A Rakhine Traditional Tug of War

Peaceful Rakhine Traditional village games a most positive boost for Rakhine Tourism

Chefs supported, hands on adventure and a great way to celebrate Rakhine History in 2015

War,…..is the first word to remember when thinking about Rakhine State and Communities first cause of all events since 3rd June 2012. WAR also stuck direct when one reads " Tuck of War in Rakhine ".

A very different Rakhine people, proven this February 2015 when for the very first time the whole Thandwe ( Ngapali Beach ) District held the " Traditional Rakhine Tug of War ". Organized by the owner of Angel Restaurant and backed by all village leader and community of Thandwe District. All organized in absolute excellent manner, peaceful, in harmony and very fair.

Tug of War VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

It was this pulling of a big rope with 50 strong men and women at each side,- a like at Stone Age style wooden car with a mystery bamboo tree in the middle. Clear lines drawn, big wood logs as " Win or Loose " marks depend where your first man stands at the end before or behind the log. Many referees’ and head judge. A fire held in the air as start and finish during the full moon nights and a good 3000 to 5000 people crown around. ( each village brought their supporting people, wife s, kids, massage with them on big trucks ) .

Myanmar Chefs and MCA supported the event and here specially the team of Myabin Village – Ngapali Beach, which had a target to use the 500.000 kyat for funding of a new road to the villages cemetery. 100.000 Kyat came at the first of the two days event by MCA Chef Oliver Soe Thet and 200.000 Kyat were already given by MCA Chef Gunter Otherro.

At the final on 22:00 pm the Myabin team asked the chefs to step in an support active pulling the rope and bring the cup of " Tug of War " and the 500.000 Kyat to Myanmar. Quick a YES we CAN was done for the last 6 rounds of most heavy fights and near to equal with minutes and minutes no inch movement of the traditional Tug of War can,,,,,( all the young men here pull every night their big fishing nets by hand with 50 people on a boat, a sure power house in every team ).

4:00 am – Mission Accomplished with Chefs at Myabin Team

At 4:00 am in the morning the Cup was where it should belong to for Myabin Village – Ngapali Beach, Laguna Lodge – ECO Hotel Ngapali topped the village money as CSR and apart of strong hands and big body ( Oliver E Soe Thet a sure bolder for the others to move first ) gave another 200.000 Kyat into the pot and with many Rakhine companies doing the same next days triumph through all Ngapali Beach the Myabin Village own funded Community project of new road to the village Cemetery was ensured.

A real celebration which in the mid age several hundreds of years ago was not to much different.

Many foreign Tourists to Ngapali Beach Rakhine State enjoyed this " time walk " as into another century,- many well known with the situation in Rakhine over the past three years we more than happy to see such an amount of people competing each other in high fever spirit but absolute peace and harmony. Happy that Rakhine Villagers celebrate their culture and sow to the world their positive values. Many Foreign Guests and MCA – WCWB volunteer German DR Helmut Brinkmann were active present, from different Hotels and projects. Dr Brinkmann in support for the Myabin – Ngapali Team.

A part of 2 to 4 road traffic police no security was needed,– maybe as it had nothing to do and not guided by politics or religions – just the pure fun and finding out who is the best at Thandwe District – South Rakhine among all villages in " Traditional Rakhine Tug of War ". Not one incident was seen,- very different from events seen the past two years which had hidden agendas and armies of Police and securities were before always needed,- events heavy fenced.

It was a greatest pleasure to see such several thousand people come together the whole night, no alcohol, no politics and no riots in Rakhine but peace and a best smooth arranged all peoples event.

The Myabin villager and social society group has already new targets and is looking and organizing now as a support to International Tourism and Quality Tourism to Myabin – Ngapali Beach a:

Plastic and Garbage Free Myabin – Ngapali Beach, South Rakhine

MCA & WCWB Rakhine State supports all initiative

with teams from the Myabin village now :

– collecting at all Myabin – Ngapali beach area all garbage in public,

– provide educational information to villagers on the gains through a clean Myabin Village

– " Organic Garbage Bins all over the village out of Bamboo ( recycled big Fresh Fruit cargo baskets which cost nothing FOC )

– Clear the garbage bins than weekly or more often depending on demand.

Myanmar Chefs Association and World Chefs Without Borders, Myanmar stated already that any financial and other assistance needed MCA & WCWB Rakhine State, is at side and ready to support. Through special environmental funding as well ECO Fund Ngapali Beach MCA – WCWB will support all such activities.

It is with great pleasure to see that a Rakhine Village takes the task into own hands and initiative,- through social societies and partner organizations and work for a " better Ngapali Beach Tourism " and for a sustainable long term goal.

Happy to look already to the 2016 " Traditional Rakhine Tug of War ", with more chefs be active in different villages for Tourism attractive Rakhine Games and Events.

Our best & deepest respect, yours

Oliver E Soe Thet

President Myanmar Chefs Association

Global Board, World Chefs Without Borders

Ngapali Beach – Rakhine Tourism, Myanmar 26.2.2015