Monday, February 19, 2007
The Art of Angbao Giving
Frankly, I was quite hesitant to blog about it.
Let me say that I am not complaining,
But I just notice and am very fascinated
This thing about Asians & the art of angbao giving.
This post is purely to entertain,
Any negative emotions created are absolutely not intended
From what I observe,
It's certainly not just about giving the singles
Blessings and a token in cash.
Rather, behind that object,
It symbolizes many Asians values.
Firstly we have that of
To thy kids shall be given equal or similar value
Of that which thou kids have received from you.In simple English,
this means "market rate"
If on average in the past few years, you give $4
Similar, I will return you $4 per kid.
A quick analysis will realize that Moms alike must
a) have a good memory as to match angbao giver to angbao
b) it's worthwhile to have more kids.
Then we have the art of giving in absence
To give when thy is absent or to forgo it since you are absentA giver of angbao will either give to whoever is present;
Or "tompang" so-and-so to pass angbao to such and such kids.
And here, the art of giving is intricate.
If you give to only those you meet, and not those who MIA
then you may be seen as being miserly.
Especially if your kids received the red packets
From the mom of the kid who was MIA.
But if you choose to "tompang"
Then you better make sure you don't omit any kids
Else can you imagine?
You give your brother's kids, but not your sister's
Or worse, you give the first child, but not the second =)
Quite frankly, I find "tompanging" a chore.
Not very enthusiatic to go around collecting angbaos for others.
Honestly, if you forgot I have a sister
and only gave me a red packet for me cuz you saw me,
Please don't feel bad.
I think you should only give to those you see.
The onus should not be on the giver alone to determine
Who should be given a red packet.
In this case, I strongly believe in
"If they can't be bothered to wish you Happy New Year,
Then they certainly should not deserve your angbao"
I honestly feel bad
When so-and-so passes a red packet to my mom for me.
It's like I din even get to wish you,
how can I take your well wishes.
Of cos, this is purely my opinion,
And it certainly doesn't include acceptable reasons for absence
such as being abroad for studies, or having to work;
Quite so, "sleeping" is certainly not one of them.
And last but not least,
The art of giving an angbao includes
the necessity in knowing the background of the receiver.
This is simply to aid questioning
"how are studies?"; "When you two getting married?"
"When you getting steady?"
And of cos.. if you are giving it to the boy
who is the son of your mother-in-law's brother or the like,
Then you also acquire the art of doing a quick background check =)
yet another day of memories...
2/19/2007 01:53:00 AM
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Valentine's Day
Yesterday was Valentine Day, aka Friendship Day
Sadly.. I did not really set out to show my appreciation
for close ones unlike previous years.
I wish I could blame it on my busy schedule,
The preparations for New Year,
But I guess at the end of the day,
I just din bother.
So dear loved ones, I am really sorry
For being such a ungrateful one this year.
However, I still appreciate all that you have done.
And to show you my appreciation,
here goes:
My only friendWho messaged me as she did for many many years
While we are always busy with our own lives,
she is always here to support & inspire.
I know I can always count on her.
MelOur "mom" who always takes care of us.
Messages us to take care during exams & all.
Buy us brownies when she goes Philippines.
Blessed person =)
12, my best junior ALReady!Never ceases to cheer me up,
And she is always around during my down-moments on Msn.
I will never forget the cyber sanctuary she made for me;
As well as my pretty pretty wall paper.
She also gave me a very beautiful & inspirational quote yesterday!
Yearmates, especially Wendy & HuiyiVery down to earth and simple people
There is no need to be politically right in front of them.
I can be who I am,
And there is no pretense, only laughter.
Especially those who I spend more time with,
Wendy & Huiyi.
I am really thankful to have them.
Can ask them out to be cut-hair/shopping kaki
Knowing I can be open with them,
And not have to be "fakey-nice"
LewynGood projectmate and gym kaki
I can always know that projects are in good hands
Never having to worry about project procrasination with him around
Willing to share his notes and all,
Is not the kind who believes in a "win-lose" situation.
Also always help girls with their bags;
Tolerant of our lateness =X
Thanks for your rose yesterday too =)
Of course, not forgetting,
Julia!Who first planned a song dedication
For me on Wednesday, using my old timetable
Not realizing that I have already dropped the class
*faints
Then played a trick on me
Which made me so embarassed in front of the brother.
And thanks so much for the rose & card
Not forgetting the grilled sweet potato.
My first =)
yet another day of memories...
2/15/2007 05:50:00 PM
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Bored in Tax.. Holiday mood
My Personality | |
Neuroticism | |
Extraversion | |
Openness To Experience | |
Agreeableness | |
Conscientiousness | |
|
You are sociable, outgoing, energetic, and lively. You prefer to be around people much of the time. Stressful and frustrating situations can often be upsetting to you, but you are sometimes able to get over these feelings and cope with these situations. Novelty, variety, and change spice up your life and make you a curious, imaginative, and creative person. People see you as tough, critical, and uncompromising and you have less concern with others' needs than with your own. You like to live for the moment and do what feels good now. Your work tends to be careless and disorganized.
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yet another day of memories...
2/13/2007 10:15:00 PM
Friday, February 09, 2007
Entertainment In IT Class
Heh, shows how much more I need to exercise and eat veggies =X
yet another day of memories...
2/09/2007 12:39:00 PM
PLU Workshop Advert!
Hi Peeps!
Just an advert on behalf of the outreach by my church.
Pls note, it's for GLBT =P
Safehaven presents:
Dating and Relationships Workshop22 February 2007, Thursday 730pm
Mox Cafe and Bar
More details to come in future...
Register with Alphonsus via email at
fonsus@gmail. com(just send an email andsay that you're coming so we'll save a space for you!)
Watch this:
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=0rkKhj- VYWg
yet another day of memories...
2/09/2007 12:05:00 PM
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
An Unjust World
"We come from an unjust world,
Where some have plenty,
And most go hungry"I have been reading this
As part of the litergy for communion,
But never had the meaning hit home so much
Til tax class today.
I know it's a weird place
To link religion and reality
But as we note that child relief is given only for certain types of mom,
I can't help but feel indignant for those intentionally omitted.
So a single mom doesn't qualify,
Because socially it's undesirable.
Does this mean then that a complete family
With abusive or divorced parents
Is preferred
To that of a loving single mom family?
Children with single moms are seem as illegitimate,
They are prevented from obtaining education.
So if I am a pregnant single mom,
doesn't it seem much better
For me to abort the child,
Then to subject him/her to all these "illegitimacy"?
Society perceptions are but influenced by the bigger powers.
How then if we just silently accept such notions imposed,
Are we able to push for a more open & equal society?
How are we then going to achieve a just world;
A fairer society for all?
yet another day of memories...
2/07/2007 02:41:00 AM