Author: Valentine Tawie Salok

Tawie

Moments with first Iban SS

Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heart-warming! – Joseph B. Wirthlin, American businessman “Try to write about Gerunsin bro; especially your memories of him,” a high-profile journalist messaged me through WhatsApp last Thursday. This was after reading my column on suspension bridges, including the iconic Satok’s “jematan gantung”

Tawie

Early memories of suspension bridges

Sometimes, if you aren’t sure about something, you just have to jump off the bridge and grow your wings on the way down. – Danielle Steel, American writer The Satok suspension bridge in Kuching is nearing completion. It is certainly good news during this challenging pandemic. For those coming from

Tawie

Interminable teaching and learning process

Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.   – Jacques Barzun, American historian In my Senior Cambridge exam for English Language, I just managed a mediocre credit, but that was well balanced by my three distinctions in English Literature, Art and History.

Tawie

Longing for Iban oldies

I listen to both oldies and contemporary stations. I enjoy listening to current stuff because there’s an energy to it that’s inspiring. – Carole King, American singer-songwriter Many radio listeners of Iban programmes are urging for more song segments featuring veteran retro singers. They yearn for these soothing, at times

Tawie

EP’s perennially inspiring songs

And if there’s any hope for America, it lies in a revolution, and if there’s any hope for a revolution in America, it lies in getting Elvis Presley to become Che Guevara.   – Phil Ochs, American singer-songwriter Friday last week would have been our revered idol The King’s 86th

Elvis turns 86, forever the king

Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity. – Elvis Presley Most music enthusiasts would empathise with Elvis through his music and his death. But ardent fans and wannabes would gladly connect to their late

Gainful early ‘BANDAT’ sessions

True luck consists not in holding the best of the cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home. — John Milton Hay, former United States Secretary of State Longhouse boys of the 60s occupied themselves with a number of interesting hobbies. These pursuits

A Christmas do like no other

Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends. — Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. Christmas is back, with sales everywhere not to mention giant Christmas trees a common sight and Christmas songs

First iban mom to survive childbirth

Having a baby is painful in order to show how serious a thing life is. — Lisa See, American writer In ancient times, the Ibans had a very crude knowledge of managing childbirth. Those were the days when they still lived in caves and were very close to nature, to its

Pricey, edible aquatic gold

Don’t give a child a fish but show him how to fish. — Mao Zedong, founder of the People’s Republic of China. Many consider the empurau fish (mahseer) as more expensive than gold. I consider it ‘aquatic gold’ — a pricey, edible and tasty one at that. The last time