KUCHING: TV-theatre actor and singer, Tony Eusoff, will not be spending Gawai Dayak in his village, Kampung Sinjog, Siburan this year.
Instead, he will be celebrating the festival with his family members at his cousin’s house in Johor Bharu.
Tony, whose real name is Anthony Joseph Hermas Rajiman, actually lives in Kuala Lumpur with his brother.
He told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday he was unable to fly home this year due to work commitments as Gawai Dayak was not a public holiday in the peninsula.
“Unlike in Sarawak and Sabah, Hari Gawai is not gazetted as a public holiday,” he said, adding that he would be busy with the shooting of a few movies and dramas soon after Hari Raya.
“For my next project, I will start shooting for an independent movie called ‘Daulat’. It is a politic-based story,” he explained.
Being away from home, however, does not stop Tony from celebrating Gawai Dayak.
“Of course, it will be merrier in the village but as long as I get to spend time with my family, that is enough for me,” he said before saying that his mother would fly from Kuching to Johor Bharu along with other family members.
“Going back home on a normal day when there is no festive celebration is not the same as going back for Gawai.
“What makes Gawai special is that everyone – all my aunts, uncles and cousins from my mother’s side – will also return to the village,” said the dashing 41-year-old Bidayuh actor.
What makes Gawai Dayak special in Tony’s opinion is the “ngabang” culture with family members and friends visiting each other’s house.
“In Sarawak, whether it is Hari Raya or Gawai, the festivals are celebrated with everyone, regardless of race and religion. It’s a normal practice for us.
“What can be better than great food and wonderful company?” he asked.
With Hari Raya and Gawai just around the corner, Tony wished all Sarawakians a happy time.
