Merdeka Musings 2

I am happy that I am still in touch with my school mates from primary school. We may have grown apart somewhat but there are emotional attachments that remain. We share so many memories of our childhood that a certain bond exists.

Granted we don't see each other that often any more. Still some of us make the effort to do so when opportunities arise. Whilst life has taken us on different paths, circumstances have ingrained in us varying perspectives, our long established friendships will continue I hope to withstand the challenges of time and change.

The late Yasmin Ahmad's Merdeka commercials play on such relationships. Here's one of many.

Photo taken during Sekokah Rendah Sri Petaling's 40th anniversary celebrations.

How Do You Spell Dinosaur?

I was listening to Bfm this evening where Caroline Oh was chatting with Tan Kien Eng, CEO of Leo Burnett Malaysia and Singapore in 'In Conversation'. At some point, the conversation veered towards the ads created by the late Yasmin Ahmad and how they touched the lives of so many Malaysians.

In between laying out pages for the upcoming weddingsmalaysia publication, I spent some time watching some of those ads again on YouTube. One of them brought back memories of my years in primary school. It seems to be particularly poignant, particularly during this time when my schoolmates and I are planning for a big reunion party slated for October.

So here it is, 'How Do You Spell Dinosaur?'. Quite appropriate for this Merdeka month don't you think?

Photo of 4 Kemboja.

Embrace Life

The passing of well-known and beloved public figures often results in an outpouring of grief from those whose lives they have touched. This year alone – Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, our very own Yasmin Ahmad and most recently Stephen Gately. Sadness aside, there is also the wish to celebrate the lives of these celebrities who have passed on way too early.

They have touched us in many ways; through their artistry, passion, craft, their personal achievements and struggles, the latter sometimes to a greater effect as the difficulties that they too face humanises them, that despite the celebrity, like us, there are challenges that need to be overcome. More importantly, their premature passing teaches us one lesson. Life is unpredictable. We need to embrace life, do the things that we have always dreamt of doing but have put on hold. Travel. Contribute to a worthy cause. Cherish that marriage. Tell our families that we love them. Take the plunge and start that relationship. Learn a new skill. Turn a hobby into a career. The list may be long but let’s just start by checking them off one by one.

As for the photo, I concede that Tjun Hong and I will never be models. At least we had fun with our stylist and photographer, Debra and Leticia. And we did get the setting somewhat right!

Photo styled and shot by Debra and Leticia at The Oasis in Bali, Indonesia.

Taking Stock Of Our Lives

The sudden passing of Yasmin Ahmad makes one realise just how fragile life can be. It reminds us not to take life for granted. It prompts us to take stock of our lives. That we should appreciate our loved ones, family and friends. That we ought to put our best foot forward in whatever we do in order to achieve our aspirations. That we be grateful for the wonders of Mother Nature that greet us on our travels. That we consider doing good and contributing in our own way to society.

I admit to not have seen her award-winning films. But I have read about the accolades that have been showered on them. What I have seen are her festive season commercials. With underlying themes of humanity, unconditional love, mutual respect, harmony, they tug at the heartstrings and implore us to embrace such values for the better good.

Her work will long remain with us and having her as a fellow countryman has been a privilege. May she rest in peace.

Photo entitled 'Serenity' shot by my sister Suk Harn in Kyoto.