Songs & Stories
By Songs & Stories
Songs & StoriesMar 15, 2021
Special Episode: Merry Christmas & Happy 2022
Songs & Stories duo Gina Yap Lai Yoong and Juwita Suwito return for a year-end bonus, sharing their thoughts about Christmas. Join them as they discover their differing traditions, introduce two homegrown songs produced specially for the season, and take some time to pause before the arrival of the new year!
Music in this Episode:
- Christmas in the Sun by Aubrey Suwito feat. Elvira Arul | Used with permission.
- Yesus Kristus by the Malaysian Worship Collective | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
The Beginning of Something Different (Finale)
In this season finale, Juwita Suwito and Gina Yap Lai Yoong chat about what got them started on a podcast series, a brief glance at the amazing Malaysian stories and music they have shared in the past 34 episodes, and their aspiration moving forward. Leveraging on this opportunity, the girls also share their thoughts and feelings as the world opens up for living in this endemic season, and how the new norm would influence the way they step out into a whole new season of life. Are you ready for the beginning of something different? Join them to find out!
Music in this Episode:
- Departure Lounge Goodbye by Altered Frequency | Used with permission.
Sea Nomads At Semporna (The Bajau Community)
Gina and Juwita had heard about the Bajau community – knowing them as sea nomads and super divers. But is there more to the Bajau ethnic group than is seen on the surface? Bringing the girls back to his hometown at Kalapuan island was a Bajau boy named Hardy who gave them a glimpse of life on an island and at sea.
Music in this Episode:
- Cinta La La La by Jonathan Tse, Gee Mojina, Marlleynney Fane, Hezekiah Asim, Leo Danniel, Enn Xaviera, Ayumi Yusof, Sarma Cherry, High Rule | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Happy Malaysia Day!
Three more days till Malaysia Day, Gina Yap Lai Yoong and Juwita Suwito chat about the difference between Malaysia Day and National Day, the largest roundabout in the world, and how the Ringgit currency got its name. Join them as they share more fun facts about their beloved country.
Music in this Episode:
- Aku Negaraku by AMP, Hafiz Suip & Jaclyn Victor | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Welcome To Mataking!
Semporna is a diving haven but somewhere on an island out there, an ideal place awaits non-divers and young families too. Join the Gina Yap Lai Yoong and Juwita Suwito on Mataking as they recall interesting stories from coral rejuvenation to first-time diving, kayaking, a reef day initiative, island weddings (above and underwater), and a shipwreck postbox!
Music in this Episode:
- Boleh Bah Kalau Kau by Jonathan Tse | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Before There Was A Country (A National Day Special)
What are your fondest memories of National Day? How do we creatively express our love and hope for our nation? Are we willing to go the extra mile? Join Juwita and Gina in a heartfelt chat and get a poetic treat plus a double dose of songs for a dash of that Merdeka spirit today!
Music in this Episode:
- Belle of the Ball by Juwita Suwito | Used with permission.
- Here In My Home by Malaysian Artistes for Unity / Pete Teo | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Supported by CENDANA and MyCreative Ventures under the PRISMA initiative.
Chiselled Stone And Woven Horses (A Batu Pahat Adventure)
How does a town get its name? What does upcycling have to do with building a sense of community? Why in the world would Gina have Mee Racun not once, but twice in a single trip? Join the girls in their Batu Pahat adventure as they bring you stories from the historic Johorean town and let Juwita daze you with the origins of Kuda Kepang Reog Ponorogo.
Music in this Episode:
- Beautiful Lies by Juwita Suwito | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Supported by CENDANA and MyCreative Ventures under the PRISMA initiative.
Are We Stressed? Is It Cabin Fever?
Stress is a strange thing. In this episode, Gina and Juwita chat about their high stress levels during the pandemic despite being self-declared homebodies. They also share their coping mechanisms along with some self-diagnosis as to whether they are suffering from cabin fever.
Music is this Episode:
- Pilu by Arddley Nicholas | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Supported by CENDANA and MyCreative Ventures under the PRISMA initiative.
World's Indigenous Peoples Day
Did you know that there are three groups of indigenous populations in Malaysia? Ever imagined what it might be like to experience the MCOs in the kampongs, on your own land? In this episode, Gina and Juwita chat about the Orang Asli, Orang Ulu and Anak Negeri of Malaysia — collectively known as the Orang Asal. Juwita also introduces a festive Murut song while Gina shares folk stories from the Temuan tribe.
Music in this Episode:
- Rondo Uharon, Rondo Sukuon by Asfaliza Lala | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Supported by CENDANA and MyCreative Ventures under the PRISMA initiative.
The Art Of Buriek And Pua Kumbu
Buriek and Pua Kumbu are more than traditional cloth and craft in Sarawak, they are arts of state heritage that is a very big part of Malaysia. Today, Juwita and Gina spill the beans on these precious crafts and how you can identify a good masterpiece when you see one.
Music in this Episode:
- Indu Dara Sarawak by Hairee Francis | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Supported by CENDANA and MyCreative Ventures under the PRISMA initiative.
More Than Boat Adventures (Kapit, Sarawak)
As promised, Juwita and Gina take you on an adventure on the longest river in Malaysia, on a 3-hour Express to Kapit, Sarawak. Take a stroll around Market Teresang and be transported into foresty Bornean dreams by the sound of the Sape!
Music in this Episode:
- Sada Borneo by Hallan Hashim | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Sibu City And The Longest River In Malaysia
The girls didn't expect to be stunned by the longest river in Malaysia having learnt about Sungai Rajang from their textbooks. More than that, Juwita discovers her happy place and Gina shares about her first experience in a traditional longhouse.
Music in this Episode:
- Kumang Batang Rajang by Steve Sheegan | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Penang The Pearl Of The Orient
Juwita and Gina bring you through their Memories of Penang along with a late-night discovery for all brave hearts out there. Known as the Pearl of the Orient, what mysteries do Penang hold? Join us in this week's podcast to find out,
Music in this Episode:
- Memories of Penang by Jimmy Fong | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Malaysian Board Games
Addicted or not addicted? In this episode, Gina and Juwita share about table top games they've been hooked on — from age-old, multi-edition games like Monopoly to online adaptations of newer ones. They also give us a peek into the mind of game creators and introduce some locally-designed board games to lepak with during this pandemic season.
Music in this Episode:
- Loneliest Girl by Reshma | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
The Godfather of Kluang, Johor
There can only be one Godfather but there is a whole generation of Lims in Johor whose Chinese given names start with Jit! In this episode, Gina and Juwita share about a pair of cousins whose life-changing encounters ushered them into the passionate business of serving communities in Kluang — in very different ways.
Music in this Episode:
- Acknowledge by Astor Walk | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
World Music Day (A Father's Day Special)
In conjunction with Father's Day and World Music Day, Gina gets Juwita to chat about a song she wrote for her dad! The girls also share some of their fondest memories of their fathers and music festivals, and why they think Malaysians should be excelling in the world music genre.
Music in this Episode:
- Just Like That by Juwita Suwito | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Tawau Never Fails To Wow!
A continuation from the previous podcast episode, Juwita and Gina continue sharing their shocking discoveries in Tawau, Sabah. Be prepared to drool as they describe all the interesting food they have tried out, some for the first time! The girls will also be introducing an old Malaysian song by one of Malaysia’s renowned filmmakers: Pete Teo.
Music in this Episode:
- Jesselton Tonight by Pete Teo | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Getting To Know Tawau, Sabah
Juwita and Gina bring you through their adventures in the third biggest city in Sabah, Malaysia. It was their first time experiencing many activities including riding on ATVs, ziplining between trees, and tasting chocolate porridge! Listen in on their adventures to discover what you can do when you visit Tawau once this pandemic is over.
Music in this Episode:
- Kembali by JUN | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Happy Kaamatan & Selamat Hari Gawai!
It's the Harvest Festivals weekend in Borneo! The Dayaks in Sarawak celebrate Gawai while the Sabahans celebrate Kaamatan. Gina and Juwita share the origins behind both festivals, accompanied by Mayabayu's latest release - Battle Cry. It's so epic, you don't want to miss it!
Music in this Episode:
- Battle Cry by Mayabayu | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Malaysian Made Percussions — Gongs & Cajons
Did you know that Malaysians are makers of musical instruments too? Join Juwita and Gina as they recount their visits to a gong-making village in Kudat, Sabah, and a social entrepreneur's cajon manufacturing workshop in Kluang, Johor!
Music in this Episode:
- Gong demo by Encik Josef in Kampung Sumangkap, Sabah | Used with permission.
- Cajon demo by KJ Wong at TiMOZ Custom Cajons & Percussion (Malaysia) | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Happy Teacher's Day!
Selamat Hari Guru! We all have had at least a teacher in our lives — whether formal or informal. We've seen them day-in-day-out at school or tuition classes, but how well do we really know them? In this episode, Gina and Juwita share their encounters with teachers, even those outside of school, and how some have left an indelible mark in their lives.
Music in this Episode:
- Chendering by Bihzhu | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
A Warm-Knitted Community (Portuguese Settlement of Melaka)
Born in Melaka, Juwita had not knowingly stepped into the Portuguese Settlement until her Singaporean cousins requested to go there. In the same way, Gina only found out about PorSett at Christmastime! Is there more to this Eurasian community than meets the eye? Find out in this episode as the girls share their journeys with you.
Music in this Episode:
- 'Vilia' from the Merry Widow by Joanne Yeoh | Used with permission.
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Growing Up In Melaka
What was it like growing up in the poetic old town of Melaka? In this episode, Juwita brings Gina down memory lane with trishaw rides, chicken rice balls and favourite hangouts outside of Jonker Street. She also shares her experiences with old-school printing!
Music in this Episode:
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
Art With A Purpose
For self-taught Suzi Chua, dabbling in different forms of art is her way of growing and enjoying her artistic journey. For extraordinaire violinist Joanne Yeoh, when she can't dabble, she collaborates with artists of different disciplines to enjoy their art forms. In this episode, Gina and Juwita chat about these two amazing women who inspire others to keep creating masterpieces that would make Malaysia proud.
Music in this Episode:
- Secrets We Keep by Joanne Yeoh | Used with permission, and
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
KL Baca! (Caring through Reading)
There are two things that would keep Gina and Juwita chatting all day long - music and books. In this episode, Gina shares about Kuala Lumpur being the World Book Capital 2020 and Juwita talks about the books that changed her perceptions of people. Find out their first affair with books and their favourite reads.
Music in this Episode:
- Of Makers And Martyrs by After Jvpiter feat. Phoebe Tsen | Used with permission, and
- Malacca Sun by Aubrey Suwito | Used with permission.
The Story Of The Rocks
This week, as promised, Gina and Juwita share the legend of Supirak, and Gina surprisingly confesses that she is skeptical about humans turning into stones or rocks. But with Si Tanggang and similar legends weighing in from around the region, will Gina change her mind? Find out in this rocky episode.
Special thanks to Jollence Lee for sharing his Supirak photo with us!
Music in this Episode:
- Goin' Home | Used with permission from Joanne Yeoh,
- All This Time | Used with permission from Four Forty Records Sdn Bhd, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
The Biggest Island In Malaysia
Gina and Juwita share about their discoveries on the biggest island in Malaysia. Located northeast of the Tip of Borneo in Sabah, this island is one of our best-kept secrets that could easily compete with the beauty of the Maldives. Discover the magical wonders of underwater competitions, single rod fishing, and crystal clear water in this episode on Banggi Island.
Music in this Episode:
- A Gorgeous Day | Used with permission from Gee Mojina, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
An Easter Fool
Who would have thought that Gina would prank a boy and discover love, or that Juwita would collect flowers and hunt for eggs to add onto her Nasi Lemak? What an episode! We promise to leave you with a heart that's foo... full!
Music in this Episode:
- Love Found Me | Used with permission from Jonathan Tse, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Happy Birthday To You!
'Selamat Ulang Tahun' means Happy Birthday in the Malay language, which is the national language of Malaysia. In this episode, Gina and Juwita chat about birthdays and one of Gina's favourite birthday songs. The title and origin of the song remain unknown, though. Perhaps you can help them to identify it!
Music in this Episode:
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
A Pandemic Spin
Exactly a year ago, Malaysia received news that a Restriction of Movement Order (which later became known as the Movement Control Order) would be enforced nationwide to curb the spread of Covid-19. In this episode, Gina and Juwita share their experiences during the lockdown and their thoughts on the future.
Music in this Episode:
- The Sun Will Shine Again | Used with permission from Four Forty Records Sdn Bhd,
- #BaikSemula | Used with permission from Media Prima Berhad, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Malaysian Dream Chasers (International Women's Day Special)
Sometimes women put their dreams aside to focus on their families, but eventually, those who believe in themselves would also do something they love and do it exceedingly well. In this episode, Gina and Juwita share stories about some of the extraordinary women they have met who inspired them to keep living their dreams. One of them includes South East Asia's First Signature Coloured Pencil Artist - Sharon Kow.
Music in this Episode:
- Dock | Used with permission from Avery Fos,
- Giggles | Used with permission from Four Forty Records Sdn Bhd, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Stories Behind Our Malaysian Food Heritage
FOOD unites Malaysians as they put all differences aside to enjoy their favourite meal together. In this episode, Gina and Juwita share some stories behind our Malaysian Food Heritage. Nope, it's not about the people who cook them but those who created the dishes we've all come to love very much.
Music in this Episode:
- Mamak Rap | Used with permission from Jiven Sekar, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Stories Inspire More Stories
In this episode, Gina and Juwita share about how they started collaborating and the story-gathering model they use to share stories, in return, inspiring more stories to be shared among every Malaysian.
Music in this Episode:
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Valentine's Day – Jom Bercinta!
Juwita and Gina interpret the most lovey-dovey day of the year with a twist of their own. Join them as they share how they spent Valentine's Day previously. As they uncover the story behind the song 'Malaysia Kau Ku Cinta', Adibah Noor joins them to share her love story for Malaysia.
Music in this Episode:
- After the Rendezvous | Used with permission from Four Forty Records Sdn Bhd
- Malaysia Kau Ku Cinta | Used with permission from Adibah Noor, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Happy Chinese New Year!
With uncertainties looming as the Lunar New Year draws near, Juwita and Gina talk about their years-long CNY traditions and how it would all be different this year.
Music in this Episode:
- My Sanity | Used with permission from Four Forty Records Sdn Bhd, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd
Federal Territory Day!
In this debut episode, Juwita and Gina share their personal experience with the lost world of Putrajaya, the bustles of Kuala Lumpur, and the island of Labuan. They also share the story behind the Malaysian song 'Kotarayaku' by Altimet featuring Noh Salleh.
Music in this Episode:
- Kotarayaku | Used with permission from Altimet and Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and
- Malacca Sun | Used with permission from Aubrey Suwito and Cranky Music Sdn Bhd