The little girl stopped when she saw me pointing the camera at her. I don’t know much about modern parenting but I think it is annoying and dangerous to other visitors.
Panasonic Lumix GM-1, ISO 500, f3.5, 1/60 sec.
#ioicitymall #mall #shop #shoppers #brats #candid
Me And You And A Dog Named Boo (Mutt Rempit).
Went to Sekinchan today to test Sony’s new HDR Sky Camera App. At the paddy fields, I met a farmer raking his field, accompanied by his pet dog.
Asked him where he stays and he told me it is quite far. Naturally, I asked how the dog travels. He showed me.
The dog balances himself quite well on the back of the motorcycle, even when going around corners. Occasionally, the un-neutered dog jumps off when he sees a female.
Quite an amazing sight and Winter Solstice must be my lucky day.
“Me And You And A Dog Named Boo” was a hit song by Lobo. It tells the story of two friends and a dog taking a cross-country road trip. Sung like an ode to carefree days and freedom (gone).
I remember to this day, they stopped at the wheat fields of St Paul. It was Kansas and not Saint Paul, Minnesota, as I originally thought.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f13, 1/200 sec.
#streetphotography #landscape #paddyfields #paddy #padi #ricefields #sekinchan #dog #dogs #pet #animal #sonyalpha #a7r #zeiss
I don’t know who this man is but he seemed to be the chief among the mediums at the Jinjang Temple. He can speak Thai and Hokkien. He reminded the RELA and temple security personnel that photographers must be given close access.
For that, I reward him with an intimate portrait which I hope to present him later as a print. He is probably a former ‘taikor’ (chieftain of the gangs).
I know some of you feel squeamish about the violent but voluntary rituals. Conversion to black and white hides the blood.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 2500, f4, 1/80 sec.
I have seen many strange things in my life but it was still startling to see a Malay or Muslim-looking guy taking part in a Taoist parade. Baffled, I walked alongside him and started a conversation.
Me: Selamat berpesta, bro. (Happy festival, bro)
Guy: Sama sama (likewise).
Me: Boleh tanya, hang in mewakili dewa yang mana satu? (if I may ask dude, which deity do you represent?)
Guy: You bukan Melayu? Saya pun. (You not Malay? Me neither).
Me: Kanasai (like shit in Hokkien).
Guy: Saya Latuk Kong, bro [after which he gave me a fist bump]
Latuk Kong or Natuk Kong is the roadside deity with roots in pseudoreligion and animism.
The deity’s most ardent followers are lottery punters who will kneel before the familiar red wooden shack under a tree to request for a lucky number.
Those fans who strike the at the lotteries will repay the deity’s kindness by building a concrete hut and offer more bananas and other fruits.
Latuk Kongism was recently elevated to major religion status when Pokemon Go designated the shrines as Pokestops in Malaysia.
Latuk Kong: Do you have a light, bro?
Me: No! I am hoping you won’t smoke because your crazy entourage is already choking everyone with excessive kemenyan (benzoin) smoke.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 1000, f4, 1/80 sec.
Behind the wall of spectators, is an exciting game of sepak takraw. The community organises some informal events for the special day of Eid.
Fittingly, one of the events is Sepak Takraw, a favourite sport played here on Sundays. Sepak takraw is a kind of foot volleyball played with a woven rattan ball.
Some historians believe the Burmese ‘Chinlone’ artform (single-player takraw-style kicking) was derived from Cuju (catch ball), a form of military exercise from ancient China circa 3rd century BC.
Given that it is a public holiday today, many of the migrant workers are not just here to support their teams but also to catch up with fellow villagers from home. It is serious competition for the teams and just as serious socialising for the supporters.
Public holiday breaks are fewer for them as not all holidays are recognised by their employers. Many workers may also opt to work overtime for additional wages.
This ‘village’ consists of 90 percent Muslim migrants from Myanmar and because it is Eid-ul-Fitr, there is a festive and cheerful atmosphere all round.
Back to the game; Tekong Karin passes the ball to Obai who scored with a tumbling somersault. The third (hidden) player is Tun Tun Min.
Seeing the crowd’s enthusiasm and the thunderous cheers form both sides, I asked some of the spectators who’s playing who? They replied “Sama Kampung” or “from the same village”.
Having witnessed their skills and passion for the game, I am not surprised their countrymen back home are moving beyond village championships. Myanmar won the Gold for men’s doubles in the recent SEA Games.
Next: How I was inducted into a Rohingya Rave Party.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 1600, f9, 1/400 sec.
