Checking In

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Battara

I was one of the original contributors before things fell apart. I guess we are starting from scratch all over again.

Work is never entirely lost, Jose. Even if it seems to be thrown out, the experience makes the next round of planning easier.

I encourage you all to start raining on Antonio and me pictures of stuff that you would like to show to the world to teach them about this thing that you love. Or at the least start raining more questions. If there is any uncertainty out there, either in what is needed or how it will be done, bring it up (here, by PM, or by e-mail), as I am sure you are not alone. The sooner you all start piling the clay on the wheel, the sooner the pot will be finished.

Starting discussion on your individual ideas about content and structure in a more general sense even before the candidate pieces start accumulating will be invaluable. Throw out list of what you think needs to be represented or taught (Moro, Bontoc ... Luzan, Mindanao ... working, fighting,ceremonial ... kris, kampilan, mandau, head axes ... use, manufacture, materials, import, export ... whatever), or how the material might be broken down and organized. You are the ones with the knowledge and expertise, so don't be shy. If this is going to work you all need to jump right in (and on the other hand, also need to be open and tolerant of each other's views, suggestions and opinions).

Remember that this forum, and what you do and say amongst yourselves, is 100% confidential and known only to you the contributors, and to Antonio, Lee Jones, Andrew, Ian and myself (even the existance of the forum, and the fact of your respective involvements at this point). Nothing leaves the family, so please speak freely even if it is something off of the top of your head or a crazy idea. Heck, I suggested to Antonio about three days ago that the Section be expanded to cover Malaysia and Indonesia. Needless to say, the idea flew in much the same way that bricks don't (to paraphrase Douglass Adams).


Rock and Roll! Release the hounds! Once more into the breach! One, two! one, two! And through and through, the vorpal blade went snicker-snack!

[Antonio Cejunior]

Gentlemen,

Mark Bowditch came to Macau and I believe you all have read his most benevolent review of his visit. The fact is that on this part of the preparation, I have not been able to upload all swords and descriptions as yet.

Why? you may ask. Well, first because I did not imagine your great generosity and civic attitude.

Then it is a matter of a day having 24 hours and I barely sleep 4 hours a night.

Please rest assured that no one is more committed to bring the entire fleet to its destination. Yup, I spoke of a fleet. I am presently, on the Macau side, coordinating every single part of the different sections alone and with very hard negotiations going on.

Because things may change for the better, I am asking you to be aware that although exhausted, I am fully aware of the timings and so forth.
I will talk to Mark today, the 12th of December and Mark will hopefully post something for everyone to read.
I would just like to ask you to wait for Mark to place the result of my talk with him today.

Thanks you for your understanding and rest assured that it is now inside logistics and time.
Antonio

[Mark]

bump