Big Penampang x'mas 'do'

Penampang: A large-scale Christmas celebration would be held at the Buhavan Square in Donggongon on Dec. 20 - the first time in the district's history.

The event is jointly organised by the Penampang Tourism Council and the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

It is supported by the Huminodun Foundation, Penampang JCI, Sabah Credit Corporation, Penampang District Council, Lion's Club of Penampang, Penampang Rotary Club, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Rafflesia Medical Centre and Rafflesia Medical Diagnostic Centre.

Organising Chairman Ladislaus Maluda said various programmes have been lined-up for the event such as colouring contest, magic shows, Christmas music and songs and lucky draws.

"The programme will start with a blood donation drive and health screening cum health awareness campaign to be conducted by QEH and Rafflesia Medical Centre," he told a press conference, Tuesday.

He said five veteran singers namely Evelyn Ebin, Ivy Bakansing, Justin Stimol, Irene Thadeus and Datuk Pat Michael would perform in the evening where Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok would be guest of honour.

Winner of the 2007 National Choir competitions, "The Suara Bayu" including The Evergreens Band and The Copycat Band would also be performing. He hoped the event would attract visitors to the heartland of the Kadazandusun.

"We would be setting up 50 tables at the Buhavan Square while restaurants would probably set up more than 100 tables outside," he said. A huge screen would be set up to enable the people to watch the performance on stage.

Penampang Tourism Council Chairman-cum-District Officer William Sampil said the event would be a big boost to the district because the Council is planning to organise the Pesta Angpow in January as well as other events to enhance tourism in Penampang.

Dr Roland Chia, Executive Chairman of Rafflesia Medical Centre said the organisation was happy to be a part of the event through its promotion of healthy lifestyle to the people.

He said there would be the usual exercise such as blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) check-ups, among others.

"We will also be calling our regular donors to participate in the blood donation drive," he said. Also present were RMC Manager Liza Estolas and KCCI vice-president Pius Jaua.

10 December, 2008- Daily Express