I love history but unfortunately, there aren't many blogs that have Southeast Asian history as its general theme.

It was months ago when I blogged about the Srivijayan empire that stretched across at 4 modern Southeast Asian state: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. At one time, it even set foot in Cambodia. In fact, its interference in local Cambodian politics gave rise to the great Angkorian empire.

Anyway, the post on Srivijaya attracted a person that maintains a blog called SEAArch came across my blog and gave his two cents worth. On this blog entry, I'm uninterested in his comment but rather, his blog. The blog revolves around on archeology in Southeast Asia. Right now, the blog is the only blog that I read that touches on Southeast Asian history.

If you love history, to straight to SEAArch!

Sorry about double post.

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Starting this February, the Asia's Perfect 10 Blog introduces its monthly segment, the Southeast Asian of the Month which will feature different personalities that became well-known not just in the region but also all over the world. Know more about the greatest Southeast Asians of the modern times, their good and even terrible deeds (but great!) that may have (or may have not) changed our lives today.

Stay tuned!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono lead the state funeral of former President Haji Muhammad Suharto. "We have lost one of the best people in our nation - a person who was a real and loyal fighter and a person that has been respectful to the nation," said Mr Yudhoyono.

Suharto died on Sunday in Jakarta at the age of 86 after suffering multiple organ failure. The Indonesian government has also declared seven days of mourning for the general who ruled Indonesia for 32 years with an iron fist.

Dignitaries and regional government representatives are scheduled to attend Suharto's funeral at the family mausoleum, the Astana Giri Bangun, at Karangamnyar near Solo in Central Java.

Though he left a mixed legacy, especially a dubious human rights record, Asian leaders praised Suharto for having built the Indonesian economy.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Suharto family and the Indonesian people.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo noted Suharto's critical role in building the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which has grown into a 10-country bloc and increased the region's influence in global politics.

''As one of the founding fathers of ASEAN, President Suharto was among those who had the pioneering vision of establishing a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous Southeast Asian region founded on respect and understanding,'' Arroyo said in a statement.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong flew to Jakarta on Sunday night and paid respect to the late Indonesian leader, saying, ''Suharto's leadership, vision, and statesmanship enabled all ASEAN countries to grow and prosper in peace, and made ASEAN a respected player in the Asia Pacific.''

"Younger people do not know how disastrous was the economic situation in Indonesia before September 1965 when hyper-inflation was drowning Indonesia's economy," Lee Kuan Yew said in a condolence letter to Suharto's daughter.

"Under Pak Harto's leadership he turned the country around and made Indonesia an economic success story," he wrote.

Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in his condolence letter summed it up in these words, "I have no doubt that history will accord Pak Suharto a place of honour in Indonesia's history when his life's work is studied in calm perspective.

Indonesian President Yudhoyono gives the national flag to Siti Hardianti Rukmana, the daughter of former leader Suharto

Bambang Trihatmojo, a son of former Indonesian President Suharto, holds his father during the burial ceremony

Children of former Indonesian President Suharto scatter flowers on the coffin during the burial ceremony

Story: Damiana L. Eugenio (From The Myths: Philippine Folk Literature )
Art: Li Julian
Long ago when the world was still young the good and evil gods were not yet enemies as they are now. They were friends, each living separately in a mountain (Bolod, Bicol). One report even said that they were brothers. Gugurang, the good god, was living inside Mount Mayon, and Asuang, the evil one, inside Mount Malinao. As gods they had control of the welfare of the people. But Gugurang was more powerful than Asuang who was merely a subordinate; the former was the chief deity (cagurangnan) of the Bicols.

Now Gugurang was given full control over the people, who learned to look up to him for protection or for advancement. Whenever the people disobeyed his orders or wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon Volcano to rumble terribly. The people in time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways. Or if their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners.

Gugurang then became the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava (abo).

Now, Asuang had no fire in his abode inside Mount Malinao (to the north of Albay). He wanted to be as powerful as Gugurang, at least. If the people aroused his wrath, he wanted to subdue them by a fire or rumbling in Mount Malinao (this was still whole then). He entreated Gugurang to give him some fire but Gugurang emphatically refused.

"How dare you ask for my fire! " Gugurang thundered. The earth trembled. "Don't you know that when the fire in my seat is carried by hands such as yours the whole world will be set on fire?"

"But I will be very careful," replied Asuang.

"Be careful! I myself with all my power cannot handle it."

"But how can you threaten the people with it?"

"It is not my will that does it. It is someone else's that you or I do not know nor will ever know. But the rainy days are coming and I need fire to make me warm in Mount Malinao."

"Why," answered Gugurang, "you have lived there for many years and this is the first time that you have asked me for it, what will you use the fire for? Look at your people; they can live without it."

"Well, it is time for you to give them fire now."

"Give them fire!" burst Gugurang. The earth shook and the people were more afraid. But soon Gugurang quelled the commotion. Asuang himself was frightened. He never saw him that way before.

"They are not fit to have it yet! They must make themselves worthy."

"Well, am I not worthy?"

"You! you lay god! Look at your ragged mountain and compare it to Mayon which is the most beautiful in the world."

Asuang argued with him for a long time but Gugurang would not budge an inch. Asuang suddenly discovered, which before he had not, that Gugurang was all-powerful. Asuang narrowed his eyes and smiled with sinister import. He decided to oppose him from now on.

"You want to be the omnipotent power," Asuang cried. "But between us two there is not much difference. Why must I live in a humble place like Mount Malinao while you sit here gloating over your power unlimited and unchecked?"

"Stop!" The earth shivered as Gugurang stamped his feet on the ground. Asuang only smiled this time. That made Gugurang angry all the more. He struck out but before his blow could land, Asuang had vanished already. Gugurang was greatly amazed at this—the new power of Asuang in making himself invisible.

Then from a short distance in the room came the voice of the evil one, "If I cannot get fire in good will, I will in bad—I will steal it."

"Try—and before you can do that I will cut your mountain in twain."

"Then let there be war between us," countered Asuang. Thus the good and the evil became enemies from that time on. Motives were many to prove that Asuang was ambitious. It could not be doubted that the power to rule intrigued him. He determined to oppose every move of Gugurang. He gathered around him evil counselors and evil spirits whom he sent to the earth to turn the people to evil ways. After that, there was much immorality, lawlessness and crime. Gugurang in no time found out that it was Asuang who was causing all these things.

He sent pestilence to the barrios and for a moment the people turned to the omnipotent for protection. Gugurang asked them for another atang or sacrifice and warned them to follow his commandments strictly or be exterminated by floods or eruption. Against Asuang himself Gugurang was powerless to do anything. It seemed that in the twinkle of an eye Asuang came to possess hidden powers hitherto denied him.

Gugurang particularly guarded his fire lest his enemy make good his threat of stealing it. He assigned his trusted helpers (catambang) to guard the symbol of his power. He was afraid, besides, that if the fire were to go out of its confines the world would be consumed in a mighty conflagration.

But in spite of the precaution taken, Asuang was able to enter and locate the guarded object, and with many guiles and wiles, he bribed the guards with gold (bolauan). The temptation (sogot) was too sweet to be denied. Hence Asuang obtained possession of Gugurang's fire. Putting it inside a coconut shell he started with it.

Gugurang in his throne suddenly noticed that everything around him turned black, and that there were cries in the bowels of the volcano. But outside, the world was on fire. Every barrio that Asuang passed caught fire. Asuang!" Gugurang cried. And with this he flew into the air pursuing the thief. While terror reigned among the people who were powerless against the conflagration, Gugurang and Asuang raced for supremacy. Gugurang must get the fire back, or else he would be left without any power at all. All the air around grew hot but still they went madly on. Asuang was nearing his seat and if he could get there before Gugurang, it would be lost for the good god would then be under the spell of the devil.

Asuang braced up for the last stride and just as he was about to descend Mount Malinao, Gugurang caught up with him, snatched the fire in the coconut shell, and vanished with it. Asuang was greatly surprised. He could not make himself invisible, as he would. Gugurang on reaching Mount Mayon returned the fire to its place, and everything was bright again inside. Now before doing anything else he set about stopping the conflagration. He bade the heavens (calangitan) to rain continuously. And there was rain. And the big fire was under control. The people at once offered atangs, because they were convinced it was Gugurang who had caused the fire because of their wickedness.

Then Gugurang punished the guards by chaining them to the precipices. Then for his revenge on Asuang—he ordered Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike hard against Mount Malinao that was defying him. Asuang attempted to bribe Linti and Dalogdog. What is the use of your serving a master when you don't even receive any reward?" Asuang asked. "Why don't you join me? Here you can have what you want. You can be your master."

Linti, quite taken, asked, "You mean what you said?" Sure," the wily Asuang answered. It is true we are driven like slaves," said the thunder.

At this Gugurang sent his thunderbolt. Boom! Crash! For several minutes the world sank and bobbed and sank again. All the mountains creaked. Then a mighty crashing was made amid the din. Gugurang then ordered the lightning and the thunder to stop. All was over in a few minutes.

Then the people noticed that what was once Mount Malinao was but half now. They thanked the omnipotent for destroying the abode of the devil. (To this day one who sails the Tabaco Bay will still see that Mount Malinao seems to have been cut while Mayon stands majestically unimpaired.)

The people for a time believed that Asuang was killed, but later his influence was doing havoc with the populace. Incidentally, the people got fire, for the enterprising few kept some embers to keep themselves warm during the rain that followed the conflagration.

Nanyang Technological University

Royal University of Phnom Penh

Burapha University




We were not able to find pictures of the following:
Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City National University
University of Yangon
Yangon Institute of Economics
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember

Photos courtesy of Google and Yahoo.

Special thanks to Maricar of http://www.filipinasoul.com/, Dave Lucas' Around the Blogosphere and Katiek of Ode Magazine Online for featuring and linking my previous article "How to Ride the Jeepney" to their sites. ^_^

I think everybody in this region is familiar with the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, albeit we know it with slightly different names in each of our languages.










Cambodia














Indonesia (Javanese)













Indonesia (Balinese)












Laos











Myanmar










Thailand







The great epic inspires us so much that each of us adopted it as our national epic. Each nation adjusted the story to fit their own tradition and culture, resulted in unique varieties we find all over Southeast Asia.

Khmer people call it by the name Reamker. Indonesians have various versions including the Javanese Kakawin Ramayana and Balinese Ramakavaca. Phra Lak Phra Lam is what it's called in Laos. Burmese people has their version which is called the Yama Zatdaw. Malaysian version was adjusted to Islamic teachings in Hikayat Seri Rama. While people the Philippines got Maradia Lawana and Darangen. And of course, Thai people have Ramakien.

The epic inspires not only in the area of literature, but also in other areas such as drama dances and puppet theaters. People adores the characters so much, they name their children with the names of the characters from the epic. Go on, look around you and try to find people whose names have connection with Ramayana, it shouldn't be hard.

Our traditional scripts are beautiful and elegant, and with rich history behind them too! Let's celebrate our unity with writing "ASEAN" in our traditional scripts. It's not complete, but we're open for contribution. Come on, tell us how do you write "ASEAN" in your script!


The first one is in Cambodian/Khmer (thanks to Denith)



The second ones are from Indonesia (Javanese Hanacaraka/Carakan script and Sundanese Pakuan/Sunda Kuna script)
The third one is Philippines' Baybayin script (thanks to asyano)

Goombaking, a Khmer friend on AF sent me a PM the other day, asking me to translate an article in an Indonesian blog. It turned out the story is about Mekhala and the origin of thunder. Goombaking thought the tale was only famous in Cambodia and Thailand, he's quite surprised to see that it's more widespread than he ever thought. I began to think, there are a lot of similarities between us that we just don't know about. We thought we're so different, but if we look closer we're actually quite alike. I would like to start a series on our common myth and tales, beginning with the Kinnars.
Kinnaras (male) and Kinnaris (female) are mythical half-human half-bird creature found in Hinduism and Buddhism. The kinnars are often depicted of having the head, torso and arms of a human and the wings, tail and feet of a bird or swan. There are a lot of stories in SEA which features these celestial beings. One of the most famous story is about the love story between a kinnari Manohara (Manora in Thailand) and Prince Sudhana (the story is featured on the reliefs of Borobudur temple, Indonesia).
In Thailand and Cambodia, the Kinnars are often used as decorations in temples. In Java, Indonesia the kinnars are often depicted guarding the divine tree kalpataru (kalpavriksha). Burmese depiction of Kinnaris are unique as their breasts are covered. Meanwhile, the Kinnars in Sari temple, Indonesia have their wings on their back which makes them look like the angels in western culture.

President Susilo of Indonesia is here in Malaysia for a 3-day official visit. I'd just like to greet him welcome.

Relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia reached a low recently and I hope this visit would repair of some the dent suffered. One visit of course wouldn't suffice. After all, it is relationship between people-to-people that is hurt, not interstate relationship. But it could be the first step towards a greener pasture. For two countries that have so much in common, it is unfortunate that both got into petty squabble, especially about culture.

a young village girl smiles on cam with her sister

We cannot deny that among the great problems of the Southeast Asian region is poverty. Here in the Philippines, millions of filipinos are still below poverty line. A major problem that has been resolved by the goverment through the years.

As young citizens, Me, together with the Pagtatap-Philippines Youth Organization, a youth chapter of the Pagtatap Foundation, Incorporated launched an Outreach Program for the poor in the remote village of Tabay in the Province of Antique, Philippines, December 30, 2007.

As an Alumnus of the Organization, I wasn't required to go but I wanted to try it out though. Aboard a truck, we travelled the long rough road to Tabay Village.












The Team arrives to the end of the road to Tabay.

















The Tabay Elementary School, the only school in the mountaneous village















A young barefooted village child












They unloaded the goods and delivers it to the poor citizens of the village.













Yours truly poses with other alumni during a short program for the people of the village.







































The Team then handed over the relief goods and snacks to the grateful citizens.













Village children dance happily^_^




























your correspondent smiles with the village girl











































Finally, the Org vacates the village with happy faces.

It was a really meaningful way of spending my vacation and I'm glad it turned out pretty well.

There are a lot of ways we can help them. Let's start by a simple prayer and eventually, that prayer may be answered. Whenever we hear the call to serve, never be deaf. Always remember that love starts by a simple act of kindness.

Happy New Year!

Photos taken by Allen and Devreyn(former Pagtatap President)

I was in my hometown when everything happened but the news came as quick as it should be. Our humble and simple clan (teary-eyed^_^) won the AsiaFinest Best Clan Award garnering 40.48% of votes and besting five outstanding clans.

Thank you to all those who supported us since the beginning especially to the Southeast Asian people in whom we dedicate this Blog.

To everyone and to the creators and contributors of countless ideas about unity and peace, Thank You.