Sunday, July 26, 2009

Allahyarham Yasmin Ahmad


I have never met Yasmin Ahmad. And unfortunately I've never had the privilege of knowing her personally. But I'm a huge fan of all her TV commercials and movies. She touches my heart in the few minutes of short stories about love, life and respect in the commercials aired usually prior to festivals in the past few years. Strange how she can make me feel & cry in less than 2 minutes.

And don't get me started on her movies. Yasmin had that gift of seeing differently. Her movies are honest and true, so much so that all her work attracted controversies from the powers that be. Scenes were cut, some parts were banned and debated on. Her film Muallaf never reached the screens in Malaysia. But, kudos to her, she persisted on. She didn't live with a front so she would get public's approval. Yasmin was a story-teller who told simple, real stories about people, relationships, love and life. She was honest, without all the pretence and hypocrisies - and she touched so many hearts, mine included. 

The closest I got to Yasmin Ahmad was when I left a message in her blog yasminthestoryteller last year. I told her that I was in awe of her talent and she responded to my message simply by saying: Allah is generous beyond comprehension. How true..

Last night Yasmin was called to her Maker and we, as a nation has lost a remarkable person who had that rare gift of making people laugh, cry and think, all at the same time. Al-Fatihah..

It's strange how you can be so affected by the death of someone you don't even  know and have never met. But I feel so, so sad today. 

Please watch the clip below. It's to remind people that we are all "beautifully imperfect". It's one of her work in Singapore.

Monday, July 20, 2009

National Choral Speaking Competition


The Champions!

Adlan's Choral Speaking Team won the National Competition today!! St David High School's team is the Best in Malaysia 2009! Wooooohoooooo :D

I was at the venue first thing this morning as SDHS was the 4th school to perform. Without a doubt, the SDHS team was in a class of their own. Their performance was OUTSTANDING! From the word go, they were all articulate, expressive, passionate & convincing! Their delivery & gestures were flawless. The script entitled "Teachers' Nightmare" was interesting, gripping and funny - every second was a pleasure! Adlan had some solo lines (he is the school principal in the script!) & he did extremely well. I was so, so proud of him. The audience was so appreciative, some of the competing schools even gave them a standing ovation! Thank you so much to the most brilliant and passionate coach - Anna Nonis - for bringing out the best in the students. Anna, you are the one who made this happen for the team! You are truly priceless.

Anna in pink with the team of Kaypoh Moms & Sisters :)

Adlan & his 2 BFF - Alif & Joel

Waiting for the results nearly gave me a heart attack. When they announced SDHS as the champion, the students literally brought the roof down with screams, cries, yells & delightful laughters! I cried and laughed at the same time. We were all hugging each other, and I quietly thank God for this wonderful gift. 

A picture with Dato' Noor Rezan Bapoo Hashim 
(who gave an inspiring speech!) & the coveted trophy :)

Adlan, Mama is so proud of you and your team!! Congratulations darling! The school PIGB will reward you all soon (^_^)

Postscript: The Choral Speaking video can be viewed here.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Hadi

Having tea and cake at the kitchen on Hadi's last day

Of all the interns who had been attached to our Firm, Hadi is the most special. He is focused and he works at a given task seriously and diligently. He understood instructions given to him well & researches his work with much enthusiasm. To be fair, some of our previous interns were good too, but what made Hadi different is that he genuinely made the effort to get to know all the staffs. He is always willing to help (even in the kitchen!). We were comfortable to have him with us. We felt that he was part of the family.

Hadi left last Friday to continue with his final year in UIA. We wish him the very best of luck as he strives to obtain the much coveted law degree! 

Sunday, July 5, 2009

A Quiet, Lazy Weekend


The Eye is quite stunning at night

Eye On Malaysia in Malacca

The residents of Danau Kaseh had a quiet and lazy weekend & it was truly blissful :)

We all went for a ride on the Eye On Malaysia on Saturday night & the experience was much better than expected! The brightly lit Giant Ferries Wheel looked stunning at night! Glad we decided to take this ride and it's a MUST if you are ever in Malacca (Anas was a little scared at first but he got over it soon!). We then parked at EQ and strolled over to Subaidah at Dataran Pahlawan for supper. Although the teh tarik was somewhat disappointing, the Tandoori Naan was Yummy!

Anas looking a bit worried

Papa & Hakim

Adlan & Hakim

Sunday lunch, Adlan helped Mama cook in the kitchen while Hakim & Adlina helped clear & set up the table. We had lasagna and garlic bread, and bread pudding & jelly for dessert. I'm gald we gave Mawar the weekend off. Really should do this more often - quiet weekend, just with the family..

Wish the weekend would last longer - it's Monday & I'm really in for a busy week this week.. sigh...