Miss Fair & Lovely WHF 2007

Gawai is celebrated at the end of the harvesting season and at Sarawak Cultural Village, visitors can enjoy two days of beautiful music, entertainment and watch an Orang Ulu legend come alive this coming May 26th and 27th 2007.

This cultural extravaganza is organised by the Sarawak Cultural Village and supported by the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism Sarawak for the third year (formerly it was known as the Gawai Tourism Night 1996-2004)

Among the highlights include the cultural performances and interactive workshops from the invited international cultural groups from Ghana (Dekornu Dancers of Africa), Lithuania (Toncius) and Uzbekistan (Uzbegim Yoshlari).

Dekornu Dancers of Africa, a group based in Accra is one of the oldest folk dance and music companies in Ghana. And with 13 years of experience, this group has performed all across Europe, Africa and Asia (They are the only dance group in Ghana, which has performed for the First Lady of USA during her visit to Ghana)

The group consisting of 25 members aim to promote the African and Ghanaian culture through traditional and choreographed dance pieces (from Ghana, South Africa, Guinea, Mali and Kenyah) which will be accompanied by authentic African drum rhythms.

WHF will indeed promises a unique cultural experience where locals and foreigners can witness the African culture and not only will guests get to enjoy their cultural performances, they will also get to sample the African traditional delicacies and try the African massage as this group will be bringing in a chef and a masseur.

“Toncius” is from a Samogitians’ word, which means dances (Samognitia is an ethnographic region of Lithuania). The history of this group begins in 1993 where a group of young dance enthusiasts gathered in Kretinga culture centre and formed this group.

“Toncius” which consist of 20 members, have represented Lithuania abroad such as the World Nations Songs and Dances Festival (France), Harvest Festival (Hungary), Spring of Joniskis (Joniskis) and other parts of the world.

At the WHF 2007, “Toncius” will be showcasing the folk dances and music which reflects the Lithuanian culture and traditions. The group executes dance movements of different styles and temper that shows the variety of Lithuanian national dance. The dances performed by “Toncius” are rich of ethnography, Lithuanian traditions, colors and forms.

“Uzbegim Yoshlari” (Youth of Uzbek’s) was formed in 1997. The repertoire of “Uzbegim Yoshlari” includes not only songs and dances of Uzbek people but also traditional folk performances of all nationalities in Central Asian Region. Particularly, folklores of Uzbek, Tajik, Karakalpak, Kazakh, Russian, Ukramian, Korean and Turkish are professionally performed by this group.

The group consisting of 21 members are youth currently pursuing their studies in difference educational establishments of Uzbekistan. They have performed at the Youth Festival in Italy, 50th Anniversary of Chin Don University in South Korea, Switzerland and other parts of the world.

At the WHF 2007, “Uzbegim Yoshlari” will be showcasing the folk dance and music from the folklores of Uzbek, Tajik, Kazakh, Russian, Ukraine and Korea.

Other highlight is the Orang Ulu theme play entitled “Belawan Bureing-Hercules of the Keliman River”. The interesting part of this theme play is the fact that it will be performed by the talented SCV artistes amidst the natural surroundings with a real lake and forest accompanied by authentic longhouses which provides the perfect substance that will make the re-enactment of the Kayan legend.

The theme play which was originally written by Livan Tajang, will also bring pride and appreciation of the Orang Ulu cultural heritage to the locals and foreigners alike.

Apart from the theme play, there will also be the Grand Finals of Miss Fair & Lovely WHF 2007, where fifteen finalists of the beauty pageant will parade in traditional Orang Ulu costumes.

For this year’s pageant, the Organising Committee is looking for a woman of quality and substance. She must have the grace and poise, articulate with a sound knowledge of Sarawak and its tourism-related subjects. Besides physical attractiveness, she must also posses a friendly disposition, charm and confidence.

On the coveted beauty pageant, since then, past winners of Miss Fair & Lovely include Rowena Awa Ngumbang (1999), Shahida (2000), Fairozita Ramli (2001), Sharifah Norzuridah Wan Ujang (2002), Marcella Shareen Mos (2004), Easter Agatha Jitom (2005) and the reigning queen, Raden Ira Faraniza who won last year’s event.

Other activities include the WHF Craft and Food Bazaar.

The open air tropical ambience of SCV will be a significant ingredient to the success of this festival and it will be another celebration of colorful cultures, ethnic costumes, beautiful music, that promises great entertainment and education for everyone.

Come to Sarawak Cultural Village this coming May 26th and 27th and be a part of this celebration. Tickets are sold at RM50 for adult and RM25 for children age 6 to 12 per day. For more information, please contact Sarawak Cultural Village at 082-846411.

Tickets are available at Sarawak Cultural Village at :
RM 50 per adult (1 day pass)
RM 25 per child, age 6-12 (1 day pass)

Experience the cultures and be a part of the celebration!
[more info]

Theme Play
Belawan Burieng
Hercules of Keliman River

International Cultural Concert & Day Time Workshop

Grand Finals "Ethnic Beauty Pageant Miss Fair & Lovely 2007

Food & Craft Bazaar