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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Are Tattoos and Body Piercing Against Catholic Teachings?

The Catholic Church is not against tattoos or body piercing in general, but it does have a strict view of what is and is not acceptable for a Catholic to call "body art". The Catholic Church preaches that any act that damages ones body is sinful. Tattoos and piercing do not stop the breathing of their recipients. This is not to say that the Church is against body art, but body art that depicts anti-Christianity images such as gang signs, profanity, of images of gore.

Father Peter Joseph wrote in the "Latin Mass Journal of Catholic Culture and Tradition" a guide to what the Catholic Church deems acceptable.

1. In this time of disease, most rampantly spreading-HIV, doctors should be consulted about the possibility of needles entering the human body.

2. The content of an image also determines is offensive power to the Church. Multiple piercing and tattoos sometimes disfigure the people who sport them and are usually visually abrasive- demonic worship or images of mythical creatures that rival God, such as the Pegasus and the more popular minotaurs: These acts go against the First and Second Commandments," You shall have no other gods before Me: You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth, respectively.

According to Father Joseph, the human body is not meant to be decorated with demonic images or images of great importance to the Church such as "The Crucifixion".

The Catholic Church does not have as rigid guidelines for piercing as tattoos. The only preferences are that the piercing be done in the ear. Multiple piercing are allowed, but should be limited in number and to women. The Catholic Church recognizes male piercing to a degree, but piercing that go against the multiple piercing preference are seen as an attempt for men to sexually disorient, make themselves more feminine. This perception arrives from the Catholic Church's ongoing Crusade against homosexuality.

The easier list to remember is what is allowed. Yes, for the lovers of today, being inked with the name of a spouse or mate is allowed. Minor representations of religious stature, crosses, are also accepted as long as the person receiving the images does relate the image to his or her toughness, but leave the tattoo to religious devotion. In lay mens' terms: Do not propagate the use of religious sacramental to boasting of an ego. Piercing should be kept to body parts that are always legal to show and are above the waist: In most cases, above the neck is even better. Size, color, and shape have no bearing on whether or not a piercing is demonic.

The guidelines set down by the Church are strict and offer little to no room for discrepancy. The Catholic Church does not ask its followers to abstain from the popular trends of today, but to moderate their usage and adhere to the " code of conduct" of such behaviors. The purpose of the Catholic Church's restrictions is not to lock Catholics in convents and monasteries, but to allow them to realize a life that meets the almost inconceivable balance of moral righteousness and the ability to have a good time.

(Written by D.K.West)

Monday, July 27, 2009

My Own Butterfly Tattoo

Recommended tattoo & piercing shop


In the process of tattoo making


My butterfly tattoo

Yeah, finally...I've got my own butterfly tattoo! Actually, I didn't plan to make a tattoo. I was in Kota Kinabalu (KK) for 3D/2N stay with my beloved hubby and kids. We were in KK to celebrate my belated birthday (21st July, 09). However, I took the chance to meet my long lost contact best friend, Ollie.

I supposed to meet my other friends too but they can't make it. Luckily Ollie and some of her
family members are coming. We met at McDonald, CP and then I decided to visit the tattoo shop with Ollie. I'm so scared until my hands are shaking but I don't know how, suddenly I said I want to do it...he..he..Maybe because all the staffs there are very friendly and they advised me not to think much about the pain!

I'm really satisfied with my butterfly tattoo and I even want to make some more next time, perhaps another 3...ha..ha..For those who are planning to make a tattoo, don't be afraid but make sure you find a good place.

Therefore, for those who are in KK, I recommend you to go to Culture Shock, located in Centre Point, KK (Unit No 9, Ground Floor) or you may contact Mr Boc (016-8255949/017-8151243). This place is the first licensed tattoo shop in Sabah and for sure, all the staffs there are very friendly and they will give you more information or suggestion about it.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Happy Birthday To Me


Hi friends, it's my 32nd birthday on the last 21st July, 2009. As usual, I received lots of birthday wishes thru sms and mms starting 00.01hrs! Honestly, I never bother about the special gifts that I'll received on my birthday. As long as my families and friends remember my birthday, that is enough to me.

It was heavy rain on the night of 21st July. So, we cancelled our intention to have dinner outside. Besides, I've been informed about the Tsunami prediction on the 22nd July. So, I prefer to stay at home! Luckily, nothing serious happened on that day but the weather in Keningau is more better compare to Kota Kinabalu (KK) as my friend told me.

Anyway, my hubby is planning to bring me and the kids to KK tomorrow, as my belated birthday celebration just among us...thanks dear, really appreciate it coz he knows that I really wanted to go to Big Apple Donuts...he..he..Well, hope I can upload more new photos soon.

To my friend Ollie, thanks for the gifts. It arrived exactly on my birthday, same as last year!

Dear God, thanks for your blessing too. I'm still alive at the aged of 32 with a good health and my loving family.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Hi


Hi friends, just want to let you know that I'll be very, very busy until the end of July. I've got something to do and won't be able to be online everyday as I used to. Anyway, I'll try my best to update my blog and my other networks whenever I'm free. For those who have Friendster or Facebook, please add me as well.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Our 6th Wedding Anniversary

Our wedding day on 21st June 2003



Today (21st June 2009) is our 6th wedding anniversary. A few minutes past midnight, I've got a suprised kiss from my dear hubby. I was sleeping at that time, in front of tv and our kids are laughing at us when they saw their daddy is kissing their mummy...ha..ha..

Honestly, I never think much about how we are going to celebrate it because the most important thing to me, is he didn't forget our anniversary date and we are still together, even after six years.

Actually, we've known each other since 1997. Both of us are very active in church activities, especially in choir and music. Then, we've got engaged in 10th October, 1998 (on his 26th birthday) and we've got married in 21st June, 2003. That's mean, we've been together for almost 12 years!! Quite long, huh? We've been through a lot of temptations, we quarrel most of the times and even almost broke up our relationship. Luckily, God is still with us. We managed to settle down everything in God's hands and finally, we got married and have 2 lovely kids!

My dear hubby, if you read this, I just want to let you know how lucky I am to have you as my prince charming. "YOU'RE EVERYTHING I COULD ASK FOR IN A HUSBAND - YOU MAKE MY LIFE COMPLETE". I love you and "NOTHING'S GONNA CHANGE MY LOVE FOR YOU".

Friday, June 19, 2009

Happy Father's Day 2009!



Father's Day is not as respected and popularly observed as Mother's Day. There is a simple reason for this. Although almost everyone has difficult issues with their mothers, there is no doubt as to their mother's love. The same is not true for fathers. Because men have a more difficult time expressing their feelings to their children, many children go through life with the mistaken notion that their fathers don't love them. This is a tragedy because fathers generally love their children dearly and often work long hours so that they can raise their children in comfort.



Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day.



Dancing with my dad on my wedding day

To my beloved dad, thanks for everything. I love you dad!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A Great Weekend

Hmmm...it's been a long time since I didn't update my blog. Quite busy with my life as a fulltime housewife and of course with my kids. Well, eventhough we didn't go anywhere during the school holidays, but we still have a great weekend. Just a family trip to Kota Kinabalu (KK).

We went to KK last 12th June, the journey from Keningau-KK took about 1 hr 45 min, using Jalan Kimanis. We arrived in KK at 1500hrs and we fetched my sister at Cosmopoint College. After that, check in to our favourite hotel in KK, Imperial Hotel.

After some rest, I went out to Centre Point Mall with my sister. Actually, I am planning to make a tattoo but I didn't find the place that was recommended by my friend, Ollie. So, I decided to do some shopping. It's school holidays, so lots of discount, discount, discount! However, I'm only interested to buy things for my kids and a high heels for me at my favourite place, Vincci. Very cheap, after less the price is only RM 43!!

I luv brown colour

Then, we hang out together at my another favourite place, Big Apple Donuts in Warisan Square. Gosh, I am donuts lover especially the Californian Almond and Snowy. I used to hang out with my kids but this time, only my sister and I, but I really have a good time.

Californian Almond, one of my fav donuts


Big Apple Donuts in Warisan Square

We went back to hotel then have a rest for a while...ha..ha..sakit kaki sa berjalan! After a good rest, we went to 1 Borneo (1B), the largest hypermall. Again, 1B is my favourite place too! As usual, we will spend more times at the Kids playground. We have our dinner there at the Chicken Rice Shop and before we left, I went to Big Apple Donuts once again..lol.

All of us are so tired, therefore we went back to hotel directly but my sister and I went out for a while just to buy McFlurry at McDonald. However it was closed, so we just bought scoop ice creams at Warisan Square, quite expensive but still yummy!

ZZZzzz...

The next morning of 13th June, we have our breaklunch (breakfast+lunch) at La Manila Restaurant because it's almost noon time already. After that, we check out from the hotel and went to Papar (My hubby's hometown). We went there to celebrate advance Father's Day and advance 4th birthday for my youngest son too (Actual date is 14th June). I love bbq and I really enjoyed myself that night. We went to sleep after midnight.

(Chicken satay, kerabu mangga, vege' & bbq chicken wings)

Birthday boy, Randy Victor (4 yrs old)

The very next day of 14th June (HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANDY VICTOR!), I woke up early and have some chats with my mother in law. Then have our breakfast together and we departed from Papar around 1030hrs. My hubby got something to do in KK, therefore we went to Inanam at my eldest sister's house and waited there.

After a few hours, my hubby came and we went to one of the chinese restaurant in Inanam. I tried the Hai Nam Chicken Rice and it's very delicious! (Opps, forgot about my diet during the weekend..ha..ha..) We went home and arrived safely in Keningau around 1855hrs (using Jalan Tambunan, the journey took about 2 hrs 30 min).

I'm so tired but as usual, I have to do all the house chores first...I guess that I'm cleanaholics..ha..ha..What a great weekend! Thanks hubby, love you :)

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Kaamatan Festival (Part 2)



The main highlight of the Kaamatan Festival is the Unduk Ngadau (Beauty Contest). Here are some facts about it.


At noontime, something stirs to move the crowd towards the main hall packing it to its full capacity. But of course, who would want to miss the main highlight of the Kaamatan Festival, the moment of beautification of Huminodun in Unduk Ngadau.
Lest we forget, the Unduk Ngadau Queen selection is never meant to be just another of those Beauty Queen Contests. Here, feminine sensuality and bold exhibitions of the physical endowments of contestants do not determine the winner.
Beyond physical beauty, concealed in piety and attired decently in full traditional costumes, the Unduk Ngadau must satisfy the judges that in her most natural self she portrays the best potentials to resemble beatified Huminodun, the Kadazandusun Queen of love and compassion, the ultimate symbol of perfection and purity, as reflected in the ancient Momolian Rinaits:
“Were your beauty light, it would be as the blazing sun,And my eyes would not withstand to gaze at your transfigured face;Were your piety and might measurable in terms of height,Tthey would reach the noon sun and yet stand firm and upright;For you are divine, symbol of perfection, purity and sacrificial love.”
In the words of the Late Bobolian Odu Miada Gumarong: “Kohunduk do tadau kabalangkason di Huminodun”, which means, “The radiance of Huminodun’s beauty is such that it can shame the eyeball of the sun and cause it to drop”
Once crowned, the reigning Unduk Ngadau is expected to be about the will and ways of Huminodun for a year, living an exemplary lifestyle in caring and serving the less fortunate, championing causes for the poor and the needy and doing other benevolent work deemed attributes of Huminodun.
Comes the next Kaamatan Festival, the Unduk Ngadau Crown, along with its honor, dignity and responsibilities will then be passed on to the new Unduk Ngadau and thereafter to the lines of succeeding future Unduk Ngadaus, to keep alive always, Huminodun’s divinity in Unduk Ngadau, in Paddy and humanity itself.
2. Huminodun’s Everlasting Kaamatan Message
Huminodun’s message, soft and gentle, shall always be the highest joyful thoughts, the clearest words of truth and the profoundest feelings of love.
To understand Huminodun as Soul of Unduk Ngadauis to understand the Kaamatan Festival;Huminodun is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow…So too, Unduk Ngadau will always be -- The Soul of Kaamatan, Enduring where and when all else perish, like Love endures,For Huminodun in Unduk Ngadau is Love.

There are 41 finalist this year from all the district around Sabah. However, picture below is my favourite finalist this year, Ms Appey Rowena, representing Papar.






Well, for those outside Sabah or Malaysia who never experience this festival, you should come to Sabah , perhaps next 30th-31st May, 2010! You won't regret it! I'm proud to be a Sabahan...Sabah boleh bah!
Wishing you all KOTOBIAN TADAU TAGAZO DO KAAMATAN 2009!

The Kaamatan Festival (Part 1)


I'd like to share some history about the Kaamatan Festival in Sabah (Copied from www.borneotech.com/culture/cultharvest.html by Benedict Topin). Perharps one day, you may come to Sabah and celebrate it together with us.

1. Introduction
A beautiful country is Sabah Malaysia, land below the wind, land of biodiversity, natural beauty, peace and tranquility, and home of some of the world’s most vibrant and colorful indigenous peoples: the multi-ethnic Kadazandusuns, the Muruts, the Rungus and the Bajaus, who are otherwise known as “the cowboys of the Orient’.

Though many of Sabah’s indigenous peoples have now ventured into the modern way of life and moved to the cities to pursue modern careers, a sizeable number of them still live their ancestral way of life, conscious of their traditional worldviews and practicing their customary laws known as “Adats and Pantangs”.

The Kadazandusuns in particular still have their Priests and Priestesses called Bobolians. They are the authorities on the socio-spiritual and communal life of the Kadazandusuns: the intermediaries between humans and divinities, healers and performers of cultural rites and ceremonies of the human life stations such as birth, marriage, sickness, death and life beyond this world.

In the field of agronomy, they are the guardians of the life cycle of the Kadazandusun staple crop - paddy, and keepers and propagators of various other multi-purpose plants and food resources.

2. Why Kaamatan Festival?

Through the enlightened eyes of the Bobolians the Kadazandusun genesis and divine concept of creation, sin, repentance, love and salvation was revealed as the philosophical foundation of the annual Kaamatan Festival.

First there was nothing but Kinoingan and His wife Sumundu. Out of love, they created man, the universe, heaven and earth, and everything seen and unseen, known and unknown.
In the beginning, all was well in the heavens, and the world was pure and beautiful until Kinoingan’s own son Ponompulan rebelled and corrupted the hearts and minds of mankind on Earth, seeking to use all creations as tools and agents of his evil designs.
Disappointed and angry, Kinoingan banished Ponompulan from the heavens and cast him to the Underworld Kolungkud.

Then to discipline mankind for their sinful ways, Kinoingan delivered the seven plagues, the last of which was a prolonged severe drought followed by seedlessness and famine threatening to destroy the earth.

3. The Seven Scourges

1. The First Scourge: War over lost Tataba & Kolian Pinogitigurasan

2. The Second Scourge: Plague Rapit

3. The Third Scourge: Dispersion & Migration Minogiurias

4. The Fourth Scourge: Locusts Minonombilalang

5. The Fifth Scourge: Deluge Minalagob-podluyud

6. The Sixth Scourge: Drought Minabpagadau

7. The Seventh Scourge: Seedlessness and Famine Pudsoh om Lous

4. Redemption

Out of compassion, Kinoingan’s Daughter Ponompuan entreated Her Father’s mercy to forgive humankind and consented to Kinoingan’s design that She be the sacrificial symbol of the greatest love of all. This in essence is socio-spiritual redemption within the traditional worldviews of the Kadazandusuns.

Kinoingan thus sacrificed His only Daughter so that the people could have food. Her body parts were cut to pieces and planted as seeds and became food resources of the world. Her flesh and blood became red rice, and her sacred spirit became the Seven-in-One, the Rice Soul, fondly called Bambarayon by the Kadazandusun Bobolians.

5. Huminodun in Bambarayon and Bambarayon in Paddy

Bambarayon is believed to be embodied in all parts of the paddy plant and its related products. During the course of its season it is inevitable that paddy is damaged and parts become physically and spiritually severed and strayed from the Seven-in-One msytical Paddy manifestation of Huminodun: Som-puun, Son-guas, Son-rawoh, Son-gi-ih, Son-wawar, Som-putul and Som-bilod. This can happen naturally, unintentionally and innocently or through abuse and neglect.

6. Why Magavau?(47k)
Thus, immediately after harvest, Bambarayon’s severed and dispersed mystical components have to be brought home, to be appeased, healed and re-united again as one. So Bobolians perform the Magavau and Modsu’ut Ceremony, traveling through the levels of the spirit world to pursue and rescue the strayed parts of mystical Bambarayon. Whole again, Bambarayon rejuvenates and ensures the bounty of the next harvest. To thank Kinoingan for Bambarayon and to commemorate Huminodun’s loving sacrifice, the commemorative Kaamatan Festival is thus held.

As the paddy grains are children to Bambarayon, the Bobolians view the Kaamatan Festival celebrants as children of Huminodun and alternatively children of Bambarayon.


Toguruon: The Seven-in-One Spirit, attributes and symbolic objects of fully integrated holistic Bambarayon.
Zandi Rosinim Pigis (once a student Bobolian) from Kampong Pantai Tambunan shared that the following are the normal objects used to symbolize the existence of the Seven-in-One Spirit of Bambarayon:

NAMES (SYNONYMS) / ATTRIBUTE / SYMBOL

1. Pohinopot (Ohinopot)/ Self realizing / Dokuton (Clay)

2. Pohinomod (Ohinomod)/ Self determining / Gagamas (Knife)

3. Pokotiru (Otiru) / Self preserving / Pangasaan (Sharpener stone)

4. Potingudan (Oudan) / Self generating / Solunsug (Bamboo conduit)

5. Podihuntun (Ompidot) / Self integrating / Pinudsu- pudsu (Paddy mound)

6. Polikambang (Olikambang) / Self copious / Nangkob (Paddy barn replica)

7. Potinoud (Otinoud) / Self purifying / Rilibu (Winnower)


The above symbolic objects are considered to correspond to the seven spiritual attributes of Huminodun in Bambarayon. Bits and pieces of the above objects are wrapped together inside a black cloth container and hung together with the seven ears of paddy on a bamboo pole to be left in the paddy fields until the harvesting is finished. This symbolizes the ideal integration of all the seven spiritual components of the mystical body of Huminodun in Bambarayon and is referred to as Toguruon meaning “the One that many join for completion and fulfillment”. Essentially, this is the holistic rice soul (Sunduan do Parai), Bambarayon in its Seven-in-One complete form. This is the reason why the Bobolians have recommended that the Toguruon be used as Symbol of the Kaamatan Festival. As soon as harvesting is completed the Toguruon is put inside a basket, brought home and placed on top of paddy tangkobs or torutips granaries.

8. Kaamatan Rites

Through the Kaamatan Rites, the Kadazandusuns maintain their socio-spiritual practices of:i) Momulangga to establish and maintain peace and harmonyii). Miulung to share their harvest and express their self-determination;iii) Magavau & Moginakan to receive holy communion by consuming new rice and drinking new rice wine, which in essence is Divine Huminodun herself;iv) Mominodun to beatify Huminodun in Unduk Ngadau;v) Monugandoi to sing praise and thanksgiving to Kinoingan;vi) Monoguli & Monolimbagu to renew and live a better way of life, andvii) Mononglumaag to usher health and prosperity.

By the observance of the principle of kakatiu, every Kaamatan Festival celebrant must feast according to his or her needs, and forbidden to glut and waste any of the offerings served.

To waste food and/or to get drunk and lose one’s composure during Kaamatan Festival is regarded as dishonor and sacrilege to Huminodun for which the guilty will have to face both the Kadazandusun Hukum Adat (Traditional Laws) and socio-spiritual justice from Libabou.

Over the years, the Kaamatan Festival has evolved and transformed into an epitome expression of the multi-cultural souls of the indigenous peoples of Sabah. Throughout the month of May, Kaamatan celebrations are held annually at the family, village, district and State levels.

9. Kaamatan Festival Month Launching

On May 1st of each year, the Kaamatan Festival Month of May is launched from a pre-chosen district in Sabah. This ensures the participation in action by the numerous ethnic communities within and around the Kaamatan launching district to promote their unique cultural heritage as well as multi-cultural peace, understanding and harmony.

10. Kaamatan Finale (57k)

Comes 30th and 31st of May, Sabah’s indigenous peoples, domestic and foreign tourists, and people from all walks of life commune at the Cultural Unity Center (Hongkod Koisaan) for the final days of the Kaamatan Festival celebration.

The natives put on their finest traditional costumes displaying a rich potpourri of cultural attires, designs, motives and colors.

Hands reaching hands in friendship, all celebrants, guests and visitors alike are welcomed; new relationships are established, while past and current brotherhood are renewed and further strengthened among peoples of all races, creed and cultural traditions in the true spirit of Kaamatan.

11. Kaamatan Festival at National Level

The year 2001 of the new millennium marks yet another milestone in the Kaamatan Festival’s history. For the first time Kaamatan Festival is being celebrated at the National Level with financial allocations from the Federal Government. It now depends on all Malaysians to make Kaamatan as the newest opportunity and venue for the multi-cultural expressions of their harmonious unity in diversity at national level.

12. National Kaamatan Festival Open House

Besides this the Federal Government has since last year also begun to organize the National Level Kaamatan Open House celebration, where local culinary delights, beverages, cultural arts and performances continue to be encouraged to be promoted.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Love Letters

No more AF7, so no more updated blog every week! Quite bored, but I'll be used to it sooner. Anyway, my hubby went to his village or balik kampung in Papar last week. My kids and I didn't follow him because he got something urgent to do there.

However, when he was there, he did send me an sms and told me that he found our old love letters! OMG! I can't believe it because I don't remember where I put it when we moved to another place. (We are in Lahad Datu before then moved to Keningau but some of our belongings are still in Lahad Datu and even in Papar).

Some of the love letters
When he arrived at home, I pretend not to care much about it. The next day, after he went to school (my hubby is a teacher), I went to our bedroom and I found the chocolate box. Just imagine, all the love letters and cards are written somewhere in 1998 - 2002!! He..he..I don't remember at all about it! Well, that's more than 10 years ago!! At that time, we communicate more through letters and cards...time tu belum famous handphone..he..he..Nowadays, people communicate more through handphone or internet!


Some of the lovely cards


I keep on laughing while reading those love letters and cards. I mean the way we wrote it but some of the words really touching my heart. Well, I used to collect lots of romantic poems, quotes, etc. I'm a sentimental person, you know! Ha..ha..Actually, I'm a kind of person that will keep everything that I like. Some people will throw it after a few years, but not to me. I still have my stamp and shells collections, NKOTB's merchandises and all my penpals letters since 1989!!

Well, it's good to have old collections of our favorite things. At least we have something to remember. Just as long as you don't collect bf, gf, wife or husband more than one..lol

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