Rantauan's Eid Gathering at Malacca

Last Saturday the 27th October we had our Rantauan's Eid gathering at the town of Malacca. Usually every year we had separate gatherings in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to welcome home our members from overseas who are back for Eid. This year I had an idea to have it in Malacca, the historic place where once a popular destination for travellers from all over the world.

We stayed for a night in Hotel Seri Costa (http://www.hotelsericosta.com/home.htm). I got a good deal for the exclusive rooms even had an extra one. There we had a casual eid feast brought by our member Aisah from her home town nearby.

That's me and the rest sitting on 'tikar mengkuang' that was bought by our member eLva at the handicraft shops nearby, giving the touch of kampung life in a hotel. This is one of the most memorable and fun gathering we had. Not sure if I can top this. Just waiting for another crazy idea.

It's a Girl and I'm an Uncle - finally

Yesterday my sister gave birth to a baby girl by a caesarean section. The little wonder is named Noradzwin as-Sofia. This is my first niece and finally I became an uncle. Feeling older and yet blessed. Not much words to describe the feeling or perhaps no words could.

Ramadhan Iftar @KLCC

Ramadhan 1428 Hijri must be the most busiest Ramadhan so far. Dividing my time between JB and KL. In JB I am helping out my almost due sister with her first baby. In KL is the never ending work and the lovely Wardah which make it all worthwhile to be here. We spend iftar together a number of times. Most of it in KLCC. A wonderful place to dine. During this Ramadhan they add a bit of Ramadhan resonance with some middle eastern music at the atrium. Surrounded by an Islamic design and colourful lanterns hanging from the roof.

Merdeka Video Montage

Merdeka - Freedom and its price

What if you are standing infront of your king, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and the national enthem is playing, and suddenly one of the pigeons that was released a moment ago landed on your songkok. This really happen to one of the UMNO youth member at Merdeka Stadium last night on the 50th Merdeka Celebration. Will this incident help to boost his political career? Or will he be remembered or well known as...... Well figure out you own tag line.

I took these shots from the balcony of Merdeka Stadium. My camera was on the tripod and my finger was on the trigger. Oh well, why not?

2nd Day Rehearsal @Dataran

This morning started with something that I dread - rain. It pours really early in the morning. I arrived just in time to take shelter under one of the tents. I don't mind getting wet but the camera may not. But the rain went a way living the rising sun still sleeping behind the clouds. Fortunately the camera can go manual and I can set my exposure. Most of the video shots this morning were under the grey clouds. But the bright sun finally defeated the clouds and the above shot of me was taken. Behind the cheerie smile lies a back ache and tired muscles. Has to withstand this for two more days. Tomorrow will be the 'Ambang Merdeka', a prelude to the actual event and also a reenactment of the actual 1st Merdeka Day.

50th Merdeka Day Rehearsal

Today is the first day of Merdaka Day rehearsal. Got to be at Dataran Merdeka by 7 am. Dragging the HD cam and all its accessories on my backpack plus the tripod on my shoulder. I finally got my crew tag from Megat of Pak Ngah Production when I arrived at the location. It was 6+ am and it was still dark but the place was crowded with participants, mostly students and military personnels. I really did not know what the agenda for today but I was given a quick brief. Well who cares, I have my crew tag and I can be anywhere. No one is going to stop me except that big army tank.