Bisaya community holds annual Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race
MIRI: The three- day Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2017 begins today (June 9) at the PBS field in Batu Danau, Limbang.
This 14th edition of the annual event organised by the Bisaya Association Sarawak ( PBS) in collaboration with Limbang Resident Office and Sarawak Tourism Board features many exciting activities.
PBS president Antonio Kahti Galis said the activities from 8am daily include several competitions such as buffalo races, beauty contests – Agak Asal Babulang and Agak Badoro, flower arrangement, colouring for children, healthy baby, Bisaya translation, cooking traditional dishes, karaoke, bagandang (drumming), bagapon (fishing), remote controlled boats and soccer.
“This festival aims at promoting the Bisaya culture and traditions apart from enhancing rapport and cooperation among the local community, non- governmental organisations, government and private agencies,” said Antonio when met by The Borneo Post yesterday.
Other activities include auto show, health check, open house, traditional games, exhibition and sale of handicrafts, cultural performance, kuntul berhias (decorated float), fun run and the newly introduced Bisaya Kitchen with stalls selling traditional Bisaya dishes.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to declare open the festival on June 10.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak for supporting this festival and putting it on the ministry’s Calendar of Events. Likewise, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia helps promote the event.
“We are very grateful for all the support and hope to continue this for years to come with support from the state government,” Antonio added.
Renowned singers among the Bisaya community including Clarice John Matha and Emjey will perform at the opening ceremony.
Antonio urged the people especially locals to come and support Pesta Babulang.
Further details are obtainable from the organisers or Antonio at 0198852705.