Aspiration, unity and thanksgiving: Allstars celebrate Kaamatan and Gawai in true AirAsia style
AirAsia is no stranger to the beautiful melting pot of cultures in our lovely homeland of Malaysia, and each year, thousands of AirAsia Allstars across the country come together to celebrate the hundreds of unique festivals Malaysia is loved and known for.
Kaamatan and Gawai are no different for us, and this year, we were joined by some very special guests who enlightened us on the profound history behind these thanksgiving festivals.
Celebrated in Sabah and Sarawak, Kaamatan and Gawai respectively are both rice harvest festivals but each comes from a rich history and culture of deeply rooted traditions.
Kaamatan is celebrated by the indigenous people of Sabah on the 30 and 31 of May and the word ‘Kaamatan’ originated from the Kadazan-Dusun term for “harvest”. During the paddy harvesting period, villagers, citizens and native folk alike partake in a series of auspicious rituals as homage to Huminodun, the maiden daughter of God Kinoingan. Legend believes that Huminodun scarified herself by ‘sowing’ her body and spirit into the ground which transformed into lush food and crops that saved humankind during a long famine. Kaamatan in the modern times has evolved to include a number of fun activities for Sabahans - most prominently the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant that is held annually in the state.
Hari Gawai, or Gawai Dayak is celebrated officially in Sarawak on June 1 and 2 each year to mark the end of the harvest season by paying tributes to the gods who’ve sent good fortunes and blessings but preparations and festivities will usually start weeks beforehand. The Dayak community comprises Ibans, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and and many more ethnicities and Gawai is revered as an auspicious thanksgiving and harvest festival that honours the state’s indigenous heritage whilst marking abundance of bountiful yields. The brewing of tuak, a traditional rice wine and merrymaking during this special time of the year is an important part of community spirit during Hari Gawai. Today, many local folk in longhouses and small villages still practise these traditions right to the tiny details.
In a sea of Allstars from various cultures and heritage is Marvena Jitol who was bestowed with the titles Miss Unduk Ngadau Kudat in 2013, Miss Unduk Ngadau Kota Marudu in 2015 and Miss Grand Penampang in 2020. Marvena, who serves as an AirAsia Cabin Crew, is a proud Sabahan and shared with us the significance of the festival, and how Kaamatan embodies unity and honours the bond between the Creator and its creation.
[Caption: Marvena shares about the lore of Kaamatan, and how the harvest festival is celebrated in Sabah & Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo]
“Kaamatan is a special time for us to give thanks to the spirit of the paddy, and while I may not get to spend it with my family this year, I’m thrilled to get to celebrate this day with my AirAsia family, and showcase the beauty and history of this festival,” she says.
Marvena, who hails from Kota Marudu in Sabah adds that she hopes the legacy behind Kaamatan and Gawai will not be lost in the years to come, and that the future generation gets to value the unique natural and cultural heritage of East Malaysia.
[Caption: Standing tall and proud: Marvena was crowned Miss Unduk Ngadau twice]
Last year, Marvena and fellow Allstar Diana Elizabeth Patros from the Customer Happiness department surprised guests onboard AK5136 enroute to Kota Kinabalu and Miri by donning traditional attire and serenading the awed guests with traditional dance performances.
On 18 May 2023, a group of over 100 Orang Asal from Sabah and Sarawak paid a visit to AirAsia RedQ, Capital A’s headquarters in Sepang. The troupe comprised various natives from the two states and were en route AirAsia flight AK5233 to Kuala Lumpur from Kuching for the Borneo Native Festival taking place that week. Upon disembarking their flight and leaving the airport, the group made their way to RedQ where they were warmly greeted by AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat and hundreds of excited Allstars.
Led by Peter John Jaban, the group, decked in traditional ethnic attire, surprised the crowd with an impromptu dance to the famous ‘Anak Kampung’ and ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’ songs originating from East Malaysia. For the many Allstars stationed in RedQ, it was surely a treat for the eyes and the ears to be able to witness firsthand the beauty and wonder of the interesting and artistic customs of native Sabahans and Sarawakians.
While our Allstars may be spread across various nations, our love and respect for our fellow colleagues’ culture and heritage knows no bounds. AirAsia is proud to celebrate Kaamatan and Gawai together, as a family.
To our guests in East Malaysia, Happy Gawai Dayak and Tadau Kaamatan from all of us at AirAsia!