THE TWO AND A HALF HOUR TRAGEDY

If Southeast Asia is an office that opens at 7am, Burma would be 30 minutes too early. Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam would just be on time but Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines would be an hour late. An office with half of its staff coming in late wouldn’t do the job efficiently, would it?

Our region is in 4 Time Zones (UTC+6.30, +7, +8 and +9). Indonesia is the only country that uses 3 time zones from +7 to +9 and Burma is the only country that uses +6.30. If you would look closely at the map; Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is in line with Bangkok and Jakarta is in line with Hanoi at +7 -- but they are on a different time zone (+8). They share it with Manila, which is hundreds of miles east of Thailand. Have you ever wondered why?

In 1981, Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohammad changed their time zone to +8 to unify East and West Malaysia. And for economic cooperation, the great Lee Kwan Yew followed suit for Singapore because they will be in an awkward position. Meaning technically, the Philippines and Brunei should be the only countries in the +8 time zone.


If Southeast Asia is a hospital and baby Burma came in at 6:30 with an asthma attack, she has to wait 30 minutes to see if Dr. Thailand or Nurse Vietnam got a Ventolin inhaler. But when they came in at 7.00-- they don’t have any. Meanwhile, old Mrs. Laos and baby Cambodia came in with an asthma attack too! Now all of them -- panicked and all -- have to wait another hour to see if Dr. Singapore, Dr. Malaysia or Nurse Philippines have the inhaler. Unfortunately, when they came in at 8.00, it turned out that Dr. Indonesia got the inhaler but he’ll come in at 9.00! Now the hospital is in one BIG 2 ½ hour mess! An utter tragedy!

The ASEAN Common Time is an idea by the ASEAN to adapt a standard time for all member countries. The initiative will unify our great region – economic wise, for efficiency and mutual benefits.

If we can come to the office all at the same time, we can finish more work. And if we can come to the hospital altogether, we can relieve more patients and efficiently solve the problems.

Should the whole of Southeast Asia be in one single common time?

What do you think?


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ABORTION POLICIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

In the issue of abortion *one of the few things you don’t talk about on a first date*, where does Human Rights take its side? – The mother or the baby in the womb? Shall we totally eliminate abortion for the moralists or allow it for the human rights advocates?

The United Nations Department of Economic Affairs recently released their up-to-date and objective information on World Abortion Policies -- legal status of induced abortion for the 195 Member and non-Member States of the UN. I only took the information for countries in Southeast Asia to compare what are our neighbor’s policies on abortion:

As you can see on the table above; there are 7 grounds for which abortion is permitted. All of us agree on one ground – to save the woman’s life. All countries in SE Asia permit abortion ONLY when the mother is at risk of dying.

On the grounds to preserve physical and mental health; our region is divided. It’s like half of us would say: “I don’t care if you go cuckoo or go comatose for 1,000 years as long as we can charge you delivery fees.” Ha!

If a pregnancy is a result of rape or incest; only Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam permits pregnancy termination if the mother chooses. Other SE Asian countries would say: “We don’t care if you suffer a lifetime of trauma and mental agony; as long as we can charge you delivery fees. Period.”

And then on the 5th ground – Foetal Impairment; Only Singapore and Vietnam took it a little farther to make sure all their citizens have 2 arms and 2 legs. It’s like the rest of us are in desperate need of circus performers. *Poor thing.*

And again, only Singapore and Vietnam would permit abortion if the mother (or both parents) cannot support the child. It’s like the rest of us would say: ”We don’t give a f*ck if you and your child go hungry or die eventually as long a we can charge you delivery fees.” *Way to go! Wooohooo!*

But on the last ground – “On request”; changes my view. To permit abortion "on request" is just one step too far. Should we go aborting each time we get pregnant? What? -- just for the heck of it? It's just way too far. If there is no valid reason, there's no need to do it. *The best gift ever, you will receive in this lifetime is that baby in your womb.* I rest my case.





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Data Source: UN World Abortion Policies 2007

GUNUNG MULU: Le Grotte de Dragon Noir

Important aussi bien pour sa grande biodiversité que pour son caractère karstique, le Parc national du Gunung Mulu (52 864 ha), dans l'État de Sarawak sur l'île de Bornéo, constitue la région karstique tropicale la plus étudiée au monde.

Le parc contient 17 zones de végétation comportant environ 3 500 espèces de plantes vasculaires. Il est considéré comme l'un des sites les plus riches au monde pour les palmiers, avec 109 espèces de 20 genres décrites.

Le sommet du Gunung Mulu, un pic karstique haut de 2 377 m, domine le parc. Au moins 295 km de grottes explorées offrent un spectacle extraordinaire avec des millions de salanganes et de chauves-souris. La salle du Sarawak, qui mesure 600 m sur 415 m et 80 m de haut, est la plus grande salle souterraine connue au monde.

Miri, in Northeast Sarawak, serves as the main gateway for Gunung Mulu National Park. Malaysia Airlines operates scheduled services from Miri and Limbang to Mulu using 19 seater Twin Otter aircraft. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/ for further details.

The park can also be reached by boat (via Marudi). However, there is no regular boat service on the last section of the trip so longboats must be chartered. This is best done in a group to save cost. Tour operators are able to arrange boat passage to Mulu if required.

GUNUNG MULU: Jewel of Malaysia.
Pride of Southeast Asia.


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En francais:

*Le Borobudur
*Le temple de la fertilite
*Ville de Louang Prabang
*Ville historique de Sukhothai




Photo Credit: Stefan Strab

THE REVENGE OF THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY Part 3

Mr. Van Riemsdijk picked up his ciggie on the ground without taking his eyes off me. He was obviously startled, his face turned crimson. The Bangkok sun burned his face but wasn’t able to conceal it.

“Mr. Van Riemsdijk, do you remember me?” I said in French – the one language he refuse to use. I could tell he was trying his best to remember who I was. *I could feel my horns growing out my forehead already* “You old prick!” I said quietly waiting for him to remember me – he has to remember! Teachers never forget their pupils no matter how hard they try to.

“Mr. Van Riemsdijk…I will never speak to you in Dutch even if you hit me with that chair.” I told him in English. “Because I don’t speak Dutch! Do you remember me?!” I added, losing my patience.

Knut, Marithe and Jan came out of Starbucks and handed me my latte which I immediately gave to Mr. Van Riemsdijk. He took it. I gave him another ciggie. He took it too. Oh the poor man…I moved my chair across to him. We sat silently. I don’t know if he is who I think he is or he just really can’t remember.

Seems like he’s never going to say anything to me so I turned to Knut and asked if they’re okay because they’ve been giving me the looks why am I sitting with this dirty old bloke…and then I heard…

“You are the little drummer boy.” *gasp* Did he say something? I turned to Mr. Van Riemsdijk and he laid his hands to his chest attempting a “wai”. Oh my god, the old cow got me! Don't "wai" me here! But he did.

In stunned silence, I said: “Sir, I’m not going to ask why you are in such situation but… I would like to help if you let me.”

I could tell the old man was trying hard to control his emotions but he eventually broke down. He cried like a little boy. He told me everything what happened to him and I thought it would be poor taste if I publish it here. The man fell down in life and hit rock bottom -- I thought it would be proper to let him keep his dignity.

Mr. Van Riemsdijk is in the next room as of press time, resting. I invited him to stay over for a few days. I took him shopping for a few new clothes and his tickets are already arranged to fly back to Belgium where he don’t have to beg in the streets.

*deep sigh* What do you know? – After more than 15 years, I met my childhood tyrant again…

Did this little drummer boy got his revenge?


Nah. Maybe next time.

THE REVENGE OF THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY Part 2

Music class, 15-16 years ago, Belgium: I was about 9 years old and all I wanted is to become a singer like Luis Miguel, play the piano and fly an airplane. The class was given musical instruments to play and for some reason, Mr. Van Riemsdijk insists that I get the drum – although he knew I play the piano!

The drum was ok but I’m the only one with it. My classmates either get a flute, a violin, or a guitar. Mr. Van Riemsdijk even gave the piano to a boy with 2 left hands! I didn’t know what he was thinking! *grrrr*

“Hit the drum on MY cue.” he would say…and one nod from him, I go: “BOOM!” When he nods twice, I go: “BOOM! BOOM!” And it doesn’t stop there! I have to take his cue to hit the goddam drum “soft”, “hard” or “real hard”! – I was just 9 for f*ck sake!!! I wanna hit the drum as many times I want!... OH! 3 nods!!! I go: “BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!” And I was like: “Waaaahhhhh! Get me outta here!”


On some days we get voice lessons from Mr. Van Riemsdijk...he would yell “YOU!” (it means me, because he never calls me by name but sometimes he calls me “Gypsy”).

“Stand up here and sing with your drum.” he said -- always in Dutch. Although he knew half of the class DON’T speak Dutch. *and who sings with a drum? Honestly? Pffft!*

Then I go: [BOOM] “Des yeux qui font baisser les miens...[BOOM BOOM]...Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche [BOOM!]...Voila le por..."

”NEXT!” he yelled so hard that the elephants as far as Laos would die of a heart attack! “I haven’t finished my first line yet.” I said quietly. He always does that to me…But when other kids sing…he let ‘em finish. *sigh, darn!*


One day, the boy on the piano didn’t come to class. I thought it was my chance! Imagine a 9-year-old boy raising his hands so eager to get the part -- “ME! ME! ME!”.... And you know what he did?... he picked another boy who can ONLY play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”!!! -- with one hand!!! HOLY GUACAMOLE! I can play Rachmaninoff at that age, thank you very much!

The horror of a half-breed little boy, living in boarding school with people like Mr. Van Riemsdijk to terrorize me for 2 years is just too traumatic to bear. I never become a singer, I lost interest playing the piano and never flew an airplane. If Mr. Van Riemsdijk did all those things on purpose to destroy my dreams, he really did succeed.

After 15 years, I am again face to face with my tyrant -
– in Bangkok! Of all places! -- V is for vendetta. Ha!



TO BE CONTINUED...last part tomorrow.

10 LARGEST MOBILE PHONE COMPANIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Mobile phones have definitely changed the way we live and really came a long long way. From the 1st Generation “you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me!” super-bulky Motorola DynaTac to the 2nd Generation GSMs to the smallest “dude!-have-you-seen-my-phone?” tiny weenie models of the 3rd Generation.

Southeast Asia has a total 44 mobile network providers and we have more than 500 million people -- That’s half a billion potential subscribers. Of all these 44 companies, which ones attracted the most customers?

Here are the 10 largest mobile companies in Southeast Asia by number of subscribers:



1. SingTel, Singapore, 124 Million


2. Telkomsel, Indonesia, 39 Million



3. SMART Communications, Philippines, 21 Million



4. Advanced Info Service, Thailand, 18 Million



5. IndoSat, Indonesia, 12.9 Million



6. Globe Telecom, Philippines, 12.4 Million



7. DTAC, Thailand, 11.5 Million



8. Maxis Berhad, Malaysia, 8.5 Million



9. Excel Commmunications, Indonesia, 8.4 Million




10. Viettel, Vietnam, 8 Million

Singapore’s SingTel ranks 16th in the world for the most number of subscribers spanning their service to 6 other countries. Indonesia’s Telkomsel ranks 18th in the world although it’s services are only limited to Indonesia.

THE REVENGE OF THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

I had the pleasure of meeting a group of visiting bloggers from Scandinavia last Saturday night. Since most of them are Bangkok first timers, I took the liberty to show them my city as unfairly depicted on magazines, books and the internet – party, booze and lots of sex. Knut *don’t even try to click that link, his blog is crap! LOL! Just kidding.*, Marithe and Jan blindly followed wherever I lead them.

After some serious bar hopping, we had coffee at Starbucks Suriwongse just across Patpong. The three of ‘em went in to get coffee while I sat outside to smoke.

On my 3rd puff, an old-fat white bloke went up to me and shamelessly asked for a stick of ciggie; the sweat, the slippers, the smell and all! He must be Dutch basing on his accent. Farang (Caucasian) beggars are “normal” sightings in Bangkok so, this isn't exactly new to me. He went to sitting next to my table, took out a box of match sticks and enjoyed his newly acquired cancer-stick.

I gave him an indignant look when he took a cup of half-finished left-over coffee on the table that other customers left. I don't know if I will feel sorry or feel really sorry for him. I observed a little more…he looks kinda familiar. I wanted to give him some money to buy fresh coffee and a pack of ciggies, but I'll wait till he asks.

*I didn’t care if he see me shamelessly observing him, I’m pretty sure I met him somewhere… *

And then...among the noisy tuk-tuks and taxis...the old bloke started to sing! Oh my god, he lost it! He's singing eyes closed, emotions and all!..He sipped the last drop of left-over coffee…THEN IT STRUCK ME!

“MIJNHEER VAN RIEMSDIJK?!!!!” I called out so loud he dropped his ciggie.

I didn't mean to startle him out of his wit but... Oh my god! It’s Mr. Van Riemsdijk! My music teacher in Belgium! What is he doing here? What happened to him? Why is he begging like this? Last time I saw him like, what?...15 years ago? What happened?



TO BE CONTINUED…

PhotoCredit: Mark G. Capitella

THE TRUE TALLEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND I'M NOT KIDDING!

Aside from the usual weekend parties and brutal hang-overs, I spent my spare time reading and replying emails from our readers. We got a record of 26 emails last Sunday alone, all reacting to one issue. This gotta be the most-reacted-upon (hated?) BISEAN post.

I said it and I’m gonna say it again: “The Tallest Mountain in Southeast Asia is NOT Mt. Kinabalu.” – it’s Hkakabo Razi in Burma. I hate to burst your bubbles, but this is the truth. There. Take that!

I think it doesn’t take a genius to tell if 5,881 meters is HIGHER than 4,094 meters. Even if we convert it in “feet” – the result is still the same. Unless the Education Minister in your country got other ideas. Mt. Kinabalu is not even the 2nd tallest, nor the 3rd, nor the 4th! It's the 5th tallest and there would be other mountains joining the list after this years' survey in Burma and Indonesia. I don't think Mt. Kinabalu could still hang on to No. 5.

One reader is challenging this blog to produce references pertaining to these measurements. *Well dude, if you are an internet-savvy blogger as you claim you are, I think you are familiar with “Google search”? Ha!* Now that I have given you pointers to research, 10 minutes of your precious time would be well worth it instead of blogging idiotic accusations and making yourself sound foolish.

Now, if this is not enough; email me again and I will forward you the numbers of ALL Geological Survey Offices including the Chief Officers' names of ALL ASEAN countries for you to call. Tell them Pisanu sent you – how’s that?

The tallest mountain in Southeast Asia is Hkakabo Razi in Burma.

It's 1,787 meters higher than the tallest mountain we THOUGHT all along.

There! Take that!


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BUTAAN: The Lost Dragons of the Philippines

The Butaan *read as /'boo-tah-an'/* was first described to science in 1845 from a small preserved specimen and a skull collected by an American biologist and was only labeled “Philippines”. It was later renamed “Varanus grayi” and for almost 150 years, no other specimen was found.

Assumed to be extinct, it was only rediscovered in the 1970s, when scientists found a specimen in the collection of Walter Auffenberg in the American Museum of Natural History. This triggered numerous trips by American scientists to the Philippines in search for this lost specie. They later corrected the name to “Varanus olivaceus”.

The Butaans live up the trees and exclusively feed on fruits, almost exclusively on Panadanas palm tree. *so, unless you look like a plump fruit, no need to worry*. Since these lizards are virtually unknown, a further study by the great biologist Daniel Bennet is on progress. (Check your Animal Planet program schedule).

This specie of monitor lizard may not be as large as the Komodos but they are the world’s largest fruit eating monitor lizards *so we’re safe here, no need to run*. Wait!…it is said that it grow as long as 7 feet! *whadda?! I don't know about you but I’m still gonna run!* They are currently identified to exist only on one small island “Pollilio” off the Pacific coast of the Philippines.

Only 1 sq. mi. is left of their habitat and with the rate we are destroying our environment, time is running out for them.

How can a creature as big as this evade modern science? All scientists agreed on one thing – the Butaans are tremendously and extremely shy creatures. This uncanny ability to elude us is enough reason to preserve this specie.




The Lost Dragons of the Philippines. Pride of Southeast Asia.



***Though the Komodo Dragon preservation gets a lot of funding, the Butaan is still struggling to find support for their protection. Here's how you can help.
OR if you have a blog...you can feature them to create awareness and maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference and protect the Butaans.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDONESIA! MERDEKA!สาธารณรัฐอินโดนีเซีย สันต์วันเกิดนะครับ

The world’s largest archipelago with more than 17,000 islands. The world’s largest Muslim country. One of the world’s cradles of civilization. The world’s second largest in biodiversity. They hold more world records than all of Southeast Asian countries combined.

They got the biggest economy in Southeast Asia. The only member of OPEC from Southeast Asia. They got the longest coastline, the most number of ethnic groups, the most number of volcanoes. It is said that if Indonesian volcanoes would erupt all at the same time, Earth would be in total darkness for 10 years!

They are our largest neighbor -- 235 Million strong. They got one of the world’s largest armed forces and the most powerful in Southeast Asia. It is said that if they would want to invade the whole of Southeast Asia…they can easily do it in 3 days! *but of course, they won't do that*

Our silent but MIGHTY neighbor is celebrating their 62nd Independence from the Dutch monarch today.


Merdeka to our brothers in Indonesia!




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10 STEPS TO SURVIVE A BREAK UP(and get even!)

1. Face reality. He will not come back to you—and that’s a fact. No matter what you do. Face it – he left already. Your objective now is to make him regret leaving you and focus on that. ONLY THAT.

2. Go to your CD collection. Sentimental albums must go. If you don’t want to throw it away, bury it in the deepest hole in your closet. NEVER ever play a love song. NEVER!

3. Buy a mirror. A big mirror. Take a good look at yourself. See anything that shouldn’t be there? Flabs, pimples, yellow teeth? Are you the same person the first time you met him? No? Then get that dumbbell and exercise 2 hours a day. REINVENT YOURSELF.

Keep reading...

4. Keep pumping that dumbbell! Keep pumping it! Channel your anger to that piece of iron. Visualize yourself pumping that dumbbell up and down his face and him bleeding in pain. Feels good, doesn’t it?

5. Call him once a week, send an email, send SMS but DON’T expect a reply. When he does pick up your call, pretend you’re darn okay (because you are!) – KEEP THE FRIENDSHIP. Let him know you are still alive and he didn’t devastate you. Never show him you are miserable – it will never ever work. Don’t burn the bridge which you are going to use for retaliation.

6. ISOLATE YOURSELF from him. Don’t meet him up for the next 60 days. No. 5 is enough for the moment. You don’t have any business meeting up with him if you don’t have No. 9.

7. Does he have any personal belongings in your room? Pictures, under wears, teddy bears…gather them all and put it in a bin bag. All things belong to him must go inside that thrash bag. Put it next to your door – inside, not outside! Every time you go out, you would want to take that thrash bag out -- but not yet . You would want to take him out – and that day will come. This will keep you focused.

8. Don’t go out on a date yet. That is not your objective. A new beau will defocus you and for all you know, that new date would leave you sooner or later anyway. So maybe next time, yeah? Focus, focus, focus.

9. When you see yourself gorgeous, slim, fit, youthful – just the way you were the first time you met him – it’s time to make a move. If you followed No. 5, this part would be very easy.

10. When you have everything in order and religiously followed Nos. 1-9, LURE HIM. Invite him for dinner with your and his closest friends. Be natural – the virginal gorgeous guy he met when he first fell for you. Keep your focus and keep thinking of No. 1… if the dinner date is set, take that thrash bag on your way out...this is the day.

In the restaurant, make sure he’s sitting opposite you – not next to you. Order a big glass of Iced Tea – don’t eat. Converse with your friends BUT your eyes are nailed to him. Never leave eye contact. He’ll think you’re up to something and you’d want him back. His ego would build up like a balloon. Keep your focus. Don't fall for him again -- he left you, remember? You are a hunter and your prey is weak. With the way you look tonight? – by god he’ll be drooling.

Sip a little of your iced tea…maintain eye contact…keep holding the glass…go over his back -- and pour it ON THAT SONOVABITCH! – you can take a picture if you want. Storm out of the restaurant with a photo of him soaked in tangy sweet iced tea.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

And you… gorgeous and free.


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PERFECT SPECIMEN: Nicholas Saputra

With his fame spanning Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore; more than 150 million people is familiar with the name. Nicholas is one of Southeast Asia’s true superstars.

Click To Play

Nicholas only made 7 movies so far. But he already got more than 10 awards and nominations. He could be one of Southeast Asia's most talented actor of all time.


Celebrating the Eurasians of Southeast Asia.


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THE KEY TO ULTIMATE HAPPINESS

Hello guys! Sofia here. I took time off my holiday to post this good news. Remember that highly talked-about Top 10 Emerging Influential Blog of 2007? Well, I heard it was a success and a big gathering of bloggers was held in Manila last August 1st!

Aside from the announcement of Top 10 Blogs, there was also a raffle for those who participated and guess what? -- I just got an email from Miss Toral that I won $100! Wow, thanks! Am I lucky or am I lucky? Thanks to the sponsors, btw. Here are the other 9 winners.

Since the prize money would be coming from the Philippines, I decided to let it stay there. If you have been following this blog, you may have known that we visited Mindanao Island last April. We learned so many things and met a lot of nice people. We visited orphanages and played with street kids in the plaza [believe it or not].

Although our blog may depict us as over indulgent, shallow and extravagant; there are still some sides of us that we never show and would like to remain hidden [until now].

With this post, I would like to share the whole prize money to the orphaned kids of Holy Child Home in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao Island and I hope Miss Toral would be so kind to forward the amount to them. [I forwarded the details to her].

--Sofia

*** Holy Child Home is the latest addition to orphanages BISEAN has chosen to help. We are still looking for more. We also help 5 others – 1 in Malaysia, 2 in Cambodia, 1 in Vietnam and 1 in Thailand. We also visit and help foreign inmates in Thai prisons.

The key to ultimate happiness is sharing.