Some Random Thoughts

I could still remember, how during my school holidays I used to see my mom and aunts sitting tirelessly next to our fireplace, with strands of beads lined neatly on a piece of folded bright colour clothes infront of them as they arranged the beads nicely and accordingly making headgear and belt.

I was then, blind to the beauty of this heirloom as they chatted nonchalantly praising the beauty of the beads, keep on losing myself in my Nancy Drew's novel without bothering much about the beads.

Several years later, I was in Germany and this lady approached me - silently inspecting the beaded necklace I was wearing, much to my astonishment.

She asked me where do I get it from, and how to buy it. For the next fifteen minutes or so, she and her friend keep on praising the beads and they ended up decided to visit Borneo.

That's a turning point for me.

How could I not seeing the beauty of our heirlooms? How could I not being proud to be a Lun Bawang? Today, I am proud to say that this tribe, who was once the most feared headhunters and to be left to die has been saved by Grace.

Not enough of grace, the tribes has been blessed in so many ways. Many has make it to hold a prestigeous positions in a big firm. Many has made it to explore into most continents around the globe. Today, my niece is studying at Yale University and another one at Harvard University. They are the first Lun Bawang who has made a mark making their way into the top ten university in the world thus open a way for more generations to come.

I am proud and Thankful for the grace that I have seen upon my tribes.



Above : Tunung (Left) and Sibeng (Right) in traditional Lun Bawang costume


Above : Donny or known as Iwi' Pengiran



Above : Agong playing sape' - this guy is wonderful. Giving his cooperation without saying much.

Above : Rosalind - another wonderful lady whom I know has the same passions on our tribes

Above : Bobitha & Munga

Above : Miki, Donny, Nasir & Munga

Above : Sibeng

This is the boss of VM whom I see as visionary guy & always move beyond time. He is brilliant! ( I couldnt resist to post this pic. Sorry boss :-) )

And that guy is the cameraman who has the creative eyes and brain - I would say.

And, here I would like to thank one particular guy, who have listened to my mind and passions. He understood and helped to make it materialised in whichever way he could - 'Langub' his Lun Bawang name. You have been great and Thank You!

I am Lun Bawang. I am proud of it.

Notes : All Pictures are credits of Virtualmalaysia.com