Chinese New Year is coming up and what better way than to spread some love and joy to the less priviledged?
The initiators of our first ever charity outing as a group, were by Lisa and Pooi Fong. Thanks to them for initiating the idea and the rest of us who so gamely followed their lead, I would have to say our visit to Rumah Shalom on the Saturday evening of 26 Jan 2008 proved to be a meaningful event which left the volunteers, participants and orphans with a big smile on their face.
The arrangement for this visit was brought into the picture about 3 weeks prior to event date. It’s amazing how things fell into place and how generous some people are in terms of their contributions, either in cash or time or both! We managed to collect approximately RM3K+ in funds (May Lee was the Treasurer!), of which we used half of it for this particular charity event. The rest of the funds will be used for other charity purposes in which the group sees fit. Perhaps we might even visit this particular house again next year, as the kids were simply adorable and a fun group to hangout with.
Financial contributions enabled us to buy toiletries, stationaries, snacks, toys, Board games, gifts and prizes for the children. Some also donated toys, medicine, etc. We even packed a CNY-themed goody bags for them, with mandarin oranges and fortune cookies in them!! All the items provided are aimed at either providing a better sense of living, promoting closeness and working and playing together and most importantly to know that the society in general is wishing them well and is looking out for them. They also learn that married Chinese couples are the only ones that can give away ang pows!!!Â
Our group arrived at the home at approx 5:45 pm (after the kids’ afternoon nap) and were greeted with them sitting obediently on the floor of the living room and welcoming us as we walked into the house with the goodies. I myself was very impressed with how well-behaved they are and I could tell that they really enjoyed people visiting them at their home. Their welcome made us feel right at home, treating us as one of them rather than a stranger to their home. We were literally “brothers and sisters”.
Soon after arriving and settling down, we introduced ourselves to the kids and they inturn introduced themselves to us. All the 15 volunteers (as listed below),
- Adrian & May Lee
- Jestine Yap & Eric Lee
- Joyce Khor
- KC Wong
- Lisa Soo
- Lok Pooi Fong
- Madam Cheah
- Melissa & Andrew
- Shereen Tan
- Soo Wai
- Sue San
- Voonie Lai
wore name tags so that the kids can identify us easily. We also made name tags for the kids! First we distributed some snacks for them, and we went on with some light quizzies of mathematical puzzles (what’s [7x3]+2 ?) and general questions like how many male volunteers were there (Ans: 4 – KC, Andrew, Eric and myself), and a host of other questions. Each correct answer provided the kid with a welcoming prize.
Soon after, the sun was going down and it was time for everyone to go outdoor for the games session, organised by Voonie, Joyce & Sue San. All volunteers went over to the field opposite Rumah Shalom, and facilitated the games for the kids while May Lee, Pooi Fong and myself went off to collect KFC from Puchong Tesco. The drive to Tesco from the home wasn’t too far and it was uneventful (especially when the others are having fun at the filed, oh well…).. however we did have the KFC Restaurant Manager tell us to come back again tomorrow with the same order (45 boxes of KFC set meals…. I don’t think so!!!).
Anyway meanwhile, the games went well and it was again amazing that the kids didn’t run helter skelter! All the volunteers did an amazing job in controlling them to say the least. I have trouble controlling just two of my nephews…. not to mention they had to control 26 of them within an outdoor environment! The games allowed some of the volunteers to bond closer with the kids as they formed into groups to play some of the games like (carrying ping pong balls on plates, shave the balloon & etc). Many prizes were again given to the different teams which participated in the games. I think the kids truly enjoyed the outing and games at the field, cos as soon after we arrived back home with the food, we saw them coming back to the house with big grins on their faces and hugging the prized possesion closed to them.
Next, they were told dinner was ready and waiting for them and they led themselves into an orderly line led by a young boy as monitor, who ensured everyone kept in line and made their way to wash their hands before sitting themselves down at the table. After saying their grace and prayers, everyone then began to eat their KFC together!! Needless to say, they enjoyed the food but we have this funny feeling that like most kids, the love the soft drinks the most! From Coke to Sprite to Ice Cream Soda to Sarsi to Root Beer to Mirinda Strawberry………….. they all wanted 2nd, 3rd, 4th helpings to the drinks. Luckily Jestine, Eric, KC and Lisa managed to get more drinks from the nearby shops just in time before the supply ran dry. Thank you to the volunteers for this quick thinking, and adding on to the list of contributions!
Since everyone was so full, we thought that we would play a few games. This was mainly only for the kids who have nt won any prizes yet! May Lee led this session and came up with a few games such as ‘DO THE OPPOSITE’ (where kids need to STAND, when asked to SIT), as well as questions like ‘WHAT IS THE DATE TODAY!?’. Again, the kids were so so excited….. We even asked the kids to ‘BRING ME A MALE VOLUNTEER’S NAME TAG!!’, and it was so fun to see the kids rushing to get them!
Next, it was time for the distribution of the goodie bags to the children. Each goodie bag consisted of 2 erasers, a pencil, a pen, a cute ‘Winnie The Pooh’ notepad, 1 pencil sharpener, a tooth brush, two mandarin oranges, fortune cookies and a keychain all neatly packed into bright red bags sponsored by Lisa. This definitely matched our theme color of Red / White set for the occassion (Pssttt… all volunteers were REQUESTED to wear white or red!) We also presented to the home the following toys / games – TWISTER, 59 Board Games, 2 basketballs, a ring toss game, a frisbee and a radio-controlled helicopter!!
Â
Finally came the ang pow session which saw each kid working for his/her money! We were treated to a talent show put on by each individual child. Needless to say, they were not shy to strut their stuff, which consisted of singing, dribbling basket ball, kung-fu routine, breakdancing, Michael Jackson dance routine & etc. There were much laughters which filled the entire house and again, everyone truly enjoyed themselves and we definitely saw potential in these kids which I believe will grow up to be responsible citizens contributing back to society in no time at all.
By the end of the ang pow and talent show session, most of the kids were already tired. Their normal sleeping time is 10 pm and though it had been a hot and sweaty occassion, the kids were still very enthusiatic when it was time for us to leave. They thanked us for visiting and even asked us for our namecards for them to keep as memory. How sweet is that? We left Rumah Shalom at around 8.45 pm.
The house had approx 26 kids (girls and boys have 2 separate homes), with Brother Ruben & Nathaniel (being the eldest and son of the founder of the home) looking after the kids along with sister Elaine and sister Mani who must have the most patience when it comes to showering the kids with constant love day after day.
We were definitely happy to have visited the home and were glad to be able to spend some time with the kids. I’m sure some of us miss the kids … afterall how can you not when they are so adorable and full of zest?! Kids will be kids and I’m sure they’ll grow to be responsible adults under the special care provided by Rumah Shalom (Peaceful Home).
A little history goes a long way….
Rumah Shalom is a home for underprivileged children who come from broken families, many of them emotionally and physically abused. The home was established in 1997 with two children then.
Until today, their aim is for all children to be given the opportunity of a basic education regardless of their background, so that they can grow up to be responsible citizens. The home endeavour to provide parental care and education, teaching them self-worth to lead a productive life.
Today, Rumah Shalom needs to buy their own property because in the last 9 years of existence, they have moved from place to place due to tenancy problems as owners had opted to sell off their properties to take profit.
Some 180 needy children have passed through Rumah Shalom and some are doing well in life. And they believe it is time they buy a permanent home for these destitute children so as to provide them a more tangible program for their future.
Their current premise at No. 1 Jalan Teong 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya 47100 Puchong is up for sale for RM400,000. The owner is charitable enough and is willing to sell it below the market value. The building comes with four large rooms and three bathrooms. The built up area is 20 x 75 feet with an additional land area of about 3, 000 square feet.
This property is ideal for Rumah Shalom due to the following factors:
- Spacious corner lot with 4 large rooms
- Ample land in case for future extension
- Beautiful playground in front
- School is within walking distance for the children
- Ample parking space for visitors. There were occasions when as many as 120
visitors called on the home at one time!
- Good location & easily accessible to visitors
- The back portion of the building has already been renovated into a dining
hall
- The house was recently properly fenced up by a social group
Special Thanks goes out to the organisers, contributors and volunteers of this special visit: Adrian & May Lee, Chan Siew Yin, Chiam Su Wooi, CK, Dan Ting Lip, Huey Ching, Jean Wong, Jestine Yap & Eric Lee, Jonas, Joyce Khor, Katherine Mah, KC Wong, Lisa Soo, Loi Kok Mun, Lok Pooi Fong, Lyn Chai, Madam Cheah & nephew, Melissa & Andrew, Michelle & family, Ooi Pei Yeen, Shereen Tan, Soo Wai, Sue San, Mr & Mrs Tan Kuan Yew, TJ Liaw, Voonie Lai and Yeo Kian Ann.
To see more pictures of this special charity visit, please View Photo Gallery
January 31st, 2008
Are one of those well-organised photo album keeper who has few album for each holiday trip, one album for that-special-occasion and even albums which features a mixture of events and celebrations???
Well. (*blushing*) I am like that!
And if you’re like me, or somewhat similar to me. Let me tell you, you no longer need to go to a shopping mall to buy photo albums, you no longer need to save your pix on a thumbdrive / CD for the photo shop to develop the pictures and you no longer need to paste / insert the photos in the album!!!
All you need to do is:
1. Download a FREE software programme onto your computer
2. Arrange the pix according to your preferred layout
3. Email over the file over (and make your payment online)
4. Wait for the PROFESSIONAL photo album to be delivered to you doorstep!!!
Sounds TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE????!!! I thought so too at first, until my first PHOTOBOOK arrived. I was speechless and ecstatic!!! Take a look at the 3 Photobooks I did for my wedding portraits and photos.
All you need to do is visit w.photobook.com.my, and follow the simple 1-2-3 steps, SELECT, DESIGN and ORDER.
Here are some of the PROS of Photobook.
- You can choose the size of your hardcover photo album (http://www.photobook.com.my/V3/products/format.asp)
- You can put your own captions or write-ups alongside the photos
- You can crop and edit the photos according to your preferred finishing (e.g; full colour, black & white, sephia, watercolour effect, creative borders, with frames, etc)
- You can add more pages to the photo album if you wish
- You can determine the size of the photos on each page of the album (ie; full page, 4 pix in 1 page, 2 pix in 1 page, etc)
- Good customer service, where required very accommodating and understanding<
- End product looks a very professional and elegant, it is durable and long-lasting too http://www.photobook.com.my/V3/products/quality.asp
As for the CONS, I can only think of this
- It is a little pricey (especially if you have 3 holiday trips, one wedding, 1 graduation and 5 outings a year!!!!!!) but it definitely cuts down production-to-end-product time. Check out its latest Price List at http://www.photobook.com.my/V3/products/price.asp
- If there are mistakes in the album layout, amendments to the photos (at additional cost, of course!) can only be done if the album has yet to be bound
If you’re not living near Kota Kemuning, I suggest you pay the delivery charges and have them delivered to your home!!! It’s not worth the stress, looking out for their office (or perhaps it’s just me who can’t read MAPS!)<
Don’t be mislead, Photobook does NOT only do photo albums. In fact, they also print Gift Certificates, Posters, Calendars, Postcards and Greeting Cards for you in a personalised manner. Where else can you get this???
And if you would like to check out their competitors, I’ve checked them out already (even purchased similar photo albums from them!)…. Quality-wise, Photobook is still superior to the rest. Trust me!
CHECK OUT PHOTOBOOK TODAY!!!!
January 21st, 2008
I also received a call from Telekom person asking me if my I had a problem with my phone line. I mentioned to him that I wasn’t having problems with the phone but was having problems with streamyx. All he said was “oh.. ok” and hung up.
This morning, I was happily surfing the internet and enjoying what seems to be “decent” surfing speed but was rudely interrupted by a cut in my phone line. I had to call my office to get them to report the problem for me. Anyway, how does one dial 100 from Maxis line? The line came back after 20 minutes or so but I was never informed as to when and why they cut the line. At least they could have given us a courtesy call to inform us of the disruption.
Surfing throughout the day was uneventful but now… again I am having problems surfing to various sites like facebook.com and asiarooms.com. I asked the support line at 100 whether anyone has complained of congestion or slow lines…. and they insisted that nobody else had the problem yet when I checked with my friends, (from Damansara Uptown, and etc), they told me that they have been experiencing slow speed. Surely there is a problem there but why is Streamyx trying to hide something so obvious from everyone? Do they think we’re dumb or something?
Anyway tomorrow is the 2nd day and I hope to receive a call from them… but why am I not surprised if I don’t hear from them?
What’s wrong with Streamyx and why isn’t Jaring Broadband supported here in Bangsar? There must be an easier way to stay connected. This disruption is really taking its toll on my productivity. Never have I imagined the day that minor interruptions like this having a major impact on work productivity! Buck up streamyx or stay true.
January 15th, 2008
Banting’s Infamous Beggar’s Chicken
Ever thought why Beggar’s Chicken is so sought after? Try it for yourself, and you’d soon know why! It is worth the drive to Banting (Bukit Jugra), at least once in your lifetime!
Just a word of caution NO RESERVATIONS means NO TABLE and NO FOOD!!! Walk-in customers are not entertained… Restaurant capacity = Approx 80 pax.
So, please call +603-3120 2515 for reservations, at least one (1) day in advance… (Pssst payment by CASH only!)
Opening hours are from 1.00 to 4.00 pm and 6.00 to 8.00 pm.
How is Beggar’s Chicken is cooked?
- Marinate the chicken in lots of Chinese herbs and seasoning
- Wrap chicken with silver foil and grease paper (those that we use for baking cakes)
- Cover the package with mud and few layers of brown paper
- Place the package in underneath layers of soil in the ground, with glowing ashes all done in a special hut (see pix below)
- Wait for 3 – 4 hours
- Break away the mud
- Tear off the brown paper and silver foil
- Ready to eat!!! Yum yum
NB. Prices listed here might not be accurate as they are subject to change
 |
 |
 |
| Beggar’s Chicken |
Beggar’s Pork Leg |
Glutinous Rice |
 |
 |
| Longevity Soup |
Fish Cake |
How to get to Banting’s Beggar’s Chicken
Approximately 70 km from KL city centre (Traveling time = Averaging 100 mins)
- Take the LDP
- Exit at Sunway toll
- Keep left and follow Pulau Indah sign (2nd left) and you will enter Kesas Highway
- Go straight and you will pass 2 tolls
- Follow the sign that says Banting turn left here
- Go straight until you reach Banting town
- Follow the map below
Address: Bukit Jugra (Permatang Pasir), 42700 Banting, Selangor
Origins of Beggar’s Chicken (http://www.louwailou.com.cn/english/chick.asp)
People trace to the source of Hangzhou’s “Beggar’s Chicken” and find a story.
It happened long long ago. The federal dynasty imposed heavy tax on civilians, and people were deprived of everything. Family broken up, they strayed everywhere as beggars. One day, a beggar was floating in Changsu of Jiangsu Province, cold and hungry. Little by little, he couldn’t stand up and fainted. His fellow sufferers were trying to save him. They collected wood and burned it to warm him up. One fellow sufferer took out the only remained chicken and prepared to cook for him. But without any tools to cooking, they were very worried. Suddenly, one of them got an idea. He suggested wrapping up the chicken with slush, and putting the mud pie into fire to bake. They continuously collected wood and baked mud pie. Finally, when the chicken was fully cooked, they began to knock open mud. To everyone’s surprise, the feather was also falling off with mud, and the chicken smelled very nice. The aroma attracted all neighbors around. They came and couldn’t stop praising the unique cooking style and the unique taste.
Later, Louwailou absorbs this cooking experience and makes some improvement. They takes “Yue Chicken”, Shaoxing’s Wine and the lotus leaf in West Lake as the material. First, they kill a fresh “Yue Chicken” and clean it, add all kinds of spices, stuff condiment in chicken’s stomach, then bind it with West Lake lotus leaf, wrap it with a kind of mixture made by Shaoxing wine, salt water and mud from wine jar, finally bake it in steady fire for three to four hours. The mud pile is opened in front of guests. Because the chicken is cooked in a sealed envelope, the original taste is perfectly kept, and with the flavor of wine penetrating into chicken, you will feel a fragrance coming when opening the mud. Thus this dish is full of not only nutrition but also sentiment. That’s why when tourists come to Hangzhou, they all want to taste this traditional and famous dish.
January 8th, 2008
