KL Performance

I decided last minute to take up the invitation to perform in KL on October 29 and that is, if they still want me. They did!

Yay! So I'll be performing at Gaslight Cafe & Music in KL together with a bunch of other writers who will be doing book signings. Event starts at 8.30 pm.

I'll be launching my first collection of poetry-art bookmarks. Special price for this event only :)

Hope to see you there!

Love,
Angel.

Loose Muse London

London next!

I've just received a mail-out from Loose Muse today which I've already taken a screenshot and attached below.

Angelina Bong
Loose Muse
London

Are you in London?
Come catch me at The Poetry Cafe, Covent Garden on October 14th.

8 pm. :)

Hope to see you there. Come say hi if you do drop by.

xoxo

There are so many Fibromites

Wow...Today I realise that there are so many of us Fibro people out there.

I shared my poem 'I wish to Help' published on Image Curve website with Fibromyalgia Awareness facebook page and they posted it on their website. The link is here:

http://fibrotoday.com/fibromyalgia-poem-i-wish-to-help/

Fibromyalgia Awareness FB page shared the link on their website and within 6 hours, there were 439 shares, 36 comments and 784 people who like it. It makes me cry to know that there are so many people going through Fibro pain and challenges, some on a mild level and some in chronic pain. I am not so alone after all.

I didn't think that so many people could relate to my poem but I was wrong. Since I was diagnosed in 2012, I was often hiding and only recently, I could openly share online that I am a Fibromyalgia patient. However, I am so much better now. Faith, poetry and arts kept me going through my toughest days. Poetry and arts give me a channel to express my pain and turned my pain into something good, at the same time sometimes distract me from pain and depression.

My dear Fibro friends,
If there is something that makes you happy, do it and you will find strength to go through your pain. When it is just too much, take a break and rest. I have to keep reminding myself that although guilt of time wasted drives me up the wall sometimes.

You can get through this.

Xoxo

I wish to Help

My poem written during a fibromyalgia attack has just been published on this website.

http://www.imagecurve.com/2015/09/wish-help-poem-about-pain/

As this month is Suicide Prevention Month, I would like to dedicate this poem to all who are suffering in one way or another, physically, emotionally and mentally.

Hang in there buddy! Life will turn around...don't end it.

I love you!

Reviews on Me, Perth Poetry Festival

I was a featured guest poet at the recent Perth Poetry Festival 2015.

Read 16 different poems over four different sessions, one impromptu. Immensely enjoyed feasting on insane language over three and a half days! Love, love, love it!

Here are reviews on me from Rochford Street Review and you can click on the link to read more about the festival. You might be interested to attend the one next year!

"As our international poet Angelina Bong was a key performer her contribution was very insightful and full of goodwill." - Words of Peter Jeffery.  The link is here: 

http://rochfordstreetreview.com/2015/08/31/go-go-gonzo-in-the-west-peter-jeffery-on-the-perth-poetry-festival/

"Angelina Bong drew poetic parallels between writing and illness.... Angelina Bong expanded the horizons to Africa, exploring xenophobic attacks with her letter to South Africa, reminding us that our Asian connections exist in a wider international context." - Words of Amy Hilhorst. Click on the link: http://rochfordstreetreview.com/2015/08/31/a-temple-of-words-amy-hilhorst-explores-the-2015-perth-poetry-festival/  

Here are some photos from the festival!

Just below is a photo taken during a pre-recording interview to be broadcasted during World of Art session organized by Peter Jeffery. I get to briefly talked about my poetry travels to Africa and South Korea as well as read one poem.

Angelina Bong and poet Mark Reid during a pre recording interview for EBA.fm.

All the featured poets including myself was interviewed during the festival launch by WTV 44 aired during Perth City Talks. I talked about my journey to poetry and how it influenced by paintings exhibited that night :)

TV interview by WTV 44

Here are some photos of me performing which was taken from the links above by Coral Carter.

Angelina Bong performing at Moon Cafe, Perth Poetry Club, Perth Poetry Festival 2015.

Angelina Bong performing at Moon Cafe during Asian Connections, Perth Poetry Festival 2015

Below is a photo tweeted by WAPoets, the organization who invited me. I'm most grateful to them. 

Angelina Bong performing during the launch of Perth Poetry Festival 2015

The workshops were invaluable and I'm glad to have met so many wonderful, intelligent and inspiring poets! Most of all, I'm grateful for poet Sally Gaunt who hosted my stay at her place during the festival days.

Poets Sally Gaunt and Angelina Bong

Refugees could be Angels

Refugees flooding the News everytime I switched on CNN,BBC and etc...

I can't help but remember a refugee I met in South Africa. An Eritrean who sought refuge in SA due to the Ethiopian-Eritrean war and with a sick child to heal, she left her doctor husband and nursing job hoping for a better life but instead, unable to find a job due to paperwork issues and years of loneliness; separated with her husband and older son possibly almost ten years without seeing them even once. We lost touch but I never forget her, praying she will be reunited with her family.

A stranger, she walked me to church and she imparted her wisdom of living without giving up, trusting God for Divine Protection and Providence and if we look up, life will seem much more bearable for God is Strength and Protector. She said, "If God is with us, there is nothing to be afraid of."

I will never forget that brief moment we met or the shy eyes of her young son waiting for me outside the toilet like a gentleman on guard. To me, she was a messenger and an Angel. What if strangers we meet are Angels in disguise?

I can't help but share this poem 'Home' by Warsan Shire about refugees. 

no one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark
you only run for the border
when you see the whole city running as well

your neighbors running faster than you
breath bloody in their throats
the boy you went to school with
who kissed you dizzy behind the old tin factory
is holding a gun bigger than his body
you only leave home
when home won’t let you stay.

no one leaves home unless home chases you
fire under feet
hot blood in your belly
it’s not something you ever thought of doing
until the blade burnt threats into
your neck
and even then you carried the anthem under
your breath
only tearing up your passport in an airport toilets
sobbing as each mouthful of paper
made it clear that you wouldn’t be going back.

you have to understand,
that no one puts their children in a boat
unless the water is safer than the land
no one burns their palms
under trains
beneath carriages
no one spends days and nights in the stomach of a truck
feeding on newspaper unless the miles travelled
means something more than journey.
no one crawls under fences
no one wants to be beaten
pitied

no one chooses refugee camps
or strip searches where your
body is left aching
or prison,
because prison is safer
than a city of fire
and one prison guard
in the night
is better than a truckload
of men who look like your father
no one could take it
no one could stomach it
no one skin would be tough enough

the
go home blacks
refugees
dirty immigrants
asylum seekers
sucking our country dry
niggers with their hands out
they smell strange
savage
messed up their country and now they want
to mess ours up
how do the words
the dirty looks
roll off your backs
maybe because the blow is softer
than a limb torn off

or the words are more tender
than fourteen men between
your legs
or the insults are easier
to swallow
than rubble
than bone
than your child body
in pieces.
i want to go home,
but home is the mouth of a shark
home is the barrel of the gun
and no one would leave home
unless home chased you to the shore
unless home told you
to quicken your legs
leave your clothes behind
crawl through the desert
wade through the oceans
drown
save
be hunger
beg
forget pride
your survival is more important

no one leaves home until home is a sweaty voice in your ear
saying-
leave,
run away from me now
i dont know what i’ve become
but i know that anywhere
is safer than here

Poem taken from http://seekershub.org/blog/2015/09/home-warsan-shire/

Hippie Pies

My poem Hippie Pies is published on Image Curve.

Take a break and enjoy some foodie poem!

Click on the link below to read it.

http://www.imagecurve.com/2015/08/hippie-pies-happy-life-poem/

What is Art?

Art

is not merely painting,

drawing, poetic musings

or singing but a connection

to the soul.....


You can read more of my poem above at 'Our Daily Poetry' website.

Click on the link below:

http://ourdailypoetry.weebly.com/writers-club---poetry/what-is-art

A Letter to the Belgium Woman who wishes to die

Dear Laura,

I do not know you nor do I know how you look like but my heart breaks at your decision to end your life.

Depression is real but so is your life that is precious beyond words. God loves you so much to place you in this world. You are not an accident but a work of art, a masterpiece.

I cannot give you solutions to end your misery in this life but if you believe, there is beauty in pain. I see them in mine and they worth so much more than a life with no pain.

Here's a poem for you.

If I am a nightingale,

I will sing to the moon and back,

Like in a fairytale, melt the darkest shades

of bitterness

If I am a sunflower,

I will beam and hover over

your coldest nights, a beacon

in your fights

If I am a bee

I will sting you, a reminder

that you are never alone, I am

near you

If I am a marula tree,

I will let you hide under

my gigantic leaves, far

from warfare

If I am a float,

I will let you rest on me,

bobbing on the sea, wash your

tears away

If I am a fortress,

I will shield you from storms,

depression and distressing

fumes

If I am a needle,

I will weave and mend

your broken heart, my golden

pricks set you free

Alas, I am only

human, as real as you,

even if you do not hear or see

me, my heart is yours

My only wish, spring

will dance soon, sweeps

away winter, your woes

come to wither

My shoulders are small,

but ready for your tears,

my heartbeats hug

you in pain

Perhaps then

I can see a smile

Even if for a while

Not on your face

Within you.

We may never meet but if this poem can send a virtual hug, I hope you feel it. Know that you are not alone and death might not be the answer you seek.

You may ask why do I care?
Simply because Our Father cares. He cares as much for me as He does for you. Don't throw the greatest gift He has given to you, your life.

Be assured of my prayers for you.

Love,
Angelina.

MADE IN KENYA

Here's a poem from a Kenyan poet who runs the blog, 'Our Daily Poetry'.

Enjoy his depiction of the rich Kenyan way of life.

The Kenyan Woman

MADE IN KENYA By Matolo Kyalo Jr.: Poet, writer and blogger from Kenya.

She is the first to wake up Every morning she makes sure there's milk in my cup She bears the pain from the scorching sun Dust blows off the maize field like smoke from a gun

She keeps the faith and preaches the morals The Good Book keeps her ship away from the corals Her efforts strengthens bonds among families Her relentless love is ever promising like the lilies Every evening she prepares ugali with sukuma

She tells tales of the 20th century as the candle gets dimer She is the last to go to bed, to her only man The true Kenyan woman.

For more poetry visit: ourdailypoetry.weebly.com Facebook page: Our Daily Poetry

Apologies. NaPoWriMo Day 27 to Day 30

Big Big Apologies.

I did finish 30 poems in 30 days for April NaPoWriMo month but failed to post the last few ones on my blog due to hectic schedules.

However, for those of you who have been following my Instagram and Twitter, you would have noticed that I did post each of them on the right days.

Here's Day 27 to Day 30 

A drop of poetry by me. A. Bong 2015
Kopitiam Observation
NaPoWriMo Day 27

A drop of poetry by me. A. Bong 2015
Flight Behaves
NaPoWriMo Day 28

A drop of poetry by me. A. Bong 2015
Humanity
NaPoWriMo Day 29

A drop of poetry by me. A. Bong 2015
A letter to South Africa from your Malaysian sister
NaPoWriMo Day 30

Day 30 was special to me. A South African friend who organized a 'March for Peace' in Johannesburg had requested me to write a poem for him to be recited then. This poems captured what I feel about the Xenophobia attacks in April.

Once again, my sincerest apologies for not updating my blog.
Feel free to follow me at Instagram and Twitter for more poetry and arts updates. Look for me @swakgel.

Xoxo

Shortlisted for Art Competition

Dear readers and friends,

Yay! I've been shortlisted in the Galeri Petronas Art Competition. If you have facebook, please click on the link below and vote for me!

https://www.facebook.com/GALERIPETRONAS/app_1534107733515029?ref=page_internal

Here's a printscreen of my artwork. Alternatively, you can look for Angelina Bong with the artwork titled: 'The Evolving Twirl'.

Thank you in advance!

Love and Peace!

NaPoWriMo Day 26. My Sundays

Here's Day 26!

A drop of poetry by me, A. Bong 2015.
NaPoWriMo Day 2015.
My Sundays

NaPoWriMo Day 25. Goodbye

Day 25's poem, inspired by the day I leave Brunei, days of babysitting my nephew.

A drop of poetry by me, A. Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 25
Goodbye

NaPoWriMo Day 24. Manic Unrest.

Apologies.

I posted this poem on instagram and facebook on Day 2 but couldnt get it to the blog so it's late.

A drop of poetry by me A. Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 24
Manic Unrest

NaPoWriMo Day 23. Keeping Count

Here's my Day 23.

Enjoy the music of my lines!

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 23
Keeping Count

NaPoWriMo Day 22. The Art of Dying

Enjoy my Day 22's Poetry Sketch!

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 22
The Art of Dying

NaPoWriMo Day 21. From the Playpen

This poetry was triggered  when I was playing with my nephew in the playpen.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 21
From the Playpen

NaPoWriMo Day 20. Shadow on Ripples

I went for a walk at the beach a couple of days back, doing sketching of poetry notes and scenery as well (yes, words and images). I've taken photos as well.

This morning, I thought I'll carve a poem based on the sketches that Ive done. Here's my poem.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 20
Shadow on Ripples

The beach has comforted me, calmed me in many ways. If you're stressed, depressed or just sad, let the sea comfort you.

Have a blessed week ahead!

NaPoWriMo Day 19. Awakening

I actually wrote this as a one line poem but thought I'll experiment it by fragmenting it.

What do you think?

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 19
Awakening

NaPoWriMo Day 18. Papa's Longing

I've just written this for a 'Man in Solidarity' Project based in South Africa, to be recited by the man giving a welcoming speech.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 18
Papa's Longing

NaPoWriMo Day 17. Silent Cries

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 17
Silent Cries

NaPoWriMo Day 16. Waking Up

I thought I'll try a 3 line poem today.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 16
Waking Up

Dedicating this to all the unsung heroes!

NaPoWriMo Day 15. At the Pew.

I've made it to half of the month!

Today's poem is based on an observation.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 15
At the Pew

NaPoWriMo Day 14. What is Art?

What is ART?

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo 14
What is Art?

NaPoWriMo Day 13: The Four Seasons of Faces

Here's one to celebrate the four seasons!

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 13
The Four Seasons of Faces

NaPoWriMo Day 12. Rays of Mercy

Everywhere in the Catholic Church today celebrates the Feast of Divine Mercy. There is no limit to God's mercy.

Here's a poem inspired by God's Divine Mercy.

A drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong 2014
NaPoWriMo Day 12
Rays of Mercy
Divine Mercy

NaPoWriMo Day 11. A New Day

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 11
A New Day

NaPoWriMo Day 10. Yellow Flowers

I've reached one third of the game!

A drop of poetry by A.Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 10.
Yellow Flowers

NaPoWriMo Day 9. Invisible Hand

The first line was buzzing in my head when I woke up. Here's my tribute to the Invisible Hand.

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 9
Invisible Hand

NaPoWriMo Day 8

Here's my Poem for Day 8!

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo 2015 Day 8

NaPoWriMo Day 7. Messy Joy

Here's my poem for today; inspired by my adorable nephew :)

A drop of poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
Artwork and Design by Poet
Messy Joy

The Resurrection

It's technically still Easter Week.

Here's a drawing I did of the Resurrection!

Black and White Illustration, pen on paper.

The Resurrection
Black and White Illustration
by Angelina Bong 2015
Pen on Paper

Enjoy your Easter Week!

NaPoWriMo Day 6. The Catch

Yesterday was a full day. I did post my poem of Day 6 via instagram, twitter and Facebook but for some reason, I failed to share it here so here's my one drop of poetry for Day 6.

The photo is a picture of my cousin fishing in Perth.

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 6
The Catch.

NaPoWriMo Day 5. At the Tomb

Happy and Blessed Easter to all who are celebrating!
Here's a poem in reflection of Easter!

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo 2015 Day 5
At the Tomb 

NaPoWriMo Day 4. The Risen.

I just attended Easter Vigil Mass and thought i'll post a little poem inspired by tonight's celebration.

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong.
NaPoWriMo Day 4 2015.
The Risen.

Happy Easter everyone!


Cheers :)

NaPoWriMo Day 3. The Wood.

It's Day 3.
It's also Good Friday, the last few hours before in some countries.
Here's my poem for Day 3 entitled

THE WOOD

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong 2015
NaPoWriMo Day 3
The Wood

NaPoWriMo Day 2...My Birthday Poetic Reflections

2 April 2015.

It's my birthday and Holy Thursday. I woke up to spend some quiet time and here's a little poem from my poetic reflections.

Birthday Poetic Reflection
A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong
NaPoWriMo Day 2

I have only one wish for my birthday...that everyone who drops by here may offer a whisper of prayer to the heavens for me. Prayer works wonders and it's great to know someone out there prays for you! Thanking you in advance.

xoxo, Angelina.

NapoWriMo Day 1

April 1st.

It's National Poetry Month!

I've decided to take up the challenge to write a new poem each day even if it's a one line haiku for the next thirty days.

Here's my Day 1 Drop of Poetry.

A Drop of Poetry by Angelina Bong.
Day 1 NaPoWriMo 2015

Cheers!
Angel.

On Eagle's Wings

On Eagle's Wings by Angelina Bong

I rarely post my artworks on my blog but thought I will try it today. Here are the details for the above art piece.

On Eagle's Wings

Mixed Media on Canvas (Acrylic and Hand-stitched beadwork with lace)

40 X 30 CM 

RM800

International Delivery Available
Top left: actual art piece
Top right to bottom left: zoomed in images of the artwork

I will donate ALL PROCEEDS to a missionary group in funding the missionaries for their outreach programs in feeding the poorest of the poor, helping the marginalized, building homes, training new missionaries and so forth. If you are interested, please leave a comment or look for me in twitter by the name of swakgel and tweet to me! Feel free to share this post as well.

HELP ME IN BLESSING OTHERS!

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.

A Little Update from me

It has been a long while since I step into my cavern.

Last year has been amazing. I have climbed a little up the stairs of my dreams, immersion into the world of Arts and Poetry.

I was invited to Africa twice. Once as a performer/storyteller in a musical play entitled Basadi Balefatshe in South Africa and later in the year, as a guest poet for Maun International Arts Festival, Botswana. Both proved to be enriching experiences. I have met incredible souls and talented poets. They fueled my passion to reach out in arts and poetry. The power of the spoken word brings healing, encouragement as well as educating in the form of entertainment. God truly entrust each person with different talents to bless the world.

Back in my homeland, we started the World Arts Convention 2014, the first of its kind in Borneo. At the same time, we hosted Malaysia's Biggest 3D Mural Art in a mall. The aim is to elevate the appreciation of arts in the local society. 

I am also very grateful for all who has supported me in my arts; buying my paintings and drawings as well as commissioning me to paint. The start of this year has proved to be fruitful too. I sell at least one painting a month. That's a progress for me ;) We even painted a mural art as part of a community project in Kenyalang earlier this year.

Here's a snapshot of a passerby taking a photo of the 3D mural we painted.

3D Mural Art at old Kenyalang Theatre, Kuching. Photo credit: Samson Koh.

A shout out to God above for guiding me towards a narrower, less travelled path in fulfilling my purpose in life. If I can just reach one soul through one painting or a poem be it in Africa, Korea or Russia, my mission is accomplished. Do pray for me as I continue to sow peace, hope, love and light through my arts.

Thank you for dropping by!