Happy 54th Malaysia

This is by far the best Merdeka tribute video, “Dear Malaysians” produced by DiGi in conjunction with our Independence Day. www.dearmalaysians.com

Jake and the Never Land Pirates

With Playhouse Disney switching to Disney Junior, their first original show made it's way to the line up surprisingly surpassing Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and even Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Jake and the Never Land Pirates. The appealing factor is Izzy's presence, showcasing that a girl can swashbuckle just as much.

Not quite the pirate I want to be but being rough and tough is my forte.

NGO Dinner

Last Tuesday we represented our Rukun Tetangga (Community Center) to participate in a dinner hosted to bring together all the NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) based in and around the vicinity.

The venue was the spanking new Sinchoiwah Restaurant which is right behind the Kepong Tesco, a few minutes from my place. I've always seen this magnificent restaurant while driving by it but never had a chance to dine in it.

The main ballroom on the 2nd floor was big enough for 1000 people. The place was packed and we were led to a special vegetarian only table. The food was good accompanied by classical mandarin songs.

The guest of honour was the Malaysian Chinese Association president Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek. The MCA is one of the key members of the leading coalition governing Malaysia. Politicians are always in a hurry so getting a clear shot with a camera phone was close to impossible.

Aadi Puram Festival

The Aadi Puram festival is celebrated in the Aadi month (July - August) per the Tamil calendar. It fell on August 2nd this year. The festival marks the birthday of Andal Ammal who is believed as the incarnation of Goddess Sakthi.

The festivities are on a grand scale in all Amman temples. The Kaliamman temple in Kepong were no lesser in their approach despite constrains in location as they face a busy road.

The temple is located in a predominantly Indian neighbourhood hence the large crowd this morning for the final day celebration. A close knit community from the way they were seen working hand in hand.

The gala celebration also featured kids from a 'Silambam' school showcasing their skills in handling the weapons. The bamboo staff was custom made for these pint-sized warriors.

Inspiration for me ...

A promotion by a music school at Tesco, the keyboardist and his merry band kept me glued to their performance despite a number of rendition in Mandarin.