Happy Valley....performing with a message

The scorching sun didn’t prevent a group of youngsters from showing their snaky dance moves to the applauding spectators gathered in the Centenary Farmer’s market. The melodious “ngi semgi tasha” danced with perfection by the energetic troop members of the so called “happy valley” already gained much attention of the happy weekend shoppers.

As the name suggest, their intention is straight forward, to spread happiness among the spectators. I spent 20 minutes of life happily enjoying their performances without any worries, especially the inflated price of veggies thinning my wallet. My 3 year old nephew too struggled behind the tall crowd to seek a clear glance of their moves. He did not wait a second to applaud with the crowd for their performances.

I knew their existence as a stage performer initially started by Tshering Gyeltshen, a talented man. I saw them perform in CICC ground during the Centenary Celebrations, a song I liked and a wonderful TV ad on anti-corruption. I realized a difference in their talents, there was something really unique about this group, is it their uniqueness or their approach? Or is it that I enjoy dancing? May be!!! I loved dancing during my school days. Yeah yeah yeah Coco Jumbo, who the hell is Alice, I will be watching you and Summer of 69, I danced on them like nobody is watching me at the then newly opened DODO’s discotheque in Thimphu. Then, the above musics, a bottle of Eagle Beer and few sq fts of space would be enough to induce our bum to shake Shakira...Anywayz, coming back to Happy Valley, they are great performers. I like them, there is a message and a clear and loud message at the end of every performances. They sensitize on health, environment, trade, agriculture and range of issues and the beauty is that their messages are heard.

The troop leader I assume, I will ask his name for you later, is a wonderful and a talented boy. Like you and me, he too felt very privileged and honoured to have granted an audience by His Majesty the King. His raised his shoulder forward to share the moment that he spent with HM. He passed the concern of HM on the extinction of our traditional Bhutanese songs and the importance to preserve them. “31st May,is World’s no Tobacco Day, let us say no to Tobacco” he said on the top of his voice. Hundreds gathered there knew for the first time that such a day is observed. Those selling tobacco related products in the vicinity heard him loud and clear and became more cautious.

By now, “happy valley” successfully managed to get sponsored with carton full of soft drinks from the two happy spectators. While they continue to perform and impart messages, few cold drinks under scorching sun will booze their energy...You are welcome to be entertained by them at the Centenary Farmer’s Market during weekends. You are also welcome to donate some to these needy youths who apparently plan to open a restaurant in the CFM.

The Miracles of Bio Disc

Empower Yourself!!!

A small round-shaped glass device popular known as Bio Disc came into my possession recently. While the true benefit of this energy generating device depend on ones personal use and experience, I do not intend to promote its use based on what I read and heard about it.

So, what is this Bio Disc?

Reportedly, it is a natural energy generating device that produces SCALAR energy frequencies that have no negative side effects. The energy created specifically rejuvenates molecular structures in all liquids and the molecular structure causes any liquid to become more hydratious, taste better and extend shelf life.

The 13 natural minerals compacted into this piece of glass and produced with nano fusion process (very technical and scientific, isn't it???), this so-called miracle device earned huge popularity among users across the world. Bhutanese are no exception, I know quite a few who proudly owns this priced asset. Had it not cost me dearly, I would have loved to own one and tried its perceived benefits:

Energize yourself-play your favorite soccer game non-stop, improve the growth and seed germination of your plants, enjoy fresh fruits and veggies and expand their life span, enhance the taste of your foods and beverages, help improve your sleep, detoxify and hydrate body cells, enhance your immune system, help reduce stress....blah blah blah... These are some of the few benefits of Bio Disc.

Looks like it does wonders up there, and anyone will be tempted to try it. But has it really benefited users or is it simply a myth? Hats off to the creators, if those magics worked. The world will see no more sufferings. Otherwise, beware of yet another scam.

A day without my Nokia E71

It was just before the coffee break in a meeting that I realized my priced gadget was missing. No wonder, the melodious ring tone did not buzz for the last 2 hrs giving me full autonomy over the deliberations of the meeting I was attending that day.

Meanwhile, a word used by one of the presenters kept reminding me of my limited vocabulary. The inbuilt dictionary in my gadget would have brought some peace to my mind. I regretted its absence at that point of time.

Oppss...at 1230, I had to pick up a parcel from someone and I had no idea what time it was. I don't wear a watch justifying that the E71 comes with a great analogue clock on its screen. Didn't dare to ask the time from a not-so friendly looking guy sitting next to me. I am sure the person who brought my parcel must be cursing me for not coming to pick up.

"Lunch will be served in the restaurant downstairs, all the participants are welcome" remarked the MC. All proceeded towards the lunch venue. The butter fried asparagus, kewa datsi and many other delicacies forced me back, while my colleagues expected me anytime to share our packed lunches in the office pantry.

I had an important paper, pending on my desk for further discussion with the client. At 1400 hrs we were suppose to have a short discussion to sort out some issues. The hotel receptionist kindly agreed to allow me a call on mobile, but his no. was saved in my contacts. My client went back grumbling.

The presentations resumed with some mathematical calculations and my brain wasn't quick enough to get the numbers flashed. The calculator in the gadget always helped me do few mathematical calculations.

Now, I was under immense pressure on the whereabouts of my gadget. Did I leave it at home or in my car???Did I leave it in my office drawer???I recollected the entire journey from my home to the meeting venue unable to recollect the place where I left it.

May be, my parents would have called me for some urgent matters, my colleagues must be trying to locate me, my wife would have called to find out if I collected the parcel. All these questions revolved around my head for the next few minutes. Suddenly I noticed a familiar face from behind the door, my senior colleague had come to see me. I knew this would happen, he must have come personally unable to connect me through my phone.

"I tried calling you several times, where is your phone?" he said with a smile on his face. "I couldn't locate it" I said in return. Someone from CDB called me from your phone to inform that he found the gadget lying on the road. Unbelievable, I am getting back my phone which got lost that morning but fortunately got into the hand of a kind person. I decided to pick it up the next morning. My sincere thanks and appreciation to this kind man, not because I was getting back my phone but for his sincerity and honesty. There are very few of his type around us.

1700 hrs, the last presentation of the meeting was about to end in next 5 minutes. I had to coordinate with my wife for our journey back home. That would be difficult, she had no idea where I was that day. She had been waiting in front of my office with her eyes on the parking lot to see me coming.

Just before I entered my car, she grumbled from inside that we are late for the birthday party. Elsewhere, my kind man from CDB must be bothered with the alarm tone I set at 1630 as a reminder to buy the birthday gift.

That was a day full of anxiety for me.

Dear friends, How has technology affected us? has it made us lazy and created a robot in us? or is it convenient? Are we becoming slaves to Technology? Lets discuss.

Meet Namgay Maurer

Don't be surprised if you see the Dragon flag hung in between two Swiss flag on a beautiful Chalet in Gstaad valley. There is more surprises awaiting you inside the small room occupied by Namgay Maurer. But let me share few words about this mesmerizing place on earth. It is heaven on earth. Gstaad is one of the most fascinating Swiss holiday spot in the region. The Swiss Golden Pass Railway system takes you there from Montreux. Enjoy the stunning view of the valley filled with beautiful Chalets all over.

Originally from Bumthang, Namgay is currently in Switzerland working with a company that builds Chalet. Almost 10 years now in Switzerland and this man's love for his motherland is as strong as any true son of the country.

Namgay's small room in one of those beautiful Chalet is home to several Bhutanese elements . Enjoy the sweet incense smell and listen to Ap Dopey's Dramngyen as the sun start rising across the valley, followed by Nidup Dorji and Rinchen Namgay's rigsar. Shakam ezay with mouth watering Suja made from Swiss butter awaits you at the kitchen. Namgay has never been keen of instant foods available in store. He wakes up early enough to prepare rice and ezay and proudly fill them in his Dapa which he wipes off with a clean piece of cloth. Outside, a line of nicely trimmed beef and pork awaits to be turned into shakam. His flawless Bhutanese proverbs describes every situation at its best.

This man, in his early 20s is full of humor and keeps everyone happy around him. His short absence from work is immediately noticed by colleagues, and when he takes his month long winter break, colleagues count days for his arrival. He start playing the song "I am going home" a month before his day of departure.

Particular about time and his work, this man, so young has a perfect blend of good qualities and his love for his motherland.

I only wish him the arrival of winter months, when he look forward to coming home with a suitcase full of Swiss Chocolates to meet his loved ones and to play a game of archery dressed in his favorite Bumthang mathra.

Thanks a million for all the good times we had. Good wishes and Tashi Delek to my loving friend Namgay

Druk Star decided

Once again, the nation voted.

Nothing new, but this very popular reality show combined with drama and music brought together the nation to decide the finest musical figure of the country. Thousands of sms votes recorded and the topic appearing frequently in online forums and other media are testimony to its popularity.

Many complaint of unfair voting system and poor judgment quality. But this is a part of the game and everyone has the right to do so. The entire season of this show experienced emotions and excitement for the viewers and the contestants. Tears of joys and sorrows were shed for having lost their fellow contestants, dreams shattered and moving up to the next level. For many of them, it was a life time opportunity.

The Grand Finale attracted an overwhelming crowd. The result, as anticipated was in favor of many voters. Ms. Jamphel, a high school student was voted winner of the competition taking home a SWIFT car and couple of thousands of Nu. She deserves the judgment and for now her life will change for better. In recognition of her talent, her parents too received a free air ticket to Bangkok, this would have given additional pride to her parents.

While she takes over the prizes that sponsors had to offer, there is a message for all of us here. No matter what, if you are talented and committed, you will be recognized. A SWIFT and a few hundred thousand Ngultrums would not necessary address all her needs, but will surely give her hope and aspirations to become one of the best voice of the nation.

Let us take a look at some of the votes casts to these top 5 contestants. A total of 810'305 votes were recorded in favor of these 5 contestants. We still have recorded votes for the 15 others, who were voted out during the show. 800'000 votes, that's a lot of money being spent by the people (about 4 million Nu.) in a span of 3-4 months. This excludes incomes earned by the organizers during live shows in Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Paro and Wangdue. Economic gains of this show indicates that entertainment sector is booming, which in turn, will encourage more initiatives. At the same time, rest assured that people with talent will have a proper platform to present them for recognition. I only hope that people get what they deserve.For now, let us wait to hunt down the best talents.

Tashi Delek to all the contestants.

Welcome

Dear all,

Welcome to my blog. I hope you will enjoy reading my blog as much as I do writing them. Enjoy reading some of my experiences and share some of yours with me. Good luck and Tashi Delek.

Cheers