Creativity from different aspects - The PEN Story

Creativity can come from many different ways and sometimes, it just pops into your head even from the slightest thing that relates to it. Many think that by sitting in front of a computer other than doing work, it's called "Curi Ular" or "lazing else where." Maybe for those typical office administrative or clerical work people.

Those that require creative elements in their work, like Advertising Firms, Branding, Public Relations, Media, Broadcasting, Design, Multimedia, Marketing Communications and much much more, will have to disagree that watching things like YouTube or some other thing is "playing". Even an inventor requires playing to get the job done. Some fun will instill and inspire while other activities bring the slightest of a touch to sensitivity and magic.

The PEN Story comes about from how Stop Motion can bring out a story into an actual Motion Picture. A short story play was developed with such motivation and the inspired work gave me more and more ideas.

An example is seen below using 60,000 pictures; developed 9,600 prints and shot over 1,800 more pictures again. With NO POST PRODUCTION, the wonders was brought to reality.


Thanks to all the stop motion artists who inspired the producers. I hope you enjoy :-)

Some of the comments we (the online community from the forum) have read from the original link suggest that we should mention the creator of "A wolf loves pork", Mr Taijin Takeuchi.

While we were looking for a way to realise a story describing "a journey through time" based on printed images, we were inspired by Mr Takeuchi's brilliant work. For this reason we intentionally quoted his work in our little movie while showing full respect to his original idea. We didnt mention his name because we did not want to do so without his prior agreement.

However after considering some of the comments posted here we have decided to add credits to him and his work, which we obviously absolutely love.

The Lonely Island - weird song called: I just had ***

I went laughing when Krystal Chong Suk yee shared and introduced a song to me and we went: "oit? ape da lagu nie?

Guess what? Apparently, the Group - The Lonely Island sang with Akon.



Now the wonders has risen. In 2005, Akon felt "Lonely". Then he started telling everyone in 2007-2008 that "I wanna f*ck you" and "I wanna make love, right na na na... etc". So, in 2010, he started with "I just had s*x". NEXT? Well, I'll tell you what's next. In 2011, "That's not mine" may become a number 1 hit on the billboards but... in 2012, Akon's latest hit storms the air waves with: "I Just got AIDS"

Anyway, here's the stupid lyrics [UNCENSORED ], LOLz:

I Just Had Sex

(Andy Samberg) 

Sometimes (Oh-oh-ohhh) 
Something beautiful happens in this world (Akon!) 
You don't know how to express yourself, so (And Lonely Island!) 
You just gotta sing 

(Akon) 

I just had sex (Ay) 
And it felt so good (Felt so good) 
A woman let me put my penis inside of her (Her) 
I just had se-ay-ee-ex 
And I'll never go back (Never go back) 
To the not-havin'-sex ways of the past 

(Samberg) 

Have you ever had sex? I have, it felt great (Yeah) 
It felt so good when I did it with my penis (Yeah) 
A girl let me do it, it literally just happened 
Having sex should make a nice man out the meanest 

(Jorma Taccone) 

Never guess where I just came from, I had sex 
If I had to describe the feelin', it was the best 
When I had the sex, man, my penis felt great 
And I called my parents right after I was done 

(Samberg) 

Oh, hey, didn't see you there, guess what I just did? 
Had sex, undressed, saw her boobies and the rest 
(Was sure nice of her to let you do that thing) 
Nice of any girl ever (Now sing) 

I just had sex (Ay) 
And it felt so good (Felt so good) 
A woman let me put my penis inside of her (Her) 
I wanna tell the world 

To be honest, I'm surprised she even wanted me to do it 
(Doesn't really make sense) But man, screw it 
(I ain't one to argue with a good thing) She could be my wife! 
(That good?) The best thirty seconds of my life 

I'm so humbled by a girl's ability to let me do her 
'Cause honestly, I'd have sex with a pile of manure 
With that in mind, a soft, nice-smellin' girl's better 
Plus she let me wear my chain and my turtleneck sweaters 

So this one's dedicated to them girls 
That let us flop around on top of them 
If you're near or far, whether short or tall 
We wanna thank you all for lettin' us fuck you 

She kept lookin' at her watch (Doesn't matter, had sex!) 
But I cried the whole time (Doesn't matter, had sex!) 
I think she might've been a racist (Doesn't matter, had sex!) 
She put a bag on my head (Still counts!) 

I just had sex (Ay) 
And my dreams came true (Dreams came true) 
So if you had sex in the last thirty minutes 
Then you qualified to sing with me 

I just had se-e-ex (Everybody sing!) 
And it felt so good (We all had sex!) 
A woman let me put my penis inside of her 
I just had se-ay-ee-ex (I just had sex) 
And I'll never go back (Never go back) 
To the not-havin'-sex ways of the past

Not your traditional Lion Dances

Ever wonder what will the Tiger do just to win the hearts of those leaving the Year behind soon just before the Year of the Rabbit takes over?

Well, Lions, the more 'senior jungle creatures' will come together to help their less predominant subjects out-do the Rabbits.

The Kings of the Jungle made a fusion of their dance and decided to woo their audience with this!

And the result? Not your typical traditional Lion Dance. Check out this modern Hip Hop Lion Dance at Raffles Place in Singapore. It's even got Ballet (LOLz, cute tut-sie for the Lions.) and something like Michael Jackson's Pop dance moves too.

Interview 1: Interview with a Vampire? The Series of recent interviews

Bee Chin was just talking to me about reading a recent interview of me in Jus Box. A magazine in Philippines (I think it's available somewhere in Makati City etc). I've not actually gone back there for about 2-3years already but the tabloid did interview me, if I'm not mistaken, 5 weeks ago?

So, speaking of interviews, she asked how was my interview tonight with Roy. A friend of hers from Singapore that's actually the Chief Journalist for the column 8-Gua Qings & Kueens. I noticed it was actually deliberately spelled this way. So, the 8-Gua column is for a magazine as well called The KeyPoh Chees. (no wonder the column sounded so busy body).

Anyway, Bee Chin brought up the topic because there had been series of interviews and she just wanted to know what was asked and how it was like. Another fan who emailed me in October did ask about what interviews were liked and what were asked etc. Stacy even requested to have some of the interview Q&As just for her curiosity and knowledge.

So, today, for Queenie Wong, Carmen Liaw & Bee Chin, I'll post Roy's interview here.

Roy: Evening Mr Ching, is this how I'll address you?
BC: Well, you can call me Brandon. Friends do call me Brad too. Close ones like sisters tease me with Bran Bran. *smiles*

Roy: Oh Brad it is. So, Brad.. The Qings & Kueens @ 8-Gua, and some netizens too, recently heard a gasp of news about you. You've became a hot topic for about weeks now and thus we called for this interview.
BC: Really? I'm flattered. Thank you anyway, for the interview.

Roy: We were told that Magix Productions & NJB House has just finished the shooting of 'Island in the Sky'. Is it a fictional movie?
BC: Yes, it's fictional and I play a small part as the character of an Assistant Manager for a Restaurant.

Roy: The movie is now at it's post-production stage, am I right? We heard the music is very unique. And I was shared a small snippet that sounded like holistic type of score. Is that true?
BC: Wow, it has leaked that far down South already? Yes, the movie intended for Taiwanese market is centered around beautiful scores to the hymn like Enya's music. The Music Director said she was inspired by Enya, in fact.

Roy: Our sources told us that you are part of that too?
BC: *Giggles* not exactly. I gave my 2 cent's worth only. I like to hum some tunes that helped her make the actual pieces.

Roy: What's the challenging part of your role?
BC: I guess it's the part where I've to run after the Jewelry store's snatch thief. Which turns out to be the store owner's daughter! We had so much exchange of words, I can't run and remember my lines so much.

Roy: You're not an actor by nature. But what made you decided to do a small part of this play?
BC: Play? It's a movie! Everyone hopes to be in one. Well, it's not a big time movie but, it's definitely for FUN. I just think it's a wonderful experience.

Roy: OK, then what do you actually do for a living?
BC: I'm actually assisting and consulting certain entrepreneurs and corporations.

Roy: Really? And they are in the movie line too?
BC: No, they range from Broadcasting to Oil & Gas, Aviation, IT and even Sports too.

Roy: I see. And music & acting is a hobby?
BC: Music is my passion. I love MUSIC. Making them, singing them. But acting is just for the fun and the little money I make over the few months. I'm just a small supporting character. It's not like I'm the STAR.

Roy: Recently, there's a re-run of an old drama that you had a small part in too. "Third Eye Blind" - you played a Vampire, wow!
BC: Ya. That's a very old drama. I think in 2001 or so. I was in 5 or 6 episodes only.

I was suppose to be a crawling half bodied zombie but the casting director felt I should do the vampire because she always  got surprised when I suddenly "popped" in front of her every time I walk around the hostel. She said I had no sound at all. No foot steps and all of a sudden, I'm always like a ghost that haunts her.

Thus, she wanted me to play the role of the vampire which seeks the blood of the one his former mother.

Roy: I agree. I was actually scared for a moment when you look green with your fangs as You Yu and Hui Xing opened the wok.
BC: *smiles* Naturally.

Roy: Ok, that aside. You played in other tele-dramas too. Don't you?
BC: Yes I did.

2 Seasons of The Eric Factor, also aired in Taiwan by GTv, as Dr. Eric Tsang and here's a spoiler: Season 3 is already been scripted and 2 episodes has already been shot so far.

Roy: I liked that show. Any new comers?
BC: Yes, 3 new supporting characters and 1 new actress.

Roy: Is that your new lover for Season 3?
BC: Good guess. She is an ideal partner, both on screen and real life.

Roy: Interesting, so what's your ideal partner in real life?
BC: Ah~ I was analyzed by a close friend before and he laughed when he concluded that I actually prefer Long Haired, Decent Feminine Ladies. His girlfriend and himself would not believe each time I retaliated to say I've no demands and criteria; just as long as she loves me back.

Eventually, I will just admit it; if those around me saw it in me. Honestly, I just like mature, caring, independent, bright ladies. Those things like being sweet, gentle, smart, thin etc are bonus extras that I could ever ask for. As I always say, I'm not fresh radish skin. Who am I to choose?

Roy: *laughs with his other team mates* Well, *giggles* let's wrap things up with some other simple questions. If you have a Million Dollars, what would you do?
BC: Why does it always have to be this question... *roll eyes* ok, my manners. Sorry, expected something else. I'll say, invest it properly with a small portion. Help the children in need. I'm a strong supporter and endorser of the World Vision. And probably take some for simple things that I need or like to buy. Oh, and travel a bit too.

Roy: Travel? Where to.. perhaps?
BC: Erm... I've always like cold places. So, somewhere with snow for awhile. I'll probably go eating a lot in Japan & Hong Kong. And if I'm there, it means I'll probably shop a lot too. Then I'd like my family and loved ones to rest and relax at the beach resorts with me.

Come to think of it, my cousins and I have always been trying to plan a water sport vacation but to no avail due to their class schedules colliding with my busy routine and all. Oh, and I'll want to snooze in Melbourne for a moment again. Just to recharge myself with their friendly and nice Hospitality.

Roy: Any advise to the young wanna-bes?
BC: Take your dream a small step at a time. It's not like everyday you get to be where you're going. Listen to the seniors around you and they can get you to greater heights with their respect and knowledge. I'll have to say, most importantly, believe in yourself.

Roy: Oh, and Happy Beloved Birthday in advance. Could you share with your fans and our readers, what would you likely be wishing for? Please give us an answer from the heart and not those, save the world sorta crap. If you could. (Whispers to my ear: Just Kidding!)
BC: Awww... so thoughtful of all of you. Well, before the wish on the day itself, I have been having 1 wish lately. And it's to hear from someone I've not spoken to for quite some time already. This Friend is important to me and ALWAYS makes me inspired and in a happy mood. The positive aura and good luck charm makes each day, a bright one with hopes and dreams. I hope before that day is over, I could have that tiny moment. It's more valuable than any gift in the world. It's all that I want and ask for this year.

Roy: Thank you very much for this evening. We'll pray for your wish too.
BC: I'm grateful for your time and thoughts too.

More former & future interviews will be included next time.

Chapter 24: How to Ask a Female Friend out on a Date

So you have a female friend who you see as more than a friend, huh? Here's how to ask her out on a date without ruining your friendship, or your ego.


Steps:

1. Look for signals that she likes you, rather than perceiving you as more of a brotherly figure. Learn to read her body language. Does she flirt with you? But does she flirt with everybody? Is she interested in another guy?
2. Wait for the right moment. It should be when you two are alone and feel comfortable and relaxed. You can slip it into a conversation casually, but make it clear that it'd be just the two of you. Suggest playfully that you can be her date for the night and show her how a real man treats a woman.
3. Ask her out! Whether you propose a trip to the movies or offer to cook her dinner, be prepared for the fact that she's probably too nice to say no, but might misinterpret your question as just a friendly gesture. Again, make it clear that this is a date.
4. When the night is over be sure not to invite yourself in. Let her ask you. And when you are inside (If you are inside) don't pressure her right into the bedroom. If she's interested in letting you in chances are she is interested in that as well. So let her take you in, not the other way around. Remember you are friends and you would like to still be friends after the night is over!
5. See what music she's into! Find out who her celebrity crush is; she might have a crush on Nick Jonas or David Archuleta! Find out how to be like them (but not too much, just see what you can make happen). She might enjoy hanging around someone who acts like her dream date. If you go overboard then she might think you are trying to be just like them and she'll find that stalkerish and creepy. Make her a CD of her favorite singer. She would love to have a CD made from one of her friends!

Tips:

• If you must call her, and usually see her during the day, say something like "I wanted to ask you earlier but I didn't see you all day.". Make sure you actually didn't see her much that day.
• Too many people get caught up in doing it the "right" way, that they just end up looking stupid. Just relax. You know it's going to be awkward. She knows it's going to be awkward. So the best thing to do is just do it. Forget about looking stupid and try to have fun.
• Just ask straight out, and don't act embarrassed about it.
• Ask her alone. She may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed if her friends are around. That may cause her just to say no, no matter how she feels.
• Study dates are less uncomfortable and a good excuse. Especially if she has been dropping hints about failing a subject or just having troubles.
• Don't wear strange clothing or funny hats. Just because it's a date, it doesn't mean you have to wear a suit. If you are going to a sort-of fancy restaurant, you can wear jeans with clean, nice, sneakers and a polo or buttoned-shirt. If you are going to a movie or a diner for your date, you can wear the first two items with a nice t-shirt. Don't dress too casual though and wear your exercising shoes or torn-up jeans (torn-up jeans just make you look sloppy) with a jersey from your favorite team. Jerseys for dates are very simple. You can wear your favorite team cap though, but don't wear any hats that you would for crazy hat day at school (such as colorful top hats with springs and dolls hanging). Just dress nice, and you'll feel just fine. She may feel too embarrassed to be named "The Girl Who Dates The Weird Kid" even if your personality rocks.
• Take it slow. You don't want to ask her out after knowing her for 3 days. Love at first sight doesn't always work both ways, you know.
• Then again, don't take it too slow. If she says she likes you, and you told her you like her, then ask her out! Don't wait 2 months because that can be a huge turn off. It shows her that you are not confident enough to talk to a girl. Come on, that is so 3rd grade.
• Show her that you are interested in her. Pay more attention to her than to her friends. Girls can get pretty jealous sometimes. Where did you think the phrase "Cat fight" came from? Those girls had to be fighting over something, right?
• Be well groomed, and clean. Smell pleasant but not overly scented. That is a huge turn off for most girls.
• Have fun. If you are just talking or playing a game, at least look like you're having fun. Most likely she will be too worried to see if you are enjoying yourself to have any fun herself. So if you are, she will be relieved and when it comes to asking her out, she will know that you are sincere and not joking.
• Compliment her on her laugh, smile, looks, or something like that. But do not do this if it is not true. Make sure you really do like that something before you say so.
• Asking her out over email is considerate to her because it gives her time to think before responding, and at the same time it may not be the best for you because it makes it easy for her to say no.
• Even if she says no, the fact that you asked may get her thinking about the romantic possibilities.
• Don't say "I haven't done this before, but would you like to go on a date with me". It's a relationship breaker!

Warnings:

• Never lead her on. Tactfully tell her right away if you find you are no longer interested in her. If you do lead her on, girls are pretty good about guessing. It will not go smoothly between you two if she does find out that you were leading her on. And most chances are that she will.
• Be prepared for rejection. It happens to everyone. It will look very good on your behalf if you take it calmly without bursting into tears or getting mad or something.Most chances that she will feel worse than you do just by turning you down.
• Be honest with yourself if she has been sending signals that she's not interested.
• Don't act like a completely different person because your on a date because if she likes you enough to go on a date with you she doesn't want some clown to take her on a date she wants the guy she knows.
• Don’t brag about something you've done recently. That can make you sound immature.

Where to get the Song "Stand"?

I've received an email earlier today (yeah, coincidentally, it was the moment my tyre was punctured...) and it was from someone who was interested (probably from the heavy air plays lately) in getting the song "Stand".

[Note: *Updated* Yup, Ju confirmed the song is on heavy air plays at Lite FM! Woohoo~! Tune in more often, ya?] 

The email reads:

chong w.h. Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 7:57 PM To: dbching [at] ***.com Hi Brandon, I was looking for a song that posted in your blog as shown in the link below and I failed to find the singer/song from internet. therefore would like to have your help to share the song or the source to get it. Greatly appreciate for your help. Looking forward for your reply. Thanks. http://brandonching.blogspot.com/2010/07/lyrics-to-stand.html ***************************** So, to answer Chong W. H.; the song can be acquired in many ways. =) But before that, I'd also like to say, the song "Stand" was also how Lim Sue Yen, a.k.a. Sue found her way to my Facebook and started reading this blog and became a friend eventually. So, Kudos to that. In fact, quite a number of people find me from that. You'll be surprised even to know that, I used to find someone I loved all the way from Taiwan via the same. Many years ago, Ethne Chiang found the song "Breathe Again"; as the song was the OST for The Outsiders, a drama series aired in Taiwan and that eventually led her contacting me and we slowly became a couple. Well, that drama is like more than a decade from now. Anyway... back to the mode of acquisition. DiGi Subscribers: head on to DiGi Music Maxis/Hotlink Subscribers:Type GET 10468543 and send to 29000 Outside Malaysia: download the MP3 at CD Baby, iTunes or Amazon.com! To purchase via the Paypal Account, you may go to: http://pul.ly/b/13400 and download it instantly. [Note: I just got a text from my whatsapp from Ju that the Four Forty Record's Paypal account has a technical glitch and is currently unavailable for the time being. Please use the other alternate choices. I guess, I'd also have to apologize on behalf for the inconvenience caused. Thank you.] And last but not least, I'm sure some are still trying to find the lyrics and the song. You can listen it from the link above and enjoy the lyrics here: Stand Today feels different somehow Living on the edge of a breakthrough Yesterday’s pain of people’s disdain Didn’t hurt me as much as it used to Maybe I’ve found my remedy I’m gonna stand up and walk my life Not afraid to stumble and not afraid to fall I’m gonna speak up, I’m gonna say what’s on my mind Never mind if they don’t hear me I know the ones who love me I know the ones who will hold me Just the way I stand Just the way I am Standing here on my stage Why do your stares look so empty? Strangers and friends all around Funny how it still seems so lonely Maybe not such a tragedy I’m gonna stand up and walk my life Not afraid to stumble and not afraid to fall I’m gonna speak up, I’m gonna say what’s on my mind Never mind if they don’t hear me I know the ones who love me I know the ones who will hold me Just the way I stand Just the way I am I don’t wanna have to make pretend And say what I will not want to Not just to please you I won’t be forced to love all who say they love me But never know what makes me content completely I’m gonna stand up and walk my life Not afraid to stumble and not afraid to fall I’m gonna speak up, I’m gonna say what’s on my mind Never mind if they don’t hear me I know the ones who love me I know the ones who will hold me Just the way I stand Just the way I am

Malay history: What’s missing from the textbooks

Having hailed from the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures, I find it so amusing to know that my Country, the Abode of Peace has such rich History and carries so much controversy and is actually the center of everything that has happened. No wonder it's Unexpected Treasures and more like 'Surprises'.

Anyway, here's an insert of something I just read and it's good to share this too:

Malay history: What’s missing from the textbooks

Contributors

Written by John Doe

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 18:07 Brunei has always been known to be one of the earliest Muslim Kingdoms in Southeast Asia. They pride themselves in this fact. All their neighbors pride themselves in this too, and of course, since it is fact, it is irrefutable. Right? Good. Let’s quickly look at some FACTS then: It is taught in school textbooks that Pateh Berbai, the brother of Awang Semaun and Awang Alak Betatar, discovered Brunei. Awang Alak Betatar subsequently became Brunei’s first Sultan and was known as Sultan Muhammad Shah. Awang Semaun and Awang Alak Betatar were the famous heroes in Brunei during that time. Sultan Muhammad Shah was the first Sultan of Brunei. He ruled Brunei from 1363 to 1402. He was the first Muslim ruler of Brunei as a result of his conversion to Islam in 1363 for his marriage to a Johorean-Temasik princess. Prior to conversion to Islam, he was known as Awang Alak Betatar. He sent a mission to China in 1371 by which his name is recorded in Ming historical record as Mo-ha-mo-sha. Sultan Muhammad Shah died in 1402. Sultan Muhammad Shah was the first Sultan of Brunei. He ruled Brunei from 1363 to 1402. He married the daughter of Iskander, a Johorean-Temasik princess introduced by Bal-Paki, her brother-in-law to be. So far so good... Oh Really? Read the above again very carefully !! Sultan Muhammad Shah married a Johorean-Temasik princess in 1363. Now, for all those products of Biro Tata Negara (BTN) out there, what year was Malacca formed? 1403. So, there was a Johor king already in 1363? Are you going to argue with Ketuanan Brunei on this? (By the way, he’s more Melayu than YOU!) Also for those who insist that Penang be handed over to Kedah, read the following again and again … The Johor ruler was under the Thais. The entire Peninsular belonged to the Thais! The ‘king’ of Singapore (Temasik), whom Parameswara of the Malaccan Sultanate murdered in cold blood was in fact the brother-in-Law of the ‘King’ of Pattani, who was under Ayodthaya rule. For those who do not know, Ayodthaya is in Thailand. And that, my friend was already well established before 1363. Next, Kota Gelanggi was also another Thai City, (yet to be publicized). And why not? Because it is a Thai Buddhist kingdom. Yes, it’s along the Johor River. All I’m allowed to say at this point is that Kota Gelanggi is REALLY along the Johor River. Expose Kota Gelanggi, and you will find its 30ft Buddha statues and its many Buddhist Temples, in all it's glory. So, for Penang to go back to Kedah, ALL of the peninsula needs to go back to the Thais. Sarawak needs to go back to Brunei, Brunei needs to go back to Majapahit, Sabah needs to go back to the Philippines, and Parameswara needs to go back to Palembang, leaving the Orang Asli in charge all over again. (I find it ludicrous that the Orang Asli are disqualified as ‘Bumiputera’ although they have been here since 60,000 years ago) Next, the year 1363 is of great significance. Why? That was the year that the first Sultan of Brunei converted to Islam. And he immediately became the Ruler of Brunei? What was he before that? A fisherman? A carpenter? A farmer? What was Awang Alak Betatar in 1362? And what happened the following year when he became a Sultan? Is becoming a Muslim enough to justify becoming a Sultan? Was he the first person in Brunei to convert to Islam? Let's scroll back time by 100 years; the year is now 1264. A full hundred years BEFORE Awang Alak Betatar converted to Islam, and declared himself a Sultan. A trip to Bandar Seri Begawan is not complete unless one visits the Muslim graves at Rangas. Chuck your ‘pantang’ out the window if you want to enjoy this first-hand, and in real life. Amongst these tombstones is the one of a Chinese Muslim by the name of Pu Kung Chih-mu. He was buried there in 1264. He was a Muslim, buried in a Muslim grave! This is more than a hundred years earlier, before the ascension of Awang Alak Betatar as the ‘first’ Sultan of Brunei. Not only that, he is not the only Chinese Muslim there. I cross-checked against the Brunei Museum Journal of 1993, and found that this has been so well documented!! In fact, this grave had already been found since 1973. Whole communities of Chinese Muslims had already been living in Kampong Batu well before the 12th Century. It is clearly recorded in the 1973 Brunei Museum Journal, and was visited by professors from Japan and China. Pictures are on page 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12. Some are even in colour. So, here's another nugget for BTN un-educators. The Chinese brought Islam to this region in 1264. Wait! That's not even correct. It was even earlier, because, this Muslim Chinese died in 1264. He had lived a full life in Brunei before he died. And before anyone even thinks of contesting this, let me draw your attention to yet another well-established fact, and let’s see how early the Chinese arrived. According to records – as in the ‘Notes on the Malay Archipelago and Malacca Compiled from Chinese Sources’ by WP Groeneveldt in 1880 – a Chinese Islamic trader arrived in Brunei in the 10th century. His name was P’u-lu-shieh. He was both a trader and a diplomat. SQ Fatimi writing in the Sociological Research Institute in Singapore in 1963 under an article entitled ‘Islam Comes to Malaysia’, P'u-lu-shieh name is akin to Abu al-Layth. The Brunei King at that time was named ‘Hiang-ta’. The arrival of the diplomat-trader from China was greeted with great ceremony. If this is so, Islam actually arrived in Brunei in the year of 977. If this is the year 977, and the Sultan’s name in the year 977 is Hiang-Ta, then how can Awang Alak Betatar be the ‘first’ Sultan of Brunei in 1363? For those with very bad logic (or timeline problems), the year 977 is 406 years older than 1363. And in the year 977, the Chinese were already sending Muslim ambassadors to Brunei. The real question should be, thus, who exactly was that ‘Hiang Ta’ who ruled Brunei in the year 977? An Iban? A Kadazan or a Chinese? It gets even better. The MOST interesting thing was that the Brunei king’s delegation to China to return the emperor’s greetings was also headed by another Muslim official by the name of P’u A-li (Abu Ali). Based on this fact alone, Abu Ali must have held an important position in the Brunei government if he was tasked to be Brunei’s ambassador in those days. This is again, irrefutable proof that there was already a government, with a King, and some members of his royal court were Muslims. Again, this is proof that Islam had already reached Brunei before the year 977. This is 75 years into the beginning of the Soong Dynasty, and only severely retarded people will say that Abu Ali was an Arab because of his name. And by the way, Malacca was not to have been discovered for another 400 years. Is there a prawn under the stone? You can bet your bottom dollar (because Ringgit is worthless toilet paper) that whenever John Doe writes, there is.  A number of European historians claimed that Brunei was still not a Muslim nation until the 15th century. However, the Ming Shih, Book 325, a Chinese reference book noted that the King of Brunei in 1370 was Ma-ho-mo-sa. Some say that this should be read as Mahmud Shah. In fact, local Brunei historians prefer to take this to refer to Muhammad Shah, the first Sultan of Brunei. Robert Nicholl, a former Brunei Museum curator argued in another paper entitled ‘Notes on Some Controversial Issues in Brunei History’ in 1980 that the name Ma-ho-mo-sa could be pronounced as Maha Moksha which means ‘Great Eternity’. ‘Maha Mokhsa’ would make it a Buddhist name. Nicholl goes on to argue that even the Brunei Sultan who died in Nanjing in 1408 was not a Muslim. (History books always detail that the Sultan of Brunei went to China, but few will state that he died there), Another historian Paul Pelliot said Ma-na-jo-kia-nai-nai was reconstituted as Maharajah Gyana (nai). But the closest title would have been Maharaja Karna. However Brunei historians have insisted that the King was Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan, who would have been the second Sultan of Brunei. Nicholl further argued that Sultan Muhammad Shah converted to Islam as late as the 16th century and not during the 14th century as is widely known. However according to Brunei historians, Sultan Muhammad Shah converted to Islam in 1363 and that he ruled until 1402. After which time, it was Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan, who died in China who ascended the throne. That was when Sultan Ahmad reigned in Brunei beginning 1406. And why did I bring up this detail? Simple !! Read the top all over again: Sultan Muhammad Shah married a Johorean-Temasik Princess in 1363. And that Kota Gelanggi and the entire peninsular Malaya belonged to the Thais. And if this is true and correct, then both the Sultan of Brunei and his wife, would have been Buddhists. In fact, the entire peninsular Malaya had been Buddhist and/or Hindu ever since the second century when Lembah Bujang was built. And since this is the year 1363, all of Brunei and Borneo was also under the rule of King Hayam Wuruk, who was King of the Majapahit empire. And what religion did they have? (I’ll give you a hint... they built the Borobudor. And for those who claim that Borobudor is a mosque in disguise, please learn to recognize temple architecture.) Borrobudor in all its splendour. Oh, and even more important is this: “Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan whose proper name is Zein Ul-Abidin, frequented the near distant islands, that He called ‘Solook’ (Sulu) from 1402 to 1424. Marrying the daughter (Parmursuli) of the Sulu Tomaoi (chief) Baginda” – it means he had a Filipino wife. Also important to note, that since this is 1363, Parameswara had not yet swum across Pirate-Bay to reach Temasik yet. Hence, the need to locate the earlier kingdoms which pre-date ‘His Royal Pendatangness’. During the reign of Wikramawardhana, the series of Ming armada naval expeditions led by Admiral Hajji Mahmud Shams (aka Zheng He), a Muslim Chinese admiral, arrived in Java for several times, spanning the period from 1405 to 1433. By 1430, Zheng He’s expeditions has established Muslim Chinese and Arab communities in northern ports of Java, and thus Islam began to gain foothold on Java’s northern coast. “Admiral Hajji Mahmud Shams (aka Zheng He) was so frustrated when he first arrived in Java, because he could not find a single halal restaurant there”, so wrote Mah Huan, his scribe, thus deciding to spread Islam to the “barbarians” as Chinese records would write. Also interesting to note is the following: “In late Yuan Dynasty, China became chaotic, people who lived along the coastal area of Fujian, under the leadership of Ong Sum Ping’s siblings, escaped to eastern Kalimantan — they landed at the river mouth. When they were exhausted, facing a shipping crisis, someone lost their arms. After that, the Kadazans named it as Sungai Kinabatangan — the place where the Chinese lost their arms. Ong Sum Ping and his sister, and the Chinese people developed the area of Sungai Kinabatangan, and they increased their influences there. With the increase of his prosperity, the natives named him Raja, or King. The Chinese named him as ‘Chung Ping’ - meaning the General. We can clearly see that Ong Sum Ping controlled Eastern Kalimantan. This is Ong Sum Ping Rd in Brunei. (Part 2 will appear tomorrow) Continuation at: Malay history: What’s missing from the textbooks (2) Bibligraphy Kenneth Hall, Maritime trade and state development in early Southeast Asia, citing Wang Gungwu, 'The Nanhai trade: a study of the early history of Chinese trade in the South China Sea', JMBRAS 31, 2 (1958): 33,  citing Paul Wheatley, The Golden Khersonese, studies in the historical geography of the Malay peninsula before 1500, Kuala Lumpur, 1961, and other secondary sources; Yoshiaki Ishizawa, 'Chinese chronicles of C1st-5th century AD Funan',  Yoshiaki Ishizawa, 'Chinese chronicles of C1st-5th century AD Funan', citing Wan Zhen, Nanzhou yuwuzhi. Louise Levathes, When China Ruled the seas, citing the Liang Shu (History of the Liang dynasty) and (i) Paul Shao, Asiatic Influence in Precolumbian art, Ames, Iowa State Univ 1976,  and (ii) David H.Kelley, 'Nine lords of the night', Studies in the Archaeology of Mexico and Guatemala, 16, Berkeley, Univ of California Dept of Anthropology, Oct 1972 & 'Calendar animals and deities', Southwestern Journal of Anthropology, 16, Albuqerque, Univ of New Mexico, 1960. Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (Eleventh ed.). Cambridge University Press. Ongkili, James P. "Ancient Chinese Trading Links." East Malaysia and Brunei. Ed. Wendy Hutton. Tuttle Publishing, 2001. Saunders, Graham. A History of Brunei. London and New York: RoutledgeCurzon, 2002. Wright, Leigh. "Brunei: An Historical Relic." Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. Vol. 17 (1977). "Background Note: Brunei Darussalam". U.S. State Department. Retrieved 2008-12-16. http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/m/v/mvp111/karin.htm, citing vol.231 of The Great Chinese Encyclopedia, compiled by court historians of the Wang emperors from 502 to 556 AD (other refs give the editor's name as Ma Tuan-Lin); Prof V.G.Nair, Buddhist mission visits America before Columbus,  http://www.saigon.com/~hoasen/mission.htm;  http://www.1s.com/hkmission/history/chinese.htm, citing hearsay of an 1100 page diary in the Chinese imperial archives of which only 75 pages of partial excerpts seen;  http://users.wi.net/~maracon/;http://www.ventanawild.org/news/se01/fusang.html; Kenneth L. Feder, Frauds, Myths and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology, p113-4, citing Frost, F, 1982,  The Palos Verdes Chinese anchor mystery, Archaeology, Jan/Feb 23-27,  quoted onwww.kenspy.com/Menzies/Ships.html regarding irrelevance of these anchors. J.V.G.Mills, introduction, to Ma Huan, Ying-yai Sheng Lan; John Carswell, Blue & White, p.87; Louise Levathes, When China ruled the seas; Ma Huan, Ying-yai Sheng Lan. Inscription in Galle ************************************************** Continuation at: Malay history: What’s missing from the textbooks (2)