Names — courtesy and confusion
If I’m gonna tell a real story, I’m gonna start with my name. – Kendrick Lamar, American rapper There are several obligations and ‘taboos’ — so-called actually — when it comes to addressing and calling names among the Ibans, be it in the past or present. These pertain to our basic social courtesy, respect for […]
Reminiscing with nostalgia
Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven. – Walter Savage Landor, English writer Upon hearing an old song, Silly Joke by The Strollers, over the radio, I was reminded of a musical brother who died about a year ago. […]
Fun, challenges of driving
The way I drive, the way I handle a car, is an expression of my inner feelings. – Lewis Hamilton, British racing driver Those who have travelled the width and length of Borneo are considered among the most adventurous few. Some do so due to matters regarding their business, their engagements and work commitments or […]
Dreams: Sky is the limit
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. – Anatole France, French poet Dreams, dreams and dreams, says the song ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’ by the Everly Brothers. Elvis also did an inspiring number ‘If I Can Dream’. But it is not […]
Bonding without barrier
A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances. – Robert Baden Powell When I first started as a tenderfoot in 1969, it was just for fun. However, the likeability that one might be given the opportunity to partake of the Second National Jamboree in Melaka in 1970 was certainly motivating but it didn’t turn out […]
Outstanding and irreplaceable
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. – Shannon Alder, bestselling author He was known for being kind, generous, unassuming and various other attributes. In the workplace, he was exemplary in his work ethics but most of all his […]
From tradition to common love
I love movies where the explosions and fireworks are happening inside someone’s heart and mind instead of outside. – Marielle Heller, American writer As ulu kids we only heard firecrackers once a year since the late 50s into the 60s near our longhouse by the jungle edge. That was when Ah Chik and Seng Kee, […]
Names — You are free to choose
Bee to the blossom, moth to the flame; Each to his passion; what’s in a name? – Helen Hunt Jackson, American poet It has been an observed obligation cum tradition that Iban parents honour their ancestors to name their newborn. Due to parochial movements and settlements of our forebears in the past, we have common […]
Valour worthy of emulation
Even against the greatest of odds, there is something in the human spirit — a magic blend of skill, faith, and valour — that can lift men from certain defeat to incredible victory. – Walter Lord, American Author Bravery among the Iban tribal group and other Dayak tribes of old is well-known. Some fought for […]
Story-telling ‘tebiang’ of our neighbourhood
Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers. – Hans Christian Andersen, Danish author Steep gradients of riverbanks are typical scenes of our ulu (remote) hinterlands. Known as tebiang in Iban, these are the best sites often chosen to ambush opposing warring parties during the headhunting days. So common were the scenes […]
