The Gratitude for a Drop of Water

Repaid With a Gushing Spring 

 

The Water Drop teahouse, found on the 4th floor of the Sutera Mall in Johor Baru is a story born from Venerable Master Hsing Yun's gratitude  Master Hsing Yun was born in Chiangtu, Chiangsu province, China, in 1927. 

The teahouse derives its name from the gratitude expressed in the old saying "a drop of water's worth of kindness repaid with a gushing spring."  We must all repay the drop of kindness from our parents, our teachers, and our country with a gushing spring .  Only a grateful life can be a rich life.

Master Hsing Yun was struck with serious illness at age 17 or 18.  His master sent someone to travel a long way to deliver half a bowl of salted vegetables to him.  To people today, this may not be much but at that time it was a rare delicacy.  Master Hsing Yun was overcome with gratitude as he tearfully ate the pickled vegetables and made a vow to spread the Dharma for the benefit of living beings.

I read this from the book "Buddha Land in the Human World" written by Pan Xuan together with Master Hsing Yun.  This book was given to me by Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd general manager Steven Shum today. The book is tagged RM40 but to me, it is a priceless gift.  It is gift of the Dharma.

Steven also shared with me that the society is the best place for a person to cultivate spiritual development.  The removal of greed, hatred and ignorance is not easy but it can be done, says Steven.

"Meditation, chanting, volunteering, reading Dharma books, doing good ...these are all cultivation," he adds.

The Sutera Mall, managed by Tanah Sutera Development, is extending the duration of the "One Stroke Calligraphy exhibition, which was initially scheduled from Nov 18 to Dec 1. It is now extended to Dec 15.

Don't miss the One Stroke Calligraphy exhibition which tells the inspiring journey of the Master's life and his work. The event is jointly organised by Tanah Sutera and Fo Guang Shan Malaysia, Johor.

"Don't Look At My Writing, Please Look At My Heart".

Make a trip to the Sutera Mall before the exhibition wraps up.  It will be worth your while.

The Sutera Mall, which started operations on Aug 2008 and receives an average of 600,000 shoppers monthly, is organising events such as this to nurture the community with culture and edcuation.

Meanwhile, over at the newly-opened My Library,



Ginny Lim, 23, a library officer at My Library, said a total of 278 people and corporate bodies had joined as members.  The library receives an average of  5,532 visitors daily since it opened on Nov 18.

The Wall Street Journal is found at My Library

Besides an assortment of magazines, books and audio materials, the library also has facilities for rental, namely, rooms for discussions, seminars and kids' activities.  One can also order coffee or tea from the Water Drop teahouse while you indulge in reading at the library.

Party of 11

Yes, I included the cat in the headcount.

I had a bad day at the office.  Though that is quite normal, I allowed myself to be affected by it..However, the day was not entirely bad, thanks to my dearest friends here who threw a surprise belated birthday bash for me at the Stulang Walk, Johor Baru.

 

Surprise!

 My cake

And here's the guest of honour again.  Sorry, I took so many photos I hope the flash didn't hurt the cat's eyes.

with Lynn Mazlina A Majid and Redzuan Muharam 

A big thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart. Muah!

Meanwhile, please read  "A Plea For The Wetlands" which appeared in the New Straits Times today. 

Charlotte Monterio

Charlotte Monterio, 28, lives in Taman Setia Tropika, Johor Baru, with her husband Eric Yap, 31, and two-and-a half-year-old son Kai. Her second son is due in March.

 

Charlotte Monterio

A LOT of people think that the life of a public relations officer is filled with glamour. We get to meet people from the media, and entertain guests. Well, there is definitely more to that.

When I first joined the hotel industry after graduating from Universiti Sains Malaysia in August 2008, I was so frustrated I cried every single day. Working life was so different from campus days.

The first hotel I worked in was Dorsett Hotel Johor Baru, now known as Silka Johor Baru. As a public relations officer, I had to meet people, which was something that I enjoyed doing as I love to talk. In school, I was the most talkative girl in my class, and the noisiest of five sisters in my family. So being a public relations officer was just right for me, although I was to discover that one had to also be creative and versatile in other areas.

When I first joined the hotel industry, I was very fortunate to meet and work with Tengku Ahmad Faizal Tengku Mohamed, who was then the resident manager of Dorsett before he joined Pulai Springs Resort as its general manager. Tengku Ahmad Faizal was the one who first interviewed me, and he said: "I can see that you don't have the experience but you have the 'can-do' attitude." I did not know then that a public relations officer also had to design restaurant menus, handle all the decorations in the food and beverage outlets, come up with all kinds of creative ideas as well as go out and buy the decorations. I did not have any assistant, which meant I had to do everything myself.

 If I wanted a signage or decoration put up at the entrance of a food and beverage outlet, I had to climb up the ladder to put it there myself. But Tengku Ahmad Faizal encouraged and motivated me, and pretty soon, I was no longer a "cry baby." Whatever my bosses wanted me to do, I would just do it to the best of my ability. If I did not know how to do it, I would surf the Internet for the solution. Subsequently, I left to join a property development company but lasted only five months. I will never want another desk job that was so different from being in the hotel line. Hoteliers are so friendly and warm. They operate like one big happy family with the sole aim of making guests feel welcomed and relaxed. For that reason, I happily re-joined the hotel industry.

This time, I went to the Pulai Springs Resort and seven months after joining, I was promoted from senior public relations officer to assistant marcom manager. Last year, I was promoted to marcom manager for both Pulai Springs Resort and the Pulai Desaru Beach and Spa, both subsidiaries of the Pulai Group. I now have a team working under me. I am very grateful to Tengku Ahmad Faizal for believing in me. Now, I share with myteam members my experiences to motivate them. I know how hard it is for someone who has just joined the workforce.

Charlotte at work

I was born and bred in the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca, which I left behind when I went to further my studies in Penang. After that, I came to work in Johor Baru. Initially, I hardly went anywhere after work because of all the crime stories that one heard about. It took me a year before I had enough courage to go out for walks by myself. Then I met my husband Eric Yap and we married in December 2008.

Read more: Like working among family members - Johor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/like-working-among-family-members-1.413222#ixzz2lnemcS26

Fung Lee Jean

Me and Lee Jean. Pix by MK Ong.

She is the personification of  joy and positivity.

Fung Lee Jean, 55, is ... I don't even know where to start ... she wears so many hats and has achieved so much in her life.

She is someone who believes in lifelong learning.  She is a pharmacist by profession, and is one of the directors of My Pharmacy (Malaysia) which currently has 13 outlets throughout Johor.

In 2009, she received the Pharmacist-Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Strathclyde University (1998) and is a recipient of the Tun Hussein Onn Renewal Award (THORA).

She has participated in the Patch Adams’ Clowning and Caring project in Mexico in April 2010.  She invited me to join her and her friends for the trip to Mexico, but I'm not that much into clowning.  Err, I've tried it once and didn't quite feel comfortable in clown costume. I'm more drawn to melancholy.

But Lee Jean loves it --- clowning and spreading joy to people. I'll just spread joy, hopefully through my writings. If I can move someone, inspire one soul to do good or feel happiness, that will be enough for me.

Ok, back to Lee Jean. She has conducted numerous clown workshops and participated in fundraising events. She was also a delegate of the Women Peace Group to North Korea in 2007.  She is also an accredited trainer with Specialist Management Resources Malaysia.

In August 2008, she was trained by Dr Madan Kataria as a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher (CLYT) in Melbourne, Australia, which enables her to train participants for the Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) programme.

She encouraged me to enrol in the programme, but I'm not much into laughing either.

Lee Jean wants Laughter groups to sprout in all parks and gardens of Johor Bahru. Her wish may just come true as such groups are mushrooming over the years.  Come World Laughter Day, and you will see the growing number of participants.

Although Lee Jean had a happy carefree childhood, she told me that there was a time when she forgot how to laugh.  That was in 1991 when she was building her career.

"It was all work and no play.  I totally forgot how to laugh because I was working so hard," she said.

Today, she strongly believes that laughter is the best medicine even though she is in the business of selling prescription drugs. ‎

"Even when your heart is bleeding, just laugh as your body will not be able to know the difference between real and fake laughter," she continued.

Have I mentioned that Lee Jean is also a toastmaster?  She persuaded me to join that too, but I'm not  interested in public speaking either.  Hehehe.

see if you can tell which one is Me. I mean which one is Lee Jean.

I may not like clowning, laughing and public speaking all that much, but I do love having fun!!!

Another Heartwarming Night

Ho Yue Wen is only 6 years old, but she exudes confidence and maturity beyond her years. I went backstage to talk to her and her mother, Anna Ang, 41. Both of them had performed at the 53rd anniversary celebration charity dinner of the Johor Cheshire Home tonight. Anna, who has amazing vocal prowess, has been singing for some 20 years. She said Yue Wen picked up singing skills from following her around.

Johor Cheshire Home president Dr. Ng Ben Chuan said the dinner was aimed to raise RM80,000 for the home which currently houses 38 residents age 13 to 72, who are physically disabled or mentally challenged.  The monthly maintenance cost is between RM30,000 and RM35,000. 

The federal government gives an annual grant of RM75,000 and the Johor state government RM30,000 for food only.  The other expenses are from public donations and funds raised by volunteers.  Dr Ben, a dentist by profession, is seen here with 38-year-old Hairani, who has been a resident of the home for the past 20 years.

And here's MK Ong, Fung Lee Jean and Goh Siew Mei with the Dhool performers who call themselves .Jigri Yaar Bhangra.

Last but not least, yours truly wants to say a big "Thank You" for another special night.

Johor Cheshire Home is located at Jalan Jumaat Kg. Ungku Mohsin Johor Bahru Johor Malaysia 80350 Tel : +607-237 1335.

A Night That Sizzles and Dazzles

The Charity Concert Night, organised in conjunction with the 25th annversary of Lions Club of Johor Bahru Metro was an evening that sizzles and dazzles.

Talented Cousins

This is 15-year-old Tan Yu Ling playing the violin with her cousin James Wong, 17, on piano performing the song "Zombie" with great gusto.  James' 10-year-old brother Job, was also on stage playing the drums.  James later sang "Hallelujah" which drew huge applause.

The Fan

Shella (second from left) became an instant fan of Yu Ling, James and Job.  Better to get a snapshot now before the talented trio rocket to stardom.

Other perforrmances which captivated me were Dennis Tan's version of 一剪梅 and Ye Liming's rendition of 帝女花.

Held at Wisma Tiong-Hua in Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Baru, the evening also saw performances by the Johor Bahru Chamber Choir, Southern Chinese Orchestra and R ezonance Harmonica Ensemble, among others. District 308 B1 Governor Lau Teng Chye and Past District Governor Laylay Loh were also seen at the event.

The concert raised RM2,000 for the victims of the Super Typhoon Haiyan which hit the Philippines on Nov 8, and RM1,000 each for the JB Renal Care Foundation and Lions Eye Clinic respectively.

MK Ong (left) beaming with delight.

Lau Teng Chye (right) and Laylay Loh (centre).

And this is me with the vivacious emcee Tricia Loh.

Keep up the good work Lions.  Roar! Roar! Roar!  

Conquering Self

This is the rainbow that I saw this morning while making my way to the summit of Gunung Pulai.  I was there three weeks ago In the Woods  and  today I am here again with Anthony, May and Nona Shella.

I need to thank Anthony and May once again, for patiently waiting for me for nearly three hours at the foot of Gunung Pulai.

We reached there at 6.35am and immediately started the hike.  But Anthony and May reached the top way before me and Shella.  However, I was determined to conquer Gunung Pulai.  I wanted to see what was at the summit. And I wanted to strengthen my "ichinen" (determination or one life moment).

Along the way, I saw this rainbow which according to popular belief, symbolises good luck, peace and love. 

I didn't expect to find a telecommunication tower at the peak. Shella and I sat on top of a rock for a moment before starting the descent from the summit.

In total, we had walked 10km, as it was 5km up and 5km down Gunung Pulai, which stands 654m above sea level.,

It was not just the conquering of  Gunung Pulai.  Because as I was reaching the top, I was chiding myself and thinking thoughts like: "Today's a public holiday in Johor. Should've slept longer instead." "All the aches and pain for what?" "Could've gone shopping instead or find a good book to indulge in at My Library".

But at the end ....
 

That's me indulging in a sense of achievement of having reached the top and having conquered self.

Still lots of conquering to do (fundamental darkness hehehe) but that's for another day.

For now, I just need to soak my sore feet in a tub of warm water with sea salt, which was given by May.  Let me take this opportunity to once again thank her and Anthony for their patience and benevolence.  I promise I will improve my endurance and stamina, so that I can reach the summit in a shorter time. 

Can indulging in salmon increase stamina? Omega-3 fatty acids improves blood circulation, right? I'm reminiscencing my wonderful stay at the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa.

CRAVING...Grilled salmon on garlic boiled potato with sauteed vegetable served with lemongrass butter sauce available at the Palm Brasserie of the resort, followed by a serving of fresh fruits to finish off the meal.

My Library

Nona Shella at My Library

Visited the newly-opened library at the Sutera Mall.

Both the library and the shopping mall are owned by Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd.

The library is a a joint collaboration between Tanah Sutera and  Cybrarian Ventures Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned company of the National Library Board of Singapore.

I love being surrounded by books. This community library, with a cosy ambience and advanced library management system, has a good selection of Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese books --- fiction,  non-fiction, audio-visual titles, etc. There are also computers with Internet access and rooms for discussions and seminars.

The library is located on the 4th floor (East Wing) of the shopping mall, which has been been set aside for culture-and education-related events.

Admission is free, but only members can take the books home.  The membership fee varies according to age, and foreigners have to pay a higher rate than local residents.

This is a nice little video done by Fung Lee Jean about the library. Lovely song.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QxBCEfyN34  That's her on my left.  Also in the picture are (from left) Beryl Kua, MK Ong and on far right (seated), Teresa Yeo.

Having a hearty haha day with friends.

Honeymoon Suite

I checked into the Honeymoon Suite (Deluxe Room) of the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa yesterday.

The Deluxe is one of the 6 types of rooms available in the 3-star award-winning resort, which offers a panaromic view of the South China Sea.  Located in Bandar Penawar, Desaru,  the room rates start from RM300 (Standard) to RM690 (Junior Suite).  The Deluxe costs RM550 per night.

The management is aggressively marketing the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Pulai Springs Resort, both under the Pulai group, via the social networking site Facebook.  For those who "LIKE" the FB pages of these two holiday retreats will get to see crazy deals updated on FB from time to time.  Go "LIKE" the pages now to keep track of the promotions.

Once I checked into the room, I went to the balcony and saw a group of people having fun in the sun.  They were part of a church group from Singapore.

Guests can enjoy, among other things, the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, a game of paintball, the mini gym and mini zoo.

For me, I think I'll head to the spa.

The therapist served me a cup of refreshing hot honey ginger tea before starting the foot massage.  The 45-minute foot reflexology comprised of scrub, mask and massage.  Having your feet pampered amid the sound of crashing waves nearby was simply heavenly.  What followed was a therapeutic back massage and a facial during the 2-hour long session.

After the massage, I got back to my room, and curled up on the round bed to read a book.

If the weather's fine, one can embark on the tours and excursions available, such as, the kampung and sightseeing tour where one will have a chance to enjoy home-cooked meals while sitting on the floor and dining with hands.  Most foreigners will find it strange to be deprived of cutlery, but the local folk are used to eating a meal with hand.

There's also the river cruise, fireflies tour and a tour of the Desaru Fruit Farm.

The Teppan!, found in the resort, is the only place serving Japanese food in the area.  The other food and beverage outlets in the resort are the Palm Brasserie and the Beach Bar.  There aren't any shopping malls in the vicinity,  only a supermarket and pasar malam (night market) in Bandar Penawar.
  
One can find a serving of authentic Korean food nearby the resort, and the business is run by a Korean couple.

Well, that's Charlotte Monterio (left) and Nurul Farahin Samsari (right).  Can't leave this enchanting resort without thanking these two friendly staff of the Pulai group for making my stay here a memorable one.

Please love your eyes

 

This is an image of a normal eye captured by a fundus camera, which can see what the naked eye can't.  Eye screening can detect eye disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, macular degeneration, retina detachment and glaucoma.

 

This is an image of an eye that has diabetic retinopathy.  

  

This is the fundus camera.  Taking a picture of the interior of the eye is painless and takes only a few seconds.  The optometrist will then be able to know your eye condition by looking at the image.

Macular degeneration normally occurs in the elderly, while retina detachment can take place when you play rough contact sport. Those who have a high degree of short-sightedness are also susceptible to retina detachment, as the higher the degree the more elongated your eyeball becomes and that stretches and thins the retina.

While cataract can be easily corrected by surgery, glaucoma is the most common silent killer of vision that cannot be rectified.  One will not be aware that one has glaucoma until the cells in the eyes start to die, resulting in tunnel vision.

Early detection can help to monitor the condition.  Taking health supplements for the eye would be a better option than eye drops, which may cause side effects.

 Stressing out the eye from staring at the computer screen or mobile phone screen and not getting proper rest and sleep will affect vision.

Our eyesight is one of our five senses.  Please take good care of it.

There are many things one can do besides staring at the mobile phone screen and computer screen.  Among them gardening, baking, watercolour painting, line dancing, yoga

and stretching exercises, but do not even try the epic split unless you're a trained professional. 

 

Do you love yourself?

                                                               

                    "I LOVE YOU"

 

The mind and body are linked. Take care of your thoughts and emotions, and you will enjoy good health. 

Give your body the proper rest and nutrition. pamper yourself ocassionally to a body massage and facial, make time for recreation and relish the simple things in life.

Don't let grudges and ill will become tenants in your mind.  Keep doing good, even though there are temptations and enemies put in your path to test, deter and overwhelm you.  Just cultivate the courage to face your problems, do what is right; and have faith that your deeds and the universe will come together to protect you when the need arises.

And even if you have embraced a certain faith, it doesn't guarantee you a problem-free life.  I needed to remind myself this because sometimes, I do wonder why religious practitioners also encounter what seems like insurmountable adversity in their lives, namely serious health issues.

But I now realise that, whether you pray earnestly or not, everyone is susceptible to illness.  The only difference is, a believer can turn to his faith for solace and hope.  And if you have enemies in your life, either you turn them into your friends or just surrender the matter to the universe.

I'm a bit preachy tonight. I'm going to get myself a drink.

Passion fruit with watermelon (left) or mango juice?

Seri Omega International School

Located at Jalan Persisiran Sutera Danga, Taman Sutera, 81300 Skudah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia Tel: +607-556 1368, +607-556 3368


Education is his forte

Education is his forte II

Education is his forte III

Sunflowers and an apple tree

The sunflowers beckoned me as I walked into Green Fingers, a section of the Kiwanis Careheart Centre in the Sutera Utama Education Hub in Jalan Persisiran Sutera Danga 1, Johor Baru.  Today marked the grand opening of the three-storey centre which trains children with autism, Down Syndrome and other learning disorders various skills to enable them to be independent.

As I ventured further into Green Fingers, I came across an apple tree among some 20 types of fruit trees.  It's the first time I've laid eyes on an apple three.  However, there are no apples on the tree.

The centre also teaches its trainees to grow mushrooms using the effective microorganism (EM) technology. One can find the oyster mushroom, abalone mushroom and black fungus at the section called the Careheart Mushroom Farm.

The centre has adopted horticultural therapy, where plants and gardens are used for healing and rehabilitation.

Besides selling mushrooms to generate an income for the centre, a non-governmental organisation operating under the auspices of the Kiwanis Club of Taman Sentosa, it also sells organic vegetables and runs a cafe.  Selling fish and prawns are in the pipeline.

Other highlights include an international art gallery which features a collection of art pieces done by specially challenged individuals from various parts of the globe, a pond with water lilies and fishes.

There's also this wonderful thrift shop on the ground floor which is run by the parent support group which opens from 10.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, where one can find cheap yet lovely gifts and the money spent here is for charity.  Isn't that meaningful?

Do visit this wonderful place and give your support, as "it is in the giving that we receive" - Prayer of St. Francis, 13th century saint.

For further enquiries, call 07-5563743 or email careheart_jb@yahoo.com.

DIY curls

I am concerned about the Super Typhoon Haiyan that has hit the Philippines' central islands, but can only pray that every living being there will be able to get out of harm's way.

Nature, why are you so angry? I think we should step up earth conservation efforts and respect Mother Nature.  Let's chant and pray together to placate her wrath and for all inhabitants of this planet to be safe, and for all those who are lost to find their way home again.

Since I don't really have much to do today, I'll let VANITY take centre stage.  Actually, I do have tonnes of things to do, but I just wanted to enjoy the day pampering myself. 

I painted my nails and tried out the new hair curlers that I bought yesterday.  Priced at RM22.90 per pack of 8 rollers, I put the rollers on after I had washed my hair.

A couple of hours later ...








 

Wah lah! No need to head to the hair salon to get sexy curls again now that I can have DIY curls. I don't know if it'll last though. I think it will as long as it doesn't come into contact with water.

The curls are different from the ones done by a professional hairstylist, but it'll do. Hello weekend.

An Awesome Day!

Shella leaving footprints in the sand.

Write your sad times in sand, write your great times in stone."- Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950)

The alluring Desaru Beach.

Reached here in the late afternoon.  From the Perling toll in Johor Baru, it took nearly 2 hours to get to the Desaru beach. But it was worth the drive.. Haven't got a chance to frolic in the sun in quite a while.  Another stolen moment.  The 22km stretch of the South China Sea behind the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa is an enticing draw.

That's me lazing on the rocks. A wonderful place to just sit, close your eyes, shut out the noise and get connected with the Divine. However, I have something embarrasing to share.  When I tried to stand and walk on the rocks, I had to be "rescued".  I didn't set out to be the damsel in distress, but when I wanted to get down, it was slippery and there were sharp edges.  I was terribly terribly afraid of falling.  My faith is not strong, I guess.  This urban dweller and novice traveller just needs to get out more.

Lady in Red

Next time may bring my swimsuit and float board. On second thought, MAYBE NOT as the sea was qute rough even during low tide in the late afternoon. Wouldn't want to go missing at sea!!!

Bee pollen, honey, fruits and royal jelly can be found here.

On the way home  via the Johor Baru - Kota Tinggi trunk road, Nona Shella and I stopped by at the Dessaru Fruit Farm to get some "buah srikaya" (sugar-apple fruit).  I've never heard of this fruit before.  Need to get out more.  Seriously!