The Grand Hyatt, Bali

It was a pleasant respite coming out of the gruelling Genting pitch to be invited to a digital media conference in Bali.
Well the Grand Hyatt was nothing short of, grand. From the size of the property to the size of the room and the size of the buffet spreads and of course their grand hospitality is rather sterile, if you ask me. I suppose if you're the Grand Hyatt, a lot more is expected of you! Sigh... the perils of a well known brand. I suppose it's own grandness is it's own enemy. This is where size really does not matter when it comes down to service because with size comes it's own arrogance and hence aloofness and a certain pride or even snobbishness. Some people like that I suppose. That not withstanding, my largely singaporean hosts led by the affable Paul Beckley were very accomodating and gracious hosts. They were very good event organisers even experts at it- Paul declared. Throughout the two and a half days of conferences, they managed to even throw in 9-hole of golf which stretched to 18 at the Bali golf and country club.
The farewell dinner on the last night was outstandingly lavish. Held on the sandy beachfront of the resort it was like a shindig from an Elvis Presley movie in Hawaii.
Absolutely Grand was my Bali respite and well deserved I might add.

Zane is 16

It's a great joy watching this young man grow up.
He has fastidious habits like being the earliest waking up. He's up most mornings at half past seven.
He masters what he has a passion for.
He's an extremely fit and skillful badminton exponent who has beaten almost everybody there is to beat in his circle of friends.
A photography master in the making
He's a jazz afficianado
A romantic
Good conversationalist, very knowledgable but shy.
He plays a responsible big brother in pandering to his sister's needs and whims, sometimes begrudgingly but always lovingly.
He's a saavy video gamer who plays whenever time permits.
He's good in Maths and Science but not history and geography.
He likes anime, manga, sushi and metal gear.
Loves his sister and mother and......
the Canon 30D, his first digital SLR camera we got him for his birthday.
Happy Birthday Son!

Zane's composition

Happy Diwali

Just like Raya, when I was in school, I used to visit my Hindu friend's during Diwali, the festival of light. Meaning that good has triumped over evil.

The sweetmeats were the most memorable as they signify a culture so rich (sweet) and unique. Jalebi and Ladoo are pictured above.
I wish all Malaysians a Happy Diwali, let's celebrate this beautiful festival with our Hindu friends and make it meaningful for all of us like it used to be.

Home Alone...

...With Summer and Zane. Mum's taken two weeks off for a well deserved retreat in Egypt.
I'm glad really to see Agnes finally take off for a holiday of sorts.
She reassures me she can take it and wants to take it and thinks it's good to be away for a while and I believe her.
She landed in Cairo at noon on Sunday. Then they flew south to Aswan to start their journey down the Nile. What excitement and adventure- Egypt, land of the Sahara Desert, the Pyramids of Giza, Cleopatra, tis indeed the gift of the Nile.

Have fun Mum...

My Raya Message

Ever since I was a young boy, my raya wish for my Muslim friends has never wavered much; I have always wished them well and togetherness with their families. And they have such strong family ties, much more than the Chinese or Indians I believe for they are unafraid of showing their love and emotions. That has always been a trait I have admired about my Muslim brothers and I'm glad for them. This year however, not only do I wish my Muslim brothers and sisters well but the entire nation as we go through an unprecedented political crisis... Hence my post;

Dear Friends, Never has Hari Raya Aidilfitri been celebrated in such times of great change and uncertainty for our nation. As our Muslim brothers and sisters prepare for the Aidilfitri celebrations, the entire nation is embroiled in political change amidst global economic upheaval. May a wise leader prevail from this and may his wisdom be focussed on bigger and more important issues to lead the country to better economic standing. Whatever the outcome, if we stay united as Malaysians and reject the racist policies raised by outdated politicians, we will come out of these uncertain times better and stronger as a nation. Our strength lies in our ability to celebrate our diversity; it is only through embracing each other's cultures and differences that we truly embody what makes Malaysia unique. I wish you a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri whatever your race, religion or political affliation. Let's all stand united and by God's grace, continue to grow and prosper in this beautiful country of ours as we rightly and truly should.

Liverpool sack MU

Last night at Anfield, Liverpool redeemed themselves against MU as they won the tie 2-1.
What a sweet victory it was especially when we lost during the last encounter before last night. And the hero Ryan Babel. Towering Babel I call him, fired home the winner 13 minutes from the end. Well done boys! That's 10 consecutive victories in a row. Jon's smiling as well.

XXIX Olympiad Opening Ceremony

Olympic spirit explodes on the cauldron


It keeps getting better and better these Olympic opening ceremonies but give the Chinese a chance at showing off, they literally blow you away against a backdrop of seemingly endless fireworks.
China waited a long time for the world's attention and when they got it, they made sure it was all for the right reasons.

The deployment of 15,000 Chinese performers to tell 2,000 years of Chinese history was meticulously choreographed with precision and synchronicity by Zhang Yimou!
They cleverly reminded the world who invented the gunpowder and pioneered the art of paper making
A lovely Chinese history lesson for the world.

The parade of nations renewed our acquaintances with lesser known nations and would be not known if not for the Olympics. After what seems to be miles and miles of unending nations to parade, finally the host nation emerged led by Houston rockets star Yao Ming who probably felt much taller than 7' 6" that night. Also leading the 1099 host delegation was 9 year old Lin Hao, a Sichuan earthquake survivor/hero, who felt equally tall if not taller as he waved two flags walking side by side with Yao Ming.

Li Ning multi gold medal gymnast, finally put an end to the speculation as to who will light the cauldron. Pandas, star hurdler Liu Xiang, other olympic veterans and an astronaut were possible candidates.
The dramatic final torch "levitation run" around the bird's nest stadium before it finally spilled onto the cauldron was nothing short of spectacular. Only the the Hollywood-staged lighting of the cauldron at the LA Olympics could probably rival this.

It was special for me as the build up to the games was a feat in itself done with such professionalism and hype that I felt deeply engaged with the games long before the start. What's even more special was my Aussie mate Daryl was in town bringing along 2 lovely colleagues who are Chinese nationals equally looking forward to the opening ceremony.
I was the perfect host at WIP as we all had a blast that night!

080808

Today is an auspicious day as far as the Chinese are concerned. And these numbers only fall in place once in a thousand years! And true to form, as far back as a year ago, we mooted the idea for our Client, Genting to own the most auspicious wedding in town. They liked it.
The launch event is tonight.




Tonight, I also eagerly await the launch of the most auspicious event firstly, for all the people in China as they host the XXIX Olympiad of the modern world and all followers of the games.
Beijing and the entire nation has taken great pains and preparation since 2001 for this great opportunity to showcase the new China to the world. There has never been a better time for such an opportunity as China propels herself forward as an economic giant.
We await to be surely delighted at tonight's opening.
Where will you be on this auspicious night?

The Fat Man Sings...

Peter,Agnes,TL,Willie,Janet,Robert. Pictures courtesy of Ken Brady 

The tiny T-cups dance

Yiki

Ken, Elaine, TL 

And he dances too... My ex-boss and colleague Yeap Tan Lim, the man with three surnames we used to call him, recently threw a dinner party to 'Celebrate Life" for about 200 of his dearest and closest friends, family and accomplices in the ad industry.

TL as we all affectionately refer to, has a huge appetite for life and he makes no bones to conceal it. Everybody knows when TL is hungry, angry, playful or even frisky and everyone tags along whatever the indulgence, except perhaps the anger bouts. This time we all tagged along to his party on a Saturday night with our spouses to celebrate TL's life. And this night, if anyone had any doubt, we saw once again how magnanimous this man is. A songstress sang her heart and lungs out, a Thai buddy who never sang karaoke before, let alone in public gave his all for a splendid show. Friends young and old, one by one and some in duet came onstage to sing their tribute to TL. Special mention must also go to father and daughter performances, both separate, of KK and Yiki Ng. KK Ng long time client and now good friend sang 'Friend' in cantonese while daughter Yiki, gave one of the night's best performances with her rendition of Sheila Majid's 'Lagenda', originally composed as a tribute to Malaysian song and screen icon-P. Ramlee, now delivered as a fitting tribute to TL. Simply exquisite!

The ever dapper and debonair Ken Brady, also my ex-boss, mentor, teacher, friend was there. Readily armed with the most 'lethal' weapon of them all, his smile... As was all my ex-colleagues, clients, friends, acquaintances, brothers and sisters all. It was lovely to see them all. Some hardy changed, hardly aged, some kept their hair styles, some changed theirs...

Right after the singing, a very fitting Ken Brady gave his short and very sweet 'Overture' introducing and launching; The Fat Man ....making an entry singing songs from his heart. Telling us the trials and tribulations of his journey with cancer, he held court over all his subjects as he unashamedly poured his heart and soul sharing his fears and joy as he enrolled all of us into prayer for his quick recovery, no matter what the doctors say. We will have faith in you and with you TL.

The night ended as we lingered on for photo opportunities and light banter and eventually left with renewed love for the man I have often referred to as "our fearless leader".

Eaten Alive by thousands of flesh eating fish...

Their name; Garra Rufa imported from Turkey. Yes Turkey. They can be found in this spanking new 'Fish Spa' in Jalan Telawi in Bangsar bearing the same name. No it's not a spa for your pet fish but a spa for people who dare soak their legs into pools of water teeming with very rare and special, anchovy-sized fishes that eat human skin or keratinized skin on the surface of your legs and feet. Only a couple of customers were there when Agnes dragged me there one afternoon and we had the full attention of more than 4,000 little fishes incessantly nibbling on our legs while she had my full attention for a full half an hour. Hmmm... a very good way to nab busy people for their undivided attention. And how does it feel? Like having mild pins and needles in a ticklish sort of way. Didn't do much for me but I reckon it'll be good for people with lots of spare skin to rid of. Well, it appears this sort of business is the latest fad to hit town as more are sprouting up in parts of the city. This particular offering seems apt for the Telawi area as the neighbourhood seems destined for high end boutiques and health and wellness spas. Want pretty feet? Go see owner, Jacqueline and get a unique experience or even if it's to slow down just to find your feet......being eaten by thousands of little Garra Rufas from Turkey. It's therapeutic.

Shanghai

My maiden trip to Shanghai was slow and leisurely at first. Then as the momentum picked up, we hardly had time to take in the sights. Except the ones shown here. But generally; Nanjing Lu, I felt, is overrated. The Pudong skyline awesome but pollution was a veil of grey that hung over the city like a silken shroud blocking out the sun most times. The city has very strong French and English architecture inherited from past colonialisation that looks very elegant and majestic. We had a day to smooch around before our meetings the next day. I quickly discovered that; •The fashion available at all the stores didn't cater to my taste. •The best Xinjiang bbq lamb in skewers is just round the corner from my Charms Hotel just off Nanjing Lu. •Chinese beers are very cheap. •Chinese rice wine very drinkable and it leaves a very pleasant aroma on the breath. •Touts, pimps and prostitutes rampant.

Torch reaches summit of Everest

The Olympic torch has reached the highest point on earth at 9.18am Beijing time Thursday. Read about it
HERE
My disbelief posted earlier HERE has been put to rest.
What resolve. What tenacity. What a majestic dream!
Crazy bastards! I love it.

Hong Kong 2

Well, the food's nice. 

Wanton noodles, dim sum, beef noodles, siew choi, etc but what I really like about Hong Kong is the cosmopolitan composition of the people thronging the streets of Tsimshatsui and Wanchai. Young people with fire in their eyes and purpose in their stride as they commute to and from their work or meetings. Young men in their finely cut suits and ladies in the latest fashion of power suits. Ah...that's the vibrancy and energy that captivated me the first time I set foot in Hong Kong in 1987. I remembered how the sheer numbers of Chinese people on the streets overwhelmed me and how it made me feel so insignificant in the sea of Chinese faces that surrounded me. I had never seen so many Chinese in my life. Today with even more snazzy and stylish shopping malls, HK somehow hasn't changed at all. Kowloon is still the same, Mongkok is still teeming with night shoppers and foodies searching for bargains in the street markets. Langham Place deserves special mention as it is a specialty mall built for teens and ladies. The Hong Kong people have mellowed, the mini bus drivers are just as aggressive but more 'funny' rude. Taxi drivers are younger, less vocal but quick to make a fast buck if you're lax. But all in all, like most things in HK, public transportation work like clockwork. The very basic public amenity that gets people to work and back ensures optimum productivity. Some say it's because of the Chinese, I say it's good governance. That's why it will always remain a strong economic force in Asia.

Hong Kong

As the plane approach Chek Lap Kok for landing on Flight CX720, I fastened my seat belt , made my seat upright, sat back and pondered when I was last in this vibrant city. And it suddenly all came back to me as clear as day. In 2003, I was part of the Malaysian delegation of travel and hospitality trade that spearheaded a 'visit' to Hong Kong right in the middle of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) Virus outbreak pandemic. It was a ballsy idea mooted by my Client, China Airlines who's bread and butter route was HK and Taiwan. So when the SARS outbreak hit the region, the travel and hospitality business took a big hit the city of Hong Kong was the hardest hit. Nobody was travelling, let alone travel to Hong Kong, the SARS outbreak area. But we Malaysians organised a plane load of travel agents and hoteliers and flew into a near empty Chek Lap Kok international airport. When we landed then, we were regarded as heroes, celebrities who were 'crazy' to come to Hong Kong during those times. The press and TV crew were there to receive and interview us, and later that night had the news, interviews telecast all over HK and the world. But they were also very touched that we landed to show the world that it was safe to go to Hong Kong. That trip ended a great success with many a deals made with our delegation and HKTA and it was much needed to jump start travel tourism in the region. That was the only time I saw Hong Kong a little less vibrant. But this time around, the airport was abuzz with human traffic. Lots and lots of them. The unbelievably long queues at the immigration counters were agonizing. Once cleared, the highly efficient airport delivered your baggage without a hitch and customs were unobstrusive and the whole airport was alive with activity. What vibrance. And this time around, my trip was a stop-over mainly for the food en route on my maiden trip to Shanghai for a business meeting.

#HongKong #SARS

Torch to go up Everest

I wonder if any other host nation in the history of the Olympics has shown more resolve, enthusiasm, grit and fanfare in hosting the games than China?
From the preparations of the games' venues, all of which state-of-the-art, architectural wonders are almost ready way ahead of time.
The city of Beijing looks set and spruced to showcase the new face of China to the world.
Last year when they announced it, I blogged about it in awe and disbelief. Read HERE

The Olympic torch which is making it's way around the globe amidst lots of political controversy surrounding Tibet, is now set to scale greater heights. The greatest in fact, as plans to bring the torch in a special contraption from Everest base camp (5,300M) to the summit of Mt. Everest which by the way is 8848M high!
The runners and television crew who will film this historic event to the summit LIVE (?) have been in training for over a year!
Talk about the signifying of China's rise as a superpower. You can't get more literal or higher than this.