NAGA BOOK TRAILER : ONLINE PREMIER

 

Hope you enjoy the NAGA Book Trailer.


NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini is available online
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | XLibris

For more information, please visit
www.nagabyninotaziz.com



Thank you.

WORLD ONLINE PREMIER OF NAGA BOOK TRAILER

 

 

 

Dearest poets and friends!

 

Just to let you know, I am about ready to push my novel NAGA to the global audience. Next week on Tueday, 30th September,  I will launch a new Asian book trailer video on Facebook@ninotaziz, Twitter @ninotaziz, Youtube and my blogs.

 

Really hope you can help share it with as many people as possible as I would like to see how far we can go on the net with this through family and friends.

Looking forward to your support, everyone. There will be three things to share;

Tuesday, 30th September 2014
'Book Trailer' video - NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini

Friday, 3rd October 2014  
Interview with Stu Tyler podcast

   Monday, 6th October 2014
Book Recommendation by XLibris

 

Friends in  Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Philippines among others have agreed to help put the word out.

 

Counting on your help!

 

Sincerely, from Malaysia with love,

 

Zalina Abdul Aziz @ ninotaziz

http://www.nagabyninotaziz.com

 

 

COUNTDOWN TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2014

FROM THE PANTUN : OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

The Academy Award winner Oscar Hammerstein II seems as far away from the pantun as can be. The musical theatre genius from a bygone era co-wrote 850 songs, and Hammerstein was the lyricist and playwright in his partnerships; his collaborators wrote the music. His most famous collaboration, by far, was with Richard Rodgers, which included one of my favourite movies when I was a child - The Sound of Music.

There is a very enduring song Hammerstein wrote called I am Going To Like It Here, sung very charmingly by Lea Salonga in the accompanying YouTube video.

Oscar Hammerstein's song is an example of a form of poetry made popular in France called the pantoum, which is of course the form inspired by our 15th century pantun berkait, and popularised in 19th century France by none other than Victor Hugo.

I AM GOING TO LIKE IT HERE

I'm going to like it here.
There is something about the place,
An encouraging atmosphere,
Like a smile on a friendly face.

There is something about the place,
So caressing and warm it is.
Like a smile on a friendly face,
Like a port in a storm it is.

So caressing and warm it is.
All the people are so sincere.
Like a port in a storm it is.
I am going to like here.

All the people are so sincere.
There's especially one I like.
I am going to like here.
It's the father's first son I like.

There's especially one I like.
There is something about his face.
It's the father's first son I like.
He's the reason I love the place.

There is something about his face.
I would follow him anywhere.
If he goes to another place,
I am going to like it there.

Oscar Hammerstein II
New York

NAGA - A VIDEO PREVIEW

NAGA spans three realms from the ancient world -- Middle Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty, Nagara and Bhumi Semenanjung Melayu. It is the story of three adventurers, Sri Gemom, Srikandi and Kemboja and how fate set their worlds on a collision course that shook the very foundations of an ancient civilisation. More than that, against the background of sorcery and magic, the tragic tale of survival and loyalty shines through.

To learn more or order the book:
http://bookstore.xlibris.com/Products...

A mother's joy

Legacy of The Malay Manuscript

The knowledge and wisdom preserved in the ancient Malay manuscripts are astounding, and the manuscripts themselves are priceless works of art, writes ninotaziz

The Malay Manuscripts are hand-written records from the 16th Century, or even earlier, produced by the royal scribes of the Malay Sultanates. These were works of exquisite beauty and are priceless. Among the most famous works are the Sulalatus Sulatin and Hikayat Hang Tuah, both recognised by Unesco today as Masterpieces of the World and are kept as a heritage legacy of Malaysia.

Read more in the NST:  Legacy of the Malay manuscripts 

ninotaziz, author, poet and story-teller believes that legends are the memories of our ancient civilisations.

Hang Tuah: The Man and The Myth

Once a revered hero, today Hang Tuah's legacy is marred by controversy, writes ninotaziz

WHAT do you think of Hang Tuah? Did he exist?

There have been many conjecture and analysis, claims and suppositions made about the existence of legendary hero, Hang Tuah. On TV, Facebook and on the streets of Malacca, many ask the same question.

More importantly, what is the relevance of Hang Tuah for us today?

There was a time when Hang Tuah was as real in our mind as the greatest heroes of the world. And foremost for us, he was a Malaysian hero. Until recently, he was all but erased from our subconscious. At best, the man was embroiled in a quagmire of controversy. From his strict loyalty to the Sultan to the background of his ancestry, all these become subject of debate, contention and sadly at times, derision. It is an inexplicable phenomenon that when many cultures revere their legends and heroes, many in Malaysia decide to abandon theirs. Why this is so proves to be as interesting as the question of Hang Tuah’s existence, if not more so.

Read more: HERITAGE: Hang Tuah: The Man and The Myth 

ninotaziz, author, poet and story-teller believes that legends are the memories of our ancient civilisations.

Love Stories from the Chinese Opera

The ancient theatre tradition of the Chinese Opera has always captivated ninotaziz

MALAYSIA has a strong tradition of dance and drama theatre, which has existed for hundreds of years. The Makyong, wayang kulit and the Bangsawan were among the arts sustained through many generations. It is no wonder then that the Chinese Opera fits in so well in our gamut of artistic heritage. In fact, like all good theatre, if one looks closely, we would be able to see that what makes excellent Chinese Opera is much the same as what would make a truly memorable Makyong performance.

Read more: Love stories from Chinese Opera in the Sunday Life & Times - New Straits Times 


ninotaziz, author, poet and story-teller believes that legends are the memories of our ancient civilisations.

In the Sunday Times: The Psyche of The Malay Hikayat

It is a national treasure that needs to be cherished and returned to prominence, writes ninotaziz

Inilah warta orang dahulukala
Cerita dibawa air yang hilir
Angin yang lalu
Dan burung yang terbang...

*Once, an ancient story was whispered... upon even more ancient winds...Hikayat Malim Deman

FROM time immemorial, our people have travelled into the unknown in search of knowledge. To be the universal man, one must face hardship and travel the world.

How do we know this? Such journeys are, almost always, the basis of all Malay Hikayat. It is evident in our culture, the literature, the taboos and our legends and folklore, a constant assimilation and acceptance of foreign cultures unlike anywhere else in the world.

Read more: HERITAGE: Psyche of the Malay Hikayat in the Sunday Life & Times - New Straits Times 


ninotaziz, author, poet and story-teller believes that legends are the memories of our ancient civilisations.

Calistro Prize Short List 2013

The Calistro Prize is an annual award that aims to encourage 

and celebrate the creation of Malaysian stories by Malaysians for Malaysian children and teenagers.

The objectives of the Calistro prize are as follows:

To promote the creation of Malaysian stories for children and teenagers

To reward excellence of Malaysian content in fiction for children and teenagers.

To support Malaysians writing for children and teenagers.

The prize is sponsored by Calistro Consultants Ltd, a small management consultancy specialising in strategy in over 40 countries (including Malaysia) for both the public and private sectors. Calistro is committed to education and the arts, central to which are skills in language and the visual arts.

On 1st December 2013, the Calistro Prize Secretariat announced the Short List

Crescendo by Chris Lin

Gameworld by Su Ann Lee

The Last Wills and Testaments Of Melody Law – A High School Journal by Michele Chia

Anya’s Angsana by Bathmaloshanee Muniandy

Siti, The Queen Regnant by Ninot Aziz

I am thrilled and humbled that my third novel,
Siti, The Queen Regnant
has made it to the Short List.

THE INAUGURAL PNM-RTM BOOK AWARDS 2013

The months pass by so quickly. Last month in October, the excitement of the inaugural PNM awards buzzed everywhere among Malaysian writers and readers.

The family makes everything worthwhile.

With Nisah Harun who makes the journey as a writer a shared path

With our kind and renowned host, Sayed Munawar

I was fortunate that Hikayat - From The Ancient Kingdom was  nominated for two categories, more importantly, it was the only English  publication to be included in the highly coveted People's Choice top five finalists. Hikayat was 1st Runner-up in the Adult Fiction category, losing out to my own English teacher's novel, Magic Eyes!

It was a lovely event, held in the Angkasapuri Perdana Auditorium. Hubby and daughters were there, and my darling Mrs Khaw Choon Ean who continues to encourage me until today (that's a good 30 odd years of nurturing!) Good friend and award winning writer, Pn Nisah Harun had two books nominated. Celebrated writer, Puan Mahaya, whose compelling book Kuasa Kata was also nominated was such a lovely lady to meet.

It was a lovely evening, and treasured honour.

HIKAYAT SHORTLISTED FOR PNM-RTM BOOK AWARDS

HIKAYAT - From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms was shortlisted for the PNM-RTM Book Awards. Voting begins tomorrow and will close on 28th September 2013.

Here is a video on HIKAYAT with a wonderful introduction by Resensi host, Sayed Munawar.

I am thrilled and humbled that HIKAYAT was shortlisted for this nationwide award.

TOP 10 List so far: 1 Contengan Jalanan / Hlovate 2 I love you, stupid! / Melur Jelita 3 Hikayat : From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms / retold by ninotaziz 4 Cinta high class & cintaku kerana agamamu / Fatimah Syarha, Farhan Hadi 5 Cucur bawang & kopi 'o' / Hasrudi Jawawi 6 Hingga hujung waktu / Saidee Nor Azam 7 My precious Iris / Melur Jelita 8 Kembara sastera Nisah Haron : United Kingdom dan Dublin / Nisah Haron 9 Berjuta warna pelangi / Iris Ixora 10 Kuasa kata : dari lisan mengalir ke lautan aksara / sebuah memoir Mahaya Mohd. Yassin Title : Hikayat - From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms ISBN : 978-967-61-2540-8 Penulis - ninotaziz http://www.pnm.gov.my/anugerahbukupnm-rtm/pencalonan.php


Please do continue to vote and share daily
Thank you all for your support.

IN THE STAR NEWSPAPER TODAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2013

METRO@THESTAR.COM.MY PHOTOS BY ROHAIZAT DARUS

Full story here.

SHARING LOVE FOR ANCIENT FOLKLORE

BY YVONNE T. NATHAN 

KUALA LUMPUR : UNRAVELLING Malaysia’s noble heritage through hikayat (folklore), writer-poet Zalina Abdul Aziz, endearingly known as Ninot, shared her passion for Malaysian literature with more than 1,000 Sri KDU primary school pupils recently as part of the #SaySomethingNice campaign (#SSNC).

Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd’s managing director and founder Anas Zubedy suggested Ninot be part of the #SSNC by doing what she does best, enchanting audiences with stories of ancient legends and folklore with ‘A Hikayat A Day’.

The Sri KDU pupils performed six hikayat scripted by Ninot, including Sang Kancil and the River Otters, Onangkiu of Gellangui and various other beautifully costumed renditions, cultivating an appreciation of Malaysia’s glorious culture in her own way.

The rest of the story here.

THIS WAS THE BEST MERDEKA EVER - IRANI

Trek With A Cause led by Dr Bala aka Monyet King

went on an expedition to Anapoorna in sight of Mount Everest

to raise money for education

As a result, Muslim Aid Foundation got to set up its 

Mobile Library for the orphanages it gives support to.

 

We were invited to share Hikayat with the kids

and it turned out to be a most joyous Merdeka celebration.

The kids sang Merdeka songs with such fervor.

                                    

And they read poetry.

Irani recited her own poem Merdeka with passion!

Did Doodle Art

And acted out ancient stories of Hikayat!

Thank you all.

#SSNC - A HIKAYAT A DAY CHE SITI WAN KEMBANG

Che Wan Kembang

Gemilang bestari rupawan
Ditatang dibelai disayang
Puteri sulung Sultan

Duduk di negeri Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga

THE ONLY DAUGHTER of Sultan Ahmad and Sultanah Che Banun, Che Wan Kembang was the light and life of the palace. Very often, she could be found in the forbidden garden, playing with a golden antelope her father gave her as a present. Her handmaidens tried to keep up with the little princess. Her hair,  flying in the gentle breeze, her cheeks rosy and her smile, lighting up her beautiful cherubic face.

Even at such a young age, the princess was already a brilliant scholar. She could read all the old Hikayat, which described her ancestors, the cities they built, the seas they traversed, the people they ruled. She was beginning to learn the arts of defense and the silat from her father’s warriors. She was fearless, beautiful and intelligent.

The rest of the story can be found here .

#SSNC - A HIKAYAT A DAY : AWANG SULONG MERAH MUDA

ANCIENT WINDS SURGED to the coastal lands, bringing the monsoon rains. Here, in Pati Talak Terengganu, the kingdoms flourished and rulers changed guard. Tuanku Si-Helang Mawai ruled with the assistance of his trusted Perdana Menteri, Temenggong, Laksamana and Orang Kaya.

The king’s greatest treasures were his four daughters. The eldest was Uli Emak, followed by Uli Pati Talak Terengganu, who was born to lead. Puteri Emak Helang was the mistress of the sea. And the youngest, the most beautiful of all was Si-Helang Bakau, a princess of extraordinary beauty.

They lived in the royal palace, bringing joy to the royal household. When the old king was no more, Uli Pati Talak Terengganu ruled with her husband. After some time, the youngest princess, Tuan Puteri Si-Helang Bakau, married a neighbouring prince, Tuanku Si-Helang Laut. One day, Tuanku Si-Helang Laut said to his wife, “Your sister is ruling Pati Talak Terengganu well. Let us go to Bandar Mengkaleh as I hear they are in need of a king.”

After much preparation, the royal couple boarded the royal barge, Bunga Rampai Layangan Angin, together with the eldest sister, Uli Emak and sailed the open seas until they reached Bandar Mengkaleh. They were received by the four lords, Datuk Batin Alam, Datuk Batin Sangeru, Datuk Batin Laksamana and Datuk Batin Bongsu, in full ceremony as was customary when a royal family from far-off lands arrived.

The people built a magnificent fortress in which they would build an even more magnificent palace. After it was completed, Uli Emak was wedded to Datuk Batin Alam. The newlywed royal couple then travelled to the neighbouring kingdom Kota Ruyung to rule.

More and more people came to Bandar Mengkaleh. Trade prospered. Wise and learned men imparted their knowledge to their pupils. Experienced warriors taught the novice their art and skills. Everyone in the new country had a role to play, no matter how small, no matter how big.

However, the royal couple’s happiness was incomplete. They yearned for an heir to the kingdom.

One day, Tuanku Si Helang Laut said to his queen, “Let us sail out to sea, my queen. We will go to Lautan Tanjong Jati. The sea breeze and beautiful sights will do us good.”

They sailed away on the royal barge, Bunga Rampai Layangan Angin. The trip was so agreeable, upon return, Tuan Puteri Si-Helang Bakau was with child. Soon, the queen sensed that the baby was due.  Bujang Selamat immediately called for the Mak Bidan who came, took charge and cared for the queen. Amidst pelting rain, crashing thunder and lightning streaking across the sky, the prince Awang Sulong Merah Muda was born.

***

Tuanku Si-Helang Laut was very happy and full of energy. The people from the land of the seven rivers were ordered to clear the forest. Then the royal medicine man, Tok Pawang Tok Palit was asked to raze the earth with a wild fire that spread for seven days and seven nights.

Habis daun di-makan ranting
Habis ranting di-makan dahan
Habis dahan di-makan batang
Habis batang di-makan tunggul
Habis tunggul di-makan akar
Tiba di-tanah, api pun mati
Terbentang ladang bagai kasah terbentang.

And the fire died out when the trees were no more...

The Tok Bidan came forth to plant the paddy into the fertile earth. At long last, the season of harvest arrived and a big festival was held in thanks for the bountiful yield. The king then said to his queen, “Let us sail upon the Royal Barge to Lautan Tanjung Jati once again.”

But when they arrived at the calm open sea, Puteri Si-Helang Bakau caught a chill, which turned for the worst and they returned to Bandar Mengkaleh. The Tok Pawang Besar tried all he could to heal her but the young queen failed to recover, becoming weaker and weaker day by day.  Soon she was no more and was laid to rest at the royal burial grounds.

The king grieved for he loved the queen beyond life. Seven days after, he became ill and no amount of medicines, herbs and chants brought him back to health. The king too passed on to the afterworld.

For 100 days, the people held prayers and mourned the royal couple.

The prince, Awang Sulong Merah Muda was an orphan, no more, no less.

Find the conclusion of the story here.

AN EXHIBITION : TROPICANA MALL

The illustrations from A Hikayat A Day will be exhibited at the Tropicana Shopping Mall from Monday 26th August 2013 onwards as part of the #SaySomethingNice Campaign. Do visit us and have a look at the work of artist, En Malek Rahim.

 The legends and folklores will be featured as per the following schedule on www.ahikayataday.blogspot.com, on Facebook, Twitter, BERNAMA Radio24 and NST School Times. We thanks all parties for their support to A Hikayat A Day.

 Here are some of the artwork displayed.

Hikayat - From The Ancient Malay Kingdom on Resensi TV1

Syed Munawar called to let me know he was reviewing Hikayat and would like to have me on his show, Resensi. As a host, he was considerate and engaging, asking me to relate the process of writing Hikayat and how did I safe-guard the authenticity of the legends and folklores. I have been lucky to have so many parties assisting me like Adiguru Pak Nasir of Aswara and Prof Ding Choo Ming of UKM.

Hikayat contains stories from Malay Manuscripts, lores from the ancient arts like makyung and wayang kulit and legends of mythical princesses.





Suddenly, it was over. Thank you Sayed!





Thank you Kay for helping me get ready - all dolled up for the camera.





Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri