Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Gabriel Uking

Gabriel Uking, from Long Palai, Baram joined TLS in 1959.

He was a strong boy, very humourous, very humble. And definitely, perhaps because of the Kenyah genes, he was very athletic. As a footballer, he was a star to reckon with in the field.
Unfortunately we were not blessed with capital and great coaches to bring about a leading team of footballers. But nevertheless, Gabriel Uking led a very strong team of footballers. We could not afford the proper boots. Most of us played in our bare feet. As we were too poor to buy football jerseys, it was therefore quite a common sight to see shirtless boys playing football in the hot sun in the 50's and 60's. We did not have Parent Teachers' Association those days to sponsor our sports gear.

Likewise we did not have many material things. One football was all we had to keep us occupied in the evenings. So we played football! Boys from Primary Five to Form Five (and later Form Six) played football, talked football and dreamed of football.

Gabriel Uking and I shared a love for midnight movies. The Miri Theatre put on two shows on week days and five shows at the weekends. Midnight shows were extremely popular. Tickets were $1.50,$1.00,50 cents or 30 cents. Sometimes cheap matinees would be announced to the delight of the public.

We native boys were given the opportunities to work for our teachers for some pocket money , soap or cakes. One particular weekend we need some money, actually 30 cents each only. We went to our respective teachers to ask for work. I was fortunate enough to have some work lined up for me. And I remember Gabriel also got a job and was delighted.

Half way through the afternoon the teacher asked Gabriel, "It is hot, isn't it?"

Gabriel being a very ulu boy where the culture did not include discussing the heat of the day, whispered to me,"Why ask such a stupid question? It is hot...full stop! Why the doubt at the end of it? "This little episode still makes me laugh today.

By evening we had finished our work with a flourish and our excitement and anticipation heightened. But to our disappointment, we were paid in kind! I was given a toothbrush and a cake of soap and Gabriel was given a small towel. In his exasperation, Gabriel exclaimed, "Don't they know that we only wanted 30 cents for our midnight movie!!"

That evening we walked the 5 miles to watch the midnight movie. We sat in the third class seats and had to tilt our heads backwards to watch the big screen, which was almost overhead. But nonetheless, it was a great midnight movie . We would suffer a neck ache for one or two days. But life was fuller and better for it! After the show, we trudged back through the GCM fields, passed the Brighton Beach, trekked up the hill and finally reached the school about 3 in the morning.

Pal, if you are reading this blog, I would like to say thanks. My life has been richer because you have a share in the tapestry.

More stories soon!

7 comments:

Lady Lena said...

Thanks for this piece on Gabriel Uking. I was a form one student in Marudi secondary school in 1976 and Mr. Uking was the school's principle. Had no idea he was quite a footballer or that he has that rich a student history. I remember him as a sour-faced man, a man to be feared, of course, in the eyes of a 12 year old in 1976.

Noble Savage said...

Thanks for visiting.

Gabriel is now manager of Kidurung Club Bintulu and we are often in contact.

Warm wishes.

Bulan said...

I was actly njoying my sunday evening surfing the internet. & i thought of searching for this old man " Gabriel Uking". And i ended up smiling while reading about it. Well, Gabriel Uking will always be Gabriel Uking.... Tell me about the sour- faced & the orang ulu man.... we've seen it alot. Daddy will always be daddy

Unknown said...

I found my way to this Blog through Google in an attempt to locate Gabriel Uking who was a student of mine in the early 1960s at Tanjong Lobang School. Can you, or anyone, give me information on how I can contact Gabriel? Many thanks,
Helena Wooldridge Zukowski.

Unknown said...

I came across this Blog after I googled the name of one of my former students, Gabriel Uking. I taught at Tanjong Lobang school in the early 1960s and got to know some of the ulu boys well. I wonder if you or someone can give me a contact address or email for Gabriel. Thanks, Helena Wooldridge Zukowski.

Bulan said...

Hye Ski,
this one orang ulu boy is in Bintulu right now. Feel free to give me your email address, perhaps i can tell you more. He is doing fine and enjoying his time with his grandchildrens now

David Chin said...

Bulan,
Helen Wooldridge's email address is: Helena Zukowski zukowski@shaw.ca