A sudden death in the family,
Brings unspeakable darkness that lurk,
Every corner and every hearts,
Of loved ones who need no names.

As sudden the news came,
Our homes were trodden upon,
By bitter tears and looming grim,
For days it would linger.

A widow weeps,
Her husband’s gone,
At a struck of faith,
Her home was torn,
So seemlessly..
Like a blow of the wind.

By Yvonne Foong, 31st January 2006.

If there was one actor I am honored to meet, he must be the infamous Jet Li. I would ask him this - How are you able to apply buddhist ideology with hectic modern lifestyles?

Today’s the Chinese new year, and I’m proud to have watched a wonderful movie with my mother this evening.

The movie, “Fearless“, starring Jet Li demonstrated his fine wushu skills and buddhist ideology. There are many aspects of this movie that’s worth applauding, but I choose to elaborate on Li’s kung fu and the philosophies imparted.

This movie tells the tale of wushu artist, Huo Yuanjia, who was drugged by victory and fame. After beating a childhood bully in competition, YuanJia became arrogant and wasted all his family’s fortune to fighting. However, nothing in this world is permanent, and Yuanjia was devastated when the apprentice of an enemy killed his daughter and mother in revenge. He was overcame by sadness and found himself travelling around aimlessly. He stopped caring about life and death. An effortless float across the country ended him in an idyllic village where he was rescued and rehabilitated. This was when he began learning the real meaning of life.

Nothing is permanent

In his youth, victory was everything to Yuanjia. However, the hunger to win broke his home and killed his family. It almost took away a loyal friend who supported him endlessly. As he learned to calm down and take things easy, Yuanjia soon became detached from his lust to win. He learned to let go of grudges and even apologised for his mistakes.

A calm mind

At the village where he was rescued, Yueci, the blind daughter of Granny Sun, taught Yuanjia of the need to relax the mind and let go of sadness. The first instance was when Yueci related her grandmother’s advice to grief about her blindness once and for all. Then move on because life has to continue. Even though Yueci is blind, but her heart aids her in cooking and working in the fields. She could live a normal life albeit the blindless.

The second instance was when Yuanjia planted at the field with other villagers. While everyone else worked in synchrony, Yuanjia rushed and stumbled. Needless to say, the result was a mess. With Yueci’s guidance, Yuanjia was soon able to live a stable and balanced life. Whenever the wind blew, the farmers would stop to take deep breaths. This enabled them to constantly refresh their minds.

In retrospect with today’s society, be it the lust to win, succeed, or achieve, we are often over-driven to the point that we lose touch with our innerselves. When we worry, rush, grief, or overcome with anger, we tend to sway in our judgements. This is where the art of tai chi comes into picture. Jet Li practices tai chi since young, and his spiritual knowledge derives from the art as well. Tai Chi, as we all know, is a slow form of martial art that is precise and poised. It trains one to be mindful and calm, or performance will drop otherwise. It was only when YuanJia learned to take things easy, did he manage to gauge the very best out of career and life.

I especially liked the way this movie ended, when Yuanjia returned to Yueci’s side at the idyllic village. YuanJia was practicing taichi in a field when Yueci ran to welcome his return. At the end of his practice, Yuanjia turned and gave Yueci an assuring smile. He portrayed a relaxed, mindful, and self-awared look in this scene, which was in contrary with the beginning of this show that is lost and filled with pressure.

The art of Taichi

The stereotype given to taichi is one that is slow and boring. In reality, there are 3 types of taichi suitable for different age groups. Taichi practitioners like Jet Li who learned the art from young, practices the hardest form, suitable for combat. The flexibility of a child’s limbs allow one to demonstrate the toughest of taichi.

Unlike many other forms of martial arts that focuses on strength and impact, taichi concentrates on flow and order. This makes Jet Li’s movies a beauty to watch. His movements are expressed with deep emotions and passion for the art. I just realised how little conversation is needed to advance the plot.

As you know, I am deaf and thus unable to hear the movie. But just by watching Jet Li’s expressive taichi movements, I could feel the humor, adversaries, pain, and fullness of this show. I have read a review that criticises the way this movie was produced. But come to think of it, could this unconventional production be designed to accentuate the essence of taichi? Because even though I could not hear and had to rely on dubious subtitles, I was close to tears when the movie had no heartbreaking scenes at all.

It is such a pity that this has to be Jet Li’s last kung fu blockbuster. If only one of his 4 daughters would inherit his talent, this is a great lost to movie and art lovers.

Do have a look at his official website, where he shared many of his opinions about life and spirituality.

Hey my loyal readers! Guess what… Kid Chan is giving away 48 free portrait sessions as ang pow in conjunction with this lunar new year!

All you have to do is grab a copy of The Edge- Malaysia most
authoritative business & investment weekly (beginning 23rd January 2006), and bring it with you to personally book a session at Kid Chan Studio in Bangsaria!

That issue of The Edge has an article entitled, “Picture Perfect- Capturing a moment and creating a lifetime memory is Kid Chan’s forte” by Jacqueline Toyad.

Here’s a shot of the paper stolen from his blog.

Those of you who are on his friendster, KCBRIDESNGROOMS will also receive an additional 6R art piece worth RM97.75.

This freebie is only redeemable between now until 14th February 2006, and your session will be valid until 31st June 2006.

Click here for more info. You may also contact his office manager a.k.a wifey dearest, Shirlyn, at +6(03) 2282 0339.

Note: I think you should give it a go, because it’s not all the time that a professional photographer would offer to take your portrait for free. And he’s good, by the way. You see my portraits in this blog? They’re all captured by his colleague. The one with Kenny Sia was by him. LOL!

Great. My t-shirts are running out of stock again, but everyone is on holiday for Chinese New Year. *sigh*

Ladies and gents, introducing two wacky coursemates of mine, Samuel & Daniel! Geez… sounds like some fast food joint.

Yvonne and Samuel!

Hmmm… let’s see.. what can I say about this handsome dude. I have only known him for 3 weeks, so the only thing I could gauge was that… he’s funny! Sometimes, crazy, even.

U know kung fu?

To be politically correct, let’s just say Life College is multi-cultural.
But that’s not all. Have a look at this wacky video.

Jet Li successor, you say?

Aaaaah! Red tape exposed.

Poor Daniel… but the resilient dude recovered very quickly. Look how wide he smiles after the brutal attack.

smile!

Oh that mommy’s boy smile… he’s bound to win some stars from Pinky in his final exam.

Aaawww… don’t get mad. I was only joking! But seriously, you guys should try Hollywood.

Ggggrrrrr!!!

There.. see? I told you!
This tells me that we’re capable of producing a neat sketch as college project. What say you?

Sam: Sure thing!
Yvonne: Okay let’s try a KFC commercial.

Tagline: Look ma, so expensive!

I think that may very well be the next Fight Inflation campaign. Hur hur…

Yvonne & Samuel at Life College

Just kidding!

Yay! Thanks to How&Why, you can now purchase HEART4HOPE t-shirts using CREDIT CARD! This is also applicable to international orders. The shirt + additional credit card charges and parcel delivery costs USD12 a shirt.

Hurry, support me by buying a shirt today!

p/s: HEART4HOPE t-shirts are also available at How&Why retail outlet in Bangsar Village.

Lesson learned, I shouldn’t spend the whole day in college anymore, although the schedule is somewhat mundane. I had lunch after class this morning, discussed the AYA arrangements and tomorrow’s economic forum in Prince Hotel with Eric, exercised at the gym, showered, and finally reached home at 7pm.

When I thought I was about to get some rest, I discovered that my mailbox was bombarded with e-mails from wellwishers who saw my Star newspaper feature yesterday. There were also some Book Project 2 orders to settle (so I may receive, sign, and send them off to a reader in Kuala Terengganu), a consignment of t-shirts to be delivered to KG in Kota Kemuning and Penang (planning), 21 t-shirts to pack (which Stephen picked up later),and there was an event to plan (a church is inviting me to give a talk to their youths).

A reporter from Sin Chew daily is coming tomorrow morning for an interview, so I have to cancel my attendance at the Economic Forum in Prince Hotel tomorrow.

So here I am, exhausted and still trying to get hold of Pinky through Daniel on MSN.

I even forgot to prepare RM1700 for the t-shirt supplier who delivered more stocks this morning. I had to call mom in the middle of a lecturer to notify her. haih….

Now the long pending list of to-dos is…

1. Get the ROS and ROC forms from Bob, and organise an inaugural AGM for NF Malaysia.
2. Publish my book!! Gary has yet to process the manuscript.
3. Generate publicity
4. Give more talks
5. Study

MADNESS!!

Not too long ago, Ah John suggested a Yvonne Foong Foundation. I think that might soon come true, so that I can hire two secretaries, a PR agent, an event manager, and a team of kulis. They would help ease the rheumatism pain in my leg muscles right now due to excessive walking today.

God, please give me strength!

This morning was a mess because, apparently, one friend forgot to tell his brother to fetch me, and they woke up late this morning. So I had mom fetching me to church instead, but we got lost in the middle of Shah Alam. We were supposed to go straight at the roundabout, and not turn left. Remember Yvonne! Gosh… it’s been almost half a year and I still don’t know the way to church. How embarassing can that be.

I admit that things were a bit messy at first because patience just doesn’t run in the family. Two friends drove around and finally found us at a nearby petrol station when church service was about to end.

As always, seeing these people puts the smile back on my face no matter what has happened.

This morning, my cellgroup members wore the HEART4HOPE t-shirts to church!

All along, I had tried to remain low-key in church, so that my cause does not become an obstruction to spiritual peace. At first sight, these bunch of people in white tees do appear a bit extravagant this morning, but it also demonstrated the strength of our bond, and their loving care and support for me.

I brought around 30 t-shirts to cellgroup meeting last Friday, and they were all sold out within 2 days. I managed to collect about RM2k in church this morning, and took down another 50+ orders.

It’s really comforting to see your friends going all out in support of your cause. In church, there is currently Jia Yin, Lavy, Yeeu Jen, Stephen, and Susie promoting the shirts to their family and friends.

This has become a common marketing approach recently. They would go around with a shirt and revert with orders and money. One frequent reader of my blog named Pelf who had never met me before, helped sell my shirts to her university friends and lecturers in Terengganu. She single-handedly helped raised more than RM1100 in sales!

My mom’s friend, whom I call Aunty Oon, raised more than RM3000. Keisha’s mom made RM2430++, Stephen raised RM900, and Cordy… let’s say she almost tackled the entire Kelana Mahkota condominium.

These are just among the many figures. But the total amount you see on the right of this blog is not updated frequently, because as more shirts get sold, more have to be ordered from the supplier as well.

Word-of-mouth may be the better way to sell than setting up booths at events. Facing the apathy of Malaysians is overwhelming and disheartening everytime they turn away.

One day recently while Cordy, myself and Wai Kong were at Sunway Pyramid for lunch, we chanced upon a booth by TheRage, the educational supplement of TheStar newspaper. While some shoppers walked away in shame, the girl working at the booth was sobbing under her breath, “Don’t you dare do something like this. Don’t you dare”.

I didn’t know what exactly happened, but she must have been criticised by arrogant shoppers. I felt immediately related to her, because that’s how I feel everytime judgemental people turn away from my cause with the sense of indifference and ignorance surrounding them.

It’s been 2 weeks since college commenced last Monday, and I haven’t yet written anything about my new second home. Guilty guilty. So here goes… my weblog narration of my humble college life.

On every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the first guy I see early in the morning besides my dad is him.

Beep! Beep! Time for school!

This young and handsome dude is named Daniel Gan, a student of business studies (I think). Daniel is 23 years old this year (wah… so old!) and has a heart of gold. He lives in the next town from mine, so he fetches me to college, along with several others living in the same area.

When my transport was first arranged, I had expected myself to be his only passenger. But when morning came, I was stunned to find him driving a 4WD with several others in it. The first thought that crossed my mind was…. is this a schoolbus? is he a pimp? Uh oh… errr… die.

The amount of people he fetches depend on whether our schedules clash. Somedays, there are 7 passengers, somedays 2, and somedays 1.

We usually reach college by 8:30am regardless of whether all of us have class that early or not. However, the group going home may not be the same. Sometimes, we would wait for Daniel’s class to end, and sometimes, he would wait for ours. But if either party decides not to wait, other students who drive are willing to give a lift as well.

But if you know no one, fear not, because there is the student directory we can refer to. This is the 2nd guy I see first thing in the morning.

2006 Malaysian Idol audition

Okay, maybe not every morning, but most of the time. Reason is because his office is strategically located at the entrance of block B where the classrooms are. Accessibility reason I suppose. He is after all a one-stop center and his handphone is practically a hotline. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Eric is the student services manager. And I tell you, he really lives up to his title. I bet he knows every of our profile like the back of his hand. I call him the shepperd, or big brother, but that’s between me and my blog readers. Eric manages almost everything besides disciplining, collecting money, and nagging.

As for my course? It’s mass communication, and my only class this semester is Public Relations. The lecturer is Pinky Khoo.

Pinky was formerly a radio DJ and probably did some other PR work before deciding to teach. The photo above was taken when she showed us a thick file containing newspaper and magazine cuttings about her. It appeared that she’s quite a public figure and definitely a senior in her field. So far, Pinky proved herself to be energetic and tireless, as contrast to many lecturers in other colleges who are apathetic and uninterested.

She gave me a surprise last Friday, by loaning me a book entitled “Transition”. It was entirely her own initiative. The author of this book is no other than Oon Yeoh, the editor whom I have worked with, and might work with in the near future. The local literally scene is really so small.

There is a special session every Wednesday morning called “Life Skills” where guest speakers are invited to share their knowledge and experience in a 1 hour session. Attendance is compulsory and feedbacks are required at the end of the semester.

Our first speaker this year was Ah John. Look, I honestly didn’t know that his second passion was singing. But now I know, thanks to Life college.

These two girls are special people in college. When we first met, Elaine Sia (on the left) introduced herself by saying, “Hello. I’m Elaine, physically handicapped”. My initial reaction was, “WHOAAA!”. Ofcourse I didn’t express it verbally, but look, Elaine is proud and not shy about her disability. That’s why I said she’s special. I admire her.

Elaine is among many other students in my PR class. When we have a vibrant lecturer, we surely need a pack of bubbly students to match her. And we are just that.

The first thing I noticed about Life college was how personable everyone is. This may be a small community, but everyone is close-knitted and caring towards each other. My classmates for example, are ever so willing to help in any way to make my learning experience a fulfilling one. They do not mind writing real-time lecture transcripts and repeating instructions for me. They always make sure I’m not left out, and take note of my safety when we’re outdoors.

When lunch time comes, they would ask if I have eaten and if I haven’t, would invite me along. At times, even students from other classes do the same. At the cafeteria, we may casually join any table without feeling awkward.

Speaking of which, one of my loyal blog reader is now my lecturer! Fishtail is actually much older than I thought, and he’s humble too. Since he teaches moral, I jokingly remarked that he’s an important person because all the students’ discipline depend on him. But he denied humbly, saying that it is Eric’s job, not him. Poor Eric.

So there you go, a little about my life in Life college. Hey it rhymes!

Good news! HEART4HOPE t-shirts are now on sale at How&Why in Bangsar Village shopping center!

Where is Bangsar Village
If you’re coming from Federal highway, turn left before the mosque along Jalan Maarof, and Bangsar Village will be on your right. It is a 2 storey shopping complex. The address is…
No. 1, Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Click here to find out about other pick up points and purchase methods.