Philip Hii's Blog

I just learned that Philip Hii also has his own blog. It was at a photoshooting session last night for our hotel's New Creation Band that he disclosed to me his blogging interest.

I read about Philip way back during my school days at Chung Cheng Secondary School when he acted as a freelance writer for The Borneo Bulletin, a weekly English publication. Philip's specialty was in feature writings, covering mainly the inland places of interest.

Philip's flair for writing was admirable. The Borneo Bulletin was my favourite during those school days and Philip's superb photography and fine writings made his articles a pleasurable reading. I never missed Philip's column.

Then in 90s I met Philip in person when we were both in the tourism industry. His rich exposure in Sarawak's nature and ecology became my source of learning. Philip's friendly and magnanimous disposition has made him approachable, benefiting me in many aspects.

Calling his blog purely photograpy, Philip hopes to share his rich collection of shots with friends through blogging. Besides posting all the classy photos, I hope he can pen a little bit more!

Keep it up, Philip!

http://www.rubberseeds.blogspot.com/

Blogger Jailed - RPK Facing Sedition Charge

A renowned blogger and an editor known for running the Malaysia Today website, Raja Petra Kamaruuddin (or RPK as fondly called) was charged with sedition, and on refusing to post the bail of RM5000 was taken to a detention centre.

RPK is thus far the first blogger to be handcuffed and sent to jail.

This episode is a slam on our efforts on freedom of speech!

Myanmar Cyclone-Cries From Hell

Myanmar was ravaged by Cylone Nargis. The tragedy claimed tens of thousands of lives, leaving the nation in a pathetic state.

The onslaught of the cylone is most terrific. Myanmar's military government raised its death toll to nearly 22,500 with a further 41,000 missing, nearly all of them from a massive storm surge that swept into the Irrawaddy delta.

God of all comfort, help us to hear the pathetic cries of the suffering people in Myanmar. Soften our hearts that we may respond, and give us courage to act in the name and power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The pictures are by courtesy of Reuters News.

All Smiles

Pak Lah and Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad bumped into each other yesterday. They posed with all smiles for the reporters.

Both of them had their own causes to beam with satisfaction.

At a press conference after the 12th General Election, Tun publicly denounced Pak Lah for the stumble.


After forming the Federal Government, Pak Lah gave assurance to the nation, saying, "I still stand firm and strong."

The two heavyweights have their individual agenda. As such, the game of wits between them has to go on! Stay focused on the developments.

Happy Mother's Day

The picture shows the cake for Mother's Day-Strawberry-flavoured Sponge Cake.
The month of May is warmly filled with jovial mood of celebration of Mother's Day.

Worldwide Mother's Day has been fixed on the second Sunday of May. The season is for us to express our gratitude for the hardships our moms bore in bringing us up.

Actually our love for our moms is an all-year-round show of filial piety - it should not be just confined to Mother's Day in May. But Mother's Day has its profound meaning - it is an internationally recognised day dedicated to mothers for their significant and great role. Celebrating Mother's Day is therefore our honour which we can't afford to miss.

In Sibu, Mother's Day has been popularised and commercialised, with celebrations for the season penetrating practically all sectors of the community. There is nothing wrong with commercialisation so long as we maintain the spirit of love and affection of Mother's Day.

Yesterday was all the warmth in the hearts for my mom and Yian's mom when we threw them a hearty lunch to celebrate Mother's Day. We did it earlier to fit in the travelling schedule of Yian's mom.

Wow, it was absolutely all homemade and home- cooked, making it a wonderful show of affection. Yian put her hands in for the whole of the morning to come out with the delightful dishes, giving everybody a hearty meal.

Happy Mother's Day!

The picture shows Yian, Yian's mom and my dear mom - it was all the warmth in the hearts!

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's Blog

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has started his own blog to air freely his views on Malaysia, especially those in relation to politics.

Mahathir's eloquence and sharp thinking are renowned and admirable. Even after his retirement from politics, he remains critical and his comments are still broadly followed.

Now he is in blogsphere where restriction is practically non-existent, he has even more freedom to blast for the good cause of the nation.

I recommend Tun's blog to all concerned Malaysians.

http://www.chedet.com/

MAF Of The Masland Methodist Church - Life Planning (Final)

The retreat kicked off last night with 75 participants gathering in the name of our Lord to better ourselves in planning for life.

The morning session was called to start with a sing-together to warm up. It was a wonderful time that we praised Lord with melodious songs and soothing music.

Rev. Dr. Su moved on his talk with outlining the eight major areas in planning for life. "Focus on spiritual wholeness, personal development, physical fitness, financial management, family enrichment, church life, career/ministry and community life," he called on the participants.

Be a smart planner and get the principles right. "Your planning has got to be specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time - targeted," Rev. Dr. Su made it clear to us.

The life planning course is practical and down-to-earth. I personally benefited from Rev. Dr. Su's sharing on his own experiences.

The retreat ended with a group photo at Premier Hotel's main entrance.

The picture shows the participants breaking off for tea and coffee.

The picture shows the lunch time.
A group photo with Rev. Dr. Su.