By Achong Tanjong and Yusrin Junaidi
Hundreds of people yesterday turned up for the Muara Beach Festival 2006, taking pleasure in the numerous fun-filled activities lined-up for the day.
The festival attracted not only the local people to the beach but also foreign workers, particularly the Indonesian community.
The highlight of the day was the live performances by invited Indonesian 'Dangdut' artists Murni, Lia Danada and Ricky Likoer as well as several local artists.
The day also saw Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports cum chief guest Pehin Major General (R) Awg Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud demonstrating his dancing skills following calls by the Indonesian artists to join in on the dangdut.
The Cat Exhibition and Competition drew a lukewarm response from cat lovers this year. Previously, the competition was very well received. It is believed that the drop in response was due to the fact a similar competition was being held in the Belait District on the same day.
Meanwhile, the colouring and drawing competition raked in a great number of participants aged between four and 11 years of age.
Other activities included dance performances by students from the Brunei-Muara District, traditional dance performance by Kebudayaan Belia dan Sukan, fun and games, and a singing contest.
Competition winners received their prizes from the guest of honour.
Also present at the event were the Brunei-Muara District Officer, Mukim Serasa Penghulu, Mukim Berakas 'B' Penghulu, village heads and government officers.
Organised by Mukim Serasa, the beach festival was held in conjunction with the monarch's 60th birthday celebration.
The event attracts large crowds of visitors annually with its line up of interesting competitions.
- Borneo Bulletin
(31st July 2006)
