For some reason, blogspot has eliminated the photo insertion function.
Good writers do not need pictures to fill the space, in this case, I need my photo function!!!
Visit www.visionforabetterasia.com for all my latest blogs, with stunning images!
Playboy readers often say they only go for the stories.
The demographic of my readers are no different...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Loss Art of Film Photography
My secret to taking great photographs was rather straight forward; click a thousand times, and you are bound to hit the jackpot with one or two good pictures. Simple mathematical equation, the more you hit, the luckier you get! Digital technology has made it so easy, even my 7 year old cousin can call himself a photographer! After all film is free, right?
This notion changed recently when I met a friend who defied everything I know about photography, in the process, made me rethink about the value of my adopted digital lifestyle.
My friend churned out dozens of spectacular photographs from her Nikkormat (the camera formally known as Nikon in the 70s). The pictures developed were unlike anything I have seen in a long time. It brings back the loss sentiments of childhood; the texture was rustic, rich and embodied. Seeing is believing. Then again, there are things to be believed to be seen; watch out for Tasha Ong’s exhibition at the Alliance Frances de Brunei Art Festival next February!
With film photography, every photo was taken with great caution (for obvious reason that it costs money); each shot was to be approached with surgeon’s precision, mathematical calculation and a lot of heart, which often results in the subject looking rather stiff in order to pay the respect worthy of the photographer’s effort, which is beside the point. As an advocate for creativity, I understand the argument that digital photography opens up the possibility for free experimentation, hence diversity and wild imagination. That too, is beside the point in this essay.
In the digital age, we are accustomed to second chances, anonymity and a sense of entitlement towards almost everything at all.
We have the ability to alter any bad subject to make it seamless; the open secret called Photoshop. This often results in people taking this virtual reality to the extreme, by going under the knife, without realising that they have to face a stranger in the mirror morning and night, for the rest of their life.
We fast track the process of learning life by hiring the best life coaches, and submitting our kids to the best institutions. We LOL without even any facial expression half of the time. We conveniently “delete” friends, as if they would really disappear at the press of a button.
You get the drift.* (Yes, I stole this cool line from Izan)
It begs to the questions; where is the element of truth and authenticity beneath all these? Aren’t the best teachers in life supposed to be the mistakes we make along the way, and the lessons in bouncing back? Shouldn't every task be undertaken with utmost dedication and passion? Since when did we allow facebook to replace the need for a real community?
My approach to photography has taken a turn since this encounter. I waited, I smelled, and I even listened before I clicked. No doubt, I am still using the same Ixus 980, looking through the big digital screen before every shot. The outcome of this process may not necessarily have resulted in better picture. However, never before, there is an element of solidarity between myself and the moment that could only be explained in an old fashioned conversation over coffee.
End Note:
I recently learned about the Art of Elimination. In essence, its about the discipline and endurance of cutting things out in the name of simplification. It surely hurts taking out some of the stuffs you thought are brilliant from your work. But then, there is where Elegance is found in the process.
My break through solution...
While I've taken out the following part, you can still read my rantings about the Digital world, here:
*We churn out the most spotless essays through spell checks, without much depth or meanings. We have the ability to Google the best mind in the past and present, quote them and sound intelligent, without diving deep into history behind the context.
When was the last time you celebrated the thrill and excitement of a hand written letter from the mail?
One day, we even have to explain to our kids that once upon a time, music, films and softwares used to cost money.
This notion changed recently when I met a friend who defied everything I know about photography, in the process, made me rethink about the value of my adopted digital lifestyle.
My friend churned out dozens of spectacular photographs from her Nikkormat (the camera formally known as Nikon in the 70s). The pictures developed were unlike anything I have seen in a long time. It brings back the loss sentiments of childhood; the texture was rustic, rich and embodied. Seeing is believing. Then again, there are things to be believed to be seen; watch out for Tasha Ong’s exhibition at the Alliance Frances de Brunei Art Festival next February!
With film photography, every photo was taken with great caution (for obvious reason that it costs money); each shot was to be approached with surgeon’s precision, mathematical calculation and a lot of heart, which often results in the subject looking rather stiff in order to pay the respect worthy of the photographer’s effort, which is beside the point. As an advocate for creativity, I understand the argument that digital photography opens up the possibility for free experimentation, hence diversity and wild imagination. That too, is beside the point in this essay.
In the digital age, we are accustomed to second chances, anonymity and a sense of entitlement towards almost everything at all.
We have the ability to alter any bad subject to make it seamless; the open secret called Photoshop. This often results in people taking this virtual reality to the extreme, by going under the knife, without realising that they have to face a stranger in the mirror morning and night, for the rest of their life.
We fast track the process of learning life by hiring the best life coaches, and submitting our kids to the best institutions. We LOL without even any facial expression half of the time. We conveniently “delete” friends, as if they would really disappear at the press of a button.
You get the drift.* (Yes, I stole this cool line from Izan)
It begs to the questions; where is the element of truth and authenticity beneath all these? Aren’t the best teachers in life supposed to be the mistakes we make along the way, and the lessons in bouncing back? Shouldn't every task be undertaken with utmost dedication and passion? Since when did we allow facebook to replace the need for a real community?
My approach to photography has taken a turn since this encounter. I waited, I smelled, and I even listened before I clicked. No doubt, I am still using the same Ixus 980, looking through the big digital screen before every shot. The outcome of this process may not necessarily have resulted in better picture. However, never before, there is an element of solidarity between myself and the moment that could only be explained in an old fashioned conversation over coffee.
End Note:
I recently learned about the Art of Elimination. In essence, its about the discipline and endurance of cutting things out in the name of simplification. It surely hurts taking out some of the stuffs you thought are brilliant from your work. But then, there is where Elegance is found in the process.
My break through solution...
While I've taken out the following part, you can still read my rantings about the Digital world, here:
*We churn out the most spotless essays through spell checks, without much depth or meanings. We have the ability to Google the best mind in the past and present, quote them and sound intelligent, without diving deep into history behind the context.
When was the last time you celebrated the thrill and excitement of a hand written letter from the mail?
One day, we even have to explain to our kids that once upon a time, music, films and softwares used to cost money.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Everything I know about Women...
I learned from selling shoes!
The last KK trip was so memorable that I brought along my mum and aunt there for 3 days on a trip which ended this morning. This vacation almost ceased to happen, but thats a whole other story. The important thing is; it came with a happy ending.
We must have visited just about every shoe shop imaginable in the city. Mum & aunt ended up with only a handful of (good, sensible) shoes, which did not do the hard yard much justice in my humble opinion.
However, the emotional gain out of the shoe shops experience far supersedes the harvest, as shoe shopping in itself is an art form. Coupled with the best self professed shoe salesman as your concierge, you can almost compare the experience with a pilgrimage, let alone therapeutic.
I am talking about non other than yours truly, who have served literally thousands of women, men and kids alike. It certainly brings back fond memories of my life as a hopeless shoe salesman 6 years ago.
Here are my 10 uncompromised life lessons (and understanding of women) from selling shoes:
1. Smelly feet do not discriminate (regardless of how beautiful she may be).
»> Lesson: The same principle also applies to a woman’s character, heart and breath. Of course there is always exception (my Deon’s feet are flawless).
2. Women with small feet are often the most difficult customers / people to please.
»> This hypothesis has been put into test way more than it’s due. Try verify with any experienced shoe salesman, they’d reaffirm this truth (Not just any urban myth).
»> Lesson: The next time you encounter a difficult person, try checking out their feet / shoes. If its size 5 and below, you’d understand why.
3. Fundamental Matters
»> Good inventory management is, if not more important than the best sales person you can have on the floor. No stock = no sales. It comes down to hard work, details and operational excellence!
»> Lesson: Substance counts. Without which is merely putting lipstick on the pig.
4. What they don’t tell you matters as much as what they do.
»> A good sales person always looks for non-verbal closing cue. Without being too in your face, we often ask if you would like to try on “the other side”. Don’t waste your time; serve someone else, if the answer is NO.
»> Lesson: The same principle applies to any life situation. Look with your ears, listen with your eyes.
5. Sincerity Counts.
»> Speak to people at their eyes level. That means lower yourself to the seating customers position to interact to them. (Yes, this often requires you to bend your knees.)
»> Do not expect to make shoe business your career if you are unwilling to humble yourself. *Statistically, the closing ratio increases by another 57% if you tie customers’ shoe lace for them.
»> Lesson: It is a business about service, humility and respect. Isn’t it how we’re supposed to approach life, too?
6. It is far easier to sell quality (than a cheap $15 pair of synthetic shoes).
»> Yes, a $150 pair of leather shoes costs 10 times more. The same pair of shoe typically lasts 2 years longer (24 times), with superior comfort level, plus bonus self-esteem booster every time you wear them.
»> Do the math, it will be far more value for money to “invest” in a good pair of shoe. Notice the choice of word; invest.
»> Lesson: Inferior quality always comes around to bite you (in this case hurt your feet). Buy Leather!
7. You can never be too rich, too thin or have too many pairs of shoes.
»> Tough being a woman. You need a pair of stilettos for the evening, 5 different pairs of pump for each work day, and those unbearable wedges when you try to look 6 feet tall amongst your friends while doing the catwalk down the mall.
»> It is with this reason that regardless if you are Mid Range vendors; Charles & Keith or Vincci, or Top End Designers: Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Ferragamo, you would never ever go out of business. Just as you thought you have enough, the tiny little voice in your head will whisper to you: “there is always room for one more pair”.
»> “I don’t have 300 pairs of shoes, I have 6000.” Imelda Marcos
8. Master the language of shoes!
»> A great opening line with a woman will never fail when you begin your conversation with shoes as a topic.
»> It’s a bit like you are reaching to the inner most calling of a woman’s soul. Try this, thank me later.
9. Judge Not.
»> You can tell a lot about a person with the shoe he / she wears. However, be gentle. Not every book can be judged adequately by its cover.
»> Be nice to those who wear Birkenstock, Campers and Nike. It spells confidence, style, practicality and lack of respect for authority. Like!
10. Just as you thought you are expert on shoe commentary, consider this quote; “I used to complain about the shoes I wear until I saw the man without his two feet.”
»> Lesson: I guess it teaches us to have compassion. To count every blessing.
End Note:
*5 Statistically, the closing ratio increases by another 57% if you tie customers’ shoe lace for them.
»> Sounds convincing? I made up the numbers. But they are believable stats, regardless.
»> Two lessons:
»> #1. Numbers make a case TEN TIMES more convincing. Master your numbers, it’s the language of people at the top!
»> #2. Numbers lie. Do not take things at their face value. Always check the facts.
I visited those kids again (see my article on That other Hotel Thief) over my 3 days visit. They vaguely remembered me until I brought up the camera. I noticed that none of them have any decent pair of shoe on their feet (some are even bare footed), it made me think. We could either talk about it, feel sorry and move on. Or, we could do something about it…
Classic example will be www.toms.com, where every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is donated to some one in the third world country.
The last KK trip was so memorable that I brought along my mum and aunt there for 3 days on a trip which ended this morning. This vacation almost ceased to happen, but thats a whole other story. The important thing is; it came with a happy ending.
We must have visited just about every shoe shop imaginable in the city. Mum & aunt ended up with only a handful of (good, sensible) shoes, which did not do the hard yard much justice in my humble opinion.
However, the emotional gain out of the shoe shops experience far supersedes the harvest, as shoe shopping in itself is an art form. Coupled with the best self professed shoe salesman as your concierge, you can almost compare the experience with a pilgrimage, let alone therapeutic.
I am talking about non other than yours truly, who have served literally thousands of women, men and kids alike. It certainly brings back fond memories of my life as a hopeless shoe salesman 6 years ago.
Here are my 10 uncompromised life lessons (and understanding of women) from selling shoes:
1. Smelly feet do not discriminate (regardless of how beautiful she may be).
»> Lesson: The same principle also applies to a woman’s character, heart and breath. Of course there is always exception (my Deon’s feet are flawless).
2. Women with small feet are often the most difficult customers / people to please.
»> This hypothesis has been put into test way more than it’s due. Try verify with any experienced shoe salesman, they’d reaffirm this truth (Not just any urban myth).
»> Lesson: The next time you encounter a difficult person, try checking out their feet / shoes. If its size 5 and below, you’d understand why.
3. Fundamental Matters
»> Good inventory management is, if not more important than the best sales person you can have on the floor. No stock = no sales. It comes down to hard work, details and operational excellence!
»> Lesson: Substance counts. Without which is merely putting lipstick on the pig.
4. What they don’t tell you matters as much as what they do.
»> A good sales person always looks for non-verbal closing cue. Without being too in your face, we often ask if you would like to try on “the other side”. Don’t waste your time; serve someone else, if the answer is NO.
»> Lesson: The same principle applies to any life situation. Look with your ears, listen with your eyes.
5. Sincerity Counts.
»> Speak to people at their eyes level. That means lower yourself to the seating customers position to interact to them. (Yes, this often requires you to bend your knees.)
»> Do not expect to make shoe business your career if you are unwilling to humble yourself. *Statistically, the closing ratio increases by another 57% if you tie customers’ shoe lace for them.
»> Lesson: It is a business about service, humility and respect. Isn’t it how we’re supposed to approach life, too?
6. It is far easier to sell quality (than a cheap $15 pair of synthetic shoes).
»> Yes, a $150 pair of leather shoes costs 10 times more. The same pair of shoe typically lasts 2 years longer (24 times), with superior comfort level, plus bonus self-esteem booster every time you wear them.
»> Do the math, it will be far more value for money to “invest” in a good pair of shoe. Notice the choice of word; invest.
»> Lesson: Inferior quality always comes around to bite you (in this case hurt your feet). Buy Leather!
7. You can never be too rich, too thin or have too many pairs of shoes.
»> Tough being a woman. You need a pair of stilettos for the evening, 5 different pairs of pump for each work day, and those unbearable wedges when you try to look 6 feet tall amongst your friends while doing the catwalk down the mall.
»> It is with this reason that regardless if you are Mid Range vendors; Charles & Keith or Vincci, or Top End Designers: Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Ferragamo, you would never ever go out of business. Just as you thought you have enough, the tiny little voice in your head will whisper to you: “there is always room for one more pair”.
»> “I don’t have 300 pairs of shoes, I have 6000.” Imelda Marcos
8. Master the language of shoes!
»> A great opening line with a woman will never fail when you begin your conversation with shoes as a topic.
»> It’s a bit like you are reaching to the inner most calling of a woman’s soul. Try this, thank me later.
9. Judge Not.
»> You can tell a lot about a person with the shoe he / she wears. However, be gentle. Not every book can be judged adequately by its cover.
»> Be nice to those who wear Birkenstock, Campers and Nike. It spells confidence, style, practicality and lack of respect for authority. Like!
10. Just as you thought you are expert on shoe commentary, consider this quote; “I used to complain about the shoes I wear until I saw the man without his two feet.”
»> Lesson: I guess it teaches us to have compassion. To count every blessing.
End Note:
*5 Statistically, the closing ratio increases by another 57% if you tie customers’ shoe lace for them.
»> Sounds convincing? I made up the numbers. But they are believable stats, regardless.
»> Two lessons:
»> #1. Numbers make a case TEN TIMES more convincing. Master your numbers, it’s the language of people at the top!
»> #2. Numbers lie. Do not take things at their face value. Always check the facts.
I visited those kids again (see my article on That other Hotel Thief) over my 3 days visit. They vaguely remembered me until I brought up the camera. I noticed that none of them have any decent pair of shoe on their feet (some are even bare footed), it made me think. We could either talk about it, feel sorry and move on. Or, we could do something about it…
Classic example will be www.toms.com, where every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is donated to some one in the third world country.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Gift of Looking Inwards
Nothing beats the feeling of reconnecting with an old friend. Even better, is when the connection comes with gifts attached. In this instance I received two! The gift of time and thoughtfulness.
The Gift of Time
Giving a good gift is never easy, what makes it more challenging is that its got nothing to do with the money! Thank you, Tasha (Soon & Paul) for taking the time to contribute in Vision for a better Asia, a gift so meaningful to me, you have no idea.
The gift of thoughtfulness
It is a common courtesy to check out your would-be employer's website prior to an interview. Meeting a person is no different. These days, every Tom, Dick and Shaunny have a blog! Bloggers do not expect you to read their blog before meeting them (at least not this one). But the possibilities of conversations opens up to a whole new level, when you make a little effort to read their mind (blog) prior hand.
Tasha's contribution to my blog made my day, but its her thoughtfulness in feedback about some of my postings that touches my soul.
(An almost complete Gift)
In writing this article, Tasha did not give me a Title nor a Picture. You will be the judge for whether or not I have done her essay justice with my additions.
Without any further a do, I present:
The Gift of Looking Inwards
By Tasha Ong
One cannot help view the world in which we live through a Eurocentric lens. This lens carves up and colours the established map- that image that we so easily conjure, the United Kingdom in the centre, the United States on the left; such a lens bends time, forcing it into the linear march of “progress”, through industrialisation to post-modern capitalism; it ranks the world into first, second and third; it incites the desire to measure up to standards exported from overseas, rather than those created at home.
My vision for a better Asia involves dispensing with this Eurocentric lens. This is not to say that an Asia-centric lens should be taken up in its place, but rather that lenses of all kinds should be done away with. It is to hope for an Asian identity that is created by looking inwards, rather than outwards, for new conceptions of time and progress, and that this new vision will lead to a flourishing of culture and the arts.
5 philosophies:
1) Slower is faster
2) Simplicity is elegance/ elegance is simplicity
3) Not all truths are meant to be spoken (Toute vérité n’est pasbonne à dire)
4) Better alone than in bad company
5) Love is an art
Plus ONE bonus!
6) (The robes don't make the monk )[Its the hair, or there lack of: Shaun]
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Glamorous Social Servant
The beautiful lady in blue is the Woman of my life, Deon. The lady in Red is the strongest tiny woman I have met in my life yet, Veronica Colondam aka Vera. She wouldn't be too impressed with this title, but I call her a Giant!
Vera instantly captivated the heart of every woman in the luncheon; relating some of the biggest ordeal that happened to her this week - concerning two of her three precious children battling major illnesses, while staying committed to her speaking engagement to spread her cause across to Brunei. Mothers in the room felt the pain, the guilt and a great sense of gratitude for her showing up.
Hence, whatever she had to say following that story carried weights and empathy with one after another woman holding back their tears(I ensured I concealed every bit of emotion being one of the 6 guys amongst the 250 women in the grand ballroom). Vera did not pass on the chance to give glory to God, in a room full of Muslim women, wiping out all potentials for “sensitivity” because women to women, they connected.
In her presentation, Vera uttered out an impressive score of stats and figures in a mind boggling fashion almost too much for my simple mind to comprehend. Just as I was about to switch off, she threw in videos of real people and real stories of those impacted by her organisation. A masterful performance by an extraordinary woman, worthy of the Princesses' presence.
I felt that the presentation wouldn't be complete without questions addressing her credential of being too elegant for the street, hence threw in my unsolicited two cents just before the wrap up:
"You are obviously an intelligent, objective and pragmatic CEO. How do you connect to people on the street at the grass root level looking as glamorous as you do?"
Of course Vera does not dress up the way she does on the street, while setting herself up to dine along with the Princess of Brunei, at the same time giving keynote address to the most influential women in the country. But she understood my question beneath the question.
Whether or not she addressed it fully, I do not remember. I was too consumed with the eloquence of my own sentence that I neglected to hear her answers...
End notes:
>>> I do not believe Vera brought up the sensitive topic of religion to create a stir. She is way smarter than that. On the other hand, any concealment of her full story would have been an insult to the intelligence of the Brunei's women. Looking at the overall context, Vera's achievement will not be complete without the mention of Divinity which plays the central role of the founding and ongoing support of her organisation.
>>> The Gospel said: “Whoever that acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my father in heaven.” Matt 10:26. It is easy to preach to the choir. It’s quite another thing to proclaim your faith to a room full of Muslim sisters. I learned more about courage between the lines than what was spoken that day.
>>> Quote of the day: “Looking at the problem often discourages you. The key is looking through the problem.” Veronica Colondam, Women’s Forum 2010. Amen. She not only said it; she walked.
>>> YCAB's KPI (Key Performance Indicator) measures the amount of people who gets employment having gone through the program. While most organisations measure quantity, this is an organisation that cuts through the core of the problem and demand the tangible. As a marketing person, I know these numbers are no where near as attractive as those, say the number of people remaining drug free having gone through their program (which would be way higher). This spells courage, pragmatism and integrity to me.
>>> I had the privilege of interviewing Vera before Andrew stole the show on stage. Visit Asia Inc Forum’s newsletter here.
>>> Oh, the unpublished Q&A on my issue with Vera looking "too posh" for a social worker is below. Written rather light heartedly, but she put my stereotypical view to rest once and for all.
_______________________________________________________________________
Me:
Confession: Forgive me, your first impression to me is that you’re too posh to be a social worker. I have met a lot of social workers in Australia, many of them look like (homeless) street people to fit in. I couldn’t take you too seriously with that rich girl’s picture. (I once met a lady social worker who puts herself between an aboriginal man and a white man, to stop a fight.)
Vera:
Re looking too “posh” for a social worker? Hmmm... I think the nature of our work should not define us! :D I refuse that in the name of fashion!
I’m setting the trend among social worker to be fashionable. :) So happy to lead this movement. Imagine mother Theresa holding a Birkin bag! Hahahaha
Well, having said all this, don’t get me wrong, as long as you pay for your own fashion, it’s completely okay. Non profit people are under more scrutiny as when they look nice, people think they’re using charity money to buy fashion. Now that’s a very shallow thinking. As for me, I’m grateful that God has blessed me to be able to represent both worlds, for profit and non profit. I’m the hybrid here, background from doing selfish business to doing selfless business :)
----------------------------
Deon often accuse me of not understanding women, Vera will surely not disagree.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Gentlemen’s Experience
The kid and his mum that appeared in the mirror behind me did not look happy at all. He was involuntarily put on the heightened stool atop the barber chair, with tears quickly filled up half his eyes. I knew exactly what was going through the boy’s mind, while the barber was cutting his hair; “touch my fringe, I promise I will punch you in the face”. It did not help when the mum was standing right beside, commanding short and shorter.
I saw much of the boy in me. A point in time when the selection of the salon made as much a statement as the hair style you receive; as long as it looks like all your peers, who aspired to look just like Aaron Kwok.
One day, the boy will come around telling the world that the Indian barber shop experience is his very favorite pass time, just as I am doing now. That one day will come, when image no longer means anything, when the amount of hairs remain on your head no longer makes good economic sense for you to patronize with the salon that offers $50 per hair cut that includes hair dressers with an attitude, plays cool music and offer free soda in the upper class shopping mall. The realization for some people WILL come sooner than anticipated, so savor them while you can.
That said, let me justify my favorite Gentlemen's Experience. I paid $3 for the happy combo yesterday at the barber next to mum's tailor shop in KB. Such involves the hair cut [#2 on the side, slightly shorter on top], the shave, one that I pointed to the Sultan's picture and said "macam itu", [for the sake of hygiene, DO NOT let them use the decade old smelly shave brush on you, ask them to hand wipe the shaving foam on your face instead], and man to man massages on your head, neck, shoulders, hands and back.
The whole experience lasts between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on the mood of the barber, and also largely depend on how busy the shop was (for the best service, go early in the morning or at 3pm during weekdays, when its not busy). There is really no justification for any complain at that price!
I average 2 to 3 visits to Indian barber per month. Mostly for haircut, occasionally I would go in to get my regular lunch time massage for two dollars. It is especially rejuvenating, when you allow them to crack your neck and enjoy the thrill of the second chance in life through the merciful hand of the Indian barber.
The layout of the Indian barber shop I visited since young has not changed in 20 years. Still as clinical, still the same portrait hanging down the wall. It is visible that the leather barber chair withstand the test of time, and the shaving knife has not improved with technology. It even smelled the same too! What changed, was the Indian Barber, who has put on a few more pounds, slightly more gray hair, and perhaps a bit more money in the pocket to be able to afford some younger staff to sweep the floor the same way that he did 20 years ago, while waiting for the next poor victim to execute.
God bless the Indian barber next door, God bless all the Indian people in Brunei! I only wish my hair could grow quick enough for my next Indian barber experience.
End Note:
>>> Indian Barber Pricing:
>>> Hair Cut - No more than $4.
>>> Massage - $2 to $4
>>> Shave - $2 to $3.
Normally the whole combo would cost no more than $10. Some shops even offers in-ear cleaning as well.
I was charged $3 because we have long lasting relationship. 25 years to be exact. He's done my dad's hair, my uncle's hair, my brother's hair and all my cousin's hair too! He has seen me with hair, he has seen me without. Hence the buddy buddy price tag. You can however, start sending your kids to him, over time, he may even give you a discount!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tribute to a Brilliant Kite Man
Uncle Chia Chung Ngee
1950 - 2010
My uncle is a handsome man.
My two cousins are testimony to that my aunt is not too bad neither.
Growing up, uncle and aunt treated all my siblings as their own, because we are about the same age as his two kids. Jern & Farn stayed with their grand parents, while uncle & aunt worked hard to ensure my cousins can afford the best education when they grow up. Jern and Farn shall consider lucky not to endure the strict discipline of my aunt as much as we did. Despite that, it would never deter me from going visiting them; uncle is a brilliant Kite craft man.
Recently, I discovered another hobby uncle and I have in common; our love for dogs. We would exchange notes on our pride and joy for hours. Him on his beloved Liko me, my Maki.
Dog lovers would tell you that the only way for them to give up their dogs is literally, over their dead body. As uncle grew weaker by the day, so did Liko. It came to a point where both the young and old are too much for aunt to handle. It was not until a hand written commandment from uncle that prompted Jern to send Liko off. The decision must have pierced the family's hearts like a needle.
Uncle and aunt delivered the most beautiful soap opera before my eyes, as I quietly watched true love exercised through much kindled care (of my aunt) to a man who barely looked half as beautiful as he once did. And my uncle gave up his much precious “other son” in order for relieve some of aunt’s burden. The story was to be perfected by Jern's full obedience to act on Uncle's wish against every wish in his bone.
Uncle left behind a few wishes: for Jern & Farn to believe in God, stay humble and take good care of mummy. There is no doubt in the world that they will deliver the latter. But if could speak on his behalf, what uncle was really asking, would have been for Jern & Farn to believe in God not only because of eternal life, but be able to find replacement in him through the living heavenly father.
End Note:
I delivered the story of True Love in my eulogy at the funeral yesterday morning. One that remotely resembles the typical romance you imagine. One that holds on to you, despite the fact that you are no longer attractive. One who cleans up after you, when you are no longer able to relief yourself. One who stands by you, no matter how tempermental, how unreasonable you are.
That morning, I wished my Cousin Ai Ai,to be able to find true love the way my uncle and aunt found each other.
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