Chuang Asia S2 Fan Meet and Greet (22/3/2025)

After our photography session on campus, we decided to head to Sunway Pyramid. Xin Qi and I took a Grab car while Ren Khai took the canopy walk from campus. 

When Xin Qi and I were  about to enter the entrance of Sunway Pyramid, I said a casual hi to the two people who were wearing masks (I can’t forget my manners). One of them said: “Long time no see,” I stopped in my steps. I asked him who he was, and he revealed to be Nick Kung! 

I haven’t seen him for a long time! The last time we met was on 10 September 2017. We had a good catch-up. I told him what I’m doing right now, and he said: “You’ve grown!” I could say it was a firm yes! The first time we met was in 2015 and met consecutively at events after that. 

Nick and I reunited after eight years.

I also introduced Nick to Xin Qi, we took a quick photo and after that Xin Qi and I went in as we had lunch with Ren Khai at the Japanese vegetarian restaurant. 

Ren Khai, Xin Qi and I headed to the entrance of Sunway Pyramid after lunch to have a glimpse of the Chuang Asia S2 Fan Meet and Greet - it’s the last stop of the Malaysian leg.

Even though it started to drizzle, it didn't dampen the spirits of the fans who gathered to meet the trainees of Chuang Asia S2. I got excited when I saw Vivienne (from MELODY) and Kryston (from GoXuan) on the stage. “I wonder I could meet them when the crowd susbsides?” I asked Ren Khai. “We will!” he said. With the introsuction of each trainne, the theme song for Chuang Asia S2  - Skyline got the crowd going high and they (the trainees) gave some lucky fans roses as part of the interaction. Oh my gosh!

The trainees of Chuang Asia 2 at the waiting area for their call on stage.

The crowd even went craizier with a surprise apperarnce from Elyn Leong - the first ever batch of Chuang Asia and member of the band - Gen1es (Genies). She played games with the current tarinees and they asked her what was her experience as a trainee last year. 

Elyn Leong made a surprise appearance at the meet and greet.

As I was holding my phone during the game session, one of the security people asked me: “Miss, may I borrow your phone for a picture?” I said: “Yes, please, feel free,” and when he came back it was a bunch of photos! 

Game time with the trainees alongside Elyn Leong (second from right)

I managed to catch hold of Elyn to take a photo (the bodyguard almost didn’t let me but I understood it was for security reasons). The trainees came down to the stage again to hand out gifts to some lucky fans (yet again). We wished them al the best and they were off to Bangkok, Thailand, to fight places in the finals in conjunction with their debut night in a couple of weeks. I hope that the representatives from Malaysia would earn a spot in the finals, they made it so far to achieve their dreams. 

After the crowd subsided, we headed to see Kryston and Vivienne. I said hi to Kryston and gave him a hug. I told him I’m a fan of GoXuan. “Are you?” he asked. I said yes and the next thing I asked where is Vivienne. “Hold on, we’ll get her for you,” said Kryston. The moment Vivienne saw me, she gave me the wamest hug. “How are you? Long time no see! What are you doing now?” she asked and I told her what I’m doing right now, just like Nick earlier. 

When Ren Khai mentioned about the Chinese New Year celebration (CNY) and the theme song for this year, I sang the chorus. “Wow, you know the song, do you?” asked Kryston I said yes! I knew the whole album! 

We had a chat with Nick and his partner in singing and dancing - Ash.  “Well, Katelyn loves singing, you wanna sing with her?” Ren Khai put me on the spot. Although Skyline is the song I heard today a few times, I’m still working on the whole song to memorise the lyrics. 

A spontaneous singing with Ash - singing Skyline 

Before we left, using the photgraphy skills, I took a nice shot of Kryston. That’s the end of our day out! 

Kryston from GoXuan posing on stage after the event.

I wish all the best to every trainee, especially to Alton, Sunny and Jackson, hope you all will make Malaysia proud! Malaysia Boleh! 

“I see the world, I see the Skyline”. 

Back to University: Frame by Frame Photography 101 (22/3/2025)

I have a passion for photography and that passion dated way back when I was 13, it’s not until I was 16, that I had my first camera - the Canon Ixus. After that, I used either the iPod or the iPhone, which I’m using now.

Six years later, my passion for photography sparked up again when I read about the then-Duchess of Cambridge now The Princess of Wales - Princess Catherine also known as Princess Kate, has a passion for photography! On Christmas 2019, my uncle bought me a camera, so I have been using it ever since for any big events or just taking it out to brush up my skills for a bit. 

As anyone who wants to show the skills and practice, I didn’t have the chance to show my talent. Finally, my passion is put to the test with Frame by Frame: Photography 101 with Graeme Tan. I’m quite excited because I have watched short episodes of the Sip and Spill segment on Instagram and I have a few favourites. 

The basics from aperture to ISO - everything we need to know how to take the “perfect” shot. After knowing the basics, it’s time to apply them. With Shayne being the “model” of the day, we try a few scenarios to see the difference. I have some trouble adjusting my camera settings to manual mode but Andrew was on hand to help. 

Shayne being the “model” at the workshop. 

A close up shot of a camera model. 

Here comes the fun part of the photography workshop. Each team is given a scenario to take a shot. The first team is to advertise for a new brand while the second team is taking a mock demonstration of coffee making by Shayne. My team is the third one which is playing journalists for the day to take people around Sunway. As a communication graduate, this got me excited! 

Although we were rejected by a couple of people, we still got to take some shots on campus. Such a coincidence, that it was an info day for the Sunway Foundation Programs (Foundation in Science & Technology & Foundation in Arts) and Australian Matriculation known as AUSMAT. When we head back to the studio, the second team is still taking some pictures at the coffee demonstration. 

Taking people around Sunway campus.

After analysing each picture from the three teams, there are some room for improvement. Each of us is presented with the Frame by Frame: Photography 101 certificate completion, it’s in a frame too! I can’t wait for the next alumni event! 

I have completed the course presented by Ms. Sue-Ann (left) and Graeme (right).

Me and my camera are the perfect shot to capture every moment! I can picture this, can you? 

菩提工作坊恒守愿田：《福到我家》总心得 （23/2/2025）

 “福气就在你手掌，爱惜亲爱的爹娘……” 是的，福气正式飘到菩提工作坊！续了上个星期的马佛青甲州联委会新春感恩宴会，这是我第二场的后新年庆典，而且是第一次在雪隆区的佛学会。接近菩提工作坊的时候，我跟我学弟—— 淼善说：“我快到了！” 他说：“好的！你等下我告诉他们来接你。” 

由于停车位有限，只好在车上等待。不久身穿的红色汉服的诗绮和红色衣服的美琪过来接我，经过大马路，终于到菩提工作坊的大门口啦！把鞋子脱了，就到桌上摆放的红纸，写 “福” 字。或许我很久没有握毛笔，技术上有点 “生锈” 。好啦，在去二楼的的大殿之前，在大大的 “福” 字拍张照！

《福到我家》新年庆典

礼佛后，我到三楼的游戏区。我最喜欢的游戏是《好事连连》因为是刺激感官和记忆。我算了分数是十一分，但实际是十五分！“你选一个祝福语，但是你不能给现场的任何的义工或筹委会。” 我把 “六时吉祥” 的祝福语送给站哦身旁的一个佛友。

好运连连游戏：感受感觉和记忆。

我领取礼物后就到回二楼的大殿进行上供仪式。当供品端在我面前，我的手在颤抖着，深怕把供品砸碎还是什么的，幸好一旁的义工在旁指导。当然新年的环节少不了捞生！我们以普贤菩萨的 “十大愿” 为主，在 “普皆回向” 后，我们附上吉利话，希望新一年设下的目标都一一实现！捞生要收盘的时候，趁机拿几块 “卜卜脆” 。 

吃着吃着，一个不小心把裙子弄脏了！幸好只是一点点，要不回去准备挨骂了！我最期待的新年歌环节正式登场！一听到锣鼓声的时候，心想：“哎，真的有请舞狮吗？” 原来纸盒版的，仿佛回到小时候。《有舍必有得》、《福气》、《乡情》等的新年歌串烧。《乡情》让我想到当初我升学学院时候，阿嬷（外婆）很舍不得我，但一有休假或者新年时候可以体验当游子回家的心情。

手上的歌谱是一首首你我熟悉的佛曲歌单，我们只能选三首歌 ——《善苗》、《圆缘圈》和《拈花》。开麦的机会，我第一个冲上去！“大家好，我是 Katelyn 陈袈文！我是来自马六甲的唱享6度！” 我跟菩提工作坊 “合唱” 两首—— 《善苗》和《圆缘圈》，这也是2025年的第一场演出。最后一首歌《拈花》由志鸿师兄带领。

在传闻法师的开示心里种下的福田，就是累积的福报，慢慢一点一点让它慢慢发芽！我想起《善苗》的一段歌词：播下福慧的种子，萌芽在荒置的心田。这也是一个提醒，要时时行好事！新春的尾声以菩提工作坊的坊歌——《万里路》来结束今年的菩提工作坊新年聚会！拍下一张大合照，新年聚会正式圆满落幕！我也趁机跟菩提工作坊的一众歌手和乐手拍照，希望有个雪兰莪和马六甲的跨州合作。

我和菩提工作坊的歌手和乐手们的合照。

展廷说：“今年第一个演出献给菩提工作坊！” 我顿时脸红。我们在大殿里跟佛像自拍。我拿出相机出来，展廷看了看便说：“这个很简单！走吧，去阳台拍照！” 摇身一变当摄影师。我邀请诗绮跟我合照，便拍了几张。看了我的祝福语在许愿树便转身回去大殿。

我和展廷在佛像前自拍。

我和诗绮在阳台合照。这是可以拍你的 OOTD！

喜乐乐，福到我家！下个活动见！

更多活动详情，请浏览：https://www.bodhi.com.my/

菩提工作坊官方官方社交平台

Facebook: 菩提工作坊 Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia 

Instagram: @bodhi_1988 

活动花絮：

马佛青甲州联委会：新春感恩宴会2025 （16/2/2025)

 虽然农历新年已经过了，但是后新年庆典还是持续进行。今年是我第二年出席马佛青甲州联委会举办年度的新春感恩宴会在马六甲露夜园餐馆。一下车时候，来自马六甲普提佛学会的舞狮团队在门口处迎接我们的到来。进去之前跟它们一张照，想必可爱的舞狮凑近距离跟我同框。

进去之前，在门口跟菩提佛学会的舞狮团队合照

到了报到处就看到佛青们在大厅迎接大家的到来，我上前跟他们说一声：“新年快乐！” 义工们拿出座位的排位，这次我以护法行义工身份出席。“第四十三号。” 确认座位后就进去安顿。趁大家还没进来，我走向舞台。去年有这个荣幸在我的第一个的新春感恩宴会跟唱享6度的歌手们和导师—— 建亿老师同台。“哈咯，surprise！” 我跟亿杰学长、瑞瑄和洁仪打招呼。“你几时回来？” 他们问。我说：“元宵节时候就回来了！” 也有跟建亿老师说上几句。

眼看感恩宴会即将开始，我走回去位子。其中一位法师还问我：“你可以吗？” 我说：“可以！谢谢师父！” 我看见佛学班的老师们和孩子们也到了，“等下演出时候，拿出你们最好的自己呈现给大家，可以吗？” 我问小朋友们，也不忘喊佛学班的口号—— “学佛的孩子棒棒哒”！

新春感恩宴会以《三宝歌》开场 —— 这是在每个佛教活动必定的环节，以真诚的心供养佛、法、僧。大家放眼在大屏幕上回顾2024年活动。如果说在一整年里，除了去年的感恩宴会演出，就是当护法行的义工。

马六甲菩提佛学会舞狮会为新春感恩宴会拉开序幕，刚才的橙色舞狮换去红色的！红色的舞狮一进来时候就奔向我，过后就奔去武吉波浪佛学会孩子们，每个都迫不及待摸摸舞狮沾点好运气！嘉宾们纷纷到舞台上接过舞狮的菜青，希望新一年里更多的福气！当然捞生环节少了，新年前后捞了四次。

开幕仪式：舞狮跟在场的来宾们互动

在享用美味的素食宴的同时，一系列的演出为大家呈现。由马六甲武吉波浪佛学会的小朋友呈现的《新年幸福绕》，台下的青年们和义工老师们给最大支持！在青年组呈现的新年串烧舞蹈，《Share 丰年》，我也在舞台跟着跳。马六甲菩提佛学会的青年组、个人的帕子舞和乐团陆续呈现演出。

我和武吉波浪佛学会的小朋友们（我的学生们在周日佛学班）

最好是留在最后，当然是马六甲唱享6度！今年的歌手是亿杰学长、瑞瑄和洁仪呈现《天天好天》、《宁夏》还有经典不过的《稻香》等。

我也顺带一提，我常在外州宣传在马六甲家乡的活动。“袈文，谢谢你！” 建荣学长说。“应该的！” 我说。我也希望在 2025 年可以参与更多的佛青活动，为佛教社会付出，并希望可以把佛法传到下一代，让法情不息！

新年结束了，但还是要祝大家喜乐乐 Share 丰年！

马来西亚佛光山东禅寺雪兰莪州新春大团拜（8/2/2025）

送了妹妹去机场后，我们前往去仁嘉隆的佛光山的东禅寺。在接近地点时候，爸爸说：“文，你看这个 ‘向前有路，光明在望’。这是星云大师写的字。” 我们在找着停车位的时候，幸好有残障人士的停车位。步入大门口时候，义工们送上小包包。里面有雪兰莪的州旗、水瓶、面包、爆米花等等。

我们要进去的时候就看到很多警察和军队在守着范围，问了一个究竟才知道雪兰莪州苏丹伉俪、一众的部长、以及行政议员等在参观灯会。要回家的民众，只好在限区的范围等待。在等待的时候听到阿牛老师的歌声！哦，阿牛老师有在现场不知道有机会见到他的本尊呢？听民众说，他已经回去了，我觉得看到的机会会很渺小。

原本是说 “一下子” ，结果变成一个小时！我们看大众纷纷进去的时候就跟着人潮，终于可以进去赏灯会！过了一段的路，我发现原来我在菩提树下！庄严的佛陀在菩提树下，有一条蛇，像是眼镜蛇的造型为佛陀庇护。爸爸问我：“你有听说这个经典吗？这条眼睛蛇庇护佛陀在成道的路上？” 我摇了摇了头，确实我没听过这个经典。

灯光下的菩提树

走着走着，我听到钟声响。我走过去时候，看到这几行字：佛光山幸福钟。由于我个子矮小（是，我一米五的身高），敲幸福钟有点挑战。“文，你拉那个绳子去我的右边。” 妈妈说。终于听到一声 “咚”！

把幸福钟都给敲响

我们已经很接近灯会的亮点！我记得去年的时候，那个 “福” 字是标志行，现在换去大大的舞狮和一排排的花灯。听到《Yes，蛇》，就想：“有人在跳舞吗？”。原来是佛光青年们在拍张 “全家福”。我竟然遇到政燊！他也解释今年灯会的主题 —— 《白娘子传》，我记得在电视有看《新白娘子传》由鞠婧祎主演的白娘子。

我和政燊的合照

参观书展后，我们到大雄宝殿祈福。我记得去年的元宵节，一下巴士的时候就直接到大雄宝殿。其中的佛光义工上前来：“你可以吗？” 我说：“可以！” 他说了一句：“有佛陀的加持！” 大殿里每个在清理准备明天的活动。我向佛陀祈福，祈福新一年可以达到更多的目标！

我们要回去的时候就看到很多人在排着队拍照，是哪个大人物或明星。当我从侧边看竟然是大马乐坛传奇人物—— 阿牛陈庆祥！我感觉心跳加速，而且手在抖。在排队时候，在现场不断在脑海里要对阿牛老师说的话。到我的时候我跟阿牛老师， 我跟他说：“阿牛老师，您好！” 我看老师比爱心，我也跟着。

新年的亮点：见到阿牛老师！

我跟阿牛老师说小时候我听过他的歌。” 阿牛老师问：“哦，什么歌啊？” 我说：“《对面的女孩看过来》。” 他说：“我的荣幸！” 我也不忘跟阿牛老师道谢，然后走过去跟朝阳打招呼，“我的偶像！” 朝阳说：“哦，原来是偶像啊！” 我向他介绍我的父母。既然停车场很靠近就走去车子吧！

一路回去我想起这八个字：向前有路，光明在望。

我们坚持不懈，希望就会在，梦想和目标会意义的去实现成真！

抓着新年的尾巴，祝大家喜乐乐 Share 丰年！

马六甲武吉波浪佛学会结业礼 2024（15/12/2024）

 接近了年尾，马六甲武吉波浪佛学会举办一年一度的结业礼。结业礼是什么呢？结业礼是学生们在学年的末期完成一整年的课程，周日佛学班的学生们今天也不例外。大约早上十时，佛学班的老师们、家长和学生准备就绪。我踏进大殿的时候，一、二年级（观音菩萨班）的学生在进行最后一的冲刺，每个班级都有演出，当然大家把最好的呈现给在场的老师和家长们。

平时在上课之前，我会带领喊佛学班的口号 —— 学佛的孩子棒棒哒！今天的结业礼司仪由中学的学生带领，我、希敏、雁婷、老师们等就在一旁等待结业礼的开始。“请大家肃立，双手合掌虔诚的心唱诵《三宝歌》。” 《三宝歌》奏起，大家以恭敬唱诵三宝—— 佛、法、僧。

接下来的首个演出时由五、六年级的文殊菩萨班学生们带来一系列的演出——《手牵手》手语演出、《小美满》和《做自己的光，不需要太亮》等的歌唱。我在一旁不进落下兴奋的眼泪。三、四年级的普贤菩萨班学生们带来原创的数来宝——《布施好，忍辱妙》，还有经典不过《青春幼苗》。况且在演出的途中，有一位学生献给老师们一束的太阳花。在座的我、希敏和雁婷——三个义工姐姐都被惊喜到！

义工姐姐们收到的太阳花

在每个演出后，由每个佛学班的老师们致辞在一整年的佛学班的感言。第一轮的演出结束，就颁发奖励金给学生们。第二轮的演出由观音菩萨班和幼儿园（五、六岁）的弥菩萨班各自演出《蘑菇蘑菇》的改编歌唱和《三好》的默剧。在谢师礼环节，佛学班老师们的每一位都有得到礼物。

最好的演出留在最后，由中学组（地藏王菩萨班）带动的《走出去，动起来》的手语演出！这让我想起在今年的新春感恩宴会跟唱享6度的歌手们和建亿老师的同台演出。结业礼结束之前，顿悲法师为大家慈悲开示。在开示中提到佛法是在生活中亲身体验，它所带来的力量也就是我们常说的 “Ehipassiko”。把佛法实践在日常生活中，就会感到的力量和美好。

我承认有时我觉得佛法很难实践在生活中，尤其是在艰难的时刻都会派上用场！当然在平日时候要做一件事都会问自己一句：“我这个举动会影响他人吗？” 结业礼的尾声，顿悲法师带领大家回向，拍一张大合照记下美好的时刻！

佛学班的学生们陆续给老师们的礼物，可以说今天的 “战绩” 是满载而归。谢谢小朋友们对我们的信任和肯定！我们一起加油！

今天的 “战绩”：小朋友送的谢师礼物

学佛的孩子棒棒哒！让我们互相陪伴在学佛的路上！

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Opinion: Out of My Mind (Movie Review)

Disney's new Out of My Mind is adapted from Sharon M. Draper's novel of the same name. The movie is about a 12-year-old named Melody Brooks (played by Phoebe Rae Taylor) who has cerebral palsy and is trying to navigate her inner voice. 

Like the main character, Melody, I have had cerebral palsy since I was 18 months old. I'll tell you later what Melody and I have in common. Okay, let's follow Melody's journey (note: please do not read for spoilers).

Despite enrolling in a special education school, Chuck and Diane Brooks (played by Luke Kirby and Rosemarie Dewitt respectively) are convinced by Dr. Kathrine Ray (played by Courtney Taylor) - who is a PhD candidate and a regular visitor to the school, to enroll Melody to a different school - to be with students at a regular middle school.

At first, Chuck refuses to enroll Melody in a regular middle school but after some convincing from his spouse - Diane, he decides to give it a shot. Melody gets to experience the life of a regular middle school student weekly and she is placed in Mr. Dimming's (played by Michael Chernus) History class, The question he asks before the class starts is - Why do we need to study the past? The answer is to prepare for the future. 

Melody's new classmates give her some weird looks because they have not seen a classmate and student with disability join their class but she proves she can just be like everyone else. She even got a question right on her first day! After class, she befriends a classmate named Rose Spencer (played by Maria Nash), Melody starts to feel like a regular 12-year-old, hanging out at malls with friends. 

Here comes the challenging parts, be prepared! Melody and Rose's first hangout is at a space fair but when Rose sees her friends from school, Melody is left behind. Chuck told Rose to include Melody in the activities and not to leave her alone. Melody, on the other hand, wants an assistive talking device after watching a short clip of the late Stephen Hawking, who also used the device throughout his life. And again, her parents considered the device to be "too expensive" to them. 

After that with Dr. Katherine Ray’s help, Melody got her assistive talking device on track and it brings the family closer! They can understand what Melody wants to express. Another challenge that Melody has to face is her friends. Let’s just say not everyone is accepting our habits and behaviour. Due to cerebral palsy, Melody has challenges to control her motor skills. 

Besides that, she also faces some indirect discrimination. Mr. Dimming refuses to grade her test even though she scores a full marks on it. Due to the last-minute notice, she misses her flight to Washington DC for a national competition, she feels left out and by expressing her anger - pouring milkshake on to the assistive talking device.

Lastly, parents should listen to their children. Diane accidentally knocks over Penny on the driveway even Melody tries to warn her that the younger sibling is behind while reversing the car. I’m 27, sometimes my parents don’t understand me as a person. I don’t even have a chance to speak even though I can talk like everyone else.

As a person with cerebral palsy, I do get cut off in mid conversation when I’m with the folks, I got cyber bullied when I was 13 and more indirect discrimination. These challenges do not define less of a person with disability, I still can do the things like people of my age. I just want everyone to be treated with equality and respect, more importantly spreading kindness (and not out of sympathy). 

I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months old. This is me chilling at Jyuan Cafe in Ipoh, Perak.

People with disabilities are not inspirations, they leave an impact to the world to make a difference. 

I just want to leave an impact on the world.

You can catch Out of My Mind on Disney Plus, watch the trailer here. 

“Maybe I’m not so different from everyone else after all” - Melody Brooks.

Note: The above write-up is entirely my opinion and review of the movie.