If I have ever done live blogging when floodwaters downstairs are rising, now would be it.

In Penampang, not-so-heavy rain started 4 something pm, but by 6pm the Moyog river was already threateningly swollen. So, it’s 25th April all over again.

Thank God, it was not as bad as the last time.

The meter-high barrier around the house was swamped just after 7pm:

As at 7.18pm it was chest-level…

…which of course would again showcase the disappearing staircase:

Here are how the above pictures would look like during flood-free times, respectively:

Monitoring the water level every 15 minutes, it peaked at a few inches more, around 8.30pm.

So this latest event seems to have summed up my weekend so far.

First, it was a full-day working Saturday from 7am, when we had a statewide network and applications disaster recovery drill.

This drill had already caused some of us to skip the company family day in Kundasang which so happened to fall on the same day. Never mind, I thought, I still have a friend’s wedding in Tamparuli to look forward to. But no, by the time I left the office in Likas around 4, it was already raining cats and dogs.

I had to double up shopping at Central Plaza because the wife said the river’s going to spill over anytime.

Sorry, title of post is not entirely accurate - as you can see clearly, the notice was not only in English but the other main languages of the country too, so definitely there’s no excuse of not understanding it. Quite mind boggling, especially as I could see that some of them are even wearing luxury watches.

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Spotted earlier today near the cashier counter on the 5th floor.

Instead of the expected pieces of paper / envelopes containing suggestions, you can see other things instead:

Perhaps any transparent locked box with a hole on top immediately means donation box to some people?

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By my own standards, I was deeply immersed in Kaamatan celebrations this year: I was at KDCA Hall on both 30th and 31st, even wandered into the KDCA Hall for a few minutes during the height of Unduk Ngadaumania, and also attended the Malaysia Open House : Tadau Kaamatan 2008 event at Padang Merdeka.

31st May 2008 (evening)

During that lull in the late afternoon of the 31st of May 2008, between the announcement of the state Level Unduk Ngadau 2008 results at KDCA Hall, Penampang and the start of the Open House, a little bird informed me that:

At 10 this morning, Terminal 1 Airport, Kota Kinabalu, 5,000 people welcomed Stacy AF6 home from KL. At 3 this afternoon, only 300 people were at the same airport to welcome to Prime Minister.

Both made an appearance at the Open House, Stracie / Stracy “Terlebih Sudah” Angie Anam’s maiden public performance in her home state after being crowned Sabah’s first ever AF champion.

Judging from the thunderous roar as she made her appearance singing “Rumandawi” during the parade of the Unduk Ngadau finalists, I guess that’s definite confirmation that it’s the end of normal life for Stacy. No more obscure performances at Q-Ball Donggongon at which I was fortunate enough to witness just before she entered the “academy” earlier this year. Now any photos with her will surely need custom picture framing.

She apparently performed at least 2 other songs:

Unfortunately, I missed those, perhaps because I left just before 11pm when Den Bisa was performing his part.

The event was broadcast live over RTM TV2, but I was told that the 2-hour transmission’s video quality was not up to scratch, as well as, disappointingly for many people, ended just as Stacy was starting her performance.

I was informed in the morning of the 31st that Stacy was going to perform at 6pm accompanied by a bamboo orchestra (Sound of Borneo), of which I know at least one member, and an interesting character at that. So while initially I didn’t fancy the thought of braving the crowds in Kota Kinabalu, my daughter’s constant pestering and the thought of seeing “The Undertaker / Sandboy” live on the big screen finally got the better of me.

I was there by 7, a full hour and a half before the VVIPs made their grand entrances, but no photos because the camera had been destroyed by my son a few weeks ago.

My observations:
- good weather, hence the grass was dry enough to sit on, and not too warm
- the organisers gave away free food starting 6.45pm (an apple, a few biscuits and water), in a plastic container.
- it’s a huge production, and very well done. The highlight of course is the main event, a non-stop 6-segment action, song and dance extravaganza, the set list summary being the following (in Malay):

The whole thing kicked off with a bonfire being lighted outside the main stage and Abu Bakar Ellah (Ampal) being carried to centrestage. The 3rd segment was where I felt truly transported into legendary Kaamatan stuff when Gundohing Dousia Moujing and his band of bobohizans made their entrance. For those not in the know, he’s the 6th direct descendant of the Kadazan’s legendary warrior Monsopiad (by my own calculations, lived probably in the 18th century), and has one of the coolest job titles in the world: Keeper of the Skulls [Penjaga Tengkorak], all 42 of them, which were the result of Monsopiad’s head-hunting activities. I left in the middle of the 5th segment because it was getting a bit late.
- the press, protocols, security made the red carpet path totally jampacked when the PM came in. The maidens lining the path should’ve been taken out by that time.
- there were so many invited guests present that the speeches’ (there were 4 of them) introductions took a very long time
- I swear I saw Loh Gwo Burne, the man who took the infamous VK Lingam videos and now MP for Kelana Jaya coming in via the red carpet path, and paused a few times along the way to pose for pictures among the pretty maidens lining both sides of the path
- Rachel Wesley, 15 of MyStarz LG fame, and a student at Kiulu, was impressive
- As usual my favourite singer, Evaristus Gungkit was asked to perform
- Linda AF2 performed a rather disappointing, karaoke-quality only version of Jambatan Tamparuli. Her expensive-looking wireless mike also stuttered
- Clarice John Matha, performer of my vote for the Kadazandusun 2004 song of the year performed “Salam Do Kaamatan”
- Visuals for the big screens screwed up big time during the performances in between the speeches, causing louds howls of displeasure from the crowd; fortunately it was OK during the main six-segment show
- the technicians seemed to be asleep during the Huguan Siou’s speech - could hardly hear what he was saying.
- in his speech, the PM mentioned that this years’ celebration seemed more orderly and it could be due to the Minister in charge to be a Sabahan
- After announcing the goodies earlier, including that Cabinet Commitee on Illegal Immigrants, I hope the PM saw with his own eyes the many illegal immigrants in attendance at the Open House

31st May 2008 (early afternoon)

A downpour early in the afternoon and the drizzle afterwards didn’t dampen people’s spirits, rather probably it’s more a blessing: a chance to cool down.

With two kids in tow, the only places I could hang around for long was at the back (blow-up playground) and the Murut house, but overly aggressive, intoxicated individuals spoiled the mood somewhat.

I checked out the insides of KDCA Hall just before the announcements of the final seven Unduk Ngadau contestants. Was surprised that it was not really totally packed like sardines and that the aircon was adequate.

Unduk Ngadau results:
1st: Leonie Gontuni (Penampang)

The most difficult part of any pageant is the Q&A session, which she handled very well, that could’ve been the clincher, although some people might still say the judges were mostly bent on ensuring the crown “returned” to Penampang this year:

Click here to read more & see more videos

In my opinion, he’s the best ever Kadazandusun singer. Better than even the legendary John Gaisah. Of all the local artistes, he’s the one of whom I have purchased the most original albums.

I first heard him back in 1992 when absolutely everybody was singing his biggest hit, and to me still is the greatest song ever written in the Kadazandusun language, “Kada Tilombuso Sinduolnu.” Unsurprisingly, his first album is still his best-selling ever.

I first saw and heard him sing live onstage during the 1994 Kota Kinabalu Unduk Ngadaus at the Community Hall. He was singing, appropriately the song “Unduk Ngadau” from his 2nd album then as he led the participants to the stage.

For once, I was entranced more by the singing than the participants! In fact, I thought that that performance was better than the studio version of the song in the album.

I have heard him sing various times since then. But the biggest thrills were when he sang “Kada Tilombuso Sinduolnu” live during a wedding reception, many years after I last heard it, when the hosts specially requested for it. Then there was that other occasion when I did not even realise that he was sitting in front of me at another wedding reception at Dewan Tun Fuad. The hosts called out for Evaristus, and there he was standing up and making his way to the stage. He sang the classic but overplayed “The Wedding.” In most cases I would’ve turned off, but I must say what I heard was the best rendition of that song since Julie Rogers’ original way back in 1965! Needless to say, when Evaristus returned to his seat, I shook his hand and profusely congratulated him.

Then just now I saw an article done by Valentine Sianggal Jr on my favourite Sabahan singer at kadusmusic.com, which was a great article on his experiences all these years.

I summarise:

He was born 1966 (now 42) at Kg Kituntul, Tambunan.

He was champion of Bintang Kaamatan 1991 (now known as Sugandoi Kaamatan). In fact he also competed in 1990 but did not get any placing.

He has produced 4 solo albums and a karaoke album:
- 1992: Kada Tilombuso Sinduolnu: sold very well, his best-seller
- 1994: Ika Tinongkiadan Ku;
- 1996: Rombituon;
- 2000: Sondukut
- 2006: Evaristus Gungkit Top 10 (Karaoke versions of his most popular songs)

He made it to the last 8 of Bintang RTM 1992.

In 1995, he won the Sabah State Civil Service singing competition.

He’s married to Hilda George Mool and has 4 kids.

When he first started out, he thought he could go professional. His experiences told him otherwise: being a singer in the Kadazandusun language does not provide enough income to justify doing it full time. Being popular does not mean a high income level. Hence, singing has been relegated to just a hobby, providing income on the side.

His first album, “Kada Tilombuso Sinduolnu” sold very well. He didn’t have to rely on royalties from the recording company because he marketed the album via his own label. He also paid for the making of that album with his own money. Demand from music shops were also good at that time. Unfortunately things went downhill for the next albums.

The sales of his subsequent albums generated just enough income to pay for itself in order to produce the next album.

This is a real eye opener and a very honest advice.

One saving grace is the fact that he’s still being invited to perform during functions, most notably by RTM Sabah and the Sabah Cultural Board.

His advice to aspiring artistes: explore all avenues to show off your talent. Be well prepared, including attending vocal classes. Do not rely on just luck.

Of all the supposedly 1,000 crocodiles at Tuaran Crocodile Farm, this one fascinates me the most:

According to the label on the wall:

Name: Bujang Sukau
Age: 70 years
Length: 19 feet
Weight: 3,000 pounds
Profile: Killed a man in Kinabatangan River in 2006 & bit off the leg of a man in February 2007.

Here’s another view of that guy:

Now I am having nightmares of accidentally falling into that pit.

These handbags do not even carry world-famous brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton or the like, yet they carry eye-popping pricetags. And they are located not in KLCC, Mid Valley or even Kota Kinabalu, but rather the small town of Tuaran.

All the handbags cost at least RM4,000, including this one which cost a whopping RM30,888:

Personally speaking, even if I had the money, it does not look very appealing.

I’d much rather prefer this green one:

Yes, of course I’m talking about the handbags and other accessories made of crocodile skin at Tuaran Crocodile Farm.

Everthing made of crocodiles inside that shop (and the shop next to it) is freaking expensive, even this one foot long stuffed croc baby cost RM150:

The cashier said they were made in Singapore. I should’ve asked another question: how many people have bought things from here so far?

I was up on an errand at a major township in Penampang, when up on the first floor, I saw this:

It was easily reachable, yet cleaning was not done. Who’s responsible for cleaning this, the District Council or the shopowner?

Perhaps the next question is: how many cigarette butts can you see?

Car breakdowns and other personal emergencies aside, some things that’s totally beyond your control just spoil your mood.

On the morning of 12th May 2008, this sight confronted me on the only way out to work:

Later on the same day, I was out purchasing spare parts for my car at the famous Hup Seng Heng car spareparts dealer in Kolombong when someone came in to buy a car window glass. Apparently he discovered his car had been broken into at Beverly Hills:

Then how about the amazing traffic jam of 30th April 2008? It had never been this bad before. A journey that normally takes a few minutes stretched to 45 minutes. Strangely there were no accidents or anything visible that one could blame for the situation, which never repeated itself again, so far.

You have anything similar experiences you’d like to share?

UPDATE 29th May 2008: A little bird informed that the sigah cost RM400,000.

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This is generating some controversy.

In Daily Express’ forum on the 18th May 2008, Sylvester Disimon, Chairman of the Penampang Branch of Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS) wrote in essence:

Since the Sigah is such an important traditional headgear, with which the Kadazandusun community is identified, not just in Penampang but throughout Sabah, the Sigah monument should not have been located at the roundabout in the first place.

However, he wrote that since construction has started, go ahead, but there’s some issue with the direction it’s facing. It should serve its purpose i.e. welcome visitors driving towards the direction of Donggongon from the Penampang bypass.

As of now, it is facing the opposite direction.

This is what one would see when approaching the roundabout while driving towards the direction of Donggongon on the Penampang bypass:

For those who are not familiar with the area, here’s an image from Google Earth which shows the position of the roundabout relative to surrounding areas:

He further wrote that the Penampang District Council, who is also Penampang District Officer, said that the Council decided that the Sigah should face the rising sun i.e. the East. At the same time, it is also appropriately facing Mount Kinabalu.

Disimon wrote that both reasons are unacceptable, because the former is talking about Feng Shui, and due to most Penampangites being Christians, this should not be taken into consideration. As for the latter, it’s like leading people to their “final resting place on the mountain”.

Disimon wrote that he had contacted Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, the Member of Parliament for Penampang on the matter, who basically said he didn’t have “strong views on the matter” and that “either way is ok.”

What do you think? Which way should it be facing?