By Rosli Abidin Yahya
Members of Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Chinese Chamber of Commerce (CCC) worked hand-in-hand to stage a memorable performance in front of the Royal Regalia in the capital Monday night.
The event was to commemorate the joyous occasion of the royal union between the daughter of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah, and YAM Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Hj Jaafari.
Performers Shukriez, Eshamudin, Suzy, Shahminan and Troy Esposito sang songs of joy, while the appropriately named "Lively Dancers" performed traditional and contemporary dance routines.
The CCC also organised a lion dance, which is traditionally performed on auspicious occasions to facilitate the arrival of good luck, that drew many spectators to the venue of the celebration. With daring feats of bravery and astounding leaps, the lion dance troupe showcased its acrobatic skills atop a specially constructed piece of equipment made of tall poles and metal steps. Accompanied by the rousing sounds of rhythmic drumbeats, the dancers made the audience gasp as they stood on the highest point of the contraption, one balancing on the other's shoulders for a heart-stopping moment.
Since June 2, the parking lot in the centre of the capital has been filled with the scent of smoke from barbecued meat and cuttlefish, while crowds of people buy balloons and other souvenirs as they enjoy a night out shopping and tasting tidbits purchased from the stall vendors, while watching stage performances.
The parking lot in front of the Royal Regalia has been turned into a market, food court and concert venue decorated by strands of twinkling coloured lights. It has become the centre of celebrations for local families since it was set up in the beginning of June to coincide with the start of the official ceremonies, which end on Thursday.
The event has also brought extra income for all kinds of entrepreneurs renting the stalls, selling a variety of items from clothes to toys, as well as food and drinks.
- Borneo Bulletin
(13th June 2007)
