Reckless Optimism Vs Reckless Opportunists!

Too big a word! you might think. Of course if you think superficially and if it's from this ordinary Joe called "Sai Sai OK".

But it was from Daw Suu, A May Suu ( Mother Suu, lovingly addressed by most Myanmar Citizens) or Aung San Suu Kyi.

Her appearance at the World Economic Forum in Bangkok created much excitement than any other guests at the gathering. Every single word from her got full attention from all quarters and at the end of her speech, she's honoured with standing ovation. Her appearance and speech were anticipated at home and abroad and many netizens tuned in to hear what she's talking. I dare say we have never been so interested in or excited to watch and hear what our country's delegates talked at any world's forum or the likes. Or I would say, it is  like none of our business whoever represent Myanmar and whatever the representatives talked. Their attendants were not critical or their speeches ( I even doubt if there is any speech) are just too plain? It is even not in our thought who were constantly having to fight for daily food dosage. Over the years, we become total strangers to the world affairs and it was like Myanmar has nothing to do with the would out there. Stand alone and self-sufficient Myanmar.

To these days, certain quarters still blindly say no one would ever die out of starvation or hunger in Myanmar. For some obvious reasons, a lot of us have to swallow our own saliva to fill our thirst, smiled lifelessly, eyes in daze and looking away to gesture our agreement in silence. It is a bitter truth that 80 % of population are in dilemma but till now those who responsible and the company still said "NO".

Corruption is all-too-common that it associates with everyone and become a norm. Taking bribe is not a crime or it was a standard question to ask each other "How much under table money you receive in your department?"

It was sad when the bribery got involved in our livelihood from a very young tender age. Bribing the headmasters to get a place in a good school, bribing teachers to favour us in classes and the grades till you are graduated from universities.

Fresh grats? Bribe our ways through to get on a place that earn us a great deal of under tables.

What I am talking about  bribery here against reckless optimism you wonder? Because bribery is also becoming lawless and reckless. Just kidding! If you read Daw Suu's speech at the WEF she also said d that "We do not want investment to mean more possibilities for corruption".

Another word I like and agree with her is that "youth unemployment" is a time bomb. How long more and how the ruling party/the government is going to handle the mass unemployment or are they still thinking that is not the government problems if its' people are employed or got jobs to do to earn a living? To this date, Mind your own well-being!, is what all of us are doing.

Sometimes I felt funny about the debate or the answers from some immature quarters who blindly ignore the reality, the current situation and said how much had been done during the past 40 years or so. Really! I should be agitated but I felt funny from their tones! I don't mean the young are nuts but given their age and total life experience, reading knowledge is  the only thing they could say their best. No real life experience, no hardship that they gone through and yet barking at more tested comrades like seasoned Historians or Generals.

My classic example is that if a penniless man like me finger pointing at George Soros and shouting " Poor Man! Beggar.. " Will he feel sad or angry? He won't ! He will think I am insane or smile feeling funny instead.

Just don't turn the blind eyes for the sake of going against someone because you are being propagated to do so.

Mind you! Don't think of me belonging to the other camp. I am a free and independent individual so far and I am supporting anyone who could bring the country towards a free and fair, equal opportunity society. A full democracy country.

For me, I could say, my own country has no level playing field but a wide open field full of reckless opportunists. For the majority lots or the commoners, wait... till then...

Dear All Friends,

My personal invitation to all of you. Once again, Singapore Shan Family is presenting one the best events (Myanmar related events). As usual, you will be hosted with best culture show, live concert with popular artists, Shan traditional dances & fashion show and many more. And just look at the photo. Our background with actual seating. You are assured of non-stop best entertainment and comfort. First and foremost, I would like to say with a very big and bold "THANK YOU" for all your past support and hope for your support again this year! Without you, how best our efforts even with all the best programmes and our warn welcome, SHAN NEW YEAR (SINGAPORE) will not be as successful as it is today. So your attendance is IMPORTANT! Be our guests and you will feel relaxing, entertaining, warm and best of all , having a chance to catch up with old and new long-time-no-see friends and having a time together. For tickets, contact me thorough this email or call me @ 9177 4597. Or get in touch with your nearest SHAN friends. We will be most happy to send you the tickets. Remember! our SHAN NEW YEAR is a sold-out event every year. Your comfort and convenience is our concerns and so we book the Kreta Ayer People Theatre that boasts comfortable seats and it's air-conditioned. And it's just a 10 minutes walk from Outram Park MRT. For location and direction, please visit SHAN NEW YEAR 2011 (SINGAPORE) facebook and KAPT website at the following links, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shan-New-Year-2011-SINGAPORE/219980474715499 http://www.kapt.com.sg/site/location Warmest welcome & regards, saisaiOK

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

Hello! Good day everyone!

What do I wish for the very NEW YEAR?

Worldly harmony & peace, I won't say it though I wish it every second. It's too much a thing for me to think that big to take on world affairs.

I just wish to see my mother land, the one and only Myanmar to prosper and stand up to greet the world " Hello! This is Myanmar calling!"

Till then! wishing everyone health, wealth and may all your dreams come true!

SHAN HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009, SINGAPORE

In the very evening of 14th November 2009, with the rhythmic beats of Shan Tradtional Drums, gongs & cymbals, Singapore Shan Family's Shan New Year Ceremony received a standing ovation at the end of the concert no less. And you know I am not exaggarating.

The sight of beautiful multi-coloured traditional costumes, magnificent stage background , modern musical instruments as well as complete set of Shan traditional long-tailed drum, short-tailed drum, gongs, cymbals proved the hard works and dedication of the oganizing Shan Family & its youth. Imagining thier their efforts and commitments to make this event happened, I could feel tears of joy welled up in my eyes

If the audience know how hard their friends worked, how they argued and brainstormed to minimize any shortcoming of any aspects to perfect everything from entertaining, reception and food.. you might think nothing of world-class -act like Madonna's international tours. She has the whole entourage of Backup Singers, Makeup artists with world class logistic service provider like DHL to carry the best equipment.

Giving limited resources such as man power and supports that the organizing team has, I could say superb guys! We did equally well like a world super star.

You might want to think it is sort of self-glorification as I am one who involved in this grand event! Nah! not at all. Nor I am trying to defend sort of critics! To my knowledge, all I heard were so encourging (could be out of courtesy though quite impossible). What some kind souls crafted in words "How hectic the life in this City State to get by and never did we expect you guys could organize such a near-perfect show"...Of course there are some who wouldn't agree. hmmm.... Anyway! Thank you everyone..

To my fellow brothers and sisters who put down their hearts and souls in making this event happened, I am registering my appreciation from my humble blog here from the bottom of my heart. My involvement is negligeable compared to yours. I heard you from my ears! I saw you from my very eyes! I Know how dedicated and committed you guys are! Even in our mother land with many hands and supports, it's hard to make a well-organized like what we just did....like in the lyrics in those songs.....You know...and I .................know...

Keep harping on and on? Yup and still not enough I think. Exhausted from full-time jobs and still meeting up after work to iron out things. Instead of having a good rest on weekends, you gys practising dance steps, sewing, cutting and bla bla..to make a beautiful background just to name a few? " I felt great and relaxed that the show's over successfully and seeing all participants enjoyed themselves"..... " But you know, I felt sad knowing our show is ending"....When I heard them from a sister who's playing intrumental roles..Imagine how I felt...... speechless..sigh!

And in order not to make the audience uneasy, I will leave out how hard to deal with those so-called superstar! Gosh!!


Guys! our great grands, grands and our Paw (father), Mae ( Mother) , beloved pals who left behind in our homeland, highland the great, would be very proud of us knowing we are keeping our tradition and heritage alive and celebrating far and away from home.


And we are sure they are longing for us celebrating this same new year on its actual day on 17th Nov, 2009. Ain't we?


And thanks to those my lovely friends who bought tickets from me just to show your supports to me, to us, to Singapore Shan family knowing that you are on duty and won't be able to make it to the event! Love you guys!
The stated starting time was 5 PM. But we started receiving our guests as early as 3:30 PM. We rolled up our sleeves and ran up and down the stage. Receving our guest, ushered them to their places. Asking for pardons and runring back to check if things are in order and finally we changed into our traditional Shan costumes. Feel good. Look good and ready for the reception.


The weather was cooling with grey clouds as if it was being sent over from our mountainous homeland. It was such a sight so delightful seeing our guests and friends alike mingling, smiling and talking relaxingly while eating.So unpretentious!

But then, we had to run up to stage and tell our friends that we still have many more for the night. Drumming up our traditional instruments, telling them the history of our celebration so far, we started off with a group song to commenmorate the night celebration.


It is said that Shan are travel-bug and we are all around the places. Long before globalization become a buzzword, we can be seen around the globe. Ahe! I am not so sure how and about it so I wont be elaborating further. Let me just say what we presented during our concert.

We had the traditional dance of Tai PHAKE, who make their home in and around India and the border. And well-known and well-documented Sip Saung Pan Nar Shan who can be seen in Lao, Thailand, China and at the edge of Myanmar.I will tell you more about them if there is a chance in near future.










The soothing and engaging performance of our very own Even Green Sai Saing Mao & beloved wife Ju Jue and L Sine Z is also something to talk about and marked the night memorable. The overall programme ended one hour later than EFT (Expected Finishng Time) but no one's comlaining! In fact, it was hard to bid goodbye interpretting the expression of our distinguished guests and friends. Thier eyes were telling! " The Night is still young".


We will be missing you and remembering your participation. With Unpretentious Shan greeting. " See you again and again many more years to come" Till then........ take care!

(photo credit goes to taisingapore, tza & Ko Win Sein)

SHAN NEW YEAR 2009, SINGAPORE

This is about time...the din and the rhythm.. the beat...of Shan drums and the dance are heard and seen all over the Shan State in Myanmar....း..

Thinking of it... I really miss my childhood days... my native Shan Plateau....my home country.. everything...

Huuuuu!! it's been a good 2 decades I have been far and away from the tune of Shan Long-tailed-drums, its' beats...

Ha..ha.... you are with me? feeling blue missing those days? Stop right there! Tell you something that would surely cheer you up guys! Tai (Shan) Singapore Family is putting up a great Festival for all of us... Be it you are a Shan who is here and far from our beloved Shan Land or be it you are someone not Shan but who has some fond memories associating with Shan...you are welcome....



Just a glance to the poster! You'll see the two well-known singers will be here with us ..Sai Saing Mao and Kachin beauty, L Sai Z... I overheard that the band members are having hard time practising the song lists sent by them... So just imagine...

And don't blame me that you are not being told ... Now I am telling you..you know how fun and enjoyable to dance with us fantabulously cool highlanders huh! I can even say that the dance is just Shan Version of Line Dance... It's the beat.. the harmony.. and the laughter...Some of you might not have experience before but ever heard about it and wanting to try to dance? This is the time! This is the chance... Shall we dance?

Do come on down and join us! Let's your hair down. I am inviting all of you on behalf of Tai(Shan) Singapore Family!



With 2 great performers, there are lots more of breath-taking Shan Traditional Dances lining up just for you. And you know what ! you won't be left starving.. we have specially prepared Shan food to go along with the exciting evening!
And with all these goodies, the ticket is just $30! Such a steal. Right!

It's not just all fun and but I personally think that It is a good opportunities for parents whose children are born and bred here. They could introduce and show their children about our heritage.. our culture..Not in a broad base but at least .. You could say! we have many tribes and groups in Myanmar .... Bla bla bla .. such as....and Shan is one!

So guys and friends, who stumble upon this post..... You are cordially invited! And tickets are available at the Myanmar Shops listed in the posters. Or if you need home delivery, do email me with the quantity of the tickets required and your contact.. My mail is,

seanm71@gmail.com


(Sample the dance with youtube clip)

MYANMAR THINGYAN 2009, SINGAPORE

It's almost the end of joyful April. Joyful April? You might link it to April Fool instantly I am sure..But No!

For a Myanmar Natioanal! Regardless of his or her religion or races..Everyone is fondly anticipating this Water Festival or Myanmar New Year or Thingyan FEstival in the month of April.

So I think I shoud say "in Myanmar Context" if I want to say Joyful April..

It's the most celebrated and the most anticipated festival in Myanmar.
I will not elaborate more about Thingyan here as there are thousand of blogs or web sites that talk about this festival.

Straingt to the point..I have great time every year till this age and as you can see even this waterless Thingyan was no less fun.

My dear friend Hkay Mar organized this waterless Thingyan Party @ NTU Alumni House, Singapore. As usual..No Beer ..No Hkay Mar.. Plenty of food...boozes...songs and dance..
The crowd, the venue or eveything was just falling in place nicely and we couldn't just stop the smile on our face till we called it a day.

This festivity's just one of the many Thingyan Parties in Singapore for the year 2009. Thanks to the Singapore economic boom and the gloom back home, ten of thhousands of Myanmar descended on this shore for the past few years.
There was a grand scale celebration at downtown Singapore with popular singers coming all the way from Myanmar.

There was a celebration at Sembawang Park. One at bla bla..you know many people organized and celebrated among their groups and close associates throughout Singapore. Imagine how fun it would be in Yangon..





Till then...... hope we can organize the same celebration at the same venue with more party-comers.

MALAYSIA..TRULY ASIA..

"TIMEOUT, Kuala Lumpur"

The year 2008 has been a good year for me so far and the holidays are like giving me the opportunities to travel for short escape from hectic metropolis, Singapore.

This time it's a 3days 2 nights trip to KL and Genting Highlands with my little friends Myat Phone and Myo. Initially, it was supposed to be a bus-load of people to go together. But closer to the date, one after another sent me texts to drop them off the list. Ironically or coincidentally, all sent me texts. None of them called. Aha! after that incident, I realize..yeah! sms or texting is such a very convenient communication channel to say something unpleasant things or denying things that is not in our favour. Phoning needs to talk and it's hard sometimes to speak out not-a-very-sounding reasons to opt out a plan. SMS can do away all embarrassments that you might have while talking it out on the phone. Anyway...I am what I am..even I am the only one left on the list, I will still go. aha..

As always, I am on the cloud nine as soon as I stepped out from my house to start off my holiday. Nothing could dampen my mood and there I was on the Super Luxury Coach singing away happy tunes.
It was a joyous moment travelling with Phone and Myo. As this trip is one of my many trips to Malaysia and automatically I am the leader of the band haha..and pointing away along the journey and telling them.. that is what...and there is that..exchanging banters with our funny tour guide.
I lost some money at Black Jack table in the casino owing to my greed. At first I was winning 3 thousand Ringgit and then when I left the casino I was 500 S$ poorer.

Well the 5-star Hotel Berjaya Times Square made good for all my loss. For whatever reasons, we got a chance to stay in suites at 42nd floor overseeing the downtown KL. Luxurious. A long soaks in the bath tub relaxed my tired body and the right-temperature setting air-conditioning put me through a sweet sleep.

It's not very good for 1st timer Phone and Myo as the weather was wet throughout our stay in KL. We met many Myanmar at every turns when we went shopping. We were served by fellow Myanmar at the Hong Kong Restaurant, from waiting staffs to the chef. Shop assistants to Masseur along Bukit Bintang. Practically, don't you worry if you don't speak malay nor English..just make your way to downtown KL and you could speak Burmese to venture and wander.

Wow...... I am now looking forwards a trip to Bangkok in January 2009 to meet my mom and my aunt. My mom will be visiting me in Chinese New Year 2009....Before bringing her here we will be touring Bangkok for a few days..Anyone wanna join? haha... no.. I am not accepting any booking this time. I know I will be getting the messages like...Bro... I am sorry.. I can't make it and bla bla bal... a hek!

Read my burmese entry at the following link... (ၿမန္မာလိုဖတ္ရန္)

http://simply9.blogspot.com

GOOD MORNING HO CHI MINH!

Hello Saigon..confusing you? A hek! Ho Chi Minh was once Saigon and still fondly used everywhere when we were there! From local beer brand to exclusive hotels..they named after Saigon!