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 : Year Of The Rabbit

This Chinese New Year is one of optimism and hope for me. The year of the Rabbit brings good in all aspects of life and it certainly augurs well for what lies ahead.

With good stars, I have been paying close attention to the traditions, rituals and cultural practices that will enhance positive outcomes. To believe is important. Happiness, health, love, success, wealth, fulfilment - all that we desire.

I arm myself with faith and self-belief this new year. To put my best foot forward in all that I do. To reap the wonderful outcomes that come my way.

Photo shot at Thean Hou Temple, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Culmination

Saturday evening was the culmination of Leticia's and Tjun Hong's wedding festivities. Stretched over 2 weeks or a year if we were to include the ROM luncheon last year, and straddling 2 countries, I would have to say that it has been a thrilling experience. So much attention to detail, so well orchestrated, so much emotion, so many surprises, so many well executed plans, so many unexpected twists and turns, but most importantly, so much love - passionate love, romantic love, family ties and friendship.

I suspect that having put so much effort into celebrating this milestone in their lives, Leticia and Tjun Hong may experience some withdrawal symptoms soon enough, but having said that, I think all those so lucky to have been part of the experience would feel privileged to have been included in the journey.

To have been a couple for 18 years, and now officially Mr & Mrs, gives many hope, myself included, that love is definitely here to stay. I, like so many of their other good friends, look forward to the good times that lie ahead and the many anniversary celebrations that are to come.

Photo of Leticia and Tjun Hong at their Chinese wedding banquet at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Snap Out Of It!

I think I've watched one too many an episode of Grey's Anatomy. I don't normally follow the series but my sis has gotten my mum hooked on it and I seem to have followed suit.

It's interesting, thought provoking, entertaining. It's the thought provoking part that's gotten me into a nostalgic and melancholic mood. Don't ask me why.

I don't operate (pun intended) well when I am in this frame of mind. Need to snap out of it quickly! I can almost hear my close friends saying ... What???? Don't be stupid! Want to get slapped or what? Perhaps I need some divine help.

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

Temple Visit

I pay a visit to the Thean Hou Temple every Chinese New Year. I went early this morning to avoid the crowds. There is much to pray for. My friends who have been to temples with me whilst on holiday will know that I take my time as I have lots to ask for! My prayer list is a pretty long one.

Naturally, it is extra festive at Thean Hou this time of year. Lanterns are in abundance, so are the various Gods and Deities to pray to. Sincere and thoughtful requests will hopefully be answered in time.

I come away from such a visit with a sense of faith, a sense of hope. A certain level of serenity, a certain amount of acceptance. And a belief that there are only better days ahead.

Photo shot outside the prayer hall at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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.

A Validation

For those of us working in the wedding industry, being selected by a peer to be part of his or her wedding team is a validation that speaks much of the calibre of work that we are capable of. It is a gesture that we appreciate as there is no validation greater than that given by an industry colleague. And it is on this premise that all of us at That Special Occasion wish to thank Jessie and Yoong for including us in the journey towards your big day in November.

I have been friends and business associates with Jessie of Xocolati for many years, and it was with great pleasure and delight that we undertook the task of creating her wedding attire - for the civil ceremony, pre-wedding photography and the upcoming wedding in a few months' time. All of us in the industry constantly hope that our clients will trust us and listen to our advice, and Jessie played the perfect client to the 'T'. After an initial consultation, she left everything to us really, confident that we will do our best to make her the most resplendent on all 3 occasions. Always punctual for fittings, with our fellow colleague Zach of Zach Chin Photography in tow from time to time, the process of creating her dress and gowns was a thoroughly enjoyable one.

The photograph here is of the happy couple after their civil registration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur. The stage is now set for the pre-wedding shoot and come November, we look forward to participating in what will certainly be a milestone in your lives. In the meantime, have fun at the shoot!

Photo courtesy of Jessie Yap.