Best in Traditional Attire, Miss Borneo Kebaya 2013

Salaam to all lovely readers.

Last week (November 22nd, 2013), I have had the chance to work with Miss Borneo Kebaya committee 2013 (MBK2013). Mrs. Julie and I (from Persatuan Kebudayaan dan Warisan Sabah Kuala Lumpur, Selangor dan Putrajaya) had the chance to do jugding for the Best in Traditional Attire category/subsidiary title. We really appreciate the chance given not only as part of the judging team but also to learn about the uniqueness of  Kebaya attire.

During the event, the first segment was traditional attire parade in which the contestants were given the opportunity to wear traditional attires that represent any ethnics in Malaysia. Most of the contestant chose to wear traditional attire from East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak). Then, came the self-introduction part. After a few catwalk-ing, the contestant intoduce themselves as “..Melati, 18, Sarawak!” And, continue with their motto part. All the contestants were equally gorgeous, and well prepared. You can easily tell from their fantabulous traditional attire and showmanship!

Putrajaya Botanical Garden: Persona Borneo

Salaam, all.

Outdoor photography session with DiaNni Othoe Kayar Lee and Ren Yon (Sharon Adrain). Dianni is a reigning harvest festival queen (Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Peringkat Negeri Johor 2013). Sharon was the runner-up for Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan KDCA Johor State Level 2013, and is a reigning harvest festival queen (Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Daerah Semporna 2013). Wardrobe by Mrs' Caroline's and Cleopatra's collection. Album: Putrajaya Botanical Garden - Persona Borneo.

"...Pada pandangan saya, pertandingan ratu cantik berkonsepkan tradisional ini sangat-sangat diperlukan pada masa ini kerana dengan adanya pertandingan sebegini, orang-orang muda akan lebih menghargai warisan bangsa. Seperti saya sendiri, banyak saya tidak tahu tentang bangsa saya sehingga la saya mengikuti pertandingan berkonsepkan tradisional ini. sesetengah orang sangat sukar untuk menghayati sesuatu hanya melalui bacaan di buku tetapi lebih mudah memahami melalui pengalaman, kan? Jadi kepada gadis-gadis KadazanDusunMurut (KDM) di luar sana, jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menyertai pertandingan ratu cantik tradisional kerana pengalaman tidak boleh dibeli dengan duit..." -Sharon.

"...Konsep tradisional bagi saya lebih kepada budaya dan adat resam sesuatu kaum, bersifat sopan santun. Saya tidak gemar mengenakan pakaian yang terlalu menjolok mata malah lebih kepada pemakaian baju tradisional dan ini sangat bagus kerana dapat mengekal dan meneruskan budaya/adat resam supaya tidak pupus ditelan arus permodenan..." - Dianni. 

Read more about them, click here - Dianni Murni Kayar and Sharon Adrain. 

Mount Kinabalu: The day the Dusun people returned to the mountain

Salaam, friends.

 

Mount Kinabalu is sacred to the Dusun communities. Gayoh Ngaran or Big Name, as the mountain is known to the Dusun, is our final resting place.

 

In the old days, the Dusun could hunt on the mountain and take rattan and other forest produce from the foothills. Then the white men came. They wanted to protect the mountain they said. Because everybody recognized that the mountain was sacred to the Dusun, the British officers came, along with the local authorities, and talked with the Dusun Elders from the villages on the foothills of the mountain.

Warisan Sabah - The Introduction

Hi readers,

Can you imagine a world where we all start to look similar or sound the same as we lose our roots, language, connection to the past and the land? Or where we have nowhere to go to escape the cities and towns, no space to breathe, wander and wonder. The diversity of societies, cultures and languages that have developed throughout human history is an expression of life’s evolutionary potential. Differences in culture, in other words, cultural diversity and biodiversity are intimately related to each other. It makes sense if you think about it. Humans have adapted to life according to the particular environment they found themselves in. At the same time, they had to draw upon those resources to sustain themselves - whether that was in icy tundra or tropical forests. This knowledge was passed from generation to generations via language and practical teachings. It has shaped ways of life and world views, and served material as well as psychological and spiritual needs. It has also led to the development of a strong ‘sense of place’.

Sabah Heritage Association KL & Selangor or Warisan Sabah is an association with the aim to organize events and workshops to promote,  enhances knowledge  and conserve Sabah arts, culture, heritage and resources. The Association also work hand-in-hand and take advices from associated partners (Guru) - Sarawak Heritage Association KL & Selangor  to achieve its objectives. Warisan Sabah also is an association concerned with the biodiversity and relationships in nature and among cultures. It provides a good platform to engage the spirit of unity among participated members for greater public understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live in. The essence of unity, arts and culture are inseparable elements, linked to each other to serve a diverse public of varied ages, backgrounds and knowledge. The mixed communities in Sabah has made it possible for this Association to enjoy a captivating array of culture and art that is both unique and exquisite. The richness of the culture and art in Sabah is expressed in the differences between the traditional attire, dance, music and handicraft of the various ethnic communities. Each of these differences clearly reflects the identity of each racial group.

This page serves as a dynamic information portal for the public to learn about the organization and get current updates for activities and upcoming events. It is the interactive complement to the Official Facebook Page. Warisan Sabah can also be reached via email (warisan.sabah@yahoo.com.my) and Twitter. 

Malaysia Day Outdoor Photography: Persona Borneo

Malaysia Day (September 16th, 2013) outdoor photography session with Borneo Hornbill Festival alumni - Sanddy Ngu (First runner up, Kumang Iban, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2011), Cleopatra Sandud (Winner of two subsidiary titles, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2012), Magdalen Patrick Bejig (Second runner-up, Bidayuh Category, Borneo Hornbill Festival 2012), Kevin Jantan (Borneo Hornbill Festival Working Committee) and Gilbert Katang (Borneo Hornbill Festival Working Committee). Location: Taman Tasek Permaisuri. Wardrobe: Mrs. Caroline Rudolf's, Cleo's and Kevin's Collection. Album: Malaysia Day Outdoor Photography-Persona Borneo