31/05/2026
So that's a wrap, we're off on Gawai holiday for a few days! The lateness of the post is a clue to how good the night was, The Bikalan doing what The Bikalan does best!
Rewind back to 4.30 yesterday afternoon & some tension in the Newland house. The weather forecast was near perfect, only a 4% chance of rain, but as we left it started spitting! Just a little but a half blue/half grey sky filled us with dread. Pretty much every table we had was booked so if it rains, we're 'up sh"t creek without a paddle'. But as so often is the case, we needn't have worried, the early raindrops were just messing with our heads, the evening turned out hot & dry, the perfect conditions for a busy & fun night!
An extensive roll call tonight, apologies in advance for any missed. Let's begin with Esther, long time since weve seen her, then Abel & Alvin again, it's been a while. Out front we have my music buddy Joe Kaos with Mrs Effy & family, always fun. Next to them the Sapé Mums; tonight's special guests were Alex & Eason, the junior Sapé superstars, all the families came to support. Alan & Viv & friends at table 6, Graeme, Gos, & Straun at the bar, & a full house at the back, too many to mention.
Inside our big Kuching international brigade, Deb & Mike, Michelle & John, Marcelle, Eileen, & many more, always good to see them. The other big gang was our dear friend Benny James, along with German Chris & Mrs Ann & so many more. Add to this bunch, a surprise visit from our Italian Stallion, a very stressed Mauro, Bikalan & beer chilled him out nicely.
Our music tonight was a double header, the main act was B'Groove supported by Alex & Eason between sets. B'Groove were awesome as always, filled the night with Country & Dayak songs to welcome the Gawai celebrations. Lots of guest singers & plenty of Poco Poco. When they took their breaks, Alex & Eason wowed us! These lads just keep getting better! Only 12 years old & already fantastic showmen. Dressed to impress with amazing tribal headdress & vest, combined with such talent. I'm really in awe of these young fellas, & the crowd felt the same. When the boys were playing, the whole of Siniawan was at The Bikalan, so amazing. Last but not least, Dylan, the prince of Siniawan, escaped from the golf club to come see us.
So that's a quick summary of an amazing night, apologies to any I missed & a huge thanks to all who came for sharing your evening with us, I hope you had as much fun as we did.
The biggest thanks as ever to our team, one chef down through holidays, our gang powered through with their usual resilience & style. Service with a smile, even under pressure. We're nothing without these guys.
Happy Gawai to everybody, let's enjoy this special holiday & we'll see you all soon.
Cheers & see you in , 😎🤘🤠🍻🐊🎶🍔🎸🍷👍🌶🎊✈😍🀄🐲
Andy Newland Grace Simuh Newland
