Tukang Rantek PresentsNutu Gawai Zon Kuari (Kpg Pichin)Gawai Closing 2022

Follow me on Twitter

Tabi basa & greetings everyone,

Gawai is Harvest Festival for Dayak, and it is celebrated annually on 1 June 2022. But when there is Gawai, there is its closing. In Iban, it is called Ngiling Bidai. In Bidayuh, it is simply called Nutu Gawai, or formally called Mparing Sawa. By itself, it is an elaborate celebrate with lots of ceremony in between. For the sake of this simple celebration at Ntangan / Zon level, it is sufficient for us to celebrate it in a simple way as agreed per discussion with fellow Bi-Kuari (Kuari folks).

It started with our traditional dance, Langgi Pingadap by Kuari youths, followed by prayer. After the speeches by our Zon President, the newly-appointed Mr Luje, my own bachelor uncle (Bujang Tuai), the event starts off with dinner.

We also pulled of surprise birthday celebration for Kuari Chief. His birthday was few days ago, but we combined it along with this celebration to make it more special, and the fact that he was appointed not so long ago as the leader.

However it rains. Kinda spoil the fun because the venue was not totally prepared for a heavy downpour like what we experienced. It raining cats and dogs. But that’s ok though, because there is no way we are going to call-off the dinner. The show must go on.

There was a beer-chugging events last night, and the winner is Mr Colin @ Babeh Ayem. The winner for female category is Asau Joji, with a blitz 8 second record for 1 tin. That is extremely fast. I joined the male category, and lots of us struggle with beer’s outflow due to gas expansion. I can’t imagine how she managed to pull that off. What a skill!

Brother Christian Levi with his Cameroon’s traditional attire, a gift from the community there.

King and Queen of the night is Mr Sangkitang, host of the night and Pn Rosina.

King & Queen of the Night – Mdm Rosina & Mr Sangkitang with Deputy Zon Kuari, Mr Sonny (Left)

The rest of the pictures here are the flow of the event. There was lot of prize-giving, thanks to the new gift-exchange event. It was part of the way to make an event more lively.

The event was rocking on until 5am. That’s how Gawai is normally. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Have a good week ahead!

Your Tukang Rantek,
Claudius Weson
Follow me on Twitter & LinkedIn: claudiusweson.

Note:
1. Claudius is a freelance photographer based in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
2. “Tukang Rantek” means “photographer” in Bidayuh Serian language.

EVENT PICTURE GALLERY

Here’s the additional pictures for the event. It was arranged in chronological order. Enjoy!

Happy Retirement Cikgu Jekop & Cikgu Ageok

2 months ago

Tabi basa & greetings! Finally, after an eventful Gawai celebration, then followed by the passing of my uncle, I managed to settle down and edit the picture captured during the recent farewell of my teachers – Cikgu Jekop Simo & Cikgu Ageok Dikun. They were my Maths & Bahasa Malaysia teachers respectively, teaching my batch back in 1996 until 2001 when we’re still in Primary School at SK St Dominic Pichin. Back then, it was still “SRB” (sekolah rendah bantuan). It was only 2 decades later, the school seems to be way more advanced that what it was back in my time.

For the retirement event, which took place on 28 May 2022, I went there a bit late because I was still resting since I just came from Miri after 15 hours drive. When I arrived there, it was already speech time by Cikgu Ayot, popular name for Cikgu Ageok at Piching.

These two teachers were the one that I respect because of their no nonsense style of teaching, especially Cikgu Jekop a.k.a. Jakop in Piching.

I can’t forget his fondness in using red ink, Parker 51 (I think) because he likes to use “pen kasing” (peeing pen, a nickname for fountain pen). It was a such a pain for the person who doesn’t perform in his class because he likes to punish them, but that is for their own good. He doesn’t punish out of hate, but because he wants his student to put extra effort, which for their own good anyway.

Those where the days. Teachers are focused on teaching. Now, I understand that there is a lot of restrictions imposes, plenty of don’ts and tons of administrative works. Only those with noble intention will last becoming a teacher.

Back to the event, the event itself was rather straightforward. As I walk around taking photos, there will be some group of kids asking me to take their photos. Some even called me “Tukang Rantek”. I am truly honoured. Good kids.

The pictures for the events can be seen at the bottom part of this post. Feel free to share it around.

p.s. I am aware that different people has a different approach, so it is totally up to the individual. If you happy with what you see here and wish to hire me, feel free to contact me via WhatsApp +60148677585.

You can also follow me at Twitter, claudiusweson.

That’s all for now. Until next time!

Regards,
“Tukang Rantek” Claudius
Follow me on Twitter: claudiusweson

Photoshoot at U-Tea (Part 2)

2 months ago

Tabi basa & greetings everyone. This time I’d like to feature the recent work that I had done at U-Tea, thanks to U-Tea Senadin. Previously, I also did a photoshoot at U-Tea, where I collaborated with few Miri-based models, including Nurul Jasmine, Amelda & Annette.

This time, the talents are gym-buddies of Stanley Lai & Fui Chen, including Fiona, Ong, Boss & not to forget star of the show, Bong. During the photoshoot, Bong shared few health tips.

He mentioned that a lot of health problems that we are facing now are caused by what we eat. There is an abundance of processed food out there, and he advised us to be extra mindful of all these foods.

Being a nutritionist himself, he also shared his choice of food. He mentioned that his favourite is cucumber, eggs (lots of eggs), brown rice and plenty of fruits (e.g. papaya, banana, guavas). He is doing clean diet so that he can control his health better.

His realisation came when he was mixing with a group of youngsters aged around 19 years old, yet having gout. That is a wake-up call for him. Now, even though he clocks 4-series, he is still as fit as 20s, and there is no sign for him slow down his amazing life.

That’s all sharing for now. Thank you to U-Tea Senadin for sponsoring this photoshoot and the opportunity for interview with Bong.

Regards,
“Tukang Rantek” Claudius
Follow me on Twitter: claudiusweson

Photoshoot at U-Tea Senadin

4 months ago

U-TEA EXPERIENCE

Tabi basa & selamat sejahtera semua! In today’s post, I’d like to talk about U-Tea. U-Tea has a vision of bringing tea culture back to life among Malaysians by introducing a whole new tea experience through providing delicious and healthy tea-based beverages in the market.

“U-Tea” was formed with the ethos of transforming the long-standing tradition of Asian tea culture into healthy, delicious beverages that can be enjoyed by everyone. U-Tea believe that a happy, healthy lifestyle begins with what we drink, which is why they promote the use of only the freshest, most natural ingredients in our products.

Their first outlet was established in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in May 2018, and due to an overwhelming responses received from their fans, subsequent outlets are rapidly emerging. Senadin, Miri outlet was established in 17 October 2019 with Mdm Yap Fui Chen as its branch manager.

“优” (Yōu) is a Chinese word that means “excellent, refined & outstanding”, and U-Tea aim to live up to their brand name by striving to be the best of the best in every aspect. That is why they insist on using premium imported loose-leaf tea that is freshly brewed daily in all their beverages.

Their outlets are all designed with their customers’ comfort in mind, and they choose to adopt an urban, minimalist interior design concept in all U-Tea outlets to provide a modern, simple and cosy environment their customers can relax in.

In U-Tea Senadin, there were few delicious menu introduced, including “Grilled Chicken Burger”, “Mushroom Burger”, “XO Prawn Paste Pasta”, “Grilled Chicken Chop” & “Breaded Chicken Chop” that promises satisfaction to each of their customers.

Therefore, visit your nearest U-Tea branch today to try it for yourself.

p.s. Thank you very much to U-Tea Senadin Branch Manager, Mdm Yap Fui Chen & Chef Billy for the delicious foods throughout the shooting.

Model: Amelda, Annette, Erica & Jasmine.

PHOTOSHOOT AT U-TEA

Your Tukang Rantek,
Claudius (Del)

Tukang Rantek = photographer (Dayak Bidayuh Bukar-Sadong language)
Follow Me: Instagram Facebook
Other Social Media

POP-VAL’22 RESULTS

6 months ago

Tabi basa & greetings everyone! The long, awaited result is finally here. After online competition for almost two weeks, we finally saw a pattern. The winning of this competition is decided solely by online votes through Facebook and Instagram, where Instagram carries double the points compared to Facebook.

WINNER – PATRICIA & JAY

Facebook: 364 likes, Instagram: 264 likes. Total: 892 points.

Asal: Kpg Riih Mawang, Serian
Lafaz Cinta: Love always protects, trusts, hopes & perseveres.

FIRST RUNNER UP: MELVIN & CURAZON

Facebook: 295 likes, Instagram: 162 likes. Total: 619 points.

Place of Origin: Bintulu & Sibu
Lafaz Cinta: Anything is possible when you have the right person there to support you.

SECOND RUNNER UP: MAXTHEW & CLARESSA

Facebook: 179 likes. Instagram: 204 likes. Total: 584 points.

Place of Origin: Siburan & Serian
Love Declaration:

Lafaz Cinta: “Pepatah “”hanya mampu melihat tetapi tidak mampu memiliki”” menjadi permulaan kisah cinta kita. Mencintai seseorang dalam diam tanpa takut akan kehilangan kerana Tuhan telah menyiapkan yang terbaik bagi umat-Nya yang sabar dalam mencintai. Siapa sangka, tanpa disangka cinta tidak bertepuk sebelah tangan lalu Tuhan mempertemukan kita dan dipersatukan menjadi satu.

“” Demikianlah mereka bukan lagi dua, melainkan satu. Kerana itu, apa yang telah dipersatukan Allah, tidak boleh diceraikan manusia “” _ Matthew 19:6

REWARDS

The winners will receive a crystal plaque. Please contact me & share your receiving address. The plaque is expected to be completed in one month plus time.

Special Photoshoot Session For The Winners

The offer is open and will be done at Miri. For other areas, I can only do it at Serian. Feel free to contact me about this.

THANK YOU VERY BAGEG / MAYUH-MAYUH

For the other couples, thank you very much for your participation. Your time and energy is truly appreciate because it makes this competition a meaningful one.

In the end, what matters most is that we have one another. Have a great weekend everyone!

Your Tukang Rantek,
Claudius (Del)

Follow Me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tukangrantek
Portrait: www.instagram.com/tukangrantek
Boudoir: www.instagram.com/boudoirbydel

Seahorse Boys Outing: Kebaya Nyonya

6 months ago

Tabi basa & greeting everyone! This time, I’d like to share about the recent outing that we did at Miri with the Seahorse boys. For those who didn’t know, Seahorse Boys is a group of photographers based in Miri from various background, as what you can see below. In short, most of us shoots portrait.

For this photoshoot, it was held at Kpg Wireless, at Miri Waterfront, where we did a photoshoot with talents, namely Leha from Tatau and Agnes, who was eventually called Seroja by us. The event organiser is Aiman Iman, who is a well-known make-up artist based in Miri, and he is known for his unique style of make-up, including body-painting.

The second venue of the photoshoot was at Miri City Fan, where Jay and the rest intends to re-create the images that was done by Cikgu Sean of Prodigy. Lots of attempts were being made.

THE RESULT

Below is the result of the images that was shared to me for this blog post purpose. I only received from Steve for now. Therefore, here’s his artwork, followed by mine.

STEVE M MAGGIE

Denzel – none shared yet.

Clayri – none shared yet.

Jay Potret – none shared yet.

Rapheal – none shared yet.

Solomon – working at Bintulu.

“Tukang Rantek” Claudius

Lesson Learned from This Photoshoot

I’ve written about outing ethics in this long Facebook post, which is written in Malay. You can read it here. In summary,

Respect One Another
Feel Free To Use “Please”, “Thank You” and “Sorry”
Do Not Touch Model / Talent
Do Not Ask Sensitive Questions & Joke Responsibly
Do Not Disturb Other People’s Gears / Settings Without Permission
Do Not Brag About Gear
Be Punctual & Give Model Time To Rest

In writing those ethics, I have no ill-intention against anyone, because it is a set of thing that every photographer should try to obey and adhere to if they want to be a likeable photographer in whatever occasion that they use.

Gears used in this photoshoot is Leica S3 & Summarit-S f/2.5 35mm & Summicron-S f/2 100m, both ASPH. lenses. It is a really great set of gear, the colour reproduction is great. You get what you invest.

But for the next shoot, I challenged myself to use a different gear, which is a compact camera, a well-known street photography camera called Ricoh GR III. I will show it in my next blogpost.

In the meantime, stay safe & take care!

Your Tukang Rantek, Claudius

Follow Me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tukangrantek
Portrait: www.instagram.com/tukangrantek
Boudoir: www.instagram.com/boudoirbydel

Tags archives: 2022