Christmas this year!

This year's Christmas was rather quiet yet with so much differences around me; everyone else was back home this year. I went around several shopping centres and enjoyed their beautiful Christmas decorations; Mid Valley, One Utama, Times Square, etc.

Spent the eve of Christmas trying to get movie tickets for Sherlock Holmes but there were no seats left so I bought the tickets for Christmas Day instead. It was raining at night and there were just so much traffic around. Had Dominos pizza for dinner with a bottle of Montena!

Had homecook pasta for brunch on Christmas Day. Delicious~~~ Drove to Times Square for Sherlock Holmes at 2.10pm. It was such a GREAT sequel! Awesome show! The traffic in Times Square was horrible. There was such a long queue to leave from Basement 5 parking...talking about everyone heading back home for Christmas *sweats*

...my Xmas present...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

My 25th Birthday!

Date: 19th December 2011
The day that I turn 25 years old...a quarter of a century old!

The day started with a birthday gift from all the way from Korea with a handmade card in it. This particular present was kept away from my sight for the past month and I could finally see it, touch it and used it now!

...the birthday card...

We had breakfast of Curry Chicken Noodles and Pork Ball Noodles before the whole afternoon well-spent at Mid Valley with photoshoots of the Christmas decorations and Alvin & The Chipmunks 3 at 5.00pm. We had lunch at Secret Recipe and you got me a cake; my favourite Chocolate Indulgence cake! *slurps*

...me and the yummylicious cake...

After the movie, we went to The Gardens for dinner and I was caught in a surprise when Tiffany showed up with a Giordano bag and said, 'You think I forgot your birthday ha?'

...my Teriyaki Chicken at The Gardens...

There, with her big smile, she took out a container: Tiffany's home-made 25 layer nutella cake made specially for me! She took out a bottle of whipped cream, an aroma therapy candle, a fire starter and a knife...all from the Giordano bag she was carrying!

I made a wish, blew the candle, cut the cake...and I was still in shock!

...the 25 layer cake Tiffany made...

It was one awesomest birthday I ever had and finally Tiffany pulled out a successful surprise with the help of Shu Chyi.

I had the best present ever too!

THANKS GIRLS!

To do or not to do...

Question:

To do or not to do?

To Penan-land!

28th November - 1st December 2011

I volunteered with NTFP to do video coverage of the Penan Cultural Festival in Long Nen, Baram. It was a 7 hours journey from Miri to the village.


It was an experience I will never forget!

Studio Shots!

...destressing moments during the telemovie shoot...

My New Canon 60D

Officially a Canon user now!

after weeks of contemplation...I finally decided to get a Canon 60D.

Time for my 4 years 5 months old Nikon D40 to retire.

The narrow-minded Malaysians

-From The Washington Post-

Police ban gay arts festival as threat to public order in Muslim-majority Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Police ordered gay rights activists in Muslim-majority Malaysia on Thursday to scrap an annual arts festival aimed at fighting discrimination.

The “Sexual Independence” festival has been held under low-key circumstances in Kuala Lumpur since 2008, but growing awareness about the event has lead to criticism by politicians and religious leaders.

This year’s five-day festival — starting Nov. 9 at a private arts center and themed “Queer Without Fear” — featured planned musical performances of “queer anthems sung by fierce local singers and drag divas who know what it means to love out loud and proud,” organizers said.

But after criticism by the deputy prime minister and plans by several Muslim nongovernment groups to protest, police ordered the event to be canceled.

Authorities will “prevent any function relating to the program,” deputy police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement run by national Bernama news agency and confirmed by police representatives.

Many organizations “feared the program could create disharmony, enmity and disturb public order,” Khalid said.

Earlier Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had described the event as “inappropriate” and a “waste of time,” according to Bernama.

Gay rights activists did not immediately respond. Earlier, they had said the festival was meant to counter widespread homophobia in this socially conservative Asian nation, where a young gay man received death threats last year after posting a YouTube clip defending his sexuality.

“Asking us to keep quiet is asking us to take your abuse with a smile ... it’s time to put a stop to all the hate and misunderstanding and abuse,” festival spokesman Pang Khee Teik said in an online statement posted Thursday before the event was banned.

This year’s program also included plans for talks on sexuality issues, a poster exhibition and a makeup workshop by a drag queen. One session is titled “Defense Against The Dark Arts: Homophobia 101.”

Media censorship rules forbid movies and song lyrics that promote acceptance of gays, while a decades-old law makes sodomy punishable by 20 years in prison, though it is seldom and selectively enforced.

The festival’s sponsors and supporters included the Malaysian chapter of Amnesty International, the country’s main grouping of lawyers and other human rights organizations.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

E&O Search for AFC's Next Celebrity Chef

Clever! Edisi Malaysia Musim ke-2

Catch Clever! Edisi Malaysia Musim ke-2 every Saturday, 1.30pm only on Astro TVIQ!

Anson Hu - Waiting For You

...a very touching song...

And it is now...700

And it is now...700!

This blog has been through all the ups and downs throughout my journey since 2007, and the 700 post marks one of my greatest moments.

Happy 1st Monthsary to the special someone dear to my heart!

It has been such a great journey with you and I pray for many more great journeys to come.

Love,
Your special someone.

Such Dilemma!

Taking up photography was always my interest and after much hard work to save money, I bought myself a D40 in 2007; a present for myself after I completed my Diploma and 7 months of hardship at work. Since then, my camera never left my side. I started taking photographs for fun and then for events and I soon created my portfolio.

In 2009, I plucked up my courage to enter the pool. Mum supported me financially to take up the diving license. After 5 days of classes in the pool and in the sea, I passed and I became a diver! It was later after six month that I paid my first dive and when I took up a job in Redang Island for 2 months, I was exposed to so much diving, not to mentioned...underwater photography and videography. Since then, I logged many dives and started investing on my equipments and pursued my license. I am now a Rescue Diver, awaiting to pursue Dive Master soon.

As time passed...
Both these hobbies became more than just hobbies. I soon discovered a new career path!

I strive hard today. I am determine that one day, I will become a professional Underwater Photographer and Videographer. But...the path towards this dream of mine is so far-fetched *sigh*

After 4 years, my D40 is falling apart and now I need to invest on a new DSLR.
After 2 years, I want to complete my Dive Master before I can pursue my career.

Dilemma!

Both these hobbies are burning a big hole in my wallet...
I need a total of RM12,000 to get myself a new camera and to complete my course...and I need it SOON! Both has its deadline, and they're soon.

Such dilemma!
What can I do?

D90 or D7000?

...my one and only DSLR...

I bought my first Nikon D40 in June 2007 before I left KL for my studies in Miri and this camera of mine has been with me wherever I go; to the jungle, to the sea, to the mountains...and it has never failed me before. It has been such a loyal companion for 4 years now and despite all those tough photographing times I went through with it...it is still standing strong.

But, as the years passed, with the shutter life nearing to an end, the rubber on the lens coming off, loose focusing...I am contemplating to give it a good break.

A good break for the D40 means I will need to invest on a new DSLR...and I was already determined to get myself a D90 until...when I had a long chat with professional photographers who suggested another model; the D7000. After further research, I am very very very interested in getting the D7000 but..............................no $$$!

Comparing prices:
D90 - RM3598.00
D7000 - RM4998.00

HOW LAH???!!! Such a big price difference and where am I going to find the money for it!

HELP!!!

Now, let me sit down in one corner of the room and contemplate......................
sigh sigh!

The Big Shark Shout Out Week!

From October 15 - 23 we're pulling out all the stops for sharks!

During the Big Shark Shout Out divers around the world will rally to protect sharks before it’s too late. Together, we have a powerful, collective voice that can change policies affecting the main threats to sharks - overfishing, bycatch and finning.

Why are we worried about sharks? Nearly one out of five shark species is threatened with extinction. Sharks are irreplaceable – they are vital to the health and balance of our ocean environments. Time is running out for sharks and we need to act now!

Make a difference during the Big Shark Shout Out:
1. Sign the Shark Petitions
2. Create a Local Shark Shout Out
3. Take the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty
4. Show off your PicBadge "I Shouted For Sharks" on your facebook profile

More information available here.

NO SHOUT TOO LOUD FOR SHARKS!

Michael Buble - Crazy Love

Michael Buble
Crazy Love

I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open every time she smiles
And when I come to her, that's where I belong
I'm running to her like a river's song

She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love

She's got a fine sense of humor when I'm feeling low down
And when I come to her when the sun goes down
Take away my trouble, take away my grief
Take away my heartache in the night like a thief

She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love

Yes, I need her in the daytime
Yes, I need her in the night
But I want to throw my arms around her
Kiss her an' hug her, kiss her an' hug her tight

And when I'm returning from so far away
She gives me some sweet lovin' brighten up my day
It'll make me feel righteous, make me feel whole
Make me feel mellow down into my soul

She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love

Songlap!

...premiering on 15th December 2011...

The Relaxations in Tioman!

It was after a long hectic shoot that I finally made a 3 days 2 nights stay in Paya Beach Resort, Tioman for a good relaxing time before embarking on another hectic shoot in Kuching. Took a long 7 hours drive from home to Mersing through the night to board the 7.30am ferry to Paya Village on Monday morning. We managed to check in as soon as we arrived and had our lunch at the cafe near the jetty.

Later at 2.30pm, I boarded the wooden boat with Funny, my dive master for 2 dives and 2 dives only. First stop was at Pilot's Reef and 2nd site was Tomok and both dives were just amazing as I was shown with lots of macro creatures and the reefs were just amazingly beautiful. Not to mentioned that we boarded such a big boat with just the 2 of us! *smiles*

We had a good snorkeling swim out from our resort's beach later the evening before a good bath to head out for dinner. Dinner wasn't that great *disappointed* We took a walk at the path by the beach and bought ourselves duty free beers and started phototaking sessions!

...chalets at Paya Beach Resort...

...our shadows...

...sand and the dark sea...

...the disappointed dinner at the resort...

...something not to be missed in Tioman: DUTY FREE BEERS!...

We spent the next day with snorkeling trips in the choppy waters, sun bathing in the boat, walking to the other island, braving through the storm with lightnings and thunders. The next day, we boarded the 10am ferry back to Mersing and drove to Kluang for good coffee and buns at the station and back home to KL.

It was ultimately a great island getaway!

Lil' Brendan Kuek!

...isn't he CUTE...

One Day in Penang...After One Month Shoot!

After one month of hectic and stressful reality TV show shooting in Penang Island, it was a WRAP and it was a one day holiday well-spent the next. Booked a room at Old Penang Guesthouse and rented a Kelissa, it was time for some sun, sea, sand and food!

First stop was Ferringhi Beach. We parked the car at a parking lot beside Lone Pine Hotel and took a walk by the beach from one end to the other. We wanted to Parasail but unlucky for us, it was out of operations for the time being after the accident few months back. So, we spent the afternoon walking on the beach and soaking in the sea.

It was almost sunset that we walked into Lone Pine Hotel's Bungalow Cafe to have our favourite Beef Burger (I tried the Kid's Meal Beef Burger during shoot once and I loved it!). So we ordered one plate of the burger and enjoyed every bite of it~ *yumz*

And of course, that wasn't enough. We booked a table at Hai Nan Town Restaurant at Weld Quay for Penang Nyonya food. We made it in time before the kitchen closes at 9.30pm and it was a surprise for us that we had fireworks display right after dinner. We drove around Penang City (trying to finish the petrol we pumped) and ended up in a jam at Gurney Drive. We were so lucky to get a parking spot just in front of Gurney Plaza and paid 50cents for it. We had a walk down Gurney Drive and later, I went to tapau'ed my favourite Apom!

The night ended...

The next day was another adventure. First stop was the Chocolate Boutique where we tried almost every chocolate and coffee there are in the shop. Second stop was the Pinang Peranakan House. We paid RM10 each to have a self-tour in the mansion. Third stop was the Protestants Cemetary after the sudden rain we had a while before.

We returned the car that afternoon and waited for our bus back to KL that evening. Though it was just a one extra night stay in Penang, it was FUN! Finally, after one month on shoot on the island, we managed to go sight-seeing and had good food as well!

...cendol and Penang laksa...

...fried chicken bun at Kek Lok Si...

Will be back in Penang for more FOOD!