Merdeka 2016

What a great way to celebrate Merdeka, with good friends over an indulgent lunch followed by chit-chat over coffee. The original plan was to go for a walk in the morning prior, but that of course did not come to fruition. 

Sharing a meal and banter with friends on Independence Day has much meaning, particularly so when these are friends whom I first got to know during early childhood, in primary school in fact. Those were the days when our outlook in life was shaped, where we did not pay too much attention to our ethnicities, a trait I would like to think many of us still carry with us.

As we embark on a another year in our nation's journey, here's to peace, harmony, equality and happiness to all Malaysia! 

Lunch at Jaipur Curry House in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Catch Up In Hong Kong

I was recently in Hong Kong for my cousin's wedding. I made it a point to arrive a day earlier from Kuala Lumpur before other members of my family so that I would have some time to catch up with a few friends, two Malaysians who live in Hong Kong and two locals. 

I have always been one to realise the importance of nurturing friendships and keeping in touch, and whilst our busy lives may prove challenging to do so, a little effort and proper time management help. Some forward planning - locking down dates and times to meet ahead of my trip - made it possible to catch up over a meal. Food aside, the highlight is certainly the conversation. Updates on the latest changes in our lives, personal revelations and the like, you get my drift. 

In the age of connectivity via social media, such gatherings in person are catalysts for maintaining the momentum online. The trick is to find a few minutes here and a couple of minutes there of free time, to just send a short message to say hi. We can then take it from there.

Mong Kok MTR in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Glasses Raised

I don't drink but this is a happy photo. It represents friends whom I have gotten to know over the past few years, who congregate every year just before Chinese New Year to celebrate the kinship and camaraderie that have been nurtured over time.

 

Mostly from the Klang Valley, but some from interstate and others from abroad, we make it a point to be present. Plans are set afoot early, venue booked, invites are sent out, travel arrangements are made for some and RSVPs collated. Kudos and appreciation go out to the organisers who despite their busy schedules, put time aside to ensure a memorable evening.

 

With many glasses raised, the well wishes that reverberated throughout the night will surely ensure a happy year ahead.

 

 

Annual reunion dinner, for 2016 at Oriental Viva, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Childhood Buddies

This year has seen me spending more time with my friends from primary school. Having kept in touch on social media, we are meeting more often in person, and for a good cause too - exercise.

 

Morning and evening walks from time to time when the weather permits, have enabled us not only to stay fit but also to rekindle friendships that were nurtured when we were kids. It is one thing to say "let's meet up for a walk and another to actually do so". It takes motivation and a conscientious effort to cajole each other to participate.

 

Meaningful conversations during the walks and meals after have given us the opportunity to carry on from where we left off decades ago. In a way, our friendships have taken on a new perspective. There is a sense of appreciation, a stronger camaraderie. A purpose to understand each other better and further enhance the relationships that have been rekindled.

 

 

With Shah, Ranjit, Yee Li, Sharon and Wendy in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mooncake Festival At The Wongs

During the recent Mooncake Festival celebra-tion with the extended Wong family, my aunts and uncles invited their former neighbour during their time living at Eberwein Road in Kuala Lumpur in the 1950s, over to dinner. I believe they used to hang out as teenagers and now decades later, it is good to see the rekindling of such a friendship.

As time passes and as we age, we tend to value relationships much more. Be it with loved ones or good friends, we tend to make more of an effort to keep in touch and spend time together.

Perhaps it is because we reminisce more often as we grow older.


Family and friends during dinner in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Weekend Catch Up

My cousins Siew Yoong and Kiat Ken were in town last weekend for the mooncake festival. Despite it being a whirlwind visit, we did manage to spend time together, much of it catching up over meals.

 

Having grown up together in PJ as kids, there isn't a need to do any sightseeing when they visit. The plan is always to indulge in as much food as we can. Case in point, having arrived from the airport close to 11pm, we headed straight to Kepong for a midnight Bak Kut Teh supper.

 

Here's a photo of the 3 of us, happy to be together, happier to be sharing a wonderful meal.

 

 

Photo shot at Restoran Ka Ka in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Reunion Trip To Bali

In recent years, my close friends from boarding school and university have tried to vacation together once a year. A couple of years ago we were in Kota Kinabalu, last year we returned to Adelaide where we first met, and a few weeks back we were in Bali.

 

Having been friends for more than 25 years, we have become accustomed to our various habits as well as idiosyncrasies and traveling as a group is pretty much a well-coordinated affair. Of course we now have 2 teenagers and 2 kids in the group too, which requires some compromise, but good friends will often make the necessary adjustments.

 

Spending a few days together on holiday always cements the friendships that we have nurtured over the years. It gives us the opportunity to talk and hangout without the distractions of work and our busy daily lives. It is also a testament to the strength of our relationships that individuals from Petaling Jaya, Penang and Hong Kong can commit to time off, converge in Kuala Lumpur and then head to Bali together. Here's to more holidays in the years to come.

 

 

After dinner at Bebek Bengil in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

The Unexpected

Two wake-up calls in three days. On Tuesday, while relaxing by the pool on a public holiday, I received a message informing that a classmate of mine had passed on suddenly from a heart attack. Then yesterday came the devastating news that Malaysia Airlines MH17 enroute from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down in the Ukraine/Russia conflict zone, with all onboard perishing.

 

If there is a lesson to be learnt from both incidents, it is that the unexpected is very much a part of life. It makes us realise that life can be fragile, and that our journey is perhaps one that is linked to a life that we are destined to live. Indeed, we ought to love and appreciate those closest to us, we ought to live each day as it comes, making each day count, we ought to be open to new experiences, and be willing to take chances, we ought to have a positive outlook, be unafraid of getting hurt, we ought to take steps that we have always aspired to take but have yet to do so, we ought not to delay doing things that we can do today, instead of waiting for tomorrow. We ought to travel and see the world.

 

In times as such when we feel burdened by the sense of senseless loss, we are reminded to seize the day, carpe diem.

 

 

Photo shot in Bali, Indonesia.

Elaine's 40th

It's been a whirlwind of celebrations for my family of late, the most recent being cousin Elaine's birthday. Apparently turning 40 is a big deal in Australia, and Elaine made the decision to return from Adelaide to Malaysia to celebrate with the extended family. To paraphrase her, the intention was to mark this milestone in her life with the people who have been instrumental in her journey of the past 4 decades.

 

So with Dave, Nate and Matthew, as well as Lynette, Auntie Mary and Mel by her side, Elaine welcomed family and close friends at The Ming Room at Bangsar Shopping Centre for a luncheon to celebrate the occasion. It was also an opportunity to catch up with the extended family, as it is never easy to see everyone on a personal basis during such short visits back to KL. Well, a couple of weeks is not exactly short, but when there is so much to do, see and eat, and considering that we come from a rather large family, meeting almost everyone at one location, what more during a celebration, is the perfect scenario.

 

The highlight of the event was certainly Elaine's speech. Touching and genuine, she made it a point to relate how each and everyone of us, in one way or another, have been part of her journey in life. There were some teary eyes in the room, and most importantly a sense of family. So, as you embark on a new decade Elaine, here's to more fulfilling encounters to come.

 

 

Dave, Elaine, Nate and Matthew at The Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rekindled Friendship

Some of my friends from South Australia were in town for a holiday recently. I was given notice of their impending trip months ago and I had blocked my calendar so that I could catch up with them. When one is given sufficient notice, all it takes is a little bit of effort to put aside some time.

 

I hadn't seen Paul Pearce since our time in boarding school at Immanuel College in Adelaide. Suffice to say it's been a while. He's now a father of two, so go figure. In any case, it was a wonderful experience meeting Paul, his family and their friends who were travelling in a group. Re-living memories and creating new ones have undoubtedly rekindled our friendship. Add to that, new friendships with the rest of the entourage, and the little effort has certainly been rewarding.

 

Our time together enjoying Malaysian cuisine, introducing them to our way of life here and having many laughs over the past and present, was certainly time well spent.

 

 

Having dim sum at The Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



Catch Up In Bangkok

My late father was employed at the same company all his life. Starting out as an office boy after Form 5, he left as the CEO of Bangkok Bank Kuala Lumpur after 41 years of service. That I believe is the epitome of loyalty and commitment. Through-out the years, we met many of his Thai colleagues who were posted to Kuala Lumpur. Of the many, we've only kept in touch with Khun Chatjai who was here during the last few years of dad's tenure at the bank. Now retired and back in Bangkok, we try to catch up whenever we are on holiday there.

 

I last had lunch with Khun Chatjai 2 years ago, with my sister to be exact, when we were in Bangkok celebrating my cousin Siew Yoong's birthday. This time round, a couple of weeks back actually, Mum and I met up with Khun Chatjai and his wife, Auntie Polly, over afternoon tea. Mum hadn't seen them in many years and it was a somewhat emotional yet happy meeting.

 

Keeping in contact with my dad's friends is a way of remembering him. We reminisce about our time spent together but most importantly catch up on the latest and what the future may hold. Such meetings, though short, remind us of the value of friendship and the necessary effort to nurture and maintain such bonds.

 

 

With Khun Chatjai, Auntie Polly, Mum and my dad's sisters, Aunties Anne and Mary at Dean & Deluca in Bangkok, Thailand.

Janet Lee @ Rama V

My friend and industry colleague Janet was performing at Rama V in celebration of Songkran and I was privileged to be invited by the team at the latter to sample their Songkran menu as well as enjoy the show. I invited a few friends along for the evening just to have a night out and free our minds from work.

 

Being in the line of work that we are in - weddings - can at times be stressful. Although a 'happy industry', one often needs to tread carefully. A wedding is a milestone in a couple's lives and most would want it as perfect as can be. We try to deliver but it is not always a bed of roses. Emotions can run high and stress levels can rise.

 

When an opportunity arises for us to just chill and relax over a nice dinner and music, we appreciate it. An evening with good friends is just the right tonic to help us clear our heads and reinvigorate our spirits. Thanks again Andre and Hazel for the invites!

 

 

Photo of ZZ Lim, Janet, Veralyne ,Tjun Hong, Leticia and I, shot at the entrance of Rama V in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Keeping The Faith

Every Chinese New Year, I make it a point to head to Thean Hou Temple for prayers. For me, it is akin to starting the new year on a good footing, to give thanks for all the good of the past year, and to seek guidance for the year ahead.

 

I always leave with renewed faith after such prayers. Such a renewal puts me in a good frame of mind, work-wise and in my personal outlook in life. Admittedly, there will be challenges ahead, but optimism, enthusiasm and relentless faith are allies that will hold me in good stead.

 

We're now a few weeks into the lunar new year and so far things are looking rosy. Here's to even greater success in the months ahead.

 

 

Photo shot at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Chinese New Year Reunion Dinners

Chinese New Year reunion dinners were once family affairs traditionally but am glad that such dinners now encompass friends and colleagues as well. There is an air of festivity when friends and colleagues get together for a reunion meal as a prelude to the ones we have with our extended families. They set the stage for the upcoming celebrations and get us into the Chinese New Year mood.

 

I have been fortunate to have been invited to numerous reunion dinners in the lead up to the Year of the Snake. Good food and great company make one appreciate the relationships we have with one another and provide us with a sense of belonging.

 

May the Year of the Snake bring us success in all aspects of life, and most importantly remind us to cherish the family and friends that make our lives so meaningful.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Lim Han San, shot at Oversea Restaurant, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Doing Something Well

I always believe that if one takes on a task or project, one ought to do it well. At the end of last year, That Special Occasion took in an intern for a three-month stint. It is our second time taking on the role of a mentor of sorts and my team and I take the responsibility seriously.

Those who are familiar with my working style would translate that to mean some stress and pressure for the intern. I would admit that it is not a walk in the park. And it shouldn't be. When one comes to learn, then one should be willing to go the extra mile. In the short period of time with us, my team and I try to impart as much knowledge as possible to the intern, and if that means a bit of stress, well so be it.

 

I keep reminding Huei Woon that she should aspire to be the best intern among her peers, and to be the one who obtains the best internship experience. So we give her as much variety of work as we can, and we sometimes even throw her into the deep end with impromptu projects and skill-tests. She will thank us for the stress come the end of her tenure with us.

 

 

Huei Woon designing a top for my colleague, Auntie Linda at That Special Occasion, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

H&M

H&M has finally hit our shores. I was privileged to be invited to the VIP Opening Night last Thursday and am pleased with the outcome of my shopping spree. I was disciplined and didn't go overboard. Still, I was extremely happy with my purchases.

After passing through registration, enjoying canapes and a cocktail, it was time to hit the men's floor. A couple of fittings later, I checked out with a jacket, a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts and two t-shirts, with a 20% discount to boot. I could have easily bought more but didn't want to go over budget. There's always the chance for future visits.

I first got a taste of H&M in Seoul and then later in Hong Kong. Their apparel fit me well and most importantly speak to me in terms of design. More will make it into my wardrobe no doubt.

H&M's storefront in Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Veralyne Ng.

Passion

When embarking on a new venture, passion is what keeps the dream alive. For those who have ventured down this road, starting a new business from scratch is a mighty challenge indeed.

Working within the constraints of a budget and keeping to it, looming and sometimes missed deadlines, long hours and the resultant lack of sleep. We are only scratching the surface, the list goes on believe me.

What keeps every budding entrepreneur going is passion. Undaunted by little obstacles that we come face to face with every now and again, we trudge on. We learn from our mistakes and hopefully do not repeat them. We surround ourselves with like-minded people so that we get motivated and in turn motivate others. The trick really is to keep the faith.

With my friends Ee Leng and Khaw at their months old restaurant, The Elk in Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

70th Birthday

My godfather celebrated his 70th birthday in Adelaide earlier this month. Being such a milestone, I hosted a birthday dinner for him when he was here on holiday in May, a little celebration in advance.

Both my godparents are now globetrotters, having finally retired from work a couple of years ago. They drop by KL every now and then whenever they pass through enroute to Europe or the US. Their short visits are always packed with 'makan' sessions as they try to sample as much of their favourite foods as possible.

Wonder when the next email will come, announcing their impending arrival.

Photo shot at The Han Room, The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur.

Breather

I was having a truly busy day, back to back appointments at That Special Occasion, reviewing layouts for Journeys For Two 2012, discussing write-ups for The Hiplist 2012. Add to that scouring for fabrics on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and a hectic day it certainly was.

Fortunately, I am one who knows how to steal a bit of time to recoup. You see, we were to be having a birthday cum farewell dinner later in the evening for one of my part-time team members, Kar Yik, who is relocating to Hong Kong for work. Another colleague of mine had ordered a cake and had entrusted me to pick it up on the way back to the office from fabric shopping. So to Bisou at Bangsar Village I headed. And whilst there, I thought it would be nice to order a heartwarming, hot soya, enjoy a cupcake, and take a half hour breather.

That's one of the priveleges I enjoy being my own boss. Take time out when my schedule permits, the little pleasures in my sometimes rather stressful work life. Sure, I often complain but when I have some peace and quiet to reflect, I wouldn't have it any other way. I like being my own boss. At the end of the day, I think the pros always outweigh the cons.

Indulging in a cupcake at Bisou, Bangsar Village, Kuala Lumpur.

Trend

You know a trend is taking shape when one gets frequent requests for wedding attire in black. It takes a confident and fashion forward Asian bride to consider this option.

Of late, we have been getting such requests at That Special Occasion. Here is a photo of my client Ee Leng, who recently donned this creation for her pre-wedding shoot in Australia as well as during the wedding banquet here in Kuala Lumpur. Made of organza and duchesse satin, this pleated and ruffled gown certainly made a statement.

The good thing about made-to-measure? We get to collaborate with the bride to come up with a gown that truly reflects her tastes and stylistic leanings.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Sun Photography.