Nadai Nama Nama

Selamat Hari Raya

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:13:00 +0000

After a month of fasting my Muslim family members, friends and colleagues will be celebrating Hari Raya come this Friday. I would like to take this opportunity to wish a Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri , Maaf Zahir & Batin 2010 to all celebrants. Take time to drop by the open houses of our Muslim friends. I know I will as it is a time to greet and foster a stronger bond and relationship with them.

Sincere wishes from Nadai Nama Nama ~ Selamat Menyambut Hari Raya 2010. Angpow mari mari :)

Wassup Kuching

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Above Kuching

To be honest, flying is not exactly my favourite thing as I really prefer to keep my feet firmly on the ground (except for a few inches when I am driving in my car). But the view from the sky sometimes mesmerize you and like they say a bird's eye view sometimes is more encompassing of realising what is around you. So if its something like less than two hours or just for a few minutes I don't mind. Since then this confines my travelling any point within the two hour radius of Sarawak. I do realize that one day I will have to overcome this phobia when I have to take the family beyond my comfort flying radius. My experience and trip to the United States during my university days was torturing enough that I had to stock on the in flight red wine and games just to calm myself down during those fifteen to ten hours in the air. It was not easy also as there would be a screen which will show where your plane is 'blipping' over the great Atlantic Ocean - which is basically water and water and water minus the land. But a helicopter ride is always less than one hour and one can get to see more of land and less clouds. Armed with a good camera it makes for a perfect outing. Here are some pictures of Kuching for Nadai Nama Nama's viewers which I manage to capture. I know its not much but well like I say, when you are up in the sky and sitting at the back, there's no communication between you and the pilot. Unless you are really on an aerial photo shoot mission which will be a different case. They'll open the helicopter door for you and tie you with some safety belts so that you can have a clearer shot. The flight engineer accompanying you will stay a few distance 'away from the open door' while you lean over the edge wide entrance. Thus, between you and the engineer, it will seem like Titanic's "You Jump, I Jump" kinda sequence but I don't think that applies to aerial photography. In my case it was shooting from outside a small window provided and you have to open and close it quickly at times as the noise of the wind from outside is pretty deafening. This usually causes passengers who are scared of heights to panic and they'll will stare at you as if they want to kick you out of the helicopter. Luckily the space in the helicopter does not allow for kicking. So here goes for those of you who miss Kuching's picturesque especially the tourism belt (waterfront area) and you can click on the photo for a larger version.

Kuching view from above the Satok air approach which I am sure Kuchingites will be familiar with

The famous Sarawak General Hospital

Civic Centre and the tennis courts along Croonkshank Road

A closer view of Civic Centre and partial view of the Sarawak Club and Amphitheatre

Kuching City South Council's distinct blue top and the areas surrounding it

Kuching Waterfront and the Kuching Steamship Company building

An overview of the famous buildings in Kuching water frontage area from the Satok aerial angle

What used to be Holiday Inn Kuching is now Hotel Margherita (yellow) and one can also see the Riverbank Suite (brown) including Riverside Majestic Hotel in the background

The political and administrative nerve centre of Sarawak comprised of the Governor's Official Residence (the Astana), the old and new Dewan Undangan Negeri, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Wisma Pelita, Wisma Sumber Alam. The Stadium Sarawak and High Court can be also seen at a distance.

Side by Side: Fort Margherita and the new Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly)

Wet Sri Aman

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:02:00 +0000

Flood and Landslide in Sri Aman

Sri Aman experienced heavy rain last Friday. It started around midnight and when I woke up in the early morning it has not stopped yet. Then my worst fear was confirmed when I received flood occurrence and landslides reports from those plying the Lubok Antu road- Sri Aman town. Though most reports came from Lubok Antu, I did not know why my mind jumped to SK Klassen, its hanging bridge and the students there. Deeply worried I quickly made my way to the school which was 20 minutes from Sri Aman town. When I reached the school I was again worried as I saw students hanging around the car parking space before the bridge. I was glad that the school had decided to close and the students had been prevented from staying inside. Those who attended boarding school were already asked to leave.

What the students have to go through when the water levels at Klassen River rises to the hanging bridge's height. That was not the only danger for those crossing as I saw water snakes pass. Hopefully no other creatures are lurking around there

Students waiting for their parents to pick them from school - they stand by the foundation of the new bridge that is being built at the moment

Testing the bridge's safety at the moment with some of the teachers and villagers at Klassen - my worry was that should there be a torrent of logs rushing down the river it will surely be 'captured' by the bridge

So at the moment only the rushing water is causing a 'drag' effect on the bridge, which in the long run will will result in strain on the wires and ropes that are holding this hanging bridge.

The structures of the new bridge that is to be build next to the hanging bridge also submerged. Constant rainfall has caused the work on the new bridge to be affected

We proceeded to Batu Lintang area which has been cut off due to the road access to the small town being submerged underwater at knee deep to hip level in some places

Landslides along the Lubok Antu road and about six were recorded early in the morning. the road maintenance crew was dispatched immediately to clear them

The Lubok Antu Waterfront was also underwater as seen here

Kampung Kutai in Lubok antu was also flooded and by the time I reached the place in the afternoon most of the caged animals were released and seen here taking refuge at the compound of the owners' houses

Hilton Batang Ai was cut off as a serious landslide occurred at the Batang Ai road

The local Dewan Undangan Negeri for N.29 YB Encik Malcolm Mussen arriving here together with the Road maintenance crew from the Sri Aman Public Works Department

YB Encik Mussen himself was at hand to ensure that the road clearance was done to clear the landslide which had stranded those at the other side of the road

One for the album - a snapshot with the ever active YB Encil Malcolm Mussen as he made his rounds to the areas affected by the flood and lanslide.

Though in the days ahead the attention of the weather proceeded to Sibu which also became a waterworld, the flood in Sri Aman was handled well by the various personnels who were manning the Divisional Disaster Reilef Committee which comprised of the various government departments, Most of them sprang into action from the word 'Go'. Most of the Yang Berhormats were already on the ground overseeing aid and cleaning up works. It was a good outing as no lives were lost except for a collapsed hanging bridge at Nanga Kesit area. Work goes on as we are constantly vigilant on the changing weather pattern as any serious flood in Sri Aman interiors would be very serious due to the hilly terrains and inaccessibility of most areas. To all the departments involved, I wish to thank you all for your support and cooperation. For without them it could have been worst. How worst? Below is a picture of the Nanga Kesit Bridge, Lubok Antu sent by a friend (Jang Lemanak) which collapsed due to the force of high water levels. It sent shivers to think if the same fate falls on SK Nanga Klassen Bridge but the mission now is to complete the new bridge as soon as possible.

The collapsed Nanga Kesit bridge (courtesy of Jang Lemanak) - the Lubok Antu District Office will request for a replacement hanging bridge from the State Development Office.

Wassup Sri Aman

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:05:00 +0000

Up,Up and Away Again

It was time for me to take to the air again as I flew over Sri Aman town and headed for the unreachable areas in the interiors. So I know some of you have been asking what is the latest development for Sri Aman Town and I present to you the aerial view of the town area for consumption. Click on the aerial photos to enlarge it.

Flying to the interiors again with the EC Helicopter

From Kuching we passed Lingga Town and this is easily identified by the large Lingga river mouth from the main Batang Lupar river

The Gran Stumbin Area and in the middle of the longhouses (and in the photo) you get to see the new school SK Gran almost completed

Bakong is mainly featured here with the jetty just at the right corner and various longhouses in the surrounding area and the gravel road at the left hand corner which will bring you to Lingga town from Sri Aman

Pilot's view of Sri Aman town as we flew over St. Luke School (blue roof below)

View of part of the Sports Track known as Padang KPSU Lama, the blue roof of SK Abang Aing, and in the middle the new Sri Aman Township

The riverfront: the Batang Lupar Riverine park (below right), the jetty in the middle and the Tua Pek Kong Temple (below left) a mix of the old township and the new at the background

A wider view of Sri Aman river front to include both the riverine waterfront and the Taman Panorama Benak on the left and you can catch a glimpse of Fort Alice on top of the small hill

Sri Aman new township in progress as five blocks are being built (four almost complete)

View from a higher angle with the Masjid Bandar Sri Aman, next to the red roofed Civic Centre in the fore ground

Just an aerial perspective of the town for those who miss Sri Aman. I am sorry for those who have asked me to pick up some of their villages from the air. One gets pretty disoriented when up in the air but maybe in the next upcoming trip. Cheers.

"Ahow" Nestle Man

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:18:00 +0000

Have You Seen the Old Man?

When I first reported for duty in Kuching in 1994, one distinct figure that kept emerging from my memory was the sight of an ice cream man and his bicycle. At one time it happened when I was in my car and the song 'Streets of London' came into play. Come rain or shine through the years, this old man will always appear as if out of nowhere. With his cap and distinct 'Nestle' brand shirt thats hard to miss. I would always remember the time I am caught in a jam while on a bus or car, Mr. Ice Cream man would be walking along with his bicycle either crossing the road or opposite. It has been many years since we passed by one another this way. There was always this intention to buy an ice cream or two but during most times I could only see him from afar and the busy traffic would push me ahead. So most of our meetings would always be just a matter of seconds. It seems impossible to get some sweet 'Red Bean' potong ice cream from Mr. Nestle Man.

So last Sunday, after a heavy downpour Mr. Nestle man suddenly appeared in my sight as he walked along Jalan Tun Jugah. This was my opportunity I would not miss after waiting to buy from him for so many many years. I made a point to park my car as parking by the side was quite risky due to the recent downpour. It was unfortunate that I had left my Nikon D5000 at home this Sunday. I had to rely on my 2MP Cameraphone as I chatted with Mr. Nestle Man.

Catching up with Nestle Man. It seems that age has weathered him ~ he walks with his bicycle for a few metres, and then pause to catch his breath before walking on again. I remember about ten years ago he walked upright and was able to stabilize his bicycle better. Now it seems a struggle to do so.

Easy does it - the road seems slippery

Not easy to steady the bicycle if the load is heavy but Mr. Nestle Man and his bike lean against one another as a loyal partner would

The cars pass by at high speed but they are considerate of this ice cream seller and his old bicycle

In my conversation with Mr. Nestle Man, he introduced himself as 'Ah How'. By the looks of the bicycle I would say it has been loyal to him for those many years he sold ice creams

'Ah How' says he has been in this trade for almost thirty years. Of course he was more fit when I saw fifteen years or so ago. He is proud of his work and is dedicated to it. Here he is struggling to find my Ice Cream potong... "Kacang Merah Potong ada, ada" he says as if not to disappoint me.

And so I got my Ice Cream potong and bid 'Ah How' goodbye. I am happy to have bought it from him after so many years. I had asked him many questions regarding his welfare but he brushed them off. He seems to have decided that this will be his trade as long as he can steer that bicycle. So my friends, if you see Mr. Ah How aka the Nestle Man, do stop and get your favourite flavour from him. I know he will appear again one day as I cruise along Kuching roads and I will surely get some more Ice Cream Potong from Ah How.

Two Cars Peng

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:17:00 +0000

Slippery Road Causes Accident

Two cars went 'peng' (a term we use to describe accident here especially if the cars turned turtle or is really in an akward position) this morning at around 7:30 am. The incident happened about 30 kilometers from Sri Aman town, on the way to Mount Hosanna Chapel. The two cars skidded down the slippery slope (caused by rain) and ended in the ditches. None of the occupants were hurt though.

The white Perodua Kelisa on the right is seen in the ditch. At first glance you would have assumed this accident involved only one car but why is that orange shirt guy across the road if he owned the Perodua Kelisa?

Another guy in orange seemed to be inspecting the Perodua Kelisa and taking things out from the car - it must be the owner

Another passerby (with cigarette) was also there asking if the accident victim need a tow truck. Hmm......

On a closer look I saw something that looked like a green Proton Iswara in the bushes. Nearby two figures huddled down by the road side under the cold drizzle.

A young boy and an elderly woman was sitting down trying to find shelter from the light drizzle

After interviewing the two car owners it seemed that they have made the necessary calls for help and both drivers are from Debak, Betong. I doubled check them for any injuries but both seemed well and relaxed. As they did not request for other assistance and turned down my offer to bring the boy and the elderly lady to my office while the owners sort things out. It seems that someone with tow truck connections had arrived also. I won't stay around as they proceeded to talk with the car owners. I made my way back to my car but when I looked at the boy again, I decided to give him my umbrella. That much I can offer as they were confident their relatives were on the way. I am just glad that everyone is okay.

Back Up to Gawai

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Backup Your Backup Always Coz You Will Never Know

Where did you go? I guess I have a lot to answer to my Nadai Nama Nama fans as I go back into history to put up my Gawai 2010 blog. Its not too late to blog about the fun I had during my Gawai celebration. It was just that there was a mixture of events that hampered this blog. The main one of course was the sudden wipeout of data in my portable hardrive which contained all my backups, photos taken for the past eight years. Now I am just picking up whatever pieces of those 180GB information and files that have disappeared knowing very well I will never get all of them back.

The next is the Dell Netbook that I am using right now is underperforming. I know I am a camel trophy type of computer user, multitasking here and there while surfing the net and I believe I need a more powerful and responsive machine to work with. This Netbook was supposed to make it easier to blog with its portability and the supposedly powerful Intel Atom Processor - but it just can't handle what I have to put in from my Nikon D5000 and a hardworking photo editing software at the same time. In So I guess a netbok is just for the Internet and its meant for light work - as if I did not know. Now that I have started to reorganise but still cry over my lost data I'll backtrack on where I left behind this past few months and that is my Gawai 2010.

And so, was Gawai 2010 good for you as it was for me? Here are some scenes of Gawai in Sibu especially at the wharf when I went there a few days before Gawai.

The Gawai scene at the Sibu Wharf during the eve of Gawai - brisk sales of tickets for the boat operators

Hey look - one can still find a trishaw along the busy streets of Sibu Town.

Poerter counting his earnings as he helps in bringing the goods to and from the boat. This is the time they can make three digits in income.

Passengers waiting for the their boats making good use of the extra chairs put in place.

The next post will be on the family adventures we had last Gawai and maybe interrupted by some latest events that I need to blog about. Its a reminder to those who has digital files and data, constantly back them up. As James Joshua adviced me, make backups for your backups. Too true James...still it was a painful lesson.

Subsidies Cut No Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:18:00 +0000

Tri Dee (3WD) Way To Becoming A High Income Nation

I am glad that I took heed of YB Senator's Dato Sri Idris Jala's warning about the need to get rid of some subsidies. Yes, he did say its going to happen and it did. I have heard my friends lamenting about this 'hike' and we have again been reminded, MORE will come. Instead of complaining a lot I decided that I should change my lifestyle. Thus I am considering a new money saving vehicle which may save me a lot of money. Not only that I may make some minimal income to make ends meet. This will make sure I can afford that extra kilo of sugar when I charge people who want to ride my Tri Dee.

My new ride is a Three Wheel Drive (3WD) or Tri Dee Vehicle. No worries on fuel hike here. Paste a few advertisements here and there from those big companies (to make your ride look like a Formula One race car) it may be able to cover some of your daily expenses.

Cruising on this bike means a healthy lifestyle as it needs some manual power. Auto cruise is enabled when it goes downhill. Going uphill is again a unique opportunity to strengthen those back muscles. Air conditioning is free and is usually automatic to suit the external temperatures. In other words this is a very environment friendly vehicle which does not need any high tech engineering modifications. Forget about those Hybrid vehicles which usually come with faulty brake and in the end gets recalled after you purchased them. In the end you have to ride on a friend's Tri Dee to work. Nothing can beat Tri Dee's claim to being a green technolgy vehicle.

A personalised plate number - 1968 is my birth year. Added advantage is that there is no problem in parking space. Those parking enforcement guys won't even know whether to give you a ticket or charge you for parking. Just in case the cops check for your ride's roadworthiness make sure those two side view mirrors are intact. Place those flowers deco there to distract them by telling them that you are the ambassador for peace and love.

Most people who use those home cruisers may wish to consider this Tri Dee vehicle as an alternative also. It may not seem comfortable but a good night sleep is possible after a hard day's cruising. Only minimal space is needed to turn this Tri Dee into a mobile hotel. If you wish to feel safe just park near any Police Station. I also believe you dont have to worry about those Councils' reminders to pay your 'Cukai Pintu' or assessments. I am no economist but I feel that when one reaches this level (your significant contribution to the Service Industry), the money earned on top of your normal salary, minus the many luxuries you can do without, the take home pay would be very much more. Mathematically speaking you will become a high income earner and this will lead to us becoming a High Income Nation. Like I say I am no economist and I do hope those subsidy cuts don't drive us to this level. Cheers from Nadai Nama Nama.

Gawai Dayak 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Sun, 30 May 2010 05:25:00 +0000

Gawai Dayak Sri Aman 2010 Celebrations

Happy Gawai Dayak 2010 from Nadai Nama Nama to its readers. I wish to thank you for staying with me all this while, through the ups and downs. Though I do not usually share the downs as I used to, its part of Nadai Nama Nama's adventure. With Gawai around the corner, I will usually have a lot to share after I recover that is. In fact Gawai started rather early for me. More so it was during the Sri Aman pre Gawai celebrations on 22nd May 2010 at Dewan Suarah. I am sure most of you have had enough of my Gawai Survival tips in Facebook already by now but there is some more to come. But anyway, thank you for all your support and requests in Facebook especially those of you who met me at the Sri Aman dinner. I did not know I had a big following at in Sri Aman as you look for news about the happenings in this town. And I am glad you all know why I am bald. But still in Facebook i need you to introduce yourself when you make that friend request. Here are some Gawai pictures to share especially of the celebration at the Pre Gawai Dinner.

I'll be bald this Gawai 2010 and its already attracting attention. Happy Gawai 2010 from Nadai Nama Nama.

Sri Aman Pre Gawai Dinner which was held at the Dewan Suarah Sri Aman was organised by the Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) from Sri Aman

Our table had that honour of being able to taste Sri Aman's No.1 tuak (with the white bear deco) which was organised during the tuak making competition.

The Honourable guests that night was YB Datuk Francis Harden ak Hollis, the Assistant Minister for Ladn Development Sarawak and the Member of Parliament for Sri Aman YB Tuan Masir Kujat

The Kumangs or Iban maidens Beauty contestants make their grand entrance into the Dewan Suarah

The beauty paegent underway and everyone had their favourites

The YBs had a fun time when the result was announced as they asked those in the Dewan who was going to win the beauty paegent

And finally we have Ms Elizabeth wining the Kumang Gawai Sri Aman 2010 and well, I think the judges were spot on

Winners of the Sri Aman Kumang Gawai 2010

The night went on with the sponsored songs after that and seen here is Mr. Vincent Sawing rendering a dance number

And dance they did, the crowd did not fail the singers

Everyone went up to the dance floor and did their thing.....

Our distinguished patron for the Gawai night also shared with us his favourite number

The guests had the opportunity to show off their singing talents

There was no short of dance talents here if you ask me - they might as well go for the "So you can think you can dance" show

The Gawai spirit was alive in everyone, the guests, dancers and even singers......they put their heart into their song and the crowd put their heart into the dance too

Ooha....it was an enjoyable pre Gawai Dayal 2010 celebration and once again I toast with you all, my loyal visitors. I wish you Hapy Holidays and for those celebrating Gawai.....may we enjoy the celebration, Drive Safe and Take Care so that there wiull be more Gawais to come. God Bless.

Thomas & Ariene

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs Thomas

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. and Mrs Thomas Geoffrey Kandawang a Happy Wedding which was held in Sri Aman at the Dewan Suarah on 21 May 2010. I did not manage to put this pictures up earlier as the pre Gawai Celebrations mode and the Balik Kampung preparations has alreadykicked in making it harder to tinker with my blog. But there is nothing more happier than to start the Gawai mode with a wedding. A Love Story is worth celebrating esepcially if its a mixed marriage. Thomas and Ariene both work at the Sri Aman Resident Office and I was happy to be able to join their celebration. Credit should go to YB Datuk Francis Harden and his team of Community Leaders who facilitated this union. Mr. Thomas who hails from Saratok and Miss Ariene Ting Ling Ling from Sri Aman made sure that they observed local customs from each other's community before proceeding to walk down the wedding aisle. It was not that hard as Sri Aman is well known for mixed marriages. One need only go to the Registration Department in Sri Aman to see the various Marriage forms being displayed there to realise that 1Malaysia is alive and well in Sri Aman, or Sarawak for that matter..

The wedding cake

The wedding couple with the deco as background

The "happy wedding couple closed up".

The wedding couple rendering a pretty number "Wonderful Tonight" on stage

The honourable guests being invited includes YB Datuk Francis Harden, the Assistand Minister fot Land Development, Tuan Resident Abang Shamshudin Banag Seruji, Mr. Jerome Runggol who is YB Datuk's private secretary and the various Community Leaders.

Our honourable guest, YB Datuk Francis Harden sportingly rendered a Chinese 'love song' for the lovely couple.

Once again I congratulate Thomas and Ariene for this special occassion. Happy Gawai Lelabi!

Going Kojak

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Mon, 17 May 2010 05:34:00 +0000

Thank You!

First and foremost I wish to give my special thanks to Dr. Balamurugan Gurusamy for spurring me on to sacrifice my hair for a good cause. I have never had a RM1000 haircut before. I'll show off my new hairdo to those upcoming Gawai Dayak Kumang Beauty Queens who are also setting their hairs almost at that price tag. Except mine will be without hair. When in my last post I made it a point to publicise the efforts of the Sarawak Children Cancer Society, I had never thought of going one step further to really do away with my hair. But when I went to the Centre and looked at the pictures on the Centre's wall, some of them the present patients and some of those who had passed away due to cancer, I decided to ask my Facebook friends for support. One of them was Dr. Balamurugan, the famed owner of the Planet of the Monyets blog. Though he goes by the name of Monyet King in his postings I informed him I cannot give that kind of name to the organisers or they will shave my heads while being hanged upside down.

Dr. Balamurugan likes to send me his greeting cards from ERE Consulting Group with special messages including the recent Happy Mother's Day (pretend you do not see monkeys on the card) that I just received. Apart from that he is also my consultant when it comes to Genting Highlands Investments escapades.

The event gets underway with a speech from the organisers of the Go Bald campaign

The Sarawak Bloggers' presence was also overwhelming...yeah yeah I know you have better cameras than me

The first lady of the 2009 Go Bald Campain, Georgette, having a second go at the Go Bald 2010

Dr. Tang Sie Hing having his bald haircut

Balding Experience 1: Its a simple process which takes about 13 minutes to complete ~ its quite meaningful actually as you experience what a child gets to go through when they go for cancer treatment

Balding Experience 2: Sometimes its also good to think about the effects of deforestation by the multi rich timber companies that harvest the trees (your hair) and you get to think how long it takes for the tree to grow again....an alternative to environmental education.

So if a Doctor can do it, a lady can do it and this baby can do it.....I told myself as I looked in the mirror for hours to wish bye bye to my hair....

The before and after look ~ I was suspicious of the guy who was cutting my hair as he made those swishing sound while his hands traveled on my head. I suspect he was playing Man's First Landing on The Moon.

Part of the Borneo Post Article on 17th May 2010 about the Kojak look. It was my Tuan Resident who gave that title when I tried to describe how I would look after the haircut

Though I said in the paper that there is no Iban word for Cancer, I was trying to describe the sign board outside the Sarawak Children Cancer Centre which does not have the Iban word for it. The word is 'riman' and it may be considered for future signboards or if we are not too strict with our lingo, the Bahasa Malaysia 'kanser' can be an alternative so that its easier to talk about the society and the centre when one goes about to Iban longhouses.

Once again i would like to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Balamurugan, Georgette Tan of Borneo Post, the hard working Allen Ang for his effort in being part of the whole show and the Sarawak Bloggers, facebook friends (and my Missus and Shania) also for cheering me on. So if its not too much to ask do drop by at the Sarawak Children Cancer Society or their website to make some donations if that is not too much to ask. Just doing my part in Charity before Gawai 2010 comes. Thank you again.

Go Bald 2010 Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:58:00 +0000

Be Bold In Caring

The Sarawak Bloggers are promoting the Going Bald 2010 Campaign to support the Sarawak Children Cancer's Society effort in raising funds for their activties and a new building. The event will be held at The Spring (South Court) on 16th May 2010. Have a view at the website of the Sarawak Children's Cancer Society and the Go Bald Website to support the campaign. Get a Pledge Card - something like a Joggathon Card which can be used to collect donations. It is definitely a noble cause for those who feel that they can do without their hair for a few weeks. Currently a few famous people are going bald and you can help by donating to their pledge card to support this effort. As a blogger I made a point to drop by at the Sarawak Children Cancer Center to get a clearer picture of the place. It will give those who are asking what the society is all about. The society is mostly made up of volunteers ~ mostly parents of the children who have cancer.

The Go Bald Website promoting the Fight against Cancer. The video in the Go Bald website also provides some facts on the event.

The Sarawak Children Cancer Society is located at Maxwell Road not far across SABERKAS Building.

The location is not something to shout about as it is situated just across a Cemetery and a Coffin shop. The present building used to be a government quarters before was converted for the use of the society.

A small playground donated by the Rotary Club of Kuching South can be seen at the compound of the Sarawak Children Cancer Centre.

The deco on this old government makes a welcome sight for the small patients who comto the City for treatment some as far as Miri and Limbang.

Inside the building, volunteers like Puan Dayang Juliana here can be seen arranging toys donated by students from SMK Green Road to be given to the children cancer patients

Each toy has a small card and the patients' who had wished for them with a simple wish from the donors

The living room houses the office and a mini library with children's story books

The walls are decorated with pictures of children - some who have lost the fight against cancer

The Centre has three rooms with a few beds - for the patients and families. The furnitures are mostly donated. Above is one of the bigger rooms fitted with air condition and air filter to ensure the children who has undergone treatment has a comfortable environment.

Another room fitted with furnitures

Bunker beds for this smaller room

The dream - The Sarawak Children Cancer Society hopes to be able to raise enough funds to build a new building (costing about RM1.8 million) provide after care for the children who are undergoing treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital Kuching. Those who benefit from this are usually the poorer families from outside Kuching.

A few of the people you may wish to support going bold have opened up a Facebook Account to indicate their wish to grow bold in going balder. Click on their link below to find out who they are and if you wish to give your pledge. Many people may have their say about going bald but if its for a good cause why. "its not professional" I am told by one of my friends but look at people like Dr. Tang Sie Hing. Whatever one has to say, think about the children who has cancer. They did not wish to have it, so Be Bold...Be Very Bald.

Pesta Benak Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Picking Pesta Benak 2010 Best Moments

Flipping through the albums of Pesta Benak 2010, I had wanted to post the best pictures of the event to share with Nadai Nama Nama readers. Its quite a challenging task as I am unable to finalize any top 5 or top 10 as most of the images are all memorable ones. There's a difference now you know, when taking photos one does not just shoot from the hip but must ensure that the pictures will be the ones that will be able to hold its on in a story. Which is why I sometimes insist I take my own pictures for the storyteller will not be anyone else but me. Thus I guess I will stick to the best moments of the Pesta 2010 and confine it to the water sports activities that define Pesta Benak 2010. Yes, I have discovered that this Pesta Benak is unlike any other Pestas or celebrations in the other parts of Sarawak. Reason being, the benak or tidal bore which is Sri Aman's icon is a unique natural phenemenon that occurs along the famous Batang Lupar. Other towns do organise their Pestas and Regattas as most are situated nearby rivers and waterfronts but Sri Aman has an ace in the cards in the form of Mr. Ben @ Benak. During the few days in a month the benak waves will rush down the river to make a grand entrance when reaching Sri Aman Town. And then there is that exciting benak boat race which is much akin to surfing. It may look fun in the pictures but boats do capsize if one is inexperienced, so if any of you do plan to join this form of boat race one day, do not leave home without your life jacket. Better still, just stay out of the waters and watch the benak from the lovely Benak Panorama Park.

In summarising my experience, it has been a thrilling Pesta Benak 2010 for me especially when you are involved in a small way of organizing the show. The crowd was beyond expectations and the side events itself were many. Entertainment was aplenty which makes it easier for me to pick out which photos to capture with my Nikon D5000. The festival becomes more complete that can share those exciting moments with Nadai Nama Nama readers. What more to say after two years of covering in Sri Aman, I cannot be sure if I can see Pesta Benak 2011. Being a government servant I can be transferred anytime or other opportunities may arise outside the service. We will never know will we, for we do not determine tomorrow but the Lord Almighty does for He too also has his own Human Resource Department? Which is why I tried to make the most of it for this year's celebration. I hope that all of those involved had as much fun as I had though there were tensed moments and suspense also. It is my hope that for those who have not, you all will drop by one day, to witness this unique phenomenon in USA - I mean Urban Sri Aman. What were you thinking of? So here are some of the pictures i wish to share.

Benak During Sunrise

The benak waves are seen reflecting the early morning sunrise as it arrived at 7:00 a.m on 1 May 2010

Benak waves hitting the river banks in front of the Benak Panorama parkearly morning of 1 May 2010...this photo is memorable for me as the Balloon for Pesta Benak 2010 stands in the foreground.

The Benak Festival 2010 Crowd

Tents and people everywhere ~ Scene of the Sri Aman wharve from the roof top

Crowd at the Batang Lupar Riverine Park ~ Phase 1 of the Sri Aman Waterfront project

People everywhere including the Fort ~ View from the river of the walkway that connects the Batang Lupar Riverine Park to the Benak Panorama Park with Fort Alice in the middle (as seen above)

The Water Events - Row Your Boat

Trophies for the Champions of the Water Events including the Raja Sungai @ King of the River

Who would be King of the River ~ the rowers here decide as they thrash thier paddles into the river

The Sarawak Governor is a photo enthusiast also - seen middle above in red collared shirt with cap, white belt and a camera in hand

Benak race in progress as the boats try to stay ahead of the high benak waves

Sometimes it is not as easy as it looks as the waves can be quite vicious sometimes

Staying ahead to win.....a boat racer powered by the waves of the benak

Sometimes when the benak overtakes the boat and the rowers discover they are still in one piece, they will need to struggle in rowing to keep ahead of the benak's second and third wave which of course is not quite easy

The Water Events - Engine Powered Boats

Sight Seeing ~ A small boat with courageous kids braving the benak waves

This small boat chased by the benak ~ something that we do not usually advice as the pilot is not wearing a life jacket but we do get dare devils here who feel that their single engine boat won't fail halfway and putting the passengers at risk ~ maybe that is the thrill of the whole ride?

VIPs in a larger boat (setting a good example by wearing life jackets and fitted with two engine outboard motors just in case one failed) and the Sarawak Governor (in red) at the back is seen taking photos. Way to go Guv!

The Water Events - Helicopter Benak Race Event?

This is of course not a helicopter benak race event but one gets to see our YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu in action as he captures footages of the event from up above

Thank You

Family enjoyed Pesta Benak 2010

The fun started when we started preparing for the Pesta Benak 2010 events. It ended just as fun too as I managed to find time to bring the family witness the water sports and events on the last day. The other days I was too preoccupied with the other events but as I have said, I would not want them to miss the excitement of the Pesta benak 2010 while I am still around here. Its something for them to remember. Why I am saying this is because I have met many Sri Amanians themselves who don't even know what this event is all about and how it can become Sri Aman's tourist draw in future. I end this with the famous words of our Tuan Resident, "....as sure at the benak waves will come, Sri Aman Mansang Maju".

Colourful Pesta Benak

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:58:00 +0000

Spectacular Sri Aman

The Pesta Benak 2010 has come to a close but there are some more images that I have promised many to put up at the request of most of my readers who wants to know what other events coloured Pesta Benak 2010. I am unable to put all up but this few pictures will help give a glimpse of the Pesta Benak 2010 celebrations that coloured Sri Aman Town. I wish to thank Roy Apaisali @ Ismail Lumut for some of the ohotos he provided. It goes to show why it is the most awaited festival amongst those residing in Sri Aman. Visitors from afar also got to enjoy the spectacular show that Sri Aman has to show. The most awaited moment was of course the fireworks (thanks to YB Datuk Francis Harden's sponsorship) that sizzled Sri Aman skies much to the delight of those who witness the spectacular scene.

The fireworks started at 10:15 pm just as the Pesta Benak Pentas Rakyat ended (photo by Roy)

It was an awesome sight

More fireworks made the crowd go 'Waaaa!'

The VVIPs who were invited to witness the fireworks on the Pentas Rakyat Stage. Visible from left are Tuan Resident Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji, YB Tuan Masir Kujat, YB Datuk Francis Harden and wife, YB Datuk Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim and YB Encik Johnical Rayong - (photo by Roy)

Iban maidens in traditional costume celebrating with the fireworks show (photo by Roy)

The Limbo Rock show was one of the attractions also as we can see someone here attempting to go lower than the limbo stick (photo by Roy)

The Children Fancy Dress show

Wedding designs and Fashion Show

Sepak Takraw was one of the competitive sports played apart from Street Soccer (photo by Roy)

And the younger celebrants got to enjoy the Battle of the Bands at the Mini Stadium (photo by Roy)

The bands rocked their way into the hearts of the band enthusiasts (Photo by Roy)

Big Bikers from as far as Kuching and Betong came to put up a Big Bike Show which 'invaded' the strategic corners of Sri Aman town

The most colourful event also was the Senamrobik Kenyalang Event where more than fifteen teams participated in the aerobics competition (team event)

one of the exciting teams that participated in the Senamrobik Kenyalang included the La Rumba (above) who came all the way from Kuching

Roof top scene of some of the stalls that populated the Sri Aman roads during Pesta Benak 2010

The Photo Team that provided most of the shots for the Pesta Benak 2010 event - for free includes Sharil Azri from Kuala Lumpur in cowboy hat on the left, Roy Apaisali @ Ismail Lumut (middle) and that No Name fella in green bush jacket. My thank you to all of them especially to Roy, my schoolmate since Primary School whom I only met during Pesta Benak 2010 after we left Secondary School in 1985. Thanks for the teamwork fellas!

Sri Aman Benak Town

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Fri, 07 May 2010 23:34:00 +0000

Sri Aman Earns its Benak Town Title

Sri Aman's recently held its trademark Benak Festival on 28th April to 2nd May 2010. The height of the benak or tidal bore was at its highest of about two metres plus during the high tide (King Tide 5.5 metres to 6.2 meters between 25 April and 2 May 2010). The event was made more significant with the completion of the Benak Panaroma Park which is connected by a walk path to the Batang Lupar Riverine Park. The yet to be developed Fort Alice stands in the middle. For the convenience of Nadai Nama Nama readers I will again let the picture do the talking on how successful the event has been.

The crowd had gathered as early as 6:00 pm on 1 May 2010, waiting patiently for the benak to arrive

As the benak made its way towards Sri Aman town, so did the people from all over Sarawak and those outside the State

Sarawakians, young and old from various communities waited patiently - you do not get this kind of crowd to witness a local soccer match at the State Stadium. The benak was another form of attraction.

From the Benak Panorama Park and up to Fort Alice everyone had a great time enjoying the fantastic view of the Batang Lupar

The Benak Panorama Park was connected to the Batang Lupar Riverine Park via this walk path and even that was full and I was unable to pass through the crowd along the almost 400 metres stretch of the area

As the benak almost reach Sri Aman town, the crowd grew larger and larger

When the waves came everyone picked up their cameras and camera phones to record this spectacular scene. Notice how those at the mini plank walk in the middle trying to escape the benak waves

The benak hits the river banks with grace and everyone rose up to capture this memorable scene.

The benak has lifted Sri Aman's portfolio as the Benak Town with the completion of this beautiful infrastructure which allows people to enjoy the natural event. Where else if not in Sri Aman town? Seeing it in pictures is a different feeling altogether. So when the next King Tide comes and you have not seen this benak which is Sri Aman's best secret, do drop by. Cheers.

Benak in BERNAMA

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Taming the Benak

Mr. Rudy of BERNAMA picked up the news of the Pesta Benak and wrote a special article on Antony Colas, the first man (and Frenchman) to surf the Batang Lupar Tidal Bore also known as Benak. More of his exploits can be read in my previous blog at Malaysia Day Surf. The Sunday Star put the picture of Antony Colas surfing on the front page of both local and nationwide cover of their Sunday Edition under the title Dare to Surf in Sarawak's Batang Lupar?

Antony Colas picture taken by Rozlan @ Alek surfing the Benak in Oct 2009 appearing in the front page of The Star 2nd May 2010 Edition

Rozlan @ Alek wearing red cap took Antony Cola's picture with that powerful camera around his neck

Credit goes to Rozlan @ Alek of the Sri Aman Resident Office who rode with the Drainage and Irrigation Department Boat to capture that shot and allowed the picture so that Antony Colas' adventure may be shared with the world. I had not bought a DSLR Camera yet at that time but now all will know what inspired me to get my Nikon D5000.

It is interesting to note that the word Benak, including Pesta Benak is making the headlines as this natural occurrence is indeed an awesome sight. It can surprise you at times if you do not know where and how high it will rise along the length of the Batang Lupar river. Before Antony Colas decided to surf the benak he picked out the various points where the benak's wave will be the strongest along Batang Lupar and also where crocodiles (and their size) can be spotted just in case. In the pictures below one will see how high and fast the waves can go.

The trick is to go to the deeper part of the Batang Lupar River. This boat was at the wrong place when the benak's first wave made its grand entry into Sri Aman Town. The big wave caused the boat to rise and sway dangerously as it suddenly appeared out of nowhere..

The waves that followed behind is also quite high. In the above picture, that is just one third of the total height a benak can go at Batang Lupar, but its looks as if it is enough to swallow this boat

Looking at the smoke emitted from the boat it shows that the boat's engine is kicking and revving to survive the powerful waves, making sure that the boat does not swing parallel to the waves or else it will capsize.

Benak Drift: the wave races with a white bird flying along the river bank

The benak picks up speed and realizing this bird goes into turbo mode,

The benak almost catch up with the bird and the water splashes a pretty pattern like its trying to catch the bird

The water finally overtakes the bird

And SPLASH!...the benak seems to be jubilant in winning the race with the white bird...no speeding ticket needed here.

Trying to share the benak story in these few pictures is too small for one's imagination. Seeing is believing and soon I believe that the benak will be attracting people from all over Sarawak or better outside Sarawak in the next year's upcoming Benak Festival. This year's Pesta Benak 2010 has been a success in many ways and all Sri Amanians should be proud of their benak for it is set to be the Town's star attraction, especially with the completion of the Benak Panorama Park. Benak watching is made pleasant experience with the park's infrastructure in place. More action on Pesta Benak 2010 to come soon so stay tuned to Nadai Nama Nama.

Pesta Benak Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Pesta Benak Excitements

The Pesta Benak is into its third day now and everything is running fine. The weather is with us for now, though its pretty hot but it adds to the Pesta's heat of events. Everyone is excited about the upcoming Regatta benak which is set to be flag off by the Sarawak Governor.

So far i have been keeping myself busy on the river as the preliminary events start off with semifinals of boat races and pump ski speedboats cruising Batang Lupar at breakneck speed.

We set off on a boat to chase the benak...or rather get chased by the benak behind us as we take shots of its ferocity travelling the length of the river

Huge waves can cause a small boat to capsize if one is inexperienced in manouvering with it

Rescue boats are on the standby to pick up anyone who falls in the water

People from outside Sri Aman came over to witness the Regatta and also the benak

That included Miss Anna Marije Raad from The Netherlands - anyone knows which one is Anna/

Pump ski race in progress - one of the exciting events

Power boat 40 Horse Power Class in progress - the boat pilot Mr. Mansang Jimbai cruises easily on the boat Dare To fail. Most winning boats are from Kapit.....and of course being born in Kapit I can claim to be a Kapitan. We Kapitans race hard and we race fast.....

There is also an exhibition held by government agencies - in the above picture you can see YB Encik Mong Dagang visiting the Resident Office booth where one can get to see the antique weapons used during colonial time

The Sri Aman Kitchen - featuring some famous Sri Aman delicacies and seen above with fancy spectacles are not Men in Black but the famous singer Jennarino Jeraki in the far left and RASA FM radio deejay Edwin Nangga on the right

More pictures coming soon as I get sunburn going around the Pesta sites. This is the time you wish your Nikon D5000 Battery can squeeze more juice as while taking continous shot of the race boats that whiz by you.....and those pretty ladies that smile at you :) Cheers.

Pesta Benak 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:16:00 +0000

We have lift off

Its been a tough month, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds so I guess I will let the picture do the talking. The Pesta Benak Sri Aman 2010 was launched by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak today 28 April 2010. At the same time the pictorial book of Sri Aman's pictorial story, moving from the past to present and anticipating the future was also launched at the same time. We thank all our Yang Berhormats who attended the event Members of Parliament and the members of the State Legislative Assembly from Sri Aman who provided their full support to the preparation of the book. Fine weather, good support, superb teamwork by the various departments who backed the Sri Aman Resident office all the way was the recipe for the successful launch. Below are the images of today.

The Right Honourable Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud accompanied by the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Alfred Jabu Anak Numpang are greeted by YB Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Malaysia, YB Encik Mong Dagang the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Agriculture Sarawak and YB Tuan Masir Kujat Member of Parliament for Sri Aman.

The Right Honourable Chief Minister is welcomed with a traditional performance performing to the Rentak Benak music

Distinguished guests from both State and Federal Ministries, including senior officers were seated on the stage

Guests invited included the other Residents from the other Divisions - seen here from the right is Encik Nelson Mujah Girie, District Officer Lubok Antu, Encik Michael Dawi, Resident for Sarikei Division and Encik Saudi Narani, Resident for Mukah Division

The recital of Doa Selamat (prayers) : one is able to see Sri Aman's new Tememggong Kanang Anak Langkau (yellow batik in second row) attending his first few official function

The Right Honourable Chief Minister stressing a point during his launching speech

The Right Honourable Chief Minister launching the Sri Aman Mansang Maju book

The Right Honourable Chief Minister was amused by one of the pictures in the Sri Aman Mansang Maju book and showed it to the audience

The Honourable Member from N.25 Balai Ringin, Encik Snowdon Lawan getting the Chief Minister's signature for his copy of Sri Aman Mansang Maju book

The stage is set for the launching of Pesta Benak 2010 and the officiating of the completed Benak Observation Station ~ renamed Taman Panorama Benak

The Right Honourable Chief Minister enjoying the scenery after the launch with the balloons rising high above into the blue sky

The launching event band performing its famous Rentak Benak

And as I have said ~ we have Lift Off

Inside the Taman there is an exhibition of the Benak or Tidal Bore of Sri Aman and a few pictures of the Tidal Bore phenomenon around the world. Also exhibited are the photos which won the Benak Photography contest 2010.

The tidal bore (benak) came in at 4:18 pm this evening and the huge waves is seen to be swallowing one of the longboat belonging to a regatta participant

It has been an exhausting day, really and so I wish to thank again everyone who made this possible, starting with the Right honourable Chief Minister who was able to come and officiate a three in one function, YB Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas, YB Datuk Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim, YB Datuk Francis Harden Anak Hollis, YB Encik Mong Dagang, YB Tuan Masir Kujat, YB Tuan William Nyallau, YB Puan Hajah Simoi Binti Haji Peri, YB Encik Snowdon Lawan, YB Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and YB Dr. Johnical Rayong. Also not forgetting all the people without whom the launching will not be successful, namely all those from the Resident Office of Sri Aman, State and Federal Departments in the Division, the Chief Minister Office, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage plus others that I may miss out. Teamwork made this possible. To all I wish you all Happy Fiesta Time.

Almost There

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:47:00 +0000

Less Than 24 Hours To Go

The whole town of Sri Aman is abuzz today. With Pesta Benak or Benak Fiesta 2010 just a few hours away of being launched the whole town is being transformed by a variety of tents of various colours. Anyway i'll put some pictures of the scenes in Sri Aman at the launch pad of the event.

The entrance balloon to the Launching Tent

The scene from the Tidal Bore Observation Station

The Tidal Bore Observation Station is set to be given a new name - I wonder what it is going to be? Anyone has a clue?

The Tidal Bore exhibition at the launch site - various tidal bore photographers have placed their best pictures in the exhibition. For first timers its an awesome experience.

The scene at the wharve near the temple which is being fitted with the tents

The launching site tent this afternoon

Furious activity at the launching site at night as the various committees fine tune their tasks

Animation picture of today's Benak taken at 3:48 p.m evening

So here's a Hoo hah for tomorrow as I prepare myself mentally for tomorrow's launch. With a batallion of photographers around i hope I can survive their onslaught. Cheers.

Fiesta Countdown

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:56:00 +0000

The main venue for the Pesta Benak 2010 - the Batang Lupar Riverfront. In the picture above (click to enlarge) one gets to see the completed Batang Lupar Riverine Park on the left and in the middle is the historic Fort Alice. On the right is the Tidal Bore Observation Station, which is set to be launched on 28 April 2010. Welcome to the Benak Town of Malaysia (Tidal Bore Town of Malaysia) folks.

More updates and the programme for the Benak Festival can be downloaded at the Pesta Benak 2010 site which I created to promote the event.

Thank you for the queries via emails, SMSes and in here on accommodation options available in Sri Aman for those coming from outside from Sri Aman. At this present moment most of the hotels are fully booked for the Pesta period but I will try to put in the details of the hotels available as soon as possible. Resthouses are also full also I am informed. The option for Homestay may be considered.

Benak Fiesta Heats Up

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:37:00 +0000

Pesta Benak Sri Aman Around The Corner

Its a matter of days now. The official launch date may be on 28 April 2010 but work has started and Sri Aman town is abuzz with activities in preparation for Pesta Benak 2010 (Tidal Bore Festival 2010). Everyone involved in the organising the event, spearheaded by the Pesta Benak Organising Committee chaired by the Resident of Sri Aman will be zig zagging around to put in the finishing touch. The Festival has not been held for the past two years. Reason being, the infrastructures for the event namely the Tidal Bore Observation Station and the Batang Lupar Riverine Park were under construction. With its completion, Sri Aman is set to show off its latest landmark to partner the occurrence of the tidal bore phenomenon along Batang Lupar River. Which is why the main goal of the event this year is to label Sri Aman as the Benak Town of Malaysia. Friday the 16th of April 2010 a press conference was held by the Resident of Sri Aman to kick off the final programmes of the event. Its the same as clicking the All Systems Go button and we are off to running around the whole part of Sarawak if not the whole country to invite everyone here- it will be the biggest in Sri Aman this year.

Press Conference on the Pesta Benak 2010 by the Sri Aman Resident Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji. various events beginning 28th April 2010 to 2 May 2010 are being announced.

This view of the peaceful Batang Lupar from the top of the hill where Fort Alice is situated presents a good view over the Tidal Bore Observation Tower and also the approaching tidal bore (benak) waves

The tidal bore (benak) arrives with a roaring sound, negotiating the river banks of Batang Lupar. Its size makes the small boats look like miniature boats

Everyone is excited and this few weeks we got to see several boats cruising the river to see the benak waves up close and also take pictures of its ferocity

With this, Nadai Nama Nama welcomes everyone to Sri Aman, the Benak Town in Malaysia. It will be the best time to witness the various cultural events lined up plus the an opportunity to taste the best cuisines Sri Aman has to offer. This is because there the 'Sri Aman Kitchen' will be one of the features along the riverfront whereby the locals will showcase the best food that is uniquely Sri Aman. Mari Mari to Sri Aman (Come to Sri Aman)!

Related News and Sites:

Sri Aman News Blogspot
Pesta Benak 2010 Unofficial Website
Sarawak Update 12 April 2010
Sarawak Update 16 April 2010

Malaysiakuno comments

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:29:00 +0000

Top Pick of the Sour Grapes Kunos

I like to sing the song 'if Tomorrow Never Comes'. Its rather meaningful in living this lfe day after day. So tomorrow may not come for some of us. Therefore I realise i need to spend some time with my new found friends from Malaysiakini who mentioned my name or typed my name affectionately this past two days. I went through those comment boxes in Malaysiakini and became amused. So when I am amused its usually starts off a Nadai Nama Nama blog entry. Well, it had been my expectation that Malaysiakini, with their army of excellent writers and columnists should attract great minds. However the subscribers who are allowed to comment tells a different story. Some of my good friends are subscribers and they always get their alternative stories there to share. Which was why today I had intended to pick some Top Ten mean comments about me to feature my blog today. The 'Desmond Bashing' I would call it and I was disappointed that it did not meet my expectations and less than ten made it. And I do hope that this level of thought is not an overall representative of all Malaysiakini subscribers' pattern of thinking coz some its so kuno one. Even my loyal Malaysiakini and Malaysia-Today reading friends were alarmed at some of the comments. They even called me up to alert me. Some wanted to subscribe just to reply to the comments but I told them not to waste their time and also their RM20.

Anyway let's go fish for some worthwhile comments there shall we. The least I can do is thank them for just mentioning me. I must apologize, as (like I say) not all of the commentors made the grade. Especially those with 'hate' tone. This world has too much hate and I would not want it to be a crietria for kunoness. So lets start. The one I will consider putting on top will be that Alice in Wonderland comment as seen below. This comment caused excitement amongst my friends "Hey, someone called you Alice, what bad things have you done to them?" For that effect caused I will put Doc on top spot of the Kunos. Excellent style of writing and I will never know what I have done to offend him. If I was a terminally ill person and my last wish was to meet the Prime Minister, would he have written it that way? Who knows....which is why he should be high on the kuno list.

Which kind of reminds me, the Mad Hatter was the Hero in the movie along with Alice. And as far as I am concerned YBhg Datin Seri Rosmah was the White Queen since I was on the same table with her and there was no "Off With The Heads" tantrums. Or maybe you sat on the same table with her some time ago and have a different version? So hopefully Doc does his homework and watch the movie again lest he is the Red Queen's (Malaysiakini) henchman who has 'an eye' (I'll say that again, 'An Eye') for Alice? Very very deceptive Doc.

For Amaso that 'see the trees and not the forest' comment he gets to share this spot with Multi Racial. They share the same Kuno spot for confusing me more. Okay Amaso ~ trees mean many trees and that equals forests right? I have not reached that level of intelligence yet. I was happily talking about getting the bridge which benifitted a lot of people and he is not happy with it. That 'candy' is translated into 'lives' as the bridge wires may snap any moment but why would he care as long as its not his life. Multi Racial mentioned some names (deleted here for I will not 'carry' or advertise for him). Go to the original Malaysiakini if you must see who he is referring to. Simply put, come to our Ulu Ulu area here and mention those names, I am sure the people here will be wondering what he is blabbering about. Its like describing snow to us here when we have never seen it. More points also for telling me not to write my thoughts in my own blog? Yes, My Own Blog paid by Me. My God, if he managed to influence Karl Marx or Chairman Mao not to write on Communism or the Disciples not to write the Bible......I cannot imagine.

Well, I was going to ommit Ferd Tan actually but that last statement about my airfare earned him one of the Kuno spots. Which Kuno level are we now? I forgot. But it doesn't matter because if he cared to read my cheap thrilled entry on the PM's Speacial Tea Party he would have known how I foot the bill. I also expected to be the laughing stock of my many Sarawakian buddies but they were too busy laughing at Ferd Tan's comments that I had to pay them laugh at me with my own money. But spending my own RM1000 to say thank you for a RM400,000 bridge does seem worthwhile, no? I am not good with numbers so I am sorry Ferd. By the way I am still paying for it in installments via my credit card. Next, I put Quigonbond in kuno level list too because I do not know where he is standing - with me or not with me. I just want to thank him for sharing his experience with DSAI and Tok Guru as I shared mine about the PM. Our local DAP like Mr. Wong Ho Leng, Ms. Violet Yong and Voon Lee San, PKR Dominique Ng and Nicholas Bawin are friendly over here too. Wan some teh tarek at our new Dewan Undangan Negeri with our assemblyman be it BN or DAP or PKR you are welcome. I had written some of my entries when I was with them also.

With Gen 2, I do not know how to say this but I just wanna advice him if he can form a party and summon the teh tarik during the upcoming State Election (I don't know when but there are many so callled analyst they can refer to there) and prepare about 800,000 glasses in various constituencies. Just enough to get a simple majority. I can bet he can be the next Chief Minister and our State's Hornbill symbol will be replaced by Teh Tarek. Our Hornbill Skyways will become Teh Tarek Skyways. Thank you for telling us Sarawakians are that cheap my friend but I dare not ask the State Representatives here why they are hiring an army of teh tarek makers for their campaign. So in areas where the DAP won against BN is due to the DAP buying more teh tarek for the voters? Come on la Gen 2, have a cuppa Mayang Tea or Sabah Tea and vote for me.

For lesungbatu I don't know what he is talking about and where he is going. He has more than one kuno comments but well I only accept one for today and it is kuno enough. To make him happy I'll put him at the bottom of the Kunos - good or bad, the readers decide. Though in his other comment he touched on the suspension bridge similiar with another commentor name 'luk', I advice them to go to SK Klassen and meet the students and teachers there themselves since they think its a small matter. For those who have been following my blog, they will also know about my village, Nanga Beguang, Song. No roads, No electricty and No water since Merdeka. I am not complaining by the way and the villagers there still put their hopes on the present Wakil Rakyats. So yours in not so bad after all lesungbatu. Now on the bridge,thanks to the YBs in Sri Aman, the Resident and DO Office and the people of Nanga Klassen, the SK Klassen Bridge is a long story indeed (back to the year 2006 before I came). I saw something extra was needed and it required some communication strategy. All of them chipped in (some covered in my blog) for one major push enabling it to bear fruit with the accessibility to the 1Malaysia portal. YB Senator Dato Sri Idris Jala also had a hand in it.

The present Suspension Bridge in Nanga Klassen ~ March 2010

The story of Nanga Klassen Bridge is not over as the quotation process in appointing a contractor is quite time consuming. Hopefully YB Dato Sri idris Jala can solve this in oneof the labs. For a bridge over troubled water, I hope it can last the weathering, the wear and tear, while a new bridge is being constructed.

Anyway to wind things up, thanks again to all those encouraging words from many of the people who sent their messages. I am glad for my new found friends, old friends who looked me up after finding me in the news. I have not responded to all. I hope the first time visitors here understand what Nadai Nama Nama means and what it stands for. It means Nothing. A few Iban words would be very educational. Even my Uncle Sawing's SMS (in the picture below) almost made me faint with laughter. Thanks for the support uncle and for those who had wanted to do the same, Uncle's one summed it up for you all. I am cool with these Malaysiakini (and Lowyat Forum) fellas ~ after all this is Nadai Nama Nama (Nothing At All). Try again next time to win kuno awards as I find a way to shake hands with the deputy Prime Minister, if I can lar so don't put your hopes too high.

Anyone who donno what bingking is, well ask your Iban friends. Its not a bad word anyway. Cheers.

Nadai Nama in BERNAMA

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:17:00 +0000

Datuk Seri Najib took time to mingle with the crowd at the 1 Malaysia tea-party in Putrajaya last month. - Picture from The Malaysian Insider by Choo Choy May

Nadai Nama Nama wish to thank BERNAMA for their article "Blogger Reveals The Other Side of Najib". The article which is based on my post about PM's Special Party with his Online Friends is reproduced below for your viewing.

The article was written by Rudy Rukimin Rambli

SRI AMAN, April 11 (Bernama) -- When Desmond Jerukan received the email inviting him to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's tea party at Sri Perdana in Putrajaya last March 13, he thought somebody was trying to play a joke on him.

However when the 41-year-old writer of 'Nadai Nama Nama' received a second e-mail inviting him to the function, he realised that it was not a prank.

"Before the event took place, I was really nervous and didn't know what to do although the organiser informed me about the dress code. The only thing that I could do shortly after arriving in Kuala Lumpur from Kuching was to buy a cheap necktie at Sungei Wang Plaza's Parkson," he told Bernama here.

As he is working in Sri Aman, Desmond had to drive for two hours to reach Kuching before boarding a one hour and 45 minutes flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Desmond, an administrative officer in the Sri Aman Resident's Office, said he will remember the trip for the rest of his life as he had never imagined that one day he would be sitting next to the Prime Minister at a tea party.

ONLINE

To Desmond, the tea party was an enriching experience as the only other chance for him to see the Prime Minister is during the official functions in Sarawak.

To be able to meet the Prime Minister in an informal event was a rare moment for him.

"I find him (Najib) to be really sincere in getting to know his online friends. For example when his officer called him through his handphone, Najib's immediate reply was that he was in the midst of an important function and asked the person to call back later," said Desmond.

Even after the function, the Prime Minister repeatedly told the bodyguards to allow his online friends to meet and mingle with him.

He said the Prime Minister even commented on the Black Eyed Peas song "I've Got a Feeling" that was played during the tea party saying that the song set the right mood.

Desmond said the Prime Minister has his own unique way of breaking the ice.

In his blog, Desmond wrote: "The Prime Minister and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were very casual. His friendliness also caught everyone off guard. He broke the ice with me by talking about my camera.

"My, My.... you have a serious looking camera there," And so it started with camera talk and I have to thank my Nikon D5000 for being a saviour."

With that ice-breaking gesture Desmond said the rest was history as he together with other online friends talked about many issues which the Prime Minister listened patiently and attentively.

"The only thing that I could not talked about at that point of time was about Liverpool because I am a big fan of the club but the Prime Minister is supporting Manchester United," he said in jest.

Desmond who has a degree in Applied Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia and Corporate Masters in Business Administration (CMBA) from Ohio University, United States, said the hi-tea marked a new era for the country's current leadership.

"So far no elected representatives have opened up their line of communication. The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib has created his blog, Facebook, Youtube and a website that has been constantly updated with the latest information," said Desmond.

As such, the Prime Minister has taken the initiative to be more accesible to the people by using the latest technology available and at the same time listening to their grouses.

WALK THE TALK

Desmond said Najib administration has brought a new level in walk the talk concept when he would try to solve the problem based on the feedback received from his online medium.

"For example, based on my own experience, through the 1Malaysia blog and Prime Minister's Department on May 2009, I reported the risks faced by parents, teachers and students when crossing the suspension bridge at Nanga Klassen Sri Aman as the cables are in danger of being disconnected from the bridge," he said.

"Several weeks later villagers at Nanga Klassen told me they saw several 4WD vehicles from the State Development Office of the Prime Minister's Department there. We were shown the letter from the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department for the construction of a RM400,000 semi-concrete bridge at Nanga Klassen," he said.

Desmond said the suspension bridge was the only way to Sekolah Rendah Nanga Klassem and although the elected representatives had tried their very best to get financial support from the relevant agencies it failed to get any attention due to bureucratic problems and financial constraints.

"I am monitoring the progress of the project and this proved that the Prime Minister's website has made it easier and faster to channel development funds to those who really urgently need it," he said.

He said the Prime Minister has shown the power of the Internet in disseminating and getting information as well as taking action for the targetted groups and it should be emulated by other leaders.

On the Najib's walkabout, Desmond calls for more of such walkabouts in the rural areas as not many villlagers have the opportunity to meet and shake hands with the Prime Minister.

On the tea party with Najib, Desmond hopes the event would not be the last as it can be used to as an alternative medium to listen to various problems from the grassroot level.

"The best thing during the event was the Prime Minister and his online friends were willing to exchange ideas for the sake of the nation," Desmond added.

-- BERNAMA --

For those who have not seen or been to SK Nanga Klassen, Sri Aman and their hanging bridge, here is a video presentation by their teacher Cikgu Charles B.

My online buddies also informed me that it seems some online portals like Malaysiakini, also picked up the article. I thank you all for the comments there made by their circle of readers (As stated in their comment box I need to pay RM20 to join them as subscriber to read the whole thing or say hello in there or join their discussion so I guess I'll skip). Its not always I get this attention from their RM20 (or more) paying readers but well when you pay, you have to say your piece or rugi nanti. Keep them coming please because I will keep the more aggressive ones to cherish for life. One day we can meet up maybe 20 years (if we are still alive) from now and we can identify which were the comments made by you. Really, the comical and funny comments almost made me have a heart attack due to laughing and rolling all over the floor. Maybe after 20 years our false teeth will fall off when laughing. I always remind my readers, this Blog Title is Nadai Nama Nama. Translated in Iban for those who do not know, it means "Nothing At All". So do not get 'excited' about Nothing At All. My loyal readers know this. The acronym is NNN, well its not as famous as CNN. My online hits performance seem to shoot up today. Gosh do I have to pay royalty or do I get royalty for my article being in Malaysiakini and people have to pay to read it there? If I allow comments from Malaysiakini readers in here can I charge RM20 per comment? So far about almost 10 are waiting to be moderated. It sounds tempting. Its also really a good time to promote about Sarawak now so please do come visit our beautiful State. Don't come only during elections to prove that you can stay (but not last) in a longhouse and then suddenly disappear after that. We hate that when some people like to put up a show, be it the opposition or ruling coalitions. Also do support the Sarawak-Bloggers site. Cheers mate.

RIP Reagan Hidi

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 03:14:00 +0000

Reagan (in cap) from his picture in facebook. The way I would want to remember him during happier moments

I lost another comrade in arms today. Reagan Hidi, a Nadai Nama Nama enthusiast, who is always giving me input on how to improve my blog. I would say Reagan was one of the first to welcome Nadai Nama Nama into Sri Aman when I reported for duty. Shy at first when he approached me after a few weeks, the first thing he discussed with me was about my blog. But he refuses to be part of my blog's story and be the star in NNN. "Its enough that I help you by the side boss" he told me.

Born on 1 May 1981, he leaves us, short of three weeks of his 29th birthday. He works with the Jabatan Kerja Raya Sri Aman, an important technical partner for our Resident Office. Words will not be enough to describe someone whom you regard as an asset especially on his ever readiness to jump into action when I request for assistance. No paperwork, no beauracracy. Even if he is not in Sri Aman, away for a course or travelling you can rely on him to help via remote control. At one time I needed an outboard engine and boat for one of our jobs, he offered me the most powerful engine that his department had. The other departments also offered the smaller versions. I declined his offer and he was disappointed that I did not use his offer as it was better than the others. I explained to him I would not want to be seen in a Ferrari when I can use a Kancil and he knows that is Nadai Nama Nama trademark. Which is why I say he was unique for he will give you his best. Nadai Nama Nama will miss you Reagan. I will miss you. Sri Aman and the State Civil Service will miss you and your spirit of An Honour to Serve..

Fooling With Benak

noreply@blogger.com (Desmond) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:04:00 +0000

Images of the Benak on April Fool

As Pesta Benak (Benak Festival) approaches come the month of April, I managed to capture the benak or tidal bore waves on April Fool's Day. Its a great time to be in Sri Aman during the festival as the benak has become Sri Aman's icon. There will be various exciting activities which the organisers are gearing up for the event. When I say the organisers, I mean the whole of Sri Aman is pooling their resources to make it a moment to remember. This is due to the fact that the annual Pesta Benak was not held last year 2009 as the Batang Lupar Riverine Park and Tidal Bore Observation Tower was being constructed. Anyway just to warm things up, here are some of yesterday's rainbow pictures over Batang Lupar and the benak waves that came to Sri Aman town at 6:00 pm on April Fool's Day (that's today).

Rainbow that caught my attention on 31 Mac 2010 at the office ~ looks like a double rainbow

My camera view followed the rainbow's end across batang Lupar River

The rainbow looks great outside the camera scope - i just need to learn how to get the rainbow's colour effect out from that light blue sky

The benak's arrival on 1 April 2010 at 6:05 pm. We see the photographer from OSCAR in a small boat capturing the benak's picture up close and personal

The benak waves hitting the river banks with great force

The waves can be seen to flow along the banks

Coming right at you

An amateurish video of the benak on 1 April 2010 - i was holding my Nikon D5000 at the same time so apologies for the rapid movements

The might of the benak - the small boat is dwarfed by the large waves of the benak

Seeing the benak for one day is of course not enough which is why the (Pesta Benak) Benak Festival at the end of April will be held for a couple of days. The Secretariat will be making some announcements soon so I leave it to the Promotions Committee to do that part. I will be busy clicking away the event as it happens. Let the Benak Fiesta countdown begin! Cheers.