OPM: Live a happier life

Clean Newspaper
June 7 2012
One Pen Ma
Steven Ma

 Live a Happier Life
活得更開心

Recall an old topic, "How to let myself live a happier life?", on which I have earlier on weibo shared a bit of my insight.  Recently while chatting with a friend, I sensed that friend's mood was easily influenced, so allow me to hereby replay an old tune!

"Nothing to be unhappy about, so that means happy!" has always been my mantra.  So, where did the unhappiness come from? Came from my own self-demands? Came from my giving of self? If given wholeheartedly then theoretically should not be unhappy, but if behind these givings lies a heart imbued solely with great anticipation of repayment or of others' gratitude or approbation, then disappointment will emerge at any time, and a big dose of unhappiness will follow suit.

I am not God or a saint that I would do everything just for the sake of cultivating and not expect rewards, I can't do that! But there is one thing that I can definitely able to do, which is to give it my all and enjoy the process.  Outcome? No expectation or anticipation because that is beyond my control scope, so in view of that, why fret?

Friends, hope this will bring some easing to you, after all, this is my personal experience, even if it is not completely correct, at least it can't be wrong. 

OPM- Injured Eye

Clear Newspaper
One Pen Ma column
May 31 2012
By Steven Ma

Action Scenes Rely on Mutual Trust
動作戲講互信

Many years ago when shooting "A Change of Destiny" my right eye was injured by a horse, and quite seriously, too.  And this time while shooting an action scene in "Yuan Yang Pei" (鴛鴦佩), my left eye got hurt.  Haha, one left one right, now finally a match.  Luckily this time it was not too serious, just a little bit swollen and a small cut that is now scabbed over, most probably will not leave a scar.  This is considered lucky already.

Actually, having been in this industry for many years now, getting injured while filming action scenes is inevitable.  Especially when filming ancient wuxia dramas, the injury rate is even higher.  Guns, knives, swords, staffs, face to face combat, or wire suspension etc.; even if the martial arts supervisor had beforehand implemented all the safety precautionary measures, and had also meticulously and carefully scrutinized the choreography of each and every action and movement, and had the action rehearsed numerous times prior to filming, but accident being accident will still happen; it maybe that the other party made a small mistake or that I myself miscalculate, either way one or both parties will inadvertently get hurt at any given time.

Anyway,  a collaboration with martial arts brothers has this one particular characteristic, which is, the majority of them are straight-shooters, and under the premise of mutual trust, regardless of who accidentally injured who, they will all without hesitation utter "No problem" (沒事); this kind of mindset, I truly appreciate.

related material yahoo blog Tribute to Stuntmen

Bump up! opm-Grand Piggy Ma Family Day

Reminscing: How it all started 5 years ago! 

Qing Newspaper
May 24 2012
One Pen Ma column
Steven Ma

Grand Piggy Ma Family Day
馬太豬家庭日
May 20th has a special meaning in mainland. 520 when spoken in Mandarin sounds like "wo ai ni" (tn: I love you), so every year May 20 becomes a day to express love.

520 is also the day I opened my weibo two years ago, (sic. 2010 April 3rd) so my fans and I have this arrangement that every year 520 will be the "Grand Piggy Ma Family Day"  (馬太豬家庭日).  On that day, I will interact with a group of little piggies on my weibo, be it idle chatting or sharing pictures, all done to thank them for their continual support to me.

Someone asks, why "Grand Piggy Ma" (馬太豬)?  Why am I "4th Brother"? They are called "Little Piggies"?  Very simple: My last name is Ma, zodiac is pig, and I'm the fourth in my family, and also likes to watch Pleasant Goat and Grey Wolf 喜羊羊與灰太狼).  This explanation, wonder if you all understand or not?

In a blink of an eye, Grand Piggy Ma house has now been established for two years already. I'm very thankful to each and every little piggy's support and encouragement for.all these years.  At the time when feeling tired or unhappy reading your messages is like a heart strengthening booster shot giving me energy to continue forging towards my ideals.

Little piggies, you all love me, and I too love you all, 520s!

****************************************************
2010-5-20 16:49  page 140
馬浚偉：好吧,那就把5月20日定為我太豬日.....不是,是"馬太豬家庭日"吧!la la la la la 

******************************************************

Haha! The 1st weibo 520 post 2010-5-20 12:49 has 4316 comments and only 1 like. Times sure have changed, nowadays, there are more 'likes' than comments.

To get a more in-depth account on how Grand Piggy Ma Family Day actually came about goto: Why Grand Piggy Ma? Why 520? Why 4th Brother tidbit page.


Tag: Weibo 520

original post: May 25 2012

opm: Down to Earth Life Journey

Clear Newspaper
May 17 2012
Column: One Pen Ma
Author: Steven Ma

Down to Earth Life Journey 
踏實人生路
Alive, we have our own unique individual experiences and difficulties. I understand that during our living years you have your own reasons, I have my own expectations; but no matter how confident you are, how extraordinary you are, it is not worthwhile because of individual thinking or individual expectation to complicate some precepts or reality that should not be denied or need be explained.

In life journey it is of course wonderful if can encounter companions of like minds. But if cannot agree or original intention is misunderstood then should we seek to compromise or to hold fast to our conviction? Give in or disregard?

I believe everybody has his or her own individual thinking and ideals, very difficult to use absolute right or wrong to determine. Even more so, I believe that the road of life comes about through walking step by step. Those who walk before me of course see more than I; if they are willing to tell me that ahead lies stormy weather, or maybe bright and sunny  weather, I will certainly be most grateful. Of course, if they have a hidden agenda for telling then that is a totally different matter!  If imbued with inner beauty walking the righteous path, those in front of you should  also be similar people walking a righteous path, if that is the case, what is there to be afraid of? 


TN:Steven never fails to amaze me with his purity of thought and his innate faith in human goodness, all the more unique and improbable because of his work where most things are fake but make to look real.  How did Steven retain his faith in humans goodness after 19 years of immersion in showbiz culture?

"Steven's favorite author, Tang Jun Yi once said: "The world mystifyingly doles out random praises and also mystifyingly metes out random hurt." I can relate to that; the entertainment circle is where most of this randomness is fabricated." 

opm-Bobo Ng - Superior makeover consultant

高水平造型指導

 Heap praises on Bobo Ng for her superior makeover on his three characters.

OPM-Thank Seniors for their nutrients.

Clear Newspaper
5/03/2012
One Pen Ma Column
Steven Ma

Thank You to Seniors for their nutrients.
感謝前輩給我養份

I have been in the entertainment circle for almost 19 years now, I truly believe to film a good drama, communication and understanding are of paramount importance.  I recall a few years back filming A Journey Called Life with Ken gor (Kent Cheng) ; though a movie king, he would initiate discussions with the cast on the script and acting method. Regardless newbie or old-hand, he treated them all alike. Disregarding his own qualification and seniority he engaged one and all in the discussions.  Even if not his own scene, he observed attentively every artiste's performance. I once said to him that all these years in TVB I had always hoped to feel the real filming atmosphere that I now finally felt.

Presently filming Yuan Yang Pei, likewise, I am fortunate to encounter Wu Ma gor, this fine senior. His undoubtedly fine acting skill notwithstanding, what I admire more is that he is very observant to every little details of his acting partner, and always selflessly, never forcefully, he makes suggestion so that his partner can elevate his performance even further, thus making every scene more exciting, and more theatrically flavored .

Ken gor helps me developed a subtle change and affirmation in my notion of acting and also my attitude towards it. Wu Ma gor helps me to grasp another aspect of acting: a kind of all encompassing affectionate and selfless approval.  I sincerely thank both seniors for giving me these nutrients; for an actor to have had such an encounter, what else can he ask for!

opm: The health of the mind is more important.

New Newspaper
One Pen Ma column
Writer: Steven Ma

The health of the mind is more important.
 心靈健康更重要

"Daily exercise is good for the body; males, females, young and old all can do it."  The right amount of exercises undoubtedly benefits the body.  But the benefits of exercising go beyond providing us with a healthy body, what's more is that they are a panacea for maintaining a positive heart. .

I often urge my friends to exercise regularly but don't overdo it, and that exercises come in different types. I categorize them into "spirit and muscles group"   vs "aerobics and muscles group". For example, like golf, pool, and bow and arrows kind of exercises I would group as spirit exercises.  Whereas, jogging, badminton and basketball those that require greater motion I would group as aerobic exercises.  Of course, within these two groups, there are different levels.  But per my experience, aerobic exercises are beneficial for the heart, much better than the spirit exercises.

During exercising when the heart beat is over 120 and is maintained for over 20 minutes or more, the body secretes a natural biochemical, endorphin, that elates the mood and decreases the stress, bringing equilibrium to the person's heart and mind. In today's society, the health of the mind is sometimes even more important.

OPM-New Series, New Knowledge, New Challenge

Clear Newspaper
April 19 2012
One Pen Ma column
Steven Ma

New Series, New Knowledge, New Challenge
新劇新知新挑戰

Writing this essay, once again airborne inside a plane enroute to Hangzhou.

Still recall last year November 1st was my official date joining the 'Legend of Yuan Empire Founder' troupe, which lasted for four months. During that period, the troupe brothers and sisters and I gathered daily, if not to film then to play badminton, or else to eat and drink and play.  In this four months, we even went through several big festivals together.  Today looking back, they all seem like just yesterday; those light and shadow, people and feeling, all still so vivid in my memory.

Today, I will join another new troupe, its tentative name is "Yuan Yang Pei" 鴛鴦佩. It is a pre-modern tv series invested by a listed Beijing company.  Pre-modern era is one that I have always been partial to, and plus its script is really very absorbing.  Furthermore, I get to portray two roles: good vs evil, sorrow in goodness, sentiment in evilness; this kind of character is unpredictable; a complex character is what I most desire as a challenge.

The cast members in this collaboration are all new friends, but last month in Beijing trip, we already got to know each other. I certain the upcoming two months and a half will be most happy ones.

OPM-That ball of fire

Clear Newspaper
4/12/2012
Column: One Pen Ma
Writer: Steven Ma

That ball of fire for arts
 為藝術那團火

I was moved watching the stage play, The Yellow Storm.

Huang Lei portrayed Qi Rui Xuan (祁瑞宣), no need to doubt his acting skill. He precisely grasped that kind of ordinary yet subtle feelings, truly very moving.

Qin Hai Lu portrayed the most shrewish of the shrewish, 大赤包. Besides my giving it a thumbs up, I am speechless.  Xin Po Qing portraying the villainous traitor, Guan Xiao, gave a profound performance, his role is also the character in the play I most want to portray. 

Watching each and every one of the actors on the stage, all putting in their hearts and efforts, not distinguishing between the primary from the secondary characters, even if separated by a gauzy cloth, even if the lighting was not shining on oneself, all were totally immersed in their performance; themselves moved and moving the audience.

As actors, this is how it should be! From art's perspective, no role is too insignificant, only depends on whether one minds or not, and its importance to one. In acting, ordinariness has its own ordinariness value, colorful has its own reason for being colorful; mutually making each other shine, balancing the highs and lows, and the tears and smiles and sweetness and bitterness
Sitting below the stage, I could see those up on the stage had all come prepared to give their all to arts, and for their very passion they participated.That piece of heart, that glowing fire, every minute every hour was out there illuminating the stage.

opm-Couldn't Recognize Sally Yip

Clear Newspaper
4/5/2012
One Pen Ma Column
Steven M

Couldn't Recognize Sally Yip
 認不出葉倩文

This weekend evening went with a group of badminton experts to play badminton, they are either professional badminton instructors or former members of the Hong Kong Badminton delegation team; I benefited a lot from playing with them. When we arrived at the badminton court, with my impatient personality I urged them to warm up quickly so could start playing.  It was after the first set that the funny incident happened!

I walked back to my area, a tall slender woman dressed professional with her hair tied up in a pony tail walked in front of me face to face. She politely and very familiarly said 'hello' to me, and I reciprocated with a smile and nodded my head at her. 

Soon it was mid break, that woman was still on the court, her playing was professional and at the same time laughed incessantly.  I was intrigued so I asked the chairman of the badminton club who was she. The chairman was taken aback and staring at me said: "Sally ya!" "Who?" I asked.  Chairman said: " Yeh (Yip) Si Man ya!"  Hearing that, my face blushed all the way to my ears that I became speechless!

The advantage of playing sports is that it can make people radiant. Sally's radiating youthfulness made me not recognized her.  And so later these two who have known each other for almost 20 years finally 'recognized" each other again.  When she heard this side episode she laughed uproariously. 


Link to Steven and Sally's duet in Cantonese and Mandarin versions  歡笑之歌

 



 

opm - Taiwan trip

Clear Newspaper
3/29/2012
One Pen Ma
Steven Ma

Taiwan Trip

Just went to Taiwan for 5 days, the primary reason was to visit an elder whom I have known for almost twenty years, and who has always looked upon me as her real nephew. She still looks as sprightly as ever, her face, radiant, so totally unlike a 70-year old chronic patient who has been through several surgeries.

This elder whom I love and respect, and who has surmounted one hurdle after another - when we met I had this urge to cry right there and then.  Of course, I controlled myself but seeing her continue to stay healthy and happy, I am truly very moved, even more so, very gratified.

Another motive for for my trip is for a get- together with two actors, Huang Jian Qun (黃建群), and Wu Yue, whom I got to know when shooting LOTYEF.  Huang Jian Qun is a Taiwan actor. Wu Yue wen to Taiwan for the first time because of his participation in a stage play over there. (tn:Monkey King play)  I recall at Hengdian we had already agreed that when I go to Taiwan, Jian Qun and I would visit the Monkey King stage rehearsal, after which we would go out for dinner and drinks.

Brother, that was my promise to you and I kept it! But still need to pay some compliments: Your ability at stage play is truly not bad at all! Just the rehearsal itself was already quite exciting, I believe your play 孫飛虎搶親 will sell out. Add oil!

related weibo

IOU Payment

Clear Newspaper
One Pen Ma Column
March 22 2012

Steven Ma


IOUs 

还人情债

After came back to Kong from Beijing, I started the once a year several days of promotional events for Daddy Good Deeds.  But my stupid nose due to temperature change is acting up again.  Consequently, for one of promotional activities, I could only do it from home.

Earlier on had agreed to do Ka Yan jie's (Nancy Sit) but now changed to a tele-interview. I really want to thank Ka Yan jie, who rushed back from outstation to especially do this interview.  Kai Yan jie, thank you for your consideration and concern, I love you!

As for my originally plan to go to TVB for the tencent weibo online chat, because of advance technology I was able to do it from home to simultaneously get online with weiboans and Siu Ching jie.   That was a happy afternoon spent chatting with weiboans on the series and other stuff, truly very happy!

The only exception was that I had previously agreed to attend an old TVB friend's tv program but unfortunately my nose allergy had already caused my eyes to be both swollen and painful but I did not want to get on the program wearing my shades so I could only decline her invitation.  I knew she had pre-arranged to have my favorite cart noodles readied for me in the program.  My absence due to sickness made me feel bad toward this old friend of mine. But as a responsible person, even if I say so, I owed you this time, but old friend, I will most certainly pay back.

One pen ma-The Old Meets the New

Clear Newspaper 3/15/2012
column: One pen Ma
writer: Steven Ma
translator: Tamaya

The New Meets the Old? 
新知會舊雨

Because of work, recently got in contact and also got to know many mainland friends; most of them are actors but there are also some behind the scenes competent personnels, all of whom have become my good friends.

Suddenly, I recollect my first time working in mainland situation.

That was in 1991. I worked for a Hong Kong chemical factory as a salesman. At the time, the company was just setting up its first factory in Dong Guan, and I was assigned to the managing director following him to the new factory location to take care of things there. To an inexperienced young person, this was undoubtedly a hard to come by opportunity.

Besides handling all small and big stuff concerning the factory, business entertainment activities were aplenty too. Social drinking was one given activity, and what's more, the liquor imbibed was white wine. Maybe because I was still young plus my liquor tolerance threshold was high, I was considerably sober after the social drinking. However, once inside the factory living quarters, tis’ bad! During that time, it was high summer and the factory was not air-conditioned. Just imagine, the body was all heated up after the drinks, and a 30 degrees Celsius over temperature hot summer night, that feeling was truly unbearable!

After so many years, I suddenly thought of my former colleagues, though separated we still keep in touch, just that we are now focusing in different fields. A strange thought: if the new and the old gathered together to imbibe some white wine, what would they talk about?

Goodbye for Now, TVB

Clear Newspaper
March 8th 2012
One Pen Ma column
Writer: Steven Ma


Goodbye for Now, TVB.
暫別 TVB

March 1s is my temporary separation date from TVB.

I have stayed in this place that is both my alma mater and also my maternal home for 18 or so years.  In 1993, I entered the industry and signed a singer contract with TVB, several years later I amended the contract with an actor addendum. In 2006, the contract was changed to a full management contract.  In the blink of an eye, all these have now become the past.

I, from an unknown nobody to today slightly well known artist, all these TVB gave me. Every training, every opportunity developed me to slowly and gradually grow into a mature artist.  The people and things from TVB, the gratitude and feelings; I remember them all.

Many people have asked me, since you loved TVB so much why leave home then?  Why terminate your contract early?

To make such a drastic decision is definitely not a spur of the moment impulse.  But those feelings inside I seldom speak of them.  Anyway, to each his/her own sweet joys and bitter sorrows. Under the premise of not hurting people, I respect other people's opinions, at the same time, respecting my own feelings.

Today, through this article I want to express my gratitude and to say thank you to my mentor, Catherine Tsang; to Leung Choi Yuen, who treats me like his own son; to Stephen Chan, who kept his words to me; to Chan Fai Gong (tn:Uncle's secretary)  who has expended much efforts on my behalf, and to a group of TVB brothers and sisters who love me and whom I love in return.  Though today we part but as long as people remain, feelings remain and fate remains, we will sure to meet again.

One Pen Ma: Let's Start with Oneself

Clear Newspaper
March 1, 2012
One Pen Ma column
Steven Ma

Let's Start with Oneself.

The mainland, China incident of a boy and girl beset by emotional problems in the end turned into a police case of the boy using fire to disfigured the girl's face, causing her much bodily and mental harm. Half a year belatedly, the case was reported grabbing enormous attention and inducing much discussions from mainland media and netizens, alike. Reading the responses from the victim, the perpetrator and their respective kins, my heart was painful and very heavy.

Falling in love is free will. You have the right to choose whom you love, and that person also has the right to choose not to love you. Regardless whether in unrequited love, mutual love, breakup or triangle love, if not fated then let go. Revenge? Extreme harmful  measures? The outcome will only destroy other people at the same time destroying self. What is more dismaying is that the perpetrator, the victim and their respective families will henceforth enter together into an irreversible tragic situation.

In this kind of tragic happenings, who should bear this painful responsibility? Actually, the answer has always resided in this big world, this big cycle.

People influence family; families influence society; societies influence country; countries influence the world;  mutual interactive influences. When one does not have the ability to influence the macro climate then perhaps one can start with oneself: learn to let go as much as possible the selfishness and rage, in this chaotic troubled world, at least that will considerably lessen the interpersonal conflicts and increase friendliness by a little, consequently, peace and laughter will increase by that much.

One pen ma: Use Others' Experiences as Reference

source: Clear Newspaper
column: One Pen Ma
writer: Steven Ma
Date: 2/23/2012

引以為鑑
 Use Others' Experience as Reference

Earlier read the news about Carlos Ng's retina lining sudden detachment. Very worried because this could be serious problem. Only when I found out later that he was fine did I feel relieve. 

Actually, besides my worry for him, there is also this feeling of having experienced the same incident myself.  Many years ago,  when shooting, a horse riding scene in "A Change of Destiny", (tn: 2006) I had an unexpected accident. At the time, I was astride a horse for a scene shot, and the horse because of a blown leaf nicking its eye reflexively reared back its head, and this backward movement smacked right onto my right eye and the right side of my face.  And so my face bones on the right side were slightly fractured, and my right eye swollen to the size of a hen's egg.  At the time, the retina was also injured.  

The crystal fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eyeball was dispersed; the retina was slightly detached; the nostrils inside had accumulated blood; for now no possible surgery for treatment; the condition  had to get well on itself.  But if the flashes in the right eye suddenly increased,  go immediately to the emergency room.... This is what the doctor said to me at the time.


After some many years, the face bones have already healed, the right eye besides the eyeball being slightly indented and seeing occasional flashes, basically suffered no after effects.

Through Carlos and my experiences, I want to remind everybody to carefully protect that fragile window of the soul.  Of course, the same to all parts of the body after all having a healthy whole body is not to be taken for granted.


related material: yahoo blog

one pen ma: Will sure to meet again

Certainly Will Meet Again

Have been in Hengdian for almost 4 months now, very happy! During this period besides my shooting the series would be playing badminton, going to the gym and looking for places to eat with the cast members and colleagues of LOYEF during free time. Truly, this kind of close relationship conversely in Hong Kong is not that many.

This is not hard to explain, while in Hong Kong, once work is done, everybody would probably go home. Of course, can also make arrangement to eat or see each other. But in Hengdian, after work everybody usually goes back to the hotel, so meeting up to eat or see each other later becomes a natural action.  I have always believe that a interpersonal relationship besides time can further develop must also depend on fate. The time spent in Hengdian shooting LOYEF has taught me many new things as well as absorbed many new nutrients; can say quite a gain. But most importantly, I have gotten to know many new friends, both cast and crew.  We all interacted with sincerity, and this is my biggest harvest.

In a blink of an eye, LOYEF is now close to wrapping up production, truly feel unwilling for it to end. Unwilling, because of that people to people genuine relation that is developed over the short 4 months.

Brothers and sisters of LOYEF, we will certainly meet again, for sure!

One Pen Ma: Fear of Flying

Clear Newspaper
February 9th 2012
One Pen Ma
Steven Ma

Fear of Flying

Even as I wrote this essay, I was enroute flying to Hangzhou. Fingers counting, could not remember the number of times I have flown inside an airplane.  And most of them for business purposes.  But friends who know me well are aware my dislike for flying. To be more specific, my fear of flying.

Many years ago, once flying from Taipei to Kaohsiung on a small airplane, and a small propeller aircraft, at that.  Frankly, there's basically nothing to fear but unfortunately halfway in its flight the airplane encountered a serious turbulence. It shook violently and relentlessly, and moreover, with sharp lifts and drops, truly scared me to death...I could only close my eyes, and prayed in my heart for this to pass quickly. 

Another time was this long distance flight to US, (the airplane) also encountered a serious turbulence and I could even clearly see the flashing lightnings and torrential rain outside... like before I could only close my eyes and pray ceaselessly in my heart, hoping to come out of it safely.

People will pass away from this world one day, and I was never one to be afraid to die. But to be seated inside an airplane without even given a chance to escape, that's what I cannot accept.  Of course, nowadays, the rate of airplane accidents is less than road accidents, so truly no need to be scared. But my two experiences have truly made me fearful. (of flying)

one pen ma: a minor ailment

Clear Newspaper
2/2/2012
One Pen Ma
Steven Ma

A Minor Ailment 
小毛病
When young, my throat was often uncomfortable, parents too me to see doctor confirming nose congestion because of nose allergy. So when sleeping would unconsciously breathe through the mouth, and over time causing chronic tonsillitis.

From young, my nose has been very overly sensitive to temperature and sunlight. From inside the building to outside, or vice versa, my nose will have adverse reaction. If the temperature change is substantial, my nose will become congested and running, and I will sneeze constantly etc. If more serious, my nostrils feel as if been poked with pins, both painful and itchy. As for sunlight, when walking outside from building, as soon as I lifted my head toward the sun, I will sneeze, never missed.

This ailment though seemingly innocuous can be extremely embarrassing in certain situation. There was once when attending a friend’s outdoor wedding ceremony, under the bright sunlight just when the new couple was reciting their marriage vows, I began to sneeze nonstop. So I could only cover my nose and move to a faraway spot and waited until the symptom dissipated before returning.

This minor ailment; western and eastern treatments, ingest or spray, I have tried them all but still cannot cure it. If anybody can share some effective medical treatment recipe, please leave a message on my weibo, I will be forever grateful.

One pen Ma - work during holidays

Clear Newspaper 1/26 2012
One Pen Ma
Steven Ma

Work during holidays 
節日上班

The Dragon year is here; first of all, wish everybody a most prosperous dragon year, good health, peace, and success.

Day 4 of the new year, generally, the day most workers resume work. Of course, it’s not the same for all occupations, like the entertainment world, its work days and holidays are often different from the public. The job of the entertainment world is to produce entertainment for the public, therefore, when people stayed home to have happy and celebratory reunions with relatives and friends, many fellow colleagues including cast and crew, are actually silently working; this all part of the job’s responsibility, and also a kind of giving.

Besides the entertainment world, actually there are also other occupations that have people servicing the public during the festive and joyous holidays such as the police, the firemen, the medical world, and the food catering and restaurant industry, and also the public transportation, the building supervisors, and all those serving food and drinks.

Of course, we can say every occupation has its own responsibility, and that if you’re paid then you must work for it, but emotionally, towards these people who have to work during the holidays, I harbor within me a sense of gratitude; and my respect for public employees goes up a notch!

A new year, besides wishing peace on earth, no natural and manmade disasters, also wish we all will cherish our blessing and fate, do take everything around us for granted.