It seems everyone wanted to be a part of the celebration of the Year of the Rooster at Tsung Tsin on Saturday, February 4th. A record 280 people attended, and tickets were sold out from the week before. It’s maybe because the Rooster is the epitome of fidelity, punctuality and exorcises evil spirits and 2017 is the year of the Fire Rooster, which makes it extra special.
MC Jennifer Chin welcomed everyone including past presidents Carol Wong and Matthew Lyn as well as Mr. and Mrs. Philip Ho of Warriors Ink, Donette Chin Loy Chang and her mother, Daphne Chin Loy.
Dishes of roast pig, sweet and sour fish, stuffed tofu and other delicacies featured on the typical Hakka menu were brought to the tables by hardworking volunteers. After dinner, guests were given plates of won ban and mandarin. The chef of this tasty dinner was Howard Chin, TTA’s resident manager and cook. The roast pigs were donated by Mrs. Lue of Fah Mee, Abraham Chin and Susan Lai, and Denise and Clive Yap Sam.
President Clive Yap Sam thanked the coordinators, Sweetie Lee, Shirley Chung and Denise Yap Sam for a job well done. He said celebrating Chinese New Year with the traditional Hakka dishes was to help retain a strong bond of heritage and customs and increase awareness of the culture.
This event was the last Clive would be attending as President as the 16th term of office was up. It was time to pass on the leadership to younger members, who he would like to see more involved at the CRSY meetings and as board members. He thanked the executive and joint board members and mentioned that the AGM was going to be held on February 12th. He also mentioned some upcoming events which included Fish Fry Night and the President’s Inaugural Ball.
Before the start of the entertainment, red envelopes were handed out to members 85 years of age and older, and also to children 12 years old and younger. It was great to see that Clive was kept busy distributing them.
Our lyrical Tsung Tsin singers, led by their chique leader, Gladys Chin presented three songs in Mandarin - Village Love, Red Sunset and Tibetan Plateau. They were followed by Jade Lau of Clearview School of Arts & Culture who did a graceful solo dance called the Yang Ge Dance of the Yellow River. Two singers, Santha and her mother Mary Wong who are wellknown to TTA, sang a Cantonese song to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Mary wore a smart, sparkly cap and did a charming little dance while singing. Santha concluded by doing a solo called ‘Welcome the Spring Blossom’.
Before the dancing began, prizes were drawn. Congratulations to winners - Dr. Phillip Chang and Mrs. Daphne Chin Loy.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this a successful event.