‘A birthday is not just a time to celebrate, but a time to reflect on the past and make plans for the future.’
– Catherine Pulsifer, an author and motivational speaker known for her inspirational quotes and writings.
As I reflect on past birthday celebrations, one event stands out vividly in my memory. It was the birthday party of my colleague, Miss Lau, held on February 29, 2000, at the Brunei Press printing department in Bandar Seri Begawan. Miss Lau, a leap year lady, was celebrating her 40th birthday, four years after her 36th birthday celebration at the same venue in 1996. At that time, I was in my fourth year of employment as a sub-editor at Borneo Bulletin, a daily newspaper under Brunei Press. Miss Lau, a quiet lady, was my colleague.
Leap Year birthdays
Being born on a leap year is truly special. It is a rare moment when your birthday arrives only once every four years, giving you a unique reason to celebrate and let loose. I have not come across anyone else who shares this unique birthday, but I would love to interview them if given the opportunity.
First birthday cake
Recalling another fond memory, I remember receiving my first birthday cake when I turned 20. It was a surprise gift from my girlfriend during my Upper Sixth year on October 20, 1974. We were alone in a flat in Sungai Antu, Sibu, making it an intimate celebration. Despite the solitude, we cherished the moment as it provided a romantic opportunity.
Birthday card mishap
On my ex-wife’s 30th birthday in 1993, I decided to surprise her by placing RM300 on her birthday card. However, she initially overlooked the gift. It was only a week later when I inquired about the card that she discovered the cash inside. She was elated and expressed her gratitude with a hug and a passionate kiss. Throughout our marriage since 1984, birthday cards were occasional, with intermittent cake celebrations, rather than an annual affair.
Newspaper error during birthday celebration
During Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s 53rd birthday celebration on July 15, 1999, while I was still employed at Brunei Press, an embarrassing error occurred on the front page of The Borneo Bulletin the following day. Due to a computer’s autocorrect feature, the word ‘public’ was mistakenly replaced with ‘pubic’ in a sentence referring to the Sultan’s address to the public. The oversight happened as one of my colleagues, a Singaporean married to a Bruneian, was distracted by his nine-year-old son who accompanied him to the office. As a consequence, my colleague, a large man who has since passed away, was immediately dismissed. Fortunately, he was reemployed after three months due to humanitarian reasons.
Ruler’s birthday celebrations
Every year on the ruler’s birthday, the people of Bandar Seri Begawan eagerly anticipate the grand fireworks display on July 15. I have vivid memories of witnessing hundreds of people gathering along the road next to Astana Nurul Iman on the night of July 15 in both 1998 and 1999.
Performing with Ernie Djohan
During the Sultan’s 54th birthday celebration in 2000, I had the privilege of being invited to perform at an open space in BSB on the evening of July 15. The highlight of the event was sharing the stage with Indonesian diva and international star, Ernie Djohan, who was then 49 years old.
Earlier in the day, I had the honour of meeting Ernie during our rehearsal at the Crowne Princess Hotel. It was an unforgettable opportunity to perform alongside my primary school idol, who had captivated audiences since 1965 with her popular song ‘Teluk Bayur’. Ernie’s voice still retained its youthful charm, and she delighted the crowd with her rendition of ‘Teluk Bayur’ and other hits like ‘Speedy Gonzales’.
Due to time constraints, I had to wear my black blazer for the performance as I rushed straight from work. Despite the difference in our fees (Ernie likely earning a substantial sum compared to my BND3k fee), I was content with my two Elvis songs, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. I even managed to take a few snapshots with Ernie as a cherished memento.
Most memorable birthday in Sri Aman
One of my most cherished birthday memories occurred in 2012 during an AMD (Anugerah Musik Dayak) roadshow in Sri Aman. It was my 58th birthday, and to my surprise, Inja Margaret Bucking, a niece of a state minister, Snowdan Lawan (now Datuk), who was leading the roadshow, organised a special party for me. She arranged a cake and held a reception at a nearby eatery, attended by various artists involved in the roadshow, including Snowdan, Embat Lala, Gabriel Fairuz Louis, Leezwita Ripin, Jessica Remaya, Ranee Pat, Florence Lo, members of the Taju Remaungband, and others. Snowdan generously covered the expenses, including some beer.
Speaking of birthday celebrations in general, I think the point of it all varies from person to person and can hold different meanings depending on cultural, social, and personal beliefs.
For one thing, it marks the passage of time. Birthdays serve as a yearly milestone that marks the completion of another year of life. They provide an opportunity to acknowledge the passing of time and reflect on personal growth, achievements, and experiences.
Birthdays are a celebration of an individual’s existence and the joy they bring to the lives of their loved ones. It is a time to express gratitude for their presence and celebrate the unique qualities and contributions they bring to the world.
The occasion is also a way to honour and acknowledge an individual’s unique identity. It is a day to celebrate who they are, their personality, talents, and the impact they have on the lives of others.
In terms of relationships, birthdays provide an opportunity for friends, family, and loved ones to come together and express their love, appreciation, and support for the person celebrating their birthday. It strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories through shared joy and celebration.
Birthday celebrations are always fun. They are a time for enjoyment, laughter, and indulgence. They often involve parties, gifts, delicious food, and various forms of entertainment. It allows individuals to let loose, have fun, and create joyful experiences.
Then there are aspects of renewal and new beginnings for which birthdays symbolise a fresh start and a new chapter in life. They offer an opportunity for self-reflection, setting goals, and embracing new aspirations for the upcoming year.
On the cultural and religious fronts, birthdays are significant in many traditions. They may be associated with specific rituals, customs, or ceremonies that are passed down through generations. These celebrations connect individuals to their heritage and community.
Ultimately, the point of celebrating birthdays is to honour and appreciate life, create joyous moments, strengthen relationships, and embrace the journey of personal growth and self-expression. It is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the unique journey of each individual.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
