Who knew the boy from the schoolbus and whose name my sisters and I kept seeing in The Star after that would one day be a good friend and a great boss.
Boss, congrats for reaching the 30-year mark. You've certainly left an impression on your readers, colleagues (including peons like me - heh!), friends etc in your time here. I think I speak for many in saying that we wanted to join the Star because folks like you and Asohan blazed a trail in writing/journalism that left us, your readers, in awe. Thanks for being a great boss, mentor and friend. Here's to another 30 - Cheers!
What's that hairy thing on your lip?! Hee hee hee you're obviously well loved here on Level 7 :) and rightly so.
Here's to a life-time more of wonderful Star memories. You make working here very relaxed and enjoyable. It's great to have you as a friend .... and relative :)
Boss, you've been a mentor, an inspiration, a friend and a great leader. The warmth you show and the laughter we can easily share with you, makes working in level 7 even more enjoyable. You're a rare boss as we all say, and we are thankful for having you as our 'kepala.' Congratulations and may everything beyond the 30 year mark be even smoother in the next coming years, as many as that may be!
I've got very high standards -- well, except when it comes to women -- and thus do not find many people to admire. Boss, you're definitely one of those rare people.
A great mentor, a great boss, a great friend and one of the finest -- if not THE finest -- writers The Star has ever had the good fortune of hosting.
In honour of your 30 years at The Star, I hereby inaugurate the #DavinBelanja hashtag. Enjoy, all the rest of you :)
Hey Big Guy with the big heart, big wit and big nose!
We had some fab times together as youngsters. I had some of the most enjoyable adventures with you, whether it was discovering something together - Star Wars, Les Miserables - sharing an obsession or two - The Lord of the Rings - and creating the craziest project for the company -The Great Malaysian Novel.
It's a pity work and naik pangkah have kinda made us move in different directions, but I know you are one person I can count on for a listening,caring ear.
Happy anniversary, here's to 30 more good years ... but somewhere else, perhaps?
My first job interview at The Star and you were late for it. My impression of and regard for you has steadily improved ever since. :))
Remember Social Whirl in Section Two? You said, "Whirl your head!" to Ronald Sha when he suggested some event or other to attend.
And the wonderful, nutty days of Dwayne A. Rules - made copy-editing actually fun.
Thank you, Davin, for being fair, creative and open to suggestions, for listening to us minions when we needed an understanding ear and for leading and guiding us.
All the best for the next 30 years, wherever you want to be.
LJY
(Many thanks to Brigitte for this tribute blog. What a sweet idea.)
Davin, congratulations!!! 30 years is no mean feat in a business like this and you've proven to all of us that with dedication, passion and hard work (and a whole load of talent), you can achieve great things.
Here's to more great years ahead at The Star. Cheers! ;)
Congratulations on your 30th anniversary at the Star.. it shows your tenacity and determination :)
You are an inspiration to us, I remember reading your work in the Star (I wont mention my age then *ahem*) and it has been great to know the man behind the words and we are honoured and glad to call you friend :)
The #Davinbelanja hashtag is a plot by Asohan, he hasn't completed his #Asohanbelanja yet :P Memang #SalahAsohan
I of course deny any wrongdoing whilst visiting Intech way back when.. :)
Here's to another (at least) 30 years of Davin Arul-ness (whether at the Star or on your own).. Sir Hugs-a-lot is the man!!!! :)
Heartiest congrats Davin! OK, time for the embarrassing gushing. :P
I was a HUGE fan of your Marvelous Mags column with Stephen Kau back in the day and growing up in Brunei, I didn't get The Star. I only got to read it when I went home to Kuching for the holidays. Some of my most cherished memories are of methodically going through huge piles of old copies of The Star at my granny's place and cutting out and keeping the Marvelous Mags columns. I think I still have some of them in a box at home. :) Your year end specials and the free posters and calendars were especially welcome. The Byrne FF picture and the Perez JLA character pics adorned my walls for a good long while. :)
In later years as an IT college student, I'd be reading In-Tech religiously and would always enjoy your reviews and articles there.
It blows my mind (no, not that way, the other way) that I can now call you friend. Congrats again on this milestone and thanks for being a part of my life through the years (creepy as that sounds). :)
Dear dear Davin, has it been 30 years already?? Unbelievable! Seems like just yesterday when I saw this big guy at the subs desk that I would hang out with occasionally, thanks to June. I'll always remember you as the one who went the extra mile to compile the lyrics of les miserable into a little black book -- I was one of the lucky recipients. We had fun those days and few meetings! Here's to more good memories of the rest of our days at the paper. The Star wouldn't be what it is today without what you brought to it too. Happy 30th anniversary!
It certainly is a great pleasure to have you as a friend. Perhaps other than Brigitte, we've known each other longer than the 30 years you've served but I feel that another 30 years will still not be enough for us as friends.
Your are the greatest buddy anyone can have and I am certainly glad and thankful to be in your circle! I'll stop gushing but say "Congratulations for sticking through with The Star through thick and thin!" and may your roads be smooth on whatever journey you choose to take.
When Nizam, the then News Editor, first told me I was going to Section Two (after two torturous months at Newsdesk), I was not very excited. Nizam said, wait for Davin to come in and check with him. So I waited for two hours for you to turn up, thinking I was to be briefed about an assignment in Section Two PJ. Then you ambled in and sat down, and I approached you about my assignment. You looked puzzled and then softly explained that I had been transferred to Section Two of the paper. I didn't know whether to laugh (with joy) or cry (with embarrassment). I can't begin to tell you the impact you've had in my life and career (oh shit, they are one and the same). Thank you for nurturing my love for comics, IT, gadgets, Star Wars, pizza, and writing features and doing reviews - books, music, videos and film (not necessarily in that order, but pretty close). But most importantly, thank you for showing me that there are other management styles and that a boss doesn't have to shout and scream and terrify his staff in order to get the best out of them. The soft touch is just as effective - and earns you undying loyalty from your staff who later morph into friends.
Wow, 30 years, what does The Star give for that many years of service? Well, in a strange sort of way, you were my first boss when I joined The Star as assistant editor, Online. I think we were both as puzzled as anyone why I landed there. But we had great times together taking Online to greater heights. You also put me on the front page of Star Two during your time as editor, but not because you knew me but I was being interviewed for some environment issue. I love all the stuff you have in your room, if per chance you want to get rid of anything, give me a call. Oh yeah, if you need to borrow Frasier 1-11, just give me a yell!
Congratulations on your 30 years of service. That's what I call a cunning stunt! That's right, a cunning stunt! You're probably the best boss I've ever had (and I've had quite a few), and for that, thank you. As they say in Kansas, live long, and prosper.
When Brigitte sent me the invite to comment on this blog honouring you, I was instantly moved and told her I would definitely write a tear-jerker. So here goes:
Star is damn lucky to have you in the first place - let alone for all of 30 years! You must be the reason people can't Hartal MSM. Could you please dump your modesty that has admittedly served you well all this while (but maybe not for another 30 years, ya?) and angkat yourself more in the public eye so that ordinary folks would know there are fine journalists still working from within MSM, and hopefully that'll disarm cynics into caring enough about the state of press freedom to storm into Parliament and demand for the abolition of the PPPA?
So, got tissues out already?
No? Er...I try again, ya?
Sometime in the mid-1990s when I was a grouchy sub, Reena bought a T-shirt from London which she (and I) thought totally described me. It had Bill Watterson's Calvin on the front, face all scrunched up, thinking: "Every day I'm forced to add another name to the list of people who piss me off!"
But guess what - after 5,400 names (and counting), yours is still not on it.
And how are the tears coming along now?
Hokk-aaaay...one last try!
I remember your kindness to a rookie TV reporter (who shall remain nameless to protect their privacy) who was so blur about what other people thought of that position - basically, that it was beneath a graduate to be doing data entry. You tried to cheer said rookie reporter by pointing out the relative importance of the TV page to other pages (beating even comics and horoscopes, I believe) and the person in charge of it is, by association, the most important staff! Woohoo!! Though come to think of it, look at the deluge of phone calls Star got after I killed off Frank Sinatra. Now, you don't get that kind of response over other pages, do you?
...Oops, did I say "I"? No, no, no, that wasn't me. I wasn't the blur rookie TV reporter. Scratch that. Burn that bit. Where are the censors?!
Now, where were we...oh, ya - tears!
Hmmm - still dry, izit?
So, I should stop?
I'll just end with this, then: Lucky people, those who have had you as their boss. Even more as a friend.
And while this may be a tribute to you, I think your mom and dad deserve special mention, too, for having a big hand in making the wonderful person that you are: funny, smart, kind...and a helluva good writer - or should I thank your English teacher for that?
You were a great editor for the Eagle (the school magazine) - loved your writing style since way back then - and you have always been one of the best of the best here at The Star.
Thanks for giving me a chance (coming from a non-journalism background) here back in 1991.
I'll never forget the job interview, and what an experience being able to work with you as my editor, having read your articles & movie reviews faithfully since the early-80s. I learnt so much even before I joined The Star, thanks to you.
Live long and prosper & May the Force be always with you, Davin. A great man, you are. Much to learn from you, we have.
Congratulations for having survived 30 years here together with some of us. Well, a toast to the gentle giant and the good friend and boss who is the only one here now who knows about "buttons" : )
My first impression of you was that of the very intimidating BIG BOSS of In.Tech. You had a presence (and I don't mean physical presence), that booming voice and of course, all your kunchus who seem to worship the ground you walked on. But the longer I spent time in the basement office that was In.Tech in the old days, I knew you as one of the gentlest, kindest, funniest, most humble and cuddly people I've ever met!
You have enriched many lives with your 30-year career at The Star. I'm proud to have the privilege to call you "friend."
It's not just the fact that you've been at The Star for 30 years, but that you have done so while continuing to be the same humble, friendly and all-round Good Guy (TM) all the above comments pay tribute to is a truly remarkable achievement.
I was and still am an ardent fan of the movie reviews that you write, and part of the fun of being a WWF/WWE fan during the Rock/Stone Cold era was the brilliant Grunt N' Groan column as well.
But even before that there were the awesome articles in Section 2 and In.Tech, which for a brief moment made me aspire to be a journalist too. (Then I found out how much journos earned, and I changed tracks swiftly... :P)
Thanks for being a great boss of a happening department, and for also being one of the coolest dudes I have had the privilege to meet.
Happy 30th anniversary, here's to many many more! Cheers!:D
in the "perseverance and stamina" section of our KPI form, the ratings should be: 1, 2, 3, 4, davin arul. congratulations on your 30th year! you've not only proven to us that it can be done, but it can done with class. gordon
Hey Davin aka Bagus Teh (ha, regret giving me a similar recognition eh?),
Congrats on achieving thirty starry years! I can still recall those times in the late 80's when I first came over and met up with you guys - David Yeoh, Michael Aeria, Poh Tip and, of course, the ever all encompassing Davin with my two old friends, Sujesh and Gilbert! It has been 20+ years since??? Wow, I suppose it will be a retirement tribute next in our mid fifties?
Davin.. Heartiest Congrats on hitting the three decade milestone with the Star and giving your best to the paper over the years. You're hitting your stride, there's lots more out there for a creative kaki like you so got to it and have a blast in the process... thanks lots for being such a lovely friend all these years... Salute! from manyants of Jumble Station and your long, lonnng ex-Star kaki!
30 years. How many batik shirts is that? Not many if you put them next to the number of hours, smoked cigarettes, ideas, words, columns, silent curses, patience, stress and sweat, blood and tears you have contribute to the tens and thousands of issues of the paper. Thank you (together with. Andy Ng) for introducing me to Big Mac at the Section 14 McD in 1985 when I moved from Penang.there are so many brands of fast fooD now, but only one Big DAddy. Time to recall the past 30 years and reflect on the next 30. Congrats. ... Chong Cheng Hai
wow, all these glowing testimonials ... makes 30 years of toil at the star worth every second of it, eh? though we've never actually worked together, i've heard enough good things about u to know that u're a legend in the company!
Eh, what, you're only 30 years old? I don't buy that, can't be ... what? Oh, I see, 30 years at The Star ... man, you need to get a life! Congratulations on your immense powers of patience, and your fortitude and resolve. Why's that line from the U2 song running in my head now ... 'don't let the b*****ds get you down ...' Remember those drives after dinner so we could talk about gir ...er, stuff and all that to get a perspective on life and the next day? You don't? Gee .. you old! But thanks for those pep talks ... we go makan when?
Congrats VP Davin! Wow 30years of service with the Star! Still remember the fun times we had together in the early days of InTech with projects like Microfest, Microfair... You've come a long way and deserve all these accolades. Surely more rewards to come VP!
OK, now that I'm inspired after reading all the msges above, I'll write a "proper" one worthy of you.
Thanks, Davin, for being a mentor, a teacher, a friend, a brother, a boss .... Someone who taught me how to work through the bad days (remember the night assignment you sent me on when I was still recovering from the flu?), passed the chicken pox to me, stuck by me and supported me through 1 divorce and 2 deaths, and is still teaching me even till today to be a better person ("everyone deserves a chance" - something you said to me just recently).
I can only hope I have been half the student/friend you have been to me.
And, no, this ex-CBNer won't move her bag for you! ;-)
You're from the black/white era??? And man, you've been with "Bintang" for 30 years? Gosh, you're what? 10 when you joined?
See, I knew it all along. The trekkie fan thingy was just a cover up for the renaissance man side of you after all.
Thanks for the many great times and memories when you ditched my artciles over and over again (record stood at 7 for one lousy write-up!) and the handful of times when you did let them through possibly because you pitied me :(.
But seriously, thanks for all that you've done for me. Had it not been so, I might have just ended up a drunk but brilliant Hemingway. As it is, I've enjoyed the life of a lowly despicable reporter the likes of the hound dogs of TMZ.
So to the guy who's been there for me, especially telling me how my articles really really sucked, I offer my warmest and fondest gratitude.
Damn, these significant BIG numbers sure have a way of sneaking up on ya eh? Just like NOD stealth bikes. Or those pesky engineers. I wish I could find the words, but they're hiding like X-com aliens right before you wanna wrap up a level, so I'll just go with: congratulations, well done and thank you, sir from the bottom of my heart. You are and always will be the best boss ever, and I'm glad you were my first -- i realise how open to quips that last bit was -- but what the hey. You iz DA man.
Hey Davin, After reading through all these posts I've come to realise that you were patient, kind, understanding... to all. You shared your insights, your great sense of the ironic and when needed, shared in silence. I treasure our friendship.
The 30 years at The Star are lucky days for the company. Keep on rolling.
Comment #forty-something...not because I found out about this blog late, am just lost for words.
You've come a long way from joining as a cadet journalist to VP of New Media. You hardly complain & take things all in stride. Kudos to 30 years at Star! I'm very fortunate to have you as my boss.
That's quite a milestone, Davin. OMG Where have all the years gone?
Seems like only yesterday we were working on Section Two pages -- the only males on a nearly all-girl subs desk and section.
Seems like only yesterday, I was rifling through your bag in the newsroom for Previews and getting scolded. :-)
Seems like only yesterday, I was closely admiring the carpet in your old living room ... after throwing out my back. You still seeing that doctor who kept making me laugh? Smack him one for me.
Seems like only yesterday, DA the DM was giving Damien Whitefyre and his fellow travellers the adventures of a lifetime. Man, I should have kept that white Formica dining table. Sigh.
Seems like only yesterday, we were making Batik jokes. Wait-a-minute, that WAS yesterday. :-) And the day before. And the day before that. :-0 Hahaha. Relax. Batik suits you. You've done more for that industry than what's-her-name.
So here's to another 30 years of making memories. And another 30 after that, even if we'll probably be too old to remember. Bwahahaha.
PS: You are not the only one here now who knows about "buttons." Smirk.
Davin, remember 2 of us updating The Star Online manually from home when September 11 attacks happened in 2001? Feel like yesterday but it's actually 10 years ago.
All right ... all right ... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order ... what has Davin Arul ever done for us?
The world has changed ... in the water ... in the earth ... in the air ... in The Star (:-))... you don't seem to.. you seem to have have the longevity of an Elf or an Ent. Many congratulations on your Starry 30th.
Thanks for everything, DA. You've been an amazing boss and mentor, and someone we all look up to.
You once said, "I don't manage 19 people, I manage 19 personalities." How the heck you managed to keep calm and collected around us hantus is amazing. Now that's a skill you can't learn from any business school!
You do know that journos from other sections at The Star were always envious of us at In.Tech, rite? Not just cos of those junkets but because we had you as our ed; not just because you were such a great boss but because we all seemed to have so much fun at work -- the environment you created.
The best days of my life were spent at In.Tech. Thank you for shielding us from all the politics and protecting us from crazy demands and for showing us that being a strong ed doesn't require any table thumping or voice raising. You ran the team with class and we all have immense respect for you.
Through your matter-of-fact reviews I made your acquaintance. Your by-line was the first thing I looked for when I actually wanted to read the paper because your writing is such a treat. You always managed to elicit a two thumbs up response and a smile followed by a hearty laugh. What a wonderful way to get to know a person. I aspired to be just like you. Though, we all know, "There can be only one." (Highlander)
Then I met you and your generosity, endearing manner and the fact that you make batik prints cool just confirmed that sometimes the legend is as great as the man.
I can go on and on cos of my severe case of verbal diarrhea but what I really wanted to 'message' to you on this day is, to say a HUGE THANK YOU for giving us all the gift of you.
Wow! 30 years and you're still such a nice guy? That's unbelievable dude :)
Seriously though. I knew you before I knew you. I never used to read the newspaper as a kid. And then you and your cronies started writing some good shit and I was hooked. And now I work at The Star. Thanks Davin. Thanks a lot ;)
Seriously, you rock. And I will ALWAYS think of you when I see a purple rock. EEEEWWW
Time flies when you're having fun, they say. Well, it wasn't all smooth sailing but still you've spent 30 years of your life with one company. Congrats!
A BIG thank you for being a great friend, colleague and boss for the last 20+ years.
PS: You may take the rest of the day off if you like :-)
Thought we had a picture of you somewhere in your kiddy years when our dads used to meet. Scoured the albums and found nothing, bah.
So, I'll offer you something else instead - if you ever need your table rearranged or totalled again to add some more to the 30-year memories, I'm just a phone call away.
hi davin greetings from hong kong. mike aeria here. ex captain to you. or is it adminral now life begins at 30. so your adventure in the star is just beginning. what happened in the past is to prepare you for what is to come. did i scare you enough? well i also went to tell you that there is life after star. look at old foggies like poh tip and i. we had wonderful times together in the star, didn't we? being terrorised by our bosses. working together on strange projects. we love star trek, comics, some movies. the only thing wrong with you is that you support the wrong football club. otherwise you are ok. what more can i say except:
Thirty years? Can't believe I was only six when you first joined The Star! And sixteen years later, it was your excellent Fallout review that made me want to join In.Tech and here I am now...thanks for giving me the opportunity :-)
Congrats on the milestone and in conjunction with this special occasion, I hereby relinquish the mayorship of In.Tech to you. Cheers boss!
Hey man! Congrats on surviving this company and our company almost on a daily basis. It's awesome to know someone who is as generous and as nice as you. Thank you for enriching our lives and letting us know that there still exists some good people out there.
Congratulations, Davin! In an era defined by the number of companies a person works for, you've remained a one-team man. Thanks for all the guidance, advice and letting me share the bonds of friendship - if for a little while - with all your 'kids' at InTech during those hazy, crazy, Doom and Quake-filled days at the old Section 13 place.
Felicitations Davin. Always relish my days at Section Two, decades ago. Will always remember the big, benign boss in batik shirts. A toast to you. Cheers.
Hey Davin: Congratulations on three wonderful decades at the Star. Your contributions are evident for all of Malaysia to see; and the fact that you're regarded as an, uh, 'icon' only cements your place in Star's illustrious Hall of Fame (or is that Hall of Infamy :)... just kidding.) Thanks for being the great guy you are. Cheers… Mike Ang
Bro, ko sememangnya boss yg paling top antara boss-boss yg aku pernah ada. Dan sebagai seorang manusia, ko pun hebat jugak.
Banyak benda yg aku belajar masa aku kerja kat In.Tech; timakasih kerana bagi aku peluang untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada geng IT terunggul di Malaysia.
Those were kick-ass times. The best years of my life. Ah, the stories I will be able to tell my grandchildren ...
Congratulations Davin! 30 years of what you've achieved here and contributed to readers and fans. And still nice and humble and funny. That's really amazing...
Thanks for being such a nice Boss!
Happy 30th anninversary and many more happy years to come. :-)
Hi, everyone! Thanks for making this an anniversary to remember. Er, those who were at Level 7 earlier will agree that it was an emotional moment for me (no tearful videos on Facebook please!).
Emo, cos my late Dad really wanted to see me hit this milestone but passed away six months before the date.
Now that the sniffles have subsided and Blogspot has wiped out the first draft of this comment, what I was trying to say to everyone was: 1. I couldn't have made it through the 30 years without the blessings of God, the encouragement of parents and family and the camaraderie of you lot - my colleagues and friends. :)
2. When things get difficult, reach out to your colleagues and you'll be surprised how much lighter your burden can get. Sometimes, just from being around familiar people. It's how I got through the rough days and appreciate the good days.
3. I'm terrible at cutting cakes ....
Thanks again, everyone, and please forgive me for those moments when I may have been gruff, rude, negligent or cruel (not kitten-abusive cruel, but just ... harsh). HUGS all round!
p.s. #DavinBelanja will happen after the next #AsohanBelanja
Was surfing the net and came across this link. Congrats on 30 years at the STAR. Wow, has it been that long already since we left St. John's? Glad to see that you are doing well and you haven't changed a bit since the years (alright, my eyesight has gotten worse... :-)). Anyway, Omedetou gozaimasu!
Dear Davin, Very happy indeed to see you achieve such a great 30 year career /anniversary. While in The Star or now from the outside especially, you have been so obliging with our needs in media work .Codeword some friends know-controloc Thanks - Brigitte for putting me in this loop.joe D'Silva
I remembered when I join STAR and later applied leave, then I told my friends... hey I got Davin's signature! The real one, on my slip! Hehehe.. you are a celebrity... good boss and a fun person...
Wish I could have been there boss. What I forgot to say in my tribute was that the proudest moment in my writing career was when you got that fan mail accusing me (and that other fler) of being just pseudonyms of yours :)
Embarrassed. Missed deadline again - now you know why journalism quitted me - so sorry. But here goes ... and this one's truly from the gut ... well, as much gut as can be decently put on public display:
Well done on doing the hard yakka and for so many miles. A Corellian to the bone indeed.
Many thanks for kindness, friendship, encouragement, pizza (will never forget that pizza that heaved and sagged in the middle from the weight of all that bacon/sausage/salami).. ..wouldn't have survived cadetship otherwise. Dem new cadets better be thankful for what they've got.
Wishing you many more good years and courage and stamina to finish the course.
Sorry your dad not around to see this but where he is right now, he just might be getting the best seat in the house. A son's enduring affection for his departed father is surely a ringside seat in the heart, dude.
God bless.
(Actually real reason for missing deadline is we've been battling Yasi. Got muscles from hoisting sandbags - wanna see?)
Bridg, if you're reading this: Thanks for the heads-up!
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Congrats, Davin!
ReplyDeleteWho knew the boy from the schoolbus and whose name my sisters and I kept seeing in The Star after that would one day be a good friend and a great boss.
Cheers!
Brigitte
Boss, congrats for reaching the 30-year mark. You've certainly left an impression on your readers, colleagues (including peons like me - heh!), friends etc in your time here. I think I speak for many in saying that we wanted to join the Star because folks like you and Asohan blazed a trail in writing/journalism that left us, your readers, in awe. Thanks for being a great boss, mentor and friend. Here's to another 30 - Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHere you go. Kenny Rogers dedication for ya from all of us - hahaha! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKHi5VaAyOs&feature=related
ReplyDeleteCongrats Davin! of your super 30years of service!!
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate to have someone like you!
- Agent V -
What's that hairy thing on your lip?! Hee hee hee you're obviously well loved here on Level 7 :) and rightly so.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a life-time more of wonderful Star memories. You make working here very relaxed and enjoyable. It's great to have you as a friend .... and relative :)
Boss, you've been a mentor, an inspiration, a friend and a great leader. The warmth you show and the laughter we can easily share with you, makes working in level 7 even more enjoyable. You're a rare boss as we all say, and we are thankful for having you as our 'kepala.' Congratulations and may everything beyond the 30 year mark be even smoother in the next coming years, as many as that may be!
ReplyDeleteWow 30 years! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI've got very high standards -- well, except when it comes to women -- and thus do not find many people to admire. Boss, you're definitely one of those rare people.
ReplyDeleteA great mentor, a great boss, a great friend and one of the finest -- if not THE finest -- writers The Star has ever had the good fortune of hosting.
In honour of your 30 years at The Star, I hereby inaugurate the #DavinBelanja hashtag. Enjoy, all the rest of you :)
Wow - 1st time realising that Davin had a Sexahhhh moustache during his prime time! *WOOT**WOOT*
ReplyDeleteJust admiring this tribute blog from colleagues & friends. Am honoured to be part of this.
DA - what can I say? One who possesses a heart-of-gold. A colleague, a friend, a buddy, a #TJ kawan, all-in-1-lah. :)
Word of advise: Be GARANG when u really should:p
Congrats on your wonder years at STAR and continue to take New Media to greater heights!
btw, 2 thumbs up to #DavinBelanja
God Bless!
Hey Big Guy with the big heart, big wit and big nose!
ReplyDeleteWe had some fab times together as youngsters. I had some of the most enjoyable adventures with you, whether it was discovering something together - Star Wars, Les Miserables - sharing an obsession or two - The Lord of the Rings - and creating the craziest project for the company -The Great Malaysian Novel.
It's a pity work and naik pangkah have kinda made us move in different directions, but I know you are one person I can count on for a listening,caring ear.
Happy anniversary, here's to 30 more good years ... but somewhere else, perhaps?
I have missed the word play, the good eats and that particularly peculiar 7th floor atmosphere this past 4 years.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky it is that you got to last 30 years.
You have contributed and imbued much of yourself into that crazy, creative culture. No one can think of the Star without thinking of You.
Congratulations on 30 years and here's to many more.
PS does this mean you get a watch twice as big or twice as expensive?
Congratulations, Davin!
ReplyDeleteMy first job interview at The Star and you were late for it. My impression of and regard for you has steadily improved ever since. :))
Remember Social Whirl in Section Two? You said, "Whirl your head!" to Ronald Sha when he suggested some event or other to attend.
And the wonderful, nutty days of Dwayne A. Rules - made copy-editing actually fun.
Thank you, Davin, for being fair, creative and open to suggestions, for listening to us minions when we needed an understanding ear and for leading and guiding us.
All the best for the next 30 years, wherever you want to be.
LJY
(Many thanks to Brigitte for this tribute blog. What a sweet idea.)
Davin, congratulations!!! 30 years is no mean feat in a business like this and you've proven to all of us that with dedication, passion and
ReplyDeletehard work (and a whole load of talent), you can achieve great things.
Here's to more great years ahead at The Star. Cheers! ;)
Congratulations on your 30th anniversary at the Star.. it shows your tenacity and determination :)
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to us, I remember reading your work in the Star (I wont mention my age then *ahem*) and it has been great to know the man behind the words and we are honoured and glad to call you friend :)
The #Davinbelanja hashtag is a plot by Asohan, he hasn't completed his #Asohanbelanja yet :P Memang #SalahAsohan
I of course deny any wrongdoing whilst visiting Intech way back when.. :)
Here's to another (at least) 30 years of Davin Arul-ness (whether at the Star or on your own).. Sir Hugs-a-lot is the man!!!! :)
Lia
wow! 30 solid years. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDelete30 year that's double my record. I don't think I can achieve that.
#DavinBelanja will be reveal on that day? Let's make it trendy topics. ;-)
Congrats Davin, of your wonderful 30 years and hope you have many more!
ReplyDeleteBoss, congrats on your 30th anniversary! Anticipating more pix to fill in the gap between 1983 & 1998...
ReplyDeleteHeartiest congrats Davin! OK, time for the embarrassing gushing. :P
ReplyDeleteI was a HUGE fan of your Marvelous Mags column with Stephen Kau back in the day and growing up in Brunei, I didn't get The Star. I only got to read it when I went home to Kuching for the holidays. Some of my most cherished memories are of methodically going through huge piles of old copies of The Star at my granny's place and cutting out and keeping the Marvelous Mags columns. I think I still have some of them in a box at home. :) Your year end specials and the free posters and calendars were especially welcome. The Byrne FF picture and the Perez JLA character pics adorned my walls for a good long while. :)
In later years as an IT college student, I'd be reading In-Tech religiously and would always enjoy your reviews and articles there.
It blows my mind (no, not that way, the other way) that I can now call you friend. Congrats again on this milestone and thanks for being a part of my life through the years (creepy as that sounds). :)
Best,
Sheldon
Thirty years is a long time;
ReplyDeletebut 40 is longer.
Fifty is longer still;
and 60 is just ridiculous.
Aren't you glad you're far from ridiculous?
Hehehehe
Dear dear Davin, has it been 30 years already?? Unbelievable! Seems like just yesterday when I saw this big guy at the subs desk that I would hang out with occasionally, thanks to June. I'll always remember you as the one who went the extra mile to compile the lyrics of les miserable into a little black book -- I was one of the lucky recipients. We had fun those days and few meetings! Here's to more good memories of the rest of our days at the paper. The Star wouldn't be what it is today without what you brought to it too. Happy 30th anniversary!
ReplyDelete30 years!? I can't believe it!
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't want you to work for another 30 years.
Happy Anniversary and all the best.
Regards,
Poh Tip
Hey Dave,
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a great pleasure to have you as a friend. Perhaps other than Brigitte, we've known each other longer than the 30 years you've served but I feel that another 30 years will still not be enough for us as friends.
Your are the greatest buddy anyone can have and I am certainly glad and thankful to be in your circle! I'll stop gushing but say "Congratulations for sticking through with The Star through thick and thin!" and may your roads be smooth on whatever journey you choose to take.
Live Long & Prosper and Friends Forever!
bitnet
Yee,
ReplyDeleteAdded one photo from 1991 to fill the gap.
It's DA's Freddy Krueger glove shot. I know he'll like this photo.
Hi Davin
ReplyDeleteWhen Nizam, the then News Editor, first told me I was going to Section Two (after two torturous months at Newsdesk), I was not very excited. Nizam said, wait for Davin to come in and check with him. So I waited for two hours for you to turn up, thinking I was to be briefed about an assignment in Section Two PJ.
Then you ambled in and sat down, and I approached you about my assignment. You looked puzzled and then softly explained that I had been transferred to Section Two of the paper. I didn't know whether to laugh (with joy) or cry (with embarrassment).
I can't begin to tell you the impact you've had in my life and career (oh shit, they are one and the same).
Thank you for nurturing my love for comics, IT, gadgets, Star Wars, pizza, and writing features and doing reviews - books, music, videos and film (not necessarily in that order, but pretty close).
But most importantly, thank you for showing me that there are other management styles and that a boss doesn't have to shout and scream and terrify his staff in order to get the best out of them. The soft touch is just as effective - and earns you undying loyalty from your staff who later morph into friends.
Thanks Davin, and god bless.
Shashi Kala
Wow, this means you been working here since I was a toddler ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for making it this Far and hope you'll enjoy the more adventurous years to come.
Continue to be the nice SuperMayor of Level 7 yea...
Wow, 30 years, what does The Star give for that many years of service? Well, in a strange sort of way, you were my first boss when I joined The Star as assistant editor, Online. I think we were both as puzzled as anyone why I landed there. But we had great times together taking Online to greater heights. You also put me on the front page of Star Two during your time as editor, but not because you knew me but I was being interviewed for some environment issue. I love all the stuff you have in your room, if per chance you want to get rid of anything, give me a call. Oh yeah, if you need to borrow Frasier 1-11, just give me a yell!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 30 years of service. That's what I call a cunning stunt! That's right, a cunning stunt! You're probably the best boss I've ever had (and I've had quite a few), and for that, thank you. As they say in Kansas, live long, and prosper.
ReplyDeleteChun
Congratulations, Davin! 30 years at The Star is simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for the future and God bless! To me, you'll always be my Editor Extrodinaire :).
Aja aja hwaiting!
Congratulation for the "sweet" 30 years at the Star. Really respect your dedication. All the Best for everything.
ReplyDeleteWhen Brigitte sent me the invite to comment on this blog honouring you, I was instantly moved and told her I would definitely write a tear-jerker. So here goes:
ReplyDeleteStar is damn lucky to have you in the first place - let alone for all of 30 years! You must be the reason people can't Hartal MSM. Could you please dump your modesty that has admittedly served you well all this while (but maybe not for another 30 years, ya?) and angkat yourself more in the public eye so that ordinary folks would know there are fine journalists still working from within MSM, and hopefully that'll disarm cynics into caring enough about the state of press freedom to storm into Parliament and demand for the abolition of the PPPA?
So, got tissues out already?
No? Er...I try again, ya?
Sometime in the mid-1990s when I was a grouchy sub, Reena bought a T-shirt from London which she (and I) thought totally described me. It had Bill Watterson's Calvin on the front, face all scrunched up, thinking: "Every day I'm forced to add another name to the list of people who piss me off!"
But guess what - after 5,400 names (and counting), yours is still not on it.
And how are the tears coming along now?
Hokk-aaaay...one last try!
I remember your kindness to a rookie TV reporter (who shall remain nameless to protect their privacy) who was so blur about what other people thought of that position - basically, that it was beneath a graduate to be doing data entry. You tried to cheer said rookie reporter by pointing out the relative importance of the TV page to other pages (beating even comics and horoscopes, I believe) and the person in charge of it is, by association, the most important staff! Woohoo!! Though come to think of it, look at the deluge of phone calls Star got after I killed off Frank Sinatra. Now, you don't get that kind of response over other pages, do you?
...Oops, did I say "I"? No, no, no, that wasn't me. I wasn't the blur rookie TV reporter. Scratch that. Burn that bit. Where are the censors?!
Now, where were we...oh, ya - tears!
Hmmm - still dry, izit?
So, I should stop?
I'll just end with this, then: Lucky people, those who have had you as their boss. Even more as a friend.
And while this may be a tribute to you, I think your mom and dad deserve special mention, too, for having a big hand in making the wonderful person that you are: funny, smart, kind...and a helluva good writer - or should I thank your English teacher for that?
Actually, I'll just thank you, Davin.
For putting the *shine* in the Star.
Congratulations and salutations Davin!
ReplyDeleteYou were a great editor for the Eagle (the school magazine) - loved your writing style since way back then - and you have always been one of the best of the best here at The Star.
Thanks for giving me a chance (coming from a non-journalism background) here back in 1991.
I'll never forget the job interview, and what an experience being able to work with you as my editor, having read your articles & movie reviews faithfully since the early-80s.
I learnt so much even before I joined The Star, thanks to you.
Live long and prosper & May the Force be always with you, Davin. A great man, you are. Much to learn from you, we have.
Take care and God bless.
Congratulations for having survived 30 years here together with some of us. Well, a toast to the gentle giant and the good friend and boss who is the only one here now who knows about "buttons" : )
ReplyDeleteDavin,
ReplyDeleteMy first impression of you was that of the very intimidating BIG BOSS of In.Tech. You had a presence (and I don't mean physical presence), that booming voice and of course, all your kunchus who seem to worship the ground you walked on. But the longer I spent time in the basement office that was In.Tech in the old days, I knew you as one of the gentlest, kindest, funniest, most humble and cuddly people I've ever met!
You have enriched many lives with your 30-year career at The Star. I'm proud to have the privilege to call you "friend."
Now for a _proper_ comment... ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, boss, on an amazing milestone!
It's not just the fact that you've been at The Star for 30 years, but that you have done so while continuing to be the same humble, friendly and all-round Good Guy (TM) all the above comments pay tribute to is a truly remarkable achievement.
I was and still am an ardent fan of the movie reviews that you write, and part of the fun of being a WWF/WWE fan during the Rock/Stone Cold era was the brilliant Grunt N' Groan column as well.
But even before that there were the awesome articles in Section 2 and In.Tech, which for a brief moment made me aspire to be a journalist too. (Then I found out how much journos earned, and I changed tracks swiftly... :P)
Thanks for being a great boss of a happening department, and for also being one of the coolest dudes I have had the privilege to meet.
Happy 30th anniversary, here's to many many more! Cheers!:D
-sashi
in the "perseverance and stamina" section of our KPI form, the ratings should be: 1, 2, 3, 4, davin arul. congratulations on your 30th year! you've not only proven to us that it can be done, but it can done with class. gordon
ReplyDeleteCongrats bawss! I can count myself unlucky that I did not have the "honner" to work under you during those In.Tech years.
ReplyDeleteKeep on being the one of the few true Paladins in an era of, urmmm, Horde-y evilness? Hehe :-)
YY
Hey Davin aka Bagus Teh (ha, regret giving me a similar recognition eh?),
ReplyDeleteCongrats on achieving thirty starry years! I can still recall those times in the late 80's when I first came over and met up with you guys - David Yeoh, Michael Aeria, Poh Tip and, of course, the ever all encompassing Davin with my two old friends, Sujesh and Gilbert! It has been 20+ years since??? Wow, I suppose it will be a retirement tribute next in our mid fifties?
Congratulations, Davin! 30 years is an amazing achievement.
ReplyDeleteDavin.. Heartiest Congrats on hitting the three decade milestone with the Star and giving your best to the paper over the years. You're hitting your stride, there's lots more out there for a creative kaki like you so got to it and have a blast in the process... thanks lots for being such a lovely friend all these years... Salute! from manyants of Jumble Station and your long, lonnng ex-Star kaki!
ReplyDelete30 years. How many batik shirts is that? Not many if you put them next to the number of hours, smoked cigarettes, ideas, words, columns, silent curses, patience, stress and sweat, blood and tears you have contribute to the tens and thousands of issues of the paper. Thank you (together with. Andy Ng) for introducing me to Big Mac at the Section 14 McD in 1985 when I moved from Penang.there are so many brands of fast fooD now, but only one Big DAddy. Time to recall the past 30 years and reflect on the next 30. Congrats. ... Chong Cheng Hai
ReplyDeletewow, all these glowing testimonials ... makes 30 years of toil at the star worth every second of it, eh?
ReplyDeletethough we've never actually worked together, i've heard enough good things about u to know that u're a legend in the company!
Eh, what, you're only 30 years old? I don't buy that, can't be ... what? Oh, I see, 30 years at The Star ... man, you need to get a life! Congratulations on your immense powers of patience, and your fortitude and resolve. Why's that line from the U2 song running in my head now ... 'don't let the b*****ds get you down ...' Remember those drives after dinner so we could talk about gir ...er, stuff and all that to get a perspective on life and the next day? You don't? Gee .. you old! But thanks for those pep talks ... we go makan when?
ReplyDeleteCongrats VP Davin!
ReplyDeleteWow 30years of service with the Star! Still remember the fun times we had together in the early days of InTech with projects like Microfest, Microfair...
You've come a long way and deserve all these accolades. Surely more rewards to come VP!
OK, now that I'm inspired after reading all the msges above, I'll write a "proper" one worthy of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Davin, for being a mentor, a teacher, a friend, a brother, a boss .... Someone who taught me how to work through the bad days (remember the night assignment you sent me on when I was still recovering from the flu?), passed the chicken pox to me, stuck by me and supported me through 1 divorce and 2 deaths, and is still teaching me even till today to be a better person ("everyone deserves a chance" - something you said to me just recently).
I can only hope I have been half the student/friend you have been to me.
And, no, this ex-CBNer won't move her bag for you! ;-)
Brig
Wow! 30 years, that's amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat's more amazing is that you are a kind, gentle, humble and funny person. Always willing to listen and give advice.
You were my first boss at The Star and am very glad to be working with you once again. Thanks, Davin. Cheers!
You're from the black/white era??? And man, you've been with "Bintang" for 30 years? Gosh, you're what? 10 when you joined?
ReplyDeleteSee, I knew it all along. The trekkie fan thingy was just a cover up for the renaissance man side of you after all.
Thanks for the many great times and memories when you ditched my artciles over and over again (record stood at 7 for one lousy write-up!) and the handful of times when you did let them through possibly because you pitied me :(.
But seriously, thanks for all that you've done for me. Had it not been so, I might have just ended up a drunk but brilliant Hemingway. As it is, I've enjoyed the life of a lowly despicable reporter the likes of the hound dogs of TMZ.
So to the guy who's been there for me, especially telling me how my articles really really sucked, I offer my warmest and fondest gratitude.
Cheers chief!!!
Ronald Sha
Damn, these significant BIG numbers sure have a way of sneaking up on ya eh? Just like NOD stealth bikes. Or those pesky engineers. I wish I could find the words, but they're hiding like X-com aliens right before you wanna wrap up a level, so I'll just go with: congratulations, well done and thank you, sir from the bottom of my heart. You are and always will be the best boss ever, and I'm glad you were my first -- i realise how open to quips that last bit was -- but what the hey. You iz DA man.
ReplyDeleteHey Davin, After reading through all these posts I've come to realise that you were patient, kind, understanding... to all. You shared your insights, your great sense of the ironic and when needed, shared in silence. I treasure our friendship.
ReplyDeleteThe 30 years at The Star are lucky days for the company. Keep on rolling.
Hi Davin,
ReplyDeleteComment #forty-something...not because I found out about this blog late, am just lost for words.
You've come a long way from joining as a cadet journalist to VP of New Media. You hardly complain & take things all in stride. Kudos to 30 years at Star! I'm very fortunate to have you as my boss.
사랑해요 ë³´ìŠ¤í•˜ê³ ì¹œêµ¬!
God bless.
Jen
That's quite a milestone, Davin. OMG Where have all the years gone?
ReplyDeleteSeems like only yesterday we were working on Section Two pages -- the only males on a nearly all-girl subs desk and section.
Seems like only yesterday, I was rifling through your bag in the newsroom for Previews and getting scolded. :-)
Seems like only yesterday, I was closely admiring the carpet in your old living room ... after throwing out my back. You still seeing that doctor who kept making me laugh? Smack him one for me.
Seems like only yesterday, DA the DM was giving Damien Whitefyre and his fellow travellers the adventures of a lifetime. Man, I should have kept that white Formica dining table. Sigh.
Seems like only yesterday, we were making Batik jokes. Wait-a-minute, that WAS yesterday. :-) And the day before. And the day before that. :-0 Hahaha. Relax. Batik suits you. You've done more for that industry than what's-her-name.
So here's to another 30 years of making memories. And another 30 after that, even if we'll probably be too old to remember. Bwahahaha.
PS: You are not the only one here now who knows about "buttons." Smirk.
Davin, remember 2 of us updating The Star Online manually from home when September 11 attacks happened in 2001? Feel like yesterday but it's actually 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteBut, what are 10 years if compared to 30 years?
Happy 30th anniversary!
All right ... all right ... but apart from better sanitation and medicine and education and irrigation and public health and roads and a freshwater system and baths and public order ... what has Davin Arul ever done for us?
ReplyDeleteThe world has changed ... in the water ... in the earth ... in the air ... in The Star (:-))... you don't seem to.. you seem to have have the longevity of an Elf or an Ent. Many congratulations on your Starry 30th.
ReplyDeleteCalling Sysop... Calling Sysop...
ReplyDeleteI still remember the late nights with the BBS...
Then the late night in In.Tech room with
XCOM, DOOM, QUAKE (remember the .) C&C, Carmageddon, FIFA (joystick killer)...
and Bob the Balrog
I think I forgot some of the games we played in In.Tech room...
Anyway... I'm no good with words... so...
Congratulations....
Congrats Davin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for accepting me into In.Tech, even though I told you that I might just stay a year but as it turned out, I stayed over 11 years.
Those were the greatest of times at In.Tech, when you were there.
Hmmm! 30 years! How soon before you have to retire?
Thanks for everything, DA. You've been an amazing boss and mentor, and someone we all look up to.
ReplyDeleteYou once said, "I don't manage 19 people, I manage 19 personalities." How the heck you managed to keep calm and collected around us hantus is amazing. Now that's a skill you can't learn from any business school!
You do know that journos from other sections at The Star were always envious of us at In.Tech, rite? Not just cos of those junkets but because we had you as our ed; not just because you were such a great boss but because we all seemed to have so much fun at work -- the environment you created.
The best days of my life were spent at In.Tech. Thank you for shielding us from all the politics and protecting us from crazy demands and for showing us that being a strong ed doesn't require any table thumping or voice raising. You ran the team with class and we all have immense respect for you.
Happy 30th anniversary, DA.
FO
Hi Davin,
ReplyDeleteWOW!! 30 years ... what a milestone! Anyways, here's to many more successful years!
Happy 30th Anniversary, Davin.
ReplyDeleteThrough your matter-of-fact reviews I made your acquaintance. Your by-line was the first thing I looked for when I actually wanted to read the paper because your writing is such a treat. You always managed to elicit a two thumbs up response and a smile followed by a hearty laugh. What a wonderful way to get to know a person. I aspired to be just like you. Though, we all know, "There can be only one." (Highlander)
Then I met you and your generosity, endearing manner and the fact that you make batik prints cool just confirmed that sometimes the legend is as great as the man.
I can go on and on cos of my severe case of verbal diarrhea but what I really wanted to 'message' to you on this day is, to say a HUGE THANK YOU for giving us all the gift of you.
Thanks Davin. You rule!
COngratulations Davin
ReplyDeleteWow! 30 years and you're still such a nice guy? That's unbelievable dude :)
Seriously though. I knew you before I knew you. I never used to read the newspaper as a kid. And then you and your cronies started writing some good shit and I was hooked. And now I work at The Star. Thanks Davin. Thanks a lot ;)
Seriously, you rock. And I will ALWAYS think of you when I see a purple rock. EEEEWWW
RespecT!
indra
Awesome Cheif!! It been a pleasure to have opportunity to work with you and it really been great!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more porky days to come!! We must celebrate!
This will be a great year!
regards,
Justin Tan
Time flies when you're having fun, they say. Well, it wasn't all smooth sailing but still you've spent 30 years of your life with one company. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteA BIG thank you for being a great friend, colleague and boss for the last 20+ years.
PS: You may take the rest of the day off if you like :-)
Thought we had a picture of you somewhere in your kiddy years when our dads used to meet. Scoured the albums and found nothing, bah.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'll offer you something else instead - if you ever need your table rearranged or totalled again to add some more to the 30-year memories, I'm just a phone call away.
:D
Bev.
hi davin
ReplyDeletegreetings from hong kong.
mike aeria here.
ex captain to you. or is it adminral now
life begins at 30. so your adventure in the star is just beginning.
what happened in the past is to prepare you for what is to come.
did i scare you enough?
well i also went to tell you that there is life after star. look at old foggies like poh tip and i.
we had wonderful times together in the star, didn't we? being terrorised by our bosses. working together on strange projects.
we love star trek, comics, some movies. the only thing wrong with you is that you support the wrong football club.
otherwise you are ok.
what more can i say except:
LIFE LONG AND PROSPER ...
I say holy cow, thirty years Davin!
ReplyDeleteA poem for you now, I have been savin'
This boss game you play, you deserve the praise.
I'm not just saying, to get me a raise.
From print to In.Tech, to New Media
You shine ev'rywhere, you are quite The Star
Those that don't know you, so much is their loss,
We are just happy, to have you as boss.
Thirty years of D, you've won many hearts,
But enough of this, let's go play some cards!
Ah... the big guy with the massive WoW and Magic card collection.
ReplyDeleteTechie streak by dabbling in In.Tech and New Media;
Hardkore WWE Wrestling reviewer as Dwayne A.Rulz;
And movie critic extraordinaire.
We also remember shots of you with your moustache hehehe...
Cheers to your 30 colourful years in Star :D
Wow, 30 years Davin! That's just amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou've been a wonderful boss, and I'm thankful to be able to be part of your New Media team.
Congratulations!
Congrats Davin! 30 yrs with the Star ... the only thing I can say here is that you're the bestest boss that I've worked for! :)
ReplyDeleteThirty years? Can't believe I was only six when you first joined The Star! And sixteen years later, it was your excellent Fallout review that made me want to join In.Tech and here I am now...thanks for giving me the opportunity :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the milestone and in conjunction with this special occasion, I hereby relinquish the mayorship of In.Tech to you. Cheers boss!
I first met you in 1999 when you interviewed me for a job at In.Tech. Thanks for giving me the opportunity and making my first job the best ever.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 30 years with the Star.
Hey man! Congrats on surviving this company and our company almost on a daily basis. It's awesome to know someone who is as generous and as nice as you. Thank you for enriching our lives and letting us know that there still exists some good people out there.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget your hard drive. :-)
Mumtaj
30 years? Bloody hell! Then again, I grew up to your byline so I had a bit of a fanboy moment when I first met you (but tried to act cool lah). :D
ReplyDelete(Also used to go to the comic shop. Heh Didn't realise you were the same person)
Congrats Davin! :D
Congratulations, Davin! In an era defined by the number of companies a person works for, you've remained a one-team man. Thanks for all the guidance, advice and letting me share the bonds of friendship - if for a little while - with all your 'kids' at InTech during those hazy, crazy, Doom and Quake-filled days at the old Section 13 place.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Alf Hardy, ex AudioFile 96-99
Felicitations Davin. Always relish my days at Section Two, decades ago.
ReplyDeleteWill always remember the big, benign boss in batik shirts.
A toast to you. Cheers.
Hey Davin: Congratulations on three wonderful decades at the Star. Your contributions are evident for all of Malaysia to see; and the fact that you're regarded as an, uh, 'icon' only cements your place in Star's illustrious Hall of Fame (or is that Hall of Infamy :)... just kidding.) Thanks for being the great guy you are. Cheers… Mike Ang
ReplyDeleteCongrats boss!Happy 30th anniversary!god bless
ReplyDeleteSuhanya
some remarks about Cuddly Duddly at the uppercaise blog
ReplyDeletehttp://is.gd/toLsG0
Bro, ko sememangnya boss yg paling top antara boss-boss yg aku pernah ada. Dan sebagai seorang manusia, ko pun hebat jugak.
ReplyDeleteBanyak benda yg aku belajar masa aku kerja kat In.Tech; timakasih kerana bagi aku peluang untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada geng IT terunggul di Malaysia.
Those were kick-ass times. The best years of my life. Ah, the stories I will be able to tell my grandchildren ...
And you made it happen.
Thank you. Terima kasih.
Congratulations Davin! 30 years of what you've achieved here and contributed to readers and fans. And still nice and humble and funny. That's really amazing...
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such a nice Boss!
Happy 30th anninversary and many more happy years to come. :-)
Hi, everyone! Thanks for making this an anniversary to remember. Er, those who were at Level 7 earlier will agree that it was an emotional moment for me (no tearful videos on Facebook please!).
ReplyDeleteEmo, cos my late Dad really wanted to see me hit this milestone but passed away six months before the date.
Now that the sniffles have subsided and Blogspot has wiped out the first draft of this comment, what I was trying to say to everyone was:
1. I couldn't have made it through the 30 years without the blessings of God, the encouragement of parents and family and the camaraderie of you lot - my colleagues and friends. :)
2. When things get difficult, reach out to your colleagues and you'll be surprised how much lighter your burden can get. Sometimes, just from being around familiar people. It's how I got through the rough days and appreciate the good days.
3. I'm terrible at cutting cakes ....
Thanks again, everyone, and please forgive me for those moments when I may have been gruff, rude, negligent or cruel (not kitten-abusive cruel, but just ... harsh). HUGS all round!
p.s.
#DavinBelanja will happen after the next #AsohanBelanja
Hi Davin,
ReplyDeleteWas surfing the net and came across this link. Congrats on 30 years at the STAR. Wow, has it been that long already since we left St. John's? Glad to see that you are doing well and you haven't changed a bit since the years (alright, my eyesight has gotten worse... :-)). Anyway, Omedetou gozaimasu!
Dear Davin,
ReplyDeleteVery happy indeed to see you achieve such a great 30 year career /anniversary. While in The Star or now from the outside especially, you have been so obliging with our needs in media work .Codeword some friends know-controloc
Thanks - Brigitte for putting me in this loop.joe D'Silva
Congratulations Davin! 30 years is a looong time and a big achievement :)
ReplyDelete-Tracey-
I remembered when I join STAR and later applied leave, then I told my friends... hey I got Davin's signature! The real one, on my slip! Hehehe.. you are a celebrity... good boss and a fun person...
ReplyDeleteAloong2
Oi, stop picking on me!
ReplyDeleteWish I could have been there boss. What I forgot to say in my tribute was that the proudest moment in my writing career was when you got that fan mail accusing me (and that other fler) of being just pseudonyms of yours :)
Embarrassed. Missed deadline again - now you know why journalism quitted me - so sorry. But here goes ... and this one's truly from the gut ... well, as much gut as can be decently put on public display:
ReplyDeleteWell done on doing the hard yakka and for so many miles. A Corellian to the bone indeed.
Many thanks for kindness, friendship, encouragement, pizza (will never forget that pizza that heaved and sagged in the middle from the weight of all that bacon/sausage/salami).. ..wouldn't have survived cadetship otherwise. Dem new cadets better be thankful for what they've got.
Wishing you many more good years and courage and stamina to finish the course.
Sorry your dad not around to see this but where he is right now, he just might be getting the best seat in the house. A son's enduring affection for his departed father is surely a ringside seat in the heart, dude.
God bless.
(Actually real reason for missing deadline is we've been battling Yasi. Got muscles from hoisting sandbags - wanna see?)
Bridg, if you're reading this: Thanks for the heads-up!