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Do You Believe In Bomoh / Shaman? What Magic Can They Do?

Do You Believe In Bomohs? What Magic Can They Do?

In a world connected with the rapid development of technology and communication, the mystical and arcane shaman or bomoh continues to be popular even till today! Their spells are often the center of numerous lucky (or unlucky) humans, families and even politicians who seek help from the supernatural to fix their problems or shower them with wealth. Yet, with so many of them, what exactly are Bomohs able to offer that most cannot? Brace yourself, as we dive into what bomohs are, as well as the types of “services” you can get from them…

1. What Is A Bomoh / Shaman?

If your first thought of a bomoh or shaman is a man dressed in a suit holding two coconuts, we don’t blame you for thinking that way! The media has portrayed bomohs, mostly in negative light, as people with the power over the supernatural. A bomoh is a type of Malay shaman and traditional medicine practitioner who uses mystical methods or traditional items for their services. The term is mainly used in Malaysia as well as parts of Indonesia but is sometimes called “Dukun” there. The “job scope” of a bomoh or shaman usually revolves around many different areas, from healing, to making one look attractive to even casting a sinister evil spell on someone. Here are just some of the few “services” one can get from a Bomoh.

2. What Can I Hire A Bomoh To Do?

Bomoh (Shaman) casting a spell

a) Casting A “Spell” on Someone

Probably the most common reason that some bomoh services are used for. Bomohs are reached out in order to put a curse on an unsuspecting human. People would get their services in order to get revenge on someone they hated or to ensure a rival business goes bankrupt.  Bomohs also offer healing or miracle cures on humans with terrible diseases and can cater to healing these diseases usually by charging a “small fee”. Some Bomohs also offer “services” that allow their followers or supporters to look pretty, handsome or irresistible! Some lonely people may reach out for the services of bomohs in order to find the “lucky” one or to find themselves a partner. In fact, some modern Bomohs have started employing online stores such as Carousel to offer their services.

Shaman performing a ritual to change weather

b) Bomoh Can Control The Weather?

If you see some major outdoor TV live shows such as concerts or even weddings, usually the live telecast is uninterrupted by bad weather. It’s believed that bomoh is hired by major outdoor event companies to cast some spell to ensure that it doesn’t rain during the event. There are religious elements to this, as some bomohs have the power to communicate with gods or deities who control the weather. They might call upon them to help temporarily stop the rain from coming until after the event is over.

A ritual by Hauntu

Photo Credit: @hauntumy

c) Bomoh Involvement In Traditional Performances

Bomohs can also be seen performing during traditional performances to add some “spice” to the performance. The bomoh would use their body as a sort of “vessel” where after commanding spirits to enter the bomoh’s body, said bomoh will start speaking or chanting wildly. It is then up to another performer, such as his assistant to decipher or interpret the bomoh’s chants. The spirits inside the bomoh’s body would start talking through the bomoh whereby the assistant would then assist during the ritual. The bomoh can feel, hear and see the spirits but everyone watching the experience would not.

3. So, Should Bomohs Be Trusted Or Used?

Like many things in the world, the question of whether you should reach out to a Bomoh is hotly debated. It is best to not do something that you are unsure would do any harm or if you are uncomfortable to practice. It is also up to you to believe whether there is magic involved or that it is a string of coincidences when it comes to bomoh spells. Ultimately, it’s always best to do good in this world, and of course, to seek professional help and advice when it comes to health and problems in life rather than relying on mysticism and magic.

4. Should You Seek A Bomoh?

Unfortunately, it is perhaps best not to reach out to a bomoh for help.. It’s better instead to be truthful, kind and to make an effort to pursue something meaningful in life through hard work rather than relying on black magic for help.

If you are into the world of bomohs and mysticism, here at Hauntu, we can transport you into the dark, fantasy world of an ancient timeline, complete with magic and mysticism!

@hauntumy What else do you guys know about bomoh? Share with us in the comments! If you have no idea at all about bomoh, Hauntu is a great place to “safely” meet them! 😜 ⚠️This video has no intention in offending any person, race, culture, religion, or country. Viewer discretion advised. #hauntumy #hauntu #bomoh #shaman #magic ♬ original sound – Hauntu Malaysia

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Balancing Technology & StoryTelling In An Immersive Experience Design!

Balancing Technology & Story Telling In An Immersive Experience Design!

Hauntu (Superdough's Tech Team) Johnny & Jin

Entering immersive experiences or any experience for that matter, customers always have an expectation of what awaits them inside. Whether it’s being blown away by the use of technology or getting thoroughly immersed into the storytelling, there is always a fine line in an experience between the two. How does a team determine that the technology of an experience balances itself well with the storytelling and world building? That’s what the Superdough Tech Team, consisting of Johnny and Jin, set themselves out to do.

Implementing Technology Into Immersive Experiences

The first question the tech team must ask themselves when implementing technology during the design process is where do we start? 

“In implementing the technology for any new experience, we decided to look back at our older technology that was used for prior experiences.” said Jin.

They knew they had to look back and go through the “history” of their past work, to determine what sort of technology could be used for their future project. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will completely use every single piece of technology moving forward.

“We won’t always reuse the same technology from before. If it hasn’t worked smoothly previously, then we know it has to either not be used this time or be upgraded for later projects.” said Jin.

Not only is implementing older technology a way for the Tech Team to evolve their use of prior technology, it is also a way for them to evolve as a team.

“It’s not always easy, as there are times where the technology just refuses to work or cooperate. But, we don’t give up easily. Technology that refuses to work is just another challenge for us to overcome.” said Johnny.

But the tech team must always remember their goal, which is to give a fun experience to customers! The team always dreamed of designing an experience that goes all out with fancy and mind-blowing special effects and technology, so that customers can leave being excited or immersed. But things don’t always work that way as technology can be hard to implement or customers may end up not appreciating the fancy technology, but it’s a goal to always work towards this dream!

Things Can’t Go Wrong, Right?

Of course, with more and more technology being implemented, the chances of things going wrong also becomes higher. Not everything that is installed will go the way it should, as glitches, errors and wrong setups always cause more work for the tech team.

“Whenever we get the new technology, we test it to the best of our abilities before implementation, as we do numerous rounds of testing and retesting in the hopes that it will work well once installed,“ said Jin.

Even with many, many rounds of testing, sometimes the initial setup or trial runs highlight issues that weren’t obvious before. An example issue that the tech team faced was a speaker system that worked wonderfully during testing but faced issues when installed at the outlet.

How do the tech team tackle these unforeseen problems? They work together and try to solve it to the best of their skills and abilities.

“We operate on a timeline, so items must be fixed as soon as we can. If it cannot be fixed in time, the team must then determine if the technology should be removed or kept.“ said Johnny.

But to the tech team, the first choice would always be to keep the item and try their best to repair it. No satisfaction comes close to that of finally fixing the issue that has been plaguing the particular technological item!

Testing & Feedback!

Once the tech has been implemented and tested well, the next step is to do numerous trial runs to determine how well received it is by the audience. Unfortunately, not everything that is implemented gets a warm reception.

“In theory, everything that is implemented would work well and be loved by everyone, but we know that’s not the case. Not everything we plan to implement into Hauntu would work as we dream.” said Johnny.

That is why the Tech team must be fluid, learning to adapt to the situation and tweak as necessary. Rounds and rounds of testing during closed off trial sessions are done to determine whether a particular piece of technology can stay or should be removed. For example, there were a few trial runs of Hauntu The Curve with friends and family members, to determine what parts of the experience should be maintained and which should be removed.

How does the tech team feel about the use of technology for Hauntu The Curve?

“It’s a mixed bag for me. There are elements that are exactly how we planned it to be during the development phase, such as the use of projection mapping and the briefing room but there are some parts of the Hauntu experience that didn’t really end up being what we want, such as the use of the brain system.” said Jin.

That said, it’s always about improving from the last project and doing better and the tech team’s experience with implementing better and more advanced technology with each new project allows their skills and ideas to evolve further.

As Johnny said to close off during the sharing., “If you aim for the Moon and miss, you’ll still land among the stars!”.

Author: Aznir

Contributor : Johnny Ong, Co-Founder, Head of Operations and Experience Design

Contributor : Jin Lee, Electrician Technician

Date: 24th November 2023