Tag Archives: monologue

8the day of Chinese New Year

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The 8th day of Chinese New Year is supreme to the Hokkiens, not the Cantonese, Teochews, Hockchews, Hakkas nor any other dialect groups that existed within the Southeast Asian Chinese community, more so in Penang. For it is on this day, the Hokkiens purportedly emerged from the sugar cane plantations they sought refuge from the atrocities committed by the Japanese during World War 2. The sugar plantations is hence their life saver, and thus, on both sides of the altar table stood sugar canes representing the two main pillars of thanksgiving to the Jade Emperor for keeping the Hokkiens safe, a unique add-on, besides all the other condiments spread out on the altar table, signifying abundance as thanksgiving throughout the new year. Besides this, fireworks lit up the night sky in frenzy, chasing away bad luck and evil spirits that looms around the homes  and shops of these worshippers. And believe it or not, it will always rain before the clock strikes midnight on the 8th day before the prayers begin. 

So who is this Jade Emperor (Thian Gong/Heavenly God) or Thni Kong to the Hokkiens and why is he revered to more than the Lord Buddha so much so that in every Chinese temple, joss-stick carrying Hokkiens will turn to face the sky and worship Thni Kong first, before entering the temple or turning to face the altar table, which the Lord Buddha, the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) and the rest of the Taoist deities are placed?

As according to Taoist folklore and culture, Thni Kong is considered the supreme ‘deity’ and ruler of heaven. Thni Kong governs the cosmos, and oversees a vast hierarchy of deities who reports to him on human affairs for example, the Kitchen God (Chau Chu Kong), who reports annually to him on each family’s well being. Thni Kong is also considered the supreme administrator of the Heavenly Court (Tian Ting), governing heaven, earth, and the underworld. In essence, Thni Kong’s significance stems from his role as the sovereign ruler of the visible and invisible world, a concept that resonates deeply with communities more concern with order, justice, and prosperity in this life. For communities who focuses on worldly affairs, seeking prosperity, health, justice, and social harmony, Thni Kong is the ultimate authority. He is the one who makes the final call on one’s fate. Hence, this makes him the focal point for prayers related to practical, everyday life and his impending popularity to the Hokkiens.

On the other hand, the Lord Buddha is the enlightened teacher and founder of Buddhism, a path to escape suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Lord Buddha offers a different kind of salvation, focusing on the next life, making him less directly involved in the daily bureaucratic affairs of the world. In folk cosmology, Buddha’s realm is often seen as a separate, independent system- the Western Paradise focusing on spiritual liberation. 

In Southeast Asia, Hokkiens worship a curious tripartite mix of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. They would consider the Lord Buddha as supreme, but rites and rituals are more often than not bent towards Taoism, with moral teachings resonating Confucius values.

  • Kris Lee 2026.

Looks

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In my entire life until today, I have never been short of women. A lot of people regard it as a boon. In some ways, they are right. Looks does garner attention. But in some ways, they are wrong too. Because I do not believe women are drawn to men because of looks alone, although looks is certainly the quotient to initial interest. Personally I have encountered better looking men. Tall, sexy, sharp features and well groomed. But still, more women are drawn to me. What I believe separates me from the better looking ones is charm, and a queer sense of mix match style. Not looks. A lady once told me if she were to singly scrutinise every facial feature of mine, I look horrible. But strangely I look good when they were all combined. I just think I got lucky.

Possessing good looks is an essential commodity in certain industries, the fashion, cosmetics, advertising and show industry being the main consumers. Only the good looking ones gets to grace covers of fashion and lifestyle magazines, and only the good looking ones gets to play hero, and leading roles in films. Not unless the main character is a villain. But still, good looks is a better bet in boosting ticket sales outshining talent.

I did have a fair share of offers placed on my lap many moons ago. Modelling, acting, spotlights and all, but passion leads me to the creative and design industry. At that time, I didn’t regard modelling or acting as a stable career choice. Besides, fame to me is unimportant. And I have no desire to be a trendsetter. At a much younger age, all I wanted is to be taller. Standing at 4 feet tall with a bulging tummy, I was teased at in school. In desperation, I made a pact with God. That I’d be good if God can make me taller. He did, and I was elated. It is really that simple.

But many who knew me says I was an idiot. If only they knew that I tip-toed in, out of curiosity, and dashes out just as fast, after it dawned upon me that the modelling industry is inundated with back stabbing bitches, a man eats man’s world so to speak of. And climbing up the peak to win auditions and casting means you need to curry the ugly toads, wade through tons of frenemies and sleep with bi’s. Too bad that I don’t do men nor kowtow to anyone. It’s just not me.

So what did looks in a normal life gets me?
A fair share of attention, but lots of offensive envy. I was once molested by a male friend, a model himself, who thought it a good idea to overnight at his place. That happens out of invitation. I never see him again. I have a friend who deserted friendship because he says, all the women he is eyeing seems more attracted to me. I never meet him again. I have friends who conveniently left me out of social programs for the same reason. And so I stay at arms length. And talking about queer style, a friend once took off with my wardrobe on the pretext of overnighting with me. And out of the many reasons why women are drawn towards me, many can’t see beyond looks. Not charm, not calm, not disposition, not conduct, not attitude, not talent. Often, I get unwelcome remarks at familiar joints.

And so often, you will find me alone. Entertaining myself away from the maddening crowd. Not by choice. But for all the hiccups I receive from others who thinks that looks is what they lose out to me in.

Then, I often wondered why superstars chooses elusiveness throughout their life. It is not only about privacy or being hounded by paparazzi’s. But it is because you seldom gain friends who could see beyond looks. And if I could turn back the clock, maybe I should have stayed on and make millions from the industry where looks are a prerequisite. And live a different life. And convince myself that looks does matter.

Banksy or Wanky

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“There must be an assigned proprietor for a trademark to be endorsed. Whether your pseudonym is Banksy or Wanky, indeed no one knows if you are a groupie, an institution or a delusional whacko. But since you can craft your fame holding onto a mysterious identity, then, you’d surely know how to wiggle your trademark across in other ways.

If the British can glamorise Spice Girls, James Bond and Jaime Oliver, surely you are of no sweat to them. “

Etiquette versus Moral Studies

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“I think moral studies and religion as a subject taught in schools should be abandoned, with social etiquette classes taking centrestage. Personal grooming, deportment, good housekeeping, mannerism and conduct will ensure decency, cleanliness and social comfort at all times. Whilst understanding customs and traditions of other races will benefit harmony better.”

– Kris Lee 2020.