Saturday, June 20, 2009

Beauty and the beast at Bisaya festival


By Hj Minor Absah

LIMBANG - The Bisaya Association of Sarawak with the cooperation of the Resident's Office of Limbang Division recently organised the 'Babulang' fiesta and buffalo race 2009.

Many 'rakyat' (people's) sports and Bisaya traditional dances were highlighted this year. Also held were a remote control boat race, Iron Man contest, Borneo top spinning competition, tug-of-war and cooking buffalo meat competition.

Other highlights included 'Ratu Agak Babulang' or Miss Babulang beauty contest and 'Ratu Kebaya Badoro' or Miss Kebaya attire contest.

Buffalo racing is a popular sports in the Bisaya community and the Sarawak Tourism Ministry agreed to include it in its calendar of events.

The Bisayas are an ethnic minority residing in northern Sarawak, mostly in Limbang and Baram districts such as at Linai Bukit, Batu Belah, Long Terawan and Padang Kerbau in Marudi.

Though they are a minority group, their culture is rich, especially their music, dances and songs.

Among those, 'anding' is an artistic culture that is very popular and synonymous with the Bisaya community.

'Anding' is a traditional song of the Bisaya in Limbang and usually played along with musical instruments such as 'Dumbak' and viola.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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