Most of their songs are evergreen. For example, Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Puan Sri Saloma’s songs have been around since… forever? It’s the same songs every single year, yet that sets the mood for Hari Raya.

This year, I have a new favorite song! It’s from Akim, Hafiz, Tini, Anne, and Ayu and it is called “Hanya Kerana Cinta“. It’s a jiwang song but I still love it. Below is the video. I love Ayu’s voice in the chorus!! Take a listen…

So, what’s your favorite Hari Raya song?

Let’s do a little recap: We somehow stopped talking to each other when we were 12 years old. Up until this day, the reason for our silence remains a mystery but a possible reason could be because of the “I-Am-Now-A-Teenager-So-It’s-Awkward-To-Talk-To-You” reason. Even during our grandmother’s funeral, we didn’t talk to each other and this is the same cousin that I’ve been close to since four years old? We are like childhood friends, except that we are cousins!

We talked again when she visited my home in Guangzhou, China. We didn’t strike a conversation right away, it actually took a few days before we started to talk again. We went to a place outside of Guangzhou, something happened (my brother and I broke the tailor’s ruler), so somehow because of that incident we talked again!

After her visit, we kept in touch via email. Remember, this was 10 years ago. No blogs, Facebook and Twitter just yet. I came back to Malaysia in December to celebrate Hari Raya and we had so much fun! I stayed over at her place and we just chit-chat non-stop. During the firstfew days of Raya, we would follow the adults to various houses but we would still be talking to each other. In the car we would open the green envelope and checked the money inside. Once we were back home, we would play board games and all with my brother.

So many things happened we even did a list just so we could remember. I wanted to write about them here but due to privacy issues, I better not! LOL! (Hint: it included bugers and farts! Disgusting right? See, I better not write about them here!)

I guess this was my most exciting Raya because I was able to enjoy the true spirit of Raya, to experience real togetherness and not forgetting the irresistible food. It was also exciting because I was already feeling homesick in China so coming back to Malaysia to visit my family was just meaningful. I guess when you’re overseas, you realize what you miss most.

What about you… Share your most memorable Hari Raya moment!!

I am on leave after the Seminar for a few days. My mum and I were planning to go to our old place, Indonesia. But due to the recent demonstrations, perhaps it’s not a good idea? We were thinking of Singapore but we’ll see.

InsyaAllah, I am also moving to a new place by next month. Therefore, got to save up some money for the new place and decorating my new room! So I need to really watch my budget!

Raya shopping? Last week I bought my brother’s Baju Melayu which I hope he will receive it on time! I bought my Baju Melayu just now. What colour you ask? I will TwitPic on Hari Raya! Otherwise, I will do my shopping at the last minute. Sometimes it is more fun doing shopping at the last minute, with the rest of the city crowd. Even though many might already balik kampung during the last few days of Ramadan, but some city folks are still going to be around shopping for clothes, food, cookies, household items and other stuff that needs to be changed.

My Hari Raya is going to be really simple this year… what about yours?

Malaysia is 53 years young today. It’s not perfect, but below are 10 reasons why I love this country:

1. Malaysia is HOME SWEET HOME
2. A melting pot of various CULTURES
3. NASI LEMAK for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And late supper
4. Blackberry Internet Service is NOT BLOCKED
5. We have an active Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs) community. Kudos to CITIZEN JOURNALISM
6. DREAMS do come true if we’re willing to work hard
7. Proud of fellow Malaysians making it big OVERSEAS
8. We embrace the spirit of TOGETHERNESS despite practising Malaysian Timing! Better late than never
9. MANGLISH! No need to explain lah kan?
10. We COMPLAIN a lot because we want only the best

So that’s my list! What about yours? What do you love about Malaysia?

Photo courtesy of @razmanrahim

Dear Easa,

This is Uncle Syafique. (Say: UNNN…CCCLE….SHHHAAA….FFFIIIKKK). Ok, perhaps I am expecting too much at this stage. Yes, yes… you’re only a few days old. 

This is syafiqueshuib.com, your Uncle’s blog. You see, there’s this thing called Social Media, and I’m addicted to blogging and Tweeting. One day, your Daddy will explain to you about my addiction and he will reveal to you that a day before the Merdeka celebration, you are featured on this humble blog of mine. 

I visited you yesterday and there you were on the bed, looking all cute and adorable. It took me a few seconds to realize that you’re finally here in this world. Can I say that you have a very sharp nose, just like your Uncle? (Ok, I think you got it from your Daddy!) 

Your Mummy asked me to carry you but I was a little scared (it was more like I didn’t know how!) but since your Mummy insisted, how could I resist from carrying my own nephew right? Your Daddy took a picture of me carrying you. Here’s the proof: 

Photo courtesy of @razmanrahim

Perhaps I didn’t carry you the right way. I’m sorry, my dear nephew. I’m not good with newborn babies, but I did try my best last night. I really did. 

Anyways, my whole point of writing this letter is to welcome you to this world. I know your Daddy and Mummy have been waiting for this moment, they’re very excited for your arrival. I am excited, too!  

As an Uncle, I’m very happy to have a new addition to the family! We will go to Toys ‘R Us together, ok? After that we will eat ice-cream and junk food but don’t tell your parents, promise? It will be OUR secret! 

Anyways, do remember there will always be a place for you in my heart and life. Stay safe, be good and may Allah bless you always, Easa! 

xoxo

Uncle Syaf