Dad's 4th Anniversary

Today is the 4th anniversary of my Dad's passing. Time really flies come to think of it. This year, we are marking the occasion by simply having a vegetarian meal that my Mum cooked last night. I believe my cousin Kiat Ken in London will be having a drink in honour of my Dad as he does every year, from a bottle of either cognac or whiskey that my Dad gave him some years ago.

 

Come this time of year, I will be reminded of my Dad's teaching of having to maintain family ties and kinship as well as to keep traditions alive. Very apt indeed as Chinese New Year approaches.

 

Here's a photo taken during our last holiday together in Phnom Penh to celebrate his 68th birthday.

 

 

Photo shot in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Dad's 3rd Anniversary

Today mark's the 3rd anniversa-ry of my dad's passing. How time flies. It doesn't seem that long ago that dad got sick and succumbed to the side effects of treatment a few months later.

 

This photo was taken on our last holiday together. We made a trip to Phnom Penh to have a look-see and to visit my friends Eileen and Richard. And here we are having a drink at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

 

I always have a chuckle when I think of what dad would have said whenever I find myself in amusing situations. My family and relatives remember his compassion and patience. I unfortunately have not inherited nor nurtured the patience he possessed. Maybe in time. Every now and then, dad appears in my dreams and gives me some instructions, which I then relate to my family. Well, think I better go clean those pipes of his ..........

 

 

Mum, Dad and I at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

At The Right Place At The Right Time

My good friends Eileen and Richard are relocating to Yangon from Phnom Penh. After a couple of years in the Cambodian capital, a new challenge beckons for the both of them, an opportunity that was too good to pass on. So to the land of Aung San Suu Kyi they head.

It must be an exciting time to make this move. Recent political developments signal a gradual return to the international stage for Myanmar and being in the midst of it all will be an experience of a lifetime. A case of being at the right place at the right time.

So all the best Eileen and Richard. I now have an excuse to visit Myanmar sooner rather than later. Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, places that I'd like to see. The Road To Mandalay, an experience I want to save up for.

Eileen, Richard and I at Echo Beach in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia.

Travel

Travel is such a luxury. I don't mean staying at high end hotels and eating at posh restaurants. The ability to take time off work and go on a trip is luxury enough in itself. As cliched as it may sound, travel really broadens one's horizon.

I am fortunate to have travelled a fair bit since a young age and the travel bug has not abated. There are still many corners of the world to visit, and still much, much more to experience.

My mum is a great ally when it comes to holidays. She is the perfect person to leave all the research to when we plan family trips. She's already working on one for the end of the year. My cousin Lynette has also invited me on a trip to mark a milestone next year. A milestone for her, an enlightening sojourn for me. Time to save up!

Photo of mum with our trusted Lonely Planet guide at the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Discipline

I am disciplined in many areas of my life but exercise is not one of them. I am not one of those who get a high after working out at the gym. In fact, I have to force myself to hit the gym at least twice a week. Swimming is a bit easier, likely due to the fact that I have been swimming all my life, and because I can work on my tan haha! So I pair the gym sessions with 2 swims a week.

I seem to be a bit more motivated after my recent Bali trip. Having eaten like a glutton while on holiday, it's time to get back into shape. An impending holiday is also a motivational factor - I plan to hit a number of beaches. The vanity in me insists that I look reasonably fit when I do so. So much to achieve, so little time.

I just went for a 30-lap swim during lunch. But alas, promptly had pizza for lunch after that. My superfit friend Eileen, if she were in KL, would have given me a slap. Fortunately, she's thousands of miles away in Cambodia but am sure I'll get an earful via Facebook. For now, it's back to work, need to close some deals for some pocket money on next holiday!

Photo of pool and breakfast pavilion at Ubud Inn in Bali, Indonesia.

Kindness And Compassion

I have returned to work. The demanding and impatient self is back. Those who work with me seem to think so too. I suppose that is a good sign.

I've been receiving many thoughtful messages via sms, Facebook and email. It is much appreciated and I try to respond personally to each and every one. The ones that stand out in particular, are those from my dad's friends and ex-colleagues, from near and far. A fellow patient even. They speak of how he had touched their lives, in different ways, but in his own inimitable style. The recurring sentiments? Humility, kindness and compassion. I hope to learn a thing or two.

As my mum, sister and I reflect on the past few months leading up to my dad's passing, we have come to realise that there were many coincidences that only now make sense. Like my father, I truly believe in fate and the hand that it deals. Que sera, sera. What we have are wonderful memories to remember him by.

Photo of my dad, mum and I having tea at Hotel Le Royal, during our last holiday together with my father in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Life Goes On

It's almost a week since my father's passing. The past few days have flown by as we went about fulfilling my dad's final wishes. We now have to sort out his personal affairs and continue to inform his friends who we missed out on earlier. You see, there was no obituary in the papers. My dad was a simple person and requested that there be no fanfare.

One thing is for sure, life goes on. Yes, there are instances where certain memories are triggered and we can have a laugh, perhaps shed a tear. It's all part of celebrating the life that my dad led.

The photo was taken during the last holiday that I went on with my dad. It was a trip to celebrate his 68th birthday last June. Always a wonderful memory it will be.

Photo shot at Villa Langka in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Taking Chances

I am a practical person by nature. I very much rely on common sense. It's a good thing and it has served me well. But there are times, when common sense goes out the window and one has to go with gut-feel. Although at polar opposites, I trust my instincts too. The trick is to find a fine balance between the two.

The same applies to taking chances. I take calculated risks after much thought and consideration. However, to truly live life, I believe sometimes, one has to take chances, one has to do what one has to do, even if it goes against the grain. No venture, no gain I suppose. It is easier said than done though, and I am always mindful that fate has its own way of influencing the outcome of one's life. So, I keep a lookout for signs, little things that give me a nudge and make me take notice of what's possible.

We are a few days into the new year and I have decided to dedicate this year to taking chances. We'll see what life has in store for me.

Photo of fried tarantula which I did try when in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Last One Please

I am bummed that another friend has taken ill. The count over the past 2 months - 1 family member, 1 acquaintance and 1 friend.

Notice some of my recent posts on keeping healthy and embracing life? One can't help but be adversely affected to a certain extent when close ones are dealt a life-threatening blow. The only recourse though is to trust the doctors, believe in the medication, a change in diet, rest, maintain a positive attitude and have faith.

On the personal front, I've given up my favourite drink, ditched certain types of food and have gone organic in others. Weekly swims continue, sessions at the gym are now more regular and am trying extremely hard not to let the stress get to me. And of course, take everything in stride. C'est la vie.

Photo shot at Spa Bliss in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Prayers

I have a reputation of being long-winded when praying at temples. Just ask my travel companions and most of them will tell you so. When on travels, I make it a point to stop by a temple if there is one in the vicinity. I also forewarn those traveling with me for the first time that it will take quite awhile; those who know of this trait of mine just wander off and have a look-see until I am done. I try not to take too long but I guess when one is praying, one has to be sincere. I also have a lot to ask for!

I don’t face such time constraints when in KL. I normally visit Thean Hou Temple on my own, and I am often done in half an hour. Wesak Day and Chinese New Year are exceptions. The throngs of crowd aside, there is much to pray for and many deities to pray to. The sense of spirituality amongst the worshippers gives rise to a sense of hope and well-being.

Incidentally, I also see no harm praying at any other house of worship. I have no qualms stepping into a church, mosque or Hindu temple to offer a silent prayer when the opportunity presents itself. I believe in the universal faith.


Photo of the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Escapism

I like to stay at small boutique hotels when I travel. More often than not, they have character. Some are weather-worn, some have been refurbished and re-designed with a new, contemporary aesthetic while others have retained their original features despite having gone through a bit of sprucing up.

Travel magazines such as Travel & Leisure South East Asia and Destinasian as well as my trusty Lonely Planet guides are references from which I choose which property to stay at. Good reviews aside, I also place my decision on price and location. A relatively affordable and centrally-located hotel normally gets my vote. When I arrive, I revel in the good, overlook the lacklustre, kick back and chill.

Just thinking about such a possibility is a nice form of escapism.


Photo of room at Villa Langka in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Buzz

These 2 gowns have been generating quite a bit of buzz lately for That Special Occasion. Designed by my colleague Louisa, they were specially created for the launch of The Wedding Planners in Cambodia earlier this month. I gave her a free hand. My only criteria were that they should make an impression on our potential clients in Phnom Penh where the launch was held, reflect the deft touches of her Parisian training and showcase the simplicity and sophistication expected of a That Special Occasion gown. Such benchmarks I felt would then make it easier for The Wedding Planners to market our services to their potentially high-end Cambodian clientele.

Having not been at the event personally, I rely on feedback from my fellow industry colleagues who made the trip there, and all have been positive. Apparently, both Louisa and the gowns received rave reviews from the Cambodian guests and media alike. Now back in Kuala Lumpur, the gowns have also drawn admirable glances from brides-to-be who visit our design studio.

I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Louisa met the challenge I entrusted her with much success. I hope that these designs will adorn some of our local brides soon.

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Yap Wedding Photography.