THE COFFEE SESSION WITH AN EX-STUDENT AT ORIENTAL COFFEE, PARADIGM MALL

Mr. Aqil Muhammad Nasir, an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti, who is now working and residing in Kuala Lumpur/Selangor, texted me when he was back home in Johor Bahru for a short break. A coffee date was instantaneously set that afternoon after Friday Prayer at Paradigm Mall.

the iconic Portuguese Egg Tart

As we both wanted to get something light, Mr. Aqil suggested Oriental Kopi, one popular restaurant with kopitiam [old Chinese coffee shop] vibe. It was my very first time visiting this restaurant as most of the time, there were always long queues outside which I would not join in.

The last time we met was back in 2022, at an ex-student's wedding in Kulai [READ HERE]. The last time we went on a date was 2020, in the same mall but different eating place [READ HERE].

We had to say our "goodbyes" as it was approaching 5:00 p.m. and I needed to avoid the traffic jam to get home as people were finishing work at that time. We definitely need to see each other again as there are just too many things to talk about. I might contact him when I am on my short weekends getaway to Kuala Lumpur/Selangor one day.

THE REUNION SESSION WITH MY EX-STUDENT OF UTM

   12TH OCTOBER 2025    ~ An ex-student from my UTM English class informed me that he was in town. A lunch date was immediately set with Mr. Mohd. Amirul who was accompanied by his wife. The chosen venue was Paradigm Mall as he had never been there.

I met Mr. Amirul when he attended the English proficiency class in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia [UTM] way back in 2011 [READ HERE]. We then sometimes met to play Ping Pong at the university's Sports Centre [READ HERE]. The last time we met was when he came to Johor Bahru in November 2018 [READ HERE].

We still get connected on Facebook but only once a year during our birthdays, exchanging well wishes. Yes, we share the same birthday and only today, we managed to celebrate together.

It was a great sit in session in Manzanita Restaurant in the mall to catch up lost time and for me to get to know his other half, Puan Hanis. We had to say our "goodbyes" as they had to drive back to Kuala Lumpur right after. Hope to meet Mr. Amirul [and his wife] again some other time, most probably in KL next time.

THE LATE LUNCH SESSION WITH EX-COLLEAGUES AFTER SCHOOL

  3rd SEPTEMBER 2025   ~The regular get together with ex-colleagues of SMK Dato' Jaafar who were the members of English Panel took place today at Vivo Pizza in Paradigm Mall. The meeting happened at about 3:30 p.m. after their school hour.

The dine in session was a short one but the one hour and a half. There were more things to chat [READ: gossip]. The gathering was adjourned to another time not determined yet, but we would make it happen.

MEETING AN EX-SCHOOLMATE AT PARADIGM MALL, JOHOR BAHRU

   4TH JULY 2025    ~ I finally got to see this one ex-schoolmate [of SMS Muar] again after asking him out many times. I just have a few ex-schoolmates who regularly go for chat sessions and Mr. Mohd. Razib Noordin was one of them.

butter kaya croissant

fried noodles

We had the meeting at Vivo in Paradigm Mall. It was just a short dining in session for lunch after the Friday prayer and we had to bid goodbyes before 5.00 p.m. to avoid the traffic jam. Will be seeing Mr, Razib again as he promised to give me young banana plants from his garden.

ANOTHER FAREWELL GATHERING FOR A MEMBER OF THE ENGLISH PANEL

The gathering today was specifically organized to formally bid farewell to Puan Tan Yuan Yi who is leaving SMK Dato' Jaafar. She will be teaching English to the Form Six students at Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar a.k.a English College.

The chosen venue was Vivo Restaurant at Paradigm Mall.

There are now only two members of the English Panel and hopefully a new English teacher will appear soon. Wishing Puan Tan Yuan Yi the very best of luck in her new school and I am sure we could still meet up again for the gossip session after this.

THE ENGLISH PANEL MEETING OVER LUNCH

The members of the English panel [of SMK Dato' Jaafar] gathered at Vivo in Paradigm Mall for the lunch.

Food was good but the company of friends [and juicy gossips] made lunch tasted much better.

Until we meet again for the next get together session after school...

MEETING AN EX-STUDENT FOR LUNCH ON FRIDAY

  1ST DECEMBER 2023   ~ Mr. Syazwan Shavarein [an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti] dropped by at school on Wednesday after work, but I was not able to go out with him as I was about to attend another appointment with somebody else. We then decided to meet up on Friday after the afternoon as we were both available on that day.

As promised, we went for a late lunch session after the Friday prayer. The chosen venue this time was Vivo Restaurant at Paradigm Mall.

We had to bid our goodbyes once the plates were empty. I am quite sure I would be meeting him again after this, in other eating place most probably. Thanks Mr. Syazwan for the time, despite the busy working schedule.