After saying ‘no’ to several buka puasa events, I finally went to two functions last week.
The first was on April 20, with Sisters in Islam, which launched the Telenisa Statistics and Findings 2021 booklet. Telenisa is a free legal aid clinic by the non-governmental organisation.
Last Saturday, Astro organised a buka puasa cum viewing party for the Arsenal-Manchester United football match.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had said ‘no’ to several buka puasa events – even when we were allowed to have them. The only one I attended was the one organised by KL Kopites – the Official Supporters Club of Liverpool – nearly a year ago.
Attending the two functions allowed me to meet old friends and colleagues, some of whom I had not met since before the pandemic.
It was amazing to see how much had changed, and with face masks, I had trouble recognising some of my old colleagues.
A couple of friends among the Arsenal and Manchester United supporters – guests at the viewing party – almost did not recognise me.
I, for one, have grown bigger, and now sport a man bun, when it was always a ‘No. 2’ haircut. It was a delight to catch up, and it’s something I plan to do more often, but not without safeguards.
The number of cases may be falling, but I will continue to wear face masks and maintain my distance.
There were several give-aways during the viewing party, the main prize was a signed Marcus Rashford jersey.
Another thing I enjoy about these events is the ‘rendang tok’ – my favourite version of this delicacy – and satay. If these two are on the menu, I will not look at the other dishes!
For the coming Hari Raya holidays, the home minister and I plan to make some rendang tok – that will probably give us a few days of heavenly bliss.
While I have broken my ‘fast’ of attending buka puasa events, I have yet to visit a Ramadan bazaar, as most are overly crowded.
What I miss most about the bazaars is the ayam percik, but despite trying so many through the years, nothing compares to the one I had while growing up in Seremban.
Not only was the chicken hearty, but the ‘kuah’ (gravy) was so thick and flavourful.
Those travelling for the holidays, please keep your eyes on the road. Take a break if you feel tired, and have a great Hari Raya.
NUMBER OF NEW CASES TUMBLE DRASTICALLY
There were ‘only’ 24,454 new Covid-19 cases in the past week, nearly half from a week ago when there were 48,746 infections.
That is good news for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations. However, while the standard operating procedures have loosened, please do your part in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
As it stands, Malaysia has 4,445,897 cases.
The number of deaths fell to 60, bringing the total to 35,542.
On the recovery front, 59,503 patients were cured of Covid-19, meaning 4,360,061 people have beaten the virus.
Worldwide, there are 512,931,247 cases, and 6,259,348 fatalities.
DISNEY+ IS NOW ON THE ASTRO ULTRA BOX
Just in time for next month’s premiere of ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ comes news that Disney+ is now available on Astro’s Ultra Box.
The streaming service has been available to Astro’s movie subscribers since June 1, 2021, but only via a mobile application.
Astro said it would be on the box top by the end of last year. But it had to work out some technical issues before going ‘live’ on Thursday. Oh well, better late than never.
The Force is going to be with me from now on.
TUNNEL VISION
It has been ages since I took the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) motorway tunnel. Why is the word ‘tunnel’ repeated twice? Probably for the same reason people say, “ATM machine” despite it being the acronym for ‘automated teller machine’.
Although expensive, the tunnel saved me from enduring traffic jams on Wednesday and Saturday.
I observed several drivers exceeding the speed limit, and not all drivers turned on their headlights when inside the tunnel.
Worse of all, or maybe it was because my mobile phone is quite old, there was no service for long stretches, which can be tricky if you are totally dependent on the GPS and are about to reach the exit!
DELICIOUS HANDCRAFTED CAKES AND PASTRIES
If you are searching for some delicious handcrafted cakes and pastries, look no further than Salt and Batter.
A good friend, Seeths Nair, sent us a box of its ‘Mood Raya Sweetbox’ that consisted of heavenly gula Melaka, orange rose, peanut butter and jelly, cempedak mas, chocolate date, and princess pineapple.
Every single piece was scrumptious. Thank you.
SUASANA HARI RAYA
Hari Raya is just a few days away. Here is a song from Upin & Ipin that everyone can follow.
Have a safe celebration, folks.
