Christmas was busy this year, but before I go further, I have to thank Ben for making this Christmas very much different from the other Christmas I’ve had. I guess, the comic by Eggyork above sums who is Ben, managing director of Minex Jewellery, for most of us bloggers’ this year. He’s sort of Santa to us this year. Those whom didn’t get any jewellery from Ben.. ahh.. You’ve been bad!! hahahaha
So, I missed the big finals for the treasure hunt last 24th. I was home at my kampung in Bau on the 23rd, and I only returned home that night to know that Eggyork won 3 diamonds from this treasure hunt! Talk about luck! Well, family comes first, money comes later they say…
Christmas was usual back in my village, and grandma was busy making her ‘pogang‘ or they call it ‘lemang‘ in Malay. I camwhored through my stay at my village, and I actually caught a few decent photo’s and the ones featured here are of the ‘pogang‘ in making. For those unfamiliar to the Bidayuh ways, well, ‘pogang‘ is a must during any occasion. It’s like tea for Chinese, maruku for the Indians, or ketupat for the malays. In other words, its traditional.
The making of ‘pogang‘ is actually quite simple, but it takes years of experience to produce a quality one. Too much coconut milk (santan) would see the ‘pogang‘ being soft and soggy, while lack of experience in handling the cooking of the ‘pogang’ would see your bamboo catching fire. I’m not being all ‘smart-ass’ on this, but that’s what gandma said. I only know how to eat this delicious dish actually *Wink*
Since most of my uncles, cousins and unties were back on the 24th, so the 24th was the grand day for us. I spent the 25th by visiting relatives and colleages. I managed to romp 5 houses this Christmas, but failed to make it to Matthew’s house, so I guess I’d have to put his house for next Christmas, or Gawai.
I guess this is a quick post, as I am quite busy preparing for the new school term which falls in 7 days. Wish the holidays was longer, but yeahh.. A year will soon be gone, and a new year will emerge. Crossing my fingers for a wonderful new year, but honestly.. I don’t know what to do on new year’s eve. Any suggestions?
Now i know you are from Bau. MErry CHristmas
willie’s last blog post..Cats Cats Cats in The Village
[cdason]
It’s no secret really 😀
After watching my mom did it a few times, I think I can dish a decent ‘pugang’ (as we call it in Biatah) too! heheh
U cud do some BBQ for new year’s eve and do some countdown. Invite ur students and gf and close family and some other bloggers (me me me!!) Or u cud do some romantic drive-away to some lovely beach and wait for midnight side by side. Or u cud just stay at home and let Amiey cook! (hehe)
One Other’s last blog post..Time-out at Karambunai…
[cdason]
Hahaha.. making ‘pogang’ is a skill all Bidayuh women should have. I don’t know why, but I always find my grandma’s ‘pogang’ to be the best.
And your suggestions.. I’m looking at the romantic drive away, seriously 😛 hehehhe…. The BBQ idea sounds nice, but I don’t have the space and I kind of do it every year. Amiey cooking?? Em, nahhh… it’s new year, I was thinking of something more relaxing 😀 Thanks for the amazing suggestions!!
me cooking??? y don’t u cook for me? normally the girls cook for guys… but change la…this new year eve u cook for me?haha
[cdason]
If you’re thinking of having maggi for new year, I could make that happen 😀
[…] I said I had no idea what to do for New Year’s eve? Well, despite the pretty awesome suggestions by some, including One Other’s romantic beach […]
Pogang in Bau is referred to a type of lemang without the banana leaf. It used smaller bamboo. And if I am not mistaken, it is not cook with santan. It is usually cooked during Gawai for offering to the Spirit, and for the guest. The type you shown is called ‘limang’, borrowed from Malay words. As ‘pogang’ can be quite stiff and bland without the santan, nowadays the Bidayuh prefer to cook limang.
[cdason]
Yeah… not sure which is which, but I guess you are right. I’m kind of ‘lost’ when it comes to the Bidayuh side of life.