Dance..Colour...Lights...

Additional photos from

Sabah Fest

for your viewing pleasure

Sabah Fest - Colours of New and Old

My first thought was "oh dear! It's that time of the year again".

It's not that I dread attending Sabah Fest, but it's the horrendous parking problem that they have at the Sutera. Each and every time a function is held there, I would normally be the one to get the farthest parking spot of all. I tried coming early, and still I get parking a gazillion miles away. Thank god the event is held at night, otherwise I would be dreading walking in the sun. Even at this time, walking is still a contemplative option, since the heat and humidity has gone from terrible to worse lately. Ah well, no point complaining.

It all started when my sister Shana decided to tag me along for the event this evening, 2 hours before the event. I didn't even have time to think about it, what more agree to it, while she went on telling me to get ready by 6:30pm and that I would drive and fill up petrol on the way. Hmmm.. Feels like a tornado just passed by! But Shana is like that.. YUP!!

So reaching the dreaded area, I had to make one complete circle before locating a parking spot almost a kilometre away from the venue. Lucky me!

So we started walking when we stumbled upon two old friends from my previous office, Mel and Mel. One Mel went in as she had something to do while the other Mel stayed on eating what seemed to be a Tapau of rice and fried 'Ikan Basung' or Spanish Mackerel. I must say, she is one tough gal for being able to just sit on a drain edge to eat, bearing the heat and humidity while everyone else walked by. Me on the other hand, have started sweating (good choice Mizal for wearing a long-sleeved black sweater), so I excused myself to proceed into the lovely air-conditioned ballroom of Sutera Magellan.

WOW!

What a sight. Cultural demos everywhere, people selling stuff that are great and the best thing was meeting all my friends and of course my dear ex-boss, Datuk Irene, who was spotting a very lovely (no doubt very expensive) Irranun shawl. Good on her for making tradition chic.

The myriad of colours, smells, sounds and texture was overwhelming. It instantly revived my pride as a fellow Sabahan, and I felt very nostalgic seeing all that was happening before my very eyes. Over 3o ethnic groups and some 180 dialects, Sabah is ever teaming with wealth and tradition.

And of course what everyone was waiting for; the Cultural Show. The clever use of stage has always been the trademark of the organisers. The widest possible stage would be set up, which would include the bottom part so that the audience could absorb every possible experience there is.

The choice of featured ethnic this year is no doubt impressive, however, my only comment would be on the proceedings of the event. Apart from the noisy toddlers in front, on my sides and behind me, I was quite distracted by how the event was rushed. Most of the time, before the emcees could thoroughly introduce the ethnics and their dances, music would already start, making it difficult for me to follow through the story that this event was telling. Indeed the theme was interesting as it circled around the story of a mixed ethnic wedding, but it could have been better if timing wasn't off.

All the same, I enjoyed myself tremendously. To absorb all the experience within one night made me excited which made it rather difficult to sleep. I loved the young performers and I adored the elderly performers. At least tradition is not all lost with time.

Of Stones, Frogs and Tuaran Mee...

Question : How would you link a stone, frogs and Tuaran Mee?

Answer : Elementary my dear Watson!! It's all in the company...

Had diarrhea this morning.. I guess it's from all the water I drank last night. Plus I spent the whole night on my computer, not realising that it was already 2 am when I finished and that I had to get up at 6 to attend to my students.

I rushed out of bed, after oversnoozing my alarm by one hour (aaaarrrrggghhh!!!!!) and did the fastest 10 minutes of preparation in my life since I had to leave home by 7:30 am. Thankfully I kept everything in place the night before, so all I needed to do was pick up my teaching aids and my laptop and drive like mad to UMS (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) for my lecture. And so I thought I was safe, then I realised, I forgot my mobile phone on the freaking bed. At this point I was already praying "please God, let this be the only stupid thing I do today". hehehehe

Anyway, everything went well with my class while my students were happy to complete their final presentation and assessment. Phew!! Now I only need to go home and rest, so I packed my stuff and walked to the car, when I noticed that my back tyre was almost flat (with torn parts). A bit shaky at the probability of having a flat in the middle of the road daunted me, I was even more afraid that the tire might burst while I drive. So all along the 45 minute drive, I prayed and prayed and drove ever so slow (and obviously there were finger waving, but who cares! I was driving on the slow lane..erm . or was it the fast lane?)

And so eventually I arrived home safely.

First thing's first. Checked my phone and there were 2 miscalls plus 3 messages. My best friend David sent two messages asking if I was free to join him for lunch. So I obliged, and he came to pick me up at home. Wonder where will we go and eat this time?

David to me, is known for his good taste in food and outlets, and equally picky with quality as I am. He would bring me to unknown eateries, and I wouldn't fret as the food would always be good, give or take the waiting service. Oooo... And another thing, we both share a passion for precious and semi-precious stones. Ho told me that there was this shop in Likas Square selling semi-precious stones that he would like to check out before going for lunch. And with glee I said, "OK, sure, come la!"

At first when we arrived at Likas Square, we both made a complete round of the concourse area, not knowing what this shop looked like. After almost completing the circle, we both agreed that Likas Square was pathetic or in David's term, another dead shopping complex. There was the 'Hurry Come Buy China Products before we go back' sales that would probably be there until Kingdom Come, and of course China potteries, which has moved further down to a more lighted area, several telecommunication shops, accessories, the Merdeka Supermarket, and finally a shop called BeJewelled, with a yellow arty facade.


We walked in, and I was awed! They had beautiful rings and earrings and necklaces and brooches and pendants and bla bla bla..... You know what I mean.. hehehe..

And despite the busy crowd in the shop, it didn't stop me from trying on all the rings. Please, don't judge me for this. I'm crazy for Stones as I collect them.

A piece struck my interest the moment I entered the shop; a blue topaz ring. At first I tried to ignore it, but I keep coming back to the spot to look at it again and again and again. It has this flawless rich blue Topaz, which when you gaze into it, it is as if you're looking into a very deep blue pool of clear water. The stone looked so mysterious and beckoning that despite my tight monthly budget, I had to get it. The owner gave me a good discount for it, and said it was odd that despite being one of the best pieces she has ever seen, no one has ever paid attention to it, that is until I came. So maybe I was destined to own the ring. Hope it brings me luck! :)

Anyway, all that excitement made me hungry and what perfect timing.

David knew a place selling Tuaran Mee, which was apparently popular. It's a small Chinese Shop, not far from Likas Square, near the All Saints Secondary School. Hmmm... Tuaran Mee. My mom Mrs. Rose Mansah, actually cooks very good Tuaran Mee, so would I compare hers with this? We'll have to see.

So we walked into the shop and a few friends of David were there. We joined them and I was promptly introduced to Danny and Yvone, and Kevin who is a frog specialist that is currently attached to the university. I guess he was shy as he was pretty silent but we kept things interesting by bringing up funny topics of discussion. Meanwhile, order was made for two Tuaran Mee (Seafood) and Kopi Ping Kau.

Several minutes passed when our food and drinks arrived. So hungry were we that we instantly digged in, and again I failed to snap a photo of the famed Tuaran Mee. To describe it precisely, Tuaran Mee is a type of noodle that was created in the district of Tuaran Sabah, and the best way of cooking it is by frying it with eggs and meat/fish/chicken, with a dotting of green Bak Choi (some call it Choy Sam). There is a special technique in preparing Tuaran Mee and I shall not reveal it here, as I respect those that have worked so hard in perfecting it, well unless you're willing to pay for my knowledge that is. Hihihihi

So, the Tuaran Mee was Ok la.. With just enough fish slices and the standard 3 medium-sized prawns, along with vegetables and eggs. No complaints about the taste, except that it was a bit wet for my liking. To me, Tuaran Mee should be slightly singed browned by the hot wok, which would add flavour to it, and a bit 'AL-Dente' to the bite. No worries about it being slightly dry, as moisture is provided by the eggs, vegetable and seafood, amalgamating it into one sumptuous mouthful experience. I still think my mom makes better Tuaran Mee, hands down.

But anyhow, while eating, Danny and Kevin started talking about the 'Buangkut' and how the local tribes of Borneo eat it. 'Buangkut' or the giant Borneo toad is poisonous and although I tried not to listen to their conversation (as I was enjoying my meal) I couldn't help but take in the fact that that there is a special way of preparing it, just like Fugu, the famous Puffer Fish of Japan. Eeeuwww.... This discussion was probably why David didn't finish his Tuaran Mee. :)

Kopi Ping Kau Kau Kau Kau...