Last Saturday (May 21), I had a call from our big brother Kuya Terry Teo that they need our family team's videography services for a remarkable event at the Sakyamuni Dharma Centre, a Buddhist centre where's he's not only a member, but he is the President of SDC. After relaying the information on the venue and time, I confirmed our attendance. Then he called back again and said that he wanted me to be the emcee instead and just leave the videography to hubby and daughter. I was kinda hesitant at first because first of all, I don't know a thing about Buddhism and secondly, I haven't witnessed a Wesak Day celebration. But Kuya Terry had already put his full trust on me that I could really do it. And that alone is a manifestation that I could be their event's emcee.
Woke up early on Sunday, May 22 2016. I only had 3 hours sleep because after work, I spent the whole night researching on what kind of event I'd be emceeing. I have always been like that. It's better to aim for the moon and shoot for the stars. We arrived at the centre at around 9AM. I was then ushered by a organizer's representative to their small office for a briefing on what the occasion is all about and what it would be like. I also printed materials with me for my guidance.
The event was organized by the Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia (VBCM) and was held at the Sakyamuni Dharma Centre in Petaling Jaya. Program proper should have started at 9:30AM but I guess, people really preferred to come fashionably late. Hubby was asked to go upstairs to take photos and videos of a group of monks who came to visit the Guest of Honor from Tibet, His Eminence Sharpa Choepel Rinpoche who came all the way from Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India. It was almost 11AM when the program officially started.
There was an Invocational Prayers led by the Denma Khantsen Monks from Tibet, followed by the Snow Lion and Yak Dance, to symbolize the affair. After speeches from the organizers, the Guest of Honor lighted the candle to officially mark the celebration then blessings came afterwards. I also queued up and was given blessings eventhough I'm not a Buddhist. But I believe blessings are still blessings, regardless of what religion you have. We all praise One God and that's what's important, right?
Anyway, here's what happened on that day, taken by Sarita Marlou Videography. Enjoy!
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