MUN Reunion: Melaka Day Out (7/8/2020)

It's been a long 11 months since I saw my MUN buddies. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, we were stuck at home for almost three months since the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18 March 2020. Now it is Recovery MCO (RMCO), we can get out of the house and have a cuti-cuti Malaysia, be it in our hometowns or travelling domestically. For Katelyn, it's a surprise visit from her MUN friends who are on a day trip to Melaka. 

Initially, I want to join them for lunch at the famous chicken rice ball shop along Jonker Street but lunch is served, you guess it, it's chicken rice too! After lunch, it's time to head to The Daily Fix for some afternoon tea. There is traffic congestion along the way, but manage to get there just in time. As I'm about to reach the cafe, I give Caylene a call. After my folks dropped me off, Caylene takes me inside, but before that, we have to fill up our names and contact number in adhering the SOPs. 

"Emily, Ke Wen, Gro Wen and Chris are inside," Caylene leads us to our seating spot. After settling down, I ordered a cup of iced chocolate to ward off the intense Melaka heat and take a bite of the leftover fries. We take a picture of the cafe's iconic plate decorations which have some Baba Nyonya elements. We head to Sun May Hiong Satay House to meet Chia Yong. 

When we have a table full of MUN-ers, MUN is not far away from our thoughts. In between, I lost count how many satay sticks I have eaten but it doesn't matter because satay is an all-time Malaysian favourite. We head for the second round of afternoon tea, unfortunately, one of the cafes is about to close as it is neared closing time, so we head to One Zo for milk tea. 

We can't simply end the day with Nyonya food right? We made a reservation dinner at Aunty Lee. Emily and I actually go crazy on the chap chye because, in The Little Nyonya, there is an iconic scene which featured the dish. Besides that, we also have pai tee (top hat) as an appetiser, ikan lemak nenas and fried chicken as the main course. We want to have cendol as a dessert but our tummies are super happy as we have been food hunting the whole day. There is always a next time. 

Looking forward to more day out like this, hopefully, we will do the same in KL as well! 

Locations: 

The Daily Fix Cafe 

Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), Malacca City

Sun May Hiong Satay House 

Address: 50/50A, Jalan Kota Laksamana 1/1 Taman Kota Laksamana Melaka 

One Zo 

Address: No-19, Jalan KPKS 5-A, Kompleks Perniagaan Al-azim, 75200 Kota Syahbandar, Malacca

Aunty Lee Restaurant 

Address: 385, Jalan Ujong Pasir, Taman Sinn, 75050 Melaka 

Adidas Neo Campus Lauch (26/10/16)

  I arrived in college on the usual time, 8.20am. As I was getting my way out from the car, I saw a poster of my idol and friend, Danny Koo from Astro All Stars at the New University Building (NUB) which was near the library. I saw the words "Adidas Neo". Something tells me that I might be reuniting with my idol whom I admire for seven years is coming for a campus visit. I put it aside first as I continued made my move to the MUFY (Monash University Foundation Year) hub as first class was cancelled.

  After settled myself down, I started to do my revision as finals is coming next week. My Globalisation course mate- Wei Jay, as he entered the MUFY student room, he asked me whether there's a class today or not. "No, Wei Jay. There is no class today. Didn't you listen to Ms. Uma yesterday after class that today's class is cancelled?" Wei Jay said "Guessed I left early after the test but thanks anyway!" I said "No problem!" As Wei Jay packed up his bag and left the room. At 9.35am, I made my way to the next class which was Economics.

  We discussed the past year questions. To our surprise, the lecturer let us out early! As my friends and I were walking to the NUB, my mind was on Adidas Neo campaign again. I walked up the ramp and looked at the poster at the same time. After putting my bag at one of the tables, I walked around the university foyer as they were several booths set up by the students. The first stop I dropped by was Adidas Neo.

  Students were trying on the new product. I got my hands on the shoes and it's really comfortable but it was awkward when I went for the test walk because my left foot was wearing my trusted DC shoes and the right one was Adidas Neo. I found out the shoe is very light compared to other products. I asked casually to one of the organisers "Is Danny coming?" One of the organisers said: "Yes, Danny is coming! Around 12pm, you can drop by to say to him." Wow, reuniting with my idol after three months since I last met him.

  While waiting for Danny's arrival, I waited at SUSC's (Sunway University Student Council) booth. The students were kind enough to drop by for awhile. Around 12.05pm, Danny has arrived along with othe ambassadors of Adidas Neo. I was so excited! One of the SUSC students brought me over to the Adidas Neo booth to catch a glimpse of my idol and friend. He was taking a selfie with a student who first spotted him. I asked a lady organiser "Could I meet Danny please?" She said "Yes, you can! But he's changing, he'll come out in a short while," Less than five minutes, Danny was clad with the brand's products.

  "Danny gor gor (big brother in Cantonese)!" I called Danny. Danny was quite surprised to see me on campus. He said "Hey! It's been awhile since we last met! How have you been? Are you a student here?" I said:"Yeah I'm good! And yes, I'm a student here." Puting an arm around me, Danny and U I took a quick selfie as I was rushing to my next class, Biology. I gave Danny a big hug before I made my move.

  In Bio class, we were doing our revision as I realised I left my jacket at the SUSC's booth. Luckily, my bio lecturer let us out early as some of them were having a Chemistry test. Genieve and I took the lift back to Ground Floor.

  Once we reached, I quickly walked over to the SUSC booth to retrieve my misplaced purple jacket. As I was walking to the waiting area, I saw Danny was at the photo booth taking some pictures with the students along with some big props. That made me to stop in my tracks to say hi to him, again. I squeezed my away to the photo booth. I took the iPhone from Genieve as I handed it to Danny. We took another picture. I had the chance to ask him a question which has been in my mind for a long time. "Can I sing a duet with you one day?" I asked. Danny said "Yeah, sure! One day, you pick a song yet?" I said I haven't. I wanted to talk more but I realised I was "blocking"other students. Before I left, I said thanks to Danny.

  What a an amazing day I had! A mini reunion and day out with Danny just gave me the best earliest  19th birthday present! I respect Danny as an artist as he has the passion for music and created so many videos throughout his eight years in the music industry. He is so humble and has a child's heart when he is around with children when hosting kids' programmes. He is one my idols that I look up to in the music world.

Crime Prevention Campaign at Sunway University (30/8/16)

  After Economic class, I go to the library to have some "me time" as my course mates are having topic tests for Accounting so they decide to skip lunch and focus all their attention on the books. While I'm on my way to the library, students are getting together at the main foyer of the college. I guess it's lunch time for most of them. Well, I'm not that hungry because I'm saving that appetite when I get home from college. As we walk along the pedestrian walkway, there's a slight rain from the heavy showers early morning. The floor is very wet so I have to be careful, especially when you're on elbow crutches because the rubber end will just let you slip and fall, that would be embarrassing! 

  Damian and Pui Yee accompany me into the library while the rest of them wait outside. Luckily they find a seat which is very near at my favourite spot of the library- the fountain view. "Thanks a lot! You guys go ahead, I'll be okay," I said. By the time, I come out from the washroom, the room is almost full! While I'm doing my revision as always, I hear some music that is coming from the University foyer. I didn't care that much at first, so it's back to the books again. 

  Suddenly, the national anthem, Negaraku is played which I pause for awhile and sing softly until the end of it. Curiosity hit me- I have to check out what is going on up there. I ask the student who sits beside me to take me out of the library. To my surprise, a campaign is launched by none other than Sunway's founder- Tan Seri Dr. Jeffery Cheah, alongside with PDRM's Crime Department to raise awareness about crime prevention. 

  There is a small play during the launch. The Pink Panther theme song is on cue, "evil laughter" is heard. As we look up to the balcony, a student who plays the bandit has the real poster. The one revealed by the officials is a "fake". Here comes our "policeman"! He asks the audience where is the "bandit". Together with university's mascot, Samson the sun bear and a little help from the public, the "bandit" is now under the long arms of the law. What a great showcase to raise awareness about our safety. 

  Lucky for me, I have the golden opportunity to talk to one of the policemen who attends the campaign. He is Inspector Foo. Inspector Foo tells me everything about the campaign, also I ask a few questions regarding to the campaign. He even gives me tips on how to detect a finger print. "You find a shiny and clear object, that way you can spot the finger print easily," Inspector Foo said. We are sitting on the mini stage so finger prints are really hard to find. Can't end the conversation without a selfie right? Wow, meeting a real life policeman up close and personal. 

  All the VIPs are invited to have high tea at Level 6 of the university. It's back to my books. After I'm done studying, I eventually bump into my best friend, Bair! We have a lot catching up while waiting for the car. 

  I have the best day of life! What a way to celebrate National Day in college. I have gained more knowledge on crime prevention. Who knows I might be Sherlock Holmes one day? 

DSP Foo with Katelyn at the Crime Prevention Campaign 

St. David's High School Report Card Day 2016 (29/6/16)

.  It's the yearly report card day in St. David High School, Malacca. Report Card Day is also known as Parents' Day in Malaysian schools. On this very day, parents come to school to collect the students' report card and also get to know their children's day to day basis in school. Well, since I'm on my semester break from college, I might as well to drop by to my secondary alma mater. 

  At around 1.30pm, I started packing my stuff into trustee sling bag. Sunglasses to ward off the heat, hand phone for emergency and of course iPod for picture taking just in case. As the car stopped by the school gate, my grandma dropped off. The security guard opened the main gate for us, memories of high school were coming back to me. It felt like yesterday I started my high school life for the first time six years ago. 

  A lot of parents were at the canteen waiting for the school bell to ring because usually the bell rings at 2.10pm. Along the way, we bumped into my juniors, counselling teachers and parents. We walked all the to the new building because that's where Form Five's classrooms are. My grandma and I came to school to collect my sister's report card. Actually, grandma was doing the collecting part while I just catching up who I haven't seen them in three months. They visited to Sunway University College in March during their first school holiday of the year.

  We climbed four flights of steps, it wasn't very tiring because I climbed them during my final year in high school. The moment I reached the top, the first junior I saw was Praveena, who is the former school captain. "Hey, Praveena! Happy 17th birthday!" I gave a pat on her arm. "Thank you so much, Kar Marn. I'm so happy to see you!" she said. "So am I!"  All fifth formers in the prefect and librarian boards will "retire" four months before the SPM examination. They will pass the job on to the forth formers. 

  Students arranged the chairs along the corridor for the parents to sit. Well, to me, it's more like a patient who is waiting his or her turn at the clinic. Oh, I'm just pulling your leg. But seriously, the chairs were for the parents to wait for their turn to see the teachers. While grandma was waiting for her turn, I got a catch up with my juniors and some of my primary alma mater teachers' children are studying in the high school as well. 

  Once it's my sister's turn to see the teacher, I quickly got up from my seat and walked to the class. While she was packing her stuff, I got a small catch up with my former Modern Mathematics teacher, Puan Hoe Kim Yub. I passed the mobile phone to my sister to call my aunt that we were leaving the classroom. But somehow, grandma saw some friends which made her stopped in her tracks and had a chat with them. I dropped by to 5Sc1 to say "hi" to my physical education teacher, Mr. Sasi. I would love to sit and chat with my juniors but we were on a rush. 

  As I was about to descend the stairs, I saw my senior, Hwee San, who was wearing a black laced dress. Now it was my turn to stop in my tracks to have a small chat with her. We even took a selfie too. On our way out, we bumped into my Form One Bahasa Melayu teacher, Encik Asmi, even we bumped into the Principal, Mr. Chay Yew Choon and the Senior Assitant of Affair teacher, Mr. Tam Siew Shong. There were prefects at the school gate to escort the parents to their children's classes. 

  We were waiting for the car, I talked to Grace and as well as the birthday girl, Paraveena. We sang a birthday song for her. As the car came, we walked through the side gate. The weather was scorching hot so we have to speed up our walking to prevent from getting burned. Of course, we had to watch out for cars as well since it was after-school time. 

 But what's more important that my "mission" is accomplished! Looking forward to have another visit in the future. 

  Enter to learn, depart to serve. 

  

猴爷游乐园（9/1/16）

  Astro本地圈新春活动正式开跑了！首站是在我的家乡—— 马六甲。

 新春活动的前一星期，我已经计划什么时候抵达所以大家有机会玩游戏，回顾童年的回忆。怎知，出乎所料，我今年迟到了！我也没用账单来兑换礼物，真的有点失望！但是我还可以观赏艺人们的精彩表演。当阿姨泊车的哪一刻，我打开车门然后迅速跳下。当我听到《心想有着数》在播放，而我听到艺人们快要把歌唱完了。我边走扯开桑子高歌唱，妈妈说：“文，你别在这儿当'三八婆' ！” 我即时把嘴巴合起来。

  当我们继续迈开脚步，外婆在后面温馨提醒：“文，走慢点儿！我们一定会到！” 我们到的时候，台上的司仪在问艺人他们在童年的时候如何过新年。我穿过人群，好不容易才得到最好的“位子” 。我看到Ron哥哥的时候，他朝我的方向挥手呢！看来他还记得我！我问身旁的摄影师大哥是否把一张椅子拿过来让我坐因为我告诉他我的行动不便。他马上向当场的志愿者说了几句话，不一会儿，椅子就拿过来了。我为Elaine李宜玲、Ron彭世豪以及Uriah徐凯做的卡片从背包取出然后吩咐志愿者交给他们。

  我坐下的时候，艺人和观众互动游戏正式开始！首个游戏是把脸贴在透明的卷纸上，我看了看心里想：“会不会把台上的游戏者'窒息呢？” 接下来，下组的艺人是欢喜帮—— 2011年《欢喜来咔啦》冠军得主Shian戴伟贤和Jentzen林震前为大家送上《欢喜摇出好运气》。亚发白咖啡的吉祥物到台上和他们助兴。最后艺人组表演由陈韵传、Apple邱诗凌、Justin吴宗翰、Uriah徐凯以及Yuii陈静宜组合。

  当徐凯出场的时候，全场轰了！我以为他没来，所以当初是有点失望的。当他出场时，我整个人顿时震惊，一时说不出话来。阿嬷拍拍我的肩膀说：“文，你的偶像。” 他们献唱《万事如意乐陶陶》。当韵传姐姐看到我的时候，她向我挥了挥手，我顿时兴奋起来。到最后一刻，他们在台上进行最后一项游戏，然后进行抽幸运奖。

  全体艺人献唱猴年贺岁专辑主题曲——《大盛年》。它是我最喜欢的歌曲。可爱的猴爷和大家见面！艺人们和台下的观众拍张大合照。接着大家到舞台的左手边排队等待艺人们的亲笔签名。司仪对我说：“这位小姐待会我会安排你到台上。” 我们通过保安的允许才能从舞台的右手边上去。第一位是MY FM 主播们—— Jason 贾森和Wayne。我问Wayne姐：“你还记得我吗？” 她说：“我当然记得！我们去年在后台见面。” 然后转向贾森告诉他我们去年有见过面。

  我经过Jentzen的时候告诉他外婆是他的“粉丝“ 因为我外婆的贯籍是福建。当我到韵传姐姐的座位时，她说：“袈文，想不到你今年会来！” 我说：“支持你啊！” Amy文小菲和Jordan盛天俊也很开心遇到我，“我好开心和你们团聚。” 我对他们说，“我们也是！” 经过Ron哥哥的时候，阿嬷说：“文，Ron呢！还有Elaine！” Ron哥哥对我说：“嗨，袈文！我们又见面啦！” 想不到他还记得我啊！真的开心极了！

  “文，别忘记Apple哦！” 我叫一声：“Apple姐姐。” 她指了指身旁的Ron说：“我是姐姐，叫他'弟弟' 就行了！” 我不禁笑起来。我和Yuii姐姐首次见面。当我到Uriah的座位时候，我真的一句话说不出！阿嬷对他说：“我的孙女是你的大粉丝。” 她补充道：“她以为你没来，当初有点失望。” 而我和Uriah有谈点小话，还有我七年崇拜的偶像—— Danny许佳麟也在呢！怎么能少Justin吴宗翰呢？Uriah还给我一个大拥抱啊！我巡视整个舞台和艺人们自拍。

  我很开心！在休假告一个段落时，能够再次见Astro本地圈艺人。我要特别感谢我的外婆因为她完成我的“休假心愿” 。

Hi Danny! First time meeting you, you're my childhood idol

MY FM deejays are playing games

Elaine and I reunited after 11 months since we last met

My favourite newscaster



Some things never change between KER which stands for Katelyn, Elaine, Ron

The best day of my life when I meet Danny and Uriah. Uriah, thanks for the warm hug and small talk. It's been fun! Danny loves kids

An Outing at Paddle Beans Cafe (6/1/16)

  I met up with my primary school ex-classmate- Joanne, who is on semester break at the moment. The last time we bumped into each other was three years ago when we were in Form 4. 

  I was done with the weekly Mandarin class which was on Friday. I was walking down the stairs, I saw three girls were clad in their uniform which was the same as I was wearing except for the high school logo. 

  "Kar Marn, is it really you?" a girl asked me. I looked at her face. She looked familiar as if I have seen her before somewhere. I looked at the name tag which said "Joanne Loh". It's my primary school friend! I almost recognise her. Along side with her were two of her friends, one of them who is Carey- the girl whom I met at English tuition. 

  From that day on, we bumped into each other for the first time and last time. The rest of the time, we contact each other through Facebook. I thought we wouldn't meet up again until one night. 

  I was on Facebook as always check kin any interesting on News Feed. I usually go to Messenger to "catch up" with some friends who I haven't met for months since we last saw each other. 

  A message popped up from Messenger. Little did I know, it was from Joanne. She asked me out to have lunch with her. My first invitation from a long-time friend. We decided to have our meal at Paddles and Beans Cafe. 

  Paddles and Beans Cafe- I've seen my seniors posted some pictures on Facebook so I did have clear vision of the  cafe. We wanted to plan it yesterday but the cafe is close on Tuesdays. We decided to move the "date" on Wednesday. I just can't wait for that day to come. 

  This morning I woke up very early to get myself ready for the day out. At 11.00am, we leave for Paddles and Beans Cafe. Joanne called while we were looking for the place. "I'll be there. I'm just looking for the cafe," I said. 

  Not long after we both hung up, I finally reached the place. It is really a nice place to have coffee or just catching up with friends. I saw Joanne sitting there waiting for me to come. "Hi Joanne," I greet her the moment I stepped in to the cafe. 

  Since it's our first time here so we got some recommendations from the waiter. We decided to try the waffles which is cookies and cream, hot chocolate and tortilla with chicken, cabbage and pineapple. I did some research on the cafe's Facebook page. 

  We chatted about our days in primary school and what we are doing nowadays. We chatted about our respective courses as well. Joanne is going to be in the medical field while I'm in the communication field. 

  We took selfies to mark our first day out of the year. At 1.00pm, both my grandma and aunt picked both of us up because Joanne's mum has an urgent matter to attend to. On the way, we chatted about the "little fights" we had in primary school. Looking back were so immature! It's part of growing up. 

  We dropped Joanne at her secondary alma mater which is Notre Dame High School, Melaka. After that it's straight to home. I'm really happy that I have the chance to reunite with Joanne. I can't wait for more.