Sacred Heart 88-90 Alumni

Coming Soon - 24th Reunion Dinner!!

2011-12-26T13:26:00.000+08:00

Hi friends,

   The next CNY Reunion Dinner in Sibu is ON! Our good friend Paul Ting is the organizer this round.

   Details:

   Date & Time: 24 January, 6.30 pm

     Place: Cafe Cafe, 10, Jalan Chew Geok Lin, Sibu Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Cafe/90060243039?sk=info

      More details and latest updates can be found in this Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/283180758395173/

Menu for the reunion dinner:

Where we came from

2011-05-23T14:58:00.000+08:00

While wandering around Popular bookstore in Pyramid, I came across a DVD set of Astro's documentaries on the Sarawakian and Sabahan Chinese.

You know you must be getting old when you are attracted to documentaries rather than the latest Hollywood blockbuster :)

The package came in a set of 4 DVD's, and for Sarawak they cover Kuching, Sarikei, Sibu and the New Villages.

Watching them brought back a flood of memories - of taking the noisy "water bus" between the towns with my parents and siblings (this was in the days before the bridges were built), of helping my grandma pick pepper on hot sunny days, of swimming in the river to cool off, of visiting my barber to get the standard issue haircut.

I must salute Astro for taking the effort to document the stories of so many old timers before they ride off into the sunset. We must be reminded, and our children must be reminded, too, of who we are, where we came from, of the values that our ancestors held and we must continue to hold on to such as hard work, integrity, humility, filial piety, and courage.

I am sure the stories shared in those documentaries are very similar to our parents and grandparents stories, and maybe through these DVD's, you can share a bit about our past with our next generation :)

23rd Reunion (Premier Hotel)

2011-02-05T13:22:00.001+08:00

The weather was kind to us on the big day, and we had a fantastic attendance of about 90 friends, including beloved teachers.

For those of you who missed it this year, make sure you come next year! :)

You can view the photos here. Thanks Hardy for the fantastic photos!

The Return of Shaolin Temple

2011-01-19T12:50:00.000+08:00

Ok, something nostalgic to remind everyone of home :)

Today's Star carried an article of a sequel to Shaolin Temple, the famous movie made in 1982 (our primary school days) that launched Jet Li's career.

I don't remember much of the movie, but the song in the movie (牧羊曲) somehow stuck in my mind through all these years.

A quick scan of Youtube, and presto! Good to relieve those memories again. Don't forget to meet up with all our friends this coming Chinese New Year at the Reunion!!

The original from the movie (a VERY young Jet Li starring):

A nicer rendition of the song:

Remedy to weaken memory

2011-01-16T08:47:00.003+08:00

One sure remedy to keep our memory intact is to revisit the good times that we have together. The more we visit, we will be able to keep the sector in our brain in good order or at least much better than never use. It is just like the old VCR tapes or even CDs.

I admit openly that I have forgotten many of our friends as I go through the list and the only last hope is looking at their face, I believe I can still recall. I dare to say all of you experience the same like me and may even worst..hehehe...

So, buddies, this 4th February 2011 is another opportunity to run through the memory lane and for sure we will be able to stay in good memory together for many many more years to come before all it is in history book..hehehe..

As of today, I have gathered than we have already have 40 buddies confirmed their attendance. Our modest target was only 50 as many had stopped going back to Sibu as they have rooted some place else and few are unable to get leaves and many other reasons. Looking at the response, we may even touch 80 by the reunion night. It's going to be an explosive night !!!

See you guys and gals !!!

23rd SHS 8890 & SES 88 Reunion Dinner

2011-01-04T06:37:00.002+08:00

Guys/Gals
The e-tickets are on sales and you could contact the following representatives;
a) Joseph Sia
b) Eric Phang
c) Paul Ting
d) Ivy Puah
e) Thadeus Ling
f) Suhardy
g) Daniel Kong
f) Louis Wong
g) David Kuok
h) Stephen Yii

The organising committee has also invited our teachers to join in our reunion and we hope you could join in to support them and your participation is also directly sponsoring their dinner tickets as every ticket sold, RM10 is used for sponsoring our teachers participation.

Those who could not make it due to other commitment, you are still encourage to sponsor the events by buying a ticket or two as your contribution will be a direct sponsorship for our teachers' participation.

On behalf of Organising Chairman
HEROES

4th February 2011

2010-10-16T07:39:00.004+08:00

Please block this date and time ; 6pm to 10pm.

One of the key result factors in the success of any organising any reunion dinners is the full support of the members. This is the very reason why we wish to be together. So, I do hope everyone would give their best effort to attend this reunion. Thank you for many of you especially who had already purchase tje airtickets just to attend the reunion.

For your information, the core organsing committee members will soon be sitting down to brainstorm the programme for the night and we are more than happy to receive any suggestions from you to make our event more memorable...

At this moment, we need your help (even if you are unable to attend), to spread the news of our reunion to all our classmates/school mates of SHS88-90, get their email address or FB address so that we too could be in touch with them.

So, let's get it moving !!!

Next change : 23rd Reunion Dinner

2010-08-20T20:16:00.002+08:00

6 months towards D-Day.....

New SHS Website

2010-08-04T23:53:00.000+08:00

Our alma mater has a pretty cool looking new website, check it out: www.shssibu.com

Mini Reunion on 2nd June 2010

2010-06-09T23:23:00.003+08:00

I take the liberty to publish this reunion photo by courtesy of Jess Wong (the elegant one in black blouse standing in the centre, beside Jimmy) and whom I learnt that she is also the host of the whole event which was held in Kuching. A wonderful event indeed as I viewed the after effects displayed on FB of how a group of 38-40 years old happy like teenagers once again...dancing around, hugging, singing, cracking silly jokes and laughing throughout the night. It was such a happy event...(regret till today of not been able to attend the event as it clashed with my cousin's house blessing).

This was the most sober and discipline photo taken for the whole event as for other photos....I do not dare to publish them here unless due clearance was sought or else these pretty people will go after me....hehehe.

I hope more mini reunions such as this one will be organised from time to time as I do agree with comments shared by Ivy, Vincent, Siaw Chen and the rest that this mini one is provide closer interaction, more fun and enjoyable with ample time to mingle around when compared to bigger one where everything is just so squeeze in and quite formal for the 2 hours time....plus many would not just let their hairs down...and become once again 18 years old !

Then...again when you mix boys and girls...you will get beautiful fireworks !!!! yay!!!

I will not miss the next one !!

22nd SHS8890-Part 2

2010-04-07T00:35:00.006+08:00

My clock runs slower in the blog! Thus the delay in this post ie post report on the CNY reunion.

Despite the very last minute notice, we managed to pull a crowd of 11 adults with two kids.

Personally speaking, if not because of MGB almighty push, i think we wouldn't have this gathering at all for this year! Bravo MGB! This is the kind of spirit we need from all SHS8890 alumni. BTW, for family reason, MGB couldn't make it to this reunion hence I was appointed to take charge while he did most of the calling and hotel reservation.

I am sure it was a good catch up for all who turned up especially (I myself) haven't met Dr Wong Kok Soon for 20 years and Yong Hwa Ming for at least 10 years! Somehow at this point of life, I treasure school mate like my family members!

To sum it up, all who attended haven't grown older as you can judge from our photo but just a bit more matured with the trend of less hair!

Attendees:
1) Dr Wong Kok Soon
2) Dr Jude Lau Ngi Chuong
3) Dr Sia Wui
4) Kelvin Kong Soon Shu
5) Doris (kelvin's wife) and 2 kids
6) Paul Ting
7) Peter Sii How Hui
8) Ngieng Sii Jing
9) Thadeus Ling
10) Yong Hwa Ming
11) Jimmy Ting

BTW, Dr Jude Lau sponsored all our meals!

We hope in future we can come up with a permanent committee members divided into region based on geographical locations who can continue to organise this yearly event! Till next year! Chao!

Live Is Life

2010-04-03T15:54:00.003+08:00

The year - 1986.

The time - Form 3, with SRP exams coming up.

The song - Life is Life.

Among my many fond memories of 1986 (except for the studying, hehe), was a song that everyone kept singing in school. It was super catchy, and the lyrics were simple but seemed to strike a chord.

I am talking about, of course, Live is Life by Opus.

It became some of sort of anthem for us at the time. So, altogether now "Na, na, na, na, na, na....." :)

The Big Four Oh

2010-03-29T23:50:00.004+08:00

For those of us who studied in "Peralihan", the year 2010 will be the year we officially hit middle age. The rest of us can still look forward to another year of counting down :)

I've been thinking about this quite a lot lately. I reflected back on how, 20 years ago (1990), we were in the final year of our secondary of education. The last 20 years seems to have flown past, especially when we started to work, and later, started a family. When I thought about what will things be like in the next 20 years, I realized, by gosh, that we would be 60 years old by then!

I think it is during times like this, that we begin to realize how precious our time is, and not to waste it. How often do we spend long hours in our work, away from family and friends? Do we make time for our elderly parents? Such questions become more pressing with each passing day.

I suppose spending time with our loved ones has to be an intentional effort, not something that we hope will just happen naturally. So, hopefully every morning as we wake up, we will remember that, and we let that guide our lives.

Carpe Diem, my dear friends! :)

TV Nostalgia Part 2

2010-02-21T23:11:00.003+08:00

Apologies for my long silence - writer's block, etc. Many thanks to Stephen for faithfully updating the blog regularly. Also, congrats to Paul for managing to pull together a lunch reunion at short notice this year :)

Anyway, continuing on my TV Nostalgia series, this show was something that my whole family loved back in the late 70's and the early 80's. My mom, despite her lack of English literacy, still managed to fervently follow it. Yup, I am talking about none other than Little House on The Prairie.

The kids in the series were around the same age as me when I was watching it, so I guess I could identify with some of their adventures, challenges, etc then. Coupled with that was a heart-warming theme of family togetherness, of facing adversities together, making for a very compelling and watchable programme.

In the 80's, I got to read to the actual books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (did you know that she lived to be 90?) in the Sibu Sacred Church library.

Anyway, just to relive those memories again, here's the theme from Little House on The Prairie, courtesy of Youtube:

22nd SHS8890 Reunion

2010-02-15T21:02:00.004+08:00

What A Nice Gathering Here...Well done, Paul ! I am glad to have such a friend who can be counted upon when needed and for all attended you have make a lot of people proud and envy showing your care without thinking whether you can fit in or not...two new faces are Hua Ming & Kok Soon...I learnt from Paul...all together a perfect 10 ! came to our reunion though a last moment event after the original chairman could not do it...

Friendship is easy to have but is hard to maintain...being a true friend means going all the way for another person without asking for a return. do not do it because of self interest, unselfish one would go all the way to meet and gather friends. It is indeed a blessed opportunity for many but many would not have it. In fact it is a commitment to be a true friend !

Our chain of tradition is still intact by the smiles shown by those inside the photo. TQVM. I sincerely hope next year we could plan a grand reunion calling for reunion among the teachers, headmasters and creation/launching of a SHS8890 scholarship for less fortunate for our school students...the planning starts now...(I hope I am not scaring the new chairmanship away...)

Paul, please put up a special post for this just concluded reunion...please share more photos...

22nd Reunion Lunch @ 15th February 2010

2010-02-13T13:42:00.004+08:00

Venue : Coffee House, Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu

Date : 15th February 2010 (Monday)

Time : 12.30pm to 2.30p.m

Entrance : Free

"Sekali ditipu, dua kali takut" Tapi sekarang sekali lagi ditipu orang...now 4 kali takut !

But it is okay, we will rise to organise this reunion together with David, Paul & myself. We have immediately set up the venue at the coffee house of Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu. The serving will be on Ala Carte menu and entrance is free. We have set a humble figure of 20 pax but all are welcome, we can easily extend the seating. We may not have the luxury to have the stage, dancing and performance, but definitely all who attend this simple reunion session will provide the best present for everyone.
To ensure the best reunion for future and many years ahead after two years of disappointments in a row, taking the lead from Sie Chiong in my personal blog, I am proposing to set up a life time organising chairman/committee members for our Reunion (until such time...real election can be organised). These members have proven their unselfish acts of contribution and support over the last 22 years since we left school...and they are;

a) Paul Ting
b) Ling Sie Chiong
c) David Kuok
d) Eric Phang
e) Ivy Puah
f) Anthony Ting
g) Ngan Tuong Kiew
h) Thadeues Allu Bartholomew
i) Tiong Kwong Siong
j) Joseph Sia

The post for the chairmanship will be rotated accordingly. For 2011, I am proposing Eric Phang to lead the dinner planning (funny...if this is a nomination for MP/ADUN...everybody will be fighting each others).

By tradition, it has been said that everyone will have one time opportunity to organise the reunion but the last two years have taught many loyal supporters of the reunion that this tradition is just not possible for whatever reason, not all are passionate about reunion with one another.

Let's the few of us burn our energy and love for many others, be the uniting force for them throuigh generations. I look forward to your comments so that we are able to chart out more concrete plans ahead. Remember, how many 10 years do we have ? Just do it ! Cheers.

Last but the least, though I am away from Sibu for this Chinese New Year, my heart with all good friends and I seek my apology for unable to be with you all. It was a last minute arrangement as my parents came out to Kuching to celebrate with my sister and brother. The least I could afford is helping to spread the news and encourage many to attend our Reunion Lunch 2010.

NO NEWS

2010-02-11T06:53:00.004+08:00

Two days before our reunion dinner on the eve, I have not received any news on our SHS88-90 reunion dinner. I hope to update all but the organiser had not make known to me until now though he has assured to get back to me on the details (I have just texted him to remind).

Something is brewing somehow...so those of you going back to Sibu, please keep yourself contactable...I hope a simple gathering can be organised. I shall check with him again.

Next Chance

2010-01-22T06:48:00.002+08:00

The news to our 22nd Reunion Dinner in Sibu is coming soon...

Just an update, I have contacted the O.C and he promised to revert to me soonest when all details have been finalised...

Well, folks (especially those who are going back to celebrate CNY or just for holidays), please block your time on 2nd night of CNY (15th February 2010), timed 6.30pm to 10.pm (or past midnight for late party goers)...

Volunteers are needed here too.....to spread out the news when the full details are available.

For ladies....this will be our 20th reunion !...

Cheers !

Age Is Not Just A Number !

2010-01-02T09:07:00.002+08:00

My dear friends, I read a sad and shocking FB message by Ted last night declaring that one of his friend/nephew has a cardiac arrest and gone to the Lord. First of all, may his soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shines upon him.

Guess what...his age is only coming to 38. Well, he is about our age +-1 or 2 years old. Think about it...No ? Some 3 weeks back, Mr. Tee also posted a message about one of his cousins suffered a stroke and now is still recuperating at Normah ($$$)...guess what, his age is also near to ours.

Okay, think about Frankie ? one of our closest buddies. Oh...yes, I bet now you are more sober...

Hmm, trying to share this out but more towards reminding myself sincerely, I need to cast these 2 Rules into stones ;

1. 2010, practise a super healthy living (but do not ask me to let go my swing once a week ok !)
2. Remember the Rule No. 1.

Do whatever it takes to stay in shape and constantly check our condition (especially those clocking the "40", as for ladies....very soon pausing here and there :-) ), if we want to help to better the mortality table of Malaysian manhood. Or else, the visit to St. Peter will be very soon.

So, friends, do not wait for annual reunion for keeping in touch. When and where possible, just make the call and we can meet up...Cheers!

2010-01-01T08:27:00.004+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

May All Our Good Dreams Come True & True...

And May We Always Stay In Great Shape & Enjoy The Fruits Of Our Life Fruitfully...

And May You Always Keep In Touch With One Another Throughout The Years...

God Bless. Cheers !

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T18:05:00.003+08:00

My dear friends, today Christian in the world are celebrating the birth of Christ, our Saviour (whilst the rest are celebrating the Season End festivities) and usually, it is the starting of the long week celebration to sing the "auld lang syne" for all to prepare to say bye bye to the current year whilst welcoming the new year. Indeed it is a wonderful period of celebration as we do realise time really flies and waits for no one.

Now, let's do our YEAR END celebration a better way this year if we have been doing it year in year out...and if we have not done anything previously, let this year be your maiden act to do it great !

So now...little older girls and ever young handsome boys (...erhmm..) and few virgins, do not let any second pass without appreciating it and those many seconds coming along it....

Cheers !

45 Lessons In Life

2009-12-24T19:19:00.001+08:00

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the local newspaper "The Plain Dealer", Cleveland, Ohio"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Want privacy on Facebook? Here is how to get some

2009-12-20T09:34:00.002+08:00

By BARBARA ORTUTAY,AP Technology Writer - Friday, December 18

NEW YORK – Over the past week, Facebook has been nudging its users _ first gently, then firmly _ to review and update their privacy settings.

You might have procrastinated by hitting "skip for now," but Facebook eventually locked you out until you did so. After finally accepting Facebook's recommendations or tweaking the privacy settings yourself, though, you might have made more information about you public than what you had intended.

At the same time, Facebook has given users many granular controls over their privacy, more than what's available on other major social networks.

So if you want to stay out of people's view, but still want to be on Facebook, here are some things to look out for as you take another look at your settings.

1. Some of your information is viewable by everyone.
Everyone can see your name, your profile photo and the names of work and school networks you're part of. Ditto for pages you are a fan of. If you are worried about a potential employer finding out about a quirky fetish or unorthodox political leaning, avoid becoming a Facebook fan of such groups. You can't tell Facebook you don't want those publicly listed. Your gender and current city are also available, if you choose to specify them. You can uncheck "Show my sex in my profile" when you edit your profile if you don't want it listed, and you can leave "Current City" blank.

2. Your list of friends may also be public.
Facebook also considers your friends list publicly available information. Privacy advocates worry that much can be gleaned from a person's list of friends _ even sexual orientation, according to one MIT study. But there is a way to hide the list. Go to your profile page and click on the little blue pencil icon on the top right of your box of friends. Uncheck "Show Friend List to everyone." Either way, those you are already friends with can always see your full list.

3. You can hide yourself from Web searches.
There is a section for "Search" under Facebook's privacy settings page, which is accessible from the top right corner of the Web site under "Settings." If you click the "Allow" box next to "Public Search Results," the information that Facebook deems publicly available (such as photo, fan pages and list of friends), along with anything else you have made available to everyone, will show up when someone looks up your name on a search engine such as Google. The stuff you've limited access to in your profile will not show up.

This is useful if you want people you've lost touch with, or potential work contacts, to be able to find your Facebook page. If you'd rather not be found, uncheck this box.

A second setting, controlling searches within Facebook, lets you refine who can find you once that person has logged on. Limit searches to friends only if you think you have all the friends you need and don't want anyone to find you when they type in your name to Facebook.

4. Beware of third-party applications.
Quizzes and games are fun, but each time you take one, you first authorize it to access your profile information, even if you have made that available only to your friends. You're also letting the app access some information on your friends.

Under "Application Settings," Facebook lists all the apps you have opened your profile up to. If you no longer want to authorize access to "Which Golden Girl Are You?" you can always remove it by clicking on the "X" next to its name. Apps you use regularly, such as Facebook for Android if you update your status from your mobile phone, should stay.

Next, by clicking on "Applications and Websites" on the privacy settings page, you can edit whether your friends can share your birthday, photos and other specific information. Remember that applications can access your "publicly available information" no matter what.

The security firm Sophos recommends users set their privacy settings for two of Facebook's own popular applications, notes and photos, to friends only.

5. Go over your list of friends.
The average Facebook user has 130 friends. But many people interact with a much smaller group when commenting on status updates, photos and links. So it doesn't hurt to occasionally review your list of your friends to get an idea of just who can view your status posts, vacation photos and funny links you've shared over the years. Don't feel obligated to add anyone as a friend, even if that person adds you first. For professional acquaintance you don't want to snub, send them to a LinkedIn profile you can set up. Some workplaces and schools have rules about Facebook interactions between bosses and employees or students and teachers.

6. Create custom friends groups.
If you have friended a lot of people, sort them. Think of the groups you interact with in real life _ co-workers, college buddies, girlfriends, grandma and grandpa _ and organize your Facebook friends in these groups, too. Go to "All Friends" under the "Friends" button up top, click on "Create New List" and fire away. Then decide what aspects of your profile, and which status posts and photos, these people will have access to. Or, simply create a "limited" list for acquaintances or distant relatives and limit their access.

7. Customize your status posts.
Type "I'm hungry" into your status update box. Click on the little lock icon. You'll see a range of privacy controls pop up, letting you either allow or limit access to the post. If you want, you can even hide it from everyone by clicking "Only Me" under the custom settings. Click on save setting. Repeat with each post, or create a default setting for most updates and increase or decrease privacy as you see fit.

8. Let your friends know you have boundaries _ in person.
Many of us have woken up on a Sunday morning to find that an overzealous friend has posted dozens of photos from that wild party we barely remembered _ the good, the bad and the hideous. Chances are, they didn't do this to embarrass you, though if they did you have bigger problems. Rather, they probably don't know that you don't want these photos posted. Sure, tweak your photo privacy settings on Facebook. But if someone starts snapping pictures of you at a party, ask them to check with you before posting it anywhere.

9. Never assume complete privacy.
Even for the most tech-savvy person, unflattering photos, incriminating text messages or angry status posts about work have a way of worming their way out in the open. Just saying.

TV Nostalgia Part 1

2009-11-17T00:08:00.003+08:00

Ok, let me take everyone down memory lane again with a new series of TV Nostalgia, this time English TV series.

First off - Hong Kong Phooey! Hong Kong who? You probably ask. Well, my earliest memory of this cartoon series was probably around Primary 2 or Primary 3.

Anyone else remember this show?

Makan Meet 3 in Singapore

2009-11-05T13:49:00.025+08:00

The evening was 31st October 2009. According to the locals, Singapore does not usually rain that hard nor thunder that loud. It was practically raining cats & dogs when Louis picked me up at around 7pm, with Mike and Alice in the car too. And the thunder and lightning was no less spectacular. STILL, the die-hard Sarawakians in Spore went ahead with the meet-up at Alexandra Village for Hongkong Street Food (you all will have to correct me if this part is wrong!).

And the results of the evening? The photos speak for themselves.

From left to right: Soo Chin Hion, Pui Eng Soon, Albert Chin, Mike Tan aka Hung Yang, Louis Wong.

From left to right: Anne Kho, Irene Tan Kin Lim, Alice Wong, me, Caroline Chin

Eleu came much later, he was attending some military course, but made it all the way to meet us at almost 9.30pm....thanks to Carol, he had a beautifully arranged plate of left-overs to devour into, hehehe.

Group photo, with Eng Soon's family joining us. Carol was taking the snap.

Don't have any photos of the dishes we had cos I forgot to bring my camera, in the excitement of rushing out of my brother-in-law's apartment as soon as Louis called. Could have kicked myself for that. But the food was excellent. If you've never tried bitter gourd with pork ribs, you better fly to Spore, loved it!

Topics of the evening? Too many to mention! But the one that stood out most was Eng Soon's story of TV3 and Kapit....he's now officially the ambassador for Kapit in matters related to the "Akan Datang" case of TV3! Spore/Msia/Sarawak politics, children's education, tax, speeding fines, school days, how to address relatives in foochow (ku-ku & ka-ka), Eleu's "pai-kia" days in SHS, and many more. You name it, we talked about it.

We left the open-spaced restaurant at about 11pm and moved on to McD. Some had gone home already, it was just the 7 of us - Louis, Mike, Chin Hion, Albert, Eleu, Carol & myself. Some more stories till 1am+....I reached the apartment at 2am....luckily didn't have to sleep at the balcony.

A BIG thank you to Louis for getting everyone together to meet. And he's challeged me to do the same if anyone of them Swak-bred-half-Sporean-citizens drop by in Kuching for a visit. So boys & girls in Kuching, plee....aa....se response when your duty calls for you.

p/s it's called Makan Meet 3 cos it's the 3rd meet for our friends in Sg....but then they recalled it might have been the 4th meet....whatever!

Setia - 21 years on

2009-10-27T23:52:00.003+08:00

Picture by Choo Choy May

The man who was responsible for that famous (infamous?) patriotic song of our Form 5 year, Tok Rahmat, recently wrote a memoir of his times as Information Minister. You can read the write ups here and here.

Now ailing with cancer, Tok Mat did not hold anything back in his book, and he revealed that the song was actually an UMNO propaganda song to counter the split in the party during Tengku Razaleigh's challenge to Mahathir in the late 80's.

Still, I have fond memories of the song. Stephen Chung and I used to love to sing it, it was emotionally stirring to be reminded that we have this "Negara yang Tercinta" to serve. At the age of 17 and looking forward to go out into the world, it was really heady stuff then.

Now, with most of us reaching middle age, it is easy to be cynical about the song's lyrics. But I prefer to believe that most of us do find it within us to believe in them. Actually, how we felt did not really change. What changed was some people destroying our perceptions about our place in this country. And that realization hurts every time I relive the song.

Malaysia Day Holiday

2009-10-25T19:18:00.004+08:00

Finally, it was announced that 16th of Sep will be a public holiday to commenmerate the formation of Malaysia. Yahoo !

Do we really care about the formation of Malaysia ? Do we really care about unity seriously ?

If yes, what are we going to do during this holiday of Malaysia Day ?

Do we need a holiday to show unity ? to remember the formation ? Isn't it all in the mind ?

I tend to agree with Tun Dr. M about too many public holidays we have in Malaysia and do we need another one since we have 31 August for the Merdeka Celebration. How much does the nation lose in productivity for a day of holiday ? Does anyone know ?

Well, with the good intention to share with the young ones....those who were born after 1963 the meaning of this freedom, independence and formation of Malaysia, I believe it is worthwhile, as a start to drill this respect into the minds of the young ones and to remember how the elders had sacrifice their life for the freedom for us.

I hope every one could use this extra holiday to spend meaningful time to share with family members and friends on the formation of Malaysia and how important to keep the fire of unity and patriotism alive...beside celebrating Ardy's birthday ! Also to recover the lost times, everyone must work smarter and harder to provide real productivity to Malaysia, our beloved country. The progressive and dynamic country does not only lies in the hands of the few leaders or politicians...but at the very centre of rakyat's commitment to uphold justice, truth, unity and progress.

How about holiday for Deevapali in Sarawak ?

4th Kiss On The World Title

2009-09-28T23:37:00.002+08:00

Congratulation Datuk Nicol, we are proud of your achievement...you are now placed among the greatest squash players on the planet. One, Two & Three, are very tough achievment....you are giving us the fourth title to be proud as Malaysian !

My hope is to see more and more Malaysian be on the top of the world in sporting arena...please do not stop...but give us the fifth title next year ! Keep continue this dream run as we are fully behind you....

Malaysia Boleh !

(the inset photo is the third kiss, taken in last year's victory...as your fourth one, I was not able to find it as yet...I am not able to google it as I believe everyone is in "awe"...especially when you came back from a shock fourth round loss in the British Open)...

2009-09-19T05:59:00.004+08:00

I eagerly waiting to be with all my Muslims friends celebrating this Raya...not because of green paus...or food...but for the joy of harmony, love and peace...

For all our Muslims friends of all races....especially for Ardy & Hansac, our blog contributors...Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri...

Tapi...makan, makan jugak...ada green paus...ambik jugak...hehehe...yang pasti, enjoy aje...

Merdeka - what does it mean to you ?

2009-08-31T20:42:00.002+08:00

Today, I have been reading a lot merdeka messages from the newspapers, online news both main stream and alternative streams. It is contrary messages from the ruling government and alternative front. Of course, it is normal but for the true merdeka spirit, what does it means really to us ?

A birthday of our nation has a lot of meaning as to our own birthday too! How many of us sing NegaraKu these few days ? (Ah hem...I did !). Do you still feel proud when singing the song ? (with bulu roma tegak ?) If not something is very wrong here. Let's be clear here and I hope you will agree...the height or depth of the prosperity of our nation depends much on the sum total of each Rakyat's true love and support .

Personally, Merdeka means a lot to me...I am a free man and have my rights under the Constitution to do what I wish in achieving my Malaysian dream for the past 37 years !

It is also an appreciation for our forefathers fighting for our freedom especially against the Japanese, Communists and British. It also means that I do not need to go to war or live in fear like some of the other countries in the Middle East or Africa. I dare not imagine if Malaysia is in such a state to live in.

Whilst enjoying the freedom, I do acknowledge the threats of peace within our neighbourhood such as injustice, racial sentiments, in balance distribution of wealth, corrupt leaders and negative external forces. I pray for the resilience and intelligence of our Leaders from both BN and PR to strive for the common good of our beloved Malaysia. The differences in party understanding is norm among the political front (competition makes the community strong) but do not let it be the difference of our understanding to protect our true "Merdeka" from all the threats.

Merdeka ! Merdeka! Merdeka ! Let the shout of Tunku Abdul Rahman always lives in our mind, heart and soul !

A Father's Love

2009-08-21T14:17:00.002+08:00

How deep can a father's love for his son be? Well, in the case of the Hoyt family, watch this video to find out:

The Star

2009-08-10T08:21:00.000+08:00

Monday August 10, 2009

Kuching braces for water rationing

By STEPHEN THEN

MIRI: More areas in Sarawak are facing water rationing, including its capital city Kuching, unless there is heavy rain soon, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

He said to date over 100,000 people were affected by water woes and the problem was getting more acute by the day.

“The rural areas in Sarikei and Mukah divisions in central Sarawak were initially hit, but the problems has now spread to southern Sarawak, hitting the state capital as well,” he said yesterday.

Kuching City has a population of about 500,000.

“More than 100,000 are in dire need of water now. It has become very dry. The most critical areas that need attention are Sarikei and Kuching divisions.

“Water rationing has already started in Sarikei. We will carry out rationing in Kuching as well soon. The water shortage is critical, even more critical than the forest fires and haze situation,’’ he said in an interview.

Dr Chan, who is state Disaster Relief Committee chairman, said rationing could not be avoided because the water levels in rivers and dams throughout the state were rapidly falling, some reaching alarmingly levels.

On the delay in cloud-seeding efforts, he said the aircraft was already on standby, but the operations could not be carried out because of the absence of rain clouds.

“Cloud-seeding will not work with low cloud density. For now, we must conserve the remaining water that we have in the dams and rivers as much as possible.

“That is why water rationing is the only option until we can induce some rain,” he stressed.

Dr Chan, who is also state Industrial Development Minister and state Agriculture Modernisation Minister, said the forest and peat fires raging in northern Sarawak were making the situation worse.

“The fires are spreading fast because the ground is dry,” he added.

Dr Chan, who visited the fire sites near the Sarawak-Brunei trans-boundary bridge, said the fires were getting worse.

He appealed to the public to stop all forms of open-burning, adding that without their help, the fires, haze and water-shortage problems would only deteriorate further.

More than 3,000ha of forests and peat land have already been ravaged by fires near the border, with another 1,000ha still on fire, causing massive air pollution.

Blog To Facebook

2009-08-09T16:12:00.004+08:00

Starting mid 2007, I have started blogging upon the invitation of Ah Chiong @ Pat when he started this Alumni blog in running up to our 20th Anniversary Reunion in Feb 2008. It was a hit and months after that, there were so much activities on the blog lead by Pat and the group of Heroes, Mr. Tee, Ivy, WH and myself especially engaging in heaty conversation on various topics. Everyday, I ensure that I will spend considerably time on blogging and can't wait for comments to be sent or receive when a comment being posted. Wake up, I must sign on to see and before sleeping, to read any latest news...Huh, it was a great time indeed beside brushing up the skills of writing, thinking, putting up thoughts in written words or even jokes..

This run until the reunion day in Feb 2008, when Louis and gang found out this blog, and I could remember he had started to invite us to facebook and he urges us to sign up. Frankly, at that time, I was not interested to change as yet. Then, month after month, I learnt that Heroes, Mr. Tee. Ah Too and even Ivy started to hook up to Facebook. My sister also sent me an invitation in early 2008 but I have never responded not until nearly 10 months after that in Oct 2008, I tried to sign up and put in a hello remarks on the status...and then silent again for another 5 months...where I still loyally spent time in browsing blogs putting comments etc. I could notice that the traffic to blog has dwindle down especially from the usual main players..(you know lah) and then through their communication...they talked about mafia, triump, barns...tagging...etc... They have even stopped posting blogs either on this Alumni or their personal blog. What can I said, the attraction of FB is so personal that I think they just could not resist as it is instantly calling them...

In between the 5 months, I was quite frequent online in FB (about fortnightly basis) and didn't quite understand and like it. I have to seek the password revalidation few times as I forgotten my personal password. Ah ha...by March 2009, after having my blackberry...everything that is online is within my palm...so naturally it has now became my pet online programme beside the Malaysian Insider and Chedet.

FB is indeed a great online networking programme, a passing time programme some more, for Heroes, Mr. Tee and Ah Too, it is a gaming programme...a great place to do their strategy games...

If a vote being given for online attraction....
before 2008 - Emailing, flicker...
2008 - Blogging
2009 - FB
2010 - ?

So, guys what is the next online attraction ???

Meet the Killers

2009-08-04T12:28:00.003+08:00

I met all the three killers @ White Tiger at Singapore Zoo recently. If you could remember that one of our fellow Sarawakian who works as a Zoo cleaner was mauled by them when he jumped over the fence.

They are still alive and no judgement was passed to put them down for killing a human. Well, they are protected species as only about 4,000 of them left in the world. So, i think based on consideration, it is the fault of the worker to jump into their protected areas and as animal instinct, they just jumped and kill him...so considered manslaughter, the punishment is still jail for life...so I think they are already serving their sentence for life as I do not think the Zoo keeper will set them free to the nature even if they did not commit the crime...:-)

However, as I observe the security of the areas, it seems quite relax and no wonder one could quite easily jump over and I wonder why the tigers could not jump from inside as it could be very easily done too !

I hope no more future incident as the Zoo, I rate it excellent for keeping it nice, beautiful, clean and interesting for a day out with our kids...

Peace Of Mind

2009-07-10T13:08:00.002+08:00

PEACE OF MIND If you were to ask your neighbour,

"What would give you peace of mind?" he might tell you, "A vacation in Bermuda!" or "An extra hundred grand would give me peace!", or "A new Ferrari would make me content!"

But going places – and getting stuff – is usually a temporary solution ... Let's say you buy a lottery ticket and by some miracle you win your dream Ferrari. Today you are content. Tomorrow you are saying, "If I could just catch that little punk who scratched it in the car park!"

Peace of mind rarely comes from getting more stuff. Getting more stuff usually leads to wanting even more stuff!

Peace of mind starts with being grateful for what you have right now.

GRATITUDE is POWER , and here's why..... When you are thankful for what you have - for the friends you have, and for the things you've got, you attract more good people and good things! People who always complain about what they DON'T HAVE, stay stuck. Complainers attract more things to complain about! It is a law of life. It's hard to explain, but you can observe it around you. We get more of what we dwell upon.

" Start by being thankful. Be happy with what you have now, and more will come your way ."

It's practical advice.

IN A NUTSHELL Every time you say a silent "thank you", you become more peaceful – and more contented .

Are You A Solar Battery or A Rechargeble Battery or Normal Battery ?

2009-07-08T23:27:00.003+08:00

In a team leadership, which one of you made of ? (it can be a follower type).

A Solar Battery, I would define as a leader who have enormous energy to be able to channel his motivational acts, leadership of guidance to lead the team members. The power that he has can be regenerated from his or her surrounding as self motivational.

A Rechargeable Battery, a leader who can work well with team member with strong empowerment. however, always need reenforcement from another leader for continuous actions. He can be a strong follower.

A Normal Battery, a leader of this sort could not last long. Once he or she had used up the energy, he or she is no longer able to contribute. Has a negative nature of attitude and usually conservative as to preserve limited energy.

So, which one of this analogy suits you ? Whichever level we are in, we must work to improve our leadership towards a solar type. Cast out negativity thoughts without cutting off the reality or facts of situation.

Goodbye, MJ

2009-06-26T23:08:00.005+08:00

Like many of us who were teenagers during the 80's, the passing on of Michael Jackson came as a big shock.

It felt as if something dear from our youth days had been suddenly ripped out. During the heady days between '83 and '87, his songs were very much a part of our lives.

I first heard his name being mentioned by a classmate when I was in Form 1. At the time, being out of date, I thought he was some kind of a country singer :) Later on, when my dad bought an cassette tape of the Grammy Awards songs of 1984, I discovered Beat It and Billie Jean, and was hooked.

Despite all his troubles from the 90's onwards, for us Gen X'ers we felt proud to say that we are the generation that had Michael.

My all time favourite song of MJ is "Man In The Mirror", and even today I never fail to get goosebumps whenever I hear it. It came to symbolize what I felt as a Gen X'er -- somewhat cynical and hardened but still determined to make a difference.

RIP, MJ.

Of SPM and Grades

2009-06-06T15:18:00.002+08:00

We all read about the recent debate on students who got 15 A's in their SPM and still failed to get a JPA scholarship.

During the 80's (during our time lah, hehe), getting 8 A's was considered a stupendous achievement, and even getting 10 A's was unheard of. And during our parents' time, even getting 5 A's for their 'O' levels was considered fantastic.

I remembered back in 1988 (the year we sat for our SPM), how hard it was to get an 'A' for Matematik Tambahan. A lot of us did well in the school exams (80% and above) and still only managed to get a B3 during the actual exam.

And who remembered how many students in our batch scored an 'A1' for BM? It was actually only one!! Can anyone guess who this guy was? It was none other than Mr. Tee!

So, getting so many A's in those days were really hard. So what has really changed?

One fact that caught my eye was the statement in The Star that an 'A' can be awarded for marks between 60 to 100. That's a huge variance, if you ask me. How can someone who scored 65% be considered to be on par with someone who scored 95%?

And does the fact that students nowadays can score so many A's means they are much more clever and capable than those students from 20 years ago? I seriously doubt it.

I remembered when I entered Uni in Belfast back 1991, I had a culture shock. The professors there were surprised that the Malaysians and the Singaporeans don't really like to attend tutorials, preferring to spend time alone to study instead. Reason? They are scared of being asked for their opinion during those tutorials. Why were we scared? Because we were seldom asked to think.

Another thing that annoyed me during the recent debate was the way some of the students acted as if their life has ended with the rejection. I think I might be branded as heartless by saying this, but I suspect many of them are just disappointed that they are not getting a chance to study overseas, rather than not getting the scholarship itself. The Singapore government offers Malaysians ASEAN scholarships every year that is based on merit, and it is quite straightforward to get if you have the right grades, which all these students have. So, instead of wailing and complaining, why not apply to this scholarship instead? Is it because studying in Singapore is not as glamorous and as exciting as studying in the UK and in the US?

Last but not least, throughout all these years of reunions, we have all seen many of our friends who did not get good grades but still became great successes today. This just goes to prove that grades are not everything in life. There are EQ, a strong sense of determination, ambition, preserverance, innovation, etc that play a big part.

Video Clip of BMs while in KK

2009-05-25T17:14:00.004+08:00

This video clip was produced accidentally by the coffee shop worker when I was asking him to take a group photo of us.

It was so natural and we didn't know that he pushed my camera mode to 'video'. We posed for the photo shooting while waiting for our 'pan mee' to be served.

We kept on asking him to press the button and he did... but as we can't see the flash, so we assumed that he didn't know how to operate my camera.

To our surprise, he had accidentally recorded our 'natural' view and moment in the camera....Therefore, I shared this video clip to all of you....:-)

The Best Group Photo Of 2009

2009-05-15T21:58:00.005+08:00

" Photo indeed expresses thousands of words..."

and I can resist this great feeling of putting this one on the blog (partly because Ivy was chasing for written report of our journey)....as many of you may know of our Quest to Mount Kinabalu on 1st May 2009 (Chuan Yew was not in the picture as he has moved up very quickly to beat his best time)

I would like to invite fellow BMs to put in their personal heart feeling on this experience together...

MGB : Personally, a great time with BMs...emotionally run through 20 hours of process...though not able to be standing on the platform 4,095m above sea level...(I will be going again very soon...to complete what I have started...of course with BMs...

(below are extras...)

if you want to see more photos, please go to Heroes, Mr Tee, Martin, Tee Too's facebook. You will not be dissappointed....

SHS Homecoming 2010

2009-05-03T22:55:00.003+08:00

A few weeks ago, I got the following invite from Hii Chang Kee, one of our former head prefect:

I think this sounds like a general reunion that covers all the different batches of ex-students of SHS. Does anyone have more detailed info on the event?

All the Best to the Magnificent 7

2009-04-29T16:47:00.003+08:00

A short note to wish the 7 boys (*cough cough*) a safe and successful climb to Mount Kinabalu this coming weekend (...they will always be 'boys' to us matured, level-minded ladies, ngek-ngek-ngek..).

Leading the team is of course non-other than Big Foot Stephen. The other six are Paul, Ah Too, Kok Sey, Martin, Ngie Chuong and Chuan Yew. Rumours are that they will be visiting some strange-named islands after the climb, you'll need to check with Stephen.

Seven 'batang-s' who have known each other since school days going for an adventure together.....I can just imagine the topics they will have for conversations, or rather, I better not imagine, heh heh.

Let's wish the boys all the best! Take lots of photos ya, we'll be waiting to see them on the blog!

Najib's Cabinet

2009-04-09T23:18:00.001+08:00

Najib Cabinet not “lean”, may be “mean” - announcement overshadowed by ghost of Altantuya..................April 9th, 2009

Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Cabinet failed to live up to the hype of “lean” though it may be “mean”, setting a dubious Cabinet record of using the “back door of Parliament” to bring into the government the biggest crop of defeated candidates in the previous general election – namely Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin which does not speak well for the government’s commitment to accountability and democracy.
If Najib wants the Cabinet to be really “lean”, he should have slashed the 32-strong Abdullah Ministers by at least one-third!
All the blurb about downsizing Abdullah’s second 67-strong Cabinet (32 Ministers and 35 Deputy Ministers) has not really borne fruit, as Najib has produced a bigger 68-strong Cabinet with 28 Ministers and 40 Deputy Ministers although there are four Ministers less.
Najib has appointed even more Ministers and Deputy Ministers than Mahathir’s last Cabinet after the 1999 general election, when there were only 27 Ministers and 27 Deputy Ministers, together with 15 Parliamentary Secretaries.
Najib’s unveiling of his Cabinet has set another record, being the worst public relations (PR) disaster in the nation’s history.
Najib’s P.R. advisers should be sacked for it was completely overshadowed by the ghost of murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu after the morning’s High Court conviction and death sentence for policemen Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar for her C4 murder.
The majority of those who watched Najib’s live-telecast announcement of his Cabinet were not interested in his 15-minute statement on KPI (key performance index) for his Ministers, with the Altantuya murder case uppermost in their minds, and all they wanted to know with growing impatience was his new list of Ministers.
Najib’s Cabinet cannot convince Malaysians that the country has a new Ministerial team which can be serious in the three Najib mottos of “1 Malaysia. People First. Performance Now”.
Although Najib does not want to have Ministers with political baggages, there is not only the question as to which member of his Cabinet can claim to be free from baggage, there is the even bigger question as to which Cabinet Minister has more baggage than Najib himself!
Unlike his predecessor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Najib failed in his highly-publicised attempt to recruit any prestigious member from the corporate sector to join his Cabinet.
The Cabinet appointment which has evoked the greatest interest is not a Minister but a Deputy Minister – the appointment of Datuk Mukriz Mahathir as Deputy Minister for International Trade and Industry and the conspicuous omission of Khairy Jamaluddin, the Umno Youth leader.
This reinforces public perception that Najib is under thumb of former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as well as raises the question as to why Khairy, who is publicly accused by Mahathir of being corrupt, could continue as Umno Youth leader when he is not fit to be a member of the Cabinet – just like the question asked by Malaysians how Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam could continue to be Malacca Chief Minister when he was not qualified to contest for Umno deputy president because of his involvement in money-politics corruption!
In Najib’s Cabinet, Sabah is the biggest winner and Sarawak the biggest loser – as Sabah has four Ministers while Sarawak only two. Clearly, Najib does not appreciate the Batang Ai by-election victory of the Barisan Nasional on Tuesday.
.............are we such a loser, Sarawakian?

Khir Toyo's Disney tours cost more than RM1 million .... The Malaysian Insider Wednesday April 01 2009

2009-04-01T22:54:00.000+08:00

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

SHAH ALAM, April 1 - Selangor investment arm Perbadanan Nasional Selangor Berhad (PNSB) paid a total of RM1.85 million for former Selangor Menter Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo's Disney tours to both Paris and Orlando in the United States.
The trip to Euro Disney was from 26th till 30th December 2004.
Khir and his delegates first went to Morocco and then had a five day transit in Dubai before going to Paris at a cost of RM416, 863.
The transit in Dubai cost an additional RM10,000. The official delegation spent a total of RM416,000 and a team which went to make arrangements for the trip spent RM366,000.
Khir's second Disney trip was to Orlando from 23rd December 2007 to 1st January 2008, costing RM646, 841.
The delegates were also given an additional USD30,000 "pocket money" and therefore the total expenses for the trip amounted to RM750,000.
The state government paid RM336,531 first class tickets for airfare to Orlando and Honolulu while RM305,800 was spent on accommodations with Khir's suite in Orlando costing RM110,000.
The revelations were made today by PNSB chief executive officer Khairiyah Abu Hassan during an inquiry conducted by the state's Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat).

Cita Cita

2009-03-23T23:03:00.002+08:00

Apakah cita cita anda? What is your ambition?

This seems to be a perennial essay question favourite among our BM and English teachers when we were younger. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if teachers today still set the same question.

If memory serves me, I think I wrote that I wanted to be a teacher. Of course, all that changed when I discovered computers. My dad, on the other hand, was hoping I would be a lawyer. Considering that I can get quite emotional sometimes when getting into arguments, I don't think I would have made a very good lawyer.

I also thought I could be an electronics engineer, but a lot of the stuff about it wasn't intuitively obvious to me. Software and computer architecture, on the other hand, I could get my head around.

The other day, as I was running in a 10km race, I thought to myself that I wanted to achieve a certain timing for 10km before I hit 40. Then suddenly, I thought about my life and whether I am happy with what I have achieved so far.

Then I realized that life is a bit like the race I was running in. Does it mean that if I fail to get 1st position, I am a miserable failure? As I looked around, I realized that a lot of the people in the race are just happy to be running. They are running for the sheer joy of it, and to compete against themselves, trying to become better each time.

And I suppose life is also like that. As long as we're happy with what we're doing and what we have, it doesn't really matter that we're not number 1. No one should judge us, and neither should we ourselves against others. As long as we are happy with our own lives, what other people think do not really matter.

Of course, our cita cita should spur us on, but it should never push us to the point where we become miserable with our lives.

Sarawak Anthem

2009-03-09T18:16:00.002+08:00

I am not sure how many of us may remember this, but in 1988 (our Form 5 year), Sarawak changed its state anthem.

From 1973 to 1988 the state anthem was "Sarawak Bahagia" and it went something like this:

Then from 1998 onwards it was "Ibu Pertiwiku", and it went something like this:

Somehow I preferred the newer version better, I found it more moving and sentimental :)

Just as a side note, for me coming from Sarawak to KL during the late 80's felt like going into a different country, everything was just so different. Now, as I watched the video of the anthem, I felt homesick and long once again for that place I have called home in my youth.

TVB Serials

2009-02-09T16:39:00.002+08:00

Okay, yet another 80's nostalgia post from me :)

The early 80's also marked the start of the videotape craze. For those pre-Astro days, the humble video recorder was a perfect avenue to while away the hours between work and rest.

In those days, the videos mostly came from recordings of the popular TVB series broadcasted on Singapore TV, which had been dubbed in Mandarin, even the theme songs

Nowadays, both Astro Wah Lai Toi and Xing He channels repeat quite a number of these series. In addition, you can also buy the series in disc sets online.

Long after the stories had faded from our memories, the theme songs remained. Mostly composed by the prolific Joseph Koo, they were amazing pieces that matched the melodrama of the stories well. There are too many to cover here, so I have chosen a few for your enjoyment. For the rest, just surf around Youtube and you will be rewarded :)

First off, The Twins, which came out in 1979 (!).

Then, The Dynasty, which was from 1980.

Another popular series was Tai Chi master Zhang.

This next one needs no introduction - it was THE series of 1984:

Finally, a series that we were all watching when we were in Form 5:

My Old Photos ... Part 1

2009-02-06T00:01:00.015+08:00

This year CNY 2009 - my wife found my old photo album while we were staying at her parents house. Every one was very surprise that I was a very skinny and smiley boy!! I guess the corporate world made me into a monster and super killing machine.

I will be posting the picture in stages as I have a lot of old photo that need to be scanned.

p/s This is a special request from Ivy ... she misses all her ex-boyfriends. .. innocent and cute ... Boy is Paul Ting and Hanafi ... little ... err I mean small ... err or I better shut-up.

2nd Sibu Troop & Company Reunion

2009-02-05T21:52:00.005+08:00

I "borrowed" this photo from the www.2ndsibu.org website to be posted here.

The ex-boy scouts of 2nd Sibu Troop and ex-girl guides of 2nd Sibu Company had their reunion on the 2nd day of CNY at Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu. There were quite a few who came back from overseas just for the reunion, from as far as Australia and The States. Unfortunately, not many girl guides from my year attended the reunion....and even more unfortunate, the few that did attend left before this photo was taken.

Those who know me well from the girl-guiding days would not have expected that I would miss such an event....sigh, apa boleh buat?! Nevermind, I'll definitely be at the next reunion!

The American Dreams...

2009-01-25T15:35:00.006+08:00

I like the flowers...Roses....it is so define and at full bloom...indeed king of flowers....I like the dress...elegant beauty...I like her blonde curvy hair...very sensous...

I like to look at her...well, she is a real beauty, isn't she ? Yes, indeed she is, she has been crowned as the most beautiful girl in the United State of America as of 24th January 2009.

By the way, do you know why they called it beauty pageant contest rather than pretty pageant contest ?

Another question, there is of late a very strong call of not buying American products, are you going to resist when you are scheduled to have 1-2-1 Chap Goh Mey dinner aka Chinese Valentine Dinner with our new Beauty Queen here ?

Do think wisely, do not regret...I only say resist not reject...hehehe ...

SHS 88-90 21st Anniversary Reunion 2009

2009-01-22T12:52:00.003+08:00

Hi, are you all in the mood already ?????

I can feel that the feeling of celebration is seeping strongly into my mind now, reflecting the great feeling of reunion.......as I got the message from Heroes that our Chairman Peter Yii had earlier updated him that more than 10 of our teachers had confirmed attendance...wow ! (but not too sure who are the teachers confirmed...though my mind tells me that those 3-4 teachers strong supporters will always like to mingle with us)...

So, it is definitelywill be a wonderful night to catch up.

The reunion is just another 5 days to go...on the 27th January 2009, 6.30p.m at Paramount Hotel, Sibu.

On the sponsorship for lucky draws plus gift expenses invitation for our teachers, please do not be shy to put down your name and try to be as generous as possible though in this economic climate.

For those wish to contribute, please email your commitment to ericphang@yahoo.com

For those wish to attend the dinner, please do not hesitate to contact and secure your ticket (cost RM40 only) with the following coordinators;

KL - Patrick Ling (plingsc@yahoo.com)
Kuching - Heroes (ericphang@yahoo.com) or myself (mygreatbuds@yahoo.com)
Sibu - David Kuok (davidkuok70@gmail.com ) or Peter Yii ( peter_yii@yahoo.co.uk )

Please do spread this good news and encourage all to attend.

Do not miss but grab the opportunity when it is presented to you.

"Gong Xi Fa Cai"

REUNION DINNER 2009

2009-01-15T11:11:00.003+08:00

After the much awaiting period, I am pleased to announce that the Reunion Dinner 2009 is still on !

Date: 27th January 2009 (2nd Day of CNY)
Venue : Paramount Hotel
Time : 6.30 p.m.

Ticket price : RM40 per pax

The new O.C is Peter Yii Sing Sin who had gracefully accepted the last minutes (an hour ago) proposal following the the unavailability of the elected O.C due to unforeseen cirscumstances and tight schedule which was only disclosed yesterday. Thanks to David who had swiftly managed to convince Peter to take over and our tradition is once again protected.

It is only less than 2 weeks to go and we will have to put in total support to enable our noble tradition continues. I believe many of us would not just sit still but will go all out to spread this news and canvass all support.

It may not be as grand as last year, but we will put in our best effort. However, it may be the best ever organised in a shortest notice !

The dinner ticket will be out by this Saturday, so that we could drum on with the support. Sponsorship of cash is most welcome to provide with lucky draws and other running expenses to the organising of this dinner.

Will update with you on the confirmation of number of attendance as we move on.

Meet-up with Eleu in Kuching

2009-01-03T11:20:00.007+08:00

The photo says it all! Ai Ping was in Kuching from 27 Dec - 1 Jan. Eleu arrived in Kuching on 31 Dec around 8.30pm.....in order for the 3 of us to meet at the same time, it had to be on 31st itself!

We picked up Eleu at about 9.30pm and went for a drink at Jalan Song....Eleu's family lives around the area. What can I say about Eleu after not having kept in touch for so long? Still as fun-loving and as ngiau-siaw as ever! But he now has an area of expertise which I didn't know of before - he's a health expert! Ladies, if you're looking for tips to have a better body shape, Eleu's your man!

I haven't been out with friends late at night for ages....much less on new year's eve, so it felt a little weird leaving the baby and hubby at home. Still, it was time worth spent. Anything for meeting up with school days friends!

It's a BRAND NEW Year!

2009-01-02T22:13:00.003+08:00

Friendship is like a flower;

A joy from day to day.

But you must take good care of it;

Lest it should fade away.

So always treat is gently,

And nourished by your care.

The bud will grow and flourish

Into a blossom rare.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2008-12-31T15:57:00.003+08:00

Today 31/12/2008 is the last day of year 2008. Time flies very fast and our last reunion in Sibu was still fresh in my mind although it was almost a year ago.

Tomorrow is the 1st day of another new year of our life; 2009. I believe there are plenty of 'look forward' events or things that each and every one of us are eagerly waiting for irrespective of personal, family, company or friends, therefore in order to make our 'look forward' happen, we must put it into action in the coming year.

Here I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year 2009 and may all your dreams come true. No matter how well or bad our performances was, no matter how high we flew, no matter how happy or sad we were in the past, let's forget about the past. Live with no regret, no reserve & no turning back but instead march forward with hopes, smiles, dreams, aspirations and resolutions.

For those who join us to conquer Mount K.K next year, please be reminded that we MUST well prepare ourselves mentally and physically fit. Set your own preparation for the historical event of our life time. See You At The TOP.......Cheers.... :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T11:18:00.006+08:00

Christmas songs were played everywhere, shopping arcades, hotels, offices, home and even in our cars for the past few weeks. Even though with the current economy situation, this annual festive season will not be forgotten by all of us and the mood of the pre-celebration are still equally high as compare with the westerners.

For some of us, it's time to do some recollection of what we had been done or achieved in 2008, although some may or may not have that kind of practise but I must say that it's good to start to review ourselves in order to prepare us in moving on towards the even more challenging and tough year ahead which is just A WEEK before we say goodbye to year 2008.

In Kuching, we had just organised a small scale of Christmas gathering at Kenny Rogers. How about you guys out there? I guess you should have a great plan for family gathering or dinner somewhere.

Here I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and God Bless. Treasure every moment being together with your loved one, family, relatives, friends and colleague and always show appreciation to them anytime & any place.

HO HO HO......

This is my dream and I hope to celebrate a real White Christmas one day...... How about you?

We Did It Again !

2008-12-21T06:28:00.018+08:00

A total of 9 families joined in our 2008 Season Ending Get-Together event at tHe Spring yesterday. It was a joyous occassion as we mingled among families as we update our memory banks (in case some of us complained about memory loss, overhauling may be needed here).

It is a simple gathering with no official speeches but pure chit-chatting, laughters, smiling, hugging, cuddling, singing, cheering, drawing, games, free CDs and of course eating plus cake cutting but we start with food ordering first in line...

Whilst waiting for roasted chicken, Heroes finds time to cuddle Isaac.... & mommy is watchful at the side...

A family drawing event, putting down wishes for 2009 was a hit. I must say this is a lively event, some of us had not been drawing for the last 20 years, suddenly the art & skill when display is unfaded and even much better than those years ago. Beside wishing peace, health, harmony & wealth...we have a catchy wish which is celebrating White Christmas next year...whooha...oh yes...a White Christmas in US or Europe... err..may be a bit expensive...then we could choose Beijing/Shanghai...cheaper leh...

Mr. Tee though lone ranger is seriously displaying his unused artistry since leaving school in 1990.

Updating is a must...we can observed how our 3 friends catching up with each other. Mr. Tee even taking time to consult specialist on his troubled parts...hehehe..guess which leg ? (no photographic evident, pleasezz)

On yes...for the kids...beside the drawing, we have gift exchange activity.

Ivy is indeed very good in this activity, taking every advantage being close with kids (just look at her lovely smile...not only watching her communicating with the little ones and the flow of her body language). The little cute girl is Josephine (Leh Ning/Ah Too's daughter) who is so happy to have her choice. This year no more crying liau...more confident now. hehehe ...

A wonderful event indeed...Moses is so delighted to have the RM20 MPH voucher, had been holding on (yes...for 6 hours or so) until I had to go back with him to buy his favourite comic book using that voucher.

Last but not least...a group photo taken...mapping the smile of everyone...

Oops..there is one special photo after the group...looks like this is going to be the Photo Of The Year ! (this is not an anniversary cake of theirs but ours as we get the singles to do the honour).

The cake is very delicious and Moses had 3 pieces just to validate on this fact !

We also played our special edition Christmas CD (specially prepared by Heroes) and we sing along a few songs softly....

We had only spent slighlty over two hours but after the event, as I slowly walked back to my car with Heroes, I am practically exhausted but satisfied as it was an enjoyable moments especially cuddling Isaac (Looking at this condition, Heroes warned that we had better be prepared for the big event in May 2009).

Hmm...I am looking forward for our next gathering soon and of course the White Christmas next year..

Before ending, on behalf of the organising committee (Ivy, Heroes & MGB), thank you very much for joining us for this season ending gathering...(Ah Too/Leh Ning/Jonathan/Josephine, Ah Yaw/Joanne and kids, Martin/wife/daughter, Mag, Mellisa, Mr. Tee). It will not happen without the support from each one of you.

We look forward for bigger crowd next round...may be bigger than the traditional gathering in Sibu.

Hohoho...Merry Christmas Everyone...

A Family Affairs at Kenny Rogers

2008-12-20T05:48:00.002+08:00

In 6 hours time, 10 families of our batch will be having year end lunch together at Kenny Rogers, The Spring Kuching. It will be a fun time for the children and for the parents to catch up with each others (probably the last time before the new year ends).

A wonderful event awaits...shall keep all posted. Cheers

The Final Countdown

2008-12-16T07:52:00.003+08:00

In 14 days time from now, we will be gathering around with family and friends to wave farewell to a great year 2008 and welcoming 2009. Wow, time really flies it is another year end and another new year coming. A lot of festivity moods here, I must confess. Nevertheless, the kickstart is a bit slow and I believe everyone would say...well you know..lah,...financial ? Angpow boh leh...

Hmm, never mind that...I am not Chinese educated but I was repeatedly advised that there is sayings in Chinese, in risks or challenges, there is always opportunity. Importantly are we ready to sieze the opportunity when we saw it ? Many of us could not sieze though many said they will not let opportunities pass by. Example....if today you come across an opportunity to buy a property that has guaranteed good investment return, will you buy it ? Uurh...frankly, we will think more protective measures especially during times of financial turmoil, engaging a surviving mode rather going all out to sieze the opportunities. So, generally, we will not take it during this time of turmoil, worrying about what if we are tie down with such big investment when the return is only going to materialise in 5-10 years time, amidst rumour of more job lay offs or closures of businesses (I have just learnt that 1,800 companies were closed down in the last 1 month in China ?).

So, state of preparedness (SOP) is crucial, I believe strongly. We will probably not strike even we have clear opportunity ahead...if we are not prepared (as we cannot afford it). In the world...there is only one Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Barrack Obama, George Bush, Warren Buffets, Tun Dr. M, Tan Sri Ting, White Ant...they are well known to us as they have achieved huge successes. From what I know they seldom missed opportunities passing through them...few of them even had grasses died off naturally whenever they stepped on it. They practically did the opposite but of course with a lot of guts and risks consideration.

My best buddy had also mentioned to me few years back, success is depending on one's definition and even if one's success is so minute compared to others achievement, it is also a great success to their satisfaction. Example, if a beggar managed to beg a plate of rice and met his daily target...it is a success to him. So long as he is happy, there is nobody who could take that satisfaction away from him. This is a great advice indeed for which we must honour as many among us do go for the stars but for the moon which is equally successful as they lived a happy and wonderful life. In short, everyone will have their opportunities, they shall need to make the best of it.

Whichever way, we have fourteen days to reflect for what we have gone through for the past 12 months or so and to chart our new course or aims (if needed) to seek our own stars or moons in the new year.

One thing for sure, we have the magnificent 7 who had put forth one of their 2009 goals to scalp the highest mountain in South East Asia on 2/5/2009.

A happy time ahead together with all our loved ones with array of wishes are along the way, with free flowing beers, whiskey, brandy, soft drinks plus roasted chicks, ducks, squids, fishes and prawn...hmmm..muacch...(like this how to achieve my dream weight huh...) Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2009...plus Happy Reflection 2008 hehehe...Cheers..

Of Magazines and Pen Pals

2008-12-01T23:01:00.005+08:00

Oops, I have owed Ivy a tag for more than a month now, and Mygreatbuds have been kicking my butt in the shoutbox, so I guess I better get going.

The topic came to my mind when I was driving (as with most things nowadays) to work one day. Remember those little A6 sized magazines that were sold every now and then in both SHS and SES? That's right folks, I'm talking about The Young Lasallian.

The little compact magazine was meant to update the La Salle students all over Malaysia and Singapore on the latest happenings in the La Salle schools.

One of sections that always caught my attention was the pen pals. Around Form 2, I finally got the courage to write to 2 of them (both girls, of course :P) One was in Taiping, and the other Semenyih. I later corresponded with another 2 pen pals (both girls as well, of course!) in Penang and Kuching.

Those were the days of non-instantaneous communication, where calling outstation cost a bomb and there was neither sms nor email.

So, we all used to look forward to going back home after school and checking our mail box to see whether another letter has dropped into it.

I remember the Taiping lady used to write long reflective letters about her life, while the others were more flippant and generally just shared about the latest happenings in their school lives.

After I went to college, the letters dried up, and when I reached uni, I lost touch with all of them.

But as I reflected on those letters that we exchanged, I am in a way quite struck by how profound some of those letters were. Those were the days of youthful idealism and great clarity of mind, unpolluted by cynicism and broken dreams. They were a snapshot of our minds, and reminded us of who we once really were.

Serve Others like "Candle"

2008-11-22T09:18:00.004+08:00

Be the light to light up other's path, other's confusion, other's other's etc and in the end sacrifice yourself for the good of others.

With thankgivings celebration around the corner and with year end soon (I was told we have only left with 25 days working days this year...if those taking leave, it shall be lesser), this message is an early reflection for us to make something good for others or better if we have been serving...

Last night, I heard someone already playing Chinese New Year song...what a joyful feeling...but I have yet to hear Christmas Carol (so I bought a Christmas CD...it is only about 30 days left) . I guess the economic scenario must be getting tougher and many needs this sort of music to relax off and getting the festivities mood.

Frankly, the mood of businessman/taukeys is not as good as last year as most of us if involved in business will acknowledge the economic challenges faced by many especially those in US &(Japan & Germany have slipped into recession as reported) though there are few are very happy locally because of acquisition.

The crude oil per barrel has dropped below USD50 and this should be a cause of joy for us commoners as we could expected another revision of petrol to below RM2.00 per litre. Every week now, I could save RM30...and that could let me enjoy a session of rose perfume massage :) (2nd thought....have not been spending such rejuvenation session for a while already as must save more for tougher days ahead).

I pray that we could always live as a strong community of Malaysian going through unitedly sailing better than other countries like the one in 1997 crisis. Malaysia boleh..lah ! Pasti boleh !

10 Years Old Photo

2008-11-13T05:44:00.002+08:00

Go & Check, how was your "look" in minus 10 from current ?

This was taken in 1998, during the year that Mr. Tee was the O.C. I think the place of reunion was Premier Hotel, Sibu.

Sibu

2008-11-06T22:04:00.006+08:00

Maybe some of us have not see how Sibu looks like for many many many years. This is Sibu few days ago.

Thought of shooting some photos of our SHS school. Don't know whether they will let me in or not or the "Red Army" will throw me out of the school. Hehehe...

St Elizabeth......mmmmmmmm maybe lahhhhh, I can try to take from across the road.

Reunion With Bro. Albinus

2008-11-03T21:06:00.005+08:00

Haishe... I should have brought my Lumix...but just have to satisfy with N95. May I could have taken a better close up but facing our Abai, my mind just went blurr....luckily still able to click it.

You can see Mr. Tee rubbing on....probably was so please to have the chance to have a man-man photo session (a position that we may have never though of some 20 years back...?)

We also met Mdm Wong, Mdm Chai & Mr. Louis Ling...who are just sitting next to our table. Mr. Tee & Ah Yaw were very engrossed in their updates with them.

It was indeed a fun time as we could meet many of the old faces beside enjoying great presentation from our juniors (some 24 of them). We also met Irene Tiong (the first year student...sponsored by SHS Kuching Alumni). Petty lad...Mr.Tee & Ah Yaw unaminously thinking of introducing to our Heroes.

We joked a lot..at least reflecting on our past encounters with Abai. How our tougue turn to 'stone' as it was so extremely difficult to communicate with him in English...(not that we do not know how to conversate)...but just the system seems faulty @ does not work when in front of him... (BTW...I think Mr. Tee still have the 'fear" there leh....introducing us as 1986 instead of 1988 Form Five...betui tak Mr. tee ? Hehehe)

Can anyone guess how old is he ??? (FYI, He is in Kuching...as you can usually meet him attending 7.30 a.m. mass at St. Peter Church, Padungan)

Having attended the latest reunion dinner, someone in the midst asked ? .........

Is our 21st SHS88-90 Reunion in Sibu still on ??? No news until now...though it is less than 100 days liaw ??? (silence....as everyone seems to ponder...)

SHS Alumni Asso of Kuching

2008-11-03T01:01:00.000+08:00

shs8890 bloggers,
Our Kuching SHS alumni has recently launched SHS Alumni Association of Kuching blog. Check it out!

MGB, Chee Seng Yaw, Thadeus, Anthony Ting, Dr Patrick Ting, Dr Alex Sim, Dr Joseph Yii and myself were at the same table. It was fun and great to meet up with so many ex-SHS boys and girls.

Bro Albinus...yup, finally we have the gut to take photo with him . At least one of us is taller than him now. MGB, don't forget to post the photos.

Reunion With Cikgu Ong

2008-10-27T22:34:00.009+08:00

It all started when Cikgu Ong found our blog.

Next thing we knew, he was on Facebook as well! That's how we found out that he's now staying in Alor Gajah, his hometown.

A few weeks ago, I mooted the idea of visiting him to Stephen Chung and Heroes. They were a bit aphrehensive at first, but I convinced them the journey will not take too long, and that we can do it sometime during the Deepavali weekend.

I sms'ed Cikgu Ong of our intentions. Not only was he most welcoming, he took the trouble to work out a map for us to follow.

At the last minute, Chuan Ming decided to join us as well by driving over from Bahau via Tampin, so I mms'ed him the map.

And so on Deepavali morning, we took a quick breakfast at Puchong and set off for the Simpang Ampat toll on the NSE. Getting there from Puchong took us only 50 minutes, and along the way we had an impromptu karaoke session in the car of old Mandarin songs, just to put us in the mood, hehe :)

From Simpang Ampat, it was a matter of following the map given, and after about 15 minutes we made a left turn to Machap Baru. At that time we found out that Chuan Ming was just right behind us. After another 5 minutes or so, we reached Machap Umboo. A left turn after the Pondok Polis, 50 more metres down the road and we were greeted by a smiling Cikgu Ong.

He hasn't aged at all!

He remembered all our names except for Stephen Chung, but he managed to recall it after a few minutes. :)

For some of us, it's been 20 years since we last saw him. He was actually still in SHS until 1998, when he got a scholarship to do his Masters at USM. After graduation, he taught at Raja Uda Penang until early this year, when he came back to Melaka.

After some time catching up, we noticed some old SHS annual magazines sitting on one of the shelves. So out they came, together with photos that Cikgu Ong took at SHS. The photos were mostly taken in the classrooms and some school functions. It was amazing he still remembers the names of almost all the students that he taught in those days.

We adjourned for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Being the gentleman that he is, he refused to let me pay for lunch :P

As we made our way back later, we thought about the reunion we just had with a teacher who had touched our lives in many different ways. How he had encouraged us and planted the seeds for us to become who we are today. We are forever thankful for his presence in our lives.

Last but not least, we have an open invitation to visit him again during the next rambutan season! But if anyone wants to pay him a visit before that, we can organize another trip again soon :)

Photos courtesy of Cikgu Ong and his new Nikon D60 :)

The Formation of SHS' Girls' Club

2008-10-21T12:17:00.002+08:00

My post has been long overdue, apologies! But I have good reasons – I needed to interview someone to get my facts right before putting on the post. So here goes….

A couple of months ago as I was chatting with my sister on the phone, we came across the topic of how the Girls’ Club got formed in SHS. Of course, by the time we girls (meaning the girls in our year) went into SHS for our Form 6, the Girls’ Club was an entity that had been fully accepted by the boys. Not only accepted, but welcomed. Am I right, guys?

To find out how the Girls’ Club came into formation in a boys’ school, I “interviewed” the founder of the club, Ms Ho Mei Ling, and also my own sister, Audrey, who was one of the committee members.

The Girls’ Club was formed in 1982. According to Audrey, that was the very first year that SHS accepted girls into their science stream in Form 6. Not only was it the first year that the science-streamed Form 6 boys had to adjust to having girls in their class, but they also had to adjust to the number of girls that came in – about 30 of them, almost a class on its own. Prior to that, SES girls who were science-streamed went to Methodist for their Form 6.

According to Mei Ling, one of the reasons that the girls decided to form the club was because they felt a need to “fight for the girls’ rights” in a much male dominated school. For some reasons, the boys treated the girls with “an aloof attitude” – particularly the girls in science stream. The boys’ egos were probably slightly bruised by the fact that their female counterparts were as smart as them, at least that was what my sister claimed. Remember, in those days SHS students had brilliant academic results, what more to say of those who are science students.

I asked Audrey what reasons the girls in her year had to feel that they were being treated differently, and she had quite a few to tell! Firstly, they were called to the school hall by dearest Abai to start off the school term with a bang – he warned the sixth formers that they had better not have any ideas of hanky-panky with the boys, and vice-versa. When you’ve been in an all-girls school for 11 years, it’s not a totally pleasant experience on your first day in an all-boys school.

Then, there was the lab incident. My sister happened to be one of the last person to leave the lab one day, and as the boys from another class waited to use the lab, they threw taunts at her something along this line “hai ya, leave lah, why are you occupying our lab”. This of course mainly came from the junior boys who were more mischievous.

The girls in that year created a new abbreviation for the letters M-C-P : male chauvinist pigs. Hey, don’t get offended ya, that was 1982. I would have used that term too if I had experienced what they did – a maths teacher said this to the girls “Why do you need to learn maths, you don’t need it for cooking”. Hah hah hah! No wonder the girls were chastised!

So much for that. Mine was a wonderful 2 years in SHS, though! Pat, you’re tagged.

Reunion 2009 at the Peak

2008-10-20T17:04:00.004+08:00

A magnificent view isn't it ?

A view from Kundasang, KK, Sabah. This photo was downloaded from Wikipedia. I do have this similar photo with my family which was taken during our last trip in 2005. It is now placed at my office side table since then.

A view from the peak....this one I do not have, the two figures in the photo are ammo (I guess) but definitely love to be in the photo.

I have to admit that this is a teenage dream ! To conquer Mount KK, inspiring from Mr. Chong (our form 5/6 lab assistant) who used to lead few expeditions of teachers and students but I am not one of them. We have talking for many years....at least 20 years...though the last round of talking was a Heroes' company trip that was never materialised (though he was eager and nearly bought a RM300 climbing shoes).

This challenge of conquering "pop out"again in the last one month and ada "ura-ura" to make this trip happen very very soon. Background works have started.....

What do you think...any of you interested...flying our flag up high at the highest peak in South East Asia (so...the Dragonteas visit may have to take a backseat due to financial and melamine issues...)

Friendly Match

2008-10-04T16:30:00.007+08:00

On 2/10/2008, 3p.m sharp, we have finally had our long awaited squash friendly match which was held at SHS Squash Court between ex-SHS form players from Kuching against Sibu squash loyalists (we have been planning it since August 2008). We also have a suprised player from Klang, who is none other than Lieng Tee, who happen to have his short break in Sibu during this Raya season. Why surprise ? We actually did not count him in this match as it was purely arrangement between Kuching and Sibu as we do not expect due to distance and costs. Hmm...what a good arrangement it turn out to be as we have him in our team (Kuching) as if not, it is 3 against 4 players.

Who are the players ? From Kuching, we have Ah Too, Mr. Tee and myself and in Sibu team, they are Dr. Lau, Ah Chiew, Ngieng Kee (Lieng Tee's brother) and Lawyer John Tiong (our senior..the one in singlet below).

Ah Too was playing against John in court 1 whilst Lieng Tee was playing against Dr. Lau.

All of us enjoyed the games as we played at least 3 games with each other. With the solid sounds generating from the squashing acts, it is no surprise as Kwong Siong a.k.a Ah Poh also turned up to meet us in the squash court together with his youngest son to find out why the sound was so unusual as compared to usual days (Ah Poh's house was just quarter stone away from the court) :).

The returning leg in Kuching will be more exciting...as vengeance is already building up though no dates were selected but we are determined to have it before the year passes on....

You must be curious....why no result was announced ?

Remember vengeance ? Yeap...Kuching team "kalah really teruk" and I may have purposely did not keep any scores...:) For consolation...just blame it on sea...lag, road..lag or just heavy balls....hehehe..

Bottomline..I enjoy myself very well (what a good time) especially revisiting the part of my yesteryears...oh..yeaaaah,,

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-09-27T23:27:00.003+08:00

Wishing all my friends Selamat Hari Raya. For those who are in Sibu, please come to my house on the 1st day of raya. 2nd day I will celebrating Hari Raya on the road. Driving to Kuching mah....

3rd & 4th I will be at my in-law house. I can't promise you if I'm in Kuching coz my mother in-law like to bring me & my wife visiting others. (good son in-law eh....)

Invitation: Open House on 1st and 2nd Day of Raya/Eid

2008-09-26T03:46:00.002+08:00

Dear all.

I am celebrating Raya/Eid in Bintulu. If you happen to drive past by that sleepy town on the south of Kidurong Cape on the first or second day of Raya/Eid, please do drop by my house at SS2E/22 Jalan Abang Matassan, Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu.

On the first day we'll have the usual curry/rendang/satay (peanut gravy), but on second day it'll only be rendang and satay gravy as curry couldn't last very long.

First Day of Raya = 30th September or 1st October
Second Day of Raya = 1st October or 2nd October.

I will be going to Sibu on 3rd day of Raya and come back to Bintulu on the 4th day of Raya. The weekend of 4th/5th October I will be in Bintulu and guests are still welcomed, but only dry food will be served, or perhaps a plate or two of Mee HongKong or Mee Jawa, :).

Attached please find the map to my house.

Call or sms me at 012-877 8259 if you're coming!

(The idea of an "open house" is that it doesn't require an invitation!)

Snippets

2008-09-25T20:38:00.001+08:00

Me and (second) wife went shopping at eMart, in Miri, a few moments ago. We walked past a Chinese father and his daughter and she said, in Mandarin,

"Banyak Melayu ni beli jajan" (This Malay sure bought a lot of junk food)

***

When my (first) wife's Mandarin was still good, we would order coffee and sit in kopitiams in KL and Bintulu and she would hear comments like,

"What are they doing here"
or "Why does she cover herself like that"
or even "In kai se ta men yau se choo lo"

***

I speak to my (first) wife in Semenanjung Malay, with all the accents of a KL-ite, and Sarawakian natives would assume that I myself is a Peninsular Malay. Some would converse in Iban, or Melanau, or even Sarawakian Malay, to their colleagues, thinking that I wouldn't understand their dialects. When I retorted back in Melanau, or Iban, or Sarawakian Malay, they would be red-faced.

***

I do not claim to know what are the right ingredients to hold together a nation, that seems to be bursting at the seams of racial prejudice. I do not know whether Keynesian approach (government intervention) is appropriate, or is it better to leave things at sociological evolution.

But as a Muslim, or even as a responsible pragmatist liberalist, I believe that all things should be in moderation. No extremes should be allowed. Neither end of the spectrum is good for anyone.

***

Me......????????

2008-09-23T20:12:00.003+08:00

Ardy puasa tak baca blog kah? You've been tagged to post a topic." That was sms I received today. Sorry yea guys. When I buka the blog..... walamak.... my name....I've been tagged. Heroes tagged me on my birthday. It's a Malaysia day and the day PR should take over. So fed up with the current politics in Malaysia. Tooooo many actors playing their roles. For the past 45 years nobody care about 16 September except me ler. Suddenly 16 September is a hot date and I even received a birthday card from Prime Minister saying that I'm anak merdeka. He just pre signed the card maaa.... and his staff just type my name or at least give me Canon EOS 1D Mark III with Canon EF 28-300mm.

What did I get for my birthday?? Nothing.... BN still hold the gov. Malaysia still celebrate 31 August. My mom says, don't know what to give.... you have all the things that you need. Laptops, cameras, handphones...... hahahaha like that kah?

37 years of being Sarawakian. "Masih tinggal atas pokok ke" - that was the question i used to hear from across the sea (Laut China Selatan ler). Me, half Malay & half Melanau but looks like Chinese... Nearly know how to speak Foochow but only half way. Should marry Chinese girl huh..but in the end Malay girl pulak. hehehe....

I never thought that I will see you guys again after so many many many years. Thank you guy for being friends of mine...and you Mdm Ivy (hehehe) remember all the birth dates.

You know lah puasa time after eating lots lots of food, brain pun sleepy. Don't know what to think & write. (Yawning.......)

This is my new blog : here and photo here.

Who's next yea?????? Ivy....

Birthday Greetings for September

2008-09-23T10:50:00.007+08:00

Happy Birthday to all of you who are celebrating your birthday this month!

15 September - Simon Chan

16 September - Suhardy

Today - Sii Jing

Many happy returns of the day!

Petition to free RPK, Teresa and Tan

2008-09-23T00:07:00.001+08:00

Though 2 are out but RPK is still detained. Result of Online Petition is overwhelming.

'One Day'

2008-09-16T12:51:00.003+08:00

‘I have just been overhauled’. Opps .. Correction, ‘I have just been tagged’. William, some correction, I am 'Heroes' not 'Hero'...

It’s been quite sometime since my last post in our SHS blog and now thanks to MGB effort and creation of tagging among friends to start sharing whatever things in order to make our SHS blog lively again after being stagnant for a while.

As we could seen from the last post which was contributed by our lecturer friend, Joe and I was glad that he has finally registered as a contributor in this blog after so many ‘days’ and ‘months’ of his contribution by way of commenting in friends’ posts. Thanks again, MGB for your tagging thingy… but I noticed one of our frequent comments contributors, William has yet to registered as a contributor in our SHS blog, although he was among the very first batch whom were invited by the creator of our blog, Pat to become a contributor. Maybe ‘One Day’ he will registered, am I right William? ☺

The phrase of ‘One Day’ has been widely used by all of us irrespective in office, home and in any function, situation, condition etc that you could name.

- I must go to visit China ‘One Day’
- Son, I will buy you a car ‘One Day’
- I want to become a doctor ‘One Day’
- I think I will organize a gathering among our old friends ‘One Day’
- Don’t worry, we shall achieve it ‘One Day’
- Darling, we shall have our own house ‘One Day’

Everything, everywhere, everytime and everyone talked about ‘One Day’ but do we really know how much the influence or impact to those who received that ‘One Day’ promises from those who promised if undelivered? All of us would agree that talking is really very much easier than action. How to put our promises into action? That’s very much depend on individual and ones character & attitude are the main key factor whether the promises made will be materialized.

When we were a kid, our parents used to promise us this and that, and not all of them would be materialized. As a kid, the only way to release our frustration and disappointment was crying. When we grew up and be part of the contributors to our society development, the ‘One Day’ promises would still around although it’s from various sources. Sometimes we have to bear with it and keep telling ourselves don’t put so much hope on it as it might not be materialized. That’s an easy way of comforting ourselves and you may say it as an excuse too.

If we are the one who promised, kindly think and put ourselves in the shoe of the receiving parties and the consequences of breaking promises. I do agree that no one is perfect as a human being but don’t take this as an excuse to our undelivered of promises.

To our loved one, family, parents, brothers, sisters, closed friends, friends, colleague, clients, business associates etc, we must always remember of what promises we made to each of them and make sure we must delivered.

Friends, any promises you have been made and yet to delivered?

Whose next?? Hardy, you are next..

William says...

2008-09-16T12:44:00.000+08:00

I am not a contributor to this blog. To make thing easier, I post my story inside the comment.

I read the following story from a Chinese Dairy.

Three good friends A, B and C decided to build a house together. The gathered their capital, labour and skill and started to build a three bed rooms house. Beside the bedrooms which are all equal in size, there were lounge, verandah, toilet, bath, kitchen and car ports that were shared facilities. Once the house construction was completed, three of them moved in happily.

The population inside the house grew when the three friends started family. Problems started to arise due to the increasing family members and there were tension and conflict here and there. They decided to renovate the house to accommodate all the family members. The bedroom of A was extended while bedrooms for B and C was shrunk in order to accommodate family member of A.

Despite the renovation, the situation inside the house did not improve. Tensions and conflicts between family members become more frequent. A started to make some ruling that B and C have to obtain permission to use the shared facilities. The front lawn was converted to carports to house A's three Benzs. B and C old cars have to be parked along the street.

After fifty years, the house was aged. There were leaks here and there. The floors were cracking. In the pass, B and C were paying for the repair bill and also utilities bills. B and C cannot longer afford the repair.

B and C spoke to A asking his share of the repair. Instead of committing himself to the repair, A started to question the legitimately of B and C to reside in the house.

What do you think B and C shall do?

Hero you are tagged next.

As kid See It

2008-09-12T23:01:00.005+08:00

Chialat!

My throat choked with unspoken words. My head spun hurricane.

Mr Tee, why you tag on me when I am not even registered as a contributor in this blog? Why you tag on me when I am not even qualified as a blogger?

Asking me, a non-blogger to pen my thought is just like asking bloggers to live without computers or asking a stripper to dance with an evening gown.

Super Tulan!

Having said that, I am not gonna to disappoint you, my friend. Thanks for the friendship for remembering me.

Btw, thanks Heroes for inviting me to contribute to this blog. Now I am formally registered as a contributor. Give me five, heroes.

******

I don't normally go to a particular church due to various reasons. As such, sometimes I go in the morning and sometimes I attend evening mass. Like Mr Tee, I don't normally sit in the front row. “Is that right, Mr Tee?

On evening, as usual, I chose to sit at the back row whereby I can see outside view if I were to turn my head back. Half way during the mass, my boy pulled my hand and asked me to look outside as if he had something very important to tell me. I would normally ignored his request if he were to talk to me during the mass. But then, as curious as he was, he moved his mouth to my ear and whispered

“Papa, the dog outside there got a lot of chu chu.”

“Holy shit. How on earth that a dog can have a lot of penises?” I mumbled.

“You see, you see outside there” he cried out for me to turn my head back.

My friends, how many times do you have the chance to see a dog with a lot of penises? Would you not turn your head if you were to be my position?

Burning with curiosity. I turned my head and looked for the dog mentioned.

And I saw a BITCH!!

William, you are tagged.

Mr Tee's TALK

2008-09-10T00:45:00.002+08:00

Having a second thought after putting my comment under Hansac's Talk.

Since I have been tagged it is unfair for me to delay or get Hansac to choose another person.

Guess what...I grew up in a family where both parents read newspaper while doing the daily job. Being an innocence child, I condemn those unhygenic act. Days pass by and my younger brother also picked up this habit. He is more superior than my parents because he not only reads newspaper but books!!!

I for once tried it for the first time when I was in Form Six (just out of curiosity) and guess what.....I finished reading the whole day newspaper and the thing was still there, tucked in as n icely!!! I continued for a couple of times and the result was the same.

Somehow I can't recall when.......I discovered the inherited talent of mine. I do not only read newspaper and books but I SURF internet and reply emails and...BLOG when I am doing my toilet routine!!! Yahoooo! Nowadays, I can't poo if I don't read or type!

Joseph Sia...knock knock...u're tagged!

BTW, can I have a show of names for those who can read while in toilet?

Hansac's Talk

2008-09-09T05:44:00.003+08:00

I have always been a keen observer of culture and race, of religion and faith. When I was in Sacred Heart, I learned a little bit about Catholicism and to a certain extent, Protestantism. I learned to differentiate the cacophony of Foochow dialect and the structured Mandarin, without understanding either one language. I learned the values of acceptance and accomodation, as the La Salle brothers have respected my faith, and my Chinese friends has accepted me into their fold. I learned first-hand about schisms, in faith, in race, in culture, in a nation.

***

My family, and many other non-Chinese families in Sarawak, have been "infiltrated" by Chinese elements, for hundreds of years. The Kelabits and Kenyahs first received visitors from China 600 years ago. Those Orang Ulus does not look like Chinese merely due to coincidence!

My family received "subversive" Chinese elements fairly recently, maybe the last 100 years. But let me talk about recent additions.

My late father's first wife was a Chinese by the name of Sara Ho. Most of my brothers and sisters looked Chinese. My third brother, Ariffin, married a Chinese who was adopted at birth by a Malay family. He looked Chinese, his wife looked Chinese, and dang, does his five children look Chinese or what. And they have that Chinese "myth" with them, i.e. Chinese are clever people. It is hard to argue with this vis-a-vis Ariffin's daughters because the first daughter became the best SPM student in Sarawak in 2000 and now doing medicine in Ireland. The second daughter is now doing medicine in India, and the third daughter is doing medicine in Unimas. If that is not a testament to the superiority of the Chinese race, I do not know lah.

Even though I myself looked Chinese, I do not know whether I have Chinese blood in me. My mother's mother was a Melanau from Dalat, and my mother's father was an from Sumatera, Indonesia.

My second wife is half-Chinese, her mother is a Chinese adopted at birth by a Malay family. But my second wife learned Hokkien and Mandarin later in life and not through her mother, who doesn't speak Chinese at all.

***

It was common for Malay families in Sarawak to adopt Chinese babies. Then, it was not beneath a Chinese to handover his/her children to a Malay family.

My auntie, the late Usu Bi'ah, adopted two Chinese girls who are sisters (of the same father/mother, Aluyah and Zaiton). Aluyah and Zaiton's Chinese brothers and sisters regularly visit them during Hariraya in Sibu. Another auntie, Buk Ibot, adopted Umei and Jijah, both sisters too.

Throughout Sarawak this adoption phenomena is common. Who wouldn't want a fair and cute baby?

***

If you go to Miri Bazaar Ramadhan at Seberkas, you may see Chinese faces selling traditional Malay food, until you hear them speak. It is quite funny, actually, with Malays tendencies for halal food, and associating such halal-ness with the face of the sellers. That's why some of these sellers resorted to wearing tudung or having Quranic inscriptions at their stalls to indicate their religion, even though they don't usually wear tudung.

***

As far as being a Sarawakian goes, Chinese has always been part of the parcel. Maybe I speak from the point of view of a pseudo-immigrant myself, maybe I speak from a weak minority point of view, maybe I speak from the angle of someone who has spent quite a number of years in America and have seen discrimination and prejudices in its most raw form.

***

Do you find this post offensive?

Where Is The Crowd ?

2008-09-05T05:09:00.004+08:00

I do not know whether the traffic to our beloved blog is still maintaining at its peak or have much dwindled down. However, for sure...there has been much silent in the comments or putting up of sharing now when compared to a year ago especially nearing our 20th Reunion.

Even the most vocal commentor...Joe has been silent for few weeks already...may be his boss's boss is giving him extra pressure to handle some Hongkies..but now it should have settled as the boss's boss is no longer the Tourism Minister.

William is the next most vocal nowadays...great work with his photo blog...I like the scenery/events that he tooked. Commenting here and there !

Heroes is now too bored to handle his current work engagement also did not participate much...may be missing his Dalian frens.

Mr. Tee has just introduced us the Bittorrent but I still like the Foochow crash course....(I did laugh out very loud....)

Bravo to Sweet Ivy who still manage to put up a very interesting blog barely few weeks after her delivery...

Hansac as usual will come in to put great comments without favour or fear but straight through his mind...especially with his lots of ideas.

Pat is also very quiet now...but like the way he wrote about J in his latest blog...such a great way to appreciate a person...mungkinkah first touch ?

Ardy & Ted, mana you ? hilang macam Dato Ahmad ? Sii Jing, Dave & Mag...busy chasing dreams..

Oh..yes... WH...are your cannon balls still operational ? Miss the battle that few of us had last year where it hooked us day and night.

Even the shout box also now collecting dust...

Must get some butts moving...now...I would like to start another tag like the one we had but this round, is tagging to write sharing on our blog. Topic, anything interesting and I am sure everyone has a lot ideas/experiences/opinions to share even on your toilet bowl...

So, I tag Hansac first !

Do You Still Keep Your Report Card ?

2008-08-29T21:34:00.002+08:00

Badges...I do not have the full collection. Uniform...long became my foot cloth (but I remember my mum told me that my prefect maroon jacket have been given to my great uncle from China who happen to visit my parents way back in 1994, when I was in West Malaysia...). On cards/letters....may have misplaced especially those sensitive ones but my wife kept well those letters written from me (I think ladies are like that....keeping score and reflecting our soft parts)...haiz..

Oh...Yes, I have still have my report cards...the blue faded colour primary report card is already 30 years old and the green secondary colour is 24 years old...what a precious item and would not trade for a million ringgit (would you believe ?) kahkekeke...

Some of the information written inside the card is really enlightening to reflect...example...my weight was 50 pounds and height was 3 feet 11 inches when I was measured on 31/3/1978. By the time I left the primary school, I weighed 55 kgs and my height was 1.57m. But in the secondary school, such vital statistics were not recorded and proabably it was not important. Anyone can tell why they are not recorded ? (Anyway...my weight doubled up when I finished Form Six in 1990 but the height was 1.84m....luckily they did not measure my waist or other vital parts...hahaha...they may have discovered Zohan earlier...hahaha)

Interesting to note also the change of title of subject taught:

Primary vs Secondary
Ilmu Hisab - Matematik
Congak - ?
Tawarikh/Ilmu Alam - Geografi

Hey, I have also studied Jawi and got a C in Primary 6. ( A,B,C - Alif, Ba, Ta : correct kah...Hansac ?)
So, Ivy...are we equal for now ? :)

Where's your school badge?

2008-08-22T20:07:00.002+08:00

In my trip back to Sibu last October, I rummaged through my old "treasure closet" and digged out my most precious keepings - school days stuff. And amongst my "treasure" are my school badges, from primary to secondary.

The two at the top are my primary school badges at Sekolah Rendah St. Rita (it was not SRB or SRK back then, just SR). I cannot remember in which primary school year the badge changed from the one at the left to the one on the right, but the changed reflected the school's change into a non-missionary management (something like SHS' change after the LaSalle years). Oh yes, I was supposed to go to St.Mary's Primary School after kindy, but my father felt it would be "safer" to put me in an all-girls school.

The second badge is my prefect badge in Form 4 to Form 5 at SMB St. Elizabeth. Where's my badge in St.E from Form 1 to Form 3? Good question....my sister confiscated it from me and claimed that she should be the rightful owner to the badge as she is the one who passed it on to me (she's 6yrs my senior). I argued that I am the one who has been the keeper of the badge for the last 20 years....it's obvious who won the custody of the badge, although she denied taking it and claimed that I dropped it somewhere in my mum's house in Sibu (grrrr!). St. E's school badge is the hibiscus that is shown on the prefect badge.

Finally, there's the SHS prefect and school badge, and the name tag which I can't remember is for prefects or librarians. The red pengawas badge was given to me by SJ when he left Lower 6 for university.

I love my school badges, they help bring back vivid school days memories in a flash. And I'll find a way to wrestle back my right to the St.E badge from my sister, some day.

Where are your school badges.....

Let the Games Begins !

2008-08-08T16:07:00.007+08:00

It is here and we can enjoy the next 16 days on world's best in the summer sports....live from Beijing, China...

The preparation is into the last hour...

Tonight, everyone shall be very eager to watch the live telecast on the opening of the games at 8.08 pm 08s 8/8/08 (six eights)....hmm...just to give you the preview of the fireworks...on the well-known "Nest" stadium

In Remembrance: Frankie Jeffrey

2008-07-29T22:07:00.002+08:00

Today after I updated the SHS blog I clicked on Frankie's blog. I don't know what prompted me to do it - maybe I just suddenly remembered him.

Anyway, his sister had put up an entry on her blog on the first anniversary of his passing on. You can find it here.

........................................

The sadness of losing a dear friend still remains strong, tempered by the knowledge that he is now in God's bosom.

Welcome Isaac !

2008-07-29T21:54:00.003+08:00

A baby boy was born into the world this morning 2am at Sarawak GH. Mother Ivy and son both are healthy.

We are all waiting with long necks now....was relieved to receive a sms from her this afternoon (probably just woke up from sleep after heavy labour in the wee-wee hours).

Hope to have his cutie look soon...cheers

Discipline

2008-07-29T21:38:00.002+08:00

The other day, one of my friends was lamenting how strict the Chinese school that her daughter attend was. That got me thinking about my own time at SHS.

One of my most enduring memories of SHS was the good discipline its students had. Sure, there were still bad apples, but overall, the students were well behaved.

The La Salle brothers who used to govern the school played a big part in this. If you really think about it, Brother Albinus never really did cane a lot of people, but the threat of it was enough to make most people shudder and think twice about going against school rules.

This theory was proven true when, after Samuel Tan took over in 1987, discipline began to deteoriate rapidly.

There are advocates today of a non-violent way of disciplining students, and this group of people abhors the use of the cane. In fact, parents even confront teachers if their children get caned. During our time, if our parents ever got to know that Brother Albinus caned us, the assumption was that we have done something very wrong and we got another round of caning!

But I think a key difference about the way the La Salle brothers disciplined us was that they did it out of love, out of care and concern about our education and shaping us into persons of character. Discipline out of rage and hatred will only breed resentment or worse, hatred in return.

Ultimately, I believe for many of us the success that we have today is in no small part due to the discipline we gained when we were in SHS.

Girls Meet-up at Kenny Rogers

2008-07-12T14:39:00.006+08:00

The girls had a short meet-up at Kenny Rogers' outlet at The Spring yesterday evening (11th July). Ai Ping is in town, so I thought I'd use the opportunity to round up the '88 St.E girls in Kuching. There was supposed to be 7 of us....as I said, supposed to be. It ended up with just the four of us (well, 5 if we include Leh Ning's little Josephine who was camera shy).

The other few WANTED to come BADLY, but were just unable to escape from family committments at the last minute. Anyhow, I find comfort in the fact that they WANTED to come BADLY....heh heh heh, whether I'm making this part up or not, you decide!

11th July was Leh Ning's birthday, so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! She told us that yesterday evening was the first time she knew that Big Apple Donuts exists in Kuching....we almost asked her to seat at the next table.

Gr8Buds sms me as Ai Ping & I were settling down at Kenny Rogers asking how come the guys didn't get informed....specifically, he meant why Heroes didn't get informed about Ai Ping's presence in Kuching. Hai ya, I meant it as an evening for the '88 girls lah....still, I did say Ai Ping "is" in town, not "was". Heroes can always make it a productive weekend!

And girls, next time give lah more support ya!

SHS Alumni, Kuching Chapters - AGM

2008-07-12T03:16:00.002+08:00

I was at the height of giving my staff the piece of my mind yesterday....suddenly my handphone sings ' Hai Guo Tien Kong" by Beyond (Cantopop group) and I have to stop to answer the call.

It was a sweet reminder (earlier I have already received an email from Seo Kok Ing, the current president) from a lady, our Junior who is now working in KTS with Dr. Lim (who is also a SHS senior)...a reminder to me to attend the Alumni's AGM schedule on next coming Sunday...20/7/2008 at Tempayan, Crown Towers, Kuching.

I am however unable to confirm my attendance as I have another prior engagement in outstation that weekend though much I would like to mingle around. Thus, I have promised to inform all my friends who reside in Kuching about this important event and encourage them to participate.

So, folks in Kuching...please do give your undivided support by attending this important event.

Nation-building from Hansac

2008-07-01T10:28:00.005+08:00

I have one specific post that I have been cooking in my head for quite some time, and that is race relation in Malaysia as seen from a Sarawakian Malay perspective in the Foochow-dominated town of Sibu.

There is something about nation-building, about friendship, about you and me, about all of us, that I want to talk about, talk in the open, without fear, but with some prejudice and bias.

I will readily admit, at certain times in my life, I was a racist. Whether I still am, is something we can talk about.

But I am now in my 30s going to the big "four zero" in life, and my outlook towards reality and life in general and interpersonal relationship in particular has changed quite a bit.

Gone were the days when I was a fanatic Islamist.

Gone were the days where I believed in Malay supremacy ("ketuanan Melayu").

Gone were the days where I looked down on the beliefs of others.

And I do this not to curry favor from my non-Malay, non-Muslim friends.

I changed because I believe in the change.

I believe if I do not change, others will not change.

If I continue to be a racist, others will continue to be racists.

So I sat down with non-Muslims, non-Malay friends, and share the food they eat, drink from the same cup they do (of course in light of Hepatitis B and all, this may not be the in thing to do, :P), joined them in mock military combats, etc etc...

So what say you...

You ready for nation-building?

After Today

2008-06-30T19:57:00.006+08:00

After today 30th June, tomorrow is a brand new second half of 2008, that is 1st July
After today, we have run half of the year and definitely, we shall keep running till the final lap of 2008...hopeful for better results.
After today, half year performance review is up very soon...so do our own half year reflection.
After today, July is here and there are many friend's birthdays this month...just celebrated one in office just now. Also expecting to have another new born coming soon.
After today, our beloved blog is 881 days old.
After today, Ivy, Hansac and Heroes has not posted any blog for 80, 113 and 130 days respectively.
After today, I hope we all will start a better 2nd half of the 2008 season or continue the good run like the G.S (photo) running on white sandy beach facing a blue relaxing sea (what a wonderful place to be know...)

No Photo Allowed !

2008-06-22T21:19:00.003+08:00

Last Thursday, I have lunch with Ivy after so many months (may be 3 months now) since the last one we had with Heroes. This time, Mr. Tee joined us.

A quick catch up with each other after a while as everyone was busy on their daily chores even Ivy is much expecting now...but I was not allowed to take photo (I thought so....) as my subconscience told me not to ask her...so I can only describe her...hmmm still very much the same Ivy especially with her evergreen smile though her small belly is now much bigger.

Talking of catching up with friends, it deepens on oneself whether how the person wanted to be in touch. The feeling must be of vice versa. We can have simple quick meet up or a long chat over dinner or even few drinks at our favourites cafe...the simple act is by just calling up and making appointments.

BTW, just to inform all... I have also bump into Ah Bart, our 2009 Reunion Chairman who was on the same flight to and fro Sibu on the last 17th. He did mentioned about the Reunion 2009 on the way back and hinting that the committee will need to regroup by October or so. Much I would like to join but sadly, I have also told him that I will be away for new year holiday this time round...but can ask Mr. Tee. Heroes, Joe and others to take some greater part of the organising actions.

John Fam and the rest whom had pledged to attend 2009 after they have failed to make it to 2008, please ensure your airticket is already purchase especially taking the opportunity from the price war between MAS and AirAsia.... Dun know what day the reunion ? Simple rule of thumb...it is still going to be on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year ! When is the CNY 2009 ? Frankly..I also dun know...anyone care to advise ?

I believe it will be another great reunion and better than 2008 as like the wines...our relationship will become greater as the time passes...

Impromptu Gathering in KL

2008-06-11T23:35:00.005+08:00

At about 4 pm today, I got an sms from Eng Soon that Mr T is in town, shall we meet up with him. We agreed to meet him at Midvalley. Stephen & Eric, who were supposed to be playing snooker :) decided to join us in the end.

So we had an impromptu gathering at Nyonya Colours in Midvalley. We talked about everything under the sun - the current political situation, Justice Chia's allegations, Dr Chua's bedroom powers (!), friends updates, Sarawak happenings, Eric's love life (or lack of it!), the high oil price, old school love stories (!!), the state of public transport, etc. In the end we stayed until the shop was ready to close :)

We agreed to meet again during the weekend (unfortunately without Mr T who is going back to Kuching on Friday).

All in all it was a really good catch up session. Thanks, guys!

512 Quake In China

2008-06-02T20:21:00.005+08:00

Over 70,000 people had perished in this 7.9 ricther magnitude and over 500,000 people injured and millions were evacuated ! Many thousands more still trap...(never thought it was so bad till few days ago....I hope they will be saved soon...)

I have just had my parabolic transferred from my old house and now watching the 512 Artistes event performed by all HK/China artistes to collect donations for the disaster rescue activities...they are indeed great and loving group of people bringing hope to people in Sichuan and sharing love of over 1.3 billion in China. These top wellknown artistes really motivate the whole country through their songs. I believe many if not everyone in this world have known this disaster and again love has proven itself to be the everlasting strength that human has...

Further, I am very touch after reading many emails with pictorial messages sent by few friends about the recuers, survivors and people (unsung heroes) around giving love without conditions. Many teachers or parents died in protecting their children...one young lady even managed to breastfed her baby before dying having using her body to withhold the wieght of rumbles from crushing her baby (this was discovered as a small note was left beside the baby when the rescuer rescued the baby).

Like Andy Lau, the HK singer said...only time will heal this dramatic disaster and Jackie Chan shared that he has never seen a unity force so strong of over 1.3 billion people in one unison...when the whole country stopped for 3 minutes mourning over the disaster with everyone pressing their vehicles/vessels etc horns !

I must congratulate these HK/China artistes for their great act as the promotion of this event really move a lot of their fans/people as they are icons to millions at least to this part of the globe ! And also to the TV stations/companies over in HK/China, they have done a great job of sharing the news and promoting love and support from everyone through such programmes.

We must re-learn from these examples, the act of self sacrifice and love for everyone..not only our family but our neighbour, people on the street, in our community...

From Malaysia, from my own place...we can offer prayers or donate through local non-government organisations....at least to connect our love to those who had suffered so much through this event. May people in Sichuan will stand up stronger than before and move on to rebuild their life and cities. Amen.

School Holiday is here again

2008-05-27T22:40:00.005+08:00

Many of us (including myself) may now be going through 2nd cycle of school holiday in our life but this time is with our kids. Yes, the school is on 2 week holidays or Semester Break. As my wife and I are working, we just send our kids to playschool. They will play from morning till evening but under the care of their teacher whereby they will also be given 1 hour tuition.

During old times, this period of time is the best of life....no need to study ! I will wake up early and go from morning (after my dad goes to work at 7.00 a.m) till night time...just before my dad came home at 6pm.

Last Sunday, I saw in the neighbourhood, people flying kites. I recall the time I used to make my own kites and making "kaca" for "kite war". Flying kites has season same to other games like guli, coins or "zero point", fish rearing especially on "fighting" fish, fishing from longkau (getting those lehus...the stream is very clear and clean unlike today when I go back to those longkaus...it is horrible, I must admit, couldn't believe I have once bare myself there...hehehe) etc. Umm, that was more towards during my primary school time...

When coming to Secondary school...lower form to be exact, I like to venture out on my bicycle with friends to unknown places or to end of road, having picnic or swimming (swimming stops after the afternoon incident....(sigh)... if not I could be the next national champ) and of course beside spending time in public library reading Hang Tuah, Jebat, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys etc. We also have bicycle racing among us from school gate to greai kampua in Tiong Hua Road, near towards Louis' house.

In the upper form, movie, mahjong, chess, lepaking at friend's house became my favourite past time. On yes..this is also the time, we have upgraded ourself from "bic" to "bike" racing..speeding on the road....vroooom...hehehe "amateur mat rempit" of Jalan Oya...with Chee Kiong, Okui, Anthony, Ah Chai and Chung (btw Heroes, normally grab us from behind...as he has no B license..mahh). Our race track is from SHS from gate to Heroes' house...apprx..1.5 km. Most of the time...Chee Kiong is champion, what to do...he has a Suzuki 110cc ! (I am on Yamaha-88, the rest are on Honda 90).

School holiday is also a time for making extra pocket money where I work part time making bicycle bags, paper bags or working in woodworking industries with my dad and grandpa. It is a love and hate situation :)

Hmm, from the sharing, I do not think my kids will go through the similar playing route like what I have gone through...may be it is because of my own protection or worries about high risks exposure when compare to our time ? or their preference has been influence by the world of TV or friends around with new gadgets as different to our time whereby limitation of TV programme like cartoon, I have to wait for TV 1 or 2 to screen once a while...somemore in black and white in the early days. Today, my son has more DVD cartoon of nearly every series for Power Ranger, Ultraman etc.

Next week, I am sending them back to their grandparents for a week holiday and in hope of opening their eyes to more learning...it is a win-win situation..hehehe..I also will get a week holiday mah ...

Make Some Noise !

2008-05-20T13:38:00.004+08:00

This photograph is a courtesy from Sarawak Tourism Board...showing a Dayak family in preparation for the "grandest" mid year celebration...just another 10 days away...

I used to visit longhouses during Gawai celebration and the atmosphere is fantastic with good food, "tuak", great natural music and ngajat dancing with girls. The overnight visitation also include jungle trekking and site visit to their farm, sungai and the resting places. I think the last of such visitation was way back to 1990, just before leaving SHS...

Nowadays , I have only visited Dayak friends within city boundary...a different environment of course.

Pak Ted, any special trip can be arranged ?

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T16:57:00.002+08:00

Mommy, I love you

For all that you do.

I'll kiss you and hug you

'Cause you love me, too.
You feed me and need me

To teach you to play,

So smile 'cause I love you

On this Mother's Day.

To my lovely friends who is mother, or mother to be, Happy Mother's Day...your love for us is deeply appreciated and without which most of us will not be able to as good as today...

Extra Curricular Activities

2008-04-22T22:50:00.003+08:00

During our school days, one of the avenues of making new friends apart from those in your own classes is the so-called co-curricular activities.

For myself, there was only ever one club that I REALLY wanted to join, and that was the Computer Club. But more on that later :)

There are basically two types of activities we could join then, sports, or clubs and societies.

A "kaki bangku" like me could never really be good at any games or athletics, but I still remember Bro. Albinus trying out the entire Form for rugby when I was in Form 2. So, there I was, weighing a paltry 45 kg trying to run with a rugby ball and passing it to the guy beside me. It came as no surprise that I did not make the shortlist :P

Nevertheless, I still managed to join the cross country and the 1500 m when in Form 2. I think the route we used to take for the cross country is now covered with houses and shops.

On the clubs and societies side, the big three then were the Red Crescent, Scouts and Junior Jaycees. There were numerous smaller ones like Kelab Lukisan, Kelab Fotografi, YCS, Legion of Mary, Chinese Society, Kelab Puteri, Kelab Catur, etc. From I saw during my last visit to the school a few years ago, most of these clubs still exist to this day.

So, anyway, back to my story of the Computer Club. I was aware of the club since Form 1, back then the computer room was situated in a room next to the SHS Primary School canteen. I used to hang around outside, just hoping to catch a glimpse of what's inside whenever someone opens the door.

The club was originally open only to those in Form 4 and above, but in 1986 me and Stephen Chung made an appeal to Mr. Ong Chin Kim to let us in, and all credit to him, he did! The Form 4 boys (Alex Sim and gang) were very surprised at this, but nevertheless welcomed us with open arms. After the SRP exams, Mr. Ong agreed to let me and Stephen run a series of classes for our peers while waiting for our results. I still remember some of the members of that gang - Paul Ting, Ngieng Sii Jing, Wong Yii Chiong, Kong Lieng Tee, Frankie Jeffrey, Eng Kia Hock. Apart from learning about Basic, DBase II and Wordstar, we were also exposed to the pleasures of Fruity Frank, Commando and Bomb Jack on the Amstrad.

The exposure I had during the three years I was in the club greatly influenced me, and today, I still do not wish to be anywhere else except in the IT industry.

Which, of course, made me a natural target of being asked to set up a website/blog for our alumni. But that is a story for another day :)

Young & Sweet, yes we were (and still are!)

2008-04-11T20:50:00.005+08:00

This was the Girls' Club trip to Bintulu. There were only 9 of us from Form 6, with Mary Wong's 2 younger sisters (Theresa and Jenny) tagging along. Don't know why only so few participated, and how come we went ahead with the trip although the number was so small. But we had GREAT fun!

Inter-class Basketball Competition

2008-04-11T20:15:00.002+08:00

I remember I was at the basketball court just to jump up and down and scream my lungs out to support our class....so short, tak kan lah you expect me to play.