Author: Valentine Tawie Salok

Joining Facebook group to refresh kinship

‘In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.’ – Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900); a German philosopher, cultural critic, poet, and philologist best known for his works on morality, religion, philosophy, and the human condition. Just two days

Memories of childhood fishing adventures

‘I can really fish… I’ve been fishing since I was a little kid.’ — American professional football player, Deion Sanders.  Since I was a small boy, I have enjoyed fishing, whether it’s during the day or at night. Daylight fishing involved using a rod, net, or a specially woven basket called

Remembering Elvis tribute artist’s legacy

Last September 25 marked the second anniversary of the passing of my friend and fellow counterpart, Ges Barundang, who was a popular Elvis tribute artist known as Elges Presley. He left behind his loving wife, retired teacher Helen Menon, and four university-educated children, along with a few grandchildren. Not to

A time when cockfights united the community

Members of the Iban community in the Melupa area of Saratok were really excited back in 1962 when they heard about the regular cockfights, known as ‘nyabung,’ that would be held in conjunction with the opening of the new Nanga Assam Primary School. I have vivid memories of my dad,

Durian tales, from orchards to exams

Durians the king of fruits are flooding the market again here in Kuching city. Just a day ago while making a trip to E-Mart here in Matang I encountered a sudden urge to sample the tasty golden flesh of the Musang King variety at a stall there and thus paying

Constructive, creative rural boys

Living in a rural setting exposes you to so many marvellous things – the natural world and the particular texture of small-town life, and the exhilarating experience of open space. – Susan Orlean, journalist —————————- In the 50s through to the 60s, rural boys had to be contented with their

Among privileged USM few

AN ex-girlfriend from Penang recently sent me her photo taken in front of my nine-foot tall wooden sculpture (done in 1978) placed at the entrance to USM’s Library.  It must have been taken circa 1985 and a bit grainy. Now at 62, she used the photo to reconnect and reminisce

Conquering Sadok: Brooke’svictorious expedition

On October 7, 1861, Charles Brooke embarked on a journey from Fort James at Nanga Skrang, using the warship Lightning with a crew of 40 that he had purchased for eighty (80) pounds. Their destination was Saribas for the Third Sadok Expedition, and they planned to use Saribas as the

Conflicting accounts cloud Sadok fortress expeditions

In his research manuscript entitled “Tusun Sadok,” teacher Nicholas Jana Badindang of Samu, Paku in Betong presents two expeditions: the First Sadok Expedition (18570) and the Second Sadok Expedition (18580). These expeditions failed to destroy Libau anak Ningkan’s fortress at Bukit Sadok. He states various reasons that led to the

An overview of my life with cars

Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with my two friends at a coffee shop. They were discussing the latest car models available in the local and international market. Although I found their enthusiasm for cars inspiring, I couldn’t say that it was contagious. If I were to share my own