Latest news with #Kaamatan
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sabah family in Beijing keeps Kaamatan spirit alive
Elisa, Alexzender and Katama. KOTA KINABALU (June 1): As Malaysians across the globe come together to celebrate the 2025 Kaamatan Festival, one Malaysian family living thousands of kilometres away in China is sending a heartfelt message back home, a tribute to their roots and cultural pride. Elisa Marie Ungkiu Singgon, her husband Alexzender Roy Dusin, and their young son, Katama Jireh Gingging, born in Beijing nearly two years ago, are currently based at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing. Despite the distance, the family extended warm Kaamatan greetings to fellow Malaysians, especially their loved ones in Bingkor (Keningau) and Kitapol (Kiulu, Tuaran), Sabah. 'Though we are far from home, the spirit of Kaamatan continues to live in us,' Elisa shared. 'Kaamatan is more than a harvest celebration, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and staying connected to our heritage. It is how we bridge the gap between where we are and where we come from,' the couple said. Living abroad, they said, has only deepened their appreciation for Sabah's rich cultural traditions and close-knit family ties. The festival reminds them of the enduring importance of ancestral heritage in shaping identity and fostering unity across diverse communities. 'Kaamatan unites us, wherever we are,' added Alexzender. 'We're raising Katama Jireh to know his roots, as a son of Sabah and a Malaysian, even while growing up in a different part of the world,' he said. The couple also emphasized that the values of Kaamatan, gratitude, unity, and shared humanity hold universal meaning, and are worth sharing across cultures and borders. 'Happy Kaamatan Festival 2025, 'Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan' from the three of us here in Beijing. To our dear family in Sabah, we send love and longing across the miles. May peace, joy, and good health be with you always,' they said. This year's Kaamatan carries the inclusive theme 'Kaamatan For All,' celebrated in multiple languages to reflect Malaysia's cultural diversity:
The Star
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Foreign visitors capture the heart of Kaamatan through their lens
ARMED with their cameras, Polish couple Darek Kalinski and Agnieszka Witusik spent Saturday (May 31) immersed in the colours, sounds and spirit of Sabah's Kaamatan grand finale. Their lenses captured not just images, but a cultural experience they described as unforgettable. Snapping away under the blazing sun at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, the couple were visibly awed by the vibrant procession of locals dressed in traditional attire, lining the pathway to welcome dignitaries and guests. 'This is not just a festival. It was alive. We want to photograph everything, the details in the costumes, the music, the smiles,' said Kalinski, 64, who, along with Witusik, 53, was on his first visit to Sabah. The couple, currently on a three-week Borneo adventure, said discovering the Kaamatan Festival was a fortunate, spontaneous twist in their plans. While planning their journey, they had come across mentions of the celebration but struggled to find clear information online. 'We were not even sure we would be able to catch it. The lack of official details made planning difficult, so we started our trip in Sarawak, thinking we might miss it altogether,' Kalinski explained. But a lucky online post revealing the dates of the two-day festival finale on May 30 and 31 prompted a spontaneous detour to Sabah. What was meant to be a brief stopover turned into a three-day stay, as they became fully immersed not just in the atmosphere but also in the energy of the crowd, the rhythm of traditional dances and the warmth of the people. 'The colours, the dancing, the people … it all came together in such a natural, heartfelt way. You cannot help but be drawn into it,' said Witusik, scrolling through photos they had taken. After experiencing the highlights of Kaamatan, the couple plan to return to Sarawak to visit the Mulu Caves before heading to Brunei, and will eventually return to Sabah for the final leg of their trip in Sandakan. But both agreed that Kaamatan had already left the deepest impression. 'We really hope more information will be made available online in future. This is something truly special, a real cultural treasure. We have taken so many photos to share with our friends back home,' said Kalinski. Also attending the celebration was Swiss retiree Marco Brudermann, 66, who described Kaamatan as 'refreshingly uncommercial and deeply sincere.' He was accompanied by his long-time friend Liliane Blume, 64, also from Switzerland, who has lived in Sabah for the past 18 years. Fresh from a journey through Manila and Zamboanga in the Philippines, Brudermann, a sociocultural anthropologist, noted that while there are similar traditional festivals back home, Sabah's connection to folklore and ancestral identity feels equally strong. 'You can feel the sincerity. The people are not just putting on a show … they are celebrating something deeply meaningful. It touches the soul,' he said. Having travelled extensively for work, Brudermann said being in Sabah during Kaamatan was a uniquely enriching experience. 'Sabahans are becoming increasingly committed to preserving their traditions, and it is beautiful to witness,' he added. Blume, a former German teacher at the Borneo Tourism Institute, agreed. 'This is not just a performance. Kaamatan is a living, breathing tradition. People are genuinely proud of their heritage, and you can feel that everywhere,' she said.
The Star
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan shines with music, colour and unity
Celebrating the harvest: Women in Dusun Lobu Sook traditional attire holding gongs as they get ready to perform during Kaamatan. PENAMPANG: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall exploded in colour, rhythm and community spirit as thousands of Sabahans – joined by curious tourists – packed the grounds to mark the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival. While the month-long festival is celebrated across the state, it is now that everything comes alive in full force; from the beat of traditional gongs and lively sumazau dance performances to the scent of grilled meat and displays of intricate handwoven beadwork. Beyond the much-anticipated Unduk Ngadau pageant, festival-goers are treated to a vibrant mix of attractions, traditional sports like mipulos (arm wrestling), cultural showcases and stalls offering Sabahan favourites and handicrafts. Among the crowd was Ho Ken Nyen, who flew in from Sandakan, over 300km away with three friends just to experience the celebration for the first time. 'I've always heard people talk about Kaamatan, but never had the chance to see it in person,' he said. 'As a Chinese Sabahan, I don't celebrate it, but I've always felt proud of this tradition. When I was studying in Peninsular Malaysia, I used to show my friends pictures of Kaamatan and I'd say, this is Sabah.' Meanwhile, the countdown has begun for a new young maiden to take centre stage and be crowned Unduk Ngadau, and step into the role of cultural ambassador. A dancer in traditional costume performing during the Kaamatan event. The grand finale of the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will be held today at KDCA's iconic Hongkod Koisaan hall, the heart of Sabah's native heritage where traditions, history and customs of the indigenous communities are preserved, honoured and proudly celebrated. Each year, people from all over the state converge here to cheer on their district representatives in this highly anticipated event. 'I am here to find out the next Unduk Ngadau. To me, it does not matter which district she's representing, because I feel that they are all beautiful. 'We are here to celebrate the tradition and culture, that is all that matters,' said Diana Paul from Kota Marudu. For reigning queen Hyellene Danius, this marks the close of a meaningful year-long journey as the face of Sabah's cultural pride. The youngest of nine siblings, Danius, who represented Inanam district, is a Bahasa Malaysia teacher at SJK(C) Tsi Sin in Tenom. Last year, she captured the judges' hearts not only with her beauty and elegance but also with her poise and fluency in answering two questions in the Dusun language during the question-and-answer session. From heritage forums and gala nights to traditional crafts, cooking and visits to the Sabah Museum and Kampung Budaya Koisaan, each Uduk Ngadau contestant has immersed herself in the spirit of Huminodun, the legendary figure the pageant honours.
The Star
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
King, Queen extend Kaamatan and Gawai greetings
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day reflect Malaysia's rich tapestry of traditions and the harmony of its multicultural society, says Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. In a post on the official Facebook account of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, His Majesty said the diversity of Malaysian culture is manifested through the celebration of these festivals. 'The celebrations are not only a sign of gratitude at the end of the harvest season but also a reminder for all citizens to always be thankful for the blessings and fortunes bestowed upon them, in accordance with their respective beliefs and practices,' read the post, Bernama reported. His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, also extended greetings to Malaysians celebrating the festivals. Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day are offerings of thanks following the end of the harvest season. Sabahans celebrated the Kaamatan Festival yesterday while Sarawakians will observe Gawai Day today. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof called on the people to continue to defend Malaysia's harmony in diversity, strengthen the ties of brotherhood and preserve unity. He said this when wishing a Happy Kaamatan Festival to the entire Kadazan Dusun, Murut and Rungus community, particularly in Sabah. Fadillah said just like other festivals, Kaamatan is a manifestation of the racial diversity and cultural richness of the community in Malaysia, who live in peace and harmony regardless of racial, religious and cultural background. 'With its theme of 'Kaamatan For All', let's celebrate the festival with joy, strengthen ties of kinship and be grateful for the sustenance and good harvest. 'May our harvest this year and the years to come continue to overflow, bringing with it goodness, success and prosperity to all. 'Happy Kaamatan Festival, Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan,' said Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, in a post on Facebook yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day are proof that harmony, tolerance and consensus can unite the people of Malaysia as one big family regardless of race, religion and background. He said these festivals not only symbolise gratitude for their harvest but reflect the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the people of Sabah and Sarawak. 'May the Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day celebrations this year bring goodness, prosperity and a brighter future for all Malaysians, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan and Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai!,' he posted on X. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also extended similar greetings, saying he hoped that the festive season brings overflowing cheerfulness, love and sustenance to everyone. 'Happy Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day to all friends and families in Sabah and Sarawak. 'Both festivals illustrate the richness of culture, customs and traditions and are symbols of harmony in the diversity of the people of Malaysia. 'Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan and Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai!' he said in a Facebook post.
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
From classroom to crown: Aspiring teacher Atitih Yatih takes top Unduk Ngadau 2025 in Sabah cultural pageant
PENAMPANG, June 1 — Atitih Yatih Robert, a prospective Malay Language teacher, who was representing the Tamparuli sub-district, was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the culmination of the Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here tonight. Atitih Yatih, 26, a Bachelor of Education (Malay Language) graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last December and currently awaiting a teaching placement, beat 51 contestants in the traditional beauty pageant of Sabah's paddy harvest season held annually since 1960. Earlier, Atitih Yatih, who participated in the competition for the second time this year after her first attempt in 2017, was selected from the round of 15 best participants before advancing to today's last stage of the top seven finalists, who were judged on public speaking, general knowledge, heritage and cultural understanding in their mother tongue (native language). Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant that showcases the diverse ethnic cultures and heritage of Sabah held in memory of the legendary 'Huminodun' who sacrificed herself for the bountiful harvest and well-being of her people in the religious observance (transcending folklore and legend) of the Kadazan-Dusun people. Meanwhile, when interviewed by reporters, Atitih Yatih said she initially only targeted the top seven in the competition and was breathless to emerge as the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. 'It is difficult for me to describe this victory because I have not yet processed this in my mind, I am still very shocked. I would like to thank all those who supported me, my family and friends who were willing to come from afar to support me. 'My plans after this depends on where I will be placed, I am waiting for my teaching placement ... as a Malay Language teacher later,' said Atitih Yatih, who hoped that this success would inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah's culture and heritage. She received a trophy, RM15,000 in cash and various prizes presented by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua (Governor) of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin in the spectacle and witnessed by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and the Joint Chairmen of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau. Atitih Yatih was then crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 Hyellene Danius who is also a Malay Language teacher. Second place went to Elka Alika Pijeh representing Tambunan (district) who took home a trophy, RM12,000 and accompanying prizes; while third place went to Celarin Jenny representing Kiulu who took home a trophy, RM10,000 and souvenirs. Earlier, before the final stage of the competition, the 2025 Kaamatan Festival Celebration was officially closed by the Yang dI-Pertua Negeri Sabah (Governor) Tun Musa Aman with a 'mengomot' or rice harvesting ritual and seven strikes of the gong in a ceremony of splendour also attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. — Bernama
