“It’s that time of year again when florist make more money in three days than they normally do in three months. When you put your lactose intolerance aside and enthusiastically accept chocolates from your boyfriend like it’s the most creative gift on earth. A time when you willingly pay a ridiculous amount of money to sit in a crowded restaurant to stare into each other’s eyes while trying to ignore the 20 other couples doing the exact same thing. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. A wonderful time for those in love.” -interesting definition from Reader’s Digest.

Neither burning a hole in my pocket nor getting eyesore staring too much, it was nothing but a normal day for someone with no Valentine. Sometimes I wondered, is this supposed to be something to be sorry about or a relieve?  Hmm… Ok, back to topic..  Love was more focused on friendship that day. That sunny morning started with a family breakfast. The enjoyment of my delicious “Loh Mee” was interrupted by mum’s grumble. “Why my handsome son and pretty daughter who dressed so lovely today still no valentine? No one will ever believe this.. bla bla..” As usual, ears were opened wide enough to let all words in and definitely out easily.

A lady who shares the same interest, passion and thoughts would be ideal but seems like my cupid angel is still looking for his best arrow to fire. It is like shopping for suitable clothes. You got to look around at different shops with different brands and design. Yes, I admit I’m someone who will go for a try on  less frequent in a fitting room if I see clothes that might suit me. Sometimes you may end up not buying any.. oopss.

While my parents headed back to hometown, and sister back working on her audit file, I started the Karaoke session with my old friend and her colleagues at Red Box as the shouting and vocalizing lasted for 3 hours. We had nothing better to do than to join the crowd where most couples hang out. Park? No.. Hotel? hey, you dirty minded.. It is the dark room where couples can do anything without being noticed.

Movie Crowd on Valentines

It was worth queuing. Wistful, melancholic, steeped in a sense of impermanence and looming mortality, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” starring Brad Pitt is not a movie one could have predicted. It tells the tall tale of an infant who is born as an old man—tiny but suffering all the infirmities of an 80-year-old—who lives his life in reverse, becoming younger with each passing year until he achieves real infancy at the end of his life. Truly inspirational !

The lovely day was concluded with dinner/supper back in hometown accompanied by another old friend of mine. So, no Valentine? No problem.. Because friends are like Valentine. Heartwarming, bringing pleasure. Connected to good feelings, with memories to treasure.

Portrait shot of me and Lithan

Portrait shot of me and Shuey Ding

Since I was back from Banjarmasin, everyday is party day for me. Meeting friends and family here and there… having fun and laughter here and there .. chatting, gossiping here and there. And of course, eating and keep eating here and there. So, every day is Valentine’s for me!

Chap Lak Meh Steamboat Gathering - Singapore.

Family Gathering at Shokudo

My last word. Happy Valentines Day everyone! Hope you enjoy your way of celebrating it.

Hanging AngPow at Hotel Lobby

For Chinese people, the Lunar New Year that falls on Jan26 will be a great occassion to reflect on what they have achieved in the past year as well as to make a wish for the year to come.

As for all who work away from home, reunion with loved ones in the Lunar New Year holiday is the best, or one of the best, remunerations for all the hardships that have been endured during the year. Bringing money and gifts home to aged parents and young children is the greatest joy after year’s hardwork. These are the values of Chinese culture that have remained for thousands of years.

For me, who is now working on a dredging project, this year is an exception. Neither family gathering nor lavish reunion dinner, here am I in a Muslim dominated country - Indonesia. Red packets (angpow) collecting sessions, waking up fresh with new red clothes, visiting around with friends are replaced by a word that no one will like it (W-O-R-K).

Barongsai - Lion Dance

Disappointment increased when the festive occasion will be celebrated as a low-key event in a world where Chinese is minority. Before the reform era, Imlek (Chinese) related celebrations were shunned by the New Order government. At least now, it’s good to see people openly celebrating Imlek. However, it is a different story in Aceh - the only province in the country that has adopted Islamic sharia law. Chinese have to abide by all existing regulations in Aceh. Many Chinese are fearful of publicly performing the world-reowned lion dance, known as Barongsai, wary of riling followers of other religions.

It was Jan25, a day that every Chinese longed for. My grumbling stomach reminded me, it’s time for the big feast. This time no expensive abalone soup, auspicious fatt choi or delicious home-cooked mun cabbage, instead, I had a quite sumptuous feast with my colleague at an Indonesian-Chinese restaurant (halal). I had no complains… at least we had a reunion lunch as scheduled.

Me and the so called Reunion Lunch

I wondered since when the BBQ tradition started in my life. The BBQ dinner haunted me twice in a row this year. First, the New Year celebration in Singapore and now Chinese New Year in Banjarmasin. Our celebration continued with an early simple BBQ dinner with guys from work.

A bbq dinner by Penkonindo guys for Penkonindo guys.

After the fun messing around with our food, we then rushed back for a Lion Dance performance scheduled at the hotel lobby. The funny word “Barongsai” which means Lion Dance in Indonesian was introduced. The ceremonial drumming added some spices and create the exotic, authentic atmosphere for the auspicious celebration. As the drum goes on, I whispered to myself, “At least, I had something different this year! I’ve never watched Lion Dance performance during Lunar’s eve.” Hours of walking, sniffing, acting curious and pawing on the ground, the Barongsai ended. As usual I’ve filled up my memory card with all the interesting shots.

Greetings from the lions on CNY Eve at Swissbel Hotel Lobby, Banjarmasin Indonesia.

Nope, it’s not the end of our day. We ended up at the hotel lounge singing in public. Being forced by my half-drunked colleague, I was asked to sing with the contract singer. First, the popular Indonesian song by ST12 named PUSPA (Putuskan Saja Pacarmu), then touching love song “Terima Kasih Cinta” by Afghan and lastly, the duet of oldies “Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You”. I was a bit nervous during the first song, but then confidence was gained when fun rolls in.

Singing 3 songs in a row after the Lion Dance.

Cheers and claps from colleagues, guests and hotel staff made my day. The supposed to be an unexciting day became an extraordinary experience. As the famous Chinese proverb goes, “When you are at home, you depend on your family. When you are out of home, you depends on your friends”. I seconded. Nowadays, hotel is treated as my second home, while hoteliers and colleagues became my family members. On my second thought, I am already back home for Chinese New Year.

CNY Moment with Swissbel Hoteliers

We visited the only temple in Banjarmasin on the next day. Quite surprised to be greeted by some local Chinese who speaks Chinese! Although they are not fluent, I managed to have a good chat and got to know about the best place for non-halal Chinese food and where all the Chinese hang around. According to them, the number of ethnic Chinese here who embrace Buddhism is falling, with many converting to Protestantism and Catholicism.

Banjarmasin Tri Dharma Temple

Tri Dharma Temple at Banjarmasin

No matter if they are Christian or Muslim-Christian, most of them will throng temples to burn incense, and pay respect to their ancestors during the prosperous day. For them, this is not defying their religion but a chance to reflect on life and remember their ancestors. Most of them want their kids to know who their ancestors were and they don’t think praying for their souls and remembering why they are here now makes them less of a Muslim or Christian. I felt proud as the Chinese over here stand as one even they are from various religions.

Same old words, time flies. Another year awaits for us! But, having to think about it.. Have you achieved what you’ve planned for 2008? No? If it is regarding work or better pay? Then too bad. As recession is coming to town. Indeed it has already arrived at your doorsteps.

This year, Christmas is never that merry.. for most people. Why? Because “Recession is Coming to Town“. So, sing along…

You’d better watch out
You’d better not cry
You’d better keep cash
I’m telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

It’s hitting you once,
It’s hitting you twice
It doesn’t care if you’ve been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town

It’s worthless if you’ve got shares
It’s worthless if you’ve got bonds
It’s safe when you’ve got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY

You’d better watch out
You’d better not cry
You’d better keep cash
I’m telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!

Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH

You’d better watch out
You’d better not cry
You’d better keep cash
I’m telling you why:
Recession is coming to town

America’s second biggest bank, Citigroup announced a staggering cut of 52,000 jobs. China announced a big jump in unemployment as many factories producing for exports closed. Singapore foreign talents human waves slows down as recession bites. Approximate 16,000 employees laid off by Sony.  Dell lays off 700 in Ireland while San Disk layoff 450 – 500 employees. Motorola joined the crowd with 3000 employees. A lot of the factories have choosen to layoffs their staffs or force their employees to take unpaid leave. Bla bla..

Well, well.. shall I talk about this during Christmas Day! Am I spoiling ur mood huh? Sure, I am… Sorry for that but Merry Christmas.

This year, am celebrating Christmas in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. No christmas songs, no candlelight, no fireworks, no hustling crowd, no doubt.. a “Silent Night” indeed. Well, at least we had a company dinner during Christmas Eve at a Japanese Restaurant… no huge turkey but sashimi and teppanyaki for Christmas.. what a weirdo…

Anan, Me and Ronnie (Christmas 2008)

Nova, Sarifuddin and Kwong (Christmas 2008)

Jan, Evie, Kwong and Sarifudin (Christmas 2008)

Still remember last christmas, me and bunch of friends joined the countdown crowd at Orchard Road, then headed to Clarke Quay for some beer, finally ended around Singapore River, not longing to go home.. That was really a fun  time!

The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Crowd at Orchard Road, Singapore (2007)

Christmas at Clarke Quay (2007)

Well, I’ve promised myself to write on every Wednesday (my off day). And coincidently, it falls on the big day for Indonesia. The New Year for the Muslims, Idul Fitri. Guess I’m at the right place at the right time. This was the shot I’ve got yesterday night around 11pm.

VanOord Guys and the Banjar Lady

Oopss.. not this. It was so happening yesterday. That’s the first time I saw so many locals strolling and gathering along the street. Everybody was so happy to welcome the new year. The shopping malls were crowded with last minute buyers. Fireworks everywhere, every single corner…

Fireworks at Martapura River

I am lucky to stay at Swissbel Hotel where I can shoot this beautiful scenery just in front of it. Everybody gathered to enjoy the “magical” moment. If you realise from the lower right of the above photo, there were almost hundred of locals gathered on their boats to witness the beautiful light. You might think that this is an official celebration by the Banjar authorities. Nope, the fireworks are released individually by the public. Anyone can buy them easily along the streets and release it anywhere. No restriction at all, I believe it is legal to release fireworks here in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Haha.. of course, we released once during our BBQ dinner last month.

I could still remember I’ve celebrated Hari Raya in Geylang Serai, Singapore last year. Time really flies. It’s gonna be end of the year soon. Well, actually we had a farewell party yesterday. It was for our project manager. Had an expensive dinner at Japanese restaurant and some whisky in our hotel bar.

Farewell dinner for Wilco

Phew, it was a long night for me … anyway, I’m so happy to get such wonderful shots yesterday. Furthermore, no more fasting period.. and Happy Puppy (karaoke) is back to business. Haha..

For more shots of The Night Before Idul Fitri - Fireworks. Click Here