Ohana in my new Crib

My family's up here this year.

Instead of me going down to Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Chinese New Year with the family; my dad decided that the family would come up to Penang instead.

And it's good to be able to celebrate with my family in my new home here.

I indeed count myself blessed to have a place of my own here on the island which I can call home.

Just last week, this simple house I have was opened the place for house dedication, and had close friends and colleagues over for house warming.

The view from the balcony of my place. It's peaceful just to stand and watch the world passes by as the sea breezes gets into your face.


And I'm happy and blessed to have my family bring up things to spruce up my little home (after all, it's a home for them as well.)

My place in the midst of being 'pimped-up'n with things my family from KL.


And I've promised to open my house, Two Copper, for church, as I would want to open this place as a blessing to others as how this unit was a blessing from God to me.

All glory to God. And a Happy Chinese New Year to all, as you spend time with loved ones, family and friends.


Love & Peace!~
BC?

Karpal n Gurmit - an inspiration found today.

Today, I got to witness something great, that made an impact on me, left me an impression of awesomeness.

This morning, DAP chairman n veteran lawyer Karpal Singh was awarded over RM2 million in the 2005 accident, which left him wheelchair-bound. Click the link for the story - http://m.thesundaily.my/news/169894

DAP chairman Karpal Singh (middle) with his son, lawyer Jagdeep Singh Deo (left) and his wife Gurmit Kaur (right).


The story was great, but what was greater was the story shared by Karpal's wife, Gurmit Singh.

While waiting for the amount won in the case, my counterparts and I managed to chat with her, and this strong-willed woman shared her life after the accident.

She told us how tedious it has been since the accident, where Karpal has to be assisted from the time he gets up till the time he goes to sleep; he is surrounded by people all the time.

"I will not get the same Karpal again," she said, and she teared up a little as she recalls the accident that took her man's mobility away from him.

Listening to her experience, I viewed that Gurmit had lived out the marriage vow of 'For better or worse' by being by Karpal's side even in this condition.

And due to the accident, he is constantly in pain, and take painkillers when the attacks happens.

But despite all these. Gurmit shared to us the rise of this great defender. He was still sharp as a knife in his thoughts, and able to serve his constituents as a Member of Parliament less than a year after the accident.

"When he is focused at work, the pain is gone," she said, agreeing to the statement I told her, "He's doing what makes him aive to stay alive."

Karpal is a man, fighter and defender for the weak, and I look up to him because of these. But I respect Gurmit for staying firm, composed and standing by Karpal side all these years.

As the saying goes, 'Behind every successful man, is a woman', and I see that in these couple.

My hats off to them.

I pray I can find my 'iron woman' one day. But I need to be the Iron-man before that can take place. I shall move forward....

This is a signage place on the wall of Karpal's office in Jalan Greenhall, in George Town here.



Love & Peace!~ BC?

Steve's in iNirvana? anyhow, he lived incredibly!

The tech world and social network when abuzz with the demise of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, this morning.

May this impactful visionary rest in peace.

Go here http://www.thesundaily.my/news/167802 to read more about it.

What really caught my attention was this part of d article;

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life," Jobs said during a Stanford commencement ceremony in 2005.

"Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."


At d end of d day, I believe it's important to live life to d fullest potential we can.

I want to move forward, n not live in regret....


"13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

Love & Peace!~ BC?

It's back on track!

Finally, it has reopened for the public!

The Penang Hill funicular train is now operational and is able to take tourists up the iconic state landmark.

Last week, it was opened for charity. For RM10, one can go up and down the ride on the new-and-improved funicular train. Children get to go up for free.

On Monday when it was reopen to the public after it was closed for upgrades about a year ago, there were many who decided to take the opportunity to travel with the train. Making use of their day off work, going on a school trip or just simply wanting to be the first up the new ride, which takes about 10 minutes from bottom to top - they just wanna ride it.

From today onwards, it'll be priced at RM8 for Malaysian adults and RM4 for children below 12, while it'll be RM30 for foreigners.

Well, it's more expensive as compared to the RM4 for adults in the past, since time moved on, inflation sets in and hey, there's using new technology. Plus, it's air-conditioned!

But i don't think the corporation in-charge of the train service should charge so high for foreigners, or it might work against them. Even though they might benefit more from the currency exchange, but over-pricing items is not the way to go.... let's hope for a lower price then!

Honestly, what irks me about this is the gargantuan signboard up there. Yes, we know it's Penang Hill... and thank you for obviously stating on it this notice - Projek Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia Kerajaan Barisan Nasional kepada Penduduk-Penduduk Pulau Pinang (translation: A project by the Tourism Ministry of the Barisan Nasional Government for the People of Penang).

You don't have to remind us... i think people read the newspaper or news portals, right?

So, should the people spend a few hundred thousand ringgit to build another billboard underneath that says "Terima Kasih kepadamu" (Thank you... you!)?

Well, whatever it is, let's hope that huge board does not pose a threat to anyone going up the hill.

Do check it out if you're in Penang for a visit or a Penangite who have not gone up the tourist attraction in a long time.

By the way, you can reach the top area of the hill via jeep as well. It's a little more expensive, but the trip's fun and wacky. Or, just hike it from the Botanic Garden!

Anyway, Happy Labour Day and keep on smiling. You would need to go back to work later!

Love & Peace!~


BC?

Blessed

"...And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!"

Taken from Bill and Gloria Gaither's hymn Because He Lives

Blessed Easter, everyone. Remember, Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead so that we may have eternal life!


Love & Peace!~
BC?

Beaten over the weekend?

No one was abused over the weekend, nor was there a fist fight which went on in a school.

But a lot happened over the weekend.

Melissa D and me were among those who helped Clictus at the Radiant Discovery Amusement Centre (game booth) during the Methodist Girls' School (Penang) Pestaria 2011 on Saturday!

While Melissa handled the Sudoku station, i was in-charge of the Bottle-up station. What is it all about? It's simple a carnival game where one has to make a glass bottle stand on a slanted platform by using a 'fishing rod' with a ring at the end of it.

But after arranging the bottle one time too many, and when the fund-raising event was over, we were all dead tired. But my ordeal started the following day, when my legs hurt like mad!

It was so bad, that i could hardly walk on Sunday!

And to add salt to the wound, this was what happened to my car while the Pestaria was going on.

What the heck?! Picture taken by Melissa D

Yes, someone actually hit into my car. Note that the excess part of the car IS NOT part of my car, but a souvenir left by the person who scrapped through my car.

What a day!

And not to mention, Barisan Nasional won two-third of the seats in the recent Sarawak state elections on that night

Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is sworn in as the Chief Minister. Again.

And there are those who were frustrated that BN is still the government in Sarawak.

But i was encouraged by what Pastor Palan said in church the follwoing day, that "God works in ways we do not understand."

Well, to look into these matters through another perspective, i believe not all's bad.

I mean, there are more seats held by the Pakatan Rakyat this time around, and some heavyweight, like SUPP's Tan Sri Dr George Chan took a beating from the elections. Maybe there's something bigger which is yet to come!

And at least i can still drive my car around, and it's just scratches on the side. My Werb Boom Boom can move fine!

And so does my legs... but it's time to hit the gym, and beat myself up to shape! And God is good!

Easter's coming. Just remember, Jesus Christ died for your sins, readers!

"I get knocked down
But I get up again
You're never going to keep me down
I get knocked down
But I get up again
You're never going to keep me down..."

Taken from Chumbawamba's I Get Knocked Down

Love & Peace!~
BC?

New Look, More to Come

I just chosen a new template for this blog, in effort to give it a new face lift.

I'll be posting more things up soon, including the list of blogs i read, websites i visit and of course, more postings from me.

So, sit back, relax and wait. Do read a book (manga, novel, textbook, etc), go on Facebook or watch a movie while waiting.


Love & Peace!~
BC?

Nightmare before Merdeka.

I was shocked to read this, and seen this posted many times by friends on facebook about an alleged racist incident on the eve of Merdeka recently. Check it out:

The typical Merdeka Eve night started with an urge to watch the fireworks celebration in KLCC ended up in a racist attack by a group of teenagers. So, me and a friend of mine thought of a good solution to avoid the traffic jam in that area by walking from the office in Jalan Imbi through Pavillion, to Jalan Kia Peng through Convention Center to KLCC.

Sounds like an ideal plan as the path is a frequent walkway and is even advertised in Pavillion as 'Bridge to KLCC'. (Just to note that we didnt go into any dark alley)

At 10.15pm, we started walking towards Pavillion, stopped to get a drink at Starbucks and proceeded ahead. As we walk, we came across people from various races and foreign tourists along the way.

On Jalan Kia Peng, we walked past Novotel Hotel, Hakka Restaurant, Menara HLA and was reaching the junction of Jalan Pinang when a group of about 10 teenage Malay youngsters walking from the opposite direction. They looked like typical youths, giggling and talking to each other.

As we walked past them, suddenly one of them turned around and started to make a flying kick to my friend. Noticing the 'fun' he is having, his other friends started to do the same to me. It was so sudden and all I was thinking at the moment was, "What the hell did we do to them?"

Both of us ended up kneeling on the ground for a moment before more kicks and punches came flying in. Even though both of us had our tripod strapped across our shoulder, we were too shocked to react to it. Eventually one punch landed right on my right forehead and I started to bleed profusely. Seeing that they eventually stopped and walked away.WALKED AWAY, damn it. They were not even afraid to run but justWALKED AWAY like winning a game or something.The last thing I remember hearing from one of them was "Baliklah ke negara asal"

Imagine hearing this statement on Merdeka Eve.

I knew I was bleeding but I didnt know how bad. I could feel the right side of my head swollen and wet but I did not try to look at myself through a mirror. My friend also suffered bruises on the body and face.  By that time there were more people walking around us but they did not stop to see what was wrong. I don't blame them, it was a poorly lit area just in front of Menara Pinang. We recovered and continued walking towards the Convention Center. The guards were symphatetic to let us in to use the washroom to clean up. It was then I saw my bloody face.

I did not take a picture of myself then as it is not my intention to send a horror message. This is not a message of sympathy. It's a account of a random person walking on a street.

Eventually after cleaning up, we walked back to the Police Booth in Pavillion to relate the incident. The response from the officer: "This cannot happen, we have all our men on the streets" (Well, not on the street we got beaten up ...)

Apparently informing the police booth stationed in a public area is NOT MAKING A POLICE REPORT. WTF? Apparently we have to go to a Hospital, get some treatment and make a complain/report at the police counter there. I would be dead by then, ain't I?

Is this how the police maintained that they have improved  street crimes? By not noting down petty crimes like gang bang which did not result into hospitalization? Would we be taken seriously if only we landed in the hospital?

What we did was, we went back to the office, rested til this morning, went to a nearby clinic to get some bandages and medic.What else to do? I can't identify my assailants, and my wounds are not death-threatening.

If I had not wanted to celebrate Independence Day, would I walk or drive to the venue?

If I was not thirsty would I stop for 5 mins to get my drink and missed them completely?

If I had held my tripod as a defensive weapon earlier, would I save myself or get more beating instead?

If I'm not Chinese, would I get the same 'treatment'?

It's scary if this had happened to you. But shouldn't we, as Malaysians, respect and support one another? Isn't our blood the same red blood when anyone of us bleed? Where's the 1Malaysia concept which has been talked about?

Where are we heading? Happy Merdeka Day anyway.

What we can do, is pray for unity, peace and mutual understanding among all Malaysians.



Love & Peace!~
BC?

A centurian - Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa, pix from Wiki.

I wanted to jump for joy knowing that my paycheck for the month has been cashed in, but it's best not to, to keep calm and observe this day.

Today, marks the 100th birthday of the noble woman, who had gone out of her way to help the poor, and lived a humble peasant's life, doing great things for humanity in India. To read more about her, click HERE

Anyway, on Saturday, there will be a screening of several movies and documentary about this wonderful lady in KL. Click HERE for the story.

And in conjunction of her 100th birthday, a mass was held in honour of her.

I would have not know about this, had not someone on behalf of Signis (World Catholic Media Professionals Association) Malaysia sent me a text message, with a quote from her - "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."

God bless her, and everyone!



Love & Peace!~  
BC?

It could have been ok, but let's count our blessings, ya?

I've managed to find a room to rent a couple of weeks back... just to move out, again!~

Yes, the person who rented the flat here had some arguments with the person who owns the unit. He, another housemate and i, had to move out by the end of this month. To make matters worse, we were told to move out by this Saturday, in the next few days. *sigh*

Praise the Lord that there are friends (in high places, and) all around us. Friends offered to look for budgeted rooms for me to stay, while some even allow me to stay in their place.

Tonight, i'll be going to my friend's house in Batu Uban to clean some rooms. Why? Because he's renting out of his rooms for me to stay up for this year. While another church friend is getting a place to get his work done and a room for me to live in as well in the next couple of months.

Honestly, i thank God for his providence, and i'm learning to have more faith in Him. Taking leaps of faith every now and then is good, eh?

The place i that i'm staying at the moment has old people swarming it. Day in and day out, there is people sitting by the bench at the ground floor of the flat. And they sit there, either chatting, drinking, snacking, resting, observing or absolutely doing nothing.

I really wish i had their time, to do more things. Unfortunately, we're bound to the same rule - everyone gets only 24 hours per day; no more, no less.

Well, going to get my new car (well,sort of) in a few days' time. Well, it's a simple car, which i pray will take me from Point A to Point B safely.

As long as i can move safely, i'm good. All glory to God!~




Love & Peace!~
BC?

A trip back to where was house, part 1:To Mr and Mrs Phua!

And this was after they said "I do".

Congratulations to both Kevan and Angeline for tying the knot! Both Melissa D and i were glad to be able to witness the process where two individuals officially become a unit, and be present at your wedding!

Once again, Mr and Mrs Phua (jr), congratulations and may this next course of your life been filled with joy and excitement as both of you embark on this new chapter in life with God leading the both of you.

And nonetheless, it was good to be able to meet up a few CF friends, like Tan Jo-Anne, Darren and Justin Tan. Will remember to choose a better venue to meet up next time!

Going out with my brothers wasn't a bad thing... i hope to meet up with them more often, for movies and makan, if possible.

Alyssa and Justin Yap!

And it was a great to be able to see the bundle of joy both Justin Yap and Sher-Mayne have. Alyssa's just so cute! Hopefully, both of you have a great time nurturing and seeing this little gift of God blossom before you.

And i hope to meet others in the future, including former school mates and university friends!



Love & Peace!~
BC?

Let's Celebrate!

Yesterday, the busy little town of George Town, Penang, had a different vibe. Not with the hustle and bustle of the hectic working life, rather, it came to life with the local and foreign tourist as well as the locals buzzing around the inner-city, in conjunction with the second anniversary of George Town's inscription as the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Themed 'Unforgettable George Town', the day-long celebration dished out various events of art, food, culture, photography, exhibitions, and other elements here.

The state government, agencies, NGOs, stakeholders, and locals came together and carried out several activities throughout the day.

I was fortunate to be able to see Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, officiating the event at Town Hall in Esplanade here, and followed him and his entourage of state officials around several places.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng riding in a pony cart along Lebuh Light. Pix by Masry Che Ani.

Melissa D and i traveled to several places on foot (mind you, we were strictly working then), walking around the Clan Jetties, Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Acheh and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

It was a sight to be seen; people walking around and snapping pictures around historical buildings here as they absorb the culture and heritage values of the place. I enjoyed the atmosphere.

Life would be fun if events like this were carried out every day... but that would be too darn taxing for everyone living in the core and buffer zones of the heritage site. Plus, there would be little productivity to the economy.

For more details on what happened on July 7 here, click HERE , HERE and HERE


I'm looking forward to what the state has to offer next year. You can check out what else is going on at www.georgetownfestival.com


Love & Peace!~
BC?

We're halfway through....

Wow, it's July 1, and we're now halfway through 2010. How has the past six months been treating you?

Honestly, both Melissa D and i are engaged for six months, and we're been together in this courtship for almost two years. Going through thick and thin, what put us through all this were God's mercy and grace, love, understand, communication and commitment we have for one another, among other things.

I'm in the midst of looking for a new place to stay as about one month's time, i'll be evicted from the place i'm currently staying.

As both of us are getting married early next year, there are a lot of things i need to look at. I need to get an affordable house to live in and a good car to bring me places as well as plan our future finances and what not.

During the past six months, i learnt that planning is utmost importance to maintain relationship, save money and get things done. And i pray both Melissa D and i can get plan better for ourselves and others in the near future.

We still have a long way to go, but i believe God is guiding and leading us, day by day.

"...We've got to hold on to what we've got

Cause it doesn't make a difference

If we make it or not

We've got each other and that's a lot

For love - we'll give it a shot

We're half way there

Livin' on a prayer

Take my hand and we'll make it I swear

Livin' on a prayer..."

Taken from Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer

Love & Peace!~  
BC?

To get the cash in.

Sometimes, you need to hit the iron while it's hot. Sometimes, a chicken wing gets hot when you turn it on ! Isn't that something?

Gotta update this blog, as my secondary income... a lot of people are doing so... and now, here i am doing that.

Let's go!


Love & Peace!~ BC?

How long?

I got this off one of my friend Evelyn's Buzz. And it's interesting to note how long the products below takes to decompose:

Banana Peel- 3-4 weeks

Orange peels- 6 months

Apple Core- 2 months

Paper Bag- 1 month

Cardboard- 2 months

Milk Cartons- 5 years

Newspaper- 6 weeks

Paper Towel- 2-4 weeks

Cotton Glove- 3 months

Tinned Steel Can- 50 years

Aluminum Can- 200-500 years

Disposable Diapers- 550 years

Plastic Bags- 20-1000 years

Glass- 1-2 million years

Cigarette Butts- 10-12 years

Leather shoes- 25-40 years

Rubber-Boot Sole- 50-80 years

Plastic containers- 50-80 years

Monofilament Fishing Line- 600 years

Foamed Plastic Cups- 50 years

Wool Sock- 1-5 years

Plywood- 1-3 years

Plastic Bottles- 450 years

In the end, it's best to go green, and do the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)!


Love & Peace!~
BC?

Fiddling at a Funeral.

Technically, i'll be playing the bass at church for a memorial service of a former church member tomorrow morning.

A 31-year old lawyer here on the island passed away on Mother's Day. I don't know this guy personally, but his death left an impact to many in church, especially those who were closed to him.

The truth is he has back slided, but he had in mind to return to church one day.

"But i never expect him to come in (to church) such manner," said one church friend.

In his will, this chap requested that songs such as Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace were to be sang at his memorial service tomorrow morning.

He reminded me, if not many of us, that life's too short - too short to complaint, to murmer, to be sad and regret. Life is of that like a fluttering of a butterfly. Graceful at the moment, gone the next.

I remember a friend wrote, 'if we were to live like we were dying, we are no different than beggars.'

I beg to defer. I believe if we live with no sense of direction, without purpose, one day after another, THAN we are like beggars living on the day's grace.

Life's too short... live it as lively as fireworks in the sky - bright and great!

"...I went sky divin',
I went rocky mountain climbin',
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fumanchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I've been denying,
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To live like you were dying...."

Excerpt taken from Tim McGraw's Live Like You Were Dying.

Love & Peace!~
BC?

Rocking sequels!

Yesterday and today, two blockbuster hit the cinemas here; Ip Man 2 and Iron Man 2, respectively.

The originals to these sequels, one from the East and the other West, has in the past have entertained movie goers a couple of years ago. And now they're back with much anticipation.

I can't comment much, since i've watched neither Iron Man 2 nor Ip Man 2.

But i've watched Iron Man, and i'm really waiting to watch the sequel!

I've read comments on facebook, on how cool both sequels are, up to a point someone came up with this poster.

When East meets West.


Best of both worlds? I suppose i would need to watch the first Ip Man movie before i can understand what goes on in the second movie. Well, time to get a hold of the copy from someone.

Have a good weekend, people!


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Earth Day.

What have yo done for yo mama... earth?

Google page today. Pretty cool, eh?

Yes, today's Earth Day. A day where we should be more conscious and caring about our environment,

And with the climate change, recent news of natural disasters happening in various places, there is much to be done to preserve the world, our future, and ourselves. People need to be more aware of our environment and much more is needed to be done to perserve earth.

Last weekend, over 2,000 Penangites cleaned up the beaches along Gurney Drive, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Feringghi in conjunction with this day, clearing huge amount of rubbish.

So, let's think, how can we play our part? Anyway, check out more about Earth Day campaign HERE.

Perhaps 2012 might come soon than we expect... but for now, let's go green and care for Mother Earth, ok?



Love & Peace!~

BC?

Get better, Rowen!

My stoner, hippie-wannabe brother. He ain't heavy, he's just lighter than me.

I recently got news that Rowen has been hospitalised because of dengue fever. It came as a shock to me, as what supposedly was a normal fever turned out for the worst.

My dad told me a few days ago that Rowen had only high fever. But later, he called me, telling me that my brother vomitted and had diarrhea and was admitted to the hospital back in KL... and the blood test confirmed he had Dengue.

Iggy told me that although the fever had subsided, his blood platelet count is at 20,000, which is quiet low. I just pray that he would get better, get back on his feet and continue work hard at his studies.

I pray by Jesus' stripes, he'll be healed.


Love & Peace!~

BC?

Back to the island!

We're back on the island safely!~ And that means work beacons and the simple life on the island begins.

But the exciting experience and encounter we God, and how He can use empty vessel to touch the hearts of the people in the interior of Ranau, Sabah. And i pray i'll remember those experiences.

Melissa D and i in Kg Paus, in Ranau, Sabah... with the mountains in the area entering into the picture as background.

Try and guess what is in the soup...

I'll try my best to write more about this mission trip... with more pictures included!

Will write more entries and change the layout of this blog... hopefully, by this month!


Love & Peace!~

BC?