13th February 2024 | Chinese Kitchen
Dear Audiences,
On February 13, 2024, I started my day early, excited for what was ahead. I had my camera, Miss Mavic, and a chair with me, ready to capture something special.
My plan was to film myself in a unique way, with the drone moving towards me as I creatively moved towards the chair.
I wanted to explore different movements, not just sitting still but engaging with the camera in an active way.
My adventure took me back to my old school, Yuk Chai, and a nearby playground where I spent many afternoons as a kid. It felt nostalgic, being in a place filled with memories of playing football with a plastic bottle. I experimented with filming techniques, trying to capture the essence of returning to a familiar place with new eyes.
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I stumbled upon a bird making a familiar sound from my childhood, a cuckoo. It wasn’t a crow, but its song took me back in time. I zoomed in on it, filming its perch atop a tree, feeling a connection to my past through its presence.
I then approached my old school, hoping to film its grounds during the quiet of Chinese New Year. The guards at the gate listened to my story and my wish to document the school for a documentary. They couldn’t give me permission right away and suggested I come back later when I could speak to the headmaster.
My journey continued to the Cempaka Buddhist Lodge, a place I visited in my teenage years. Outside, I filmed a giant dragon decoration and spoke with someone who invited me to film inside next time. I promised to return with more equipment to tell the temple’s story properly.
Back home, my mom and grandmother had prepared a delicious lunch. Afterward, I decided to move my workstation downstairs to be closer to them. Being upstairs felt too isolated, and I didn’t want to miss any moments with my family.
I spent the afternoon finishing the second episode of my video series in Malaysia. As I worked on the final commentary, reflecting on my mom’s care for my grandparents, I was moved to tears. It was a reminder of the deep connections and love within a family.
Later, I drove to my secondary school, SMK Tropicana, reflecting on a year of adventures and learning there. I only managed to take a chair shot outside, planning to return for a proper visit.
Dinner took us to a Chinese restaurant, where, with my mom’s help, I got permission to film in the kitchen. The bustling environment was like a fast-moving river, each person expertly playing their part. It was an exhilarating experience, capturing the chefs at work and feeling a part of their rhythm.
This day was about exploring familiar places with new eyes, capturing the essence of home and family. Whether filming birds, playgrounds, or busy kitchens, I was reminded of the beauty in everyday moments. It was a day of rediscovery, seeing the world with the wonder of a baby but the skill of a pro.
Warmly, babyPRO
