PNG orchids wanted in Singapore
Hi orchid gardeners of PNG.
I received this email from Jeremy Seah in Singapore, email pangansari@singnet.com.sg, wanting to buy PNG orchids.
Hi Malum Nalu,
Like to know if orchids from PNG are now available for export?
You have any link to exporter which I can contact via email?
Regards
Jeremy Seah
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Gulf Mask Festival
The next event that the National Cultural Commission is beginning to work on it is the Gulf Mask Festival which will be held on June 12-13, 2008, at Toare Village, Kerema, Gulf Province.
The event was initiated and incepted by National Cultural Commission three years ago.
The main objective behind hosting the above event is to revive the Eharo mask which was believe to be extinct.
However, with the above event, the NCC is now reviving this important Mask Culture of the Eastern Gulf People.
For more information, please contact David Taim, Senior Festival Officer, National Cultural Commission, on email culturetok@ncc.org.pg.
Phone : (675) 3235120 Facsimile: (675) 3259119
Website: www.culturetok.org.pg
The next event that the National Cultural Commission is beginning to work on it is the Gulf Mask Festival which will be held on June 12-13, 2008, at Toare Village, Kerema, Gulf Province.
The event was initiated and incepted by National Cultural Commission three years ago.
The main objective behind hosting the above event is to revive the Eharo mask which was believe to be extinct.
However, with the above event, the NCC is now reviving this important Mask Culture of the Eastern Gulf People.
For more information, please contact David Taim, Senior Festival Officer, National Cultural Commission, on email culturetok@ncc.org.pg.
Phone : (675) 3235120 Facsimile: (675) 3259119
Website: www.culturetok.org.pg
A tribute to Jack Remus Nawatz
We buried Jack at home in Butibam village, Lae, on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, under one of those typically-beautiful November afternoons.
He had just turned 21 in September, had a pretty Manus girlfriend and a bouncy seven-month son, and was eagerly looking forward to graduating from the University of Goroka next year and becoming a music teacher.
All these hopes and dreams, however, were cruelly snuffed out like a candle in the wind when Jack’s heart gave way at the Port Moresby General Hospital on the night on Monday, October 25.
Jack Remus Nawatz, elder son of my sister Alison and her husband Goromp Nawatz, was born with a heart defect in Lae on September 9, 1983.
It was something that doctors hoped would go away over time; however, this was not to be.
Alison and Goromp were then studying at the University of Technology in Lae and I remember the unparalleled joy that Jack brought into our lives.
Since the two were busy at school, Jack’s grandparents – my mum and dad – looked after Jack as one of their own.
I remember that time in November 1983 when Jack was to be baptized at the Ampo Lutheran Church in Lae.
My elder brother David, who had just graduated a day earlier from Aiyura National High School, sacrificed graduation parties to be with us for the day.
We were all at Ampo Church on Tuesday last week – exactly 21 years later - for Jack’s funeral service.
It was David who read the eulogy – a far cry from 1983.
There is a picture somewhere in one of my old albums, of David and me carrying Jack the day of his baptism in 1983.
We carried his coffin last week.
Despite his short life on this earth, Jack brought so much joy and happiness into our lives.
He was never a strong child, because of his heart defect, and wasn’t actively involved in sports like many of his peers.
He would have made a very good basketball player – all six feet, four inches of him.
Jack, however, found his forte: music.
A very talented musician (Jack could play a variety of musical instruments) since his primary and high school days in Lae, Jack decided that this is what he must study.
In 2002, he went to the UOG, to take up his first year of studies.
I was then living and working in Goroka, with my wife and two sons, and Jack became very much a part of our young family.
Unfortunately, we had to leave Goroka in mid 2002 because my three-year work contract was up, and we left Jack behind.
He remained, and together with some of his best mates, formed a band that often performed at the University of Goroka.
I never realized how good a musician he was until last year, when I was up there for a weekend, I got to watch him play at a concert.
There couldn’t have been a prouder uncle!
This year, because his Manus girlfriend Evelyn was pregnant with their son Steven, the young couple was ejected from permanent accommodation by the seemingly-draconian University of Goroka administration.
They rented a backyard shed, down the hill from the university, and continued to look after their newborn baby while going to school.
Jack, with his weak heart, continued to trudge up the steep hill leading to the UOG – something that often made him sick.
Earlier this year, while in Goroka for the PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair, I fell very sick and was admitted to Goroka Base Hospital.
It was kind-hearted Jack and his UOG mates who looked after me.
I promised them drinks at the end of the year – this will never be now.
In September, Jack turned 21.
In October, he came to Port Moresby after final exams, and started complaining of chest pains and shortage of breath.
He was admitted to hospital, with a smile on his face for all family and friends who visited.
He was discharged, however, fell ill again was readmitted to hospital where the heart problem which had plagued him all his life finally claimed him.
I took a picture of Jack and his son Steven in Goroka in May this year.
I took a look at the picture and was reminded of the Lion King, where Mufasa showed his son Simba the world, and said: “You are part of the never-ending circle of life.”
Au revoir Jack!
We buried Jack at home in Butibam village, Lae, on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, under one of those typically-beautiful November afternoons.
He had just turned 21 in September, had a pretty Manus girlfriend and a bouncy seven-month son, and was eagerly looking forward to graduating from the University of Goroka next year and becoming a music teacher.
All these hopes and dreams, however, were cruelly snuffed out like a candle in the wind when Jack’s heart gave way at the Port Moresby General Hospital on the night on Monday, October 25.
Jack Remus Nawatz, elder son of my sister Alison and her husband Goromp Nawatz, was born with a heart defect in Lae on September 9, 1983.
It was something that doctors hoped would go away over time; however, this was not to be.
Alison and Goromp were then studying at the University of Technology in Lae and I remember the unparalleled joy that Jack brought into our lives.
Since the two were busy at school, Jack’s grandparents – my mum and dad – looked after Jack as one of their own.
I remember that time in November 1983 when Jack was to be baptized at the Ampo Lutheran Church in Lae.
My elder brother David, who had just graduated a day earlier from Aiyura National High School, sacrificed graduation parties to be with us for the day.
We were all at Ampo Church on Tuesday last week – exactly 21 years later - for Jack’s funeral service.
It was David who read the eulogy – a far cry from 1983.
There is a picture somewhere in one of my old albums, of David and me carrying Jack the day of his baptism in 1983.
We carried his coffin last week.
Despite his short life on this earth, Jack brought so much joy and happiness into our lives.
He was never a strong child, because of his heart defect, and wasn’t actively involved in sports like many of his peers.
He would have made a very good basketball player – all six feet, four inches of him.
Jack, however, found his forte: music.
A very talented musician (Jack could play a variety of musical instruments) since his primary and high school days in Lae, Jack decided that this is what he must study.
In 2002, he went to the UOG, to take up his first year of studies.
I was then living and working in Goroka, with my wife and two sons, and Jack became very much a part of our young family.
Unfortunately, we had to leave Goroka in mid 2002 because my three-year work contract was up, and we left Jack behind.
He remained, and together with some of his best mates, formed a band that often performed at the University of Goroka.
I never realized how good a musician he was until last year, when I was up there for a weekend, I got to watch him play at a concert.
There couldn’t have been a prouder uncle!
This year, because his Manus girlfriend Evelyn was pregnant with their son Steven, the young couple was ejected from permanent accommodation by the seemingly-draconian University of Goroka administration.
They rented a backyard shed, down the hill from the university, and continued to look after their newborn baby while going to school.
Jack, with his weak heart, continued to trudge up the steep hill leading to the UOG – something that often made him sick.
Earlier this year, while in Goroka for the PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair, I fell very sick and was admitted to Goroka Base Hospital.
It was kind-hearted Jack and his UOG mates who looked after me.
I promised them drinks at the end of the year – this will never be now.
In September, Jack turned 21.
In October, he came to Port Moresby after final exams, and started complaining of chest pains and shortage of breath.
He was admitted to hospital, with a smile on his face for all family and friends who visited.
He was discharged, however, fell ill again was readmitted to hospital where the heart problem which had plagued him all his life finally claimed him.
I took a picture of Jack and his son Steven in Goroka in May this year.
I took a look at the picture and was reminded of the Lion King, where Mufasa showed his son Simba the world, and said: “You are part of the never-ending circle of life.”
Au revoir Jack!
News from the PNG dive operators
by ANGE HELLBERG
by ANGE HELLBERG
Papua New Guinea is famous all over the world for its fantastic dive regions, its colourful reefs, its varied marine life and coral. No other country has as many different types of fish and coral on show as PNG does. Many people travel thousands of kilometres to visit our country and dive and snorkel our beautiful reefs. Often, the locals are the last to realise what is right on their doorstep, so from now on, The National will introduce to you some of these dive destinations, dive resorts/shops and dive liveaboard boats, keep you up to date with the latest news and specials and hopefully entice you to visit some of these beautiful spots!
I would also like to call on all the resident divers, snorkellers and travellers, no matter where you live and where you dive/snorkel/visit: If you have great pictures to show off, awesome stories to share, please e-mail me on info@lissenung.com and I will include your contributions!
Tufi welcomes the latest addition to its fleet (pictured above), a 28 foot Noosa Cat with 2 x 250hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard engines and fully equipped with VHF radio, Epirb, GPS chart plotter. Side entry dive access, placements for 10 divers plus crew, full toilet, shower and camera wash facilities make this boat very comfortable! Cruise speed is a whopping 24 knots, making Tufi’s outer reefs accessible in less than 30 minutes! You got to be on it to believe it!
The Queen’s Birthday long weekend in early June is the perfect time to check out the new boat and combine the visit with culture as the Tufi Cultural Show is happening on 8th and 9th June. Tufi has put together some great packages including flights, accommodation, meals and show entry. You can contact them by phone on 323 3462 – http://www.experience-com.com/
Kabaira Dive Rabaul was a buzz in March! Firstly, the house was full with scientists who were in town attending a Cocoa Workshop, then Rabaul hosted the 2008 National Game Fishing Titles.
There were over 220 anglers from around the country, as well international, who attended the 10 day event. Since there are only 2 fishing days permitted per angler, Stephen and his crew were bombarded with bookings for diving, camping, sightseeing, bushwalking and even more fishing.
Stephen took a group of 3 keen anglers down to the Talele Islands for a 2 night camping trip while Richard was in hot pursuit of critters for our underwater photographers and Lloyd looked after the Land Tours of Volcano Town and WWII Sites.
Chris, the dive operations manager at Tawali Resort in Milne Bay reported sightings of Rhinophias (Lacy Sea Scorpionfish), Epaulette Sharks, a pod of Orca Whales surfacing very close to the dive boat, plenty of White Tip Reef Sharks, and a large school of Bumphead Parrotfish.
Tawali Resort is situated on a limestone bluff in Hoia Bay, Milne Bay and looks out across the beautiful Milne Bay to Normanby Island in the distance. The resort is an excellent place to get away from it all for a short or long stay even if you are not currently a diver. The resort offers relaxation in a hammock over the beach and lapping waters, kayaking, snorkeling, guided mountain hiking, tours to the skull caves and local waterfall, or even a coastal walk visiting some of the local villages.
The latest news for Lissenung Island Resort in Kavieng is that the resort now has 6 double/twin/single rooms with private bathrooms. Only one room still uses the “public” bathrooms. There have been rumours that the resort is about to close up, but nothing could be further from the truth! One bungalow has just been completely re-build and we have put too much sweat, tears and money into it to give it all up. Plus, we enjoy what we do, why should we give it up?
On the diving front, we had some awesome sightings! Planet Channel and Eagle Ray Passage delivered 7 Spotted Eagle Rays last week, at Bermuda Drop Erik Ranstead from from Germany found a Halimeda Ghostpipefish (pictured above) and during surface intervals, the divers were treated to a pot of Pilot Whales and jumping Sailfish. While the Sailfish always remained in the distance, the pot of whales actually enjoyed some gentle interaction with the guests who had hopped in for a snorkel. What a buzz!!!
Well, that’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed this little newsletter and it will get you traveling some more. If you are not a certified diver yet, you may want to visit John Miller at The Dive Centre in Port Moresby, located pool-side at the Airways Hotel. Many a diver who has spent time in PNG has John’s name on his or her card as the certifying instructor. John also has a well-stocked dive shop, so if you in want of some dive gear, talk to him!
Till next month, and don’t forget to e-mail me your stories! Please shrink any pictures that you send, as on the island, we are only one step ahead of smoke signals. If you think your internet connection in the big cities is slow, you should come to the island one day!
Ange Hellberg is the Marketing Manager for Lissenung Island Resort in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. You can contact her on info@lissenung.com and have a look at their website on www.lissenung.com
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A whale of a time
By ANGE HELLBERG (all pictures of Orcas at Kimbe Bay by THOMAS KULN)
It may come as some surprise to realise that Orca, normally seen in documentaries featuring ice floes, penguins and cold water can be found in the Bismarck and Solomon Seas.
Guests of Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay had the pleasure of seeing these fantastic animals close-up!
Resident within the huge area of the Bismarck and Solomon Seas, the Orca is an unusual sight in our beautiful tropical waters as they prefer to hunt far out to sea.
Occasionally though, there is the once in a lifetime opportunity to see these utterly spell binding creatures closer to land.
Kimbe Bay, home to Walindi Plantation Resort, is a favoured haunt of the Orca, with regular sightings throughout the year.
Staff and guests of Walindi enjoyed their first sighting in June 2006, when a small pod of six Orcas, intrigued by the thrum of the engines, came to investigate the dive boat and its occupants.
Specially designed boom nets which extend from the boat allowed guests the opportunity to examine the Orcas from the water, hanging onto the boom nets, snorkels firmly in place.
The boat cruises slowly through the water, with the Orca surfing in the bow wake scant meters below the entranced guests.
The Orcas spent about an hour playing in the waters around the boat, before, as if obeying an unheard signal, they turned to resume hunting, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.
With a maximum length of 10m and weight of 9t, the Orca, whose proper name is Killer Whale or Orcinus orca, is the largest representative of the Delphinoidae.
The characteristic black-and-white pattern and a vertical dorsal fin that can reach up to 1.8m in height on a male mammal make it easy to identify this species.
Other typical features include an elliptical white patch over each eye and a white patch on the underside.
Orcas are very playful and inquisitive.
They often breach, spy-hop and perform other acrobatics.
They are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 55km/h, although the average speed is around 15/20km/h, according to Whales & Dolphins, Cetacean World Guide by Ralf Kiefner.*
The guys and girls on Mike Ball’s Paradise Sport got to enjoy the visit of another large creature.
A whale shark came to say G’day at Tingwon Island, west of New Hanover in New Ireland Province.
When I talked to Skipper Pete, he told me that Peters Patch “went off”!
It was like all the fish in the area were having a meeting right there, even a marlin came in to check things out.
The 17 guests on board were also treated to huge schools of Barracuda that were following them around on a number of dive sites.
We, too, had a slightly unusual sighting with a 3.5m Hammerhead scaring the wetsuits off some divers, enthralling others.
Guests from Lissenung Island Resort were diving Nusa Blowholes, off Nusa Island just opposite Kavieng, when the shark came along, having a good look at the divers, and then deciding that they probably would not be very tasty in their rubber suits.
Our Italian friend Guiseppe got this great shot with his small digital camera!
Last but not least, we saw some great things on land, too.
The local Malagan Show was held in Kavieng for the first time in many years on July 17 and 18, 2006, shortly after the Rabaul Mask Festival.
Sing-sing groups from New Britain, the Highlands, of course New Ireland Province and other regions descended on Kavieng to perform during the show.
The costumes were fantastic, very colourful and with lots of eye for detail.
One of the local groups performed a dance that celebrates the famous Shark Calling tradition.
All the tools needed were included in the dance and they even had a carved shark “swimming” around the podium.
Locals and tourists alike enjoyed the festivities and we almost had to drag our guests back to the resort at the end of the day.
We sure hope that many more Malagan Shows in Kavieng are to come!
Happy and safe diving again this weekend!
· Ange Hellberg is the Marketing Manager for Lissenung Island Resort in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. You can contact her on info@lissenung.com and have a look at their website on http://www.lissenung.com/ .
By ANGE HELLBERG (all pictures of Orcas at Kimbe Bay by THOMAS KULN)
It may come as some surprise to realise that Orca, normally seen in documentaries featuring ice floes, penguins and cold water can be found in the Bismarck and Solomon Seas.
Guests of Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay had the pleasure of seeing these fantastic animals close-up!
Resident within the huge area of the Bismarck and Solomon Seas, the Orca is an unusual sight in our beautiful tropical waters as they prefer to hunt far out to sea.
Occasionally though, there is the once in a lifetime opportunity to see these utterly spell binding creatures closer to land.
Kimbe Bay, home to Walindi Plantation Resort, is a favoured haunt of the Orca, with regular sightings throughout the year.
Staff and guests of Walindi enjoyed their first sighting in June 2006, when a small pod of six Orcas, intrigued by the thrum of the engines, came to investigate the dive boat and its occupants.
Specially designed boom nets which extend from the boat allowed guests the opportunity to examine the Orcas from the water, hanging onto the boom nets, snorkels firmly in place.
The boat cruises slowly through the water, with the Orca surfing in the bow wake scant meters below the entranced guests.
The Orcas spent about an hour playing in the waters around the boat, before, as if obeying an unheard signal, they turned to resume hunting, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.
With a maximum length of 10m and weight of 9t, the Orca, whose proper name is Killer Whale or Orcinus orca, is the largest representative of the Delphinoidae.
The characteristic black-and-white pattern and a vertical dorsal fin that can reach up to 1.8m in height on a male mammal make it easy to identify this species.
Other typical features include an elliptical white patch over each eye and a white patch on the underside.
Orcas are very playful and inquisitive.
They often breach, spy-hop and perform other acrobatics.
They are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 55km/h, although the average speed is around 15/20km/h, according to Whales & Dolphins, Cetacean World Guide by Ralf Kiefner.*
The guys and girls on Mike Ball’s Paradise Sport got to enjoy the visit of another large creature.
A whale shark came to say G’day at Tingwon Island, west of New Hanover in New Ireland Province.
When I talked to Skipper Pete, he told me that Peters Patch “went off”!
It was like all the fish in the area were having a meeting right there, even a marlin came in to check things out.
The 17 guests on board were also treated to huge schools of Barracuda that were following them around on a number of dive sites.
We, too, had a slightly unusual sighting with a 3.5m Hammerhead scaring the wetsuits off some divers, enthralling others.
Guests from Lissenung Island Resort were diving Nusa Blowholes, off Nusa Island just opposite Kavieng, when the shark came along, having a good look at the divers, and then deciding that they probably would not be very tasty in their rubber suits.
Our Italian friend Guiseppe got this great shot with his small digital camera!
Last but not least, we saw some great things on land, too.
The local Malagan Show was held in Kavieng for the first time in many years on July 17 and 18, 2006, shortly after the Rabaul Mask Festival.
Sing-sing groups from New Britain, the Highlands, of course New Ireland Province and other regions descended on Kavieng to perform during the show.
The costumes were fantastic, very colourful and with lots of eye for detail.
One of the local groups performed a dance that celebrates the famous Shark Calling tradition.
All the tools needed were included in the dance and they even had a carved shark “swimming” around the podium.
Locals and tourists alike enjoyed the festivities and we almost had to drag our guests back to the resort at the end of the day.
We sure hope that many more Malagan Shows in Kavieng are to come!
Happy and safe diving again this weekend!
· Ange Hellberg is the Marketing Manager for Lissenung Island Resort in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. You can contact her on info@lissenung.com and have a look at their website on http://www.lissenung.com/ .
Western Province has a lot to offer tourists
By ZARA KANU
WESTERN Province has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and it would no doubt be a potential tourist destination because of its unique cultures which it can expose to the rest of the world.
The Middle Fly District is made up of three Local level Governments comprising of Suki, Lake Murray and Balimo.
There are more than 27 villages along the river leading out from Balimo towards the Suki and Lake Murray area and this is where you get to find the real fun -oving character of the local people.
The view along the Aramure River going towards Awaba is about five hours by dinghy and is spectacularly beautiful for those who intend to go bird watching or going fishing.
The bird life will never stop to amaze tourists as you travel along this most-captivating river and find that there is more bird life than one could imagine.
Night hunting is a norm for the locals but can be a good experience for those who love excitement and adventure.
Balimo is renowned for its beauty in the abundance of wildlife and rich culture and the staging of the sixth Gogodala Canoe festival last month was no exception to that.
The Governor for Western Province, Dr Bob Danaya, said “we must look at development from a different perspective because it will bring development and other major benefits”.
“The Middle Fly is far expanding and there is great potential in promoting tourism here in the province”, he said.
The town is currently under construction to upgrade most of the facilities for the locals and as well as those intending to go for holiday or sightseeing.
Tourists or visitors can check into the Biyama family house where 10 rooms are available for rent if going in a group or as an individual.
The town area is very peaceful and there is a health centre, a few shops and a main market housed in the centre of the town.
Transportation on dinghy along the river can be arranged upon consultation with the district Administration and the town Committee, or otherwise, a walk around the town can take only half a day.
The Gogodala Canoe Festival is an enriching way to truly appreciate what these people have to offer in terms of natural wildlife and the culture. This festival is held annually in April and those who are interested can collect more detailed information from the National Cultural Commission website.
WESTERN Province has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and it would no doubt be a potential tourist destination because of its unique cultures which it can expose to the rest of the world.
The Middle Fly District is made up of three Local level Governments comprising of Suki, Lake Murray and Balimo.
There are more than 27 villages along the river leading out from Balimo towards the Suki and Lake Murray area and this is where you get to find the real fun -oving character of the local people.
The view along the Aramure River going towards Awaba is about five hours by dinghy and is spectacularly beautiful for those who intend to go bird watching or going fishing.
The bird life will never stop to amaze tourists as you travel along this most-captivating river and find that there is more bird life than one could imagine.
Night hunting is a norm for the locals but can be a good experience for those who love excitement and adventure.
Balimo is renowned for its beauty in the abundance of wildlife and rich culture and the staging of the sixth Gogodala Canoe festival last month was no exception to that.
The Governor for Western Province, Dr Bob Danaya, said “we must look at development from a different perspective because it will bring development and other major benefits”.
“The Middle Fly is far expanding and there is great potential in promoting tourism here in the province”, he said.
The town is currently under construction to upgrade most of the facilities for the locals and as well as those intending to go for holiday or sightseeing.
Tourists or visitors can check into the Biyama family house where 10 rooms are available for rent if going in a group or as an individual.
The town area is very peaceful and there is a health centre, a few shops and a main market housed in the centre of the town.
Transportation on dinghy along the river can be arranged upon consultation with the district Administration and the town Committee, or otherwise, a walk around the town can take only half a day.
The Gogodala Canoe Festival is an enriching way to truly appreciate what these people have to offer in terms of natural wildlife and the culture. This festival is held annually in April and those who are interested can collect more detailed information from the National Cultural Commission website.
Miss Jacklyn Saleu crowned Miss Coffee Festival 2008
Miss Jacklyn Saleu (pictured left) was crowned Miss Coffee Festival, 2008 at the Coffee Ball, which was held at the Pacific Gardens Hotel in Goroka last Saturday Night, May 10.
Miss Jacklyn Saleu (pictured left) was crowned Miss Coffee Festival, 2008 at the Coffee Ball, which was held at the Pacific Gardens Hotel in Goroka last Saturday Night, May 10.
Miss Saleu, who was sponsored by Gold Finance, was among six contestants who ran for the title.
The night saw Miss Miriam Moi, win the Miss Coffee Festival first runner-up, Miss Friendship and Miss People’s Choice whilst Miss Saleu grabbed Ms Traditional and Miss Coffee Festival 2008.
Current Miss PNG and out going Miss Coffee Festival 2006 Ms Genevieve Roberts announced on the crowning night that the newly-crowned Miss Coffee Festival 2008 would enter the Miss PNG contest this year.
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