CNY Day 12: Star Media Group CNY Lion Dance Blessing (5/2/2020)

The CNY celebration is not over yet for the staffs at Star Media Group (SMG), as we have our very own lion dance blessing. This is my first time experiencing as an intern, I'm really excited. By the time I reach the office, I see two yellow lion heads on either side of the entrance, later on we will be heading down to watch the performance.

I head up to the Corporate Communication department to start another day of internship. As the time nears, my fellow colleague Ain, makes the announcement to inform all the staff at Menara Star that later on a lion dance will be holding at the main lobby. Not long after, we head down to the main lobby. All the management team are clad in the company's corporate colour - red, which is also a lucky colour in the Chinese culture, representing good luck and fortune.

The signal of drum beating that the lions come to live! During the plucking green session (采青), one lion on the ground, and the other goes around to "play" with the staffs and management team. The performance ends with the lions presenting the management team the plucked greens. After that, it's back up to the our respective departments cause the lions will be going to department to department.

My colleagues are accompanying the lion dance performers going around the office, while Aaron and I stay back to continue our work which we left off. As the clashing of drums and symbols are getting louder at the 7th floor, the lions are here! I touch the lions for good luck, hoping my internship will be smooth and be successful in life throughout the year.

Too bad I didn't put the ang pau (red packet) and oranges on my table but next year I'll be sure to put them on my working table.

CNY Gathering Round 2 at Cofeology Cafe (8/2/17)

  After the first one on CNY Day 4, we decided to have another one but this time grab a drink at Cofeology Cafe- the place where I performed last October. At first, we decided at the old Jusco Ayer Keroh but the cafe's prices are too costly so we decided to switch a place where it fitted our budget. I had early dinner at home before joining them. At 7.23pm, I waited for Yu Xuan to pick me up. 10 minutes later, the car came. I hopped into the car and we're off to our gathering. We phoned Shi Wei, who was doing some shopping at Jusco. He suggested to have the gathering at D' Puteh. We didnt know where it was. Mostly I come to Bukit Beruang for tuitions back in my high school days.

  We passed by a Taoist temple along the way and passed by a few shop lots. When we passed by D' Puteh, one look at it we knew the place was not so appropriate for a gathering. We decided to drop by at Shi Wei's place to invite his god sister along to join in the fun have but she declined the offer. It's okay! No choice, we chose Cofeology cafe since there was no place to go. The moment I stepped into the cafe, the manager recognized me in an instant. I performed at the cafe last October when they held Melaka's Got Talent. I got a certificate for that.    

  While waiting for the boys, I could hear my tummy rumbling. A dessert won't hurt right? Since it's still Chinese New Year, I guess a bite or two of cake would do the trick. I thought the cake would be medium size or a small but it turned out it was a really big! I also ordered a glass of chocolate milkshake. We also invited Shi Chong too. I also bumped into my primary friend, Her Xin. While Shi Chong and Her Xin, the rest of us just chatting what we've been up to these days. I felt a little bored because I wasn't really listening to the conversation they had so I decided to say hi Her Xin. "I'll be okay," I assured Shi Wei. "Hi Her Xin!" I greeted him. "Hey Kar Marn! How's it going?" Her Xin asked. We started to chat about university and the things we did recently. Before I headed back in, I told Her Xin to drop by a message if we want to meet up. "Okay, sure, cool!" That was easy, no awkwardness around. 

  I took a last bite of the cake and it's off D' Puteh. When we were checking the bill, Yu Xuan told us that the staff knew me so they gave us a discount. Okay, which was good.  The weird thing was I forgot to take my bag but luckily Jia Wen went back to retrieve it before the cafe closed. We went by separate cars to the place. I went with Shi Wei while Jia Wen went with Yu Xuan. It was a such an amazing feeling to ride in Shi Wei's car, a comfy ride. When we arrived, the four of us had to walk through a dark alley which was quite creepy. I can't even to look back! We went to say hi to some friends who we didn't see for three years. Joel and I even took a selfie. I got curious with the cards they were playing. Joel told me they were anime cards. 

   After the short chat, Shi Wei escorted us to the car. Before we leave, he said "You girls text me when you reach home," Before that, I even joked whether want to go a "date" for this coming Valentine's Day. "Seriously? You must be pulling my leg, sis!" Shi Wei laughed at the comment. On the way, Yu Xuan fetched Jia Wen and I home. I'm so lucky to have friends like them.