Date: April 13th
Destination: Harrison Tulip Festival & Chilliwack Honey Farm
Mode of Transport: Our trusty hired air-conditioned coach
Passengers: Around 50 MSBCA members, along with their friends and family.
The sun, that celestial show-off, decided to grace our tulip-seeking souls with its warmest rays. As we boarded the air-conditioned coach begining from the MSBCA clubhouse at 7.30 A, the excitement bubbled like a shaken soda can.
(Picture of the aircon coach and Sam the driver on the left.)
We arrived at the festival grounds, and oh, the colors! Tulips stood like soldiers, each one flaunting its unique shade. Reds blushed, yellows sparkled, and purples whispered secrets. Some were tight buds, promising future beauty. Others, fully bloomed, waved at us with petals that said, “Hey, you! Yeah, you! Admire me!”
Our MSBCA crew scattered like pollen in the wind. Cameras clicked, laughter echoed, and tulip-themed selfies were taken (the “Tulip Kiss” pose was a hit). We twirled, danced, and accidentally stepped on a tulip or two (oops!). But who could blame us? We didn’t want to leave this Technicolor wonderland.
The Tulip festival was a mesmerizing sight to behold, with vibrant tulips dancing gracefully in the gentle breeze.
The colors were so vivid and enchanting, creating a feast for the eyes of all who were fortunate enough to witness it. Everywhere you looked, a different colored bloom would cheekily pop up, adding to the whimsical and magical atmosphere of the festival.
It was truly a celebration of nature's beauty and a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simplest of things.
Next up: the Chilliwack Honey Farm.
Tourists buzzed around like caffeinated fairies, collecting nectar from flowers.
We bought jars of natural honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Beeswax candles vowing to drizzle honey on everything from toast to tacos (don’t judge).
And so, the MSBCA Tulip Adventure etched itself into our hearts—a day when laughter bloomed, friendships rooted, and tulips danced. As we pulled into the clubhouse parking lot, we knew one thing: Life is better when you’re surrounded by flowers, bees, and the occasional egg.
Until next year, tulips! 🌷🚌❤️
Over 40 members attended the potluck night to close off the 15th day of the Lunar New Year celebration also known as Chap Goh Mei. Lee Kim Goog with her cooking skill prepared two dishes for all to Lo Hei prior to dinner. There were 26 varieties of cooked meals on the tables, sumptuous and tasteful, nothing short of ‘excellence’. There were also 8 types of dessert with ‘tau fu fah’ by Queetin Shieh leading the popular pack of dessert. Not to out do the others, the tua fu fah was warm, smooth and mild in sugar!
The potluck was a resounding success, filled with a diverse array of delicious ethnic foods that delighted the taste buds of all attendees. The air was filled with the aromas of spices and flavors from around the world, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
It was nice to have Ken and Helen Wong back after a long absence. Meryl Hamdillah brought the family along and that was great. There were two guests joining as new members.
The club is hyping up the 20th Anniversary by displaying the first sample of the popular apron. Bringing the original apron back to life was Anna Thomas (pictured) who graciously agreed to model it for a fun and wild evening.
The tee shirt will also be coming back and will be displayed in the next potluck. It will be another fun night.
The club organized an auction for a beautifully curated gift basket, filled with an assortment of goodies generously donated by members. Bidding was intense as attendees vied for the chance to take home the special prize.
In the end, it was Varghese Thomas who outbid the competition and secured the gift basket, his smile reflecting his satisfaction at winning.
The generosity of the attendees shone through as all the proceeds from the game and auction were pooled together and added to the MSBCA fund.
The sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the event underscored the spirit of unity and support that defined the MSBCA organization, ensuring that the funds raised would be put to good use for the benefit of all members.
The distinguished ladies of the welcoming committee at the reception table.
The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as more than 450 esteemed guests gathered at the Continental Seafood Restaurant in Richmond for a Lunar New Year dinner like no other. The venue was adorned with traditional decorations symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, setting the perfect ambiance for the festive occasion.
The dinner menu was a delightful array of sumptuous dishes, showcasing the best of Continental Seafood Restaurant’s culinary expertise. From succulent seafood delicacies to mouth-watering traditional favorites, every dish was a treat for the senses, leaving guests feeling satisfied and content.
As the evening unfolded, the highlight of the night was the mesmerizing performance by the Tang Lion Dance troupe. The skilled dancers moved with grace and precision, their vibrant costumes and energetic movements captivating the audience and bringing good luck and blessings for the year ahead.
Following the Lion Dance, the stage was graced by the talented dancers of the Colours of Dance Academy, who enthralled the audience with their graceful movements and expressive performances. Their dance routines were a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year festivities.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Consul General of Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Afandi bin Abu Bakar, and MSBCA Honorary Advisor Sing Lim Yeo OBC. Their presence added a touch of prestige to the event, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and community engagement.
The evening was expertly hosted by the charismatic emcee, Mr. Wen Wong, whose wit and charm kept the audience entertained throughout the night. His warm demeanor and engaging presence set the tone for a memorable and enjoyable evening, making the Lunar New Year dinner a resounding success.
As the night came to a close, guests departed with hearts full of joy and bellies full of delicious food, grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of the Lunar New Year in the company of friends and loved ones. It was a night to remember, filled with laughter, good food, and cultural performances that truly captured the essence of the festive season.
We hope to see you all again in the next Lunar New Year Party.
Over 40 enthusiastic participants joined the lively MSBCA Vancouver monthly potluck at the Club House tonight, making it an evening to remember! The event was expertly hosted by the esteemed Director Steven Ng, who led the crowd through an engaging program featuring Bingo, Karaoke singing, line dancing, and other games.
The undeniable highlight of the potluck was the arrival of two magnificent ‘Lo-Sang‘ dishes, generously prepared and donated by the celebrated local chef, Kim Lee. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd enthusiastically embraced the line dancing and karaoke, with the festivities continuing well past 10:15 pm. It was a testament to the incredible energy and spirit of the attendees.
Congratulations to all for an unforgettable evening!
The Malaysia Singapore & Brunei Cultural Association (MSBCA), Vancouver, organized a splendid farewell event to bid adieu to 2023. On December 31st, 2023, approximately 350 esteemed members, along with their families and friends, gathered at the elegant Floata Seafood Restaurant. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation for the night’s festivities.
The evening commenced with the charismatic Emcee, Wen Wong, setting the tone for the event. After introducing the talented band, Dynamix, the President of the MSBCA, Vancouver, Richard Liew, took the stage to deliver the opening speech. His words resonated with the attendees, invoking a sense of camaraderie and warmth among everyone present.
The event was a resounding success, with an abundance of delicious food, engaging games, and lively dancing. The dance floor was alive with various dance styles, including disco, freestyle, hip-hop, line dancing, and elegant ballroom moves. The joyful ambiance brought together people from diverse backgrounds, connecting them through the universal language of music and dance. One of the main highlights of the evening, was the winner of the MSBCA lucky draw, Cindy Fung Kwan Lee, who walked away with $1000.00.
Floata Restaurant deserves special commendation for their delectable cuisine and impeccable service. The attendees were treated to a delightful culinary experience, with each dish crafted to perfection. The restaurant staff showcased their professionalism and dedication, ensuring that every guest felt valued and well taken care of.
The cherished memories of this enchanting evening will be treasured by the members of MSBCA, Vancouver for years to come. It was a night filled with laughter, unity, and celebration, reinforcing the spirit of cultural exchange and friendship that lies at the heart of the association.
Below are some pictures of the night’s exciting program.
Everyone doing the Jerusalema Dance challenge
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mambo Number Five
1..2..3...4...5
Everybody in the car, so come on, let's ride,
Dancing to Rockin' round the clock!
Countdown to midnight and the start of the New Year 2024