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The Seventh Day

2012-01-29T11:46:00.005+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi. Gong Xi.

This year of the water dragon has been pleasant so far. Just before the new year, I managed to convince my family to spent CNY eve at our ancestral home in Johol. So there we were Summer, Zane, Agnes, Peter Gan and Aunty, (my father's surviving third wife) had reunion dinner in our ancestral home once more. The food was painstakingly prepared by Aunty, who managed to fill the table to the brim the way my father had always wanted it. Fireworks and crackers erupted noisily outside our first floor dining room window as we settled down to our sumptious meal celebrating the auspicious moment. As much as we were startled by the incessant loud noise, we heartily agreed that this was necessary to properly scare away the monster Nien, who terrorized the villages in ancient China, so all could stay alive and safely guo Nien.
After dinner we had no TV, no internet, no distractions to busy ourselves with and so we just spent time talking and playing games with each other. It was nice spending time with loved ones in the memory of those who have gone before us.

Today, that memory belongs to my father who passed away 6 years ago on this seventh day of the lunar new year. The seventh day is also known as everybody's birthday as this is the day on the Chinese lunar calendar when everybody gets a year older.
As I grow older each seventh day of the CNY, I also grow wiser thinking of the lessons my father taught me not by lecturing me or beating me up. No never. The old man never laid a hand on me. He loved me and he showed me through living his life with honour, respect and integrity that things could be resolved and life is to be enjoyed. Always the one to look for the humor in life, my father was fun to be with.
So as we shared the reunion dinner in my ancestral home this new year, I know my father is pleased. The fireworks and firecrackers that erupted outside our window to scare away the monster Nien, I look back from the seventh day and I realize my father gave us valuable life lessons to scare away own own demons. For me it's just to look inward and dig deep into the values my father taught me and in it's powerful silent revelation know that demons only exist in our own minds.
Back in ancient times, people believed that their land was in constant threat from outside forces. When the rains didn't fall the crops would not grow and the land was barren, people would not have food. So they blamed the monster when what was actually happening was that the seasons change just as spring will surely follow winter. Which is precisely when the new year celebrates, the start of spring.
So as we go forth this Chinese New Year, have a beautiful springtime and know that the only demons we need to scare away are the ones in our minds.
I love you Papa.

Xin Nian Quai Le Everyone.

My one & only post for 2011

2011-12-31T13:23:00.079+08:00

Not that the year was uneventful, it was. Extremely.
The excuses, yes excuses, I give myself were plenty; no time, facebook and twitter updates more immediate, more spontaneous, more people will instantly know my thoughts and my writing and like and retweet my updates, etc, etc.
Well, I decided I won't leave one year not stating what was significant for me. If I were to choose the one thing that I was happy about apart from my family, it would be the fact that we brought
The Samurai Game® to Malaysia and more importantly for me to have participated in the game three times, in and outside the country. The result of which, although they vary from game to game, was the message to "slow down to the speed of life".
To deliberate more on thoughts, words and deeds. In short to truly stay in the moment, live life in the moments. To stop rushing through life and refrain from always jumping at "what's next?"
Although I have known the concept of slowing down, through the 'slow' movement, slow food vs fast food etc. I don't believe I have truly begun to fathom what slowing down really entails. The Samurais live by the Bushido Code, largely consisting the values of honor, respect, integrity. The game embodies the Samurai maxim of; One Meeting. One Chance. For me, it simply means, engage every moment of my life with whoever, whatever I'm with or doing. Fully engage because, Life is not a rehearsal!
George Leonard was the founder of The Samurai Game®, he also wrote the book called Mastery. In the book, also considered one of the best books I have read in 2011, he maintains that all of us living in this world, are on the path to mastery and that life is lived in the plateau where practice of our mastery happens, not as portrayed in the mass media as a series of uninterrupted peaks and spikes of our achievements. Especially in this 'quick fix' world we live in where practice is the key to mastery and if we love the practice and therefore practice for the sake of the practice, then we'll be able to attain new levels of competence on the path to be true masters of our craft.

Go find out more about the Game here : The Samurai Game

Read about the book here: George Leonard's Mastery

Happy New Year 2012 everyone. Slow down to the speed of life...

Mr. Ooi -the accidental brand?

2010-10-12T13:57:00.000+08:00

There was a little shop lot in Lucky Garden, Bangsar where the boxes are stacked from floor to ceiling, where walking about the store was difficult because the aisles were either blocked with boxes of merchandise on display or customers in line waiting to see the thin, nerdy looking but affable Mr. Ooi the pharmacist who runs AA Pharmacy.

He personally serves and advises every single one of his customers who come to see him in his shop with the care and empathy that a mother would give her children. Everyone seems to want to talk to him, consult him, see him.
When my turn comes, he listens intently to me and the description of my ailment then almost instantly returns with a cream or a bottle of something he thinks should work. He then proceeds to painstakingly explain the product and it's usage and he would have all the time and patience to answer whatever questions you may have. Then when you ask the price he looks at the label then gives you a discount without you even asking for it and off you go. Happy to have been served.

That was then. Now, about only two years later, he has since moved into the corner lot with two floors of retail space. Still his floors are hard to navigate with even more vitamin and supplement boxes piling high everywhere. The customers keep coming to ask him for a prescription, a recommendation, a word, an opinion or simply a smile. He readily gives each and everyone of them what they want and each will leave feeling thoroughly satisfied.
Sometimes I wonder if Mr. Ooi is the brand or his pharmacy? Whichever the case, all his employees tend to deliver a similar experience to all customers.

AA Pharmacy a relative newcomer to the Lucky Gardens marketplace, was coming into a fiercely competitive landscape, already 2 Chinese Medical Halls, 3 other well known pharmacies and scores of other mini mart and retail stores exist. Yet AA Pharmacy is arguably the most sought after, most Caring and acts more like a Guardian to the people of one of the choicest neighbourhoods in Klang Valley.

Lesson learnt from Mr. Ooi;

1. Love and revere your customers and your customers will trust you and confide in you. Once they trust you to confide in you, you have built an almost unbreakable bond with them.

2. Love your work, it shows when you interact with your customers in an authentic manner. When you love what you do, everybody benefits from the amount of knowledge you have to share on the business you're in. That makes you an expert in your field.

3. When you are faced with big brands as competitors, dig into your innermost core to find your passion and use that as your core value to win and keep customers. In Mr. Ooi's case his passion was excellence and he consistently delivered it through himself. Excellence seem to permeate all aspects of his business, from service to products and product range, pricing and promotion.

4. By osmosis or by example his entire staff force followed his leadership and service excellence and fair pricing became the business niche and strategy for AA Pharmacy to thrive in an already crowded marketplace.

When next in Lucky Garden, stop by to say hi to Mr. Ooi at AA Pharmacy, this yet to be married young man who went to secondary school in VI will not disappoint you.
Some of you who's been there might agree.

'The sun will dry up your brains Peter Gan'

2010-09-12T23:36:00.002+08:00

Those were the words my father used when I refused to put on a hat out in the afternoon sun while doing 'hard labour' in my father's 'orchard' back in our home at number 27 Woon Estate, Tampin almost 35 years ago.

My father, in his standard attire of white singlet over a hitched-up checked sarong, was trying to direct me to dig 5 holes in the ground using a hoe and a 'cangkul' so that he could plant 5 durian saplings. The saplings had been lovingly nursed and nurtured from the seeds of his favorite varieties through the years. He had them grown in black plastic bags filled with earth and now they are ready to be transplanted in the ground. The ground was a strip of land at the back of our house just outside the fence sloping down about 12 feet to a drain that connect all the houses on my row channeling household waste water out and down to a creek in sleepy valley beyond.

Already I was grungy being forced outdoors to do menial labour. As I slogged and sweated in the heat, I think to myself; growing durian trees from saplings? How long will we have to wait? What a daft idea...I thought as I blurted out;
"Pa, we would never even live to see the fruits, if indeed they could bear fruit, let alone get to even taste them".
My father refused to budge and just urged me on and I still had those holes to dig. It was not without more drama and heated exchange of words between my father and I as the afternoon wore on until the holes were all finally dug. Still, I was not a happy person that afternoon.

"Now, before we lower the saplings into those holes, put that first into the bottom of the holes", he pointed to a large mound of black earth in our garden. So I did as I was told, I took a big bucket filled it up with black earth and lumbered up and down the slope lining the 5 holes with rich, nutritious black earth.
Then I watched my father tear up the black plastic bags exposing the cylindrical earthy base of the young plants and laying the sapling into each of the holes I had dug. With the loving dexterity of a heart surgeon, he moved each sapling into position, filled it with more earth, adjusted each until he is pleased with it then he directed me to fill up what's remaining of the hole until the soil formed a mound around the stems of the saplings. Much like the chief surgeon telling his assistant to close up on successful surgery.
My father then appeared with a large pail of water and proceeded to water each newly transplanted sapling with a plastic bowl. He did it ever so tenderly, he scooped up water and then let it run through his cupped hand through his fingers down to the base of the stems of each of the 5 saplings. The earth mounds settling further down the stem as he did that, compacting the soil further reinforcing the planting.
My father looked pleased as he stood looking over the backyard fence down at the slope where we just finished an entire afternoon's work of planting. I'm a bloody planter's son I thought and
"I still don't think we would harvest the fruits of our labour Pa" I said to him. He just smiled and said;

"You just wait, you just wait"

15 years later, we sold our house after my mother passed away, the trees have grown somewhat substantially but still yielded no fruit. I told myself that we were not meant to get anything from those trees we planted but still it would be nice to know if they could yield. I took my father and left Tampin to resettle in KL. It was the nineties.

Now fast forward to present day Hari Raya 2010. Four and a half years after my father passed away, I finally meet up with my old neighbours the Balasingams in Seremban, my childhood friends, Willie and Gabriel. Gabriel the elder brother told me he visited our old hometown regularly to tend to their unoccupied house just next door to ours. Gabriel had news I had waited 35 years for.
The durian trees that I had planted with my father actually bore fruit, and they bore abundant fruits with bountiful harvest. And they tasted very good, Gabriel testified. The current owner of my old house an Encik Mazlan is indeed a good man to enjoy the abundance that my father initiated. So much that went into those saplings we planted in the ground that hot afternoon.

I now know and I think my papa knew all along. I know he is happy because when I drove back to KL late that Hari Raya night, I felt a nice warm feeling come over me knowing we shared more than planting durian trees and that my father left me with these lessons;

- To do things properly, diligently with loving tender care.
- To have faith that in whatever I do, that it will surely bear fruit, and bountifully.
- To wear a hat when out in the sun.

Thanks Papa.

Chinese New Year 2010

2010-03-01T21:55:00.000+08:00

This year my Chinese New Year family is getting delightfully auspicious with the Levers in full force at our reunion dinner. It is carefully and cleverly arranged at China Treasures, the delightful Chinese restaurant at The Sime Darby Convention Centre in Bukit Kiara. The private room setting gave us the intimacy of sharing news and stories of the recent past. And the opportunity to toss the Yee Sang a little higher and shout a little louder!
Dinner is a full menu of 10-course auspicious, Chinese dishes that sounds prosperous, happy, sustainable and joyful. No complaints about the food nor the company save for the relative size of the private room proportionate to the party. Ann and Hanim spent precious time with us as this CNY was to be a short one without extended holidays declared in Jakarta.
After dinner, it was drinks at home, wine for the ladies, single-malt whiskeys for the boys.
At midnight we wished each other Gong Xi Fa Cai above the din of firecrackers and fireworks and hoped that this special moment of reunions will always go on with our families.
Xin Nian Kuai Le' to you all. May you find love at the end of it all.

reBlog from dragonintuitive.com: Spirituality for Living

2010-02-09T20:44:00.001+08:00

I was happily dipping into the twitter stream today and because Twitter is a huge flowing river, I can only pay attention to what flows closest to me or what catches my eyes first. And when it does, that I consider my message from the universe/god/the almighty for that moment when I tune into the twitter stream

And so I found this fascinating quote today:

The secret is to learn to be happy first, with whatever you have.

But what you have was acquired first and thought to bring happiness.

To find a way to be grateful, then that attracts more things to be grateful for.

Ah yes, but to realize why you are not happy is the awakening. Sorrow is the slow route to evolution, presence is the shortcut.

Having what you want won’t make you happy, being happy brings you what you want. No wonder most of us don’t get what we want.

Than why set myself goals in life if what I have should already make me happy?

dragonintuitive.com, Spirituality for Living, Feb 2010

You should read the whole article.

New Year-10Things

2010-01-25T16:17:00.001+08:00

Every year, I advocate a resolutions of sorts for my loved ones and colleagues.
This is so that we can live our lives with purpose and chart our progress as we traverse along the passage of time.
I find that nothing beats the benefit of hindsight to guide us into the future or to help remind us of the trials we have overcome and triumphs we have savoured.
The 10 things start with a review of the previous year's achievements. Or otherwise.
Then we proceed to examine what went right or what went wrong.
With new resolve we then list our 10 Things and of course our DCA- Definite chief Aim, that thing we must achieve at all cost.
I'm pleased to have done all the that within the first week of January for all my companies.
It was also most satisfying to have had 2 sessions with the family, first review on Boxing Day then finalize on New Year's Day.

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade All! I wish for all your dreams to come true...

The Mystery Cat

2009-12-14T17:34:00.004+08:00

Summer worked hard for months in preparation for this Dance Festival at Putrajaya Auditorium held on 6 Dec.

We were of course very thrilled and very proud to see this young lady slink onto stage to deliver a mature, slick and sophisticated performance.
But don't take our word for it, read about how she felt about the whole shindig HERE

Zane is 17

2009-11-10T15:26:00.000+08:00

If he was in Govt. School he would be sitting for his SPM exams right now, this moment. But he's not as he's in home schooling at a centre in Kelana Jaya. And because of that, he's enjoying his holidays lounging at home, chillin at the malls with friends or simply laughing his head off watching Russel Peters on Youtube.

Zane turned 17 last month, with little fanfare.
His life this year has been lived to so much purpose and activities that it (his birthday) came and went without a whimper.
I guess it is a good thing as I always say; "Everyday is your birthday if you know how to live your life".

Zane is consumed by sports right now.
His obsession for fitness and badminton has taken him to new levels of fitness and exposure and some success. Photography aside, his interest in playing the saxaphone is still very much alive as his instructor sings praises of him. I'm not yet convinced as I'm still waiting for an audition.

Extra-curricular activities aside, this young man has improved his academic performance at school as well. For the first time, he has achieved his declared number of life packs this year.
Well, all is well and all goes well, we'll be having our beers together same time next year.
For now enjoy your seventeen son. I'm proud of you.

Summer is 14

2009-10-04T23:08:00.007+08:00

Summer is probably the person I need to worry least about. She's responsible, diligent, caring, emphatetic, compassionate, driven and extremely intelligent. But yet I do.
I watch her grow up at such phenomenal speed that I wonder if she truly enjoyed her childhood before she even enters womanhood. She looks so grown up and she speaks with such maturity that one often wonders...
I've posted some photos of her birthday dinner last Monday at the eatery of her choice-Yuzu at The Gardens as well as some of my favourites shot by Zane and posed very unabashedly at The Tasting Room in Bangsar earlier this year. Happy Birthday darling. I love you.

Zane is Champion!

2009-09-25T14:08:00.007+08:00

Three outings. It took Zane three outings in the Chempaka AOG Schools Sports Carnival to finally claim his Badminton Singles Crown that he so richly deserves. Years of training finally paid off when he cruised all the way to the finals in August 09. He lifted the champions title in a lop-sided match that saw little opposition.
This was because the ambitious young man strategized his path to victory by exposing himself to badminton tournaments around town- big or small just to gain experience. It worked.
Well done Champ!
Last weekend,being the long raya holidays I bought him new gear from the Bangsar Racket shop to further his sporting ambitions. Then we had to go to Sentral to check out a Blue Cube outlet that Summer insisted was there. It was there alright but they had just closed and vacated.
So we went to check out Hilton & Le Meridien instead. Zane was made to parade his new gear all around Sentral, Hilton, Le Meridien, the mall, etc.

The Streets of Vientiane

2009-09-07T13:52:00.003+08:00

In the past few days, as I roam the streets of the capital city of Laos, I encounter once again the unhurried pace of life that has made this place charming to me. And as I pause to take a closer look, I am rewarded with some very delicious street dessert with a creative twist.
Pictured above is a simple tauhu huay dessert topped with strips of broiled pear with ginger bits in sweet syrup. Hits the spots right in the cockles of my heart.

Chick Magnet?

2009-08-10T13:13:00.005+08:00

The reporter asked me that question regarding my Ducati.

I was recently interviewed for Sunday Metro, the weekend section of The Star.
The reporter also wanted to get a first hand account on; why the bigger boys get, the bigger their bikes.
And why I like my Sunday morning coffee black straight-up at 5,000feet above sea level.

Read the article online here-Brotherhood of Bikers or if you have a copy of last Sunday Star- Sunday Metro Sect.

Jon's 3rd Memorial

2009-08-09T12:04:00.003+08:00

It's been three years since Jon left for the great gig in the sky.
And still I say, not one day passes by that we don't feel him or think about him or see things that remind us of him. I say that in my 2009 Memorial speech, because as a human being in this world, I want to be remembered and I want for my loved ones not to forget me, as such I strive to do in my lifetime, things that people (let alone my loved ones) will remember me by.

Being forgotten means being insignificant, being unloved, unwanted.
For now, as a living being I shall hold on to that belief and keep remembering my son.
It is not difficult to remember Jon, in fact it's impossible to forget as he is woven into all of us, his family. I see him sometimes as I gaze at Zane or Summer, I see him everytime I see a Boy Scout, a footballer, a scholar, a gentleman, a young man of 19 setting out to start his journey in this world, anyone in a wheelchair, a cane, a cancer patient or simply any brave person.
How can I forget you Jon?

Yuna is deep.

2009-06-24T19:44:00.002+08:00

Another gem. She's Yuna from Kuantan. Love her voice and her lyrics cut real deep.
Shows a lot of substance and soul.
I like this trait in our young.

Malaysia's girls can sing

2009-06-21T09:34:00.005+08:00

Bitter Heart @ Yahoo! Video

It's amazing what you can find when you have an open mind.
This is the second Malaysian songstress I have discovered over the www over the last 2 days and I must say I'm impressed with both of em.

I shall do a post on Yuna next.

For now enjoy Zee Avi (?) You might want to go to my imeem playlist to press pause before listening in. :)
If you can't get enough of her go to www.youtube.com /zeeavi

To boldly go where no man's ever been...

2009-06-10T16:08:00.002+08:00

Most people are not creative...!

When I say creative, I mean, 'ideas being converted into results'

We're moving from the IT Age into the Conceptual Age where we need to convert tons of info into ideas and then results.
So, most people are not creative because:
they have ideas but have no courage to share, even when do, they may not be able to articulate it. and even when they eventually get to articulate it, they may get discouraged when a less than favourable response is received. Or, they share their brilliant idea, get it approved then they fail to get it implemented. Which is as good as not being creative in the first place.

But aren't we all born creative in the first place?
Yes, otherwise we would never learn to walk. Walking is an idea. The final act of getting up to walk is the result. As we grow, we become less and less prone to convert ideas to results.

We have become too sensible. Our bodies develop mechanisms to keep us safe.
Everytime something out of the ordinary crops up, the mind kicks in and rejects it because it's something alien, not done before, therefore unsafe, stay away. Danger. You may get hurt, feel uncomfortable.

So how do we overcome this? We say you can overcome this by building and cultivating courage. Do the uncomfortable things that you know are good for you. Take small steps.
Do courageous deeds everyday. Talk to strangers, talk to your idol?

So how does this look like?
To boldly go where no man has ever been...Star Trek? 95%
Terry Fox ran across North America to raise funds for cancer research, even if he had to crawl! Tony Fernandez took Air Asia to courageous new frontiers.

Everyone at 95% stand for the untapped potential and we can help cultivate courage to uncover that potential.

Why do we need to be creative? Because the future lies in "What IF?" not "What already IS?"

This was the proposed content of the BFM 89.9 interview with me this morning. But the producer/presenter kept throwing me 'curve balls' making me duck and miss.
Oh well, we had fun! Especially from reading the tweets in the background from my girls back in the office. Miles of smiles:)

Ducati 1198 Launch

2009-05-30T17:26:00.000+08:00

It was good being back in the social circuit catching up with friends once again.
This time at the alcohol free Ducati 1198 launch at Naza Bikers in TTDI.
The 1198 was nice, not very different from the 1098 launched last year. That's the beauty of Ducati, minimal physical changes engine updates just for currency.
The models parading the Ducati lifestyle merchandise were nice...

But what drew my breath away and knocked the wind out of my lungs was this innocent little monster parked at the entrance. The Desmosedici RR. This is the motoGP race replica. Only 1,500 units made and sale of the bike is by allocation to the world. Price: a cool half million ringgit OTR.

And then I went into the showroom upstairs and fell in lust with this number which looks somewhat like the one I already possess. The S4Rs is about the same Ducati monster I have but this one has very high specs. The 999 engine with upgraded Ohlins shocks front & rear. What a beauty! This one more affordable.

Driving Lesson

2009-04-30T12:44:00.005+08:00

I had planned this for a long time but never got round to it, partly because I wanted him to ask. Then the night before, driving back from The Gardens where we went to get his football boots, he asked if he could drive the car home at the last stretch.
I agreed and he got into the driver's seat but the car didn't move an inch. The darkness of the night didn't help cos we couldn't see the clutch. End of attempt.
So the next day ie. yesterday as I drove off to work, I made a mental note to come home early at least while there is still light to properly give Zane his driving lesson.
It was a hectic meetings filled day, as I rushed home from several delayed and lengthy meetings to get Zane behind the wheel again. This time in proper daylight although it was already late evening.

I drove the car to a secluded stretch of flat road and he got behind the steering wheel. After several attempts to get the clutch and accelerator going, he finally got the car cruising round the neighbourhood. He did. He really did drive a long stretch until he had to stop and restart the car again. Then the coordination of both his feet on the clutch pedal and the accelerator pedal went awry and the car simply lunged forward and died. This happened several times and each time he restarted and tried again only to have the engine die on him as he released the clutch too fast.
The times when he got the car going was when he just 'stepped and release' by pure chance. I think overall he enjoyed himself. Although I don't think I did.
I was such an idiot, a worry wart, an insufferable old man. I was totally impatient with him and I lost my cool. That is just so uncool.
There I was so looking forward to this 'special' moment of a son learning to drive for the first time and I totally lost it. This was supposed to be a milestone in my life and Zane's. Just like the time when all my boys and me got our ears pierced and acquired earrings.
Nett. Nett. I think Zane got a good first time out with driving a manual car while the biggest lesson of all was for me. A person who's supposed to be so calm, cool and collected.
Here's the lesson-Chill Pa!!!

TL's Farewell

2009-04-15T16:12:00.004+08:00

I saw the man on April 13 at 6.15pm in the ICU at Pantai Hospital, holding in my hand the gift book I had just gotten on my birthday party the night before.
I had wanted to show him his very meaningful entry together with the picture he contributed to my book. But he was unconscious.

I walked to his bedside and there he was, breathing hard into an oxygen mask. He looked like he was in deep sleep until he let out a cry for water...
"Water", he said, " I want water".
We called for the nurse who promptly swabbed his lips and mouth with some water. She then told us that there was an unusually high level of toxins in his blood and that he had just completed one cycle of dialysis to remove the toxins.
"He is resting now... and he should come out of it later tonight", the nurse said.
"Is he conscious now?" I asked her.
"He drifts in and out of consciousness", she answered. "When we want to tell him something, we just wake him up by calling his name".
"Thanks", I said.
I turned my gaze to TL lying in his bed still breathing heavy and hard, his eyes closed, I leaned forward, using my right hand, I held his left hand lightly and called his name;
"TL, TL!" I raised my voice.
"Huh??!" he responded
"Do you know who I am TL?" I said. And he tried to open his eyes to look at me. His eyes opened partially and then he said;
" You are Doctor-la"
"No TL. It's Peter... Peter Gan TL...?" I said
He continued his laboured breathing into the oxygen mask.
Seeing that there was no response, I figured he needed rest so, I squeezed his hand and said to him, "TL..., you have just finished dialysis, and the nurse says it's ok. You should continue resting ok? I will let you rest and I'll come back later ok?!"
Then Agnes and I walked to the side and continued to look over him from a distance.
"He looks quite serious? No..?" Agnes observed.
Without skipping a beat, I said; "No darling. He'll be fine, he's got a lot of life left in him, he'll be ok." And with that we said a silent farewell to TL and left.

Barely six hours after that, TL had passed away. At 12.30am April 14, TL succumbed to Septicemia or blood poisoning. Apparently the dialysis didn't work and I was wrong about him being ok.
Well, I still think TL to be the most OK guy in my world. In our earlier and younger days, I would often refer to him as our 'fearless' leader. He would always stand up to any situation and face it with a cool head and solve it with his keen, analytical and organised mind. He showed me what fearlessness and responsibility was about. He showed me how to live with a big appetite and how to love, laugh and pursue everything with a tenacity that only he possessed.
I shall go to his wake tonight to pay my respects and the funeral tomorrow to be pall bearer.
It will be my honour dear TL as it was an honour serving with you.

Farewell my friend. For now.

The Grand Hyatt, Bali

2008-12-29T14:06:00.003+08:00

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

2008-10-28T09:01:00.002+08:00

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

2008-10-27T18:30:00.004+08:00

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...

2008-10-01T19:20:00.003+08:00

...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

2008-10-01T00:43:00.004+08:00

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

2008-09-14T23:26:00.003+08:00

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

2008-08-08T15:08:00.000+08:00

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

2008-08-08T09:20:00.007+08:00

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...

2008-07-14T22:13:00.007+08:00

The tiny T-cups dance
Yiki
Ken, Elaine, TL
Peter,Agnes,TL,Willie,Janet,Robert. Pictures courtesy of Ken Brady

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...

2008-06-28T03:44:00.003+08:00

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

2008-06-21T08:21:00.008+08:00

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

2008-05-09T23:42:00.004+08:00

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

2008-05-09T18:02:00.007+08:00

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

2008-05-03T23:01:00.005+08:00

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.

Torch to go up Everest

2008-05-01T17:28:00.009+08:00

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.

The Westin Langkawi

2008-04-16T07:43:00.006+08:00

I hadn't planned in great detail on how I wanted to celebrate my fiftieth simply because I didn't want to celebrate something that I haven't come to terms with and I wasn't in the mood for any form of celebration right now.
So, I rounded up the family and beat a retreat to The Westin at Langkawi for a quiet break and for me to reflect on whatever on my birthday.
To begin with, this is the family's first trip to Langkawi without Jon.
The departure from the airport was leisurely as the rickety small van that ferried us chugged labouriously along the Langkawi countryside down to the southern tip of the island to the hotel. This was one of the reasons the BN lost in Kedah, the millions spent on the first class airport and infrastructure did not benefit the people who are still trying to eke out a living with shoddy and outdated tools. Well, in an ironic way, it was kind of apt for me or anyone coming for an island holiday, as the slow rickety journey forces one to slow down from where ever or whatever fast paced life you are coming from.
Slow, was the word to sum up the entire break. All three days were spent lounging by the poolside sipping Sauvignon Blanc for me, soaking in the pools for Summer, reading for mum and lounging for Zane. You could frame a picture and watch time stand still in it. I could not recall skies so blue or canvas on umbrellas so canvassy(?) What a delicious way to spend doing nothing. I loved it.

Ballet Exam

2008-04-11T13:57:00.000+08:00

On the 8th of April, after one year of waiting hopefully and patiently,Summer finally allowed her parents to her ballet class on parents day. Yes parent's day where parents are allowed by the Ballet School to enter it's premises and watch their child perform. This time our daughter had to grant us permission. She's now ready, I suppose.

She's not only the tallest in her class but in my view, the most graceful and most well coordinated.
This is a preview prior to the exam she's about to undergo at month's end where only examiners are allowed. She's going to have to practice till then and with our holiday coming up this weekend, she'll miss this Saturday's class. It's ok she says; "it's more important to be with Papa this weekend".

Isn't she lovely...

BMW Sauber F1 Pit Lane Party

2008-03-27T14:21:00.005+08:00

It's party time again in sunny Malaysia as the country prepares to host this season's F1 with the big boys in the 'Hottest race circuit in the world'
Last year I got one one invite, this year I got three invites to two night's of partying and 1 afternoon with the Motorrad boys. Feeling no motivation to go as it probably would be more of the same as last year, I settled for showing up to hob nob. Somehow being in the company of the rich and pretentious wasn't exactly thrilling. It's just mind numbing and downright dull.
I only went to two events, both on Saturday, the afternoon Motorrad session where I connected with my biker buddies including Matthias and the night event where we partied with champagne and lychee-martinis till late with my wife, who was a last minute surprise inclusion. We bumped into a lot of good friends whom we haven't seen for a long time. It was nice.... Agnes didn't drink but the atmosphere got to her head and she got nauseous and giddy, so we had to make a quick but necessary exit at midnite! T'was quite a nite of good fun with good friends! Surprisingly...hic!

The Day After our Anniversary

2008-03-25T15:24:00.004+08:00

The 8th of March was the nation's 12th General Elections where the 3-partied opposition took 6 states, 82 seats in Parliament out of 222 denying the Barisan of 2/3 majority.

Never in my wildest dreams nor the opposition's that such a shift of power could take place so resoundingly and so soon. The people have spoken and rather loudly, enough is enough!
No thanks to the mainstream papers, but from news culled from the internet, the people are more accurately informed as there was disclosure on the arrogance, misconduct, blatant corruption and plundering of the nation's coffers by the present administration.

It wasn't so much the people voting the opposition but more the people voting AGAINST the government that decided the outcome. For the first time, racial lines were blurred when the Chinese and Indians voted PAS and PKR while the Malays in the cities voted DAP. As long as you vote for anyone but the government.

Never mind the uncertainties that lie ahead, never mind the plummeting stock market, never mind the endless blame the Barisan is going to shovel on each other, all that will come to pass but for now I stand proud knowing my fellow Malaysians care to take action and take action we did!...the feeling is EUPHORIC! What a difference a day makes.....

Harry Connick Jr.

2008-03-23T13:45:00.004+08:00

We had the entire Rebana Suite at the MPO for the length of the concert on the fourth of March. Looking down at the concert from the second floor balcony accorded us a special status though we felt a bit cut off from the main proceedings that were taking place on the ground. (I suppose, sometimes one gets the urge to stay close to the action rather than merely spectate).
I had a rollicking good time having been thoroughly hit squarely between the eyes (and groin) with a heavy dose of New Orleans music. And big swinging jazz at that!
Harry was a real charmer. The actor in him couldn't be possibly suppressed and it just oozed on stage. It was put to good use I thought and perhaps a touch too much. But what an accomplished musician he is. His touch on the ivory keys was nothing short of a seasoned professional.
The bonus for me was his Big Band. They literally blew me away with just; 3 trombones, 3 trumpets and 3 saxaphones, 1 drummer and 1 double bassist. They were coordinated like a hand in a well worn glove. Music never sounded so good and so big to me.
My other guests Ann and Wendy were equally thrilled. Ann was rocking in her seat, finger snapping and foot tapping while Wendy sat riveted obviously mesmerised with the Connick charm. She described him as 'yummy'.
The usually cool and restraint Zane, who was the reason for all this to happen, was moved to clapping so hard for the encore for him to reemerge.
Ah...the encore alone was worth the price of the entire Rebana Suite! He went into his famed delivery of the Academy Award winning song; 'It had to be you' from the movie 'When Harry met Sally'.
His short but utterly smooth delivery of the song brought a fitting end to a brilliant concert for me.

The post concert autograph session was a highly restricted affair with the security dogs snapping at any attempts at photography.
So we headed to our favourite bar,Chinoz for post concert drinks. And guess who we bumped in to?
Yup. Sean Ghazi. Zane's favourite local star. This young singing sensation, whose current Malay jazz album is mine and Zane's favourite, is also an accomplished stage actor having starred in the recent P.Ramlee musical at Istana Budaya. Zane finally meet up with Sean who, apparently has heard of the near missed attempts to meet him earlier and he insists on taking photos and for us to put on my blog, which he has read. Well, here to you Sean and Harry! What a night...

16 Roses

2008-03-08T13:01:00.000+08:00

Summer made frequent reminders to me throughout the day to not forget the Roses!
So, to make sure I got it absolutely right, I brought her along to choose the flowers all 16 of them from Floristika, Bangsar. The huge, rosy red, succulent looking roses cost a pretty penny "...but they're from China" says the florist.
True enough they do look pretty alien.
We made the order and hung around for a long while, while one of the foreign looking arrangers in the back room made the arrangement under our watchful and intruding eyes!
The alien roses in itself were, to me quite sufficient, but the simple bouquet arrangement that was subsequently presented to us was even more breathtaking! And that was quite an appropriate word to describe and celebrate our sixteen years together.
Happy 16th Anniversary Darling. What a ride it has been! Stick around! After what we've been through,it's bound to get better, I am sure.

Here's to Sixteen more. Cheers!

Jakarta

2008-03-01T11:17:00.006+08:00

Imagine the entire population of Malaysia living in one city. That's Jakarta. In the daytime the population escalates to about 24 million, in the nighttime it shrinks to 18 million. From the 14th floor balcony of the apartment where we stayed, the vibrant energy, sights and sounds of the city resonates. The city is very much alive, every single square inch of it. On every street corner, vendors sell their wares trying to eke out a living. As if there weren't enough street corner vendors, mobile street vendors on foot peddle anything from cigarettes to carbonated drinks.
The sheer numbers of people in the city, let alone the entire country poses a major problem for the government to create jobs for a lot of its people. Hence the lax laws on street vendors and peddlers. There are even stalls that sell gasoline and diesel in plastic bottles. Anything to make that few thousand rupiahs to survive the day.

On the other side of the fence, the economy of Indonesia seem to be chugging along at a very healthy pace, the GDP growth for 2007 has been forcasted at a 10-year high of 6.1-6.4%. Although the pre-financial crisis level was at 7.8% in 1996. Forecast for 2008 is at 6.8%
From the look of things, what's definite is that there will be growth coming from the world's fourth most populous nation. The question is whether the super rich will spread it around to benefit its people or they continue to indulge in themselves in uptown Jakarta.

Selamat Hari Imlek. Gong Xi Fa Cai.

2008-02-12T18:01:00.005+08:00

Updated Gong Xi Fa Cai in Jakarta-2

That's how they say it in Indonesia.
It was another first for the Gan family this CNY when we spent it outside the country, in Jakarta.
Last year we broke tradition when we had our reunion dinner, not with our immediate extended Gan family but with our Godmas and Godma Ann's parents, Nigel & Peggy. It was also our first CNY without Jon's physical presence.
The only constant this year was the ever comforting presence of Godmas Ann & Hanim. It was at their posh apartment in uptown Jakarta that we spent this CNY of the Rat.
And what a holiday it was! Everybody's needs were catered to and everybody was sad to leave at the end of the week.
Reunion dinner was special as the coming together and bonding gave all of us a sense of belonging and of being loved.
As usual, Ann & Hanim choreographed the visit/holiday right down to the last detail.
More later...
For now, Happy Chinese New Year Everyone & Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Chiangmai

2008-01-30T19:01:00.001+08:00

Spent a weekend in Chiangmai playing golf with friends recently.
This being my first time in the northern most city of Thailand, I was pleasantly surprised at how un-Thailand Chiangmai was. It is quite the opposite of Bangkok with no traffic jams, smog, dust and grime. The golf courses were the only similar features but it was sublime to escape the hot weather that KL and Bangkok had to offer. The winter months in the northern hemisphere meant that the weather was cool and comfortable. The streets were so spotless it was unbelievable we in Thailand. Even the street vendors were smiling from the heart!
Certainly worth another visit exploring the outskirts and the highlands of the Myanmar border where the famous golden triangle sits. We'll be back.

New Year's Eve

2008-01-01T10:48:00.000+08:00

New Year's Eve has always been sacred and private for us. It is for me, a time to quietly celebrate with family and loved ones, preferably at home reflecting on the year passed and welcoming the new one with hope and enthusiasm.
This year we spent it with the Orrs, who invited us over to their lovely house for a quiet home cooked dinner with just our families. And it was marvellous, the food, the wine and most of all the company. Jeff and Ling Orr with their two boys, Sean and Tim, are very special to us for the support they have given us, whatever the circumstance, throughout the twenty odd years that we've known Jeff.
Cheers Jeff, Ling, Sean and Tim. Have a Happy New Year!

P/S When we got home way past midnite, we discovered that Mid Valley, where we have a commanding view over, just threw the biggest fireworks display ever.
But I figure we had a better time at the Orr's.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

10 Things

2007-12-30T22:45:00.000+08:00

After all the Xmas partying and merry making, I had planned for the family to just spend time away from everybody else and just be with each other to reflect on the year passing, take stock of the situation and to plan the way ahead.
So we checked into the Westin the day after boxing day.

It really felt glorious and it was as if we were in a faraway place. Visiting the Pavilion for the first time and upgrading to the Executive floor helped enhanced the holiday feeling.
I got all of us to review the year past with 10 things accomplished this year and 10 things I want to do next year. Both must be things never done before. It was a much participated and lively session that had elements of a business deal that ended in negotiations and deals.
We hope to fine tune our individual lists before the New Year.

Christmas Party time

2007-12-30T18:53:00.000+08:00

It started on 21 Dec for us at the office with our Annual Xmas party. This time at Modesto's in Hartamas. The very sumptious 5-course Italian Christmas fare was absolutely fabulous. Everything they served was delicious. We had our traditional gift exchange as well as the usual Xmas gift from the management to everyone. The theme this year being about 'change' we gave everyone a kaleidoscope but it was a DIY pack. Having eaten to our hearts' content, the party continued at RedBox karaoke till 4! Good outing.

Then on Xmas eve, the usual family gathering for feasting and gift exchange for more than 30 people at Mike's. The merry making and good food was topped off by the ripping off wrappings from presents at midnight. Most quirky gifts of the night for me were hand-made car dustbins that comes with matching pyjama bottoms. We got Summer a much deserved and long awaited iPod Nano. Zane, a cards and chips set for gaming.

On Xmas day, Mum was up and about early preparing turkey porridge for hi tea with our guests. There were some frantic last minute preparations and shopping for hosting the perfect party. In the end, all went pretty well with all the food coming out in leisurely succession.
Sauvignon Blanc with lumpfish caviar and condiments on water table crackers, butter, cheese-french brie, mackerel pate, smoked oysters, Spanish olives with pimento. French bread, fruit cake, sugee cake and banana crumble rounded up the start.
Then the turkey porridge filled the table with it's own set of condiments of young ginger, chung, chillis, soy sauce and pepper. It was delicious. Ah..the delights of leftover turkey!
More Sauvignon Blanc accompanied the stragglers still with the starters. It seems that we just couldn't stop decorating pieces of crackers with black and white toppings into our mouths.
To wash it down, an unwooded Chardonnay was uncorked. Next a Chilean Sav Blanc was uncorked. Surprisingly nice, a tad too much fruit for me. My preference was the NZ Oyster Bay which has the lightest hint of grass, lemons, melons and a very stylish finish. Almost like drinking water only safer.
Out came the mutton curry and chicken curry when the late afternoon hi-tea turned to dinner as we drank heartily on Carlsberg's Christmas Brew.
Good times with good friends. Merry Christmas.

Zane's Outward Bound is an inward journey for us.

2007-12-20T14:48:00.000+08:00

We drove back to Lumut, nine days after dropping Zane off at OBS for his 'maiden' away from home stay. This time to take him home. He's been there from 1Dec-10Dec.
I was apprehensive about who this person I was about to be reunited with.
Will he disown me? Will he hate me forevermore? I had to find out. And we did.

The dark, scrawny looking, famished, yellow teethed, sun burned boy was beaming when we saw him and we each had our own questions to flood him with, but the first question each of us asked was the most telling of what's going on inside us.

Me. Did you have access to your handphone? (Indicating concern as to why he didn't try to call us if he had a chance. Maybe he was still angry...)Notice no "how are you? or Hi Son?..
Mum. Did you brush your teeth?
Summer. Was it fun?
Hanim. Did you have fun?....and uncontrollably hugs Zane.( Having previously warned Mum that it would not be cool to hug Zane in front of his peers...)

I was relieved that he didn't hurl things or abuses at me. Seeing him behaving restrained and aloof that BBQ nite was even more suspenseful. It was much understood as he later revealed that he didn't want to lose his cool about having so much fun at OBS. A place that he so begrudgingly went to at our insistence.
He said he enjoyed kayakking the most. The 12km paddle to Pangkor Island and camping overnight was the most fun. It was the highlight of his trip.
The most torturous was perhaps the solo camp overnight in the jungle. He was facing his fear of the dark.
Then there's rock climbing, hiking, rapelling, abseiling and all the wonderful stuff every young person must experience.
We had more than our son back that weekend, we had a more enlightened teenager who has broadened his horizon a little.
Thanks Godmas Hanim and Ann.

Michelin Star Dining

2007-12-08T17:59:00.000+08:00

My host Chow in front of my devoured main course

Last Wednesday night I was invited to dinner by my Client, Resorts World the marketing arm of Genting Berhad. This was no ordinary dinner as it was to taste the culinary creations of Chef Christian Moine, a Michelin Star chef from France.
The Olive at Genting Highlands was to be the most apt dining outlet for such an auspicious occassion. It was a rainy afternoon that continued with our journey up the highlands that made it much colder at 6,000feet. It was nice and cold for me as we were escorted to our table where our host WH Chow, the VP for National Marketing was waiting together with other guests for the night.
Soon as we were joined by Chow's lovely marketing assistants, Therine and Evon, the dinner began.
First course of the six course meal was;

Shellfish Guacamole paired with Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV Champagne.
The mass of shellfish topped with greenish guacamole heaped onto a chinese soup spoon was pleasant mouthful of exotic, contrasting flavours of the raw shellfish with the avacado. The champagne provided a lovely, heady aftertaste on the palate.

The Marseille style fish soup looked like a small serving of traditional tomato soup but the taste was rich with fish sprinkled with french croutons.

Next came the Roasted Dublin Bay Prawns with Citrus Vinaigrette paired with Chateau Loudenne Blanc, France.
We were debating the origin of the prawns which tasted fresh and flavourful yet tender. The semillion/semillion blanc was refreshing and easy to drink matched the prawns very well.

With the prawns comes the fish, the Turbot with Golden Chanterelle Emulsion was next.
It's a slice of fish sitting in a creamy sauce reminiscent of cod. Very tasty and fishy.

The main course came in the form of; Veal Rubbed with Tumeric and Meat Jus with Coconut Milk. Visuals of curry and Indian influences came to mind when we read this. But was soon forgotten when we devoured the tender slices of veal that was in a delectable sauce that tasted nothing indian. It was absolutely appealing to the senses.
The medium done veal was velvety in texture. The pairing with Crozes Hermitage Les Meysonniers, M. Chapotier was skilfully done. Both brought out the best in each other. The typical French red has a very big nose, complex and characterful and the taste was subtle and finish very stylish. So very French.

Pre-Dessert was Wild Strawberry Creme Brulee, which was fantastically delectable and raised my expectations for the main dessert which was;

Pan Roasted Mango and Vanilla ice cream. It fell short of spectacular when compared to the pre. The dessert wine was outstanding revealing complex bouquet and big fruity bursts of flavours. Muscat Beaunnes de Venise, France.

We took our coffee in the Olive lounge which was quite elegant and cosy.
When we strolled to our ride home in front of Genting hotel, the front was like London on a misty day with temperatures to match. It was indeed a lovely evening of world class food which I truly enjoyed.
Merci Beaucoup Genting. Merci Beaucoup Monsieur Moine!

Zane is Outward Bound

2007-12-07T14:37:00.000+08:00

For his 15th birthday, his godmas gave him, (what I consider a very appropriate) a present in the form of a 10-day outdoor programme at The Outward Bound School in Lumut, near Pangkor Island, the place that the late Luciano Pavarotti called Paradise. That was back in September and even back then he was less than thrilled at the OBS gift. Now as the days drew closer to December 1st, the day to report to 'camp' he became very grungy and irritable.

The eve of his departure was the worst. He was in such foul mood that I had to convene an emergency family meeting to ground him and allay fears both for him and us, the family.
It started off rather well we thought but it didn't end very well as fear got the better of him and he 'resigned' to the fact that there was no way out of this 'fate' that had been befallen him but to just 'do as he is told'. That was not what I had started to achieve but after the tempers died down, I realised that we never have been apart for more than 2 or 3 days and this is the first time he'll be gone for 10 days. As for Zane, this temporary 'incarceration' is a major interruption in his otherwise full and contented life on his computer, PS2, iPod, Canon G9, Astro Channels, Archie comics and his must loved badminton trainings.
At this stage interruptions are NOT welcome. I can imagine.
That night we all went to bed each with a heavy heart but tired-out from the stress we gave each other.
The next morning Zane was up early, went into pensive and contemplative mode and wrote a post on his blog here

We took a quiet drive to Lumut via Bidor where we had lunch at the famous duck noodle restaurant. Upon arrival at OBS Lumut, we were greeted by a troop of young boys and girls who were warm and enthusiastic against the backdrop of a seaside cove that front the whole facility. It was quite lovely and picturesque. An exciting new environment.
I felt that Zane was very much at ease when he saw people his age and of different shapes and sizes all gathered there, some happy as a puppy, others as sour-pussed as he. He was quickly inducted to his group where his trainer was on hand to brief and walk him through the registration process. A while later, he handed me his excess cash in foreign currency and off he went to his group leaving us to fend for ourselves as we wandered around to catch a glimpse of him to say goodbye but to no avail. In the end we could only wave him goodbye from a distance and drove off. Me, happy knowing my son feels fine with the place and more importantly, will have his leadership qualities taken to a higher level. I drove away thinking how good he looks in the group of young men and ladies.

Kijal,Terengganu-Oktoberfest '07

2007-11-24T14:49:00.000+08:00

The Start at Genting-Karak Highway
The Middle-At the end of the Karak-Kuantan highway
The Arrival. At Kijal
Golf with The Buffaloes
Me. Pre-departure
GP Photo-Pre Departure
Rest Stop-Temerloh
Cruising home
Bends are best

Last year I rode my Ducati, got the attention it warranted, initiated a relationship with the then MD of Auto Bavaria on an esoteric level. Partied for one night and rode the delicious curves of Cameron Highlands for 2 days. See post here

This year, I rode a BMW K1200R courtesy of Auto Bavaria. Developed a working relationship with the recently promoted MD of the Sime Darby Motor Division, working on the Auto Bavaria BMW business div. Partied for 3days/2nights drank German beer, played golf, drank more German beer. All of the fun activities for the annual Oktoberfest this year was held at Awana Kijal in Terengganu. A decent place for sun sea and surf for a couple of nights stay with biker friends.
This year's Oktoberfest came quite late in fact on 16 to 18 November. Right smack in the monsoon months of the East Coast. As luck would have it, there wasn't any rain, the weather was perfect and we even managed fourteen holes of golf and we couldn't finish only because of failing light. So we were mostly dry throughout the ride.

My initial feelings for the ride this year was filled with apprehension as I hadn't been riding as much and I'd rather spend holidays with my family. Just as I had checked into my room, after the long ride from KL, I had begun missing the family. A melancholic, forlorn feeling indeed.

But as human survival instincts would have it, the trip turned out to be fun and memorable. Especially the male bonding stuff and the side trips to the backroads of Kijal that reveal spectacular views and curves for negotiating with the bikes.
The ride back was as much a test of endurance as it was a test of BMW bikes for me. I rode the R1200S back to KL and I'm pretty much smitten with BMW bikes by now, on the never-ending highway that ran mostly straight. And the friendship and camaraderie formed will last a long long time. Thanks Mathias, Chippy and AB!

Going, Going, GoneForHoliday for G4H

2007-11-11T14:42:00.000+08:00

At last after almost three years since our last one in Bali, we bundled everybody including the Gan children onto Air Asia Flt. No. AK760 boarding 0600hrs bound for Hanoi, Vietnam for our much deserved company holiday.
The 4-day/3-nite break was from Thursday, 1 Nov - Sunday, 4th Nov 2007.

It was a tour organised just for us by a KL travel agent who coordinated the ground arrangements with a Hanoi one. It was very well paced and not frenzied or frenetic.
The cool weather in the northern hemisphere where Hanoi lies made it all the more unhurried and leisurely.
We did the mandatory tourists spots like, Ho Chih Minh mausoleum, his house, his cars, his gardens, the French quarter, the Old quarter, and sampling the beef noodles or Pho.
Then the next day, it was a 3-hour road trip by bus through the Vietnamese countryside, off to one of the places I had wanted to see before I die; Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town of Halong, looks like a French seaside resort, very quaint and charming. The 3,000 plus limestone islands surrounding the bay remind me of Ipoh and Batu Caves. They were quite a sight to behold in the sea.
Throughout the trip, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with my colleagues, the hanging out at our makeshift 'casino' in all the hotels we stayed, and also spending so much time with my family.
It was really quite bearable and very relaxing.

The pictures hopefully tell the story.

A Giant Among Men

2007-10-29T15:25:00.000+08:00

Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong passed away at age 90 last week of old age. The life Chairman and founder of Genting, for over 42 years carved the 'city of entertainment' out of the hillside outside KL to build a world class tourist destination at 6,000ft above sea level.

The resort attracts about 18 million visitors annually. It is also home to the world's largest hotel, which makes Genting, the world's largest integrated resort.
Opened in 1971, Genting is a story of sheer grit, determination, perserverance, blood, sweat and tears. At the very start, Lim personally led a team of able bodied men up the mountain to literally beat a path up the hills. Today, the roads that snake up and down the mega resort could rival the best constructed roads in the country.
When he arrived in then, Malaya, he was broke and lonely and he took on several jobs to earn a living. He sold vegetables from a bicycle and traded in scrap metal but he missed his mother the most and he often returned home to Anxi, Fujian to see her. His moment of glory for me, was when he returned to China in style in 2004 when he sailed into Shanghai's Pearl River delta aboard his Cruise Ships SuperStar Virgo and Leo. Among the world's largest.
Today his diversified business empire is worth US$22 billion. He is ranked about 200th richest man in the world.

I went up the hills on Friday to pay my last respects to the man. His body lied in state at his villa in Gohtong Jaya. The journey up to his villa is long and winding as the journey up to the Resort. But unlike the Resort where you are rewarded with a grand venue with world class facilities and opulent decor when you arrive, the villa where Lim Goh Tong lives is a very ordinary, no frills, simple dwelling place that is even a little frayed at the ends that signify being lived-in with little fuss or bother. A medium sized house surrounded by lots of undulating land.

With that perspective, I realised that, at the very core of the Lim Goh Tong's make up there lies simplicity. Simplicity for oneself. A trait that is being passed down to the Lim family. The man is a contractor at heart. He knows how to do what he does best and he kept on doing that even when he no longer had to, the man was spotted supervising construction by the roadside in recent times. His well planned successor, second son, Tan Sri KT Lim displays similar qualities and that is perhaps why he is taking the company to even greater heights with the Sentosa Integrated Resort win last year.

I am thankful to be working with the Genting Group founded by this great man and his family. This experience further strengthens my belief in keeping things "Simple". I believe the man in keeping things simple, could afford to dream.
And dream big he did. That was all that mattered- the size of your dreams.
Thank you Uncle Lim for the honour and the inspiration.
God bless your soul and with your work here certainly done, may you rest in peace.

Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong was laid to rest at Goh Tong Memorial Park, Genting Highlands at 1.18pm today.

Casey Stoner World Champion 2007 MotoGp

2007-10-14T13:52:00.001+08:00

Summer is 12

2007-09-28T23:28:00.000+08:00

Summer Suyin Gan celebrated her twelfth birthday today.
It was the usual quiet family dinner at any restaurant she chooses.
This time it was (at papa's urging) 7atenine or better understood when spelt out; Sevenatenine at The Ascot adjacent to KLCC.

The music was too loud for a quiet family dinner although the location, view, decor and ambience was really swanky. The food and service fell way, way short of swanky which was a real mismatch for a potentially top notch dining venue.
At the start of the evening, we were in the mood to start with some oysters to go with the very impressive Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc on the wine list but no oysters. And no soups, just sashimi green salad and deep fried soft shell crabs.

Nevertheless, our darling enjoyed her lobster, which wasn't on the very limited menu, but on special request was specially grilled to her liking, the special flambe 7Alaska dessert was to die for. The subtle textures of vanilla ice cream and chocolate in creme brulee with rum sauce was a heavenly mix, but the piece' de resistance was the chocolate birthday cake that came straight from the kitchen with a candle on it. It was a pleasant surprise; compliments of the chef.
It was a Sweet finish to a lovely evening.
Happy Birthday darling.

Marcel Marceau

2007-09-25T17:45:00.001+08:00

Marcel Marceau

2007-09-25T17:04:00.000+08:00

When I was a young boy, I remember this sad, white faced clown who did the most amazing thing . On stage, he was trying to escape a very tight glass box that he somehow got himself stuck in. With great dexterity and lots of pulling and pushing with his white-gloved hands, he manages to contort his body, and finally free himself from the glass box which I later found out to be non-existant. I was an instant fan, of such an avant garde art of self expression.
I remember thinking; what drove this man to express himself in such a unique fashion?
It is such a lonely art, I thought. Not being able to talk to your audience.
But as I grew older and wiser, I realised the truth behind the saying;

'Words are the most primitive form of communication"

And Marcel put it very nicely for me as he said;

"In mime, gestures express the essence of the soul's most secret aspirations"

And his famous quote;
" Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us all without words?"

The French mime artist Marcel Marceau has died at the age of 84, his family has announced.

The performer was known around the world for his portrayal of a sad, white-faced clown in a striped pullover with battered hat. Born in Strasbourg in 1923, the French mime artist performed even in his eighties. He died of a heart attack on Saturday.

Au Revoir Mon Ami.

Seventeen

2007-08-26T09:03:00.000+08:00

Sounds like nineteen, the song about the average age of American soldiers sent to the Vietnam war. At least those young men would have driven their first car...

At a very young age, he has travelled far and wide. At 9,we visited the West Coast of America to visit Disneyland and his aunty in Rancho Verdes, in Torrance, near Los Angeles. Then San Francisco, San Diego and Fresno.
At 12, he went to MUSS- Manchester United Soccer School for 2 weeks. There he visited the Theatre of Dreams- Old Trafford and posed for a photo with, who he and I consider the best defender England ever had-Rio Ferdinand and company.

Right after his fifteenth birthday, he had to take on a different journey, a journey that was to end his life on earth, two weeks after his sixteenth birthday. It was a journey that quickly turned my son into a man. After the initial shock and grief, he faced the disease head-on and ever so fearlessly he fought every inch of the way. From the steroids drips, to the stereotactic brain surgery for biopsy to the daily radio therapy, he never wavered in his stride. Then came the chemotherapy, he also came to terms with the poison, like a man. He took the blows, I don't know how but he took it straight on until he could no longer as it wasn't helping anymore.

I had planned for him to have his driving license now and for him to drive the Mini I bought in advance for him.
What a day it would have been for him and what a sight it would have been for me.

Today he would have been seventeen years and one month old. What a day it would have been.
Happy Seventeen my man. I miss you.

Visit Jon's blog for birthday post.

I'm stuck!

2007-08-25T19:43:00.000+08:00

I am so stuck it hurts. Sorry guys.

The Tiger

2007-07-13T09:36:00.000+08:00

Tiger! Tiger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, and what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,
And watered heaven with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tiger! Tiger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

William Blake

That basically sums up my feelings when I chanced upon a tiger cub, only a month old, still being bottle fed by its keeper in Afamosa resort in May. That's as close as I could ever get to gaze upon such awesome god created beauty that Blake describes as; ...'What immortal hand or eye, dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
Fearful Symmetry Indeed. And beautiful.

Just Launched

2007-07-04T00:07:00.000+08:00

Apple, dropped 'Computers' from its brand name in May and last Friday launched the iPhone in US. The queue outside its store that never closes on Fifth Avenue, New York started forming on Monday and by launch day, punters were selling their queue spots for as high as US$400. On Friday, the shelves in the New York store were swept clean within hours.
Trendseekers/trendsetters who just had to have it reportedly paid a hefty premium on the black market for this 1st generation Apple phone that is a portable computer/music player. Sales figures total 500,000 units over the weekend.
Now that's what I call the power of the Brand. Let's see if it will sweep the mobile phone market like it did the computer market. From history, that seems to be very likely.

Don't you just love the oh so simple headline in the ad above? There is genius in simplicity.

Now I know how a MotoGP rider feels.

2007-06-26T17:36:00.000+08:00

Pic courtesy of Kenny Ho .

Except for the crashes they endure, I think I have a pretty good idea, at least on the riding position. The hands position low and body slightly hunched over the low handle bars. One looks like a martial artist taking a starting stance kneeling on a tatami mat. Aggressive.

When you finally take off on the bike, you feel that the position doesn't allow you to sit in one position for a long time, the seat facilitates easy movement of the butt as you would need to move it alot from side to side as you manouver the bike through the bends.
Now that's really the fun bit, going through the bends at the Ulu Yam backroads up to Genting highlands for the very first time on the Ducati Desmosedici 999S with some very good company of BMW bikers ending up at the peak having breakfast of scrambled eggs with toast and freshly brewed coffee at Coffee Bean.
The feeling? Priceless.

This top of the range Ducati Superbike was on loan from the local distributors for me to test. It was exhilarating as it was a very smooth 998cc engine that delivered the 142hp that I could not handle. Nonetheless, I put the bikes through the paces and managed to take it up to only 207km/h at the Sepang straight later. I like the experience but not the speed. I guess I have no need for speed. I live for the experience. It was a sweet Saturday and my butt aches sweetly. Thanks NazaBikers.

Highway to Everest...

2007-06-21T21:28:00.000+08:00

Good golly. I never thought it was possible for this to happen in my lifetime. A popular phrase going out of style. One of my favourite phrases to indicate what I consider 'impossible' to do goes like this;

"There are two things I know for sure I won't do this lifetime; First I won't work for George Bush and second I won't climb Mt. Everest".

But hey, at the rate the Chinese are going, I could climb Mt. Everest this lifetime!
Can you imagine? These guys are actually building a highway to Everest Base Camp so that the Olympic torch can be brought to the world's highest peak. The base camp is at 5,200 meters. That's a full 1,200 meters higher than Mt. Fuji and Mt. Kinabalu and it is still 3,648 meters short of the peak. And soon we'll all be able to breeze our way up.
Hmm...sounds not quite right for the attainment of physical and spiritual symbol of the zenith of the world, does it?
Well, we would just have to wait and see won't we. The prospects certainly are mind expanding.
Unbelievable? Read about it Here

Sports Day

2007-06-04T20:55:00.000+08:00

It has been awhile since I last spent one whole day at a sports facility doing practically nothing but spectating and waiting in the humid and hot stands cheering for my children during their sports day. But I must say, as much as it was physically draining, it was just as fun. Especially watching Zane steamroll his opponents on his way to claiming the U-15 Singles and Doubles Champion 2007! Exactly a year ago at the same event, Zane was knocked out early in the competition but through alot of grit , training and sheer determination, he's back with a vengence and took no prisoners indeed. Well done Champion.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T18:57:00.000+08:00

Show kindness through your face, your eyes, your smile and through the warmth of your greetings. You must bear a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.
-Mother Teresa

Happy Mother's Day all.

SpiderMan 3

2007-05-08T17:41:00.000+08:00

The only time I go to the cinema is when I have to. This time it was the charity premiere in aid of NASOM (National Autism Society of Malaysia) on Monday night. And it's the first time in 2 years. I must say I enjoyed myself throughout the movie, I didn't even fall asleep. Seeing it with family and extended family of 9 others helped keep me awake I suppose. However, I don't recommend popcorn on an empty stomach. I must have eaten two year's supply that night. Afterwards, my stomach was so bloated, I was hunched over walking out of the cinema. Only after lots and lots of farting did it ease up abit.

The movie's special effects deserve special mention as it was really, well, special. Plus to watch it on the big screen with the big sound was quite an experience. I like Sandman. He is really a villain of monstrous proportions. The story was pretty much Marvel Comic pulpy type but the transition of Spiderman to his 'dark' side was pretty interesting even fun! And how society always seem to associate having a little fun teethers on the 'dark' side. I think it's like 'day and night', 'black and white', 'pain and pleasure'. There must be a balance for without one the other means absolutely nothing.
Website's pretty cool too. Check it out here

Summer for Maggi

2007-05-06T19:43:00.000+08:00

This young lady was relentless in her pursuit to appear in a TV commercial. Any commercial. So she got casted, got shortlisted, got selected and just shot her first commercial for Nestle's Maggi concentrated chicken stock. It was a breeze she says and this was confirmed by the producers, directors and co-stars. Well it was the experience she craved for and that she got. From screen test to wardrobe fitting and crew call. It was a wrap in just 12 takes. Well done girl!

Ducati Triumphs at Istanbul

2007-05-06T09:17:00.000+08:00

Three Ducatis in the top four finishers in the Turkish Moto GP. That's a milestone in the history of Moto GP for my bike brand. It's the best ever result catapulting Ducati to the top of the constructors championship and Casey Stoner to top spot with 61 points, ten clear of Valentino Rossi. What a weekend. What a race. What a great finish.

F1 Weekend in KL

2007-04-10T18:03:00.000+08:00

Very nice pictures from the day dremer

The F1 circus has come to town. The second leg of the GP season at Sepang is at its full swing with almost every constructor along with their sponsors throwing parties for their clients milking the F1 franchise for some brand association and celebration. Big celebration.
My friends and I were fortunate enough to be invited by BMW to their Pit Lane Party at KLCC Park on Friday night. The joint collaboration of our hosts BMW, Petronas, Swiss-based Sauber, Dell and Intel saw a most impressive set up of a 50 meter tarmac track for demos and stunt drivers flanked on three sides by makeshift tents that houses pit lane activities for public participation. At the top of the track, sits a majestic 2-storey white lounge strictly for invited guests only. Here, the well heeled and well connected luminaries of KL sip martini and white wine, munch on chic canapes in the cool comfort of the well spread out, zen decorated lounge.
We made our rounds in the lounge, admiring the exhibits and paying our respects to our hosts making sure we were 'seen' by the right people and chatted with some.
As the clock struck 10, we thought we'd call it a night but our hosts had more in store for us.
The bar upstairs has just opened and champagne will be served. The makeshift bar upstairs could rival the swankiest in town and has what the swankiest bar in town doesn't have- a world class female DJ flown in from London playing lounge music to chill. We partied and inevitably od on champagne that was free flowing all nite.
Corporate Malaysia has indeed come a long way. And when you have big brands on your side for F1, you're in for a party!

Haven't had a champagne hangover in a long long time.

A Night in Singapore

2007-04-08T11:38:00.000+08:00

Hill St.Fire Stn.

Spent a quick weekend in Singapore with the family and Godmas. It was to celebrate Godma Hanim's birthday.

The journey via the Nice bus from old KTM stn was quick and comfortable even pleasant save for the little 'event' at the Singapore customs when I was marched to the duty officer's room by a 'red army' type, female officer who deemed me a sinner when she led me, meaning me made to walk behind her while she brandished the bottle of champagne, that I purportedly failed to declare, striding proudly to the 'sentencing' room with me in tow. At the end, duty payable was S$8.73 which I gladly paid a very nice Malay gentleman who never gave the issue any weight at all. In fact he was even apologetic.

The New Majestic Hotel we stayed in was well, newly Majestic. Only just about a year old, this boutique hotel has only 30 rooms all individually designed by Singapore's foremost artists and designers. Our room's designer is Miguel Chew. The Coolhunter aptly calls it "the Anti-hotel, more hollywood mansion than mega chain". Well, after this experience and knowing it's at Chinatown, I now know of many such hotels to explore in future.

Dinner at Flutes at the Fort was well executed for our party of six. The venue used to be the expatriate fire chief's residence snugly tucked atop a hillock behind the Hill St. Fire Station near Fort Canning. Very nice colonial bungalow with high ceilings and wide verandahs.
The wine and food fitted the occasion pretty well. Worth mentioning was the Oyster Bay, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The Kangaroo loin was very gamey and chunky as the Cab Sav. that was served with it. Dessert came in a huge platter of all their offerings doubling up as Hanim's surprise birthday cake. But what topped the evening beyond the food and wine was the level of service we received from the very competent, attentive and creative head waiter Rashid and crew. This I believe, is Singapore's edge, a very competent work force.

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 1 . Revenge is sweet

2007-04-02T10:27:00.000+08:00

Liverpool have reclaimed third place in the Premiership from Arsenal after a brilliant hat-trick from Peter Crouch and a goal from Daniel Agger gave them a emphatic 4-1 win over the Gunners at Anfield on Saturday.

Unfortunately, I missed the match. I was clubbing in Singapore.
Liverpool. Live!

Faster Than An F1 Car

2007-03-19T11:50:00.000+08:00

The world's fastest production car, the Bugatti Veyron wowed Jeremy Clarkson when he drove it to race with a plane, yes a plane from Italy to London. Back then, the sheer power and speed of the Veyron already contorted Jeremy's face beyond recognition.
Now, as in last month, Top Gear's James May took the Bugatti Veyron on Audi's test track near the East German border to see if the car can hit it's claimed top speed of 407 km/h.
Thanks Jeff Orr for this piece of gem.

Go see it The Veyron

A New Season Starts Today

2007-03-18T08:27:00.000+08:00

The greatest F1 driver, Michael Schumacher has retired at 37.
Kimi Raikonnen has moved from McLaren to Ferrari to fill Schumacher's shoes.
The champion for the last 2 seasons, Fernando Alonso has moved from Renault to Team McLaren. The team has never won since 1999.
There are many new rookie drivers this season.
Looks like an interesting season ahead for F1 enthusiasts.
The playing field looks pretty flat and it starts today at 11am in Albert Park Melbourne with the first instalment- the F1 Australian GP.

At the starting grid this morning;

Kimi is on pole -Ferrari
Alonso in second -McLaren
Nick Heidfeld is third -BMW
Lewis Hamilton -Mclaren rookie make up the second row.

Who's your champion?

Bloggers are cheats and liars...*

2007-03-14T14:55:00.000+08:00

I don't like politics and I don't like to write about politics but I'm very well informed about the politics of this country only because it's a country I love. But when such mindless slander is uttered by no less than a Minister of the cabinet, these wrongs must be righted.
We must stand up against such bigotry and not be some frog under some coconut shell.
All the more it becomes our responsibility to be more informed about what's happening around us and our environment.
Yes folks, it is our individual responsibility or we be like the honourable Tourism minister.

Yes. A Minister and he starts by incurring the wrath of female bloggers by accusing them of the following quoted in Chinese daily Sin Chew;

Bloggers are liars. They use all sort of ways to cheat others. From what I know, out of 10,000 unemployed bloggers, 8,000 are women.

Bloggers like to spread rumours, they don’t like national unity. Today our country has achievements because we are tolerant and compromising. Otherwise we will have civil war.

Malays will kill Chinese, Chinese will kill Malays, Indians will kill everybody else."

Strong words huh? Read what some strong women have to say here
and here
If the phrase be true, 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" there's more to come.

* Headline from movie 'Hot Chicks' featuring a limerick that starts;

Boys are cheats and liars, they're such a big disgrace
They will tell you anything to get to second base....ball
Baseball. He thinks he's gonna score
If you let them go all the way, then you are a whore..ticulturist...
..........

Post comment if you want the full lyrics to limerick.

2007-03-07T20:19:00.000+08:00

Well, it was sweet victory for the reds on aggregate on the return leg at home. We will clinch the Champion's League. We will. We will

Steven Gerrard declared Rafa Benitez "one of the best managers in the world" as Liverpool reached the last eight of the Champions League. Full story here

Liverpool fans will never forget the night their boys knocked the best side in Europe out of the Champions League.

So just be abit more aggressive and let Benitez the tactician bring it in.
Liverpool Live.

We're hosts this weekend.

2007-03-02T10:22:00.000+08:00

Liverpool 1-0 Man Utd
FA Cup fifth round – February 2006

Peter Crouch directed a Steve Finnan cross into the bottom right-hand corner of Edwin van der Sar's net on 18 minutes to leave the Mancs with just the League Cup to play for. Afterwards Alex Ferguson suggested Rafa's side produced just five minutes of football - in reality the Reds overpowered his limp midfield and thoroughly deserved their first FA Cup win over United in 85 years.

I blogged on that victory here last year. And what a sweet victory it was. And we shall carry that victory of ours in mind when we play them again this weekend. Here's more titbits to munch as we await the clash;

• Last week against Sheffield United, Liverpool set a new club record of nine consecutive clean sheets in league games at Anfield. They had achieved eight on five previous occasions including last season.

• Liverpool, United and Chelsea have all conceded 19 goals this season – the best record in the Premiership.

Have a good weekend Reds!

The 7th Day Memorial

2007-02-24T23:36:00.000+08:00

Last Chinese New Year, I blogged here about how the 6th day dragged into the 7th day and how my hero, my father fought bravely till the end at the emergency room of the KLGH.

This picture came to mind after the memorial lunch, when I sat in the dining room of our ancestral home where Papa spent alot of his years, growing up and growing old. I gazed around the simple room, it's walls filled with old photos of grandfather and Papa in various portraits, poses and official events when I spotted this one featuring Indiana Jones in The Temple of Doom but photoshopped in place of his face was my father's. He had gotten it done when he visited Universal Studios in California. He loved it enough to hang in on the wall and as I reflect on my Papa on the first anniversary of his death, he was sort of an Indy in our lives.
Apart from wrestling armadilloes, snakes, and other wildlife, he was much of a 'throat dog' when it came to affairs of principle and morals. He showed me how to stand for things that matters and how he tenaciously held on to things and people he believed in.
Being the eldest of 14 brothers, he had to stand firm to keep the rest in line. He always displayed the stern side alongside his gentle side to put his point across and it almost always worked to ensure respect and order in the large family. Save for one time, when I was witness to his youngest brother who got rowdy and hurled a chair at him over a misunderstanding. My father, although had to be restrained, displayed a level of composure that can only be described as cool, and he never retaliated physically.
Yes, he was my Indy alright and it's no wonder he feels so comfortable in that leather fedora and that whip, just like Indy. I will always remember you Papa.

New Year's Day

2007-02-19T00:19:00.000+08:00

All dressed up and nowhere to go.

This being a different kind of New Year, we felt less hurried like in previous years when we made the annual pilgrimage back to kampung. We would almost, always be frenetic, rushing out the door to pack the bus with pillows and goodies for the journey. This time, there was a certain calmness, of inactivity, of nowhere to go. I was in control. I felt good...
But we were all dressed up in our CNY best and had to have some place to go.
So we drove to the city and almost everywhere we turned, we were met with empty roads and clear green lights to breeze through...whee.....It's an eerie feeling, seeing KL like this. It also gives you an idea about the composition of the people of KL, they're from elsewhere.

All the driving around made us hungry again, and we ended up tucking in hi-tea at The Regent KL.

Reunion Dinner

2007-02-18T10:52:00.000+08:00

Change is inevitable.

This Chinese New Year would mark the first without my father, who taught me the beauty of upholding family values and tradition especially during CNY. He would be the beacon of family unity, always emphasizing on the importance of the reunion dinner. And this New Year also celebrates the first absence of Jon who in dying, taught me how to live.
With the passage of time, and the even more certain passing on of loved ones, it is really up to us how we get on with milestones and events in our lives. For me, it is with these changes that enable, and cause new things, and new experiences, to happen in our lives. For it is also the wish of our dearly departed for us to really 'live'. I believe.

This CNY, we had a wonderful change in having the Levers over for reunion dinner.
It started with Johnny,Karen & Aunty bringing over bags of CNY goodies like beef rendang, sambal udang galah and Aunty's famous rice cakes for the dinner spread. Then the Godmas came over, one to cook her 'Double Happiness Chicken' dish, the other to take Zane & Summer out to town for lunch and abit of R&R.
After doing the mandatory house clean up, hanging the red curtains, and changing the light bulb bit, I went to the florist to get New Year flowers while mum slaved over a hot stove with godma, preparing the reunion feast.
As the evening neared, the carrot cake and brownies arrived, as did the children with Hanim, from their afternoon binge at Bintang Walk. A little later, Nigel and Peggy, with their bounty of dark vinegared trotters and more goodies also arrived. Then PoPo showed up, albeit briefly, to deliver her contribution of abundance to the feast. Mum's abalone mushroom with fatt choy began to materialize with the 'hee hee' 'haa haa' prawns. The whiff of 'double happiness terragon chicken' from the oven filled the house like a huge dose of well, 'double happiness'. With the house filling up as such, it was time to break open that delectable bottle of white wine I had chilling in the fridge- a 2005 New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. A real fine vintage and a refreshing start to a nice evening.

Our wine glasses practically runneth over as the evening progressed, so we promptly switched to the Rioja that was brought from Spain and was waiting patiently in Jakarta until this auspicious occasion. The bright, ruby red Spanish 1998 vintage, made it's appearance most fittingly. Full round, ripe body with the characteristically dry Rioja taste and a bit of edge to it. Spunky, I'd describe it. Which was necessary to compliment the wide ranging taste sensations available for the night. Everyone had their fill of the sumptuous spread at our round table.
For me, the taste was sweetness. The sweet taste of having our closest and dearest share our reunion dinner. The sweetness was heightened with dessert comprising happy fruits like; pistachios, cashew nuts, and very, very, sweet coconut candy complimenting the cakes on the table.

Change is a wonderful thing if you embrace it and make the best of it.

"Xin Nian Kuai Le " everyone.

Happy New Year

2007-02-16T17:46:00.000+08:00

Make big fortune

Happy New Year

Chinese New Year

Fortune in Year of Pig

Here Comes The Sun

2007-02-10T16:43:00.000+08:00

Picture courtesy of Keith Martin

Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.
                                                                                                             - Rabindranath Tagore

Here Comes The Sun

(George Harrison)

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right
Little darlin' it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darlin' it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right
Little darlin' the smiles returning to their faces
Little darlin' it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Little darlin' I feel the ice is slowly meltin'
Little darlin' it seems like years since it's been clear
Here come the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right
Here come the sun, here comes the sun
It's all right, it's all right

©1980 Southern Music/Northern Songs.

From the album "Flaming Schoolgirls"


On August 13 last year, a day after Jon's funeral,
Mandy wrote a post in honour of Jon
featuring this song by the Beatles that he had earlier 
sent her. It was a lovely post and back then it 
provided some form of comfort for us even though 
it was hurting deeply.
Today 9 February 2007, six months on, I daresay
we are beginning to feel the sun coming out.

And as we journey on, we encounter quotes like
this one from Tagore that put
comfort and meaning in our lives.

And as Mandy wrote back then; 

"..it was almost as if he was trying to tell me through
that song to no longer cry for him because things are
much better the way they are now". 


...And I say it's all right
Here' come the sun, here come the sun
It's all right, it's all right.


Go visit Jon's blog to find out what
Guns N Roses has to say.

Swimming Results

2007-02-04T17:00:00.000+08:00

About one month ago, round about end December 06, when I was in personal audit mode, (when I subsequently got just about everyone who cared to listen, to list their ten things past and future as well) I audited the Sunday swimming classes Summer went at the Club, and found that Summer's been attending swim lessons for almost three years and she still can't swim, to save her life. That particular Sunday, I approached her coach, an affable Mr. Gan and gave him one month to get my daughter swimming the length of the pool unassisted. He said it was possible and agreed to do it. I also got Summer to agree to the same goal set.

Since I was in the mood, I promptly got onto Zane's case and urged him to take proper swimming lessons so he can really enjoy swimming using proper swimming strokes. Now Zane's a natural at sports, he literally took to swimming like duck to water way back when he was ten but the only stroke he knew was the doggie paddle. So I had to make that a very strong urge to get him to agree. He finally did, begrudgingly.
Today is that day to check swimming results for the both of them. And the verdict?

The three of them passed with flying colours;

Summer was a joy to watch as her slender body sliced the water like a dolphin, her arms rigid and firm as they took turns to propel her body forward in the freestyle stroke as she made laps up and down the pool.

Zane moved so fast I almost couldn't recognise him in the water. His powerful arms and legs work in stylish combination with his lithe body as he glides effortlessly in the water. He strokes powerfully and purposely in the pool and I smile.

Mr. Gan, the swim coach has been trying to get my attention with his gleeful gaze all morning but I feign acknowledgement as I sit back and enjoy the children splash in the pool, give them the thumbs up and reflect on events just a month ago at the same venue. How true the saying now; 'Dreams are goals with deadlines' I should know, I just had my dream come true.

When they finally finished the morning's session, I slowly walked over to Mr. Gan shook his hand and acknowledged him for keeping his promise. He was beaming and grinning like a chesire cat. I suspect he was more relieved that it was accomplished. Then I turned to him and asked; 'So what's next Mr. Gan?' I saw that worried look, form on his brow again...

Blogger freedom on trial

2007-02-03T16:52:00.000+08:00

Two of my most respected bloggers are being sued by the New Straits Times for defamation. This unprecedented move by the media giant has a 'chilling effect' on blogger freedom because the high cost of litigation would cripple the individual blogger.

Both Rocky and Jeff Ooi has this to say:

I thought nothing could express better my heartfelt gratitude of your showering of kindness while we tread in these unchartered waters than to borrow Rocky's thoughts -- wholesale but not plagiarising him (as I give Rocky full acknowledgement by attributing to him) -- for we are made to walk together in these legal suites The NSTP et.al. instituted against us.

Walk with us. I've been quiet but I haven't been idle. The young men who are going to represent me in court had given me quite a bit of homework for the fight ahead. I am going through the documents that lawyers from the NSTP and its 3 top operatives claimed to have defamed them in their suit against me. I am taking a breather now and dropping a few lines here to say Thank You for all the support that has come my way since Rocky and I posted on our blogs on the legal suit, here and here.

Many of you asked me for my bank account number because you wanted to send money to help finance the legal fees. We have decided that it will serve bloggers well if we set up a fund NOT in our names but in the name of blogger solidarity and Freedom of Expression to defend our rights in the court of law. We should be announcing the formation of the fund this week.

Bloggers Unite should also meet up soon to discuss the future of blogging, the new threat that we face, the steps that we will need to take.

It's going to be a long journey but we'll walk the distance.

Walk with us.

I'm walking with them for they are the ones who still take the risk to bring us the real news everyday. That's responsible journalism.
I believe, what the powers that be, seek to suppress will only blow up in their faces as more people turn to blogs for clarification or simply out of curiosity to see what the brouhaha is all about. And more will turn to blogging themselves because of this. Time Magazine said it right- The person of the year is us-the people.
Walk on Bros.

The Mystical Steppes

2007-01-28T00:12:00.000+08:00

First you taste the food, then you see the dances and hear their songs. What timing, I got an overdose of sight and sound of XinJiang culture last night at the plenary hall of the KL Convention Center. Save for the wriggily hips of the Arabian dance at the start, the rest was a saturation of colours, movements, festivities, melon harvests, tasting melons, and songs of the vast steppes. And I gather the steppes must be really vast for them to shout or sing so loud.It is also a melting pot of diverse cultures as XinJIang in the North West of China shares the border with Russia, Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan,Afghanistan, and Pakistan. 47 ethnic groups in total. Not only the food taste so middle eastern, the dances and dancers have middle eastern roots although they all are unified by the single language of Mandarin. I must have dreamt in full colour that night. Mystical indeed.

Ming Ren

2007-01-25T18:40:00.000+08:00

Was at Genting as usual last weekend in my leathers but this time for a food sampling session at a place that exhorts flavours of China's new frontier - Xin Jiang. The relocated and refurbished lamb specialty restaurant has a modern contemporary new look but even better, the location is unassailable for high traffic. It's when you turn the corner of good friends restaurant from either side.
The soup called 'Catch a lamb' is highly recommended as it can virtually 'put hair on your chest'. simply because the lamb is imported from the steppes of western China (lots of happy grazing grounds makes very healthy, happy lamb) as are the spices used in the next dish, barbequed ribs. It has very strong middle eastern flavours in most its offerings.
Exotic new tastes indeed from new frontiers bordering Mongolia. Ming Ren is the name of the restaurant which literally means "famous people". Well, I think there were a few famous ones spotted there last Sunday.

Hideo Kojima

2007-01-23T23:05:00.000+08:00

Stumbled upon one of my heroes on digg.com
The king of stealth based games. The creator of Metal Gear Solid, the only PlayStation game I immerse myself into. It is a RPG that can form a deep emotional link with the gamer. Mr Kojima understands brand building very well or he just simply has the honest to goodness streak to design one of the best damn video games around that is enjoyed by many and has since created a cult following among hard core gamers.
Most geniuses are also natural brand builders.

Wikipedia puts justification to my point;

"His trademark style is to address and approach a multitude of important, large issues and aspects of human life in a philosophical, verbose fashion. He also is sometimes interpreted as one of the few postmodern game designers; the Metal Gear series contains magical realism and often breaks the fourth wall. His love of movies is also noticeable in his games, where he pays homage through his stories and characters, often to the point of pastiche. He is also well known for a quirky and somewhat irreverent sense of humor, and his frequently disarming and powerful plot twists".

The large issues he addresses are mainly; nuclear proliferation and genetic engineering.
He talks about his latest MGS4 in this interview here

Stuck

2007-01-20T21:52:00.000+08:00

Summer queried me today: "Papa, why don't you post something new in your blog?"
She drew a blank look from me and I slowly reply; " I don't know what to write darling"

And it's not that I'm not trying, my blog dashboard is full of drafts and they might as well be in the trash.

I might as well admit it. I'm stuck.

Change before you're forced to.

2007-01-14T22:57:00.000+08:00

My dear old friend Dato' Junid sends me just about everything under the sun and I love it. He has got to be the most switched on , if not the most well connected person I know. Some days ago, a piece he sent very timely coincided with my thoughts and I think it's time I give it some air. Not only is it timely but very appropriate depiction of things to come as we progress on the journey of life. What do you think?

Flickr

2007-01-07T12:43:00.001+08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Wow. Never knew I could post from flickr. Now I do. Well as they say; it's a fancy photo sharing thing. Try it. It works.

Hujan DiTengah Hari

2007-01-06T16:50:00.000+08:00

I first heard 'Hujan ditengah hari' when PRamlee sang it god knows how long ago. When I heard it again, it was last September at KLPAC right after the second staging of Dramalab's first play,"Gold Rain and Hailstones" held after thirteen years. We were also there at the first staging of the play with the same original players- Jit Murad and Lin Jaafar. This song came on just after curtains at the last performance of the season .
The richness of voice and appropriateness of the lyrics to the play was a fitting finale to round off a most enjoyable evening and it overwhelmed me. I had wondered if they had remastered the P Ramlee song. I never got to find out who the singer was, that night. But I had an inkling that Sean Ghazi could be involved. So Christmas came and on my wish list was Sean Ghazi's new album, Semalam. Ann & Hanim's Xmas present to me was the album, who quite appropriately was also our host at the play.
From the first track onwards, the album is pure 24K gold. Throughout hi-tea on Christmas day with our closest and dearest, everyone had no choice but to listen to my favourite Christmas present. And they agreed it was sheer delight. I especially liked it because it rekindled my love for the beauty of the Malay language, especially when it comes to love songs. And Sean, is a Malaysian a long time coming, to take up the slack left for too long by the late great PRamlee who doesn't even sing in English. Sean comes with very accomplished credentials having played Broadway and West End theatres. He appeared in Miss Saigon, stage and screen appearances for The King and I.
Zane's especially obsessed with the album being the romantic that he is, Summer's ok but Mum's getting overdosed on his songs. And I? I just like the big band, jazz treatment he has given to some of the best Malay classics available. Semalam is sheer pleasure.
Go take a listen here Semalam

UNITE@Xmas

2006-12-31T12:46:00.000+08:00

Click here to see Xmas Flash

My annual Xmas&New Year address this year deals with unity for my fellow countrymen and my country.It goes like this;

Christmas time is here again, as is the end of another year.

It's a season to reflect on the achievements and tribulations of months
past, and also a time for new goals and new resolve as we approach the
dawning of a brand new year.
As you celebrate the present and dwell on the future, our Christmas wish to
you is to Unite@X'mas in this blessed country of ours, one that is built on
our unique cultural diversity. This is, of course, nothing new, but with
many short-sighted and small-minded individuals stirring up racial
sentiments in a bid to threaten the nation's stability, it is perhaps
necessary for us to be constantly reminded so as to not take our peace and
prosperity for granted.
On that note, we hope that this joyous season brings you tidings of
forgiveness, fellowship and love, as we, not just set aside, but celebrate
our differences. Have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Cheers!

Have A Happy New Year all of you dear to me near and far.

HappyXmas06

2006-12-31T11:28:00.000+08:00

This is our first Christmas without Jon.
When we agreed to host the annual family gathering we knew there would be mixed feelings as to how we 'celebrate' this year's Xmas. So to set the tone and to celebrate Jon's present absence, we started proceedings by acknowledging Jon's absence and presence with a prayer and a slide show of Jon's images at last Christmas. The silent procedure was accompanied by Sting's 'Fragile'.

Then after, as with all Christmasses past, we had the traditional turkey and the sumptuous food spread contributed by family who we share the happy season with.
It was comforting for me to revisit images of Jon and it made celebrating X'mas this year justifiable, also only because Jon wouldn't have it any other way. I think his familiar boyish grin brought relief to all of us, even if tears were freely flowing.

95% goes to Medan

2006-12-09T00:15:00.000+08:00

Went to Medan for the first time with 95% to conduct two trainings for a group of very young, very switched on individuals who were on fire when we left. The city unlike Jakarta is less congested more languid in pace and well laid out, abit like Penang. We conducted the first part of the training in Brastagi, a highlands resort about 2 hours from the city of Medan. The harrowing drive up the narrow and winding trunk road revealed the edgy, underdeveloped countryside of North Sumatra. The Bataks live in these parts, their favourite cuisine- pig burnt in an open wood fire and sweet corn barbequed pretty much the same way. The hotel Sibayak was adequate and the helpful staff pretty much made up for any shortcoming. Training went like clockwork and I had the benefit of getting the very power and goodness of our trainers up close and very gruelling. I have never been more tired from a day's work and never happier. But the true happiness came from seeing the faces and the 'being' of the participants at the end of the second day. Awesome.

Cameron Highlands

2006-11-19T22:54:00.000+08:00

My biker buddies from BMW Motorrad invited me, a non BMW bike owner, to join them on a weekend ride to Camerons. Apprehensive at first, but then I thought; what the heck! How often does a Ducati owner get invited to ride with the Beemer boys? Besides, I'll stick out like dogs balls and that's what 'living' purposefully is all about.
So off I went on Saturday morning, after a hectic, congested, work filled week, I was off, like the wind, to join 30+ other BMW bikers on a ride up the deliciously winding slopes of Camerons. The virtually mishap free ride took about 2 hours with petrol stop at Tapah rest. Quaint little streams and spectacular waterfalls still dot the route up the highlands but the tight and sometimes long corners make the ride worthwhile.Of course the large acreages of vegetable farms and tea plantations make a grand vista.
The spanking new Century Pines Hotel we stayed in was small enought to be personal yet big enough to accomodate all of the bikers and bikes in the front courtyard. There was a karaoke cum sports bar that we bikers ended up drinking when we were not admiring each other bikes in the courtyard. Oh. Did I also mention that it was also a trip to celebrate Oktoberfest? Yes the German beers were flowing all right. And the German MD of Auto Bavaria I was with, Mathias Heimann was scintillating company as we conversed and connected on a level that transcended 'time and space'. A man who enjoys his beers as much as he enjoys biking and the business of 'not selling cars'. It was indeed a memorable night, even with all the beers in my head, what was on top of my mind as I turned in, at way past 3am that night, was a question that will almost always be a mystery posed to me by Mathias;
Where are you when you are travelling? Cue music (twilight zone)

I am eagerly awaiting the ride photos from fellow biker/photographer Norizan. Watch this space.

A Century of Days

2006-11-17T10:11:00.000+08:00

That's how long it's been since Jon's liberation. I call him a 'Joyful Melancholy' on his blog the book of Jon

Pictured here is a moment captured in Kijal, Terengganu. The usual family holiday filled with sheer joy as they still are, of the three of them cavorting by the beach hut caught in a classic pose of 'one-ness'. And that that we had together, nothing can change. What a happy family.

Odd Man Out?

2006-11-14T18:02:00.000+08:00

He's the first Asian to win the 110m hurdles Olympic Gold Medal and he came to do in style from near oblivion. Read more at B3's Weblog and find out why this man will be bigger than NBA Icon, Yao Ming.

Coffee Terrace

2006-11-13T23:58:00.000+08:00

Was invited to be one of the panelists in the 'Industry leaders' session of our Shine Training at Awana Genting Highlands one weekend. After a very invigorating night Q&A session with the participants, I took the family, who tagged along, up to Genting Hotel's Coffee Terrace for what I consider one of the best buffet lunch spreads in the Klang Valley set in very stylish refurbished interior of contemporary chic.
I was both happy and relieved that my family agreed with me. The cool mountain air did all of us alot of good as well. It was a nice little 'break'.
You're welcome Guys.

The Gap, Brisbane

2006-11-13T09:56:00.000+08:00

"Get off the Moggil Ferry drive for about 5-6 mins to roadworks then a school comes up in front turn with the corner then stop at coffee place on the right. Relax, have a cup of coffee and wait for me".

Those were exact instructions from my host Daryll who drove from his home at the Gap to meet me and lead me to his home, more aptly The Ritz Morton where I'll be his guest for the next few days. Daryll & Hsiao Ping, Jessica and Andrew Morton have lived in Asia a great deal. We met them when Daryll did time in KL with Hong Leong Bank and have been good friends ever since and whereever they went to live after KL we would call their home, The Ritz Morton due to their impeccable taste for fine living. Speaking of which, I thoroughly enjoyed the pre-dinner cocktails of newly arrived wines from the local vitners, especially memorable was the Tyrells Semillion or was it the Hunter Valley Sauvignon Blanc-Semillion with the flinty aftertaste? Yes, lovely indeed.

Pictured above is Jessica who was kind enough to model for me in front of The Ritz Morton, which is actually a lovely house sitting on 33,000sq.ft of land high on a hill overlooking the city of Brisbane.
Bottom 2 pictures of the Chinese Suite where I stayed. Notice it even comes with ancient Chinese musical instruments- in case you can't sleep, I suppose you can play yourself a lullabye. Beats the Ritz anytime.

On the road

2006-11-11T11:34:00.000+08:00

To Toowoomba

From Toowoomba to Moggil

On the Moggil Ferry

Spent some much needed time on my own when I drove from Toowoomba to Moggil Ferry Road near Brisbane to catch the ferry to meet up my with hosts for my next Australian episode.
What a feeling...open road ahead and behind me with just acres and acres of greenfields and meadows surrounding me. Even with the powerful 3litre V6 Toyota Camry, I felt no urge to put the pedal to the metal to test the ride, the driving experience was priceless at just below 100kph.
As I drove in my time of quietude, a very welcomed tune came on the car radio just to briefly accompany and share with me that very special moment of driving alone on that long highway, 'Knocking on heaven's door' simply sung by some unknown Aussie unplugged and sublime. Jon sang that very song during school campfire nite, it was his favourite song and only solo performance with his band. I just felt very liberated and very loved as the Moggil Ferry came into view.

To Brisbane

2006-10-25T23:24:00.000+08:00

Having spent enough time basking in the familiarity of an Asianized metropolitan Sydney, we decided to drive North to Brisbane via a detour to Toowoomba to see a friend before I arrive at Brisbane to spend time with my Aussie mate Daryll.The drive was approx. 850 kms via the Pacific Coast H'way. After the first 5 hours, we arrived at Port MacQuarie, a quaint little seaside holiday resort cum port. Home also to McQuarie University, there's a huge student population here. Spent the night at a motel after waking up the proprietress, who showed up in a bath robe. Haggled with her over the price of the accomodations, got the price we wanted, no breakfast and a room overlooking the main road. Pretty decent place to sleep in. Up at six the next morning and Coffs Harbour was our destination for breakfast.I drove most of the way up the coast, beautiful stretches of land and seascape interrupted by turfs of green meadows and forested creeks. Because of the strict speed limits, we drove at a leisurely pace taking in the expansive vistas and it was such a breeze that we made Coffs Harbour earlier than expected and decided to make for the much heralded Byron Bay for lunch instead. Lennox Head needs special mention as the sweeping views to the sea are spectacular.
Byron Bay was lovely as lunch, Fish Heads was the name of the restaurant where we had fresh Pacific rock oysters washed down with a very very nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Semillion- Three Sisters from Victoria. Very satisfied. To wear down the effects of the alcohol, we took in the sights and side streets of Byron Bay.