An Email Interview with Desmond Sim, Jun 11, 2011 How would you sum up the first 40 years of your life? ( before the shift) What are the main influencers that shaped your views today? I think the first 40 years of my life was spent trying out things - to find out if I was, indeed, good at anything. You never know. Most of us have a secret suspicion inside that we might actually be … [Read more...]
Celebrating Peranakans
July 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
CLAIRE SEET Every year, the various sister Peranakan Associations of Singapore, Melaka, and Penang ( at that time Phuket had not joined yet) would host the Baba Convention. A weekend where the members and friends of the participating associations will gather at the host’s city and talk about matters concerning perserving, and continuing the Peranakan culture and of course mingle, makan + … [Read more...]
Chakapan Tersilap – Misquoted Baba Sayings
July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
FELIX CHIA (Extracted from June-September 2003 Issue of The Peranakan newsletter) Felix Chia re-examines some famous Baba Malay idioms and suggest some humourous alternatives of his own… Here is a collection of Baba Malay sayings deliberately and deliciously “decapitated” by me. It is hoped that the English translation will also raise a chuckle, just as the “native” quotations … [Read more...]
Bibiks Behind Bars (the real thing!)
July 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
(Extracted from July-Sept 2002 Issue of The Peranakan newsletter) At the turn of the last century, the issue of illegal gambling among Nyonyas was one of the most sensational and scandalous topics discussed among angst-ridden members of the Peranakan community. PETER LEE compiles some of these outspoken voices from the past. “In the charge sheets and records of our Police Courts, do we not … [Read more...]
Peranakan Beadwork- pain or pleasure?
July 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
(Extracted from April-June 2003 Issue of The Peranakan newsletter) HEATHER ONG Have you ever coveted a beautiful pair of kasut manek, or gazed admiringly at an exquisite, beaded panel in the museum? Have you wondered whether you could muster the patience and commitment needed to complete your own beaded item? Seventeen people answered ‘YES’, and gathered at Katong Antique House on 24 … [Read more...]
Addressing Your Peranakan Elders
July 13, 2011 By 2 Comments
DR NOREEN CHAN (Extracted from "Addressing the Elders" Jan-Mar 2003 Issue of The Peranakan newsletter) More than a simple case of Auntie and Uncle? Can’t tell your Ku from your Koh? Your Chim from your Chek? Fear not, help is here! We’ve all been there before: it is Chinese New Year or some big family gathering and mum tells your to teriak or “call” your seemingly endless hordes … [Read more...]
Peranakan Theatre: ROLE reversals
July 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
PETER LEE (Extracted from July-Sept 2002 Issue of The Peranakan newsletter) One unique aspect of our Peranakan Heritage is the survival of the female impersonator in Peranakan Theatre. It may be a tradition that’s dying out, but in the true spirit, it’s definitely going with a Bang! Female impersonators have dominated the stage in Japan and China for centuries, and have created … [Read more...]
Peranakan Ball SPECIAL: Peranakan Wedding Gifts
July 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
An except from: Cheo Kim Ban. A Baba Wedding. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 1983. 35-36. Print. The bridegroom’s party bearing gifts would leave for the bride’s home in procession accompanied by a serunee band and the Master of Ceremonies. At the head of the procession were two lanterns bearing the bridegroom’s surname. These lanterns were carried on long poles painted red. … [Read more...]
Breaking Away From Our ( Peranakan ) Mould
July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
BY ANTHONY OEI: (April- June 2001 Issue of the Peranakan newsletter) It is certainly welcome news that The Peranakan Association has diversified into the performing arts and that its debut at the World Trade Centre auditorium in March with the highly amusing play, Dah Sa- Chupak Tak Boleh Sa- Gantang, was a huge success. The performance by members of the Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka … [Read more...]
What makes a Peranakan?
July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Recounted by Cynthia Wee- Hoefer (Some points raised by Baba Cedric Tan from Melaka at the last convention in Penang) (Jan- Mar 2001) When encountering someone, have the ability to address the person, whether relative, friend or acquaintances, in a correct manner. Nowadays, people tend to be too casual (“uncle” or “auntie”) about the right form of addressing one’s elders or … [Read more...]
