Friendship blossomed.. at Nanba Osaka

Last Saturday on 18th November i had a chance of spending my usually deadening weekend at Nanba, a central attraction spot in the city of Osaka.
It turned out to be a very engrossing event since i came back to stay here in Japan. My best kudos is dedicated to Takahashi-san, my colleague at Parts Center DMC, his wife Kyoko-san and their vibrant, amicable and beautiful fellow friend Tanaka-san.

Takahashi-san expressly drove all the way alone from his home at Osaka to fetch my buddy Wan-san and myself at 11 am sharp in front of Okaba-eki which would be approximately 1 hour travel distance by car.

Nanba is apparently a very happening and vibrant town. As we walked along to the spot where Takahashi-san and his wife Kyoko-san had promised before as a place to assemble, i noticed there were a lot of tourist both locals and foreigners striding here and there while taking some pictures at the memorial spots as a symbols and signs of Osaka.

After introduction session, we had our lunch at one of underground restaurant there. The main menu was of course...what else if not Okonomi yaki..Yess Okonomi yaki is Osaka illustrious and highly notable food beside Takoyaki..and the Okonomi yaki that we had in Nanba is the best i ever had..さすが高橋さん。。めっちゃ　うっめめめえいいいいいいい　ほんまに。。

Then after an hour of lunch..we Tanaka-san led us to take a walk around Nanba..Luckily Takahasi-san brought along his camera hence we could snap 3 pieces of memorable photos.

From L-R: Me, Wan-san, Tanaka-san and Kyouko-san in front of the drumming boy. これは難波での写真スポットのひとつだにゃゃ～

Yeah guys, should you had an opportunity coming to Osaka..these 3 spots are a must for taking memorable pictures at Osaka whilst they would be a prove that you have came to Osaka. One is a boy doll playing drum..2nd is the big crab replica and 3rd one is on the Nanba-hashi with the Glico man athelete's running image as your background.

Tanaka-san seems to be very eligible as a tour guide..hehe..She guided us all the way around the street of Nanba town while explaining the related matters in details. Well for the time being she is happy with her carrier now as an OL. She is still available you know..and can speaks italian as well.. buno..buno..

On Nanba-bashi with Takahashi-san on my left hand side and the Glico billboard at the back. This bridge used to be a jumping- into- river spot for the diehard fan of Hanshin Tigers baseball team everytime the team won the championship title. But now the action is strictly prohibited as there was a case of people died after jumping off the bridge thus the authority had erected glass wall in order to preventing such action

Then we had our dessert and tea course at one of prominently french pastry / cakes restaurant..haha here i had an opportunity of being served by the french maid..really. There were hundreds varieties of delicious cakes and tea..that for sure make your head spinning of not knowing which one you should have...as all looks very yummy...at least that was what happen to me then. While having our cakes and tea..we talked and discussed about a lot of things very pationately..we talked about men, women, love affairs, cultures, religions, works, languages, entertainment, Japanese jokes many more..Takahashi-san currently is attending English language class and Tanaka-san is studying Italiano..Yet, Tanaka-san also happen to speak a bit Malay as her sister ever been in Indonesia for a few years before.

I really enjoyed the talking session as we changed our opinions and sometimes we broke out laughing loud as somebody talked about funny things...hahaha..i really missed that moment..We were so open-minded as even the sensitive parts were nothing to cautious about and everybody acted as a real lady and gentleman.

Ahhh yes once again i really really missed that moment..it was so professional yet cordial, amiable and compassionate gathering on that evening. I reckon that we sat there in the restaurant almost 3 and half hours..hahaha

Absolutely Takahashi-san, Kyoko-san and Tanaka-san are very wonderful people and i vehemently proud of they coming to share some spaces in the chapter of my life...Kudos a lot to three of you great people..You have proven that differences of race and religion is not a barrier to fabulous friendship..Till the time comes again..またいつかね。。

以上です。

What an arduous week

"It's been a hard days night..i've been working like a dog. It's been a hard days night..i should be sleeping like a lord.." This phrase of Beatles song is just nice to indicate how i have been through in this one week.

What an arduous weekdays for me when i reckon i never work as hard as this week. I bet you almost everyday in this week i did overtime. The less was half an hour hahah..the most was 3 hours..well not bad for the rookie who is looking for the extra pocket money..hihi.

Today i logged out at 7 pm and tonight is the night to pampering myself after the extra hard works. 久々にミスタードーナットで４個ドーナットを買に行った。うっめめいい。。It is better when you pair it with the hot chocolate drink..aaahhh..

Whatever, this weekend is time for indulgence..rejuvenate..and refreshing. Next week is another chapter in my life to come. Oh yup..not to forget that Perodua Manufacturing staffs are coming for training in one whole next week. I got one full day session to give a class and presentation pertaining Parts Supply Control..Huhu hopefully there is no more hectic day.

Ok that's all for tonight..i'll come back tomorrow with special story of spending my day at Nanba Osaka last weekend..yeahh..tonight i need an extra large of good sleep haha.."I should be sleeping like a lord.." Yeahh heck no..i should be sleeping like a bloody lord..Choww!!

以上です。

I can't get you anything...but Gatsby..gatsby..

Hai folks,

I don't really know why, but since i watched this song have been played in one of the Japanese CM acted by the illustrious SMAP member Kimutaku..i really fond on it and get seduced by it intensely.

It's just meet my appetite on music haha..Actually the song was popularized in 70's by one of the best Soul/Funky group ever The Stylistics. The original song titled Can't give you anything but my love. In japanese it was translated to be 愛がすべて..

Here you could watch two versions of it..one presented by GATSBY CM..haha..Kimutaku looked cool and so kawaii in the CM..gaya ala2 manja gitu..aku taula kalau awek2 tengok mesti..いやんん～かっこいいいって。。Boleh layan Kimutaku main2 rambut sambil jeling2 manja..kahkahkah..Alaah aku masa kecik dulu pon suka main rambut gak..Kira lebih kurang macam Kimutaku gakla aku ni kan..

Another one is presented by The Stylistics. I really love this song and it's sort of cheer you up..revitalizing and make your day seems wonderful. This song really get my heart wuhahaha..After all The Stylistics performed it just purrrfectlyyy. I suggest all the girls out there to really understand the meaningful lyrics...as that's also my message to all of ya..haha.

Ok guys..turn on your speaker..GET IT LOUD and ready to shake your body..It's DisCo Magic time..I can give you Gatsby..gatsby..gatsby..

New Generation

Gatsby CM Featuring Kimutaku

Old Generation

Can't get you anything Featuring The Stylistics

And i absolutely prefer the old one haha..hmm well ya know..I am the OLDIES..yeehaww

Besto Regardo,

以上です。

A peep to the world from my small window screen.

Hi folks,

Wow it's been quite a several days since my last update. Well i got a lot of things to catch up with lately. Hence i had to stay back at office for couple of hours more...biasa la claim OT..残業 beb haha..Barula naik saham sket.

I got up from sleep in the blue this Saturday cloudy rainy morning..The weather today seems to understand my state of sluggish mood. Perhaps that's due to much of works or perhaps caused by a lot of grief and despair news recently..

Come to our astonishment at first was the much publicized news at Malaysia pertaining the bloody tragic death of Mongolian France-trained model, Attantuya. It was believed the helpless victim shot dead before her body was blown up with several grenades by some of Malaysian top and elite squad officer. The prime suspect behind all the plot is said to be one of Malaysian illustrious VIP political and defence analyst..Abdul Razak Baginda. Some sources highlighted that the victim and suspect were having an affair. Hmmm a lot of controversial and sensational of hidden facts have been brought out to mess up the air by the medias.

I still remember watching his appearance in TV few times whether as a host in a forum, intellectually discussion oriented program or a commentator in some other high profile programs. He also well known as a writer who actively contributes his opinion & ideas in M'sia prime newspaper and has been producing a lot of books.

A Kings College London University graduated and in the process of completing his PHD at Oxford University acts as Executive Director in one of Malaysia think tank research institute. It is said that he also having a very strong connection and relation with Malaysia top politicians and powerful VVIPs.

Well as the case is under investigations by Malaysian authority, i don't want to exaggerate my comment so far...hehe anyhow that's becoming a trend nowadays as should any comment is sought after somebody even the PM against any controversial case while under investigation..The only reply we could get is..Saya tak dapat nak komen sebab kes nih masih di bawah siasatan polis..huhu.

Whatever..there gone one of MALAYsian astute, debonair, urbane and eloquent with towering personality guy..a dream of our Pak Lah. One point that itches my head is how disastrous it could be when a defence analyst takes his action..Kaboom..hancur punah ranah tulang daging semua berkecai...wow!! That's a Malaysian defence and political advisor..Even some said Abdul Razak Baginda is a speech writer to Malaysia 2nd man in government..

Second news is about Azhar Mansor, the Malaysian Poppye. It created a havoc in Malaysia when one SMS has been spreden out so fast like shit by claiming Azhar Mansor who has been an apostle, led one event at a church in Ipoh to baptise 600 malay students from one college..A lot of curious here when why should Perlis MB Shahidan Kassim and Perlis Mufti have to assure and talk on behalf of Azhar Mansor regarding his faith in Islam when Azhar Mansor himself apparently can emphasize to the world that he is a Muslim (Yet he never answered)while being asked continuosly by reporters. What i want to stress here is THAT if you a Muslim..and you are still a muslim, then it's a damn fucking bloody simple thing to just tell the world that you are a muslim. Why.. are you afraid or timid of confessing that you are a muslim..Dammit mann!! What the hell is wrong with you..In my long life experience, i never met any Muslim in this world who decline to stress out that he or she is a Muslim, yet with full high dignity and even dare to die every Muslim would be and should be proud to tell others that he/she is a muslim when be queried upon..The reason of somebody would manipulate and counterback his statement if he confessed to the medias, is irrelevent while on the other hand it will clear up the air and all the rumours faster then ever.

However i vehemently hope that Azhar Mansor is still a muslim and he never be not. As a muslim we shall never have a thinking and happy of letting other muslim leave Islam. Furthermore it's a serious severe sin should we accuse somebody do a thing when he do not.

The only great and happy news is Republican have lost their power in American congress to Democrat..Many said this is a hard slap toward Bush's face and a powerful kick at Bush's ass as the people of US veer their support to Democrat. Congress is a powerful entity in determining the US national and foreign policy which undisputedly has big influence and impact on global community. Donald Rumsfeld, the architect behind US invasion who demolished and pulverised Iraq, had resigned a days after Republican defeat.

So far i couldn't foresee what changes would Democrat bring should they governed the US. Whether it will be better or worse? Whether it could make the world free from war to a safe place to live in? Whether it could light up the truce and understanding between Western and Muslim nations and wash up all the stinky shitty hatred that had been sparked by US under Bush administration? also i don't know.
But the significant lesson we should memorize is that all the disastrous and loss of tens of thousands of precious helpless life; clean innocent children, women, mothers, old folks and great youngsters, created and destroyed by the US under Bush administration never ever could be brought back..

Ohh god i apparently need same therapy..my head is circulating..
Hehe at least this hot chocolate drink and the soothing soul musics make me feel good..

Besto Regardo,

以上です。

Catching Up with...: A man, his bikes and his great generosity

A very good reading material indeed. Getting know a man who was once the richest in Penang and even now his legacy keeps piling up.
05 Nov 2006, New Sunday Times
He was a man who landed in Malaysia penniless, but left behind a legacy — besides a huge fortune. LEE KENG FATT talks to family and friends of "Mr Honda" Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew who remember only too well how he touched their lives.

HE came in a small boat on a perilous month-long voyage from China with his mother, younger brother and a cousin in 1929.

He was penniless, illiterate and 13 years old.

But in time, Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew would walk the streets with the rich and powerful.

Starting as an apprentice motor mechanic, he became the richest man in Penang through sheer hardwork and, as some say, great foresight and conviction.

It was his uncanny business instinct that made him what he was — the "King of Motorbikes", "Mr Honda" and later, a philanthropist.

That’s how Boon Siew is known to all and sundry — the man who obtained the Honda dealership from Japan.


Enterprising as he ever was, Boon Siew went on to set up a string of businesses through his investment company, Oriental Holdings.

He had diversified interests in the manufacture and sale of Honda vehicles, manufacture of automotive parts, property development and hotels, locally and in Australia and New Zealand.

There is no doubting that the illustrious Boon Siew, who died in his sleep at the age of 79 in February 1995, is very much a legend.

People still remember him fondly, says Raymond Flower, who co-authored the biography, Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew — The Life and Times of a Fire Dragon, with Winston Lim.

The book, published in both English and Mandarin, will be launched at Boon Siew’s Bayview Hotel George Town by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas on Thursday.

The biography, based on interviews with his family, close friends and business associates, presents an overview of Boon Siew’s early struggles and his professional achievements.

It includes his earliest days as a sinkhek (new guest) in Penang, his initial business ventures, the years of the Japanese occupation, the beginning of the Boon Siew group of companies, the story of Honda Motor in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

The book also touches on the growth of Oriental Holdings, the revitalisation of the newspapers Kwong Wah Yit Poh and the Star, the story of Bayview International and his contributions to charity and the building of Lam Wah Ee Hospital.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in his message in the book, wrote: "Boon Siew was a real friend to Malaysians from all communities, not just because of his many contributions in cash and kind, but in his deeds as well.

"He never treated people differently because they were rich or poor, came from other ethnic communities or had more or less potential.

"This book comes at an opportune moment to refresh our memories of Boon Siew and the inspirational tale of his triumph over seemingly impossible obstacles.

"It also serves as a timely reminder to younger Malaysians that there are no substitutes for hard work, perseverance and the caring attitude that made our nation what it is today."

Boon Siew’s second daughter, Datuk Loh Cheng Yean, said it took her two years to compile the book with Flower and Lim.

"It was my idea to come out with the book as I wanted to keep my father’s memories alive," she said in a telephone interview from Singapore.

Flower is no stranger to Penang, having stayed on the island for 16 years.

"I asked whether it was okay and interesting to have a book on my father and Flower replied ‘absolutely’!

"I realised my father must have encountered numerous people in the course of his life, but I never imagined people would still want to talk about him after all these years.

"In fact, collaborating on this biography has brought back so many memories.

"But the one thing that will always characterise my recollections of my father is that, in his later years, family and good friends were most important to him, not his business, not money or social status.

"He was always reminding us that in life one must be charitable and help those who are less fortunate, and that is why we set up a charity in his name to help fund education for students."

Such was his reputation as a man of the people that even gangsters and kidnappers — who were very active a few decades ago — had a healthy respect for him.

"He did not need a team of heavily armed bodyguards trailing him," says Chinese physician Lee Hack Teik, who used to work at the Lam Wah Ee Hospital, which Boon Siew helped establish.

"The gangsters knew him too well not to harm him."

Except for an attempted extortion by a group of gangsters from out of town, he never felt threatened.



But there was this humorous episode with a bank that thought that it knew Boon Siew too well — it rejected a cheque issued by Boon Siew because the signature was ‘forged’.

"Boon Siew used to sign his cheques in Chinese characters, bearing his full name," Lee remembers.

"His surname Loh has a ‘horse’ character in it, but having no formal education, Boon Siew struggled to sign his name and ended up scribbling the ‘horse’ character without its four legs which became his trademark signature."

He realised later on that the four legs were missing and duly corrected it when he issued his next cheque only for it to be rejected by the bank.

"From then on, he decided to keep his original signature," says Lee, now the Pengkalan Kota state assemblyman.

Boon Siew was a thrifty man, but he never hesitated to help others in need.

"Yes, when I was a recreation manager at Bayview Beach Resort then, I injured my back badly while on duty," said Winston Lim.

"For two weeks, it was touch and go whether I’d walk again and I was advised to have an operation on my spine.

"I couldn’t afford it. The general manager informed Boon Siew who said he would pay for the whole treatment if necessary.

"I was flabbergasted. I’d grown up in Penang hearing stories about his generosity but never imagined that I’d experience it."

Life was no bed of roses for Boon Siew when he arrived in Penang, having to sleep in filthy stage buses every night at the riverside of Prangin Road and squatting by the roadside, eating plain porridge and salted vegetables.

He persevered, and from cleaning buses he eventually owned a fleet of them through the now defunct Penang Yellow Bus Company.

But the most interesting episode must surely be how Boon Siew obtained the Honda dealership.

He was on holiday in Osaka with friends from Penang and Taiwan when he saw a young man riding a Honda motorcycle.

He bought 12 of them — Honda Dreams, Cubs and Benlys — and shipped them back to Penang.

From selling the first 12, Boon Siew went on to sell 20, then 50 and 100 machines and eventually to become the sole distributor for Honda motorcycles in Malaysia.

Boon Siew had six children — four girls and two boys. His marriage to Oh Guat Sim gave him his first daughter, and his marriage with Ong Lay Wah blessed them with the rest.

He appointed all his daughters as directors when he formed Boon Siew Sdn Bhd in 1957 as he believed that they should all have a fair share of the family fortune and, later on, his sons-in-law as well.

Neither did he forget his best friends whose children he also brought into his group of companies.

Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid was one of them.

"Boon Siew acted as my mentor in many ways," says Syed Mohamad.

"I used to call him Ah Pek, a fatherly figure so to speak. Working for him, I learned so much, especially about dealing with life’s unexpected blows and about leadership, integrity and ethics.

"He may have gone for so many years now, but I always feel like he is still around… continuously giving me guidance."

Datuk Oon Choo Khye, the former managing director of Kwong Wah Yit Poh, also remembers Boon Siew fondly.

"I shall always regard Boon Siew as my mentor. He taught me not only about running a business but also how to manage talented people successfully."

One contribution to the people of Penang, which also involved a lot of other citizens, was the establishment of the Lam Wah Ee Hospital.

It is a hospital where no one would be refused treatment for lack of money.

Boon Siew matched ringgit- for-ringgit the RM10 million that the public raised for the establishment of the hospital.

以上です。