“The Eagle had landed,” the film that showed the astronauts landing on the moon brought out that same awesomeness feeling from the winners group that “landed” at “The Chateau” in Bukit Tinggi on 4th October 2019!
The 19 excited winners (shortlisted from 55 entries) for the Jasmina Awards 2019 was awarded a prize a 3 days 2 nights stay at “The Chateau” by kind courtesy of Tan Sri Vincent Tan. This was suddenly announced during the Presentation Ceremony held at The Intermark, Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Day, 16th September 2019.
We take this opportunity to thank Tan Sri Vincent Tan for his very kind generosity in giving us such a special prize. Initially, when we entered the contest there was only promise of 5 printed copies for the winners entries (based on the various categories given) as book prizes! Our utmost thanks to the panel of Judges and Datin Sunita who initiated the idea to Dr Jasmina to bring such an Award to Malaysia to provide this platform for the Malaysian Elderly a chance to bring out their writing talents through a contest such as this.
Special thanks is also extended to Dr Jasmina, Ms Cindy, Mr M Tan, Mr Eric and the dedicated Staff of “The Chateau” who gave us, the winners a marvellous and memorable experience of the brief stay there.
We had excellent cuisine, good weather, hospitality and good company in toto! There was definitely a Malaysian “Muhibbah Spirit” amongst us! During our informal meetings and with much free time for us to roam around the grounds of “The Chateau” we were indeed on Cloud Nine! There was so much laughter and fun from our happy team as we were taken in by the wonderful flora and fauna, chirping birds and four legged monkeys swinging in the trees nearby. Were we lucky to have seen a monkey(s) up close within our safe space.
To capture the feelings of euphoria whilst at “The Chateau” here is my poem to all:
“A touch of Harmony and a touch of Unity we did feel
But “The Chateau” provided the ambience for us to achieve it all.
Together we discussed issues under the sun with much laughter and fun!
And believe it or not we had wonderful good food, weather and company in toto!
What else can we ask of more than to tell of our visit to “The Chateau”.
For it is surely a heavenly place out of town to observe the wonderful
flora and fauna, clear blue and sunny skies, see and hear chirping birds and mischievous monkeys to add it all."
We left “The Chateau” with some sadness but our experiences and gratefulness will
be etched as memories in our hearts and minds after all!
With best wishes to all for the days ahead.
Written by Alice Aruthan
First Prize Winner
My Malaysia Poem Category
Jasmina Awards 2019
Note: This a reflective piece written after the weekend stay at The Chateau, Bukit Tinggi together with the other winners of Jasmina Awards 2019. Click HERE to view pictures from the magical weekend.