Author: Valentine Tawie Salok

Luck, rituals, and fortunes

Gamblers belong to a special breed of individuals I have encountered. They adhere to numerous self-made rules and ‘pantangs’ (forbidden acts). Are these merely old wives’ tales? Did Kenny Rogers capture this sentiment in his song ‘The Gambler,’ especially with the line “Don’t count your money on the table”? Consider

Legacy of Grandma Kejuang Meling

My maternal grandmother, Kejuang Meling (1891-1988), lived a long life and passed away at the age of 97 on Feb 4, 1988. Just before her death, she shared a dream with us, mentioning that “it was time for the old chicken to go,” a message she heard from an unseen

Childhood memories of jungle adventures resurface

‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.’ – John Muir (1838–1914). Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. He is often referred to as the “Father of the National Parks” due to

A Guitarist’s Journey Unfolds

In 1973, I met Timothy Chundi, who was my roommate at the Methodist Secondary School boarding house on the school compound in Sibu. A native of Aup longhouse nearby, he was the son of community leader Pemanca Chundi and was a good guitarist, owning a hollow guitar in our room

Tales of luck and chance in numbers

Since the mid-’70s, I have been intrigued by number games, especially lottery forecasts. This interest began during my time as an assistant editor at the Iban newspaper Berita Rayat in the Information Section known as Info-Psywar in RASCOM Sibu in February 1975. I remember winning my first consolation prize of

Childhood memories and longhouse tales retold

In all honesty, my earliest memories date back to circa late 1957 or early 1958 when I was being carried by Apai Badey, whose real name was Saban Imong. I was put on his shoulder, a statement that I was a tiny and light toddler. However, I am not so

Tantalising delights await at Siang Siang

Step into Siang Siang Corner at Matang Jaya, Kuching, and you’ll discover a hidden gem that will tantalise your taste buds. Located on Lots 701 and 702, Jalan Matang, this cosy food haven has become my go-to spot whenever I’m in the area. Whether you’re a local or a traveller

The evolution of ‘sadin’ and changing tastes

‘Sometimes the simplest meals bring the greatest joy.’ – Unknown ‘Sharing a meal with friends brings out the true flavors of life.’ – Unknown ‘Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures that leave the most lasting impressions.’ – Unknown In the old days in the interior of Sarawak, any canned or tinned

Protecting Our School as night guards

In January of 1974, while I was in Upper Six at Methodist Secondary School in Sibu, my classmate Joshua Panggau and I were called to the office of the school principal, Mr Lau Tieng Sing (now deceased). It was a Monday morning after the school assembly. “Two of you are

Adventurous girls explore Sarawak’s wilderness

Just before our Methodist School in Sibu closed for the second term break in August of 1974, a group of girls in my Upper Six Arts class expressed their desire for an outing. Led by Ivy Ngui, they planned a trip to Saratok and Debak during the break. I suggested