CEPG Christmas 2010 and New Year 2011 Dinner

*As appeared on Herald on Feb 13 2011 issue.

** Written by Marlina Sara (CEPG #54)

The Penang CHOICE New Year 2011 celebration dinner was held recently at the Little Cottage 2 restaurant in Penang. Close to 100 CHOICEes attended this event, most of whom brought their family members as well.

The guest of honour for that night was the Bishop of Penang, Bishop Anthony Selvanayagam, Father Dominic Santhiyagu, the CHOICE priest & Fr Gerard Theraviam. Initially Bishop couldn’t make it for the dinner, but he came to the dinner and surprised us all.

The dinner began with a welcoming speech by the Penang CHOICE Coordinator 1, Elizabeth Anthony & followed by the Bishop, and he blessed the food before the dinner was served.

There were lots of lucky draws & almost everyone won something. There were gift exchanges as well; where everyone who attended came with a gift and then it was later exchanged in a very unique way, by narrating a story. We also took this opportunity to celebrate birthdays of all those born in the month of Jnuary; Fr Dominic is one of them, who cut the cake together with a few others. The dinner ended about 10.30 pm, with everyone carrying a gift home.

The next English CHOICE Weekend will be on 20-22 May 2011 & the Mandarin CHOICE Weekend will be held on 5-7 August 2011. Calling all single young adults to join and experience a fulfilling weekend; please email ann_eliz1@yahoo.com.my

Tamil CHOICE Penang Jubilee

Written by Marlina Sara (CEPG #54)

This event was held on 4th December. I represented the English CHOICE group. Thank God, that weekend I didn’t have other function and wanted to attend this Anniversary event, to show my support for the Tamil CHOICE.But after buying the tickets, I found out that many girls were not going, the girls I’m close with. Then I rasa tadak mood to go. On that Saturday, it was raining heavily, lagi la, I didn’t want to go. But mom insisted that I should go, since I paid for the tickets, so I went.

Fiona & some of the girls were already there. I wore a simple attire; the rain really spoilt my mood to dress up.

I met Sagaya as I reached the entrance & she guided me to the English CHOICE table; it was at the front. Fiona, her dad, Maureen, SuSee, Liz, Jacinta, Mary were all seated. Thank God, the show haven’t started.Bishop Selva was there, as well as Fr Dom. After the opening speech, food was served. Jaya Catering Food, not bad la.

What I enjoyed most: the 2 MC’s – they were very entertaining & funny. They speak good Tamil. The other thing I enjoyed was the performance – wow, really superb! I really didn’t know they have so much of talents; the singing – superb voices; the dances – superb steps! Most of them sang as though they were professionals; no stage fright and there was Style when they sang. Really, damn good!There were CHOICEe’s came from all over Penang diocese and also from KL too. There were also 2 singers (twin bros) who recently released their album and their songs are currently been playing in the local radio stations. They are like our local Tamil rappers; their song was really good. Another talent - they hail from Sg Siput.

The setback: The MC’s did a good job, but most of the time, they were talking among themselves. Since this is a 15th Anniversary, perhaps they could have done ‘walk down memory lane’ & share with us some interesting stories/facts. However, their jokes were really good.

Another thing, there was no door gift given. At least something to commemorate this event.

But overall, the event was awesome & 2 thumbs-up for them!