I read many times the stories in My Malaysian Tales book. Surprisingly, every time reading it, it gives a mix feeling to me. There are also many new inspirations that germinate in the mind.
Probably, when you are reading the title of this book, it does not give you any sense. Perhaps in our minds we think nothing new because we are part of this community of society. However, don't be surprised if your judgement is totally wrong.
When reading each pages of this book, I just realized a lot of things have disappeared in my life. Then I felt like I am foreigners in my land.
To be honest, I really liked this book because it provided a great combination between writing and photography.
These two elements are blended so effectively that it produces a very deep emotional feelings for myself.
Some people are good taking beautiful photos, but can't write well. Some people can write a beautiful word, but can’t take amazing photos.
However, Stefano Romano has both elements. Even though he is known as a great professional photographer, in fact, his writing skills are amazing as well as his skills in photography. Great photos as well as amazing writing is proven in this book.
My great teacher is not as Italian guy during his journey in Malaysia. He wore a hat as a Malaysian. He chose to be known as “pakcik” rather than call with the title “Sir”
His love for Malaysia can be seen through sharing poetry, proverbs, and old Malay songs in the book.
He also put a picture of the old tape of Rafeah Buang Don Juan II's classic album. It's one of his favorites listening to old Malay songs.
I am impressed by reading the chapters about Customs (1) and Customs (II). Honestly, I felt embarrassed that his knowledge of Malaysian culture, customs is deeper than me.
When looking at the photo of ‘buai’, the typical cradle for children, hung from a ceiling or hook, in which the small children sleeps, my mind goes back to the memory of the past years.
My hands rocked the ‘buai’, which was the younger brother sleeps, while my mother was cooking.
I sing a song “du..du…du..” Sometimes I recite a dzikir and selawat upon Nabi SAW. Now I realized that all is gone and became a memory. Things changed, people transformed. I miss the memory so much.
Chapter My Good Home is also one of my favorites. I am a fan of the traditional Malay house. When reading about the old houses such as Melaka House, Kutai House in Perak and Selangor, Rumah Perabung Lima in Kelantan and Terengganu, Rumah Gajah Menyusu in Penang, and Rumah Bumbung Panjang in Kedah, Perlis, Johor and Pahang, I felt very impressed.
Plenty of old house photos are shared here. If it wasn't recorded and printed this way, I think the new generations won't be able to recognize these old houses anymore.
Apart from the Malay community, this book also shares about the celebrations of other plural societies in Malaysia.
Because we are Malaysian, we thought nothing special about the celebration of Deepavali, Thaipusam and Tahun Baru Cina.
But actually we are wrong. I got a lot of new knowledge about these celebrations in this book.
In addition to the sociocultural community in Malaysia, the author also shares photography techniques in the chapters of Siti Khadijah Market and Learn To Fly.
During this time I often wondered why my teacher likes the market for photography. And I also wonder why he doesn’t take the photo of the scenery. The answers are both chapters.
Chapter Learn To Fly is my most favorite chapter. Besides being decorated with obsessive photos of clouds, this chapter actually brings on advice and motivation for me.
The last two chapters in the book, namely HUSM, A Debt To Be Paid and USM: My Ithaca touched my heart.
His experience as a former cancer fighter makes the story about the children of these cancer patients so alive and deep.
One is a story about Nur Huda. Nur Huda's death left a huge impression on him. Even the story of one of the 8-year-olds named Bethanie also touched the heart.
The last chapter indirectly showed his grievances towards USM and Penang.
Photographs with former USM VC, Prof Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail, memory with PPIK students, lake near Aman Damai's house and memories with friends are wonderful life travel records for him. My heart touched when reading the last line which mentioned,
'See you at Subaidah: channai bread for everyone!'
It's not just the last words of the chapter. It is the words that have a full of hope.
If you are a photo lover, this book is for you.
If you are a lover of writing, this book is for you.
If you are a traveler, this book is for you.
If you none of the above, this book is also for you. Because I believe your heart is full of love.
This book is so inspiring for me.
Congrats my teacher. You are ohsem!
Cik Pae Faizah,
Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Malaysia.
Thanks a lot for this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you to write and support my Book 🙏
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