Closure To The Previous Chapter: Graduation.

"I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy...happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here..."

Excerpt from Incubus' Wish You Were Here

(from left) Aunty Jessica, myself and my papa, at the hall after the convocation ceremony was over.

A medley of emotion rushes through my head as i headed back home after the rain from Wisma MCA a couple of hours ago when my convocation ended.

Yeah, my convocation was today.

As i woke up this morning, i was anxious, wondering what will be installed for me today. Meeting up with my friends from various courses and faculties, all in their robes, beaming with excitement that we've finally graduated. Filled with anxiety i was.

(from left) Ernest, myself and Rowen. Apart from sharing out surname and blood and the fact we all wear glasses, we're nothing alike. They were not able to come for the convocation as they had places to go and to do later in the afternoon.

At breakfast, my dad said this was the best birthday present he could ever receive. I wondered whether it was the platinum coated chufflings Ernest, Rowen and i chipped in to buy for his 53rd birthday, or what it me finally graduating?

But nonetheless, i felt my dad's dream of graduating came true through me.

Me and my papa. Where's he looking, i wonder.

Jumping forward, it was 2.30pm, and all of us came waiting for the VIPs to turn up. They came, speeches were made and the ceremony began. My classmates and i were the first few to receive the (empty) scroll (case).

Walking up on stage, i had no idea what happened after my name was announced and i shaked transport minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat's hands as i received the (empty) scroll (case). It was a blur... but a relief as it passed by.

It was great that i managed to meet up with other graduands like Justin Tan, Angeline, Wilson, Alex Woon, Jolene, Li Yun, Jennifer, etc.

(From left) Chee Been, Eu Wah, BlurChu? and Yen Yen

Of course, there was also Kevan (who wasn't there solely to see me, of course), Dewgem who came and gave me and a few others flowers, Tze Jian who was there visiting a few friends, Kent from FAM and a few others.

Gosh... i'm just so so tired. And i'm heading back home tomorrow afternoon after church and perhaps lunch with Aaron Oon.

Closure for that chapter. Well, i've achieved most of my dreams. I dare say if my life were to be taken away from me, i would go away peaceful, a happy man.

Though, i wish Mom was here to see me.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Just Pictures

If a picture speaks a thousand words, i would just let these pictures take the wheel for this entry.


Chicken chop and fried oyster, as i was dining at Northam Beach Cafe. The chicken chop's cheap, but the chips were soggy. And i think i have not tasted better fried oyster with eggs yet. So, it's tough to judge.

A bowl of Koay Teow soup. Simple but tasty. Oh, and relatively cheap too.


Ice Kacang at Lorong Selamat. As i tasted it, i recall my dad taking me to this same coffee shop for this icy treat. What makes it so good? Perhaps it's the ingredients he carefully chooses to put into the ice kacang? Or the skillful effort he puts into each bowl he serves the customers? Or it's a family recipe? No matter what the reason is, a spoonful of this cool dessert is the thing to have during a hot sunny day.


A plate of Nasi Kandar and a cup of teh tarik. Still don't understand the SMS send around to boycott this Penang delicacy among Chinese and Indians. So childish and racist.


The F1 Race car, as seen at Queensbay Mall over the weekend, at the Shell V-Power Racing Roadshow. I had to cover this while i was out covering another assignment. But it was all good!

Joshua Entol fooling around as he accompanied me as i was doing my work. We had good supper nearby my office and another round of teh tarik later in Air Itam. Since i known him (better) when he was still in studying for his SPM till now, he has grown from a eccentric, otak-tak-center dude into a mature, wise eccentric, otak-tak-center dude! Keep on walking with God lah, and He'll show you a lot for your life, dude!

Philippines BBQ chicken rice. A little pricey, but it was okay lah.

Plates of Fried noodles and Fried Singapore Beehoon... as both Joshua and i went for another round of supper, before heading down to Air Itam for a round of teh tarik!


As stated.

One of the tombstone at the Jewish cemetery at Jalan Zainal Abidin. Didn't know that this place, which was recommended by my university mate Daniel Sim, was just a stone's throw away from where i'm staying here in Penang. Interesting to see all these tombstones with Hebrew engravings is the remains of the past, which can be seen in the present day.


And a lot more to come lah... i'm anticipating more!

Now, for a plate of delicious Nasi Kandar... will try the mutton this time!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

An Off Day in The Island (ver 1.2)

Since it was my day off yesterday, I decided to go down to Queensbay Mall to walk around. After getting instructions from the land-lady on how to get there, I had some lunch nearby and headed down to Bayan Lepas.


Darren, the land-lady's kid and holding cute Pu-to. He was enthusiastic about being in the picture when i wanted to take a shot of the cute little Pomeranian.


My lunch of Lor Bak, prawn fritters and taiwanese sausage, served with Loh and chilli sauce and a cup of teh ais to drink down with.


Queensbay Mall, where i spent my time reading, walking around and watched not one but two movies; Dr Suess' Horton Hears A Who and Vantage Point.


The two movies were good lah, kept me entertained with me only needing to spend Rm18 (including a cup of Coke and popcorn!)

Horton Hears A Who is indeed a funny family show, about how an elephant tries to save a community (Whoville) who live in a spec of dust, and the effort he goes through to ensure their safety. While in the Whoville, the mayor tries his best to inform the people of impending danger while trying to convince his son on being the next mayor. Kiddish, but entertaining nonetheless

Vantage Point, on the other hand, is much more intense and interesting with the story about plot to assassinate the US president in Spain. But what makes the cut is the presentation of the story ala Boomtown. The whole story unfolds through the point of views of several characters, including a traumatised secret service agent who gives his best protecting the president, a tourist enjoying the sights and sound of the city on a holiday away from his family, a double-agent in a dilemma and the upright, principle-holding president.

Plus, the story just keeps getting better as it comes to a closing.


Penang Bridge as taken from Queensbay Mall.



I guess from Queensbay Mall, you can see the otherside of Penang main island, Seberang Prai. It's just nice to feel the wind blowing to your face and seeing airplanes flying above you.


The night ended with me having a long conversation over the phone with Wern Jun, before Jocelyn taking me out for supper and seeing the night life here in Penang. Eventful!

Well, gotta go and get some work done!


"In my imaginary world, everyone's a pony and they eat rainbows, and poop butterflies! "

Katie , from the movie Horton Hears a Who!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Got Tagged by Irene Chen!

Instructions:Remove 1 question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag 8 people in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.

1. What is your favourite food?
Pizza

2. Have you given your first kiss away?
Not yet

3. If you were to be stranded on a desert island, who are the 3 blog buddies you would take with you? Why?
Julius, Justin and Cheong Keen. So, that we can blog about the experience from different perspectives.

4. Where is the place that you want to go the most?
Anywhere with lots of snow

5. If you can have 1 dream to come true, what would it be?
To find a dream?

6. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?
Yes

7. What are you afraid to lose the most now?
My hand(s)

8. If you win RM1 million, what would you do?
10% goes to tithing and one-third would go to charity. Spend my friends a round of drinks at the mamak stall and save RM10,000 for myself. Whatever balance goes to my dad and brothers.

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
If she really has feelings for me, I would.

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Passionate about the things she does, helpful and sporting

11. What are the requirements that you wish from your other half?
I can list a whole lot of criteria here, but I’ll just list some important ones: beautiful, younger than me, God-loving, musically gifted, kind-hearted, a little control freak, loves her family and friends, can cook and loves me for me, etc.

12. Which type of person do you hate the most?
People who fail to realise they’ve got so much going for them

13. What is your ambition?
To beat that person before I run out of time.

14. If you have fault, would you rather the people around you point out to you or would you rather they keep quiet?
I’m a sinner, not a saint. Just point it out to me.

15. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
Oxygen, God, faith, acknowledgement, hope. Oxygen is just to darn important!

16. Are you a shopaholic or not?
Only for necessity reasons.

17. Find a word to describe the person who tagged you.
Pink!

18. If you have a chance. Which part of your character you would like to change?
One of it would be getting work done half past six.

19. What makes you different?
By simply being me.

20. What is your record in sleep hours?
The worse: Slept less than 5 hours in 70 hours time.
The best: About 16 hours

People who I wanna tag:
Kevan, Justin, Sui Li, Dewgem, Julius, Oliver, Megan, John R

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Next Step in The Chapter

If you have not heard the news yet, well, I'm now in Penang, the land of sun, sand, char koay teow, assam laksa and food galore!

And why am i here? Answer: to work, eat and do more work!

To put it in words, i'm currently taking the next step in my career. It's no political exile, but it's a journey of learning, adventure and perhaps, self-discovery.

As i got up enthusiastically this morning and followed my colleagues to places, i found out i've got a lot to learn and it's fun!


I'm now armed with my new camera, the Casio Exilim. Helpful during assignments, and you wouldn't see me camwhoring any time soon!

This is Penang as viewed from Kek Lok Si Temple. I'll be viewing this for a long, long time.

This is my room in Lorong Selamat. Like my life, it's messy.

Nothing beats char koay teow and a glass of teh ais at tea time.

Lok Lok... Lok Lok... Lok Lok... and more food to come. Time's in my hand, but money's just slipping out of my pocket.


Like Naruto who has grown up two and a half years later in Naruto Shippuden, i've got to pick up the pace and move forward!


Will try my best to blog whenever i can, since i'm currently Internet-less and cut off from the rest of the world.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

The Rojak Series # 17

Like previous times, i'm just caught up with the events going around in my life that i have not updated my blog yet.

Thus, i believe that this calls for another round of TRS.

1. Two-thirds Denied

Unless you've been living under a soundproof rock for the past decade, this is indeed old news.

Besides making headlines in both local and foreign news, this is somewhat stale, but many are happy over this conquest. Yet, will this bliss last forever?

As the National Front watches the Opposition to drop the bomb, the nation is either keeping their fingers crossed (or are itching to point) as this new government make its move; especially those under the Opposition.

Looks like the next five years to come is nothing short of amazing.


2. Shout Outs

For the past couple of weeks, I had no time to dinner home. But for consolation, I was out with friends for dinner very often.

From sushi joints to mamak stalls, late night chats and movies. It was eventful.

I would like to thank people like Kevan Phua, Justin Yap, Angeline Tan, Sui Li, Fook Sim, Dewgem, David Heng, Aaron Oon, Wern Jun, Joanne Lee, SherMayne and many others who i've failed to mention (or remember!) for spending your time, effort and cash on a loser like me. It's times like this i'm glad i'm breathing and walking.

At least i feel slightly better about the change.

And here's what the change is about....


3. Farewell

Nope, this ain't a suicide note, but a temporary goodbye to Kuala Lumpur (and Petaling Jaya) as i'm taking the next step in this chapter of my life - i've been seconded to Penang branch.

It was no political exile; they're just short-handed. Plus, it'll be a good exposure for me.

I've got nothing to lose, little to oblige and everything to sacrifice in order to be better than i am now. All in the name of

It's a whole new world for me as i leave for the northern island tomorrow morning.

Sayonara.


"...Now the time has come to leave you
One more time
Let me kiss you
Then close your eyes
I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say

Oh, kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
Dont know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go...."

Excerpt from John Denver's Leaving On A Jet Plane

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Cast To Voice Out!

Just less than an hour ago, i cast my maiden vote, which took me less than five minutes to get my details checked, confirmed, marking an 'X' on the slip and putting it into the ballet box.

Simple.

I'm looking forward to whether incumbent Seputeh MP Teresa Kok of DAP can retain her seat for her third term, or would BN's Carol Chew take the lead, despite the fact she had to apologise for the 'sexist billboard' few days back.

As a citizen, i believe everyone (who are eligible) should decide and vote for their future and their government. You hear a lot of people complaining and criticising the way government. But the worst thing they can do is sit around, continue to whine about the problem they face. Stop! Just register yourself and cast your vote; fulfill your right as a citizen in this country.

I've seen many things these few days, prior to the General Election.

I've seen a newbie, who is contesting against an old-timer, unorganised, but has a group of volunteers who are supportive of her. And she tries her best to be sincere and friendly with the people, having an eye for details in her constituency.

I've seen an old-timer who has been invited to many events and praised by many, yet does not seem so personal - lacking a balance in things she does.

I've seen politicians who are full of it and it just slip over - although despited here, is seen as God in his own hometown.

I've seen politicians who are just gun-ho, but just have not done enough research and ending putting their foot in their own mouth.

I've heard some are getting desperate, since people are getting smarter with access to information, and the way things have been going.

Tonight, as the results come in, it'll be a long, hectic night.


"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

V, taken from Alan Moore's graphic novel V for Vendetta

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Forgetful me.

In the midst of the hectic, unscheduled life i face, i forgot one thing too many.

I forgot to read the latest updates of Bleach and Naruto.
I forgot to buy my BM manga, which was out days ago.
I forgot to update my blog.
I forgot to wish some people farewell.
I forgot the intructions to do a number of things.
I forgot the names (and faces) of the people i met the past few days.
I forgot to take my notepad out for an assignment.
I forgot to reply my friend's email.
I forgot to respond to the messages people sent to me.
I forgot to send her a text message
I forgot... God?

Nevertheless, God doesn't, if not never, forgets insignificant, clumsy me.

Shall i remember that He is always beside me.


"....You never minded calling me a child
Well, I guess that's how I acted all the while
But You live through every tantrum, You see through every lie
Though they seem to be more common
I just wanted You to know why oh why

Unforgetful You, unforgetful
Unforgetful You, so unforgetful...."

Taken from Unforgetful You by Jars of Clay

Love & Peace!~

BC?