Pagi Ketibaan Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Ketua Menteri Sabah dan Yang Berbahagia Datin Hajah Faridah Haji Tusin. Arival of the Righ Honourable Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah and Yang Berbahagia Datin Hajah Faridah Haji Tusin. Koikatan di Tapantang Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Vozoon Montili Sabah om Yang Berbahagia Datin Hajah Faridah Haji Tusin. 9.20 Pagi Tarian Sambut Tamu. Welcoming Dance. Sazau Kopoikatan Tombuhui 9.30 Pagi Ucapan Alu-aluan Huguan Siou Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Induk Pesta Ka?amatan Peringkat Negeri 2008. Welcoming address by Huguan Siou The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Chairman of the State Level Pesta Ka?amatan Celebration 2008. Pason Ponimpuun mantad di Huguan Siou Tapantang Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, Ponikoon Komiti Tagazo Mangazu Lamai Tadau Tagazo Ka?amatan Nazatan Pogun 2008. 9.45 Pagi Ucapan Perasmian oleh Yang Berhormat Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Ketua Menteri Sabah diikuti dengan upacara ?Momohobok?. Launching speech by The Right Honourable Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah followed by the ?Momohobok? ceremony. Pason Kopongukaban di Tapantang Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Vozoon Montili Sabah om susuutonon abaabazan Momohobok. Penyampaian Cenderakenangan oleh Huguan Siou, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Induk Perayaan Pesta Ka?amatan Peringkat Negeri 2008 kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Ketua Menteri Sabah. Presentation of Momento to His Right Honourable Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah, from Huguan Siou the Chairman of the State Level Pesta Ka?amatan Celebration 2008. Kapanaakan Tuntungkap kumaa di Tapantang Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Vozoon Montili Sabah mantad di Huguan Siou, Ponikoon Komiti Tagazo Mangazu Lamai Tadau Tagazo Ka?amatan Nazatan Pogun 2008. Persembahan Koir dari daerah Beaufort. Choir presentation from Beaufort district. Kapaangaan Koir mantad Beaufort. Persembahan Okestra Bambu. Bamboo Orchestra presentation. Pokitanan Tinimungan Tuunizon do Poring. Penampilan peserta-peserta Unduk Ngadau 2008. Introduction of the Unduk Ngadau 2008 contestants. Kopointutunan di monongkibai Unduk Ngadau 2008. Jamuan ringan. Light refreshments. Minum Panapod Napod. Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Induk Perayaan Ka?amatan Peringkat Negeri Tahin 2008 menjemput dan mengiring Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Ketua Menteri Sabah melawat Gerai pameran Sukan-sukan Tradisional dan seterusnya melawat Rumah-rumah Tradisional. His Right Honourable Datuk Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah, accompanied by the Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Kitingan, Chairman of the State Level Pesta Ka?amatan Celebration 2008, visits the exhibition stalls,traditional sports and the traditional houses. Kotombuhuzan di Tampantang Vozoon Montili Sabah, tonudon di Tapantang Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Ponikoon Komiti Tagazo Mangazu Lamai Tadau Tagazo Ka?amatan Nazatan Pogun 2008, kumakap doid sulap kupokitanan sipoot koubasanan am hamin kounasanan ngavi. 10.45 Pagi Sukan tradisi, persembahan bunyi-bunyian, pertandingan okestra bamboo dan tarian tradisional serta nyanyian dan acara-acara Pesta Ka?amatan yang lain diteruskan. Traditional sports, traditional dances and musical presentations, songs and other Harvest Festival programmes continue. Sipoot koubasanan, sazau om tuunizon koubasanan om suusuvai poh abaabazan Lamai Ka?amatan potimhombuson. 1.00 Petang ? 5.00 Petang Pertandingan Akhir Okestra Bambu Bamboo Orchestra Competition Finals Piboin do kohimpupusom tinimungan do poing. 5.00 Petang-10.00 Malam Konsert Ka?amatan Concert Ka?amatan Lamai Konsort Ka?amatan ?Kopivosian? ?KEAMANAN MELALUI KEBUDAYAAN? ?PEACE THROUGH CULTURE? ?PIBABASAN MAYA KOUBASANAN? Nota: Disediakan oleh Jawatankuasa Aturcara 23/4/08