Life Continues...Cherry Blossoms Japan

By Chong Min Sin Apr 27, 2015


Japan is beautiful in spring. Cherry blossoms (sakura) and tulips are in full bloom in the cool sunny pleasant weather.

Sakura in full bloom

In March 2015, a few of us Nestle retirees and friends decided to rekindle our honeymoon years with an escapade to catch the cherry blossoms in Japan.  

Six couples flew into Fukuoka and we were most impressed by the friendliness of the Japanese people and the clean toilets throughout the trip. The crisp spring air was ideal requiring a light jacket early mornings and evenings.
With three rented cars, we drove at a leisurely pace around Kyushu Island to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture of Sashimi, Onsens and staying in Ryokans (tatami style). Despite the language barrier we found it easy travelling from town to town with an efficient GPS system in our cars. We only had to input the telephone numbers of our destinations and wah lah, we got there with ease. No worries about misspelling long Japanese road names.

The scenic drive into the countryside was enhanced by lovely clusters of Sakura flowers all along the highways and byways. It was indeed a breath taking sight with various shades of white, pink and purple on undulating hill slopes and valleys.

tulips not to be outdone

Sakura and tulips lining river in Fukuoka City                       

Colours of Spring in Fukuoka

More than 2^nd honeymoon                         

. The Shinto shrines and beautiful, well kept gardens with geysers, hot springs and Sakura provided a sense of peace and tranquility. Herbal and foot saunas were a novelty and the men among us enjoyed the ‘Onsens’ (hot baths) where one soaked communally stark naked! - an opportunity to exhibit whatever assets still prevalent!

…..Dip in hot spring pool for tired feet

Earthquakes and typhoons are common in Japan. To be blown away in a simulated typhoon and to be shaken by tremors during an earthquake was quite an experience. The hike to the caldera of Mt Eboshidake at Aso to view steam being emitted from an active volcano in the distance was invigorating. The gorge at Takachiho was beautiful and visit to Japan is never complete without visiting castles, temples and monasteries.



This escapade was short and sweet. The travel bug will be taking us to London, Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro in May 2015!

Life Continues....Cherry Blossoms Korea

by Teo Yoke Lan , Apr 27, 2015

Cherry Blossoms!!!... It has been my dream to see cherry blossoms. My sister and I with a close friend went on a cruise to Japan in early June 2014. The timing was not right to see the cherry blossoms. So after the cruise, my sister said to me......you better go and see the cherry blossoms before you die! Well life is short........

So we planned our Korea trip after the cruise. We did some homework and googled to see what are the other attractions in Busan beside the Jinhae Spring Cherry Blossom Festival. Both of us with our mum who is 84 years old flew into Busan on the 5th of April 2015. We did not join a package tour as we know mum is too slow. When we reach Busan, it was drizzling and the weather was cold. After checking into our hotel, with borrowed umbrellas we made our way to look for food. Oh dear! The Koreans don't speak English except for the hotel and airport front desk. Anyhow we managed to order our food by pointing at the pictured menu and see what other patrons were eating. We had a steaming hot spicy bowl of seafood noodles with many side condiments especially their kimchi! The noodles was not too spicy, just nice for a cold wet day.

steaming hot spicy bowl of seafood noodles with kimchi

 The next day with gathered information and a Metro line map we made our way to the Metro Station which is about 10 minutes walk from our hotel. At the Metro station, we went to the information counter. On the counter there was a notice board with these words "ENGLISH SPEAKING" we were so so happy. There were 3 elderly men in suits manning the counter. They are retirees, on volunteer basis working 2 hours a day, 3 days a week. They could speak little English but we managed to communicate. We reach the Jagalchi Fish Market, one of the largest fish market in Korea.

We were really fascinated by all the stalls with colorful display of live sea creatures, shellfish, sea slugs, eel, abalone, octopus and many more. Some of which we have not seen before. There were also loads of different kinds of seaweed, wet and dried. The market is very long and wet but clean without any fishy smell. The vendors were cheerful with rosy cheeks and most of them were women folk. Our catch of the day was a lobster, a fish, an eel and an octopus for our lunch. It was truly an amazing experience!


The following day, we proceed as usual and the counter this time was manned by retired ladies. They helped just the same, but it was a little different because we need to take a bus to Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. In the bus, we met a young local boy who was also going to the festival. His name is Park and could speak a little English. He was kind enough to become our guide for the day. How lucky we were!!! After we alighted from the bus we  

whole stretch of white and pink cherry blossom

could see the whole stretch of white and pink cherry blossom trees along the tracks of the Gyeonghwa Train Station. It was such a beautiful sight. Now  and again we have to slow down and take a rest with mum. Breathtaking petals flutter in the wind each time the train passes trough. Then we took another bus to the next cherry blossom highlight. Here the white and pink cherry blossom line the banks of the Yeogwa stream for 1.5 kilometer. When the breeze blow, soft petals of white and pink fly like snow flurry, some falling onto our faces and hair. It is just an awesome feeling standing there with outstretched hands. We had another meal before our friend took us back to the Metro Station and said goodbye. We went back, had a shower and rest our poor aching legs. But mum was good!
 

 Next on our list is Gamcheong Culture Village. While waiting for the bus we could see the pastel colored village on top of the hill. These small houses are built in such a way that they do not block each other's view. They are built on the hill slopes facing the valley with small alleys in between them. It is like a maze, and one can get lost.

Some of the houses are abandoned and not many villagers around. The villagers must be very healthy with strong legs. We did not explore very much as it need a lot of walking up and down the small alleys.
 We did some shopping, had some street food and most important we were happy to have spent time with mum

A New Term, a New Committee - AGM 2015

A New Term, a New Committee  by Ariffin Buranudeen

Stability and change was in the air on March 11th, at MNRA’s AGM for the term 2015
to 2017. The morning started off with the usual noisy catch - ups and “long time no see” greetings hurled across the Maggi Kitchen, when Retirees happily greeted each other and exchanged news and opinions about on many topics, themselves included !

The AGM kicked off with an opening speech from the Managing Director Mr. Alois Hofbauer,
who touched upon how the business was progressing. Highlights included a 4% growth in 2014,an increase of the Nestle Consumer Foodbasket share to 15%, Nestle Confectionery now overtaking a key competitor, and the domestic business doing well, despite tough challenges.

Mr Alois briefed members on Nestle business 2014 and future outlook

A big challenge was the drop in the export business, due primarily to export markets now building their own manufacturing facilities. All the above said, however, 2015 is expected to be tough and a “survival year”. 
 
On a topic close to our hearts, GHRD Director Ms Uzma Butt explained how the Pension Fund is managed and funded, and the process of Pension reviews. Uzma shared that the Pensions Board will meet in late March 2015 and discuss pension concerns raised by Retirees. More news thereafter !

Ms Uzma updated members on Pension Fund and clarified issues raised

Elections were next, with two reminders from Mohd Shah Hashim – “choose carefully and wisely” and “don’t change a winning team”. 54 Retirees present voted in exactly that – a new committee for 2015-2017, comprising a good mix of old and new.

President                                Ms Leong Ming Chee
Vice President                        En Ariffin Buranudeen
Honorary Secretary                Ms Lau Phaih Yean
Asst Secretary                        Ms Teoh Gim Eong
Treasurer                                Mr Lim Ho Choy
Committee                              Mr Lee Chee Poo
Committee                              Mr Chong Min Sin
Committee                              Mr Freddie Kuah Cheng Hock
Committee                              Mr Rama Rao
Committee                              Ms Yang Kalsom Omar
Committee                              Ms Zaiton Mohamad

En Mohd Shah: " Don't change a winning team"

MNRA Committee 2015-2017 happy to serve you, if the camera has a delay button,
it will catch the smile on Ho Choy too

In her maiden speech of the new term, Ming Chee pledged her and the team’s efforts to serve the Retiree community, to continue with activities that foster networking, closeness and caring, and to play an effective communication role with Nestle management, for the betterment of Retirees.

 A BIG BIG THANK YOU to Nestle Malaysia for its RM 10,000 donation to MNRA !

Thank you for your attendance....

 

 

 Full minutes of meeting, go to 

http://mynestleretiree.blogspot.com/search/label/Minutes%20-%20AGM

 

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Celebrate to Welcome 2015 and the Year of the Goat

by Leong Ming Chee

 

It would seem that the Retirees are always getting together for a big meal or makan.
It is true as when we did a survey amongst them on 25th Jan 2015, it was confirmed that
the most preferred activity was lunch/hi tea.

Food galore for you to choose

 

 

To welcome 2015 and to celebrate pre - Chinese New Year, MNRA organized a Sunday
 Lunch cum Hi Tea at Armada Hotel on 25th Jan 2015. Well known for its wide spread of
food variety and discounted rates for Senior Citizens, we were not surprised that 153
members registered and were treated to this food galore by MNRA. This was our biggest
 turnout for our activity so far.

 

 

 Friends from the factories

 

 

Ms Uzma Butt, Encik Adnan Pawanteh and Mr Kumaran Nowuram graced the occasion
and met many of the Retirees, many they had not met for many years.

 

Adnan updating and entertaining members

Choy, Ming Chee and Kumaran 

Nimal and Nanda Koswanage with Belinda and Madi

 

Opportunity was taken to get suggestions of what activities Members preferred.

 

1. Get-together like Lunch/Hi Tea
2. Health talks and health checks
3. Stepping Forward Walk for Wellness
4. Factory visits
5. Day Trips

 

Exchange of greetings aloud, laughter  and praises of the food assured the MNRA Committee that it was a big success. But many continued to linger on to continue their chats with friends, even after lunch was over.

 

Our grand dame - Mrs Liew Aing Suan ,Mrs Lee and  Mrs Lily Koay 

First time attendance for Yap Neng Tuang with Liew Chee Siang and Lim Ho Choy

The Charlie Angels of 2015

Say cheese....

 

 

Our Prayers for 2015

 

 

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Our Prayers for 2015..............

 

 

 

MNRA Newsletter - 2015 Dec

by Leong Ming Chee

MNRA Malacca welcomes Wee Kim Lan for lunch
 A few phone calls, whatsapping and voila, Malacca Chairman Tee Tiong Chye
organized a lunch at LTP Restaurant on Sat 22nd November. It was really good
catching up with all especially  withTan Sai Hong who I used to work with when I
was RSM in JB many years ago.

Jenny Lee, our lady golfer champion together with Wee Kim Lan who came back from Melbourne for holidays, Foo Jong Ping, Lim Kee Yong, Patrick Khoo, Seet Lay Kim ,
Lau Phaih Yean and Mr Ngim Khek Ding (ex GIBU sales supervisor) were all in good health and shape….perhaps a few were hard on hearing so we had to talk louder.
Thanks for the good food and get-together, Mr TTC and friends.

 

MNRA Malacca- great to catch up on old times

CCK travels with BMW- T series to attend MNRA JB get-together.


Nothing could stop Turkey Chan aka CCK to attend JB MNRA Luncheon on 29th Nov 2014,
organised at the poolside of Sri Mutiara Apartments where ChairmanYeap Swee Lin stays.

From Singapore across to JB, it took him 3+ hours  with his BMW- T series….in Singapore,
it  means Bus, MRT, Walk and if necessary take Taxi. It was all worth it and a good experience.
A brief medical check was  done by Dr Thomas for all 16 Retirees.
Most were happy with their blood pressure and sugar levels. On the BMI side, some were on the high side and were asked to exercise a bit more. Well done Johore Chapter for the initiative - first of its kind done for MNRA functions.


Our most senior member is Mr Goon at 78 years followed by Mr Seah at 76 years with
8 grandchildren. Mdm  Chua comes next at 70 years and then CCK.  All looking good and healthy.
The younger ones in their fifties and sixties are Gan Sin Hock, Chuah, Hanim, Kee Lek King, and Kadar who is now the Secretary of the Segamat Golf Club.
Our topics were mostly on health and life in the south, Singapore and of course rising costs of living these days.

When the lunch ended at 4.30pm, it was sad to leave but all enjoyed themselves .
Wishing all Merry Xmas and Happy New Year………from CCK.

                                   The all fit and health Retirees in JB – Nov 2014
 
MNRA Northern Chapter elects new Chairman and Secretary

Northern Chapter held the Get-together for year end 2014 and welcoming 2015 on 14th Dec
at Safira Country Club , Bandar Seberang Jaya. Members from Kedah, Perak and Penang
filled the three tables sit down luncheon. Members like Jeffery Teh & Ang Kim Sai from Ipoh
were at Safira as early at 10.30am to meet up fellow Retirees. Many were seen asking about other Retirees who were not present. After knowing that they are not MNRA members, they committed to try to get them sign up as members. (eg. like Lim Hui Kok (SP); Tan Ping Seng (AS);Tan Chow Tan (P Buntar). As Northern Region have over 100 Retirees. All agreed to get more Retirees to sign up as members. Thumbs up for their efforts.

 
Opportunity was taken to elect a new Chairman and Secretary for MNRA Northern Chapter as Outgoing Chairman Mr. Lee Choo Yang and Secretary Mr. Goh Seng Nam relinquished their duties. 
On behalf of MNRA, we wish to acknowledge and thank them for their commitment and effort in promoting the Association and in carrying out their duties.



New Chairman, En Mohd Noor

Welcome to En. Mohamad Noor Bin Mohd Taib and Mr. Jerry Ooi Lee Beng as as the new Chairman and Secretary respectively.
We are confident that you will keep the MNRA Northern Chapter flag flying high and we look forward to joining your activities in 2015.


To our friends who will be celebrating Chinese New Year, we wish you Gong Xi Fai Cai ,
good health, happiness and peace of mind in the year of the Goat. Let’s do our bit to help each
other in times of need and promote fellowship amongst all.

From left to right – Jerry Lee Ooi Beng, Lee Choo Yang, Goh Seng Nam and Mohamad Noor Bin Mohd Taib