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Tabi basa balarantek! Today is Sunday. I hope you and your family remains tough to brave the upcoming COVID-19 days because things are not going to be easier for us. However, with your perseverance, you will be able to fight and survive this pandemic that is plaguing the whole world.
Christmas Away From Home
This year is a challenging year indeed. COVID-19 brings a never-before-seen challenges to us, forcing us to be separate. Last year’s Christmas celebration is also not as grand as it was before, though in its essence it is still unchanged, for Christmas is for us to celebrate the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ.For Christians, Christmas is also the time of family gathering, near and far.
However, for some of us who works – be on duty guarding border, or even working offshore, they won’t be home for Christmas this year. It is a challenge indeed, especially when you have a family or a group of close friends that you always celebrate Christmas with, or the special person that expects to be with you on this blessed day. The emotional and mental burden is difficult to swallow, but they have to endure because duty calls and want to make a living and provide for the family. It’s not that they wante, but due to certain constrait such as manpower limitation, or has to cover for someome else forces them to do work even on public holiday, away from family.
Hearing wishes of Merry Christmas from friends regardless of their religion and race helps to lessen the unspoken & unexpressed sadness to be away on this day.
At offshore, there is always a Christmas gathering at a mini scale just to have that enjoyment offshore while being away from family. For this last Christmas by Shell at E11, there is something special prepared.
Enter: Pikachu, T-Rex & Black Panther
Malino, our enthusiastic OLC brought two costumes to offshore, T-Rex in green and Pikachu and was worn by Achong and Azman respectively. For Black Panther, Shahrul used his own resources to buy Black Panther’s costume. We began by parading the costume at OIM’s office, to mess room and finally to the helideck. There, we had our own mini photoshoot with these peoples.
Green Sea
Sea was green after the storm hits. Probably it is because of the sea floor movements. This is the first time I saw such green sea. I don’t think that there were any other occurrences like that before. We were lucky that these green sea happens, and we have a unique, one-of-a-kind background.
Photography Note
For this project, I am using Leica M10-P and Leica Summilux 35 FLE. For me, 35mm is a versatile lens that you can use for event photography if you can only bring one lens and one camera, especially in this offshore environment as weight reduction is a must when you want to travel via chopper. I have been using Leica for about 5 years now, and so far Leica M has been my favourite type of photography instrument.
Closing Remark
The memories made at E11 will be remembered until eternity. The moment most of us go there again, it won’t be the same because the environment is different. However, I am looking forward to see my friends there again. Meanwhile, stay safe and take care wherever you are.
Tukang Rantek,
Claudius
Note: Claudius is a PORTRAIT & BOUDOIR “tukang rantek” (photographer in Bidayuh Pichin) based in Miri, with passion for writing.
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