Adventures in South China (Part 1)

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From 17th-23rd April, a small group led by "old China hand", Ben Wong, visited a number of interesting locations in South China. The intrepid adventurers included Norbert Liew, Anthony Chung, Edward Chin, Robert Chin, Chris Chu (from a number of years after us) and Basil Wee (of Tabuan Jaya curry fame).

They had a whirlwind trip, going to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou and HK all in 7days.(note: some went seperate ways when they arrived at Zhuhai.)

It was a first trip to China/Macau/HK for Norbert, Edward and Basil.

Ben sent me quite a number of photos, so this posting will be spread over Part 1 and Part 2.

First we have a photo of the team in Macau. I believe this is at The Venetian casino ? Guys, help me out here.

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They were also in Zhuhai ...

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... and Shenzhen ...

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where they had some pampering of their feet ...

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after which they were ready for action again ...

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They also spent half a day at the Guangzhou fair.

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Later they went to the train station and took a bullet train ride to Shaoguan and back. It was an interesting ride, travelling at a top speed of 348 km/h.

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Well, I'll let the adventurers provide you with the details behind these photos.

More exciting stuff on Dongguan and Hong Kong, and in spas and singalongs. Watch out for Part 2.

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One Morning at Choon Hui Cafe ...

A bunch of the guys (and one lady) met up for breakfast at Choon Hui Cafe, on Ban Hock Road, Kuching, this morning.

LtoR: George, Gina (Mrs GL), Bob, Ben, Robert, Norbert & Datuk Justin Jinggut.
Jensen Ng Koon Teck was also there, but had to leave earlier. And Edmund Lee Ah See was the photographer.

Datuk Justin not only belanja'ed the breakfast and paid his RM100 dues for the Grand 50 Reunion, but on top of that, he contributed another RM500 in sponsorship of the Reunion. Hurray! Terima kasih, Datuk JJ, for your generosity!!!

Looks like the Organising Committee for the event is well on its way to making happen "the Mother of all Reunions" , as some have called it ... Great job, guys.
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"Hawaii 50" Birthday Gallery

Most of us will either have turned or will be turning 50 this year. What a milestone! Happy birthday to all!
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There was a great suggestion from some of you that we share a photo or short videoclip of this momentous "Hawaii 50" birthday celebration. Whether big or small, elaborate or simple, at home or outside, with family or friends (or both), it doesn't really matter. Just send me one or two shots or clips of how you celebrated the occasion and I'll include it in this posting.
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Have a great day. Be happy and live your life to the fullest. As the old saying goes: What's important is not the years in your life, but the life in your years.


The "Hawaii 50" Celebrations

Younger viewers may not understand the significance of the "Hawaii 50" reference. Suffice it to say that it was a very popular TV show in the 70s with an unforgettable theme music. Boys, for old times sake, I'll let you the music transport you back to your teenage years again.

RC : Kuching, 15 April 2009

RC's 50th Birthday at Mr Ho’s Fine Food, Crown Tower.
Seated (L to R): RC, Jynelle ( little grand niece), Mrs RC
Standing ( L to R): daughters Jacinta & Caroline.

PC : Kuching, 23 Aug 2009

You've all seen the other posting of this grand occasion at the Ipoh Kopi Tiam in Kuching, which was a three-in-one: a reunion, welcome home for JK and a celebration of Pip's half century.

JY : Singapore, 26 Sept 2009

Top pic: Mr & Mrs WJ

Bottom pic: Cake 50 (no wisecracks about the doggie, please ;-)

JK : Plymouth, 11 October 2009

Wow, look at all the presents !!!

KCK : Kuala Lumpur, 18 October 2009

KCK's birthday cake, designed by his wife and son, reflects what he likes doing most

(can you see the similarities?)

C'mon, still awaiting more contributions from all you guys ...
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Then & Now - Part 8

Today we feature RC, our friend from Form 5 Arts 2 (1976).

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RC is a civil engineer by profession, based in Sarawak. From 1982 to 1993, he worked at JKR as District Engineer stationed in Bau and Lundu. From 1993-2007. he was with CMSB (Cahaya Mata Sarawak Berhad). Since 2007, he has been managing his own civil engineering construction business.

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He married a Marian, and is blessed with two daughters - the elder is now a teacher and the younger is pursuing a nursing course.

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RC also reminded me of a bit of ancient history. Prior to St Joe, he attended Catholic English Primary School until Primary 6 (1971), where his classmates included JK, WC, CM, MC, JKKH, SH, (Dato)AM and TBS.

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The "Then" shots were from 1971 (Pri 6) and 1976 (Form 5). The "Now" photo was taken in early 2009.

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Old, Old Kuching - Part 3

Here's another offering in the ongoing series of old Kuching scenes. Most of the shots were probably from the 50s and 60s.
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The first photo shows Sylvia Cinema, one of the early Kuching cinemas. It was built in 1939 by the Third White Rajah, Charles Vyner Brooke, and named after his wife, Sylvia Brett. She came from a relatively well-to-do family and became something of a socialite. She loved to organise dances, parties and amateur dramas, largely for the European community in Sarawak. Sylvia Cinema was located in front of the Central Padang, at the site on which was later built the State Secretariat building (see second picture).
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The next picture shows the State Secretariat building, which later became the offices of Yayasan Sarawak. My only memory of the inside of this building was as a child watching the annual parade on the Padang from the office of an aunt who worked at the Secretariat many years ago. As the building directly faced the Padang, we had an excellent view of all the festivities on the field.

Do you remember the Council Negri fountain, which was constructed in 1967 to commemorate the centenial of the first Council Negri meeting, at a site near to the present Tun Razak building (opposite the Sarawak Museum)? I recall visiting it when I was very young. It had flickering, colour lights that made the water flows look quite pretty (well, at least it was great in the eyes of a little boy).

The next one is the little pavilion at the Museum grounds, which was well known for delicious desserts like Ang Tau Peng. I vagiuely remember that it was also the scene of a horrible burglary-cum-murder in the 60s. Real CSI stuff. Anyone recall the details?

Finally here's a shot of the Khoo Hun Yeang / Gartak Street area. You can clearly see the old "Corner Shops". This one's especially for you, John !

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All the photos in this selection came via Robert. Many thanks, my friend. Keep them coming.

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Old, Old Kuching - Part 2

I'm going to make this "Old, Old Kuching" post an ongoing series. Hopefully over time and with all your contributions, we will build up a rich online portfolio of historic Sarawak photographs. Thanks to Robert Chin, for sharing this first set of pictures around the Padungan area.

The first one shows the junction of Padungan Road joining Thompson (now Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman) and Mathies Roads. You can see Odeon cinema (top, middle), Capitol cinema (extreme left), and an Austin car showroom & service centre on the front right. Both Odeon and Capitol are gone. At the location of the Austin showroom now stands the Standard Chartered Bank building and the Riverside hotel.

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Next we have another picture of the Odeon cinema in an even earlier time, before the building was expanded to accomodate a restaurant and retail area. Odeon was declared open on 16th June, 1955 by Mrs. A.R Snelus, wife of the Acting Deputy Chief Secretary.

And here is the former Borneo Company Limited building, at the site of the current Hilton Kuching. Interesting to see that a boat race seems to be in progress on the Sarawak River. You can make out the letterings on Speedboat No. 11.

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Ahh, images of history ...

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