Kaamatan joy in US and France
Published on: Monday, June 09, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025
By: Zia Holly, Lorena Binisol Text Size: Sumazau and Magunatip dances and singing. AUBURN: Some 30 Sabahans from across the United States gathered here, recently, for the fifth annual North Borneo Sabahan Abroad Kaamatan Celebration, maintaining cultural traditions thousands of miles from home. It was hosted by Jo Monjuil-Frinak and Tim Frinak at their Auburn home and drew participants from Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida and Ohio. What began as a modest gathering five years ago has evolved into an annual homecoming for Sabahans living in the US.
Advertisement The event featured a unique addition this year when Malaysian storyboard artist Glen Bosiwang, visiting his sister Kim Bosiwang in Phoenix, documented the celebration through his cartoon illustrations, capturing the spirit of Kaamatan in artistic form. Unlike formal cultural events, the Kaamatan Abroad celebration operates without any central committees or rigid protocols. Each year, different hosts shape the celebration's character, with Dr Pamela Petrus-Purser providing guidance. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article.
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