COMMONWEALTH

Episode 11

This island is very difficult to get a signal, I was overwhelmed looking for a signal. I'm sorry Mom seems like tomorrow I have to look for a plateau, or even climb a tree just to let you know

about where I am here.

January 17, 1997

 My body

actually still tired to wake up, but tonight there is a process of giving birth at home

the inhabitants of this island. It would be a waste if I missed the procession of the event, though,

to add to my current documentation. I'm staying at the island tips house, he

let me stay there, as usual I wear a shirt and jeans,

but Tipua Island told me to wear cloth or sarong, that's their custom.

I was so bothered wearing a sarong. I just follow tradition

those.

Arriving at the house of the residents, as a guest I was told to receive betel and betel as

greetings from them, proof they value my existence. I don't know what it's like

it's so weird, but I have to swallow it. The kids saw my reaction

swallow betel and betel nut smile or even laugh.

As usual I document every process, but men are not allowed

entering the room of the woman who is giving birth to only her husband and biological father

only those who can enter. We waited outside in a tense atmosphere.

January 20, 1997

 I checked back on the photos I had taken a while ago, but I was stunned

instantly my camera caught the figure of a hooded woman holding a baby

last night was born. I grew up even looking at his face for a long time. I

ignoring him came back, but somehow I was interested again to see

her face.  I look back at the photo

that lady. Maybe she's married? buty? why did I think

like those. I quickly put my camera in my bag.

January 21, 1997

 The island tip invites me to walk around the island, just to say hello

the islanders are mostly fishermen.

much to them about traditions, traditional ceremonies and social activities.

The kids on the island follow me everywhere I go, I take photos sometimes

them. It turned out that they were familiar with my existence here, until I

the kids are still following me.

January 25, 1997

I don't think I'm starting to be a detective with my camera, tonight there are residents

the island gave birth.  I was invited by

island tips to attend. I saw the woman again, hooded

brown was so polite, warm and clean his face. He seems to be talking

with a woman older than him. Unbeknownst to him, I took a picture

quietly, I even took it from a close distance. But I was finally found out

also, he eventually disappeared into the room.

I don't know why I'm this kind of prank on him?

he doesn't like my attitude. But let it be, I'm waiting for him to come out

that room, I count down. But there was no sign of him coming out. I still am

wait around.

Some of the women sitting in front of me were whispering, no

they smile and act sweet. I'm just replying, just,

I was waiting for that woman to come out

room, if it's true she's already someone's wife? I don't know why the question

it came back on my mind?oh God, what's wrong with me? since

I never saw that woman again.

February 5, 1997

I went around with the island boys, I had to climb a coconut tree in order to get

hearing my mother's voice. The island boys helped me, but because of the balance

my body is shaky. I fell into the sea, because of the coconut tree that jutted into the sea

saved me. Kids laughing.

Seriate...