Birthday Celebration @ Awana, Kijal

This posting was written months back but was left abandoned due to too many turn of events since then until now. So many stories left untold, so many distances traveled and so many new and exciting places explored. will slowly find the time to update and share our wonderful experiences and journeys that we went through the last three months.

This year Ibu's birthday falls on friday which is the start of the school holidays. Of course there are just too many things going on at the same time and things that need to be done. The obvious would be to fetch Abang from IQKL after the friday prayers. Then, we have to think of ways to send Adik for his camping at Janda Baik on saturday and friday itself is the wedding of Abah's cousin in KT. How are we going to squeeze Ibu's birthday celebration...

After some discussion, we decided to attend the wedding in KT since we missed the weddings of her two elder sisters before. Ibu took leave on friday to attend to some errants like marketing and cleaning the condo while Abah went to work as usual. Abah performed her friday prayers with Abang and took him back after the prayers. We have asked Pak Teh to help sent Adik for his camping so we could drove off to KT on friday. Still no celebration except for the wishes and cards. We finally left home around 4pm to Awana Kijal and finally checked in the hotel around 7.30pm.

It was quite a long drive and Ibu dozed off couple of time, tired of mopping and cleaning the whole morning on her birthday, what a pity. When we arrived, Pak Lang and family were there already and Dijah already enjoyed the pool. Both of us were quite exhausted from the journey that we decided not to go out and have dinner. Instead, we had our dinner at the Waterfall Cafe in the hotel serving italian and a mix of local and western food. We ordered pizza and char kuey teow and Pak Lang later joined us. Dijah was already in bed, tired of swimming probably. The place was a bit quiet with only a few tables occupied. I guess it would be full tomorrow when the school holiday starts. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the performance from the two piece band and they sang Happy Birthday to one of the guests. Well, it was a decent celebration after all.








The next day, we woke up before the sunrise and we later went to the beach for a walk before heading to the coffeehouse for breakfast. The breakfast spread was quite good. Abah then asked if we wanted to have lunch at our favourite place in Kuala Berang. Pak Lang and Mak Lang were quite interested to join although Pak Lang doesn't eat ikan sungai. We have been there a few times already just to eat our favourite ikan kelah masak tempoyak. The taste is just out of the ordinary, simply delicious. So, we headed off to Kuala Berang and arrived around noon. We are lucky that the fish is still available although we noticed that the price has increased two fold. Last time it use to be RM80 per kilo, now it is between RM100-RM250 per kilo. We chosed one that is slightly less than a kilo and that cost us around RM80. served with budu, ulam, kerabu mangga and ikan sungai goreng, the lunch was just awesome, so satisfying. Alhamdulillah. Pak Lang arrived later and they had theirs for RM60. Pak Lang finally succumbbed to the dish although he doesn't eat ikan sungai. Mak Lang enjoyed the dish and hoovered up every last bit of it. Well, there was one ulam that you can't find anywhere except here and is called "Gebe Lembu". Taste like a combination of mint and pepper but good.



We then proceeded to KT for the wedding. When we arrived, the pengantin were having their makan beradab. As usual, weddings are time to meet with relatives and exchange stories. It is also a good time to referesh the bonding. Ibu took the opportunity to meet her friend who happened to stay around the area and she later came and took Ibu to the beach next to the airport for tea. We had sotong celup tepung and keropok lekor, just awesome. There's so much to share and catch up but time was not on our side. Just after an hour, Gee has to send Ibu back to the wedding venue. Everyone already left and checked in at Permai Hotel.

That night we searched for a good place to have dinner. KT doesn't offer much options. We tried googled and Gee suggested a few places. We decided to go to Restoran Terapung Puteri which is within walking distance from Pasar Payang. On our way, there were just too many people and cars in the city centre, little that we know there were Hot FM Big Jam Concert at Dataran Syabandar and we actually shared the same hotel with Hafiz and the Hot FM Crews. At the same time, the stadium was also pack with people coming to watch the FA Cup match between Terengganu and Perak. We finally settled at Payang Serai Restaurant located at the Waterfront. They serve a combination of Thai and Chinese food, and the taste is quite good. Our group was the biggest that night with Umi and family, Mak Lang, Tok Abah and family, Pak Lang and us. It was a nice family dinner and everyone enjoyed. We retired to bed early.

The next morning, we got up early, packed our stuff and said goodbye to Tok Abah and Tok Mama. We had to leave early to be able to arrive at Janda Baik before 5pm to pick Adik from his camp. It was raining the whole journey that Ibu did not get the chance to stop at the shops along the way to buy keropok and ikan kering. We managed to quickly grabbed some keropok lekor only in Chenoh, just after Chukai. We stopped by at the R&R in the East Coast Highway and Ibu again had her favourite Ikan Patin Buah masak tempoyak. Overdosed of Ikan sungai masak tempoyak at this trip and arrived Janda Baik at 3pm. While waiting for adik to finished his programme at 5pm, we just relaxed under the tree and enjoyed the weather at Janda Baik. Finally reached home around 7pm. Although it was a short trip but it was meaningful to have this rare opportunity to spend time together without the kids. It was a wonderful birthday celebration after all.

The 50th Golden Anniversary ~ The End & Thank You Note

The next morning, Nenek and Za prepared nasi lemak for breakfast. JDR has all the facilities for you to cook there. We brought all the ingredients from home and used their utensils. After we had our breakfast together, Kakak, Icha and Za enjoyed themselves in the swimming pool and we continued talking about last night. There just so much to talk about. They kept telling us about how their friends and neighbours reacted as if they were not aware of the occasion. One of their friends was worried when Daddy was in the car with him because the invitation card was inside the car. Kak Nor, their next door neighbour suddenly offered Mummy to use her most glamorous tudung for her to wear for the occasion and many other instances.

We finally said goodbye to Uncle and Robae and checked out around 11am. Well, we couldn’t stay long since we have to send Dini back to the camp and Faiz back to IQKL. While Abah took the kids and Nenek back home, I drove the golden couple back to their house in Bukit Indah. The car was packed with their gifts, flowers and balloons. Before I left Bukit Indah, they both hugged me and thanked me for celebrating their golden anniversary. It should be me thanking them for all the things that they have done for us and that one night of celebration is nothing compared with what they have given us and the sacrifices they have made for us all these years. Daddy handed to me a handful of RM50 notes and told me to accept since he knew that we must have spent a fortune organizing such event. I was touched but I just couldn’t accept it. We hugged and cried. I guess it was tears of happiness, tears of loving and being loved.

I drove away still with tears in my eyes. I was just so satisfied that everything went so well just as planned. I know they truly enjoyed every single moment that night. They deserved it for holding on through the 50 years of being together. The patience of overcoming all the tests, the challenges in raising their kids and keeping us all together until now is something I always admire. There were ups and downs in their marriage no doubt but they managed to get through it with hurt and pain. It was just amazing when I start to ponder about our life since I was born as much as I could recall. We are not the most perfect family and we don’t claim to be one but we remain together and share our happiness whenever we can. I pray that their lives will continue to be blessed by the Almighty and remain together until they die. Love you both so much and after living for almost 44 years now, I still don’t know how I will survive without them. I am so blessed to still have parents that I can always turn to and rely on.

Thanks to everyone who have helped and supported me right for the planning stage until the end. I know it was a success by the compliments and feedbacks we have received that night. I know I could not have done it alone, everybody played their roles to ensure it was a night to remember and forever cherish not by the golden couples but by everyone that was presence. My family – Abah, Kakak, Abang and Adik – you all are my pillars of strength. Thanks for being very patient and supportive throughout. My brothers, Boy and Ap - although they were occupied with their PDR and TLG businesses, they are my backbones. I wouldn’t have done it without them. My relatives – Aunty Mie, Uncle Isa, Uncle Mie, Shasha, Ira, Yana, Lin, Nisam, Ida, Angah, Mili, Chop, Haz, Eezan, Rini, Mak Ngah for all their help and assistance. I know I can always rely on them, anytime when I am happy or when I am down. My friends – Fazu, Bj, Is, Intan, Liz, I know I can always count on them. Don’t know what I do without them. There are my friends forever! The TLG crew – Ray, Apex, Nor, Yul, Za, Nenek, Kay, Sha, you guys are always there for me. The JDR team, Uncle and Robae, you both have been great, ever ready to offer your services anytime, rain or shine. Of course to all parties that contributed to the wonderful night we had – Pesona Rasa Catering, That Little Gerai, La Rumba, Noni and Bet. Thanks so much. Lastly, to all our wonderful guests who have taken the time to be there to share the joyous celebration with them, thank you for your presence, your kind wishes and gifts. We truly appreciate, from the bottom of our hearts.

The 50th Golden Anniversary ~ The Moment of Truth...

The moment of truth. They finally arrived after spending 15 minutes waiting in the car around Bangsar Shopping Complex. Abah told them that we would have our private family dinner in one of the restaurants there and he was looking for parking space. Good job Abah! We switched off the lights and hid behind the closed gate and when they arrived, the gate slowly opened by Uncle Rahman, the gatekeeper for the night and the lights were on. Everyone shouted “SURPRISE” and the confetti started to explode and falling nicely as they walk under the “golf arch”. It was just a splendid moments to see them having a shock of their lives to see so many of their friends and relatives. Some of them they have not met for many many years and I know a few of them have been with them even before they were married!

Still in shock, we ushered them into the hall and started the official ceremony. Shasha and Ira dressed in chunky gold and black outfits started the ceremony by telling everyone the story on how they first met. Thanks to the interview done by Shasha’s friend. We got all the facts accurate! Later, Abah was invited to recite doa prepared by Mak Ngah. It was such an emotional delivery that brought tears to my eyes. I know many felt the same way when I later looked at their expression in their photos captured by Nisam. It was drizzling outside the moment Abah recited “Bismillah” and I was outside and I felt so blessed at that moment. I prayed that Allah would spare the night from heavy rain and strong wind since we held the function outside.

Next, Boy and Ap delivered their speech. That was the first time I seen my brother making speech in public. Great stuff after all the hard work and practice. I was then accompanied them to receive a little gift from us, a frame of their old photos that we made in color. Just beautiful and thanks to Aunty Mie for getting this done.

The next was the moment that I have been waiting for, the presentation of the slideshow. There was a moment of silence, everyone’s attention was at the small screen. I saw teary eyes when the lights were on. Reminiscing their journey of lives together for the last 50 years with some touching moments can just make your heart moves. I particularly love the end bit where Adik acting like he shot MU and MU was on fire. Hope Tok Wan was not offended since he is MU biggest fan! That was the end of the official ceremony. Alhamdulillah, everything went on so smoothly as planned.

Time for dinner and I know everyone already feeling hungry. The lamb roast and char kuey teow were everyone’s favourite that night. But nasi ayam, laksa penang, roti jala with kuah durian, cheese macaroni and lasagna were also among the hot items and ran out very fast that I did not have the chance to try. I was worried that we did not cater enough. I know Pak Ngah always prepare more than what I have ordered. He knows that if we say 50 pax, it just simply mean 100….alhamdulillah, the food was adequate and there were not much leftovers. Pak Ngah even questioned me if I miscalculated my invitees. According to him, there were more than 200 guests presences.

Entertainment continued with Rini, Abah and Uncle Kamal showing off their talent. Then, when everyone has settled down, time for a sketch performance by four of my cousins. They only practiced it earlier the day and it was about Daddy’s life in the army spending time with his friends in the mess. Those days are over now and they now spend more time in the mosques. The sketch was so entertaining and everyone laughed their hearts out watching them act. Thanks Ira, Shasha, Yana and Rini for such entertaining performance.

Then it was time for the pulut kuning cutting ceremony. We then requested the golden couple to say a few words and daddy did his bit well….just few words thanking all the guests for their presence. But when it came to Mummy, the words were no longer few. Being a teacher I guess and a lady, she expressed her emotions. She told us that she sensed we were planning for something but did not expect it to be so grand. Even their maid concealed it nicely from them.

I asked the maid to pack their clothes since we were going to stay overnight at JDR and they did not realize something were missing from their wardrobes. Za even reminded me to get a new toothbrush for them she since dare not take the one that they were using. Thanks Za for doing such a good job.

They later presented gifts to their special guests. Uncle Roseley and Aunty Dayang who came all the way from Sibu had their wedding at our home in Kuching. Aunty Dayang is a daughter of YDP Negeri Sarawak then way back in 1978 and I was one of their flower girls at the reception in Istana. When I called to invite him, he was very excited and changed his flight to KL from the 10th to 7th so he could attend the ceremony. He later e-mailed some old photos of me during his wedding. Thanks so much Uncle. Tok Uncle also did not miss the opportunity to tell us his side of the story when he went with my grandma to “Merisik”. I will share you the story of how they met in my next posting. Daddy later surprised Mummy with a little gift. He asked me to buy Mummy a present and leave it to me to decide. So, I went with Aunty Mie to Festival City Mall and get him a gold bracelet. Another surprise for her….she was happy to receive the gift.

The night slowly came to the end and the guests started to say goodbye. While the entertainment continued with La Rumba, the golden couple took photos with their guests and the Gombakclanners enjoyed themselves with pocho-pocho dance. I later told them they would be spending the night at JDR and they looked confuse because they did not bring any extra clothes to change. I told them that Za has taken care of that and ushered them to their honeymoon suite. Wow, another surprise. The room was so beautifully decorated with rose petals and a nice smell from the candles and lily. Thanks to Uncle, Bj and Liz for helping me making the room so nicely done.

Around eleven, everyone left except for the Gombakclanners and the TLG crews. The night has yet to end for us. Lin prepared a slideshow of my grandmother who passed away in September 2012. That was another heart wrenching session, we all miss our dearest Mak/Tok/Nyang terribly. We would have celebrated her 90th birthday tonight since we never missed celebrating her birthday every year. The slideshow was a tribute, specially dedicate to her. Thanks Lin for a job well down and Al-Fatihah to Tok.

I started to feel hungry and exhausted. Abah has to sent Pak Su back to Pak Lang’s house and on his way back to JDR, he bought us Nasi Goreng Kampung and Teh O Ais. That was heaven. I hardly had a properly meal for the last two days. The TLG crews went for a deep at the swimming pool at around 1.00 am in the morning and later went for a round of nasi lemak. Those who were still around helped Uncle and Robae to clear the place. While we were busy cleaning, the golden couple opened their gifts. Well, I did not expect that they would get so many gifts and angpow. It looks like they had their wedding for the second time that night. We talked and talked until around 4am and both Aunty Mie and I ended up sleeping at the hall itself and covered ourselves with the cloth that we use to cover our dessert table…Abah decided to sleep at home and the honeymoon suite was occupied by Abang. He enjoyed sleeping on the bed full of rose petals. I guess we both we too tired to enjoy the honeymoon suite after the hectic day.