A Warm Farewell (at Caffeine)

April 21, 2006 4 Comments

 
"SURPRISE!!!"
 
That was the exact word that welcomed me when I walked into my office at 4:40pm today. Yes, it was a perfect surprise party. I have absolutely no hint or my usual "6th-sense" about this. All I knew was – I was supposed to show my client, Jenny (from OKI Printer) my design studio.
 
From 5pm to 9pm, streams of people walked into Caffeine… It was like a gathering for a group of old friends. I was touched by their presence – cos those who turned up are good people who have stayed with me throughout my years of business. Some of them are partners whom I have met for less than 3 months but they are sincere people who are keen to work with Caffeine.
 
And not to forget those old friends who have stick with me throughout my ups and downs.
 
I am not comfortable being the sole star of a party. Cos’ it is difficult to have a good one-to-one session with everyone. Throughout the party, I have to skipped turns and tried my best to accompany everyone…so that everyone has an equal share of attention and heart-to-heart session with me. I love people…especially those who are sincere and real. I am really honoured and blessed to be in the company of these marvelous souls. They aren’t my flesh and blood…. but they are ones who stood by me throughout my early days.
 
Yes, I am touched. But I wish I could express more to you guys:
 
The 2 brothers from Maxibit
Hey Desmond boy and Yogi big brother… You 2 have been the pillars and trustworthly partners to me. Despite some of our past awful blunders (at VOX and Office1), both of you have never dropped faith in me and my friendship. I am sure Caffeine and Maxibit will closely in the coming years to come. Not just a union in business.. but a good union in our friendship and goals. Desmond, I have always regarded you as my big brother in business.. thanks for everything!
 
Jasbir, Nadirah and Karen (& Charlie)
You 3 were old guards who have worked with me during our hellful days at "you-know-where". During those demoralising days, we stood together and built a strong foundation for our friendship. After all these years, we still managed to stay in touch and constantly gathered at main events. Thanks for taking this walk with me. I know I will need to use your service one day. Till then, good luck and all the best in your life!
 
Kenneth – The King of Cicada
My competitor, my wife’s boss and my good old partner, Kenneth… We crossed our path back in 2003 when our 2 teams raced off aggressively in SuperRace II. Today, there are a couple of things we had in common… Our love for light-sabre, Xbox and PSP… Thanks for getting me a title that I have been longing so much… Yes, I will see you in Shanghai.. and shall show you other common interests of ours. 🙂
 
Mary – My most reliable printer, AXXA
I still remember the golden advices which you have shared with me during the early days of my fatherhood… Yes, you are my most reliable printer and a sincere friend. I really enjoyed those chats, business connection and partnership. You are always so warm and helpful.. Thanks, Mary.. It is always good to have you around.
 
Mr Nice Guy from GF&A
Despite our short friendship, I have enjoyed working with you, Edwyn… You are a honest, humble and down-to-earth partner. I am sure Joanne and Tracy are looking forward to work with you again… Afterall, you have left us with such a wonderful impression. And thanks for having such great faith and confidence in our service!
 
The Babes at Caffeine
It is impossible for me to express my gratitude for you girls over here…(So, I shall leave each of you a kiss & hug offline, ok?) We have all lived and walked an amazing journey.. Honestly, I will miss you 3 babes a lot. Thanks for organising this surprise party for me… (plus the packing up, cleaning up after the party). But like what Kalinda said "3 months only mah…"
 
Joanne, you have done a great job getting that buffet set up. The food and settings are classy. It was the best and most beautiful buffet settings we ever had at Caffeine. You have put up a good show..and setting this perfect surprise for me. And thanks for bringing all the food back to my home after I left… with Kal. Thanks.. I am truly touched. Yes, you got the right guest list…these are THE PEOPLE I like to see.  Tracy, thanks for being so sly and acted so cool – despite the big surprise coming my way. You are so sly…Now I can explained why that strange sms you sent me in the morning – "Have a happy happy day"
 
Kalinda…I am still waiting for my sushi party at Hotel 25… I have thanked you liao on MSN a couple of days ago.. remember? 
 
Jenny (from OKi Printer)
Yes, your "perfectionlism" has almost drove my whole team down the cliff & up the wall …and sent me steaming off..(Haaa….) But on a personal level, you have been a loyal friend.. and a wonderful MNC client. Thanks for being ever-so-frank and shared so much with me. I shall leave you with 2 of my most capable partners.
 
My old friends at Caffeine
Randy.. you have been such an inspiring friend… We should work together, mind to mind, more often. Cos’ together, we can churn out lots of good and crazy ideas. Richard…tidy up your room, ok? And go find a new target for your rubber-band shooting. Sean, you are handsome, kind, humourous and gentleman – Must find a girlfriend before I am back. Alan, alan… you are the most vain, most kind-hearted, sincere man I have seen… Wish you all the best in your new search. Hui Zi… I am touched and impressed by your efforts.. It has been ages since I last received a hand-made card from anyone… I love the card again… can see lots of "heart-&-soul" in it. Thanks. Stay pretty and keep in touch!
 
It is hard to say "goodbye" after working so long with you guys. Office will certainly be a quieter place without my afternoon fights ad drama…  But hey, I am sure you guys will miss my presence a lot. Thanks for the fellowship, encouragement and friendship. (And yes, where is my toolbox?)
 
 
p/s  I wish I have more time with them (1-to-1 session) before I fly.. but I know it would be difficult.. Sigh…somehow, the early farewell party…kinda signalled to me that my chapter in Singapore is closing.. It is finally time to pack.
 
Next: Wahbaing Farewell Party… When?

Filed under Wahbiang

Good Easter Weekend

April 16, 2006 3 Comments


It has been almost 10 years since I last slept over at a chalet at Changi. Thanks to our "Couple of the Year" – Duuk booked this beautiful chalet at Changi beach. Guess what, I must admit that this is one of the most beautiful seaside chalet that I have ever been in Singapore. The chalet is just located along the seashore. Lovely!

 
It doesn’t feel like a local vacation….Joanne and I felt like coming back from an oversea trip. The surrounding is so foreign and calm… It is a great place to chill out and relax. Honestly, I thought 2 days would be good. As usual, we have a good crowd of friends – except this round, we kinda have 3 seperate cliques – "BLUE", "Ex-VOXmedia" and "Wahbiang". (Poor guys at BLUE, they were the "Official BBQ Workers" for the night"…For once, the Wahbiang people need not to bother with the dirty tasks)

 
Lucky for both Felicia and myself – we kinda have a whole bedroom to ourselves. (See, this is the kind of special "VIP" treatment when you bring a baby around). We have the privacy, a nice air-con bedroom and lots of space to unload our barang barang. And when I woke up this morning at 8am, I am surrounded (not only my baby and wife)… I found myself sleeping with 3 other pretty ladies in the same bedroom with me. I bet Yixi is green with envy again.
 
No fancy programs – just chatting, BBQing, late-night mahjong (when Charlie became the sole winner), Tracy obsessed with her PSP (who dropped in at 12am), cake-cutting for Gareth, sexy Bettina in low cut, an almost-dued Karen, fatter Jimmy and "Ms Universe’s Fans – BLUE people".
 

In short, it is a good break for me…. and a great time to catch up with some old faces. For those who can’t join us – Jasbir, Nadirah, Doreen, Hovman, Francis Goh, Mannc, Lucia, Yixi and Meijie – I am leaving you guys some nice shots.. Enjoy!
 

Filed under Wahbiang

The debut of “CHubby Joe” Comic-Strip

April 12, 2006 3 Comments

Just got my new cartoon mascot "Chubby Joe" 2 days ago…and I am getting so excited about it. As usual, I am thinking of doing wild things with "it"… (too bad, I dun have any Barbie Dolls to play with "Chubby").
 
Why "Chubby Joe"? I dun know…I dun think I am chubby at all… Tracy did the illustration and got the maker to produce this one-and-only doll. Except for the tummy, everything on it is so "Joe" – The famous blue-tint glasses, the left mole on my brow, my corporate attire and my spikey hairdo.. The body shape is surely funny…too fat, you know… Okay, must show you guys my 6 packs one day.
 

So, what should I do with "Chubby"…? No no no… not for Elkan… he will tear it apart.. Not for Joanne either, she will turn it into a voodoo doll. Not for Tracy too…she will soak him in water "accidentally" – worst, red wine.
For Felicia? Er… no… She will put "Chubby"  under her blouse everyday…Haaaa.. Not for Kalinda too.. she will make "Chubby" go nude-tanning with her!  
 

I think I will make "Chubby" a super blogstar! Call it the 1st star in BloggyWood. So, here is his debut comic strips…enjoy!  (Please give me some comments!)


Filed under Cool Stuffs

5th May – It is Official

April 8, 2006 3 Comments


The official date has just been confirmed. Come 5th May 2006, I will be flying off to Shanghai for my new attachment.
 
Many have came to ask me so many questions – why the quick and firm decision to go. I am 100% sure about the potential of this move. But I just not 100% sure about the impact I caused due to my sole decision. Honestly, it took me less than 24 hours to make that decision to go. It isn’t a very difficult decision to make. Shanghai is certanly "the place" to be in – China has been opening and growing since mid-1990s. In fact, I would like to be there to witness China’s golden era of economic thrusts. From now till 2010, there are so many things to witness and learn.
 
What’s difficult is leaving my attachments behind… my fellowship at Caffeine Group, my lovely 2 girls, my cozy home, my pet Jaja, my parents, my Wahbiang friends and most importantly, bobo and elkan. The last 2 weeks were bad and heavy-hearted for me. I began to feel the impact of the new reality. The changes around me were emotionally drastic.  I never know my sole decision can affect so many things around me.
 
Will I look back and undo my decision? No, I am 100% sure of that. Is it worth to leave all these attachments behind for a personal gain? Not at all, it is a totally selfish act. Is it for fame, money or status? None of the 3 – I just need an adventure. To explore my limits. Nothing else.
 
Like a pebble hitting still water, I started seeing the ripple-effects. So many questions on my head… I really have no idea how to face them or answer them. Things in office and my personal life are moving too fast. I have no time to ponder and procrastinate. Just want to go along with the flow (of the new events) and let the answers surface themselves.
 
Did I leave a mess behind? NO, I left a legacy.  In fact, I had everything perfectly in place before my departure. My business, my family…they are all in place.
 
So, the next questions are "how long" and "how far"? These are the only 2 questions I am very eager to find out. Certainly not "how much" and "how to".  
 
Will there ever be regret? Yes….. if I leave Elkan behind.
 

Filed under Jo's Thoughts