Rungitom goes to KDCA

I didn’t really remember me being here except for this year, so I consider this my first time going to… okay this place goes by many name. This place goes by names like KDCA, Hongkod Koisaan or KDCA Hall. The hall is always used by the public for wedding ceremony, special banquet, events, concerts and the venue for Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) every year.

This event happens every 31st May of the year, and every year it will be held for 2 days. It was a spontaneously decision to go out for the second day, which is also the grand final for Unduk Ngadau pageant. I actually had another event to cover that night, which is Carlsberg Triple Lanch, which is a very nice reward for me after a long day under the sun and pushing through the human sea.

So basically I just wander around while taking photos with my loaned unit, Nikon D5000.

First up, I went to Vinoun Films booth to buy my copy of The KadazanDusun Story, an interesting and eye opening documentary about Sabah culture.

Her name is Mandy, one of the members of Orkes Akiuku, a group of ukulele lovers in Sabah. They are promoting their studio album called One Love, an album filled with sweet ukelele songs. Oh, the other album she’s holding on her left hand is Ridah (another talented Sabahan artist) second album called Yang Kedua.

My friend Appy is also busy promoting his EP called Happy Thoughts, as I mentioned in my previous blog entry, he got great voice.

Oh this one is a babe, she’s Nera (Queennera Francine Francis Kitigan) of Akademi Fantasia fame and now still active in her singing career. I didn’t have a chance to take a photo with her, but eventually I got it on Green Charity Zumba Party event. I will tell about it on my next blog entry.

Our people in their traditional costume, colorful, vibrant and lively with their smiles.

Going into the hall entrance is hard when you are shoved into the sea of humans, but I managed to get a decent spot, even though very far from the stage.

Changed the lens to 55-200mm VR and tried to get a good shot of the Unduk Ngadau contestants.

Little did I know that there is a small community of Dusun Tribe called Dusun Begak in Lahad Datu district.

Petronela Parnama showcased the uniqueness of Dusun Begak traditional costume. The other contestants wore traditional costumes which I already knew the origin, except for her. Also, she is my favorite contestant.

This year’s Unduk Ngadau winner goes to Melinda Louise from Telupid district.

I didn’t stay long because I was pretty tired standing for a very long time, so I once again made my way through another exit and get some fresh air. I bought some refreshments and continue finding some interesting stuff to photograph.

This is the Lansaran arena where the Murut tribe do the Maningkawot, consider this platform similar like a trampoline. People just go in there and play “jump-jump”.

Notice the red arrow? I guess this kid can still enjoy his drinks while rocking up and down on the Lansaran.

I went back earlier to the city center preparing for Carlsberg Triple Launch, I was kept updated on the pageant competition via Twitter so I didn’t lose track of it. I hope next year I can go for the whole 2 days and capture more interesting photographs.

 You can view a few more photos on my Facebook page album, check it out. 

See you again next year.