Author: Valentine Tawie Salok

Tawie

Nature: Closeness can be enmity

The ancients often believed a celestial event like an eclipse to be a bad omen, that the sun or the moon vanishing from the sky was a harbinger of disaster, a sign of devastation or destruction to come. —  Jenna Wortham, American journalist There is still some remnants of paganism

Tawie

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

Tawie

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

Tawie

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

Tawie

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

Tawie

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

Tawie

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

Tawie

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

Tawie

OMG … ARE THEY ILLUSIONS?

Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win. — Stephen King, American author About one week ago I stopped for a small chat with a worker near our office here. He is a local who is employed by a welding company and stays

Tawie

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.