BERNAS Raya TV Commercial 2012

It's been a while......

I'm sure most of you guys have watched this 'iklan raya BERNAS yang menyentuh hati, sedih tahap gaban, menginsafkan, mengundang air mata' etc:

Use the search function and you'll be able to read tonnes of reviews and feedback on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, websites, forums and blogs. I'd say this video has deeply touched everyone's heart, and most of us (the so-called 'macho' man included) shed our tears. Some take it as reminders to appreciate their parents while they're still alive, some value the friendship of the two special kids and some pissed off with the taxi driver. Perhaps the best Raya ad for 2012!

We are touched. So what? Our tears changed anything? Well, each and everyone of us can make a difference. Do you know that this video is a part of Bowls for Humanity program (so the name of the youtube channel)? You can find more details about the initiative here: Bowls for Humanity

Simply put, for every 10kg pack of BERNAS rice purchased nationwide, BERNAS will donate 25 grams of rice to feed the orphans. Some of the participating orphanages are Pusat Kebajikan Darul Najjah, Good Samaritan Homes (Christian House of Orphans, Selangor) and Sri Ramakrishna Ashram (complete list in the website). I purposely selected these 3 orphanages to show that this program is for all Malaysian orphans, regardless of religious belief.  Remember the heartwarming, touching story in BERNAS' CNY Family Reunion Dinner 'Sek Fan' earlier this year? That also part of the initiatives under Bowls for Humanity.

Throughout these years, PETRONAS has been known for producing some remarkable and memorable festive ads. With the demise of Yasmin Ahmad, personally I think they've 'lost' the magical touch. For a 'newcomer', I think BERNAS has done a tremendously good job. Nourishing the nation with both good quality rice and good quality soul food.

Kudos BERNAS! Keep the momentum going!

Priceless Moment(s) of the Day

Moment 1

I was riding south through motorbike lane of Jalan Duta Toll at 10.30am just now. Got JPJ roadblock. All 3 motorbikes in front of me were asked to stop aside. Funny or lucky enough, the officer just waved his hand and said from around 10 metres away, "Jalan" to me, with a smile. I didn't even hit the brakes, maintaining my cruising speed on 3rd gear. Spontaneously, I gestured back "Terima kasih bang!", waved my left hand and left the scene. Seriously, I gave the officer one big honest smile but I'm sure he can't see it because I was wearing MX helmet with goggle on. Only 2 possible reasons why I got such an uplifting treatment:

1. I was riding an MX/scrambler;
2. I am an ATGATT guy (helmet, goggle, armoured jacket, gloves, knee protectors). 

Both of this combination gave the officer a split second vivid glance impression that I am not a Mat Rempit, I cared for my safety and generally MX/scrambler riders are not troublemakers or lawbreakers, so he let me go.


Moment 2


At around 10.40am, I stopped at the Jalan Gurney traffic light (exit from DUKE). There was a guy, in his 40s, riding a GTS200 with his son in front (I think 5 years old or so) who stopped just beside me. His father told something to his son and pointed at me. His son smiled and gave a "peace" sign. I returned the gesture and he looked excited. His dad smiled too. Again, they can't see my smile. As the lights turned green, we sped off and both of them gave their thumbs up. Should be something related to the above reasons. Whatever they were, I felt good, great and proud!

I'm a born again biker

I got my driving licence in 1994. Passed both tests for B2 (motorcycle not more than 250cc) and D (motorcar not more than 3 tonne). During my uni time (1994-2000), motorbike was my main mode of transportation. I proudly rode my single digit number Honda C70 (given by my uncle) around Bangi and traveled all the way to Ampang/KL during weekends. After graduation, I got my first car and sent back the motorbike to my hometown. I haven't really rode a motorbike ever since.

Being a car driver in Klang Valley, getting stuck in the traffic jam is a daily routine. Getting worse every day. Our economy has been reasonably good since the last decade or two that more and more people can afford a car. More cars on the road, still the same old road lanes. From my house in Kota Damansara to office in Jalan Kia Peng, it's either I go out really early, say 5.30am - 6.30am (which I never do :p) or after 9.00am. That would almost guarantee a travelling time of 30-40 minutes (add 20 minutes or so in case of an accident or heavy rain). Any time in between those dawn and late hours would set you anything from 1 to 3 hours.

After office is worse. Going out at 5pm GMT is totally different than 5pm Malaysian time. The former will set me around 45 minutes or so, and the latter will guarantee a minimum of 1 hour with no definite time, depending on what lies ahead. Accidents and heavy rains would surely waste another hour or so. I've once experienced a good 4 hours for the same journey!

For me, such condition is taking a toll on my pocket and most importantly the quality time with my family. After assessing all the risks etc, I decided to be a biker again! Got my bike around 2 weeks ago. So far so good. Except that it's raining season in the evening now. Will update more on the bike soon.

Cheers!

Hazard lights

Here in Klang Valley, it's raining almost every afternoon. I've noticed for the longest time of my whole driving years that car drivers like to switch on the hazard lights (double signal lights) during heavy rains and/or low visibility. IIRC from the driving lessons that I was taught almost 20 years ago, those hazard lights must only be switched on when the vehicle is stationary, so as to warn other drivers that the car is not moving on that busy road or highway.

IMHO, turning hazard lights on during heavy rains and/or low visibility conditions are big NO NOs. It poses greater danger to others. Just switch on your headlamps and that will do.

Drive safe!

Happy Deepavali!

Our Hindu friends celebrated Deepavali yesterday. I feel bad for not being able to uphold the true spirit of muhibbah. I neither received any invitation for open house nor made my own effort to go to one. The truth is, I've lost all my Hindu friends' contact. Maybe I should make more Hindu friends.

Happy Deepavali nonetheless!

New blogger in the house!

Hello world!

I hope it is not too late for me to join the wonderful world of blogging. I look forward to share my thoughts with you. Stay tuned!