Tamos Vivos!

June 2024

Before the start of the summer break, I embarked on a two-week tour with the fine wines to which I am so deeply attached. This time, the journey took me on an intense program through Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

These travels often help me reconnect with a world that was off-limits during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Normally, I’m filled with excitement during the first few days, but after a week away, I start to feel melancholic, missing my daughters and wife. As much as I am a Sagittarius—an explorer and adventurer—I am also a family man who needs the presence of my loved ones. Without them, everything else feels meaningless.

However, this trip was essential for launching this new blog. I wanted to capture some thoughts and views, as well as the remarkable moments and memories of life. My aim is not necessarily to inspire but to express the joy of living poetically. I owe this to two friends (Ricardo and Jordi) with whom I spent a day over the weekend. They both encouraged me to start writing, suggesting that I could excel at it just as I do when describing wines.

During my time in Malaysia, I once again observed something about the Chinese community there. Over the last 24 years living in Asia, I’ve noticed that Malaysian Chinese are quite different from their counterparts in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the non-assimilated Chinese in the Philippines.
I have great affection for Chinese people from all regions (after all, I am married to one), but they each have unique characteristics shaped by their birthplace or the places their ancestors migrated to. In those migratory waves, the “Ke Jia” (Hakka) were the ones that over centuries moved all over, from the Central Plains in China to its Southern coast, and after a while, to South-East Asian nations mainly.

Among the Chinese in Malaysia, I often find a very relaxed and friendly demeanor, a great deal of warmth, and, in most cases, a remarkable sense of humility. I’ve seen a similar attitude occasionally from some Macanese. This time, my curiosity led me to directly ask some of them about this during dinners I hosted in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Why or what would make them like this?

Their responses resonated deeply with me, as they expressed feelings that mirrored my own experiences over my past 27 years—adapting to foreign lands, being an ethnic minority, and developing a “deeper than usual” tolerance and respect for others. Yet, there’s also the melancholy of being far from your ancestral land, coupled with the uncertainty of whether you will ever return and truly belong there.

Returning to Penang after 15 years was both overwhelming and awe-inspiring. The most Chinese-influenced island of Malaysia has undergone significant transformations. The real estate boom has dramatically altered the landscape, and with it, the rhythm of life in this once-familiar place.

Amidst these changes, an evening at Un Poco Loco stood out as a true highlight. The event was a celebration of culinary artistry, with super creative chef Su Kim Hock presenting dishes that were nothing short of inspiring. These flavors were perfectly complemented by Castillo de Ygay 2011, a wine that enhanced the experience and is drinking very well now, with crisp tannins, great elegance and length. Sharing this meal with patrons rich in life knowledge made the evening even more special.

Crossing over to East Malaysia and returning to Borneo felt like a gift. The scene there is one of peaceful coexistence between the indigenous communities (Bumiputra), the Chinese, and other minorities, including Filipinos who have influenced the region through several migrations from Mindanao. Unfortunately, I couldn’t revisit Miri this time—this trip was already too long to extend another weekend away from my hearts in Shanghai.

However, last year’s visit was one of the most pleasurable wine moments in my wine life, allowing me to introduce Murrieta to a select crowd in this oil-rich region. Michael from Cellar 12 was a gracious host, and together we showcased our classic lineup to his discerning clientele. Among the attendees were two of the finest palates from Brunei, who crossed the border just to join us for this long wine evening. Their appreciation and knowledge were astonishing, as they promptly purchased the last three bottles of the 1986 Castillo Ygay Blanco, possibly the last in all of Malaysia.

The after-dinner gathering was one of the most convivial moments of the trip. We sat on Cellar 12’s porch, savoring an outstanding 2003 Camartina from Querciabella, and the conversation flowed as smoothly as the wine… moonlit and with high spirits…

Viva Malaysia!

P.S.: Thanks to Michelle Hor, Head of Wine @ ASIAEURO…. the timeless young soul, smooth and masterful in business.