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?
12 years away from home - Singapore. Writing my stories here for my lovely mum & dad, friends and most importantly, for my wife & son back home. A self-confessed gadget freak, a spontaneous prankster on the outside and a warm loving heart inside. Enjoying a happy life with loving families, friends plus a dream job. Realising mum’s motto – “Exceed Yourself Every Day”. Always believing that “Simplicity is Beauty”.
THE WAHBIANG BLOG 
Hi Natty:
I be there for quite a while. Nice to hear from you.. Do drop me an email when you are there.. 🙂
How’s things for you?
Hi David! Thanks for your wishes and goodluck! I need all that for my trip.
Big Joe, all thanks to Blogging that keeps me in touch with your activities. How long will you be staying in Shanghai? I might be doing a trip there in Q3 for a business conference. Hope to see you then.
Hey Joe,
thanks to Nadirah for telling me you are going to china. So i just wanted to wish you the best of luck while you are there. I guess you must be very very happy cuz youhave put on some weight!!! well good luck and take care my friend.
david baptista