Oleh: Zainuddin Muhammad
Source: NST, 25 Nov 2006

The tournament only starts on Wednesday, but the festivities surrounding the Monsoon Cup international match racing event got off to a glittering start yesterday with a fireworks display.

The Monsoon Fiesta was launched by the State Secretary, Datuk Muhatar Abdullah, at Syahbandar Square.

Organised by the State government, the 14-day fiesta has something for everybody, from sporting events to cultural shows and pop concerts.

After the official launch, thousands of spectators were entertained by rock ‘n’ roll legend Ramli Sarip and local favourite Faizal Ramley from Akademi Fantasia (AF), who shared the stage with singers Edy Nazren and Arni Nazira.

Organising committee chairman Din Adam said residents and visitors will enjoy a range of activities at the Monsoon Fiesta.

"Our ultimate aim is to give everybody an unforgettable experience at the Monsoon Cup, and that includes those who don’t even like yacht racing.

"We want local and foreign tourists to feel the intimacy of Terengganu through cultural shows, food and handicraft exhibitions, and the friendliness of the people," he said.

Din said traditional music and musical instruments such as Rodat, Bertaboh Rebat, Kior, Tok Selampit and many others will be showcased, as well as live performances of Wayang Kulit and Dikir Barat.

"Fans of modern music will get to sing along with AF graduates Idayu, Haziq, Farhan and Dayana at their concert on Tuesday, or catch Ruffedge, Hail Amir, Yassin and Betty Benafe at the Gegak Astro concert on Dec 2.

"Other stars who will perform during the fiesta are Nora, Liza and Amirul, Ameng Spring and Saleem Iklim," he said.

The children won’t be left out, he added. Colouring contests, a go-kart demonstration, bicycle, roller blade and skate board shows, and another fireworks display on Dec 2 will keep the youngsters busy.

"The Monsoon Cup is a sporting event, so we are also organising futsal, netball and fishing competitions, in addition to traditional games such as top-spinning, kite-flying and a few others.

"All in all, I’m inclined to think that the second edition of the Monsoon Cup tournament will be the one to remember," he said.