Homecoming Reunion Dinner for Helen Koay
Day/Date: Friday, 19th March, 2010
Venue: Sukonthai Restaurant, BJCC, Habana Club,Krystal Pt.
Time: 7.30 - 12.00pm
To sum up, it was wonderful, fantastic and awesome! An evening to cherish and remember. Imagine, an impromptu call from Grace to a small number of 'FLAME' members through e-mail, could turn out to be such a fun-filled, enjoyable and nostalgic night.
The occasion: Reunion dinner for Helen Koay.
Bernard, Captain, Grace, Helen, Mirinda, Judy, LK Yoong, Jack and Helen. Nine of us, was all it took to revive a diminishing 'FLAME' spirit to a level that was reminiscent of the first gathering we had at Trader's Hotel years back. That's the spirit!Everyone was ' bullish' (like stock bull's run) and the atmosphere was cordial, friendly, warm, vibrant and full of love. One thing for sure - Everyone wanted to meet everyone. You could see it in their eyes. The saying: 'Absence makes heart grow fonder' came true.
Though middle age by now, most show no signs of abating, aging or mid-life crisis. Leaving menopause and andropause aside, everyone were still as energetic as ever. Maybe they have found a way of concealing, I don't know, but it's a good feeling to feel 'young and stay young.' Mental attitude. In fact, everyone glowed like 'teenagers' going on their first date.
Where they get the energy?
The dinner started with a sumptuous meal of Thai food at the Sukonthai Restaurant at BJCC. The dishes were Tomyam, Fried prawns, Curry fish, Taugeh, vegetables, and fried cuttlefish. It was delicious! Although rather quiet on a Friday evening, this country club, BJCC, had seen it's better days. With the swimming pool devoid of water, it somehow dampened the atmosphere, but it failed to dampen the spirit of those present. I remembered it used to be lighted with colorful lights in the evening. Anyway, the gang of AH PEHs' and AH EEs (uncles & aunties) - (excuse me), were there tucking away the Thai food, washed down with beers and Air Swam.According to reliable source, Helen is now a 'globe-trotter' and has been jet-setting around the globe. Lucky gal. She started the evening with her travel tales of US and Europe. As evident from her Facebook, she has been updating us with photos of places in Europe and with her children working in different parts of US, she seemed very busy cruising and holidaying.
We then exchanged travel stories, and Bernard updated us on his latest ' Cruise to No where' in Penang. We lamented about Janet Ooi ( AMD nurse) and Mei Chan (another ex-AMDer) who visited Penang earlier during the CNY holidays. The conversation later drifted to the local scene and eventually end up on AMD.
Who can forget AMD? You know-lah, when old folks get together, what else do they talk about - good old times- loh! Again, we started checking out on who is around, and who is no longer around, as if taking stock of a depleting inventory.Then Captain Ho tried to resurrect the old, old past of AMD by delivering a 'ceramah-like' speech. ( wonder why he suddenly stood up?) Being a LGE supporter, he was on the roll. He thought he was preparing for the next GE's campaigning. Anyway, the audience was more interested in the food than politics,so, he was forced to cut short the ceramah. Still early maybe. Try again, next function. Cap!
With beer flowing, now the men were talking. Bernard took the lead. I don't know exactly what he was talking, but the aunties seemed amused. While the aunties had 'Air Swam' (warm plain water) , as expected - (jaga badan,) the uncles wanted to order 'Tongkat Ali' coffee, but was politely turned down by the waitress.
By then, the mood was gearing up and someone suggested 'The Habana Club", So all of us adjourned to Crystal Point. This Club used to be called 'Roo's Cellar' at one time and has changed hands several times. It was highly recommended by Bernard, don't know why?
Habana, we went. A nice cosy place located on the first floor at Cystal Point. You have got to take the lift in between the the few shops, just next to 7-Eleven shop. Spacious with wine cellar and ambient atmosphere, nice decor, there is a bar, with nice young waitresses and a 'live' band- The New Faces'.This band members comprises of Bonny, Patrick and Ignitious, all Eurasians. Remember? .. they played for SS Khoo's son's wedding. Since the band members were just as ' young' as us, good-lah! We had no problem in blending in with their music - their repetiore and rendition of
'oldies' and evergreen favorites.Songs like 'Take me through the Night' was rather painful for some of us, otherwise, the 'Country and Western' numbers were upbeat and soothing. We applauded and sang along with feet stomping, and more beers a-pouring. The band was a spot on, and invited the guest to sing along. There was quite a crowd for a Friday evening and with the waitresses - Aheh (M'sian), Imogene(UK) and Lina(Phillipines) serving, life became meaningful for some of the men there.
An international cast, for a local pub.
So, as usual, special request for Jack Ung (me) to sing. I Kicked-off with "Words" and then, you know-lah,- "Country Roads, Take Me Home" (oops.not again) Well, this old horse can still have some ounce of energy to entertain. The audience erupted with loud applause and sing-along. I was surprised. I wondered whether it was the beer that was doing the singing or me?Anyway if my partner, Awi , were to be here, it would have been more fun. Next meet, Awi.
Well, as they say, all good times have to come to an end and so was this one. As the evening approached midnight, we bid farewell to each other and wish each other 'Good health, good luck. and Stay young.
Until we meet again'
Bon Voyage to Helen and 'Forever Young'
Goodnight.
