Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Jalan Jalan ends 走透透结束


Our Jalan Jalan with Joseph & Rose ended on Sunday 26-2-2012.

On Sunday morning, after breakfast with Peter and Annie, we left Ipoh for home at about 10:30 am.

It was an enjoyable journey with old friends, visited many old friends and making many new friends too.

It is a sweet memory that would be cherished by all of us.

Heartfelt thanks to Peter and Annie for their hospitality and generosity. We enjoyed staying in their house and their company, and will always treasure and cherish our friendship.

While bidding goodbye, Annie reminded us: "come again ...." Our answer is : SURE !

May God bless them and family with peace, health, wealth and happiness always.

Ipoh Ho Hee (Kuih Teo soup) 怡保河禧



我们的走透透之旅,在星期天26-2-2012 结束了。

星期天早上,在怡保与兴文夫妇及儿子共用了早餐之后,在十点半就启程回家了。

这是一个非常愉快的假期。我们老朋友共游,也探望了好多老朋友,也结交了一些新朋友。

这是一个难忘的旅程,永远都会留在我们的记忆中。

衷心的感谢兴文夫妇热情及慷慨的接待,使我们体验到友情的温暖及兄弟姐妹之情。

与他们说再见的时候,兴文太太安妮还嘱咐说:得空再来。。。我们的答案是:一定!

祈愿天主祝福他们及家人,主内常喜乐,平安,健康及顺遂。

Monday, February 27, 2012

Jalan jalan 5 - Sitiawan & Batu Gajah 走透透 5 - 实兆远及华都亚也

St. Francis De Sales Church, Sitiawan

25-2-2012 Saturday noon.

Left Taiping for Sitiawan after lunch.

It was a trip specially made for Rose, who has not been to Sitiawan before. It took about one and a half hour from Taiping to Sitiawan, the mini Fuchow.

Sitiawan town itself has no attractions except many new shops and commercial buildings. However, it is the gateway to Lumut and Pangkor Island.

The recent fad of swift-let breeding saw many shops being converted into birdhouses, with speakers blaring out the cry of birds. It is a new type of pollution and harassment to the neighbourhood.

We visited the Church of St. Francis De Sales.

Later in town, we were attracted by the making of Gong Pia (A Fochow bread-like biscuit - see Facebook pictures)

After a break of Gong Pia and tea/coffee, we left Sitiawan for Batu Gajah which is about 60 km away.

We attended 6:00 pm sunset Mass at the Church of St. Joseph, Batu Gajah. Monsignor Stephen Liew from St. Michael Church in Ipoh came to celebrate Chinese Mass once a month in Batu Gajah.

Peter Cho and wife Annie also came over to assist and train the Mandarin choir of the parish once a month during the Chinese Mass.

I met Deacon Aloysius Tan (Ordained Deacon on February 6) who is attached to St. Michael Church. I have not see him since he joined the seminary many years ago... so blessed to meet him in Batu Gajah.

After Mass, met up for dinner with fellow legionaries and parish Chinese Language Apostolate leaders.

It was a long day and we put up the night in Ipoh ...at, where else ...The Peter Chotel.

(Many more pictures in Facebook)


























25-2-2012 下午

在太平用过午餐后,我们就往实兆远去。

丽馨没来过实兆远,所以我们就特地到拿走一趟,让她见识一下小福州的样貌。

其实实兆远没有什么景点可以观看,你只看到很多新的商业建筑物或商店。最近的几年,实兆远的确有了很大的发展及改变。它是到红土坎军港及邦阁岛必经之路。

最近流行的养燕行业,可以随处可见。许多街上的建筑物,都被改为燕屋,加上扩音器不停的播放燕子的叫声,形成了一种新的环境污染,对邻居的居民,是一种非常大的干扰。

我们到实兆远的圣方济各萨烈教堂作短暂的逗留。

有福州人就有福州光饼。我们被光饼的制作给吸引住了,花了整两个小时观看他们的制作过程。

实兆远曾氏福州光饼听说是非常大出名,我们见到很多人排队购买。热烘烘的光饼一出炉,就给抢购一空,假如迟了,还得等上一个多小时,才再有货呢。

给饼家是有兄弟经营,都非常大友善。他们特地给我拍照,还解释了制作过程。他们共有三个炉,每个炉每次可以生产百多个光饼。

他们必须用上整一个小时来烧热烤炉(其实是一个缸型器皿),然后用手把一个一个的饼,贴在缸上,里面的温度非常的高。大约十分钟后,光饼就烤熟了。

这是一项纯手工及劳力的工作。

买了热烘烘的光饼,坐在咖啡店里,配上一杯茶或咖啡,啊。。。多么称心的享受!

在傍晚大约四点半左右,我们离开实兆远,到大约60公里外的华都亚也的圣若瑟教堂去。

我们参加了傍晚七时的黄昏弥撒,由从怡保到来的刘副主教主持,刚在二月六日晋升执事的刘亿赐执事辅祭。

刘副主教每个月一次会到这里来主持华文弥撒,而朱兴文及太太也会到来这里协助及训练该堂的华文歌咏团。

很高兴的能够在此见到陈执事。自他进入了修院之后,就没有与他见过面了(出了在面子书里)。真感谢天主,能在华都亚也见到他。

弥撒后,跟随兴文及太太,与这里的圣母军及华文促进会领袖们共进晚餐。

很长的一天。晚上我们回到了怡保,进住了。。。难道还有哪里?。。。当然是五星级招待的兴文的家啦!

更多照片Facebook



St. Joseph Church, Batu Gajah










Left: Deacon Aloysius and Monsignor Liew

Jalan jalan 4 - Taiping 走透透 4 - 太平

Church of our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Taiping (137 yrs old)
太平圣心圣母堂 (137年)



25-2-2012 Saturday.

We left Penang for Taiping after breakfast.

Taiping is the wettest town in the country, receiving 4000 mm of rain annually compares with the rest of the country between 2000 - 2500 mm. It rains more than 250 days of the year.

Taiping is a historical boasting many firsts, such as the first port in the country, the first prison in the country, the first zoo in the country, the most beautiful lake garden .... however, the most famous of them all : the Kemunting detention center where many political prisoners were detained without trial under the dragonian Internal Security Act (ISA). Notable ex-detainee .... Lim Kit Siang, Lim, Karpal Singh, Anwar Ibrahim, Theresa Kok..... and many Chinese education activists.

We came to Taiping not for sightseeing, but making visit to some legendary people...some sort.

We went to the home of Pauline Dorai, believed to be the longest serving legionary with 58 years of Legion membership.

Not meeting her for more than 15 years, she was surprised and touched by out visit. She was the Taiping Curia president during my tenure of my Regia presidency.

She is a retired Convent school head and still attend legion weekly meeting regularly.

After our visit to the most senior member of the Legion, we met the most junior member (in term of membership) in Taiping too.

Mary Wong is the president of 3-month old Chinese language preasidium ( a unit of the Legion) in Taiping. I was very impressed by her enthusiasm and zeal and pray for God's blessing on her and other members in their new mission.

We met Fr. Jude Miranda, the energetic parish priest, who is very supportive of the Legion of Mary.

More pics in Facebook


Pauline Dorei (center 中)
黄凤玉姐妹(前右一)米兰特神父(后中)
Mary Wong (front right), Fr. Jude Miranda (ba
ck center)


25-2-2012 星期五。

早餐后, 我们就离开槟城,前往太平。

太平是全国雨量最多的地方。平均每年的雨量为4000 mm,而全国的平均雨量为2000-2500mm。全年大约260会有下雨。

太平是座具有历史性的市镇,有多项全国之最,如:第一个码头,第一条铁路,都在太平。第一座监狱,第一个钟楼,第一个动物园,最美丽的公园。。。当然最著名的,该是甘文丁拘留营!

甘文丁扣留中心是马来西亚恶名昭彰的【内安法令】下,无需审讯就被拘留的政治犯拘禁地点。著名的拘留者有反对党领袖林吉祥,卡巴星,安华,郭素沁。。。及好多的华教活跃份子。

我们到太平不是观赏风景,而是到了拜访几位深具历史性的人物。

宝玲杜拉,军龄58年,相信是圣母军服务最久的团员。

我已经整十五年没见过她了。在我的区域团团长任期时,她是太平区团的团长,我们还曾组织一个40人的旅游团,到太平探访她及团员。

她非常的感动及惊喜的看到我们的到来。她目前仍然参加支团的周会。

探访了军龄最长大团员,我们接下来是探访最年幼军龄的团员。

黄凤玉姐妹是仁慈之母支团的团长。该支团是在三个月前成立的,在三个月的试验区过后,将在三月十一日,正式成立。我对她的热忱非常的感动,祈望上主祝福她及所有团员,指引她们在这新使命的路上,充满平安喜乐。

我们也会见了太平圣路易斯堂上主任米兰特神父,他充满干劲,也很支持圣母军。

更多照片Facebook


胡光贞修女 Sr.Hu (left)

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Jalan jalan - Penang 3 走透透 3- 槟城


24-2-2012 Friday.

Visited Aloysius Bong.

I was Regia president about 15 years ago and he was then President of Penang Comitium, he would come to Kuala Lumpur for Regia meeting to present its annual report. (Regia is the highest council of Legion of Mary in Peninsular Malaysia, reporting direct to Concilium (HQ) in Dublin, Ireland.

From Penang, we traveled to Sungai Petani to visit Francis Soo. He was staying in Petaling Jaya for a number of years and moved back to Sungai Petanin about 2 years ago.

Left Sg. Pertani after lunch and back to Penang Island for a visit to god-daughter Agnes and husband Gary. So happy to see two lovable god-grand daughters Samantha and Stephenie.

They brought us to a food court near their house to sample some delicious Penang hawker food, such as Char Kuey Tiew, Kuih kak, Hokkien Mee, Pasembuh ....

The best one was the Teochew Chendol at Lebuh Keng Kwee off Penang Road.

With food..food..food, the day ended with The Way of the Cross and Mass at the Mother of Seven Sorrows church in Georgetown (city center).

More pics in Facebook


24-2-2012 星期五。

今天早上,我们去拜访了Aloysius Bong,槟城督察区团前任团长。大约十五年前,当我还是吉隆坡区域团团长的时候,都会见到他从槟城下来参加区域团会议,呈上督察区团的常年报告。(吉隆坡区域团是西马圣母军最高部门,直接隶属爱尔兰的总部)

从槟城,我们北上双溪大年(Sg. Petani) 去探访苏振桥。他在八打灵住了好多年,前两年才搬回家乡大年定居。

在双溪大年午餐后,我们再回到槟岛,拜访乾女儿钧钡家。很高兴的见到了两位可爱的乾孙。

过后,我们到附近的美食中心,享用槟城的美食,如咖哩麵,炒粿条,粿角等。

最享用的是槟城路德潮州煎律(Cendol)。

吃了这么多之后,我们到七苦圣母堂参加了拜苦路及弥撒,结束一天的活动。

更多照片 Facebook




Cendol





















James Lee, owner of Kopitiam 929, treated us Cendol.
李文福,Kopitiam 929 老板,请我们吃煎律

Friday, February 24, 2012

Jalan jalan - Penang 2 走透透 - 槟城 2


23-2-2012 Thursday

Balik Pulau is a place for a laid-back holiday.

Friendly people, fresh air, blue sky and slow-paced.

The church bell rang at 6:00 am .... and Mass at 7:00 am.

After breakfast, Fr. Martin brought us to a durian orchard owned by a parishioner. A big weekend house was erected in the middle of the orchard guarded by many dogs ... and puppies.

A cute little fellow won the heart of Fr. Marin ... She was being christened as the official future guard dog of the church and named her THURSDAY !

Later, we have lunch with a group of local legionnaires at a nearby restaurant.

After bidding farewell to Thusday and the IJ sisters, we left Balik Pulau for George Town (city). We thanked Fr. Martin for his hospitality and time spent with us.

College General was our next destination.

Since his posting to College General after returning from Rome, I have been saying to Fr. Julian "see you in Penang" ...

Finally, after one and a half year, I visited him today at the College General at Tanjong Bunga, Penang.

He greeted us warmly and showed us around the college. He also introduced us to a few seminarians. Later we have dinner at a nearby food court.

I was happy to meet His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Soter Fernandez at the college too. He was doing his walking exercise routine when I met him. Currently, he is the Spiritual Father of the College.

He is 80 years old and looks healthy and alert.

( More pics in Facebook )




浮罗山背是个悠闲假期的好地方。

这里的人非常友善,空气清新,蓝天白云,生活步伐也缓慢。

教堂的大钟在早上六时正敲响。。。我们参加了七点多弥撒。

早餐后,邓神父带我们到一位教友的榴莲园。园里面建立一间双层的周末度假屋,平时没人住,只有好的的狗,大狗,小狗在守护。

邓神父被一只白色带棕点的小狗吸引了。。。他为她受洗,并命名为杜斯黛(Thursday 因为当天是星期四),受委为将来的教堂守护狗。

中午时间,我们与一群当地的圣母军团员共进午餐,并作交流。

与杜丝黛及修女们告别后,我们下一个目的地是槟城大修院。

廖炳坚神父自罗马回来后,就被调往大修院教书。每次遇到他,我都会说:“到大修院去找你。。”

过了将近一年半后,我终于抵达大修院来探望他。

他热情的欢迎我们,并带领我们参观修院的内部,也介绍了我们认识一些修生。过后我们到邻居的小贩中心公用晚餐。

我也很高兴的见到了荣休总主教费南迪斯。他已经80岁了,但仍然每天都做步行运动。

(更多照片 Facebook )

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Jalan jalan second leg 走透透第二站

Democracy Tree 民主树

22-2-2012.

Joseph came to Ipoh with 2 wishes:

1. To visit the Democracy Tree
2. To visit Hee Yit Fong’s house in Jelapang (outside Ipoh). He brought with him 2 rotten eggs.

The first one was easily fulfilled.

The second one was not able to realize because Hee Yit Fong is no longer staying in her old house. Since her crossing over from Opposition to the ruling Barisan National causing the collapse of Pakatan Rakyat state government (rumoured she got millions in return), she exiled herself to avoid the wrath of the people who trusted her.

After Ipoh, our next destination were Permatang Tinggi, Butterworth and Penang.

Pauline has finally able to meet Action One A1 proprietress Ms Lily Tan at her factory in Permatang Tinggi Industrial Area. She has been buying curry paste from her for the past 3 years ... ordering through phone and collection through our 2 god son-in-laws George Ying and Gary. It is a export quality paste for our own consumption.

Before crossing Penang bridge, we visited my God-daughter Anna Ailing's father Mr. John Lee in Butterworth. He was happy to welcome us. He braved the rain and rode on motorcycle to buy us "xiangbing" .

Crossing Penang Bridge at about 5:00 pm, we headed towards Balik Pulau. Fr. Martin, the parish priest of the Holy Name of Jesus Church has prepared a place for us for the night.

We visited some old Sisters at the Infant Jesus Convent next to the church. Among them were Sr. Lucy Wong (83), Sr Anna (89) who served in Kajang before.

Being Ash Wednesday, we attended the Ash Wednesday Mass and received ashes on our forehead. It signified the start of the season of Lent in our Catholic Church.

Repent and believe in the Gospel !!

(More pics in Facebook )

























22-2-2012.

禄声来到了怡保,有两个心愿。

1. 到民主树前朝圣。
2. 到九洞选区看看许月凤的家。他到了两粒臭蛋随行。

第一个愿望,兴文很容易的给他实现。

第二个愿望,则无法实现。许月凤在出卖了同袍,跳槽过去了国阵,而弄垮了民联州政府,不敢在九洞住下去,一早就搬离了。

怡保之后,我们的下一站就是槟城。

在往槟城的路上,我们到Permatang Tinggi 一间咖哩酱制造厂一停。太太终于有机会与公司老板娘莉莉见面了。过去的三年里,太太只有用电话与莉莉订货,然后由两个乾女婿去代拿货。

我们到了北海 (Butterworth) 去探望干女儿瑷伶的爸爸。他很高兴的见到我们,除了请我们喝茶之外,还冒雨到外头买香饼送给我们带回去。他看了起色很好,风趣依然。因时间关系,我们只逗留了半个小时。我深感抱歉的向他道别,并说以后会再到回来探望他。他则打趣的问说什么时候再到回来,希望不会等到32号 。。。我说:不会啦,23号的时候,我就会再来拜访他。。。

跨越了槟城大桥,我们直往浮罗山背 (Balik Pulau) 耶稣圣名教堂。教堂主任邓神父,早已准备好了我们住宿的地方,欢迎我们的到来。他也非常热情的冒着雨,骑了电单车,买了香饼送给我们!

行李放置好了之后,我们到隔邻的『耶稣圣子修院』探望那里的几位老修女。露西修女(83岁)及安娜修女(89)岁,是其中的两位。

当天是圣灰礼仪节日,我们在晚上八时参加了弥撒及领圣灰。圣灰礼仪标记着天主教会『四旬期』的开始。

悔改及信从福音吧!

(许多照片 Facebook)




































From ash to ash you shall return.. Repent and believe in the Gospel!
从泥土来,也回归泥土。。悔改及信从福音吧!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Jalan jalan first leg 走透透第一站

From left seated: Joseph,Agnes,Rose. Back: Pauline & Josephine


Our first leg of the journey is Ipoh.

We arrived at Ipoh at noon and have lunch at the famous Big Tree Food Court.

The Yong Tofu are good and cheap...compare with KL or Kajang standard (almost half the price).

We visited Josephine, our long time friend in Ipoh and was welcomed warmly to her house.

We also visited an acquaintance from Brunei now staying in Ipoh. Augustine Wong is suffering from nose cancer. He has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He is recovering well.

At about 6:00pm, we checked into our "hotel" ... where else! In Ipoh, sure Peter CHO-TEL !!!

The moment we entered Peter's house, well chilled Ipoh famous pomelo was served.... what a wonderful and thoughtful deed.

Later we went out for dinner .... and eat as if we have no tomorrow .... because tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence.

We have simple Japanese food, then Ipoh famous Tofu-Fa.... and then pig's intestine/stomach porridge...

It is an exci-ea-ting day!

(More pictures in Facebook )


From left: Josephine, Agnes Goh, Pauline,Augustine Wong & wife Jessica, Rose and Joseph
左起:阿芬,吴丽花,中间为黄勤光及太太陈赛珍,丽馨及禄声


我们的走透透的第一站是怡保。

我们在中午抵达怡保,直接就到著名的大树底小吃中心。

这里的酿豆腐非常的出名,的确是名符其实,而且价钱也非常大相依。。。比吉隆坡或加影价钱将近低了一半。

午餐后,我们到也是老朋友的阿芬的家,受到她热烈的欢迎。

我们也探访了一位来自汶莱但现定在怡保的旧相识黄勤光兄弟。他患上了鼻癌,已经接受了化疗及电疗,目前在康复中。

傍晚大约六点左右,我们进住了酒店。在怡保,当然是朱兴文酒店!

一进门,兴文从冰箱拿出了准备好的怡保闻名的柚子。。冰冷,甜美。。。太好了,真棒的关照。

过后我们出去用晚餐。我们吃了较简单的日本料理,过后品尝怡保豆腐花。。。过后还有猪杂粥。。!

我们吃得好像是世界末日。。。。因为明天是圣灰礼仪,得守大小斋。

今天真充实。。。肚子满满!

(更多照片 Facebook )


Left: Rose, Joseph and Peter Cho 左起:丽馨,禄声及兴文



Jalan Jalan 走透透

On the 1 st anniversary of my knee operation (See My Operation), I decided to have a "Jalan Jalan" with my wife, Joseph Wong of Sibu and his wife Rose.

Joseph Wong and I are friend for more than 20 years. We met in 1989 at St Ignatius's Church, Petaling Jaya when we welcomed a group of Sarawakian legionaries led by him to Kuala Lumpur. We hit it off well on our first meeting and maintained close friendship ever since.

Joseph was actively engaged with West Malaysian Catholic church for more than 30 years. He participated (bringing with him many fellow Sarawakians) in many formation programmes organised by KL Archdiocesan Chinese Language Apostolate Commission. He has wide circle of friends over here.

His active and inquisitive nature, brought him to every corner of the Peninsular Malaysia. About 15 years ago, he decided to be pilgrimages tour leader. His footprints has covered places in Europe including Rome, Vatican, Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugoje, Jerusalem, Egypt, Korea, Vietnam and China.

He was very interested in my style of traveling - Local
Jalan Jalan (Go free and easy), and expressed his intention of joining me if possible. Unknowing to him of my knee operation anniversary, a date was fixed .... 21-2-2012, here we are!
We are on a trip to familiar places, not for sightseeing, but for fellowship and friendship. We enjoy each other's company, intending to visit old friends along the way, and as a way to express our thanks and appreciation to God's gift of our friendship.

We sure to enjoy and treasure this trip.

2009 Taipei 台北


在我的膝盖关节手术的第一周年之际(旧帖子我的手术),我决定来一趟 “走一走”,除了太太同行外,还有来自诗巫的老朋友黄禄声和丽馨夫妇。

与禄声认识,超过了二十多年。1989年,他带了一队东马教友到西马游玩及朝圣,本地军友在八打灵圣依纳爵堂与他们相聚,就认识了他。大家一见如故,友谊延续到今天。

他早在三十年前,就常过来与西马的教会接触,因此也认识很多这里的教友及教会领袖。也因为好动及好走,大约十五年前,他转去专职带领教友朝圣团,足迹遍布欧洲,包括罗马及梵蒂冈,还有圣城耶路撒冷,韩国及中国的圣地。

他知道我常常在本地溜达,所以早就叮嘱我,假如有机会,也跟我一起来个本地走透透。这次二月有个空档,他就与我约好,当然他不知道是我的膝盖手术周年,当时也没详看日历是四旬期的开始,定了机票,就飞过来了。

我们这次行程,主要是大家同游,好好的享受彼此的相伴,走访老朋友及老军友,一享人生难得的机遇,以此光荣,感谢及回应天主特别恩赐的这份友情。

21-2-2012 开始了!这必定会是一趟非常愉快及值得珍惜的行程。

Monday, February 20, 2012

Died in action 鞠躬尽瘁

Kuching 2011. Angela seated middle.
摄于2011 古晋交流会。左起:傅玉兰,刘玉伙,盘二妹


In memory of a gallant legionary who died in action, for the glory of the Kingdom until the last.

Angela Patricia Low (front seated middle) died on 13-2-2012 of a heart failure.

On Sunday 5-2-2012, she was attending a legion Curia meeting at the Holy Rosary Church Kuala Lumpur. She was feeling not well half way through the meeting and was sent home by other members. Later, she was admitted her into National Heart Institution (IJN).

It was confirmed that she was suffering from artery blockage and Angioplasty was scheduled on 13-2-2013.

On the fateful day, she was quite normal and was wheeled into OT for the procedure. However, before commencement of Angioplatry, her heart stopped. Despite vigorous resuscitation, she died at the age of 78, leaving behind 6 children and 22 grandchildren.

The doctors were rather taken aback by such rare occurrence. However, it was told that Angela prayed constantly for a good death, without any operation, or artificial prolongation of life which may cause hardship to family. God answer her prayer.

She was a dedicated and committed legionary. Despite of her advance age, she was actively involved in legion meeting and activities, including visitation.

She drove a bright green old car, fetching members for legionary works. I used to call her "Sporty Legionary".

She offered herself to God and his Kingdom until her last breath, she died in action.

Her funeral Mass was held on 16-2-2012 at 11:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church, Peel Road, Kuala Lumpur.

May her soul rest in Peace.

(written on 16-2-2012)

Angela's old battle horse 玉伙姐的老战马


鞠躬尽瘁,死而后已。

这句话,也可以用来形容刘玉伙姐妹。

二月五日(星期日),玉伙姐到吉隆坡玫瑰堂参加区团会议。会议中,突然感到不舒服,军友就把她送回家,然后由孩子送进国家心脏中心接受检查。

医生验定是心脏血管阻塞,安排要做心脏血管动脉造形手术(俗称吹气球)。

13/2/2012星期一,医护人员早上就为她就准备好,要进行该手术。在推进了手术室后,还没启动手术程序,突然间,玉伙姐就停止呼吸,急救也还魂乏术,就这样安详的离开了这个世界,享年七十八岁,留下三男三女及二十二位孙子。

主治医师为这突然的状况感觉惊愕,家人更伤心不已。无论如何,大家都接受这是天意的安排,她不需受任何的痛苦,就如此的离开这个世界,蒙主恩召,回归天乡。她曾说过,常常祈求圣母给她善终,不要有任何的开刀(手术),以免麻烦家人。这是天主的垂怜吧!

玉伙姐虽然是高龄,但仍然很活跃,驾着一辆鲜艳绿色的旧车,装载团员,参加圣母军的会议及各种活动。所以我常叫她做“跑车圣母军”。 她也是交流会的常客。

她的突然离去,每个认识她的人都依依不舍。她幽默的谈话,脸上常挂的笑容,阔达的人生观,都深深的嵌在朋友的心中,成为美好的回忆。

她在1991年参加圣母军,从不间断,直到生命的终结。鞠躬尽瘁,死而后己。

她的安所弥撒在16-2-2012 早上十一时,假吉隆坡俾路圣心堂举行。;

安息吧,我的老战友,忠诚的圣母军团员玉伙姐。

吉隆坡圣心教堂 Sacred Heart Church, KL


(写于二月十六日)


Saturday, February 18, 2012

Debate of the titans 王者之辩


Today at 5:00 pm, many Malaysians, especially Chinese, were glued to TV for a first ever televised debate between the heads of two major political parties.

Chua Soi Lek(right), President of ruling coalition partner Malaysia Chinese Party (MCA) and Lim Guan Eng, Secretary General of opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) debated on the theme " Chinese at a Crossroads. Is a two-party system becoming a two-race system".

Lim Guan Ying representing opponent and Chua Soi Lek is the proponent. The debate is in Mandarin.

It was an event simply can't afford to be missed.

The topic has been brought up regularly in the media. What was said during the debate had already been said many times over by the two debaters, so no surprise, no new revelation.

No winner or looser, both are skillful debaters and scored evenly on technicality.

However, they seemed to have distracted and strayed from the topic instead. They hit at each other, and spent more time on highlighting opponent's shortcomings and boasting of own successes. It was more like MCA vs DAP, not being focused on the debate subject.

A segment opened to the floor was really an disappointment and unnecessary. Audience' questions were simply out of focus and unrelated. They are partisan (mostly MCA supporters), asking why and what things not being done, ..... nothing concerning 2 party system.

Putting these aside, the debate is a historical event in Malaysia, and I personally think that it should be encouraged and would like to see more such debate on other subjects, and between other political parties. It is a good start, well done!

However, at the end of the debate, the question in people's mind is not about the pro and con of two party system, but " When is Najib Vs Anwar debate ?" (Prime minister Vs Opposition leader)

Malaysian politic is getting hotter !!

From right: Chua Soi Lek with moderator Tan and Lim Guan ying。
左起:蔡细历,辩论主持陈亚才,林冠英


今天傍晚五点正,许多马来西亚人,特别是华人,都在电视机旁观看史无前例的一项被标榜为『王对王』的辩论会。

执政的国阵成员党,马来西亚华人公会(马华)总会长蔡细历将与反对党民主行动党的总秘书林冠英展开辩论,题目是:华人政治分水岭:两线制将会变成两种族制

林冠英是反对,蔡细历则是赞成。辩论以华语进行。

这当然是一项不容错过的节目。

这早已经在新闻媒体上讨论,争论的一个课题。双方在辩论时所说的,都是老调重弹,没有新料,没有爆料,没有惊喜。

双方都是熟练的辩手。林冠英是初生之犊不怕虎,蔡细历则是身经百战的老将,各有所长,不分胜负,在技巧上,非常高水准。

但是他们都没有完全集中在辩论的题目上,时而离题,反而花了好多时间互相攻守,贬对方的缺失,吹簧自己的成就,简直就是马华对擂民主行动党,没有针对题目发挥。

一个开放给观众的时段是不恰当,也无需要。观众的题目更是离题,还偏向各自的政党(大部分为马华支持者)。他们问的都是民粹课题,无关辩论题目,都是为什么没有做,为什么不做。。。没有提到两线制。

看来马华的组织能力比较强。从电视上听到的都是马华支持者的喧闹声及见到MCA牌子。

无论如何,把这些放在一边,这是马来西亚一项历史性的盛会,我个人非常支持,也希望以后有更多的此类型的辩论,不同课题,不同政党。这是一个好的开始。赞!

不过,我想在辩论结束之后,在每个人都脑子里,他们想到不是双线制,而是:“什么时候纳吉与安华的辩论?”

马来西亚的政治会越来越热了!

Friday, February 17, 2012

The story of life 生命的故事


A month ago, I found a Merbok nest with 2 eggs on my bougainvillea tree. Male and female took turn hatching.

Few days into Chinese New Year, 2 dragon babies were hatched. Their parents took turn to feed them.

About 8 days later, with feather fully grown, the bird-lings few off. They stayed on trees nearby under their parents' watchful eyes. They left behind an empty nest.

A week later, a new couple came to inspect the empty nest, and found it to be good and suitable as their honeymoon suite. They did some minor repair and adjustment and singing loudly Gu Gu Gu Gu...

Yesterday, I found 2 eggs were laid .... a new cycle of life begins! ( few more pics in Facebook)


大约一个月前,斑鸠到我家的一棵花树著巢,生了两粒蛋。雌及雄鸟轮流孵蛋。

农历新年期间,两只龙宝宝诞生了,父母都很幸苦的轮流给他们喂食。

大约八天后,小鸟的羽毛也长得丰厚了,所以就飞离了鸟巢,到附近的树上歇息,但鸟爸妈都会在旁看顾着。他们留下来一个空巢。

一个星期后,我见到了一对斑鸠,在检查鸟巢,发觉还很适用,也很满意,就在哪儿谷谷谷的开心唱歌。他们做了些简单的修补及整理,成为了他们的蜜月套房。

昨天我发现有了两粒胆,鸟爸妈也在轮流的孵着。

不久,新生命就有诞生了。。。。(多几张照片Facebook)















Ne
w couple checking out the nest 新婚夫妇检查鸟巢











Rain or shine, 14 days of hatching

雨打日晒,十四天孵化期

Thursday, February 16, 2012

My root 我的根


In March 2008, with a cousin, I went to visit my ancestral home in Gozhou, Guangdong Province of China. A section of more than 100-year old house where my father stayed and grew up are still standing. My father left this house at the age of 15 to then Malaya to seek a better life.

Few of my cousins still stay in this house. My father's sister passed away a year before my arrival... the only source of a first-person information about my father is lost!

Blog postings were written on this trip, but ... tragically, I have deleted by accident a year of my hard work in May 2008 ...... See I lost my account

在2008年的3月,我和一位堂哥回去中国广州省高州市附近的祖家。其中一部分超过百年的老屋,就是我爸爸在那儿住过及长大的地方。他在15岁左右就离开家乡,来到当时的马来亚,寻找更美好的生活。

目前还有几位堂兄弟住在哪。我爸爸的姐姐在我没到之前的一年,就去世了。她是我唯一能够得知有关我爸爸的第一者的来源,现在已失去了。

我曾在部落格上详细的记载这次行程,但不幸的,在2008年的5月,不小心的给删除了。一年多劳力就此消失。。。 可参看我的户口不见了


我的祖先祠堂及祖先牌位。不管现在是多少代,华人都有个根在中国,假如没有,不是无,而是不认。

有些很骄傲的认为是在英国。。。不是中国;更甚者,有些认为是在以色列!

My ancestral tables, more than 100 years old。 No matter how many generations, Malaysian Chinese can traced back to ancestry in China. If no, it is own denial or rejection, not because of non-existence.

Some are proud to acknowledge their root is in Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire or Buckingham Palace, England ....or better still, in Israel !


Monday, February 13, 2012


本文转载自汶莱季刊【 盼 Hope 】第47 & 48 合订本。

情爱

飞机即将降落,内心一阵喜悦,也带有一些紧张。

一别汶莱,已有五年了,相信它不会有很多的改变。心中的喜悦是因为可以第三次旧地重游,和一群老朋友再相会;紧张则是因为在这时刻,我终于实现了十八年前对太太的许诺,带她到汶莱及姆鲁一游。

十八年,不是很短的日子。拿起旧照片一看,往事不堪回首,青春已不再了!

一九九三年七月三日,我参加了汶莱华文教友协会在姆鲁举办的避静,除了灵修上得益不浅外,也被它那美丽的自然景色,特别是非常壮观的几个山洞,深深的吸引了。回家后,就对太太说要与她再到来姆鲁及去汶莱一游。 (汶莱去姆鲁大约需要三个小时的车程及半个小时的飞机航程)


领取了行李之后,踏着轻松的步伐,走出了入境厅,见到志贤,坤章,永平及子云在等待了。一时灯光闪闪,志贤及永平的两架专业相机,把我和太太抵达汶莱的第一时刻起,载入了我们生活的美丽回忆中。

我领受了非常高规格的接待,这些朋友都百忙中抽空,亲自来接机,我和太太非常的感激不已。旁人见到摄影机不停的拍摄,以为是大人物到来呢。 我们不是大人物,却受到大人物般的款待。

我认识这四位朋友,除了永平较迟之外,其他三位已经超过二十年了。这是马新汶台圣母军交流会所带来的恩惠。每年一度的圣母军交流会(明年是第二十届,在马六甲举行),是军友们一个很好的交流,认识及交换经验的平台。因为交流会,我认识了汶莱及许多其他地区的军友,也到过好多地方,体验了各地的风土人情,美丽的景观及不同的食物,更重要的是领会到了普世教会至圣,至公及合一的层面。我非常荣幸及感恩,因为我是一名圣母军!

汶莱之旅,可说是因为买到较廉宜的马航机票,但我更愿意说这是天主巧妙的安排。我在十月玫瑰月来到汶莱,有机会参加了这里每晚举行的家庭玫瑰经。很高兴的能够参加四天,四个家庭的诵念玫瑰经,让我体验到这里的信众,对圣母的恭敬及玫瑰经的热爱,兄弟姐妹间的包容,相敬及相爱之情,当然还有教友亲身烹调的美食!

在还没启程之前,从面子书上,看到汶莱华文教友的家庭玫瑰经已经开跑了,也见到他们在玫瑰经过后的百乐聚餐(potluck)的情景,尤其是教友们各自准备的食物,深深的吸引了我。

当我处身置地的参加了家庭玫瑰经之后,照片上令我垂延的食物,如白斩鸡,芝士蛋糕,一一摆在桌上了 。。。。原来我早已在面子书上先订了下来,啊,真有口福呀!

汶莱天主教会是最『最上网』及『最上报』的教会,应该当之无愧。这里的沈主教,早已是面子书里的一位活跃会员。汶莱华文教务及活动,藉着多位信众快速上载到面子书上,很快的就传遍世界,网上【盼】季刊,更是大受欢迎。堂区的活动,也常常的出现在当地的报纸上,这是善用新媒体的一个例子。

这趟汶莱行,(17-24/10/2011)除了与网上神交已久的几位面子书朋友见面外,如林明光与爱娜夫妇,也加增了好多位新朋友。

在汶莱的第三天的早上五点半,由杨永平驾车,三人一同往美里出发,开始了我们三天两夜的姆鲁行。

早上车辆稀少,我们只用了两个小时,就到了边境,过关口,进入了美里。

“在外有朋友真好!”,这句话是我常说的。在汶莱及美里也不例外。永平联络上了他在汶莱的朋友杨先生及查尔斯,大家在机场附近共进早餐。过后,永平的车就交由查尔斯保管几天,我们就乘搭九时半的班级,到姆鲁去了。

半小时的航程,飞机就降落在群山环抱的姆鲁山国家公园(Gunung Mulu National Park)机场,然后进住了皇家姆鲁渡假村。(Royal Mulu Resort)

十八年前这渡假村还不存在。当时我们下机后,乘坐小船,进住政府开设的渡假屋(Rest house)。现在该渡假屋已经荒置,而由更多,更新的高脚渡假屋取代。

到姆鲁旅游,要步行很多路途。第一天的行程,是参观狼洞和鹿洞,来回的行程大约九公里。不过,走在平坦的木板铺架的“板路”,边走边观赏热带雨林,是一个很好的享受。

我非常赞赏当地的自然保护工作。十八年后,河流还是那么清澈,山洞的保护措施做得非常的好。姆鲁国家公园是联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)宣认的世界遗产地点,是天主赐给人类的礼物,希望能够继续的获得保护。

除了以上两个洞外,还有风洞及清水洞,开放让游客参观。鹿洞有全世界最宽敞的通道,也是观赏上百万只蝙蝠,在傍晚时出洞觅食奇景的地方;而清水洞,则是世界最大(体积)的山洞。还有一个砂劳越内室(Sarawak Chamber),商未开放给公众。它可以停放70架波音747型飞机!

很遗憾的,我没有时间去参观另一大自然美丽景观 - 尼亚石林,希望下次有机会一游。尼亚石林可以从美里出发,早出晚归一日游。

完成了姆鲁游之后, 带着美丽的记忆,再次的回到汶莱的斯市。

除了步行游览了斯市的街景,也乘搭了水上德士,漫游著名的水上村及红树林。小船飞驰在平静的汶莱河上,烈日当空,观赏著两岸的红树林,确是另一番风味,但我也因此而被列阳晒得焦黑。但令我们意想不到的,只需十分钟的船程,在非常靠近人烟的红树林里(也靠近苏丹的皇宫),竟然可以看到婆罗洲独有的长鼻猴,而且是一群的!

这是一个令人难忘的假期,太太和我都会永远铭记这美好的回忆。感谢汶莱的朋友们,您把我们这段生命添上更美丽的色彩,多加了好多的温馨。


我是带着两种健康状况完成此行。在二月尾,我动了膝盖关节手术后,还没有真正的考验过这人工部件的操作性能。姆鲁行确实是一个很大的考验,步行及爬登洞穴,把它推到了极限,证明了它的可靠及安全性。

在启程前两天,左眼突然出现了状况,被发现眼球内部出血,紧急做了镭射手术。医生说已被治疗了,可以旅行,但不可跳动。怀着战战兢兢的心情,我们如期的出发了。

依靠主,信赖主,一切都顺利的完成了。上面提到的两件事,使我感触良多。人生无常,生活会变动,很多事情要发生,就会发生,所以要珍惜每一天,活出每一天。过去的不能追回,但机会来了,不要错过;应该做的,就得去做,眼睛能看到的,都要珍惜,脚步能到的,就要举步前进。

十八年前,十八年后,使我看到了岁月的沧桑,但也领悟了生命的丰富。杨永平比我年纪稍长些,但仍然热爱生活;我和志贤,脸上都增添了寒暑的痕迹,还是快乐的勇往直前;坤章与子云,从青年到中年,他们长大了……,我们的友情,仍然是那么多坚固。认识了很多汶莱的朋友,他们的共融,他们的热情,他们生活的喜乐,对天主的忠诚,使我永志不忘。

生命短暂,但天主却是永恒。他爱我吗,他就是我们的生命,我们的力量。汶莱之旅,虽然短暂,但却是记忆深刻,将进入我们生命的永恒。

『桃花潭水深千尺,不及汪伦送我情』,汶莱财富千万亿,不及兄弟(姐妹)对我情!

再见汶莱!


可参阅旧帖子 万福万福汶莱