Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 22:32:45 +0000
Subject: A day in the life of a Indian best man at Chinese tea ceremony
The day started at 7:15am with the help of two alarm clocks and one radio alarm. Visions of waking up at 11:00 and discovering that all the tea had been drunk without the best man was frightening. It was even more scary because I hadn't been able to sleep until 2:30 am the nite before... pre-wedding nerves I guess.
Scurried to get ready as I promised Haaris I would be there at 8:30am. I had the best man kit all prepared the nite before so it was easier. Got all dressed up in my suit and proceeded to leave and suddenly realized I hadn't fed the animals. Scurried around again and dished out a meal in my suit. The animals thought there were at a formal dinner with their very own maitre d'.
Arrived at Haaris at 8:30am with the help of tips I had gathered from Mario Andretti. Met the London cab driver downstairs who was busy doing a great job of decorating the cab with flowers and teddy bears. Got to Haaris's apartment and found Haaris all cool, calm and collected in his t-shirt and shorts! Suddenly all my anxieties evaporated. Logically speaking the best man can't be more nervous than the groom.
We left for Nina's house a little after 9:00am. We left with a basket of traditional gifts packed meticulously by Haaris and his mother. After a quick inventory check the lid was put on and we were ready to go. I was given some flowers to carry and Haaris wanted to carry the basket. After some negotiation I convinced Haaris that he would look better with the flowers and that I would take the basket.
All along the way we were the object of attention. I guess people couldn't help it - two sharp looking dudes in a well appointed vehicle. Cars were actually pulling up along side to get a glimpse. Not to disappoint our new found groupies we gave them a royal wave, totally soaking up all the attention. Haaris gave me the final briefing and we were ready to meet the bride's family.
We arrived to be greeted by the flower girl (Sara - who was to be my reluctant date for the rest of the day) and part of the bride's entourage. We were escorted upstairs. On arriving upstairs we found the door shut. Then popped out a shifty character (Farid - Sharifah's
husband) who was apparently the gate keeper. He began to hustle us for some kind of kick back for letting us in. After some slick negotiation and quick talking (and something in a red packet) the doors finally opened. We entered to meet the new mother-in-law and the rest of the family. Of course there was the radiant bridesmaid, our very own Nurul. me with the basket and Haaris with the flowers then proceeded upstairs to meet the bride.
The glowing bride sat at the edge of her bed anticipating the arrival of her groom. Haaris and I entered the room and Nina was presented with a choice two besuited men. Didn't get picked again... oh well. Haaris gave the bride the flowers and a Fandi Ahmad peck on the
forehead. Me the basket man (Ananda basket! as Sharifah so eloquently put it) passed the basket to Haaris, who then passed on to the bride. After careful scrutiny of its contents it was accepted.
The couple proceeded to the next room to receive the gifts of the bride to the groom. We all then trouped to the living room for some pictures. After adopting various positions and combinations we were ready to return to the groom's with the bride. The couple, the bridesmaid, flower girl and I rode the wedding cab while the entourage of cars followed. As usual the cab ride was a riot and we were having a great time. When we reached the destination the bride was scolded for laughing too much and blistering her lipstick. Feeling guilty I went back to my basket duties.
After some ups and downs on the lift, all the friends gathered on the lift lobby of the 4th floor. We made our way to Haaris' house. The family was waiting and received the couple. We all settled in awaiting the arrival of the other family members. The bride was hot... I mean feeling warm and had to be cooled down. The groom was fidgeting around the place. The bridesmaid and best man swung into action... and the bride was cool and the groom restrained (temporarily anyway). Refer to Victor's article for the goings on.
The ceremony started after all the aunties etc. had gathered. We took our stations. The medium of instruction was Hokkien. My familiarity of Hokkien is limited and is only good for situational use... this not being one of them. Fortunately the cameraman was familiar with
the sequence of events and provided instruction on how to proceed. Amidst giggles from the aunties and uncles the bride began to serve tea. Starting with Haaris' parents and then down the hierarchy of the family structure. On each serving the relatives gave their blessing to the couple and also angpows... with deftly fingers the best man proceeded to stuff his coat pockets with the angpows. However no one told the best man that the angpows may come in the form of jewelry in bulky packaging. Thinking quickly and not showing any sign of nerves, the best man released the buttons of his suit to make more room as well as avail himself to more pocket space. With one quick motion he loosened the handphone tucked in his belt to make more space. The angpows kept coming fast and furious but everyone was fielded with athletic prowess. Soon all the big brass of the family had blessed the couple. By then I was feeling like a pony express horse making a run from fort Knox
with saddle bags laden with gold. For some reason I suddenly became very popular. I had become an OKB (orang kaya baru = new rich man). I also felt that some people were keeping an eye on me lest I make a quick getaway.
All the family were content with the ceremony and had welcomed the new bride. Now it was time for makan! We lost all the suits and the bride slipped into something more comfortable. We were now ready to partake of the food and the remainder of the festivities. We chit chatted and munched pretty much in the Osama tradition until everyone had to take their leave. Norene and I stayed to keep the couple company till it was time for them to leave as well. We saw them off as the wedding car left the driveway. As the 'just married' sign on the cab faded away down the road with the Chuas, the day had come to end for the best man...
From: yuess@singnet.com.sg (Victor Yue) / Singapore
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 17:39:41 +0800 (SST)
Subject: Nina & Haaris - Part 2
Hi folks, especially Rose und Thea, some quick updates for you as the party is still going on. As usual the Squirrels were late this morning, and so you will have to wait for others to
tell you the beginning and the closing part of the day. (^^)
Morning at 0900H, we were still in bed... when the phone rang. Sam was already on the road with his gang. He was asking for Haaris' address. I could still hear the voices of the girls apparently the phone must be somewhere in the car. Our friend Sam was the behind the scene man to make sure that the WTO guys could use their GSMs to their kakis back home. (^^) Latest news... for his efforts in Changi Airport, he was locked up (in the police
station I suppose) for three hours! How's that for initiative... but of course the WTO carries much wait. Upon the WTO document certification, he was back to his work. Three-days-and-three-nights without bathing (now the perfume industry must be very happy about this!) ... I am still waiting for the Straits Times to talk about the backroom boys.
Anyway, we were supposed to be talking about the bride and bridegroom. When we arrived, the first thing we saw in the carpark was the Bridal Car which came in the form of the "London Taxi". "Kakui desu-ne!" Nicole was tempted to take away the two bears on the front of the car.
When we reached the house, we could hear the noises .. sure most distinct was that of Susan's! (^^) Oma was also there (for the sotong, Oma is Andrea's Mutter and Nicki calls her Oma while we call her Mama-san ... from the good old Tioman days when Mama san was the most sexy with tiny red bikinis!) (^^) [Am I exaggerating too much? (^^) I mean the bikinis!], also Norene, Andrea (of course), Suhana, Cynthia, clean shaven Chin and Mano. Mama-san has just checked in (from Osterreich) and Suhana von Deutschland. Of course, the bride and bridegroom were trying very hard to hold their smiles as camera clicked and flashes (you bet, their jaws will be extremely tired tonight). Ooh... as usual, the OSAMA kakis were stealing the show. Best man Ananda was at his best and Nurul too. Well, quite a beautiful foursome! If you are thinking of multicultural Singapore and the different races, you are
not only looking but experiencing one!
Wow, my favourite Ang-ku-kueh was there! I'd bet that they are from the Everton Park's Ang-ku-kueh Tiam! (Ang-ku-kueh is the red rice cake with green bean paste inside).
While Nicole hid her face on Mama's shoulder, Nicki was ready to party. All his kakis were there... Uncle Mano, his favourite Long-Nose Auntie.
Sam and the gang arrived. The two girls came in beautiful see-through green, matching with Mama's baju. The botak Sam, as usual, was ready to bounce on Suhana .. (not literally though)... long time no kacho! More pictures... and all these kiasu people brought along their own cameras!
It was a great time to catch up. Susan was asking if anyone has noticed some changes in her... of course, poor Chin must be the first "victim". (^^) He must have been scanning her from top to toe to figure what has changed or is missing! Ayah, Ah Su-san... long time no see, so hard to see la! Of course, we saw a slimmer Susan... as seemingly usual, bai-ka (limping) from over-exercises. Oh, the mole was missing! Ah, the French must have been
disappointed! (^^)
If you want to experience a family affair such as a wedding, this must be one of the typical one... and yet, it shows the transitions... the typical family and relatives of Haaris... all Hokkien speaking (ah .. in the next generation, this dialect is going to die out ... unless we pick it up again; the same for other dialects.) and with a different slang compared to mine or Peng Hwee's... like those in Massenbachhausen and Schaebish Haell? (^^) In Singapore, the feeling is: if we speak in dialects, we are closer .. there seems to be more trust and one is more open. So, the old Ah-Ees (old aunties) cooked, sat and chit-chatted... the growing, and in some cases, aging OSAMA kakis sat around talking too. Kids were running about, climbing over papa's back, sitting watching Power Rangers on the TV, ... could we fathom this 14 years ago when we were sitting in Lily's Cafe in GI drinking Mocha Kaffee and her delicious Cheese Cake. [Speaking of which .. we must cho-cho
her for high tea at her place!]
The Ah-Ees, Ah-Kus, Ah-Peis had not arrived and so, Tea Ceremony could not begin. If you want to follow strictly to the Chinese tradition, it must be in order of seniority. And if the family is big, and with Singaporeans running around like "mad-dogs" working, it would be difficult! (^^) Anyway... that's what a wedding is all about... eat, drink, talk, catch up with long lost relatives... "Wah, how big your kid has grown, fair and bright!" commented one old-auntie to her younger relative.
Ah, MIL (Mother In Law ... nowadays, they are not as fierce as in the past, so Nina, relax) was busy running from corner to corner. A few things must be carried out. Ayah, where was my camera? Mother was feeding two red rice balls to Haaris (In Hokkien, there is this saying, Ang-ang, mei-ni cho tua-lang, t-t mei-ni see how-see...) literally meaning, red-red, next year you will be an adult, sweet-sweet, next year a son will be born). A somewhat
embarrassed Haaris quickly swallowed the two balls. Now it was Nina's turn... wondered if she was warned about such strange customs ... (^^) A somewhat shock looking Nina stared at the huge Chinese soup spoon with two slippery red balls waiting just outside her mouth. Haaris came to the rescue, "Ma, one at a time, the spoon is too big for her"... all this in Hokkien. Don't know if Nina could catch any ball (literal translation from Hokkien,
meaning, verstehen), but I am sure Sharifah could. Ah.. see Abang sayang lu, Nina! Anyway, an obliging Nina took one ball at a time, trying to chew and swallow as fast as she could.
These were the beautiful moments, full of symbols that we would not want to be involved or even try to understand... until when we become FIL or MIL! (^^) That again ist das Leben!
Ah... more Ah-Ees came and along came makan! The Mee-goreng was sedap! Norene took two platefuls! The Abalone soup with Champignon mushrooms and Chicken... a typical Hokkien dish... was hmm delicious, especially the Abalone! Fried Tung-hoon (Glass Noodles), a Hokkien speciality was there, and there were the others too... Ikan Tenggeri in Asam Padas, Curry Chicken, Sambal Prawns... [Rose, are you busy with your handkerchief? I mean working on your mouth and not your eyes? (^^)] The much waited for - Mee Siam - that Haaris had worked up my appetite since his first email, finally arrived.
That, I went for two rounds! We even managed to convince Chin, with his bloated tummy - with makan and beer - to try it! Nicki and Nicole went for the eggs.
While the OSAMA kakis were busy tucking in, the Family Members took over... the Tea Ceremony began and everyone wanted something for the Family Album. "Wah, Nina can open a goldsmith shop," exclaimed Suhana, looking at the bulging Ang-pow being given to the couple as they served Tea. This was one of the most expensive ones can drink! And Ang-pow has to be BIG! Of course, the Ah-Ees would be very careful... making sure that they are not outdone by another Ah-Ee in the size and value of the Angpow! (^^) The kids loved this session as they got to receive the angpow from the bride and bridegroom!
When everyone had more or less makan, it was the turn of the bride and groom, and the best man and bridesmaid. The yagitiyag continued. At this stage the baby squirrels' eyes were drooping and getting more restless ... and so Papa Squirrel decided that it's time.
Well, over to you Andrea or Ananda to continue the story. We must hear from Ananda about his experience as a Best Man in this interesting mix of Chinese and Malay culture! BTW, Ananda was heard telling Sharifah he is getting married next Tuesday! Haaris, tie him down or you may find your Best Man missing next Saturday! (^^) Ciao!
Victor
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 1996 12:35:59 +0800 (SST)
From: yuess@singnet.com.sg (Victor Yue) / Singapore
Subject: Latest Updates on the Grand Finale!
Hi folks,
Especially for those of you outside Singapore, or still working (Ah-Susan, are you still in the office? (^^))... latest updates from Bukit Batok Community Club:
It was 0830H and the kakis were already busy with the tables, chairs, table cloths, etc. Commandant-in-chief was Sharifah, of the Two Sisters' fame in OSAMA Nite entitled "Berlin Night". (^^) With the handphone almost glued to her ear, she was all over the place. For once, you see all the machos following her instructions with certain amount of meekness (don't tell them or I will be minced meat this evening! Tomorrow, OK).
Andrea and Mano were there. Ananda, the Best Man, strolled in as if he was going to the beach! (^^) And of all the people, Haaris came in ready to work. It took much effort later for Sharifah to shoo him home! You see, in Malay customs, during such time, the Bridegroom is not supposed to be there!! He is also not supposed to see the Bride (of course our Romeo sneaked up to see her, much to the chagrin of MIL! (^^)). I suppose this is to heighten the expectations! :-)
_Hands_
Anyway, with our spare hands and the JELCO members (I assume), the empty Community Club hall slowly became a more exciting place. The dais for the Bride and Bridegroom was ready. The poor sweeper at the Club was struggling against the litter and dropped flowers with the fans blowing all over. The wind did not help much. Tables were set up, moved around a couple of time, more discussions, and finally settled. "Not enough tables!" came from one corner. Commandant in chief sprang into action ... waves went out of her handphone. "Why are your tables still not here? What? 1100H! You promised to deliver by 0800h!" I imagined this conversation. The result, another flurry of calls, the original order was dropped and a new order made. The new company promised delivery within 15 minutes! Business people, note this little case study! (^^)
_Roti Prata_
When there was a lull, the OSAMA kakis stole the bridegroom, and off we went for Roti Prata! With Singaporeans, you can expect us not eating but also discussing about it! So, the tabled motion was about Roti Prata. (^^) When we came back, Commandant in Chief was furious. She had ta-pau the Mee-Goreng for us! "Ah-ah ..." we melted away pushing the chairs, avoiding her glare! (^^) She was on the phone again.
Within moments, the tables which arrived as promised was up all over the hall. The two badminton court size hall was filled with 35 tables and 7 chairs around each table. More tables and chairs were outside the hall, under a canopy. Sitting capacity is about 400. Expected guests is about 1000. And if each guest were to bring more than just the spouse (meaning children, maybe additional spouses (^^)), the party is going to grow exponentially! But of course, as Malay Wedding party goes, it is from 1600H to 1900H and guests will come and go (no fixed time - now you understand why timing is perceived differently in this part of the world? (^^) Of course, for the Chinese, they have another explanation to why they always turn up late for Wedding Dinners). So, this arrangements should suffice ... unless there are many such people that the Cantonese describe as "long backsides" (cheong-see-fut). (^^)
Well, finally, the Commandant-in-Chief managed to shoo the excited Bridegroom home (the Higher Commandant's order!). He is going to do some surfing on the web and if he clears his spidery problems, you may get to see his HOMEPAGE! And well, for those of you coming to the party .. be seeing you. That is if you read this first! (^^)
Ciao! Victor
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 1996 22:23:40 +0800
Sender: yuess@singnet.com.sg (Victor Yue) / Singapore
Subject: The Grand Finale
Hi folks,
Depending on whether you are there or not, and if you are there, at which part of the hall you were in, there will be different perspective of today's lovely wedding. An international affair! So, while I do my reporting, please add in your bit, OK? Ananda and Chin? I saw some 'fishing practices going on' (^^)
It was already 1608H and the Squirrel family was sure in a hurry. We did not want to miss the entourage! While travelling at 110 kph, I suddenly realised that my sarong was left at home! Well, no time to turn around .. luck was with me, Sam had a spare in his car! Thanks a bunch Sam!
_The OSAMA kakis_
The kakis were already there, Andrea and Mama-san, Nurul, Norene (eh, when did you disappear? Did not see you at the last part), Phillippe and Mum, PC, Chin in his beige Baju Kurong and Sarong (I am sure some of the chantek ladies were eyeing at you), Martin and Frau (both in Baju Kurong too), Ananda, Sam and family. Yock Huew was there. Lily, KL and son were there too. Marc came in a little later. And Selvam too. Suhana was there with Walter who came in from Deutschland last night. Frau Ah-Choo was there too. Can you believe it? Ah Su-san overslept! From her, I can believe! (^^) Well, she came in time for the makan and seeing the bride and bridegroom in their second set of gears (no, scuba was not part of them).
_Here comes the bridegroom..._
By 1645H, we were ready to meet up with the Bridegroom. While we were gathered outside Block 131 chitchatting... there strolled our Bridegroom across the lawn to us, in his Javanese best. The typical head gear, and the Nyonya-lookalike sandals... he looked really like a Javanese! Haaris was also showing us the high cut of his sarong! We were wondering if he practices the Scot's tradition. (^^)
After some quick photo-taking from his OSAMA fans, Sam organised the contingent. Ananda on Haaris' right, Sam on his left (Sam is his lawyer for the day .. he had to negotiate through a couple of checkpoints before Haaris could get to see his bride), we behind, walked slowly towards the Bukit Batok Community Hall entrance. The Kompang Troupe (drum) was at the entrance waiting, and the pretty maidens with the Bunga Manga. As we hit the top of the steps, the Kompang came alive. The sounds of the drums vibrated the walls of the Hall. You could almost hear Haaris' heart beat synchronising with the Kompang! (^^)
As we enter the main aisle, aha, Sam and Ananda were prepared. These tough looking guys blocked the way. One of the toughest looking was an Angmo! "Ang Pow ada tak?" seemed to be the questions. Sam has them all, and after much display of toughness, this first line gave way. Wondered if any of them got the booby-angpow? (^^)
As the first line gave way, another four were lined up at the arch-entrance. Ah.. these four looked more mean! Negotiations were quick... another exchange of ang-pows, and we were through. If Haaris thought this was it... aha. The tougher one was waiting.
_Mak Andam_
As the Bridegroom approached the dais where our beautifully dressed Javanese looking Bride was sitting, with her face hidden by a big silk fan (I heard that she kept giggling behind the fan .. she's supposed to be shy and even a little sad looking (^^)), the Mak Andam quickly stood up. "No Ang Pow No seat" seemed to be the indication. Because the Kompang was loud, we could not hear what was exchanged between the Mak Andam and Sam. All we saw was, after some false moves, Sam took up his Songkok and fished out a hugh Ang Pow. No, that was not enough. He showed the Mak Andam his Songkok. No more. He also showed Ananda's. No, the Mak Andam was not convinced. Finally, showing resignation, he took off his songkok again and there was one more Big Ang Pow! What trick was that? This time, the Mak Andam was satisfied.
Now, the increasingly nervous Bridegroom was allowed to sit next to his beautiful bride. It was like a jigsaw fitted well, a lovely couple with matching dress!
_An international crowd and running commentary_
Nina and Haaris' friends came in from various corners of the world! New Zealand, Bali, Japan ... not to mention our own OSAMA kakis from Deutschland and Osterreich! The DJ did a good job explaining what's going on. Even for sotongs like us in Singapore, it was a learning experience.
_Ananda's great speech_
Ananda was disappointed that while he was telling the audience about Nina and Haaris (I am sure they were worried that he might spill some beans ..), some of these maciks were busy eating and chitchatting! Anyway, Ananda will broadcast his speech to you. But, you will miss the additionals that he put in between his prepared speech.
I don't know if this part was inside his prepared speech, when he described how Nina, the little girl of the Group blossomed into a pretty young lady that caught Haaris' eyes. What happened to the rest? Blur as sotong? (^^) Ah, sure, there must be more interesting stories, right? Ask Ah-Susan!
Well, folks, this are but some snap shots. As we left, the OSAMA kakis were still gathered and catching up lost time. So, I will leave it to them to tell us what were they talking about.(^^)
Ciao! Vic
From: (Ananda) anands@singnet.com.sg / Singapore
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 11:39:17 +0000
Subject: Wedding Spectacular
Wow! What an evening! Awesome! Vic has got the proceedings down well in his email message. It was quite an experience for me. Did not quite know what to expect I went in to soak up the entire experience. Just did what I was told. Stand here....okay, walk this way....okay, go up on stage (yikes) ...okay. Started off a little nervous but there was so much going on no time to be nervous. Sam was the super cool professional "lawyer" and all I had to do was follow him.
The OSAMA gang looked simply fabulous. The group photograph will sure be a hit. I must thank Sam and Nurul for making sure that I wore the baju just right. The entourage made it way to the dias. We were obstructed by the goons demanding the bribes to allow the groom to pass. Sam was proficient in dealing with them. However there was this Ang Moh goon who would not budge. I had met him the nite before and knew his weakness. I offered to buy him a drink (scotch on the rocks), he wanted two, I said okay. With a gleam in his eye he made way for the groom. The second line was bought off and we made our way to the stage. Negotiations with the Mak Endam were hilarious. Sam was in top form. Nina was in stitches behind the fan. Haaris took his place and we escorted the Mak Endam off the stage.
Now it was time to relax and makan right? NO! I was going to make a speech later and realized that the setup was not quite what I imagined it would be. The sound system was too boomy, too much echo; there was no podium to rest my written speech, I had to stand up on stage out in the open. Sssstttrrrresssss! Could not eat, butterflies had found their way into my tummy. Asked the DJ when would be the time slot for the speeches and he said in 15 minutes time. SSSSSTTTRRRRESSSS!
The time came and the DJ called for the speeches by the friends of the couple. I figured I'd let someone else go first so I could see how they managed with the constraints. No one else was going up! Yikes! Then I looked up at the stage and saw Nina's anticipant look. Butterflies disappeared. It was show time! I spent two days writing the speech so I figured I knew what I was gonna say. As I went into the speech it all came back to me (with a few glances at the written text to remind me of the sequence and if I had said all the things I wanted to say). The acoustics were pretty bad inside the hall let alone outside where the kakis were sitting. For those who did not hear the content of what I said here it is:
"Good evening to Haaris and Nina, Mr. and Mrs. Shariff and family, Mr. and Mrs. Chua and family, guests, friends. Congratulations again to Haaris and Nina. First and foremost I'd like to thank them for asking me to be their best man. I am truly honoured and as all my friends would know I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, thank you.
Not so long ago, for some reason I forget now, I decided to pick up the German language, so I signed up at the local Goethe Institute. I expected to go in attend the classes, be a good student and come out of it speaking fluent German. Ten years on I speak "nur ein bischen deutsch", that's like saying `I know I'm supposed to know the language but please don't speak it to me because I may not understand'. But I do get by.
However, my greatest attainment was the friendship of a great bunch of people that I met there. Wandering around the classes I met quite a few people. Among them was this guy in this rather striking batik shirt. I saw this shirt so many times I became quite familiar with
this guy by sight. He always seemed quite busy and was always in the company of a happy bunch of girls. I came to know this guy as Harry Chua. He was always going to China and running around doing so many things. I found out later why he was so popular with the girls. You see I was studying this guy and taking notes and helpful tips. In spite of his busy schedule he would be going out his way to do something nice for the ladies.
After sometime I myself was inducted into this group of people and came to know each of them on an individual basis. It was a warm and comfortable group of lovely people. We worked together on putting up a show every now and then at the Goethe Institute. It was actually to be once a month and hence the name OSAMA, One Saturday A Month Activity. It was on one of these projects that I met Nina. She had just joined the language classes and very quickly became the little girl in the group. Her fun loving nature and youth exuberance added to all the giggles and laughter we were exposed.
Quietly and bit by bit this little girl turned into a lovely young lady. Who should notice first but our Haaris. He was silently struck hard and had no chance at all. He had now to slowly stop being everybody's Prince Charming and follow his heart. It wasn't easy to do because everyone had gotten used to their Harry and Harry was theirs. And as obliging as Harry was it was a challenge.
While all this was going on Nina stood by patiently because she too had developed a special fondness for this guy. This young lady had an enormous capacity for love. She had become a central figure in the group. Always thoughtful, always concerned and always helpful. She also has a great sense of family. She feels for things deeply. For a girl of her size she had enormous shoulders. Now there were the all joys and anxieties and all those things associated with falling in love to handle. However, Harris and Nina came through.
When news first broke that these two were now an item, there was nobody as glad as their friends in OSAMA. When something like this happens to two people you're close to it is cause for celebration. And that what it has been. It's been a long celebration. It's a
celebration of the love and affection within the OSAMA gang. It's a celebration of love of two wonderful people. And it's just the beginning. We look forward to additions to OSAMA - the next generation to keep the tradition of good friendship, genuine love and affection across all cultures and persuasions.
To my friends in OSAMA, I love you guys. (Awwwwww.....) And to Nina and Haaris, on behalf of all your friends in OSAMA we love you. Where ever you are be it Bali, Timbuktu, Ulan Bator or Bukit Batok you'll have dear friends.
I would now like to propose a toast to the couple as they embark on this special journey, if everyone would please rise. Here's wishing Haaris and Nina joy, happiness and most of all love. To Haaris and Nina.
Thank you."
There was no toast however as that would have been impossible given the circumstances.
Now it was time to relax and makan! Amidst the chit chat and the food we carried on in true OSAMA fashion. The couple were busy taking photographs and undergoing costume changes. We all scambled up on stage and took many pictures with the couple. Finally after costume change number five did the couple come down to relax. They danced the
Macarena accompanied by a few experts and a few not so experts. Soon the revelry came to an end we took our leave. I was real tired as I had finished the previous nite at 3:30 am and was up at 7:15 am. It must have many times more tiring for the couple. I don't think they'll be upto very much that evening.
We dispersed as the wedding extravaganza came to an end. Haaris and Nina are in everyway man and wife. Rest well tonite for you have the rest of your lives ahead.
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