THE rain stayed away this past Sunday afternoon - to everyone's relief - and in its absence a rainbow spread over the delirious district of Chow Kit. Camped just outside KL Krashpad, a 24-hour youth centre, 10 teenagers presented a sonic, pulse-pumping and visual gift to their neighborhood. The message - togetherness; within all that diversity, togetherness. For us who were there to enjoy the afternoon, we discovered once again that terima kasih is more than mere greeting. That good things do dwell in the exchange of love.

We. Us. Our.

That's Chow Kit Kita.

HE didn't bargain for this, but he isn't complaining. It's 6pm. Nanda, the evening's MC, takes time out from his many errands to play with two-year-old Joy. This namesake is no coincidence - earlier, the chairs had been wiped clean of dust, the grounds swept, the entire house mopped, sound system checked. Chores done together with fun and laughter. It is about joy, isn't it?

September 16. Hari Malaysia. The day also marks Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia's first year as we do our bit in sharing with our fellow citizens that there is such a thing as participation in democracy. It had been a year with meaning. We mark the evening with a gathering at the Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia.