Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Counting of Blessings
It’s time to count my blessings again. The support from families, friends and associates has given me much strength and courage to tackle life’s daily challenges. At the same time, their love and concern have given me lots of laughter and hope during my moment of doubts. So, here with my young daughter - Carmen, my warm wishes and sincere thanks to all loved ones.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Orient Driveaway 2009 - Post-Event Party
The camaraderie continues when all participants of the Orient Driveaway 2009 gathered last evening at 39 Dunsfold Drive for a post-event party hosted by Mr and Mrs C T Koh. I was surprised that many came with special home-made fares and fine wine. Together with the sumptuous buffet spread provided by the host, all of us enjoyed the dinner amid the informal atmosphere.
After the dinner, everyone relaxed at the living area to view the slide show. This was followed by the prize presentation and the irresistible treat of top grade durians.
I had the chance to express my thanks to participants and helpers who had made the Driveaway a success. Here’s an extract of my speech together with the relevant pictures:
I met this guy (Rickson) when I was assisting Angie during last year’s Volvo Driveaway to Trengannu. Both of us have since exchanged e-mails regularly and he was disappointed to learn that S M Motors will not be organizing a road trip this year.In April this year, Rickson encouraged me to take ownership and organize a Driveaway for families and friends. When the inaugural event by BIG Rallye was announced, he responded promptly and even helped to bring in more entries. During the event, Rickson displayed a high level of sportsmanship and we also found him to be very talkative over the radio. Thus, it is highly appropriate to present Rickson (aka Car # 2) a pair of walkie-talkie so he could further hone his communication skill.
Cathryn and Peter (Car # 7) are my new friends and both of them did an earlier drive with me to Thailand during March this year. I suspect Cathryn had suffered withdrawal symptom from that trip and thereafter, like Rickson, she kept asking me for more of such drive events. On the other hand, she understands the commitments that I have for my ongoing watch business. Hence, she offered to do all administration work and related errands if I were to lead any future overland trip. That initiative has evidently resulted in this very memorable Driveaway.On behalf of everyone, would like to congratulate Cathryn for a job well done. Special thanks to Peter for helping me to look after the convoy and his commentary at the oil refineries in Kertih..
Johann Er (from Car # 6) has been doing business with my company for more than 25 years. He was among the early birds who signed up for the event. And I was really looking forward to my first social outing with Johann after this long time. But the much anticipated bonding took place in a very different form. During the trip, my son - Bingo, became very attracted to Johan’s 18 year-old daughter! And this new ‘couple’ struck off very quickly. By the time we arrived at Kijal, they were rehearsing their ‘wedding reception’! To maintain good relationship between the 2 families, Bingo will serve tea and present an ang-pow (containing Stamford Tyres voucher) to his future ‘father-in-law’.
Car # 3 is a Honda SUV carrying 2 lovely young couples (read honeymooners) – Andy and Katherine; Kok Seng and Vanessa. They were introduced to this event by Rickson. Their car was apparently very quick on down slope but would struggle to get uphill. On closer inspection on the size of their driver, one can get a better understanding. So here’s another Stamford Tyres voucher to the Most Outstanding Participant.
There was another car that was very quick on down slope but would struggle to get uphill or during overtaking. It was Car # 15, driven by another outstanding participant – Chew. The distinctive Berlingo, with its 1.4-litre engine, was the ‘baby’ of the convoy. Overall, I am pleased that both Chew and the car coped very well throughout our 1,800 km journey. For their hard work, the car gets complimentary car care products while Chew and his wife will be presented with a food hamper that includes lots of boosters and vitamin supplements.
For most sectors of our drive, the white Santa Fe doubled as Safety and Sweeper car. It was driven by our Medical Officer, Dr Tan Poh Heng. Although Poh Heng forgot to bring along the pregnancy test kit, I think he did a good job of looking after all of us and baby-sitting my children and nephew who were in the same car. I would like to thank Poh Heng for his multi-role contribution throughout our 4-day event.
CT Koh from Car # 10 enjoyed the drive so much that he kept asking me when he could sponsor the next event. I think his wife also enjoyed the event but in a very different manner. In the car, she was always busy applying sun-block. During our stops, she would buy so many things that Car # 8 and # 12 had to lend her some boot space. Fortunately, by the 3rd day, she finally stopped buying things. We would like to present Stamford Tyres voucher to CT Koh. And for Mrs Koh, we’ll provide some shopping bags and a very useful bottle of sun-block.
The passengers in Car # 1 were Alfred and Emily. They were invited on this trip because (a.) Alfred is always ready to buy drinks for friends and (b.) Emily’s vocal talent is as good as any professional singer. By now, I am sure all of you would agree with me on both points. And it would be unimaginable to do any future Driveaway without them on board. But for now, we will present Emily with a mike for the Best Singer Award.
Car # 5 read about our event in the papers and promptly signed up for the event. While they were in my office, the 2 men (Francis and Tony) were so eager to go but their wives (Sharon and Carrie) appeared apprehensive. However, as we partied together during the nights at Awana Kijal, I soon discovered that matured-looking adults can be rather playful too. Both Francis and Tony are voted the Best Entertainers for the event.
Angie (Car # 12) is not only a very good MC. She is a pioneer of Driveaway events – way before the handful of self-drive holiday companies were founded. She did Treasure Hunt rallies in the ‘80s and many luxury self-drive tours in the ‘90s. That explains the fine hotel arrangements and the lunch booking at Tanjung Jara that we enjoyed during the trip. And whoever engages Angie’s help, the photography services from Eddie comes free. I am fortunate and thankful for the support provided by Angie and Eddie.
The short-listed candidates for Best Dressed Car and Best Participant Award are Car # 8 and # 9. First, let’s look at Car # 8. To start off, the bulky Volvo station wagon is not a sexy car for dressing up. But Allan (aka Colonel) did an excellent job with the sticker placement and bubble-free installation.
But I was more impressed with his vast knowledge and explanation on the palm oil plantation. In addition, the Colonel’s ability to take on various impromptu roles lands him the Best Participant Award. Allan will be receiving more stickers so he could keep practicing his application skill. Thereafter, he will get his official prize - a set of SSW Sports Wheels. I must also add that throughout the event, Allan and his wife (Linda) have shown us how loving a couple can be.
Finally, some words about our very productive couple from Car # 9. To win the Best Dressed Car award, one had to do something extra. Other than placing the car stickers accordingly, Car # 9 added a S’pore flag on top of their sporty Golf GTi. Gary deserves special mention for combining family and long-distance driving in the same event. His petite wife (Bee Bee) has given birth to 2 young boys and Gary just confirmed that she is now carrying their 3rd child. Bee Bee will receive the top prize – an exclusive Orient mechanical watch. As for Gary , we’ll give him this pair of pants for his insistence that he is the undisputed head of the family.
After the dinner, everyone relaxed at the living area to view the slide show. This was followed by the prize presentation and the irresistible treat of top grade durians.
I had the chance to express my thanks to participants and helpers who had made the Driveaway a success. Here’s an extract of my speech together with the relevant pictures:
I met this guy (Rickson) when I was assisting Angie during last year’s Volvo Driveaway to Trengannu. Both of us have since exchanged e-mails regularly and he was disappointed to learn that S M Motors will not be organizing a road trip this year.In April this year, Rickson encouraged me to take ownership and organize a Driveaway for families and friends. When the inaugural event by BIG Rallye was announced, he responded promptly and even helped to bring in more entries. During the event, Rickson displayed a high level of sportsmanship and we also found him to be very talkative over the radio. Thus, it is highly appropriate to present Rickson (aka Car # 2) a pair of walkie-talkie so he could further hone his communication skill.
Cathryn and Peter (Car # 7) are my new friends and both of them did an earlier drive with me to Thailand during March this year. I suspect Cathryn had suffered withdrawal symptom from that trip and thereafter, like Rickson, she kept asking me for more of such drive events. On the other hand, she understands the commitments that I have for my ongoing watch business. Hence, she offered to do all administration work and related errands if I were to lead any future overland trip. That initiative has evidently resulted in this very memorable Driveaway.On behalf of everyone, would like to congratulate Cathryn for a job well done. Special thanks to Peter for helping me to look after the convoy and his commentary at the oil refineries in Kertih..
Johann Er (from Car # 6) has been doing business with my company for more than 25 years. He was among the early birds who signed up for the event. And I was really looking forward to my first social outing with Johann after this long time. But the much anticipated bonding took place in a very different form. During the trip, my son - Bingo, became very attracted to Johan’s 18 year-old daughter! And this new ‘couple’ struck off very quickly. By the time we arrived at Kijal, they were rehearsing their ‘wedding reception’! To maintain good relationship between the 2 families, Bingo will serve tea and present an ang-pow (containing Stamford Tyres voucher) to his future ‘father-in-law’.
Car # 3 is a Honda SUV carrying 2 lovely young couples (read honeymooners) – Andy and Katherine; Kok Seng and Vanessa. They were introduced to this event by Rickson. Their car was apparently very quick on down slope but would struggle to get uphill. On closer inspection on the size of their driver, one can get a better understanding. So here’s another Stamford Tyres voucher to the Most Outstanding Participant.
There was another car that was very quick on down slope but would struggle to get uphill or during overtaking. It was Car # 15, driven by another outstanding participant – Chew. The distinctive Berlingo, with its 1.4-litre engine, was the ‘baby’ of the convoy. Overall, I am pleased that both Chew and the car coped very well throughout our 1,800 km journey. For their hard work, the car gets complimentary car care products while Chew and his wife will be presented with a food hamper that includes lots of boosters and vitamin supplements.
For most sectors of our drive, the white Santa Fe doubled as Safety and Sweeper car. It was driven by our Medical Officer, Dr Tan Poh Heng. Although Poh Heng forgot to bring along the pregnancy test kit, I think he did a good job of looking after all of us and baby-sitting my children and nephew who were in the same car. I would like to thank Poh Heng for his multi-role contribution throughout our 4-day event.
CT Koh from Car # 10 enjoyed the drive so much that he kept asking me when he could sponsor the next event. I think his wife also enjoyed the event but in a very different manner. In the car, she was always busy applying sun-block. During our stops, she would buy so many things that Car # 8 and # 12 had to lend her some boot space. Fortunately, by the 3rd day, she finally stopped buying things. We would like to present Stamford Tyres voucher to CT Koh. And for Mrs Koh, we’ll provide some shopping bags and a very useful bottle of sun-block.
The passengers in Car # 1 were Alfred and Emily. They were invited on this trip because (a.) Alfred is always ready to buy drinks for friends and (b.) Emily’s vocal talent is as good as any professional singer. By now, I am sure all of you would agree with me on both points. And it would be unimaginable to do any future Driveaway without them on board. But for now, we will present Emily with a mike for the Best Singer Award.
Car # 5 read about our event in the papers and promptly signed up for the event. While they were in my office, the 2 men (Francis and Tony) were so eager to go but their wives (Sharon and Carrie) appeared apprehensive. However, as we partied together during the nights at Awana Kijal, I soon discovered that matured-looking adults can be rather playful too. Both Francis and Tony are voted the Best Entertainers for the event.
Angie (Car # 12) is not only a very good MC. She is a pioneer of Driveaway events – way before the handful of self-drive holiday companies were founded. She did Treasure Hunt rallies in the ‘80s and many luxury self-drive tours in the ‘90s. That explains the fine hotel arrangements and the lunch booking at Tanjung Jara that we enjoyed during the trip. And whoever engages Angie’s help, the photography services from Eddie comes free. I am fortunate and thankful for the support provided by Angie and Eddie.
The short-listed candidates for Best Dressed Car and Best Participant Award are Car # 8 and # 9. First, let’s look at Car # 8. To start off, the bulky Volvo station wagon is not a sexy car for dressing up. But Allan (aka Colonel) did an excellent job with the sticker placement and bubble-free installation.
But I was more impressed with his vast knowledge and explanation on the palm oil plantation. In addition, the Colonel’s ability to take on various impromptu roles lands him the Best Participant Award. Allan will be receiving more stickers so he could keep practicing his application skill. Thereafter, he will get his official prize - a set of SSW Sports Wheels. I must also add that throughout the event, Allan and his wife (Linda) have shown us how loving a couple can be.
Finally, some words about our very productive couple from Car # 9. To win the Best Dressed Car award, one had to do something extra. Other than placing the car stickers accordingly, Car # 9 added a S’pore flag on top of their sporty Golf GTi. Gary deserves special mention for combining family and long-distance driving in the same event. His petite wife (Bee Bee) has given birth to 2 young boys and Gary just confirmed that she is now carrying their 3rd child. Bee Bee will receive the top prize – an exclusive Orient mechanical watch. As for Gary , we’ll give him this pair of pants for his insistence that he is the undisputed head of the family.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Orient Driveaway 2009
This sign shows the date and venue of our pre-event briefing – kind courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board.
At the Auditorium, all participants were given official t-shirts, notes and lesson on proper radio communication procedure.
After a monotonous drive along the North-South Highway , the Simpang Pulai route towards Cameron Highlands proved a little more challenging. To end the day’s drive, good old-fashion English tea was served at this hilltop café.
The convoy spent the night at Equatorial Hotel.
We visited a strawberry farm the next morning. Farm owner, Mr Raju, was friendly and provided informative insight regarding farm practices and crop harvesting.
Obviously, some of us were more interested in tasting the freshly-picked fruits.
The convoy headed towards East via Gua Musang Highway . For those who have never been here, this die-die-must-drive world-class mountainous highway must surely be the highlight of the day.
Good old-fashion English tea was again served during our rest stop at Lake Kenyir Resort.
The participants had 8-course Chinese dinner and checked in at Awana Kijal.
On Day 3, during our lunch stop, the convoy had an impromptu walkabout tour at the award-winning Tanjung Jara Resort.
And we took the opportunity to pose for this group shot with the lead car (Hyundai Avante) and the sweeper car (Hyundai Santa Fe).
At Kuala Terengganu, we visited the traditional boat-making yard, …
…toured the historic Chinatown , …
..and stopped for durains!!
The evening ended after a night drive-thru cum commentary along the magnificent Kertih oil refineries.
By the last day, the teamwork within the convoy was so strong that the participants were looking after each other via the radios. This resulted in a safer and quicker over-taking procedure on those 2-way winding roads along the east coast. One of our last stops was the Turtle Sanctuary at Cherating Beach where some participants handled …
..and released little turtles to mother’s nature.
While we were driving home near Johore Bahru, Car # 9 ( Gary ) transmitted over the radio and broke the news that his wife (Bee Bee) could be expecting their 3rd child. Bee Bee must be commended for her endurance in coping with her early pregnancy, looking after 2 young boys and being Gary ’s co-driver over the 4-day / 1,800km journey in the not-so-comfortable Golf GTi. Well done, Bee!
Lastly, Car # 10 (CT Koh and wife from Heng Long Int’l Ltd - participants cum official partner of the event) brought cheers to the convoy. They invited all participants to their beautiful home for a post-event and durian party.
On behalf of BIG Rallye, I would like to thank all official partners and everyone in the convoy for making this ‘Driveaway that other Driveaways talk about’. Your support and encouragement will inspire us to provide more successful events.
Coming soon... story on Post-Event Party
At the Auditorium, all participants were given official t-shirts, notes and lesson on proper radio communication procedure.
Although the reporting time at Stamford Tyres head office on the morning of the departure was 0530 hours, we managed to flag off on schedule.
After a monotonous drive along the North-South Highway , the Simpang Pulai route towards Cameron Highlands proved a little more challenging. To end the day’s drive, good old-fashion English tea was served at this hilltop café.
The convoy spent the night at Equatorial Hotel.
We visited a strawberry farm the next morning. Farm owner, Mr Raju, was friendly and provided informative insight regarding farm practices and crop harvesting.
Obviously, some of us were more interested in tasting the freshly-picked fruits.
The convoy headed towards East via Gua Musang Highway . For those who have never been here, this die-die-must-drive world-class mountainous highway must surely be the highlight of the day.
Good old-fashion English tea was again served during our rest stop at Lake Kenyir Resort.
The participants had 8-course Chinese dinner and checked in at Awana Kijal.
On Day 3, during our lunch stop, the convoy had an impromptu walkabout tour at the award-winning Tanjung Jara Resort.
And we took the opportunity to pose for this group shot with the lead car (Hyundai Avante) and the sweeper car (Hyundai Santa Fe).
At Kuala Terengganu, we visited the traditional boat-making yard, …
…toured the historic Chinatown , …
..and stopped for durains!!
The evening ended after a night drive-thru cum commentary along the magnificent Kertih oil refineries.
By the last day, the teamwork within the convoy was so strong that the participants were looking after each other via the radios. This resulted in a safer and quicker over-taking procedure on those 2-way winding roads along the east coast. One of our last stops was the Turtle Sanctuary at Cherating Beach where some participants handled …
..and released little turtles to mother’s nature.
While we were driving home near Johore Bahru, Car # 9 ( Gary ) transmitted over the radio and broke the news that his wife (Bee Bee) could be expecting their 3rd child. Bee Bee must be commended for her endurance in coping with her early pregnancy, looking after 2 young boys and being Gary ’s co-driver over the 4-day / 1,800km journey in the not-so-comfortable Golf GTi. Well done, Bee!
Lastly, Car # 10 (CT Koh and wife from Heng Long Int’l Ltd - participants cum official partner of the event) brought cheers to the convoy. They invited all participants to their beautiful home for a post-event and durian party.
On behalf of BIG Rallye, I would like to thank all official partners and everyone in the convoy for making this ‘Driveaway that other Driveaways talk about’. Your support and encouragement will inspire us to provide more successful events.
Coming soon... story on Post-Event Party
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Going For Hat Trick
The China-Asean International Touring Assembly (CAITA) is organized by the Guangxi State Authority. Its event title may lead one to think that this is basically another overland expedition. In reality, it is akin to a lengthy military exercise that spares little room for error from man and his weapon. The participants are constantly tested on readiness, accuracy and endurance.
The Singapore team, having won the “Best Driver” and “Best Team” awards in previous years, is well respected by the host and other competitors from various Asean countries for its teamwork and efficiency. For the 3rd time, I am given the opportunity to lead the team in this year’s CAITA. With key members like Mr Tan Teng Lip (President, Singapore Motor Sports Association) and veteran racing driver, Mr William Lyou, our team is well positioned to defend our hard earned titles.
As the event will take place during the month of October, torrential rain during the seasonal North-east Monsoon can be expected in the Indo-China region.
The route will also pass through some of the most unfriendly terrain, including water crossings, so ordinary passenger cars need not apply. Thus, for higher ground clearance and to accommodate heavier loads, all competing cars must be SUVs. The Singapore team has selected the trusty Hyundai Terracan and a newly acquired Hyundai Santa Fe for this 5,000 km marathon drive that will cover 5 countries in 10 days.
The 3.5-litre Terracan, which belong to Teng Lip, was already well proven during previous CAITA outings under the hands of William Lyou and me. Its frame-on-ladder chassis and enormous torque will be extremely useful for sweeper car role or any unforeseen circumstances. This workhorse had the rare credential for completing CAITA twice and looks poised for a fine hat trick. The Santa Fe is my personal car and is my 2nd Santa Fe in 2 years. To date, it has clocked only 7,000km. The silky V6 engine, comfortable 7-seater cabin and user-friendly handling make this car an obvious choice for the cross-country drive. That may explain my repeated purchase of the same vehicle.
Both cars will undergo testing and preparations including under-carriage protection, suspension tuning and installation of communication sets. Hence, on behalf of the Singapore team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Komoco Motors Pte Ltd for their kind assistance and technical support.
We will strive to make this mission the best ever and looking forward to share our experience and interesting stories.
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