From Pantu To Serian: The Engagement of Cyril and Cheryl

Tabi basa & geetings everyone. In this post, I would like to share about Cyril and Cheryl’s engagement.

The engagement ceremony took place at Kpg Sejijag Plaman, which is about 110km from Kpg Sebemban Ibol, Cyril’s location.

It was quite a journey from one another, and that is why the event start much earlier compared to the usual timing of event at Sejijag.

THE PREPARATION

I arrived at Sejijag around 3.30pm so that I will have time to prepare, in case there are some surprises, considering the fact that I have to drive about half an hour to the destination.

I went to the “awah” in order to check the readiness of the team. Over there, saw that they are still finalising the venue and was about to get ready to receive Cyril’s family.

I went to the roadside by the river to see how it goes. Apparrently, about 4.30pm, Cyril’s side was ready, but they had to wait first until Cheryl’s side is ready.

WELCOMING OF CYRIL’S PARTY

About 4.55pm, Cyril’s party went to “awah”. It was a huge party, and they are being welcomed in Sejijag Plaman’s style, where they are being served with drinks and food, namely “pangkang”, the glutinous rice cooked inside bamboo.

The whole welcoming segment of “Biramat” took approximately 15 minutes. Once everyone were settled down at the “awah” we then proceed with the official engagement ceremony.

THE ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY

As mentioned by emcee, they will follow the protocol of the event.

On behalf of the village, Mdm Antonia as the village chief asked the party from Pantu about their intention.

Responding on behalf of Kpg Sebemban Ibol, Tuai Rumah Simon gave a word or two.

Representing the guy’s side, Prof Dr Awi gave his speech, followed by Mr Pawang representing the girl’s side.

YB Senator Rita Insul also gave her speech that afternoon about adat part. Ex-Principal, Cikgu Paul Langgang also gave his speech.

After the adat part and engagement part was clear, now it is time for Cheryl to make her first public appearance in this engagement ceremony.

BLESSING CEREMONY

Once Cheryl and Cyril were seated at the engagement dais, some group photo were taken.

Then, it is time for blessing by Sejijag’s Prayer Leader, which was followed by putting on the engagement ring, compensation to Cyril’s Elder Sister (also known as Melangkah Bendul) and gift presentation.

CAKE-CUTTING

Then, both Cyril and Cheryl cut their cake together. By cutting the cake together, they demonstrate their commitment to sharing responsibilities and working together in their new life.

The cake then were given the parents of both sides.

GROUP PHOTO & DINNER

Group photo also was being taken with the family of both sides and with other friends and family that came all the way to Sejijag for this blessed engagement.

Dinner also was served in a buffet style. The food were being prepared by the Sejijag’s team.

During dinner, I also sang a few songs including The Young Ones, Wonderful Tonight and I Think They Call This Love.

KARAOKE TIME

Once I have sung those three songs, and the guests were ready to sing, I called up Prof Dr Awi to sing, followed by YB Senator Rita, Cikgu Paul, Cikgu Phil Michael (who is also a a recordng artist) and Suria Sato, another recording artist as well.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCE

We also had a few moment for Ngajat Performance from Cyril’s side.

Representing Cheryl’s side, we also had Langgi, Bidayuh traditional dance. Cyril’s mother, aunty and grandma also joined in.

After the traditional performances, we resumed with the karaoke session. Lots of name to be called.

DEPARTURE OF CYRIL’S FAMILY

At approximately 10pm, Cyril’s family that came from afar take their leave. We played “Sayonara Sama Seati” song by Jenny Tan.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

We also took some time to surprise KK Antonia and gave her a short but sweet birthday celebration.

KARAOKE UNTIL MORNING

After that, karaoke session resumes until morning, about 3.30am. Since they were still a lot of people at the awah, I also joined them until 5am, before I drove back to my village which is located 25km away.