Kudang Kepang aka Reyok

Kudang Kepang aka Reyok, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

The Kuda Kepang is a very interesting dance from Johor.

The dance was once a form of totemic worship.

The dance had strong links with spirit possession and often dancers went into a trance-like state.

However with the Islamisation of Malaysia, this dance now generally renders the tale of nine Javanese men who spread the Islamic faith in the interior of Java.

The nine Muslim evangelists rode on horseback and dramatized stories of the battles waged and won for the cause of Islam to draw and hold the attention of the congregation.

Kuda Kepang is performed by nine dancers who are seated astride a two dimensional 'horse' made of hide or pleated rattan.

The dancers re-enact the early Islamic battles in enthusiastic gestures and vigorous action. Naturally as time as moved this dance is seen very much more for its entertainment value.

This dance is performed in accompaniment to a rich and exotic rendition of traditional music played with indigenous instruments such as gongs, tambourines and angklungs.

Fashion Show

Fashion Show Civic Centre Kuching, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Photograph taken at Civic Centre Kuching, Sarawak

Redemption - Johor Popular Reggae Music Band

Redemption, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

The popular reggae music band in Johor Bahru. Malay reggae songs.

REDEMPTION MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/redemptionpeace

Sunrise view from plane

Sunrise view from plane, originally uploaded by Rasso is in Kuching, Sarawak.

Sunrise view from airplane taken on my way from Johor to Kuching.

Sarawak Reggata 2008

Sarawak Reggata 2008 #07, originally uploaded by Rasso is in Kuching, Sarawak.

I went to Kuching last week for an interview. When I arrived Kuching there was Sarawak Reggata at Kuching Waterfront. Almost two years haven't go here.

Outdoor Photography : Tokyo Girls Perhaps?

Tokyo Girl, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Maria Outdoor Portraiture - Santubong Beach

Maria at Santubong Beach, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Outdoor potraiture of Maria at Santubong Beach. This photo was taken during my travel to Kuching Sarawak. I have the opportunity to meet with Sarawakian photographer.

Mini Pasu

Majlis Perpisahan Tahun 4 SPI - Semusim Bersama Seabad Terasa #076, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

A gift to remember.

Self Portraiture

Portrait of Me, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Stress face of me. Taken after my viva. Playing with my 50mm fix len.

Love itu H a t i

Love itu H a t i, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Love itu Hati. Love also known as 'Cinta'.

Rumah Sri Kenangan Johor Bahru - People

Rumah Sri Kenangan Johor Bahru #02, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

This is my recent photo shot. This photo taken during our visit to this "rumah orang tua" in Johor Bahru.

Eye on Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 2007

Eye on Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 2007 #39, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Location: Eye on Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

I often went to Kuala Lumpur but doesn't have an opportunity to visit many interesting places there. But, thank you to buddy at old school in Sarawak have ride us to this place. I have a lot of photograph taken that night.

Sunset: Kid and Father

Sunset: Miri Beach at Luak, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

Location: Miri Beach at Luak, Miri Sarawak.

A kid and his father waiting for the sunset.

Gigs: Slightmomellow at Taat House - The Rhaman

Gigs: Slightmomellow at Taat House #01, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

The Rhaman was established in 2005. Initially they were 4 individuals who shared interest in music and the mystic world. With the desire to experiment with the local music style, Hafidz and Ewin invited Hayan and Adik to complete the lineup in their pre band setup. This lead to the start of The Rhaman with Hafidz on vocals and rhythm guitar, Adik on lead guitar, Hayan with his dynamic bass playing, and Ewin on the drums. In their recordings, they had Abong playing the keyboard and Yuyun on vocals.

Inspired by the 60s sound, local music and the vocal mood of the ever 90's emotional bundle generation, The Rhaman applied these characteristic in their composition.

In the opinion that the local music circuitry is overflowing with overseas influences, this had opened their eyes to take the initiative to use Bahasa Melayu to interact between The Rhaman, their music and YOU.

Colour - Kid & Horse

Colour - Kid & Horse, originally uploaded by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso).

A kid taking care a horse at Pusat Equin UTM, Skudai. This candid shoot taken when I cross the road then saw a kid sitting with the horse. I returned a snap few pictures.

PEOPLE - YOGA to Fell Relax

It is hard to believe that not long ago people in the west regarded “yoga” as nothing more than a bizarre lifestyle of a few vegetarian enthusiasts twisting their bodies into weird, seemingly impossible positions. Today, almost everyone is familiar with at least the basic principles of yoga and many have come to appreciate its genuine benefits through their own practice.

If you feel “left behind”, it isn’t too late because today we will look at some of the most profound benefits of practicing this wholistic art which can help you achieve health, internal peace, and harmony with your world.

Many of us are drawn to yoga as a way to keep our bodies lean, fit, and supple. Others want to get a relief from back pain, tension, and stiffness. Some are merely looking for variety or a more meaningful alternative to gyms and treadmills. Whichever the reason, yoga has something to offer to everybody:

1. Yoga does wonders to increase flexibility, stretch ligaments, lubricate joints, and tone muscles - just 10 daily minutes of the Sun Salutation sequence will eventually cure your morning stiffness.
2. Some of the asanas, especially Forward Bends, have a capacity to trim your tummy.
3. Yoga is a wonderful way to restore elasticity of the spine and improve posture - Tree, Bridge, and Plough are the most effective postures for the health of your back.
4. Headstand and Shoulderstand both aid to the flow of blood to the brain, which results in better thinking and improved memory.
5. Almost all yoga postures massage internal glands and organs, which helps the proper functioning of various body systems, including the most vulnerable endocrine, digestive, and cardiovascular ones.
6. Regular meditation at the end of your yoga session helps to calm your mind and decrease anxiety and depression.
7. Breathing exercises, or “pranayama“, an essential part of yoga practice, will expand your lung capacity and improve the flow of the vital energy (“prana“) within your subtle body.

PEOPLE - Party Time

This photo taken during Malaysia National Day celebration 2007 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. All students gathered to celebrate. Foreign students also joined the event. Like a party event.

DANCE - Zapin Dance

The zapin, a traditional dance accompanied by music and singing, uses the voice, the gambus, violin, harmonium and accordian. Two types of drums are also used, the marwas and the dok, both double headed and cylindrical with the dok having a much longer body than the marwas. The zapin originated from the Middle East and is preserved in Malaysia in both its original form, called Zapin Arab and as Zapin Melayu which was adapted through the ages by the local Malay community.

PEOPLE - Novelea Playing “Once upon a time…”

Formed in late 2006 at the south city of light.. They are collectors of antiques and music lovers.. searching rhythm and seeking the authentic harmonies that will fit in every melodies that they had made.. Making the scenes at the edge of blinding eyes.. They’ve been around here having and buying their time to release a whisper among the noise... they’re trying to tell the dark side of the dreamers.. silence that audible.. nightmare for the winners.. and soundtrack for the scenes that u don’t want to see.. so enjoy your lollipop and.. It begins with “Once upon a time…”

SUNSET - Penang

Photograph taken during my travel to Pulau Pinang.

TRANSPORTATION - Ferry & Sunset

From Butterworth, you need to take the ferry to the island. The ferry service is for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets are purchased at the Butterworth terminal for the journey while no fare is charged for the return trip from the island.

PEOPLE - Candid Photo

Candid photo inside the Ferry.