I meet my sister in Taiwan… finally

Contributed by President Toh Harnniann

Dear visitors of this blog, I am back!

I have thousands of stories about Taiwan to tell you but today is my first day at work after 7 days of long holiday, so my workloads do not allow me to put all of them into writing and blog them.

But there is one thing I would like to share: I met my sister in Taipei at the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101! Can you imagine that? Maybe you are unable to feel what I feel now but please allow me to enlighten you by providing some backgrounds.

My sister, Shinzao left Malaysia to study in Taiwan a few years ago. During these years, I only managed to meet her every time she came back to visit Malaysia for a very short period of time.

Before I went to Taiwan, I told her that I would like to see her there if possible. She was delighted. It was hard to arrange for the meeting as I do not have hand phone there to contact her and further I stayed in Hsinju (northwest of Taiwan) while she stayed in the centre of Taipei which was one and a half hour apart.

When the Taiwanese rotaractors graciously arranged for a brief tour to Taipei, I grasped that chance to meet her and I did.

She waited me at the MRT station nearest to Taipei 101. When I was walking up the escalator my heartbeat shot up gradually. Unconsciously I was walking in front of the Taiwanese rotaractors, taking the lead.

When I saw her, she did not notice me immediately as she was giving direction to a few senior citizens who had lost their way. But our eyes met finally, after so many years. Emotions poured all over the place. But I was too macho to show my tears. I never realized that I missed my sister so much! My sister joined the gang of rotaractors to climb up the tallest building in the world. It only took us 37 seconds to reach the peak.

It was sad that we only had less than two hours there as the Taiwanese rotaractors had arranged a series of activities for us that evening.

We chat a lot trying to make up the time we have lost. Finally, it was time to say good bye. We took pictures and hugged each others before we parted.

As I walked back to the MRT station, I turned to look at my sister for the last time. She was walking at the opposite direction and I only could see her back. It was a scene I would not forget for a very long time.

Direction for April 11th Fellowship Day~

Dear everyone,

This is the map / direction to our 'Fellowship Day'.
Just a reminder for the activities of the day:-

Date: April 11th, 2006
Time: 8 am - noon
Venue: Football field across from Sekolah Sri Acmar
(Refer to map)

Anything, please contact Feldman Kuah 012 229 7677; Lloyd Cheam 012 254 7730.

Sincerely,
Lloyd Cheam
Organizing Chairperson

*Updated on April 3rd, 2006.

Shopaholics Paradise -“My four days trip to Bangkok”

Contributed by Rtr. VP Lee Hui Hui

I am writing this article to explain to members why I was missing club meetings, Feld and Diana' wedding and activities since February 15th 2006 till now.

I had been working hard like a real ‘kuli’ in my company since last year. My last overseas holiday was Cambodia in March 2005. I had total of 30 days leave this year because I get to carry forward annual leave of 10 days.

That's why I booked my holidays in advance to utilize my leave. My Bangkok trip was a real gift. My aunt managed to book Air Asia ‘free’ flights promotion to Bangkok from February 15th to February 18th 2006. It was a family trip.

Rotaractors, I only paid airport tax of RM100 plus admin charges of Rm48 for the whole trip. But bare in mind, for this ‘free’ flights fare, if you don't turn up and check in on that day, passengers have to pay the full fare and related surcharges. And they call it ‘No frills’ flight.

Accomodation wise- I stayed at a sky rise apartment hotel named Baiyoke Apartment Suites for only Rm59 per night. At the sky lounge, where buffet breakfast is served every morning, you can see the whole of Bangkok-just buildings, elevated highways and massive traffic jams. And as you exit from the hotel entrance, it is wholesale and retail shopping malls and stalls area. All are opened from 8 am and closes at 6 pm sharp.

And you can get everything from ladies cotton spaghetti strap t-shirts (from as low as Rm5 to Rm10-wholesale price), working clothes (skirts and blouses), men's shirts, shoes, sandals (leather and hand made for men and women), jackets, bags, sleepwear, innerwear, belts, jeans and accessories. For ladies, getting innerwear brands like Wacoal and Triumph is half of the price you get in Malaysia.

I bought some strap t-shirts and skirts as low as Rm5 to Rm25, shoes from Rm10, few black blouses for dinner from Rm15, denim jacket with matching hipster skirt at Rm40. Bangles and earrings only cost Rm2 to Rm5. I had my nail manicured at Rm15 only. This is a ‘cheap’ items paradise! Bangkok is famous for ready made tailored jackets and suits for man and woman at an affordable price.

Tip: If you like the item, buy it as soon as possible because you won't able to see the item again in the maze of stalls. It is possible to get lost because there are many stalls offering the same items.

Traffic jams are common in Bangkok and it is a pain. The weather was hot and humid. Even that, I still want to explore other retail areas outside Baiyoke area. I manage to walk to World Trade Center, which has the largest retail giant – Isetan of Japan. It has more high-end items like Armani, Gucci and Prada. (if you can afford) There are two ways for a shopaholic like me to travel to a mall – walk to avoid the traffic jams OR take a Tut-tut vehicle that will speed dangerously on illegal lanes in the city. (Please refer to Lloyd's article on his hiking trip to Laos-the picture of the Tut-tut was featured there). I choose the latter.

My mission was not only to shop but also to taste Thai food (spicy tom yam) and sweet desserts – the famous water chestnut dessert in coconut milk (Tap tim krop). For two nights, my mum, uncles, aunts and cousins had dinner at a seafood restaurant owned by a Chinese who spoke Hokkien. Food was tasty especially the lemon grass squids soup (sotong) and curry crabs.

I even went to a safari and marine park with my teenage cousin. It was a whole day arrangement with a personal Thai tour guide that knows how to speak Hokkien at RM70 with buffet lunch. It was my first time visiting one of Asia's largest safari park where you will see polar bears, birds and beluga whales and dolphins in the marine park that can sing and do stunts (I am not kidding!).

For those, who want to join me for a shopping free in Bangkok end of the year, please call me for an arrangement. We can make this as a fellowship outing. And, guys are welcomed too if you don't mind the long tiring shopping marathon!

Stressful? Relax? Golf?

WHILE I hurried putting on my sport outfits, carried my golf bag and put on my shoes, I was glad I am on the way for another night of golfing. While heading out, I cannot help recalling what Eric has told me from the last time we played. “Golf, it is meant to be relaxing.” Relax? What complications it could bring to me sometimes and yes, it is directly relating to an activity call ‘Sport’. Having spent most of my life playing and trying out all sort of sports, I subconsciously came to conclude that most sports would somehow require some sort of physical strength, I included Golf. What a big mistake!

Having hitting the ball inconsistently, I kept wonder what went wrong? I did not realize that it was actually my mental stage of playing the game. I was still treating golf very likely to swinging a baseball bat. Until I have personally witnessed Eric the way he has played that night, I can’t help but hitting my head claiming, “What an idiot I have been!” I was still trying to hit a golf ball with my strength, instead of more accuracy. Looking how relaxed and effortless Eric was doing it, I sighed deeply how shallow I know about this game.

Again, knowledge I have learned about golf came afloat in my head; “Golf, a game of precision”. Remember, we are hitting a ball that is only one and a half inches, attempting to get into a hole that is about 4-5 inches, from a distance of averaging 300 meters away? Of course, Eric has also brought me a new horizon towards golf. Eventually, I have to hit it on the greens. One thing that I was extremely grateful about is to have someone who knows about golf to coach me. Well, I cannot really call it a coaching but just a simple tipping session, since that night was the first time Eric touched a golf club since 6-7 years.

Now, I guess I am on a significant mission, which is to bring out again the great passion that has been embedded in Eric! Thanks, Eric. Although it was a short session on the driving range, I could not be more grateful to have you come by and tilt out my mistakes! To sum up, I suppose male and female do not really differ in golf, until you really gets up to a very high level. Good news!?

FYI: Eric Yap, a Port Klang Rotarian, who happens to be Toh Harnniann's boss.

A quote from the magazine I ran into. “The world according to whom (I have forgotten), golf is a game that we need to live with, in relationship. We can throw a football, hit a baseball or shoot a hoop without loving it, but we can't do it with golf. Because when it comes out of the bunker and sink into the hole, we know that golf is more than just another sport to us.”

Lloyd Cheam
Rtr. Port Klang Centennial

Here they go...

AS I am in the midst of sorting out some errands, I went back to the blog of Port Klang Centennial. Looking at it, I grasped and found out how much I actually miss my president (Harnniann Toh). Scrolling down on the pages, looking at articles that he has supplied, I am more than just impressed for what he has done for the club. I recalling back to the day when we all met in Klang Club to set up the club, started off with absolutely nothing and not quite yet sure where we will be heading to. Although I have not been around until recently, I have totally melted into this club that it has become my, so called, second family. For the things that we have done so far, shows it all. Orphanage visit, Medical Camp, Guess Speaker days, days in Karak and endless mamak ‘fellowships’.

My memory flashes again as I was sending Harnniarn, Eng Tee, Harley, Fei Lin and the rest off in KLIA. Here they go, off for a week to Taiwan for a good will visit. They hugged me goodbye and slowly disappearing into the crowd. It brought me to wonder, it is the one that left or the one that stayed would be more horrendous? Feeling lonesome, I walked back to my car. I found something my president has left for me.

Looking at the piece of paper Harnniann has noted down to remind me of important things to do for the club. I remember he was quite excited about the high number of readers visiting our blog. Chatting, he said, “Lloyd, you have to write something on the blog to make sure everyone stay tune within the web.” I raised my head, looking straight into him as he continued, “How can we afford to let go this crowd?” I smiled and could not agree more. Yes, we are doing great, great in a sense that not large in number but how close we have brought each other together. Even better, it is not just among us, I have seen it reaching out further that I initially thought. Plus, we are now crossing the border into Taiwan.

It is an honor taking over the web. While in a high hope of maintaining what we have, I am looking forward to push it higher. Hereby, I wish Rotaractors that have left for Taiwan, will have a great time and awesome experiences. Please, do come back with bag full of stories or I will kick your asses!

Also, shout outs to Rotaractors in Pudu, thanks for having us in Karak; Kelana Jaya and Kajang, you guys are simply awesome; Subang and Shah Alam, looking forward for more great time! And for everyone else who has visited this place, criticisms and suggestions are greatly welcome! Ha!

PS: Now, Lloyd is in da house! Any shout outs for the love one?

Lloyd Cheam
Rtr. Port Klang Centennial

A chat with a Commissioner For Oath...

My work requires me to see commissioners for oath regularly mainly to assist clients in swearing and affirming statutory declarations, affidavits etc etc.

This evening, I was asked by my boss to bring a stack of statutory declarations to see a commissioner for oath for affirmation. I went to see one near the town of Berkeley and his name is Mr. Soo.

When I knocked the door and went into his small office room, I was shocked as Mr. Soo looked so different. His body had shrunk at least half in size and he had aged so much since I last saw him! He had turned into a very old and fragile man.

He told me, slowly, that he had gone through a by-pass surgery because he had cardio-arrest recently. He told me he almost lost his life and he felt lucky to be alive. “If there was a delay of more than 2 hours, I would have died there and then…” he said.

To my surprise he unbuttoned his shirt and showed me his scar. It was nearly a foot long, from slightly below his throat down to his chest. “The pain was unbearable…” he recalled. He told me that now he has to be extra careful with his diet and could not engage in too many outdoor activities.

He looked at me and asked me how old am I. I said 26 this year. He fell back to his chair and murmured, “How wonderful if I were only 26 and had all the energy you have…” He went on telling me that health is something we mostly take for granted but can be taken away from us so easily and without warning.

I left his office once I made the payment. Before I closed the door, he spoke softly, “young man, do whatever you want to do now, don’t always think you still have a lot of time left…”

On my way back to the office, I tried to digest what he had told me. I am young and healthy and of course I always think that I still have loads of time ahead of me. So things that I want to do can be always postponed. Sicknesses like cancer and heart diseases sound so alien to me. Am I not thinking so all this while? Am I not taking my health, energy and youth for granted?

As I reflect on my current lifestyle, I realize that I have been wasting my time! And I see a lot of young people like me wasting their precious time too! We think that working and making money are so important that a minute without generating money is a minute wasted. Some friends of mine work from 8am to 12am, 6 days a week! What happen if one day (hopefully not so near future but who knows?) our health is taken away and we are left with just a few things to do before we leave this world? Only then, we repeat what the commissioner for oath told me that we only wish we had more time?

When I left his office, these words still lingering in my ears: “How wonderful if I were only 26 and had all the energy you have…”

As I walk down the aisle…

Contributed by Rtr Diana

I hear the gentle keys of the organ. I see fresh flowers floating down the aisle. I see my sisters in pink and white. Next to me, my hands were firmly grasped by my father. I have never been held this way. It feels like he never wants to let his favorite, precious child go. Then I felt a tug. It’s time. I stayed rooted to the ground. I looked up and saw my husband looking at me. Another tug. I held my head down; I couldn’t bear to look at the congregation. Pools of tears blurred my vision. It seems a little too soon when we reached the end of the aisle. My dad said, “Take care of her. Take care of your family...” A warm, familiar hand then clasped onto mine as my father left my sight.

Thanks Rtr Lloyd for sharing your experience...

Contributed by Rtr Sooling

During our last meeting (16th March 2006), Lloyd gave us a wonderful talk. He shared with us his memorable experience when he traveled to Laos, Cambodia and Thailand together with his cousin. Those who want to travel by their own without a tour package had gained a lot from his talk. It totally changed my mind after his talk. Before, I thought even if next time I have an opportunity to travel, I would not dare enough to travel by myself. I must have a tour guide to make sure every thing is in order without any problem. But like the message Lloyd has passed to us, when you travel by your own you will learn a lot of things which you never learn before

Interact Leadership Training & Motivation Camp (ILTMC)

Contributed by Rtr Engtee

17th – 19th March 2006 @ Dusun Eco Resort (Karak)

We are so fortunate to be invited by Rotaract Club of Pudu to participate the 3 days 2 nights Interact Leadership Training & Motivation Camp (ILTMC) sponsored by Rotary club of Pudu on 17th to 19th March 2006 at Dusun Eco Resort (Karak, Pahang).

As the date of ILTMC came nearer and nearer, I was so excited and really could not wait for any longer. Since I resigned from my work, I did do anything special during the past 3 weeks. Can you imagine how wonderful and meaningful the trip would be to me?!

On 17th March 2006

President Toh was our driver. He picked me up at 1930 hour, then followed by Rtr.Timmy, Rtr. Soo Ling and Rtr. Lloyd (“Hao An Da” which mean good brother) at Timmy’s house. during the 2 ½ hour drive, we were so excited, although everyone was tired after a whole day fighting with their jobs, however we spent most of the time chit chatting together in car, rather than sleeping.

My imagination was very creative. Since “Dusun Eco Resort” was such a nice name, I was thinking that it would be a comfortable and beautiful resort which would most likely similar to the hotel which we stayed for District Rotaract Assembly last year.

We followed the map which was provided by Rotaract Club of Pudu. Surprisingly, we came to a place which looks like a jungle. Along the way, there were no road lights, no handphone coverage, no signboard, and no car. The hillside was so steep, can you imagine how dangerous it was? All of us stopped talking, and tried to assist President Toh to find the way out. We spent 30 minutes looking for the resort and managed to reach.

Wah! Such a “wonderful” and “beautiful” resort… This resort was surrounded by forests and different species of insects which we are unable and have no chance to see in Klang. The size of these insects are big and fat and supernatural, and they were everywhere, in the canteen, washroom, hostel room and every way. “President Toh, can I go back home now?” I tried to get permission to go home from President immediately.

After registration, Rtr. Soo Ling and I were assigned to room A5 while Rtr. Timmy, Rtr. Lloyd and President Toh stayed in room A11. 1 name tag and 2 free rotaract t-shirt are given to all of the participants.

On 18th March 2006

It was a long day to go. We woke up early in the morning at 645am before morning call. Before breakfast, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors altogether around 400 people gathered at Dataran Rimba at 730am for the morning exercise. After that, President Harley, Mr. Looi (our new found friend) and 5 of us had breakfast together. We came to this resort FOC, so you may figure out how were the food and beverage. Anyhow, we still enjoyed the food and drink.

At 9am, Rotaractors prepared for the Rotary Rotaract Interact (RRI) game. It was fun doing the preparation, we got to know many of the rotaractors from other clubs.

After the RRI game, Rotaractors had the chance to be the facilitator of Interactors in their workshop for 3 hours. During this workshop, Interactors were separated into 7 groups. Rtr Terence, Rtr. Eunice, Rtr Timmy and I were in group 1. Each of us was assigned to conduct the discussion with 40 over Interactors. Rtr Eunice and I were assigned to the topic of Teenage Sex: A Youth’s Opinion. Fortunately, Rtr Terence assisted us to complete it.

At night there were performances by Interactors. After the hard and tiring work for the whole day, Rtr. Soo Ling and I choose to sleep early. However, President Harley, Mr. Looi, President Toh, Rtr Timmy, Rtr. Lloyd played guitar, sang song with other roommates until 2, 3am.

On 19th March 2006

Nothing much to do on the final day, we had a talk of “Success Building & Entrepreneurship” presented by PP Ng Tian Watt for 2 hours. After the last lunch in Dusun Eco Resort, we say goodbye to Rotaractors and started our journey at 1400 hour.
This is a memorable and enjoyable 3 days 2 nights trip for me. I am sure the rest of members have the same kind of feeling too. Do you?

You're Beautiful...(Part 2)

Contributed by Rtr. Timmy

Visit to Philea, home for children - part 2.

A 10-year old well-groom and charming little girl caught my attention. I shall call her Annie in this blog. Annie speaks fluent Malay (and I must admit that her Malay is way too good if compared to mine!) Feeling very excited, she told me that the children at the home are going to visit Cameron Highlands during their school holidays (thanks to a local community-based organization). The other kids started to join in the conversation about their about-to-happen trip. They told me how cold the weather is going to be there and how bad the trip is going to be on a bus. They just can't wait for it to happen!

We chat and I noticed these kids have been living under poor conditions. Their cloths are dirty and they are not properly groomed. Most of them stay at squatter areas (wooden houses without electricity supply: no TV, no fan, no refrigerator..etc). Imagine growing up without TV. You say that's bad? Now imagine growing up without a father or parents. Worse? Imagine that this is only their first few years of their life. Of course, things can always improve; and we believe we can make a different if we want.

Kong has come to an end. Time for the kids to head back to home (at the squatter areas) for a shower. A old van, owned by Philea, is used to drive the kids back. It's like putting on a acrobatic show when the kids (about 15 of them) started to squeeze into the van.

The kids left with the van. The home now has become quieter now.

I think back what we have done for the kids that day. Simple stuffs: a free not-so-clear movie session, lots of tidbits and balloons, some plush toys for the little ones, a used iron and toaster for the home. These stuffs do not really help them much... but I thought it will at least leave them some happy memories.

I still remember very clearly that once I was trying to make a little 4-year old girl at the home laugh during one of our community service project there. She was very shy but still managed to laugh with me. The little girl smile at me and approached me slowly and she gave me a hug with her small hands. I was shocked but I can feel the hug deeply and her little vulnerable soul. A small hug can make a BIG different. I can never forget that hug. Sometimes it makes me feel that what the kids need may look nothing to us, but to them it could be something very meaningful.

What I really really really hope and want to see is, all these kids can remember their own laughters and these laughters shall not fade as time goes by.To all the children at Philea Home: You're Beautiful, it's True.

p.s: we shall conduct computer classes for the kids at the home for our next upcoming project.

(for more Timmy's article, click here)

Activities for April

Dear Rotaractors & Guests,

I am pleased to announce that our Board had recently planned out a series of activities for the month of April 2006 and they are as follows:-

1st April 2006: Incoming Board Meeting (this is not a April Fool joke) so incoming Board Members please take note of this

5th April 2006: Current Board Meeting, 8.30pm at Kopitiam, Bukit Tinggi

6th April 2006: Bi-weekly Club Meeting, 8.00pm at Uncle Chew's place, Guest Speakers will be arranged by the President

8th April 2006: District Rotary Assembly, 15 Flag bearers needed for opening ceremony, 8.00am at Holiday Villa Subang

11th April 2006: Fellowship Activities, our newly appointed Fellowship Manager Rtr. Lloyd will organise exciting activities for everyone at very low cost

20th April 2006: Bi-weekly Club Meeting, 8.00pm at Uncle Chew's place, Guest Speakers will be arranged by President

21st to 23rd April 2006: District Rotaract Assembly at Morib beach.

Members and Guest kindly take note of the above dates. It is definitely a busy month hope to see you in these exciting activities!!

You're Beautiful...

Contributed by Rtr. Timmy

Visit to Philea, home for children - part 1.

You should see them smile and hear their laughter. Children's laughter is the best medicine, don't you think so? However, how long will the happiness lasts? Maybe only while we were there, maybe only while they are alone or even maybe for a few more years, before they lose their purity. There's nothing much we could do to help them, but my fellow friends and myself are trying hard that day.

They always wanted to see Peter Jackson's Kong and we tried our best to bring them Kong. No pop-corns, no air-conditioned room, no DOLBY sound system and no comfortable cushion sofas. There were only a Compaq laptop, a pair of old speakers and a projector in a hot and stuffy room. It was a warm afternoon..yet the children started to chat and laugh while waiting for Kong to appear on the wall. I can't understand a single word the children say (as they communicate among themselves in Tamil) but I was pretty sure they were happy and looking forward to the show. You see, laughter and the happy tone of conversation are universal, you don't have to understand laughter to know happiness.

OK, forget about the dentist. You are going to have all the tidbits you want, kids! The kids started to shout as they saw the chocolate candies and mini-jelly cups we have. "Auntie! Auntie!" "Uncle! Uncle!" they shout, trying to catch our attentions. "I want orange!" "I want strawberry!" No, we didn't bring exotic fruits during the visit, the kids were referring to the jelly-cups flavours they wanted. With all the tidbits in their hands, the show started. Oh dang! The pictures weren't clear at all. We can't hardly see Kong's stern face on the wall (the pictures were projected to the wall). Well, low quality pictures on the wall but I guess the kids still enjoyed all the actions that involve Kong and the mighty T-Rex. (Yea, it was a edited version of Kong: we started the movie from the 50th minute; that's when Kong starts to kick-ass)

To be frank, the movie session didn't went really well. The kids were feeling hot and sweating. I can't even stand the stuffy room myself! I made a retreat to the porch and found 5-year old Nana (this is not the real name but I shall call her Nana here) on the swing by herself. Nana has large and sparkling round eyes, she's a little bit spoilt but she's very very cute and like to ran about without her slippers.

Nana then started to talk to me..in Tamil. She spoke non-stop for 20 secs. I stared at her and I started trying to give her the impression that I understand (which I failed badly). Minutes after that , a few more little kids came out from the room and one by one they jumped onto the swing. They started talking to me...yes, in Tamil. I know they have been wanting attentions of others and they have been wanting someone to listen and talk to them. Language is a barrier, heart-felt feelings are not.

To be continued...

Rtr. Timmy is our club's community service director and also our incoming president-elect. To read more of his articles please click here.

Flag Bearers Wanted!

The 72nd Rotary International District 3300 Assembly will be held from 7th April to 9th April 2006 at Holiday Villa, Subang. The most exciting news is... WE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY!

Since our sponsoring club, the Rotary Club of Port Klang, is proudly hosting the event, we are honoured and fortunate that we will be tasked as the flag bearers for the opening ceremony on 8th April (Saturday). This is the best and valuable opportunity for our members to interact and mingle with the successful rotarians of this District and also for them to know us.

A total of 15 flag bearers are needed from our club to bear the flags of Rotary International and also all the states in District 3300. All flag bearers are required to wear white colour long sleeves shirt and back colour slacks (or skirt for lady). A handsome vest and a pair of white gloves (courtesy of Uncle Chew) will be provided to all flag bearers.

Our club only had 18 members and we need 15. So you would no doubt understand that everyone's cooperation is vital. Hence, please kindly make every efforts to ensure that you diary is free on that morning. We are required to report ourselves at 8.00am on 8th April (Sat) at Holiday Villa Subang.

The President will go around to get the list of rotaractors who will be able to attend this interesting Assembly. Your loud and clear answer of "YES I'LL BE THERE" will be most welcome. Thanks!

Map to Our Meeting Location

This is just a reminder to all Rotaractors of Port Klang Centennial that we will be having our bi-weekly club meeting this coming thursday night (16th March 2006) at our usual meeting place at 8.00pm. Please take notice that, as usual, late comers will be justly fined.

Also, not to forget, our newly inducted Rtr. Lloyd Cheam will be presenting his little talk about his recent adventurous trip to S. E. Asia.

To the many guests that thought of coming but do not know the direction to our meeting place, here you go, I attach herebelow a map to our meeting place and hope the illustration is good enough.
See you guys there!

(Thanks to Rtr Lloyd for drawing the map)

Golf

Contributed by Rtr Lloyd Cheam

Playing Golf. Has it ever crossed your mind? Are you thinking about the word “rich” or “expensive”? Or you think it is heck too boring to be a game at all?

Anyway, it really does not matter what you think, golf is regarded as one of the ultimate challenging sport one person could play. I felt fortunate taking up a golf class in my senior year. I still remember vividly of my coach, Kathy talking enthusiastically in front of the class early morning, when I was still hauling my sleepy head in the class. Making sure that everyone in the class would stay awake she made us stand up to tell the class why we want to play golf? I said on that day, “I have always wanted to play golf because I cannot resist thinking it is the ultimate sport we have on earth.” She could not agree more with me.

Can you believe, even the great Jack Nicklaus, who many people regard him as the Master of Golf, way before Tiger Woods stormed the golf world, once said that he only happy with three shots out of the whole day he has played. Three shots? He must be insane! What really caught me up on this sport is the ‘mental’ that one person have to go through when they play golf. Tiger Woods quoted in his book, “The biggest test is not the person trailing behind you. In fact, it is the person within you. It is you, yourself!” I assume everyone that have spent some decent time playing golf knows it well, it is more a mental game than a physical game.

Why say so? Well, to play golf is not easy. Indeed, it is rough. I mean, my first day of playing golf totally made me wanted to quit golf forever. It was horrible!! I mean, standing at the driving range, holding a club and trying to hit a ball that is about one and a half inch large, seems impossible. Even more embarrassing, the gardener who was just passing by to water the grass seems to be suspected of stalking me. Furthermore, I kept moaning about missing a hit, or my golf club is not good enough and etc.

Of course, it was not the gardener, neither the ball, nor the club; it was of course me, the person that is hitting the golf ball. I came understand that to be able to play well in golf we have to face the reality. I have to admit that I am a lousy golfer and I cannot really hit a ball. From there, only I could really see what mistakes I have done and improve slowly from there. How dehumanizing, huh?

Imagine that I have to go through 5 months of golfing at the driving range, 100 balls per day, about 400 balls per week, and yet I am not fully confidence that I could make a good shot every time. Tell me, when it comes to a ball game, what could be more fanatical that trying to hit a ball that is only one and a half inch large, into a hole that is about 4-5 inches wide, from a distance of about 300 meters away?! It is frustrating sometimes, but we can’t help but agree that it is the best training. I think golf is the only game that really brought me to my knee that I have to be humble about it.

Tell me what I have learned from golf? Plenty. I have learned about patience, patience and patience. I still curse a lot when I play golf but maybe now I curse silently in my heart. Most importantly of all, I have changed my attitude to try to have a better game. Playing golf reminds me of being humble, patience and everything in the world will need to take some time. I dare say that it is very likely to living a better life.

Here are some tips for all beginners eager to try out golf.

1) Never get expensive golf clubs as a beginner cannot tell a Nike club from a XYZ club. Get the cheapest one you could afford to start off.

2) Don’t get a whole set. For starter, get only Iron 7 & Iron 5. Even a used one from the golf shop will do. I just bought 2 Iron clubs for only RM 60 each. (When you get to the shop, tell them precisely you need Iron 7 & Iron 5, they would understand that).

3) To start off, it is always better to have someone who knows how to play to teach you along the way. To play golf well, you need to play it right from the start. Or simply invest a book that teaches you to play. Driving range is the best place to practice your shot and it is only RM 10 for 100 balls.

4) Another important thing that I have learned is try to be a good golfer. Never curse out loud, break your club, or anything foolish, as it will distract anyone play with you or close by to you. Keep a Positive attitude!

5) Last but not least, golf is a life time game. It really takes time and patience to show some result. Once a golfer, always a golfer!

Some useful links:-

http://www.nicklaus.com/

http://www.tigerwoods.com/

http://golf.about.com/

Welcome To The Family, Rtr Zeekin & Rtr Lloyd

2nd of March 2006 shall be a day to be remembered by both of them for from that day onward, Lloyd and Zeekin shall formally be called as "Rotaractors"! Syabas (congratulation)!

Rtr Zeekin is a student of Taylor College currently pursuing pre-law programme. A definite material for good lawyer. Rtr Lloyd had just finished his degree in economics from the States and is now deciding which path to start his career. I am very sure that Rtr Zeekin and Rtr Lloyd will definitely bring energy, fun and creativity into our club.

All the best to both of them. I sincerely hope that they will have the opportunity to learn loads of things, gain great experience, have fun, making new friends and not forget, contribute to the community by joining our club.

With the induction of our 2 "youngest" rotaractors, our club's membership now stands at 18, lean and healthy.

Bringing "KING KONG" to Philea Orphanage

11th March 2006. Four Rotaractors and one guest captured the infamous King Kong and showed it to the orphans at Philea Orphanage. Can you believe that?!

I always enjoy visiting the Philea Orphanage situated at Kapar Town (about 30 minutes drive from Klang Town). The smiles of the children there always remind me of going back there again and again. Thanks to the great efforts put in by our Community Service Director Rtr. Timmy Ong, we had the honour and chance to visit the children again last Saturday (11-3-2006).

This time we went there with the aim of showing the children the movie "King Kong". The person in charge there Ms. Yoges informed us that the children wanted to watch the movie, so we were given the mission of satisfying these children's wish.

To the lucky kids staying in Town, watching movie at cinema can not be easier. All they need to do is to ask their parents for the money, then go to cinema, buy tickets and enjoy the movie with the luxury of air-conditioning and pop corns. But the same cannot be said to the children at Philea Orphanage. Where do they go to when they want to watch movie?

So, our job is to bring the mini cinema to them. We brought a laptop with DVD rom and a digital projector. All we need then is a very dark room so we could project the movie on the empty white wall. The problem we encountered was, squeezing 20 over children into one room can be a tormenting experience. The room became so humid, stuffy and hot that it was eventually unbearable. We had to fast forward the movie to show only scenes where King Kong show up and whack the T-Rex and US Army.

Who will not like these children when they desparately tried to shake your hands and said, "thank you, uncle". We did object to them calling us "Uncle" though, but nevermind.

I am hopeful that we will visit them again in near future.

(I will post some pictures in this blog once Rtr Timmy extracts them from his video camera, so stay tuned!)

My Swimming Team

My oh my! What a great job has Rtr Lloyd done!

When Rtr. Lloyd shared with me the idea that he wanted to ask friends to go swimming with him at Shah Alam pool, I was skeptical and I thought I would be the only sacrificial goat keeping him companied.

Somehow as though he knows some sort of special magic, against all odds he successfully persuaded Rtr. Engtee and Rtr. Sooling to swim too! What an impossible mission and he accomplished. But it was not an easy task. First we had to sell the idea to both of the girls that swimming is an excellent exercise, that not only it will make you healthy, it will make you look fit too. Once they bought this idea, we still have to cross another hurdle of giving them confidence to wear swimsuit in public! Ooh… that was a tough one but we managed.

Then we (to be more specific, it was me) had to go through the pain of accompanying Engtee to buy swimsuit. Gosh! She could take years just to pick one she likes! I remembered when I bought mine, it took me less than 15 minutes. No wonder the salesgirl gave me a BIG smile when I made payment.

When we got everything ready, off we dashed to the swimming pool. President Harley was enthusiastic with this idea too and joined us. Rtr Lloyd and I had been very good in arranging the logistic and we took turn to drive there.

The first time I went to swim with Lloyd, I almost drown. Without any effort of warming up our bodies, we jumped straight into the chilling pool and started to swim like Jack and Rose in The Titanic. I forgot I had quitted sports for more than 3 years! Suddenly I found both my legs and arms giving in and not listening to my command. Lloyd felt the same too. When both of us finished swimming, we felt like our heads were going to burst. It was painful.

But practice makes perfect. We did not give up and we swim regularly. Now (not to say I am blowing my own trumpet here), if I am not disturbed by the boy who refuses to grow up (you-know-who) I could easily swim laps after laps non stop.

The girls are showing tremendous improvement too. Sooling is learning how to lift up her head to breathe while Engtee learns how to swim faster. Both of them enjoy swimming now and often refuse to leave the pool to go for shower when asked by us (they need 40 minutes to shower! The boys have to wait for them like husband waiting for wife to deliver).

So, joining us too? Just contact me or Lloyd.

The Swimming Team

Happy Birthday to President!

Contributed by Rtr Sooling

Happy Birthday, our dear president Toh………wish all your dreams come true..

Yesterday, we have an activity in Hokkian Hall, actually can’t say is an activity, is more like an invitation from our Rtn Chew. One group of Shaolin Masters came to Malaysia to perform their kungfu. Earlier, all of us already agreed to meet each others at Hokkian hall at 7:30pm as the performance will start at 8:00pm.

But around 4:30pm, I received a call from Rtr Lloyd, he wanted us to give a surprise to Toh. The plan is like this, first of all, he want us to give a ‘big aeroplane’ to Toh. That means we need to call Toh and say that we could not attend the activity. All of us were so cooperative; we called Toh and gave a lot of excuses. Our innocent President Toh believed us without any doubt and said ok he will go to Hokkian hall alone.

Around 10:00pm, Rtr Engtee, Persident Harley of RAC Subang and I turned up at Toh’s house. (Lloyed was already in Toh’s house) Toh was shocked why all of us suddenly appeared in his house since we told him we have other things to do and could not meet him that night. Until he saw Engtee brought a cake out from her car, then only he realized why after we gave him a ‘big aeroplane’ and now all of us was there….(feel touched ? Toh) ^@^ hehehe……

After we sing birthday song, he made a wish and blew the candles. Of course, after this I’m sure everyone knows what happened. Bingo ! Lloyd keep the cake’s cream and smash onto Toh’s face. Hahaha… As Lloyd said in his comment, after his ‘make up’ for Toh, Toh’s face look like Grinch. Since we are the guests, and purposely use our ‘valuable hour’ to celebrate his birthday, how dare he get angry with us. Lloyd take this opportunity to throw more cream at Toh.. Guys, u can’t imagine two adults was chasing each other like small kids….. Ha…..
Last but not least, wish u again a very happy birthday, President Toh. :>

My Birthday 8th March 2006

I do not know whether you share the same feeling. As I grow older I pay lesser attention to my birthday celebration. This year, I have totally forgotten about it until someone mentioned it last 2 weeks.

Yesterday, Rtr. Lloyd Cheam orchestrated a “Surprise” birthday party for me. He tried to make me feel disappointed and then lifted my spirit up when friends turned up at my house to celebrate my birthday. I will not dwell into the details of the celebration here, as Rtr. Soo Ling has graciously promised me to write a short article regarding last night celebration.

What I want to say this time is that I am so touched that at my age, I still have friends who will take the pain of planning a surprise for me. For that alone I would like to openly say thank you to Rtr Lloyd for his great efforts.

What made me feel even happier is that President Harley, despite the distance and the workloads, turned up at my house at around 10.30pm just for the sole purpose of celebrating my birthday. Thanks Prez Harley!

Later part of the night I received SMSs sent by friends and relatives. Thank you.

One particular sms I would like to share with all of you here is the sms sent by my parents from Kuala Terengganu (East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia). My parents though they are not those traditional thinking type, they seldom express their feelings for their children openly. So the moment I received their sms, I really feel like crying. This is the sms they sent:-

Happy birthday to our dearest son. We are proud of you and we love you. from dad and mum.

Those 19 words, though simple and short, carry a great depth of emotions and love which make me proud to be their son too.

I think God is fair and at the same time unfair. Fair, in the sense that everyone (whether you are poor or rich, boy or girl) has a birthday; unfair, because not everyone has the privilege to enjoy a meaningful and unforgettable birthday celebration. I am grateful that I am the lucky one.

Club Meeting 16th March 2006

Please be informed that our next club meeting is on the 16th March 2006 at Rtn Chew's office (Klang) at 8.00pm.

Our Speaker for the meeting is none other than our very interesting and talented Rotaractor, Rtr. Lloyd Cheam. He will share with us his recent trip to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia by pictures presentation. (Part of his wonderful experience had been written down and posted in this blog).

Don't miss it! Mark it on your diary now!

Thank you : )

p/s: any guest who wants to join the meeting, please contact me at harnniann_toh@yahoo.co.uk

Medical Camp 4th March 2006: The Preparation

What would have happened if we were not there?

Rtn Chew (or famously known as "Uncle Chew") indicated to me that there will be "some" Rotarians from his club and members from Tzu Chi to clean up Stella Maris Hall on the 4th of March 2006. I was given the impression that our (the Rotaractors) presence was not so significant as there would be a huge crowd doing the preparation works. As a result I called a few guests of mine, telling them if they really have problems coming to Port Klang on 4th March, then please don't come as we have "enough" man power. I was wrong.

The preparation works were not too tough and I am not complaining. I was glad that we have a "substantial" number of Rotaractors and guests to do it. Initially there were some confusions as to what to do because the situation was abit messy. So we took the proactive approace, took the broom and mop and started cleaning the floor. Rtr Lloyd did a good job in helping to change the water. The girls (Rtr. Engtee and Rtr Sooling) were very good in mopping floors. Rtr Banfong and Rtr Zeekin (our Strength Heroes) helped alot in carrying heavy stuffs. I could not recall what each rotaractor did one by one, but suffice for me to say that all did conribute a lots in the preparation works. Well done.

The part I enjoyed most was the setting up of the tents. We helped Tzu Chi to set up 4 tents beside the Hall. Though the task did not require much interlectual imput as it was quite easy, it required alot of of human power. At least a minimum of 6 persons is required. Luckily the tent is made of aluminium so it is light.

After more than half an hour working under the hot evening sun and sweating profusely, all 4 tents were successfully set up at last and stood proudly beside the Hall, ready for action the next day.

Once we made sure that all the floor (including the stage) were cleaned, we quickly packed our tools and prepared for take off! We were so hungry then and we rushed to Pandamaran (a small Chinese New Village near Port Klang) to eat fried chicken.

That night I slept through the night dreamlessly.

President in action

"Sigh..." by Rtr. Diana

Sigh... I really shouldn’t be writing this at work but to appease my President, I will do it now! Sometimes, it makes me wonder, how can a 25-year-old guy NAG SO MUCH?

Sitting at my desk, I suddenly realize that I only have 9 more working days to complete my current project before I move on to my third and final project as a Management Associate of Citibank. I am labeled as MA in the Citi and this is a brand that will be tagged to me for life, even if I leave the Citi in future. If you ask me, this tag is rather heavy.

MA Program is an annual worldwide program from Citibank. According to some myth, only the best gets in. So, everyone will call you “The MA” and you are supposed to be smarter, a faster learner, more efficient and effective and most of all to KNOW EVERYTHING. It’s ok if a new hire does not know anything but it is NOT OK for a MA. MA is supposed to know everything and it doesn’t depend on your vintage or whether you come from a Biotechnology background that meddles around with cloning and accounting and finance terms are as foreign as the language spoken by our pen pal from Kenya.

All that said, I am not complaining. I am not saying that it is easy to box and lock up my Biology, letting it cover with cobwebs and dust in a small room at the back of my head. Cymbidium Mosaic Virus? Was I not the expert from Malaysia? But then, where else will I be given a chance to learn programming and meddle with people’s credit facilities? To be given the sole responsibility of coming up with a new business loan, from product features to system enhancement to legal collaterals? If I stayed in my lab, will I ever be offered to position in Investment or even Decision Management?

There’s always something to look forward in life. I am looking forward to my 3 days training in Renaissance Hotel (actually it’s the food!). I am looking forward to my scientific paper to be published in a journal. I am looking forward to my check up at the gynaecologist every month. And everyday I look forward to getting off work to see my husband…

…Last but not least, I look forward to our club meeting tonight but not the part when I have to write the minutes, though. :P

Petrol Hike & Rotaract Activities

I, like every Malaysian, was shocked and surprised by the fact that there will be 30 sen increase in petrol price with effect from 28-2-2006.

I was having tea with President Harley, Rtr Eng Tee, Rtr Feilin of RAC Shah Alam and Lloyd at Bukit Tinggi on 27th night and the news came too late for me to pump up my nearly empty tank. As a result I have to pay alot more for my petrol the next morning. But even had I had the time to fill up my tank on the night before the increase, I would have just saved RM10.00 to RM12.00 only. In the longer term, the petrol increase will still have great and obvious impact on my daily life.

I read Guang Ming Daily this morning while having breakfast. Today’s heading featured “HOW TO GET ON WITH LIFE?”

It highlighted the predicament faced by ordinary family with ordinary income. For example, for a labour who had been working for the past 15 years with a salary of RM3,400.00 per month and with a family of 6 members (husband and wife and 4 children), his estimated monthly expenses would be around RM3,300.00 to RM3,400.00. In another words, he would not have any savings left. With the recent petrol price increase, his monthly expenses are expected to increase 25 percent. It is not likely that his salary will be increased in the foreseeable future. So how is he going to pay for the extra expenses?

The conclusion of the news article is that we have to live our life frugally. Do not waste money on unnecessary things, spend wisely.

This leads me to the core of my posting this time. We as rotaractors have many activities planned in a year. We are expected to attend many functions organized by our club, other clubs and district. I have no doubt that these functions are fun and usually strengthen the ties between the rotaractors and rotaract clubs. I have little doubt about that.

However, these functions also come with a price and normally they are not cheap. I just received an invitation from a president of another rotaract club inviting us to join their farewell party. It costs RM35 per person. I could pump in another extra 10.5 liter of petrol with that money!

Further it has come to the near end of the Rotaract year. As usual, clubs shall be busy organizing installation dinner and sending out invitations to other clubs. These dinner tickets, again, are not cheap and will normally cost around RM30 to RM50 per person. There is also a tendency to organize the dinner as grand as possible thus hiking up the price.

The coming District Rotaract Assembly cost RM235.00 per person as compared to RM200.00 per person last year.

The age range for rotaract club is between 18 to 30, which means the members normally consist of students with no income at all and young working adults with little salary to meet monthly commitments.

Hence, the question I pose to you is where do we strike the balance? On one hand, we have to actively participate in rotaract activities (if not what’s the point of joining rotaract?), on other hand, we could barely survive the high cost of participation.

Can I appeal to all clubs and the district that in future, all activities organized shall involve as nominal cost as possible? Then we will be able to attract more rotaractors and also potential rotaractors to join us.