The Run

Finished the 12km run in 01.25.44 (nett time).

I had to type in my name onto the certificate myself.

 Photo taken before dawn with James. 

 Waiting for the prize presentation after the run.

Simply dubbed "The Run", Pusat Ehsan's first charity run was a huge success considering the logistics and the coordination of all parties involved in organizing this event. As this is also the first time they organized such an event, I must congratulate the organizing committee for a job well done! This is by no means an easy task and they can only get better next year (I can't wait for the next run already!). There were some minor hiccups; I didn't get the T-shirt size I indicated and there was a typo error (the word "waterfront" was misspelt) on the finishers' medals but as I said, these are just  minor issues. The weather was kind to us as we did not feel the heat during and after the run. I left the Waterfront at 9.30am after witnessing the prize presentation to winners of all the various categories. I had to get home, shower and sleep it off as my calves are aching and there's a blister on one of my toes not to mention that I woke up at 4.00am this morning!

David & Annie's Wedding

 Our hosts, Mr. & Mrs. Han.

L-R: Koh, Han, Chia & Cheok.

L-R: Hoi, Long, Koh & Cheok.

L-R: Mary, SL, Long (old friend from China) & James.

The groom's father is our buddy and best friend and so when his eldest son is getting married in Miri, we must all attend! The function was being held at the Boulevard Ballroom with more than 500 guests from Miri, Brunei, Singapore, China and Taiwan converging into the city of Miri on 4th July 2012, not to celebrate America's Independence Day but to witness the union of David Han and Annie Lau. The bridesmaids were all dressed up as air hostesses and the best men were dressed in pilots' uniform. We were taken on a journey on Flight 1314 (一生一世 meaning "forever") by the Master of Ceremony who happens to be a very good singer as well. We also met up with an old buddy from China (Long Ke) who had travelled all the way from Shenzhen just for this function. Anyway, congratulations to the new couple and the new father-in-law, Mr. Han! Click here for more photos.

Meritz Hotel Miri

L-R: James, Mary, SL & Mike at the GOL.

 "Grand Old Lady" on 17th floor.

 Chia, Mike & James at the "Sky Garden".

 Breakfast at the "Grand Old Lady". L-R: Hoi, Cheok & Koh.

I’ve heard so much about this new hotel and had also “liked” it on Facebook that my friends and I decided to give it a try as we’re planning to attend a wedding in Miri on 4^th July 2012. Meritz Hotel did not disappoint as the rooms are appealing and tastefully decorated. The timber flooring in the room is unique as most hotels would have used carpet on the floor. Mr. Chia even commented that this hotel has the most power sockets in the room compared to other hotels he had stayed in. Even though most of the materials in the room are Chinese made, it didn’t give us an impression that this hotel is in anyway inferior! The shopping centre accessible via a side door in the lobby is definitely a plus point for the Meritz Hotel. I will definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a place to stay in Miri.

PWM 14th Annual General Meeting

 Arrival of the GOH.

 A momento for the outgoing President, Mr. Simon Gelan for his 10 years of service to PWM!

 New President for 2012-2014, Mr. James Lee, giving his inaugural speech.

 Our ex-Deputy President, Mr. Jackson Ting (centre) showing his support.

 Azlan & Raja.

 Yours truly is still holding this position for 2012-2014.

This afternoon at 2.00pm, Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia held its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Boon Pang Hall, Chung Hwa Middle School in the Brunei capital. Originally scheduled at 10.00am, this AGM was postponed to 2.00pm as it coincides with a VVIP wedding which our GOH and past President were attending.  About 100 members turned up to support this AGM. The executive committee for 2010-2012 was dissolved and new office bearers for 2012-2014 were nominated. The guest of honour was the Malaysian High Commissioner, Dato' Abdullah Sani Omar who is also the Patron of PWM. Yours truly is still holding the V.P. Membership portfolio for another two years so I don't have to change my name tag for now! For more photos, click here.

Rotary Club's 48th Installation Ceremony of Club Officers 2012-2013

 VIP table

 The GOH who reminds me of the Indian High Commissioner to Brunei.

Great! Fish Maw soup as I don't eat Shark's Fin soup...

 The First Lady 2011-2012, Eh Wei (on the right). 

Last night, Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan held its 48th Installation Ceremony for its Club Officers for Rotary Year 2012-2013 at the Ballroom of the Orchid Garden Hotel. I was  invited by the outgoing President, Mr. Wong Chin Toon to witness this ceremony. The event was graced by the District Governor of Rotary International, Haji Zainie Abdul Aucasa as the guest of honour accompanied by his spouse. It was indeed a great honour to be surrounded by  Rotarians whose "service above self" attitude is admirable and inspiring. I think this is the first time I've attended a Rotary Club function besides the numerous blood donation drives that I've attended as a blood donor!