Calistro Prize Presentation

Today, the Calistro Prize Presentation was held at Marmalade Cafe, Bangsar Village 2. Organised by the Calistro Secretariat, SCBWI President, Linda Tan worked tirelessly to promote and to ensure the success of the inaugural Calistro Prize awarded for children/young adult novels or books. Three cheers for Linda!

It was a lovely lovely ceremony and I was especially lucky to have three very important ladies attended. Firstly, Mum - Puan Kamariah Jaafar, who ensured not only me but our WHOLE FAMILY reads and reads English books, from Tin Tin to classics. She still corrects our English (Mum edited Hikayat and NAGA) and has just finalised her own novel.

Secondly, my English teacher, Mrs Khaw Choon Ean at SSP (Seri Puteri) for five years, is actively involved in SCBWI. She encouraged me to participate in this competition. When she was asked, "So, you are the one who taught Ninot to write?" Mrs Khaw humbly answered, "I taught her English. The writing she already had it in her." For the record, Mrs Khaw was the first person ever to encourage my poetry writing and also taught me life-long lessons on going the extra mile - she was my gymnastics coach and all those preparation for tournaments instilled a never-give-up attitude in me.

Thirdly, Datin Vasanthi Ramachandran, my life coach and mentor rushed in between a  family wedding commitments the same day to drop by with flowers! Datin Vasanthi is the founder of Helping Hands and a well-known writer and news columnist herself. She introduced me to the world of NGO and volunteerism. I have been blessed to know her family.

Of course the event was made all the more special because of the support of my family, I would never have come this far without Rudy and my daughters Iman, Inas, Irani, Ilena and Ikesha. My sister Khadijah and University bro Edy shared the day with me. And a girl couldn't ask for more to have  friends of  35 years round up their support and love. Thank you so much Aimy, Alynn, Famie, Hawa, Ita, Mas and Mummy and the gang who sent well wishes throughout the day - Ona, Ruzi, Maraya et al.

Good friend Damien dropped by with his book Playing Cupid - The Art of  Brand Seduction just hot off the press. (No, it is not the book you think it is) Check it out at MPH in a about a month.

I am so glad I wrote and submitted Onangkiu to the Calistro Prize. It sure felt good to have your work recognised. It is still a manuscript for now and hopefully will hit the shelves soon!

A special thank you to Peter Duke for the additional tips on Onangkiu!

Thank you, everyone. It was a be-e-e-a-a-u-utiful day!



Dr David Kirkham, of Calistro Foundation
and Mrs Khaw Choon Ean, award winning writer

Thank you Mum for everything!

I wouldn't have made it this far without Rudy.

My mentor, Datin Vasanthi, Writer and Helping Hands Founder (NGO)

and daughter Trish



Beautiful Inas and Iman

Irani is always on the move!

 Seri Puteri gang with our favourite English teacher!

 



With Zakiah aka Mrs Yusuf Gajah and writer, Mohana Gill
(I interviewed her way back then in the Lake Club)

Edy, long time friend and sister, Khadijah





Reading Damien's book, hot off the press!



Another Lake Club longtime friend, Damien
I actually knew Damien's parents

Thank you, Calistro!