This Year I Blew Out My Candles in Sabah

Location: Trekkers Lodge and Hunters, Sabah, Malaysia

30 May 2008

The plan was to cook, get everyone together, wait for the guides to get back from the rivers, makan (eat) together and just drink the night away in a karaoke!

The result was a night of eating alot of food! Some arak (alak ba), beer and kahlua mixed with icecream. There was a silly attitude in the air that kept everyone on a laughing high all night. After the makan...we went down to Hunters to sing and dance the night away. There was even the lucky surprise of our table winning the grand prize of an airasia ticket for KK-Clark-KK!!! What a way to end the night!!

A big hug and kiss will go to the employee of the year...my kak (elder sister) MARY for putting everything together. From the shopping, to the cooking, the calls and the sms in between Padas and Kiulu reservations. She just made sure that this day would be superduperextrastrenghtandacheery on top fantabulous for me. What did I do to deserve such a thing I do not know.

But equal to that for my Itay Joel for opening up Trekkers Lodge (despite making him a bit uncomfortable) and the fried chicken wings. To Francine, my adopted niece, for being the official photographer of the night (she's only eight but she did a great job this album are mostly her photos). To the Riverbug Family for my bday cake. For Titz and Roger that made the best halal lumpia ever....yes nalang oi! To Kuya Alex for the shopping coupon, the kahlua and just keeping it alive at Hunters. To Mami Lydia for that delicious Javanese delicacy that I seem to always forget what it's called. To Boy & Jess for running to Milimewa, the icecream and cooking the grabe-sarap-kakaiba-tuna-spaghetti. To my Kuya Mors, for being lambing-ed to buy ice and drinks. To the Sungai Pirates for the minum (drinks) and just simply being there. To my new big bro Kuya Dennis for that really beautiful song you wrote, its not everyday that people write a song for me and despite the laughter it was something that really made my day. And to the rest of the people that took time to make it what it was, you presence was the best gift I could ask for!

There were people that couldnt make it because of work, some went to Mantanani and some I just forgot to sms (sorry snoop, kuya petty and K)!

To those that couldnt be there for any reason....this is for you...*grins*

__________________
this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

it's simply...magic!

stranded in a railroad station,
he glanced at me and asked…do you believe in magic?
seeing no need for second thoughts I gave a smile and firmly said...
yes langga, i believe!

because I do…

here i am far from the comforts of familiarity is where it unfolds almost everyday. from the decision to pack my bags, to the daily doses of laughter and the spontaneity of little things that seem to give out a thumbs up that indeed this is part of the journey. despite the detours and road blocks, I was meant to be on this particular track.

from laying down that one puzzle piece, the rest of the pieces just seem to fit in the grooves perfectly. everyday there will always a moment to celebrate and a reason to be thankful.

that is why i believe…that in anything there will always be an opportunity for one instance that catches you by surprise…and like being in a magic show, you scratch your head and you ask…now how did that happen? well…its magic!

Padas Rafting with a Dollop of Wine

Location:
Tenom, Sungai Padas and Beaufort
Sabah, Malaysia

24 May 2008

it was supposed to be a familiarization trip for other agents in KK but they backed out. since i might be a bit busy the next few days i decided to go on with the trip.
i did not regret that decision!

though this is my 3rd time to brave this raging river,
the experience was still different.
this time i was thrown off the raft
and was stuck under the boat.
i didnt panic and remembered the safety briefing
that i should trace my way to the outside.
but not seeing where I was,
worried my guide so he jumped in for me
thank you for looking out for me N.

also i was able to swim to the end point
with Razali shouting that I had to swim to the right
where a hand caught me followed by a voice
that said "careful langga, rocks"
sweet kan? he he he

after the ever yummy bbq lunch of kambing,
there was an extra mile of rafting to meet the speedboat
but the boat wasn't there...
so we were stranded in a Murut village with a storm brewing.
and when the rains did come,
just like those younger years
i went to dance and play in it.

leave it to the guides to think ahead,
they bought local rice wine to keep us warm
and when the wine kicked in...
we realized that Nrey can do magic
and that rubber bands can hurt real bad when you play with them.

when the boat came the rain was still pouring,
but more wine kept us warm
and after another bottle
the guides started singing any song they could remember
including I Will Survive - The Malay Version!
DVD wasnt able to make a video backup though
so no proof!!! dang it!

all it took was...
a lone raft with a mix of characters in them
1 late speedboat and rice wine
2 safety kayaks taking video and photos and
3 funny guides that made the best decision to buy rice wine

and it did not stop there...for the day's cherry on the top...

getting louis & achu at upperstar,
4 rounds of Tiger Beer and uniting the Padas Musketeers
which led to balls & sausage conversations
plus knowing the difference between macho & cute!!!
and finding out what it was like when everyone can just be themselves
as they say here in KK... sakiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!!!

__________________
this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.

Experiencing a Cultural Woodstock

Location: KDCA, Penumpang, Sabah, Malaysia

PESTA KAAMATAN: Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is a unique celebration of Kadazandusun society. It’s a celebration to honour the Rice Spirit – Bambaazon or Bambarayon and giving thanks for yet another bountiful year. The festival begins on the first of May at many district levels. The rites and customs of the Pesta Kaamatan is a tribal practice of Kadazandusun and also Murut peoples.

Excerpt from:Sabah, Culture
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31 May 2008

Since May 31st was a holiday I decided to join Mami Lydia in checking out the Pesta Kaamatan Celebration in Penampang. I brought Francine along with me so she can also experience it. They was a drizzle that day. Rain being nourishment for farming made the celebration even more authentic.

It was like a cultural woodstock where the people can go from one type of tribal house to another and sample the local cuisine and best of all the local wine!! By the end of the day you indeed will have such a high spirit that you can just mix in with the crowd that has been drinking since the day before.

Another thing that I noticed was the similarity between the local Sabahan tribes and those from the Philippines. Having grandparents that always reminded me to be proud of my Minadanao roots no matter what, it was nice being with other people proud of theirs!

this post was written may 08
i had to transfer it from the other site.
must.keep.things.in.just.one.place.