Celebrating the Year of the Dragon with MASSA
Friday, February 3, 2012 ( 10:57 AM )
On the 27th of January (the 5th day of the New Year according to the lunar calender), MASSA organized its first ever Chinese New Year dinner event. Instead of eating dimsum at a random Chinese restaurant as was done in the previous years, MASSA decided to have its own mini version of a Chinese restaurant at room 302 of the Students' Society of McGill University Building.
The Menu:
Yee Sang 鱼生
Julienned carrots, cucumber, white raddish, jicama and yam, pomelo, deep fried wanton skin, sliced coriander leaves and smoked salmon with a dash of Chinese five spice powder and YeeSang dressing.
Egg Drop Soup 黄金庆喜乐
(Picture not shown)
Chicken broth with egg
Herbal Chicken 富贵药财鸡
Whole chicken steamed with Chinese Herbs
Fish steamed with mushroom and tomato in light soy sauce sprinkled with coriander leaves
Stir fry carrot, green peas, baby corn, mushroom and tofu skin in hoisin sauce
Boiled Snow Fungus Dessert Soup with Red Dates and Gingko Nuts
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| Tossing of YeeSang while saying wishes. 捞鱼生! |
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| YeeSang (after tossing) |
MASSA execs would like to thank all guests who has attended our Chinese New Year dinner. We had a wonderful time preparing and serving you guys. Happy Chinese New Year!龙年行大运! Do look forward to our future events! =)
Credits to PeiQi for the photos.
Off we go skiing...
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 ( 6:36 PM )
There's no better way to spend the first weekend of the school year than to join MASSA's 2nd Annual Ski Trip. In the evening of 13th January, a bus full of MASSA members and friends, both amateur and intermediate skiers, began the 2-hour journey to Mont Blanc. (Yes, we decided on Mont Blanc once again due to its excellent accommodation and various levels of ski trails.) After collecting our ski equipment at the ski rental area, we headed to our condos. This year, we occupied 2 blocks of three-storey condos. Some confusion arose while redistributing the ski equipment but thanks to our helpful members, everyone got their equipment within 20 minutes. Members were free to chill and prepare for an exciting Day 2.
Malaysian-style dinner (clockwise from left): TomYum Chicken soup, rice, Garlic Fried Egg, Sambal-Belacan French Beans.
MASSA execs going through trip details to ensure members and friends have a pleasant stay.
Co-president, Wayne
Early in the morning of day 2, everyone got their ski gears ready and headed to the slopes. The weather was a freezing -30 degrees Celsius. Regardless of the harsh weather, everyone had a great time sliding down the slopes.
Beginners had their try on the bunny slope
while the more adventurous and more experienced skiers took the ski lift and went up....up...up
The view of the ski resort from the top of the Mont Blanc.
Here we come...
Down we go...
Co-president Siva strutting his skills.
On Day 3, some members chose to enjoy another day of adrenaline-rush skiing while some chose to visit the Mont Tremblant Village.
Yes! We did it! We conquered the Black Diamond!
Mont Tremblant Village
At 5 in the evening of 15th of January, we bid farewell to Mont Blanc and headed back to McGill.
MASSA would like to say 'THANK YOU!' to all members for making this ski trip a memorable one. We look forward to seeing you on our next ski trip~
Credits to Farhan and Grace for the photos.
Spookyy Deepavali
Saturday, January 21, 2012 ( 12:25 PM )
In collaboration with Halloween, MASSA celebrated Spooky Deepavali with our members and friends. Deepavali, also known as Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus in countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Singapore & Malaysia.
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| MASSA Exec Team 2011/12 |
During the night, MASSA exec team greeted everyone with a fusion dance that combined Indian culture with Hip-Hop. Do you feel scared by the masks?? Everyone has the chance to wear it on that night when all members and guests were invited on stage to perform the 'Michael Jackson' moves.
Authentic Southeast Asia food always come to everyone's mind when we think of MASSA. That night we prepared delicious chin-chao in soy beans drink, papadum, vegie and curry chicken!!!
Look at the people who celebrated Deepavali with MASSA!!
Click on the link below to watch the dance!!
With Love,
MASSA Execs.
MASSA WELCOME PARTY 2011-2012
Thursday, October 13, 2011 ( 1:36 AM )
MASSA's first event of the 2011-2012 school year,
THE WELCOME PARTY, turned out to be a huge success with the huge turnout of both old
and new members!
The event kicked off with the attendees forming groups to introduce themselves and get to know one another. A game of "lead-the-blindfoldedperson-through-a-maze" soon ensued with everyone enthusiastically participating in the activity.
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There was a fabulous array of homemade lanterns shining gloriously under the beautiful Montréal weather!
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After the exhilarating game that left everybody hyped up, the Welcome Party continued with everyone wondering...what's next?!
The answer to that was FOOD! THE LONG AWAITED FOOD!
MASSA's executive team had conjured up an amazing cuisine that tickled one's tastebuds and reminded them of home.
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| The hardworking team preparing dinner! |
The Exec team prepared many wonderful and authentic dishes:
- Deep fried Keropok for an appetizer
- Ayam Masak Merah for the main dinner (yum) !
- Mango Salad for the side dish
- Bandung Drink!!!
- Kueh Lapis for dessert (sweet!)
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| Execs and members were all smiles when digging into the food!! |
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| AYAM MASAK MERAH |
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The MASSA team doling out the food to hungry attendees!
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Overall, the Welcome Party was a huge success and an excellent kick-off to a wonderful school year. The attendees and their new friends left the party feeling fed and content!
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you who attended and had a great time!
GET READY FOR A YEAR OF FOOOOOOD, FUNNNN, AND FESTIVITIES!
All of us at MASSA look forward to seeing you at future events!
South East Asian Night 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011 ( 12:36 PM )
MASSA's annual largest event of the year 'South East Asian Night 2011', showcased the unique Southeast Asia culture within Montreal's multi-cultural society. Every year, SEA Night takes place at McGill's SSMU Ballroom, has attracted attendees not only from McGill and broader Montreal community, but also from out-of-province communities from Toronto, Ottawa, New Brunswick etc. It is a night of cultural celebration for people of all ages.
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MASSA Execs Team 2010/2011
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| More than 300 people has attended SEA Night 2011 |
SEA Night is known for its vibrant cultural performances. This year, MASSA has invited special guest performers to showcase their distinct culture backgrounds from Southeast Asia. SEA Night 2011 began with an enchanting chinese violin performance that filled up the atmosphere with enthusiasm and excitement.
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| 'Springtime and Pastoral Song' |
Followed by a Chinese dance performance, 'Freedom' which was influenced by the traditional Chinese cloth dances.
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| 'Freedom' - Chinese Dance |
Up next was the Indonesian performance by Permika (Indonesian Students Association) - Tari Saman. Tari Saman incorporates arabic and gayo (native language in Aceh), as a way of reflecting education, solidarity and unity.
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| 'Tari Saman' |
Another interesting performance, the bamboo dance 'Tinikling' is the national dance of the Philippines. The dance imitates the movement of the tikling birds as the dancers skilfully maneuvering between the 2 bamboo sticks. It attracted much attention from the audiences when some of them were invited on stage to try out the dance. Furthermore, we had other dance performances like Desa Tercinta (The village I love) and the 'Xin Jiang' dance.
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Tinikling - Bamboo Dance
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| 'Desa Tercinta' - Malay Dance |
Other than dance performances, we also had singing and music performances.
3 singing performances: 'Pergi & I Go and chong bai' sang by Xiaowei, 'Melodi' sang by James and Ming Hwei and 'Ilog & Harana' performed by MUFASA (McGill University's Filipino Asian Students' Association).
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| 'Ilog & Harana' - MUFASA |
Great music performances by McGill Serenasia Music Club and Permika. The performances showcased a mix of traditional Chinese (Guzheng - chinese zither) and western music instruments (Flute, piano and saxophone) that brought a refreshing and inspiring music to the audiences.
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Serenasia Music Club
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| Chinese zither performance |
Check out the videos of the performances:
Besides enjoying the performances, everyone who attended SEA Night 2011 was treated to a delicious spread of Southeast Asia food, which includes cuisine from Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Filipino and Vietnam. This year, we had food and beverages ranging from Nasi Lemak, Laksa to Kuih Bakar, Bandung and many more. These cuisines were prepared by MASSA, Permika, Burma Solidarity Collective, MUFASA and a few Montreal-based Southeast Asian families.
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| Kuih Bakar |
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Nasi Lemak
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SEA Night 2011 would not be able to succeed without the many volunteers who spent their time and effort to perform and run the event. And also the generous support from Singapore Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, Permika Montreal and student clubs like MUFASA, Serenasia Music Club and many more. To thank all the volunteers, MASSA will be holding a SEA Night Celebration Lunch/Dinner soon, check out our Facebook or Blog for more details.
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| Sound & Lighting Crew |
While MASSA's South East Asian Night aims to promote cultural awareness among students in McGill and members of the public, we are also doing a good cause by giving back to the community. This year, we are donating a significant amount we earned from SEA Night to Unicef McGill, giving a helping hand to the poor children.
Once again, we would like to thank those who have attended and participated in this year's SEA Night. SEA Night 2011 is definitely a night to be remembered for all who was there to experience the best of Southeast Asia!!
Cheers
MASSA Execs
Preview to South East Asian Night 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011 ( 1:18 PM )
Hi Everyone!
Don't get too upset as reading break is coming to an end because MASSA's South East Asian Night 2011 is just 7 days away from now!
The details for SEA Night 2011 are as follows:
When : 5th March 2011
Where : SSMU Ballroom, Shatner Building
Time : Doors open 630 pm
Tickets : $7 for non members, $5 for members with valid student ID
This year, backed by generous support from the Ministry of Information, Communication and Arts Singapore, Ski Mont Blanc and many volunteer collaborators, these are some of the things you can expect:
1. EXPECT CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
- Traditional folk dances from around the Malay Sultanate regions
- The TINIKLING, a traditional Filipino dance involving bamboo sticks.
- A unique traditional Chinese dance as well as a performance by your very own exec team!
2. EXPECT MUSIC AND COLOUR
- Instrumental ensembles that will steal your attention
- Expect to see many colourful people in colourful ASEAN costumes among the crowd.
3. EXPECT EDUCATION
Informational and INTERACTIVE booths will be set up that feature general ASEAN information. Expect souvenirs!
4. EXPECT FOOOD. GLOOORIOUS FOOOOODDDD
Cooked by ASEAN locals. So expect your grandmother's food, ASEAN-ized. Think NASI LEMAK, CHICKEN RENDANG, BANDUNG, ONDEH-ONDEH, and food from all parts of the region including Indonesia and Burma!
MASSA is a small group, but no doubt a hospitable bunch. Whether you want to eat things other than Thai express, or just want to have a good time--whatever it is--come be our guest in our little but big-hearted event.
So spread the hype! Let all your friends know about our event and we will try our bet to live up to your expectations!
You can also get the tickets from our tabling sessions at the following dates:
- 28th February (Monday) Leacock Building
- 2nd March (Wednesday) Leacock Building
- 3rd March (Thursday) SSMU Lounge
So come down and visit us and get your tickets!
Hope to see you guys there on Saturday night!!
Love from MASSA Execs
MASSA Kopitiam Breakfast
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 ( 6:27 PM )
On the first weekend of our study break, MASSA had its Kopitiam Breakfast with those who stayed back in Montreal, ‘enjoying’ the harsh winter weather. It was indeed a break during the busy midterm period.
The weather treated us well on the Saturday morning when all gathered at SSMU Building. Sitting in an ‘old-fashioned’ atmosphere of kopitiam, all who attended was served with Teh Tarik (Milk Tea) & MILO, authentic bread toast with kaya, half-boiled eggs and not forgetting Ondeh Ondeh!
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| Hand-made Ondeh Ondeh! |
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| 2 1/2 mins to get half-boiled eggs |
Lastly,
SOUTH EAST ASIA NIGHT 2011 is on
March 5th.
Get your tickets nowww by contacting one of our execs or sending us an email! It's gonna be a fun and wonderful night of performances, culture and FOODDD!!!!
