OIAM 3

For the lack of better entertainment, I sat through (for the most part) OIAM 3's grand finals concert live on 8TV.

I'm sure most of you would've known that this season's winner is Tomok Shah Indrawan, the former lead singer of New Boyz. Being part of the band, wasn't exactly his crowning moments in the industry, so winning OIAM 3 is in fact a step up in his career.

I must say, when I first heard that he was going to be part of the competition several months back, I was skeptical, perhaps the whole nation was. Never did I thought that he'll seize the RM1 million prize. But as the show unfolds, he showed an improved version of himself, Tomok v2.0! FAR better image, powerful performances (though he wasn't exactly the best singer there is), an all-round improvement!

Therefore, all there is left to say is that I wish him the very best in his future undertakings and CONGRATULATIONS for being the winner of the OIAM 3!



Jaa ne!

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Miss me?

I'M BACKKKK...!

I've decided to return 'home' after a very long absence. Why you may ask? Simply because today is the FIRST ANNIVERSARY of The Light Side of Life, or TLSoL as I like to call it these days.

Hopefully, this time around, I won't pull another Houdini. LOL



Jaa ne!

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Nude Protest

Apparently there was this nude protest in Manila recently. Read about it here. But what's interesting, or rather hilarious about it is this one picture.


Not that I'd ever want to place myself in such a situation, but if for whatever reason I'm naked on some streets somewhere, I SO do not want to be like the guys in the picture. Being in the nude is an embarrassment on its own, but to have some women seemingly pointing and laughing at a guy's 'manhood' is like...degrading to his or any other man's masculinity. *Shudders*

Moral of the story, unless you're confident that you've got a nice sizeable package to parade about, don't go buck naked in the public. Otherwise, you'll just end up being jeered and pointed at.

Eh..wait a second, what am I talking about? Don't go naked. Sizeable package or not. Period. This goes for both genders.



Jaa ne!

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Street Punisher

Street Punisher: The Fighter Legend of War Zone Chun Li

I'm getting WAYYY too 'creative' with butchering the titles of the 2 movies. Lame. Anyway, this entry is a review of the following movies:

1 - Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li
2 - Punisher: War Zone

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Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li


Let me start by listing down what I dislike about the movie.

First, the casting. Who on earth thought that hiring Kirsten Kreuk as Chun Li was a good idea? As hard as she may try to appear tough, the aura just wasn't there. And her Asian look is not as strong as I would've preferred it.

Chris Klein is another casting error. If he's trying to lose his goody-boyish persona through this film, he failed miserably. And because of that, at times, he appeared as if he's trying too hard to be this tough macho cop person. The facial expression, the way he speaks...it just doesn't help.

As for the selection of Neal McDonough (Desperate Housewives) as Bison is also another mistake. This opinion is more personal than anything, I just don't like the fella. God knows why.

Second, the plot line is mediocre at best. During the early narration, it was said that Chun Li's family moved a lot. But clearly, after moving to Hong Kong from San Francisco, the family never moved elsewhere. This is kind of contradictory.

And when it comes to Chun Li's journey to find Gen in Bangkok, she was supposed to "leave" her old self. But she was pretty decently dressed (though dirty) for a person living in the streets. The movie somehow tries to portray her, during that period, as living at the mercy of the street and of others. But when she was looking at food as if she hasn't eaten in days and the lady offered her a spring roll, all of a sudden, she has money to pay for it! I mean, what the f*ck?

As for Chun Li's father, till the end of the movie, I didn't truly get why was he abducted? What use was he to Bison? Ok, it was said that with his connections, he could open many doors for Bison. But how exactly? How can a person utilises the contacts of a man he abducts without exposing himself as the abductor?

Another thing, it makes sense that Nash would know the name and background of Chun Li since he works for the Interpol. But how did Chun Li knew who he was? And towards the end, both of them talked as if they're old friends or something.

Don't even let me go to how painful it was listening to Kirsten's attempt at speaking Chinese. I barely speak Mandarin (one of many Chinese dialects), but even so, it hurts listening to her speak. And from what I read in other reviews, the subway scene where she spoke Cantonese was even worse.

Third, innovation. I laud the movie makers for trying to be innovative and somewhat severing most stereotypes associated with the Street Fighter franchise, like costumes, etc.

But when it deviates so greatly from the original, the movie lacklustres and loses appeal. Most especially to those who paid certain amount of money to be wow-ed by the gaming franchise he or she grew up with.

I think I'm done with the dislikes. Now let's move on to what I like about the movie. Emm...have to think about it. I think I got one, nope, false alarm. Think Iezu, think! Harder! O well...

Alas, the movie was a disappointment. I must say, I sort of suspected it to be when I saw the trailer of Dragonball and figured, if one live-action adaptation sucks, the other would probably be as well.

Rate: 2.5 / 5

Punisher: War Zone


I have nothing much to say about this movie. My mind was somewhat off throughout watching the movie, hence the lack of overt analysis the like of the above.

I enjoyed it. But wasn't exactly wow-ed. Probably a mistake to watch it in cinemas due to the censorship. The Punisher in this installment, Ray Stevenson, definitely is closer in resemblance to the comic character as compared to Thomas Jane's 2004 The Punisher.

I'd say that both unrelated versions (that of the 2004 and this latest one) are gory, violent and exudes machismo all over it. But this latter version, has a slight humour to it, which is a pretty good thing. The humour comes mostly from Jigsaw's henchmen, Ink and Pittsy.

All in all, it's an okay movie. But like I said, I wasn't wow-ed.

Rating: 3 / 5

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Best Job

I'm sure most of you have heard of the so-called "Best Job in the World" craze a few months back. Well, if you haven't, here's a brief recap.

The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (about 100,000 US dollars) for six months and includes free airfares from the successful candidate's home country to the island of white sands and clear waters.

In return, the winner will be expected to have as much fun as possible -- soaking up the sun, swimming, snorkeling, sailing -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

Source: MSN Malaysia News

Well, apparently, the prospective employer (Queensland state government if I'm not mistaken) has came up with a short list of 50 candidates. And a Malaysian by the name of Jackie Miao is one of them! Being a blogger and a tourism marketer, I reckon this "Best Job" won't be much of a problem for her to execute well.

We can do our part in helping Jackie secure the job by voting for her. Click here to vote. All the best to Jackie!



Jaa ne!

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Lazy List

So I've uploaded all 10 entries that has fermented as drafts. I know, I'm a horrendously lazy individual! I think I did mention earlier that I'm seasonal and temperamental when it comes to blogging.

In any case, here is a list of those ten entries:

1 : Honda City 2009
2 : Gurindam 12
3 : Kids These Days
4 : 81st Academy Awards
5 : The Prince
6 : The Duke
7 : Cuppies
8 : Hyde Park of KL
9 : Birthday Bon Voyage
10: Not Out of Town



Jaa ne!

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Not Out Of Town

Was supposed to make way to Alor Setar today with a few friends. We're all invited to a fellow M67's wedding reception there. Though I was the one texting Me-G, CN, Luqman, Fatah and a few others, I had to excuse myself from the road trip due to personal reasons. And from what I heard, from the supposed 10-20 people who said they'll be going, only 5 who will actually make way up north.

I feel bad for not being able to attend the reception, but it just can't be helped. O well...

To Nazif, I wish you and the newly-wed missus a lifetime of happiness! May the love you have for each other lasts till death do you part.

----------

So that is one out-of-town plan down the drain. The supposed family getaway plan next weekend has also been canned due to my nephew's sports day scheduled on March 8th.

But like I mentioned in a previous entry (too lazy to search and link it), comes the month of May, I'll be away for almost all weekend. The first weekend to my cousin's wedding. The second to Jamal's (which I just found out recently). The third to Shafiq's. And the last to Jue's. I should be free on the fourth weekend of May.

And from what I heard, another friend, Pak Lah (not the Prime Minister!) will be getting married sometime this year too. Shahrul is engaged, but to date I haven't heard of his nuptial plans. But should he decide to do it this year, so that makes it 2 weekends that I need to reserve.

O yea, in case you haven't got it by now, all these people I've mentioned, their hometowns are not in KL, hence, the need for an entire weekend away.

So dearest friends, I beg your forgiveness if I'm not available on certain weekends. As you know, walimatul urus is compulsory as long as it's within the means of the invitees. And being a friend, I'd like to be there on their big day.

But, this also goes another way round. To those who have graciously invited me to your reception, do forgive me should I not be able to attend your kenduri. The economy has not been kind to the world, but most especially me! So please understand my restraints should I have to politely declined your invitation.



Jaa ne!

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Birthday Bon Voyage

Shaz came up with the idea to celebrate Fai's birthday a few days in advance, for 3 reasons I suppose.

#1 : Nana was scheduled to fly back to Kiwiland on the 26th, so if the birthday dinner is earlier, it means she could join us.

#2 : Since Nana was leaving for NZ, it means that the dinner will be for 2 purposes - to celebrate Fai's birthday and as a farewell dinner of sorts for Nana.

#3 : And since the dinner was to be held prior to Fai's actual birthday, the dinner could be a surprise birthday celebration, masked under the pretense of Nana's farewell dinner (which we were also celebrating).

After 'meticulous' planning on our part, we decided to have it at Marco's on Feb 25th. On the night itself, everything was more or less according to plan. The traffic heading towards Kelana Jaya (where Marco's is) was peculiarly heavy that night. So some of us were a bit late. But still on plan. The place wasn't fancy or anything, but not bad on a whole.

As for the surprise, it ALMOST worked, if not for that idiotic waiter who put the cake cutter right in front of Fai! I could've sworn I heard everyone (including myself) gasped at that very moment! And it's not like we didn't inform the management that the birthday part of the dinner was supposed to be a surprise! Well, as the saying goes, "manusia boleh merancang, tapi Tuhan yang menentukan".

The "cake cutter" incident happened in process of getting to the cake part of the evening. After the surprise was spoiled, came the cake and the singing and the present. We, then called it a night.

Some pictures of the dinner:

Marco's Pizza @ Kelana Jaya

Spacious and decently designed

My dinner: Linguini alle vongole

Super size Tabasco's. HUGE!

Oreo Cheesecake

Fai reading his birthday card + gifts at the side
(We can't afford an actual Imprezza, so a model would have to suffice)

Birthday boy, green ogre, bon voyage girl

The whole crew - The Usuals




Jaa ne!

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Hyde Park of KL

Apparently, the Bukit Kiara Park @ TTDI is now part of the proposed "Hyde Park of Kuala Lumpur" development project. And I happened to find out about it in a The Star article written in 2007. I'm lagging that way, so sue me!


Going to school just right in front of the park (it was then just a foothill clearing with a huge pond) as a kid, it certainly left a certain nostalgic feeling. I'd really hate to see the area get overdeveloped. But hey, if it's properly done and for the greater cause, who am I to argue?

And I suppose being in close proximity to a faux-Hyde Park could be something to look forward to. It'll probably be like living nearby Central Park in NYC. Premium property! LOL



Jaa ne!

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Cuppies

The cupcakes I ordered are featured in the baker's blog! The one I designed for the Feb Babies that is. The 'Ben 10' cupcakes for my nephew, sadly, are not featured.

Anyway, you girls are famous! Publisiti murahan tu...LOL



Jaa ne!

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The Duke

Who has seen the new show on AXN called 'The Duke'?


Well, to those who haven't, 'The Duke' is a show targetted for men. 'The Duke' is also a concept they try to sell, the man who other men wants to be and women wants to be with. Something along that line.

The show has 3 hosts. Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, the poster boys of The Amazing Race Asia 2, as well as a former Miss Singapore, Eunice Olsen. The latter, however, seems like a token female somehow with no true raison d'être.

The episode I saw was on metrosexuality. Interesting topic. One funny thing is that, one of the featured metrosexual man was a Pinoy actor by the name of Ding Dong Dantes. Apparently he's a huge star in the Philippines. But I can't get over his name, "Ding Dong"...LOL

The show seemed like a decent show. Something different I suppose. Most talk shows are female-centric, so this is a welcomed change as 'plastic' as the show may be.



Jaa ne!

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The Prince

Ever since Tunku Ali Redhauddin has been installed as the new Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, my blog has seen a sudden surge of visitors interested in my previous entries on Negri Sembilan Royalties - which cover the passing of Tuanku Jaafar, the appointment of Tuanku Muhriz and the geneology of Negri Sembilan royal family.


So I guess it's only right that I do another entry on them, specifically the young prince. Tunku Ali Redhauddin, 32, was born at Hospital Universiti KL (now known as UM Medical Centre) in 1977 to Tuanku Muhriz and Tengku Aishah Rohani. As such, he is related to both Negri Sembilan and Terengganu royal families (and to several others via marriage) as Tengku Aishah is the grandchild of Sultan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. This also means that he is a second cousin to the current King as they share a same greatgrandfather.


He was first raised and schooled here in Kuala Lumpur before furthering his secondary education at Malborough College, Wiltshire. He is also an alumnus of Cambridge University.

Upon graduation with BA (Hons) History, Social and Political Sciences in 1998, he was employed with McKinskey & Co in London. He was then transferred to its KL branch. After which, he joined Khazanah Nasional and is now its Investments Director (though according to a press statement made by Khazanah Nasional in 2004, he was appointed as the Senior Vice President).

Tunku Ali's appointment as the new Tunku Besar Seri Menanti is only the 3rd in 120 years as his father held the title for 43 years and the holder before that, Tunku Burhanuddin held it for 73 years.

Tunku Besar Seri Menanti is part and most senior of the "Four Princes" (Putera Yang Empat), which also includes Tunku Laxamana, Tunku Muda Serting and Tunku Panglima Besar; all 3 currently held by the sons of the late Tuanku Jaafar.

And by virtue of the state constitution, the Tunku Besar Seri Menanti has a seat in the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, a council consisting of the Yang DiPertuan Besar, the four Ruling Chiefs (Undang Yang Empat) and the Tunku Besar Tampin.



Jaa ne!

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81st Academy Awards

The 81st Academy Awards that just took place was an absolute bore (3 LONGGG hours), as always. But it did bring forth new things that ought to be lauded. Like for instance, a non-comedian was chosen to be the host and that each of the 4 acting Oscars were given away by not 1, not 2 but 5 previous winners.

The red carpet offered nothing much. Same ol' penguin suits for the men and lots of flowy dresses for the ladies. Though, it was surprising that my fashion-unobservant eyes actually noticed that quite a number of them actresses wore one-shoulder dresses, which may have been influenced by Mrs Obama's inaugural dinner gown. Is she the next Jackie-O? Who knows..

Anyway, the opening act and the 'musical is back' were my 2 favourite performances of the entire ceremony. The Slumdog OST performance with John Legend for Wall-E was fine, but it wasn't awe-inspiring. Perhaps to the Americans, the Bollywood style performance is a novelty but to us Malaysians, it's rather common.

The winners are generally predictable, save maybe for Penelope Cruz's winning. And while I was driving that morning, I switched on Fly.FM and they were doing a coverage on the award. But the interesting part is that they brought up the issue of a so-called leaked winners list. I wonder, why on earth does anyone want to leak the list? It'll spoil the anticipation, it'll create havoc and suspicions. It's just uncalled for. Sigh...the thing people do these days to kill off time...

O yea, I'd like to wish A.R Rahman my heartiest congratulations for making Asia proud! He may be new to the Hollywood folks, but in this part of the world, he's a legend, well, maybe to those who is into all things Bollywood. I am not, but I am familiar with who he is thanks to the countless Shah Rukh Khan's movies (in which A.R Rahman is the singing voice of SRK) I've watched over the years.



Jaa ne!

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Kids These Days

It's shocking how reckless kids can be these days. Not to mention eagerly STUPID. I'm sure by now most people would have heard of Alfie Patten, the 13 year old father from England. He's still a child himself for goodness sake! Even I, at the age of 23, still don't think I'm fit to be a father, what more a kid like him.

And I happened to saw an episode on Oprah about 1-2 weeks ago. The episode was about ethics. Oprah made a Skype call to a mother whose concern on what to do upon finding out about a 12 year old girl who sent sexual-oriented text messages to her 12 year old son. The girl talked about going to 2nd base, etc with her son. How sick is that? At 12 and already a slut.

In a society where pre-marital sex is the norm, it's not much of a wonder why this kind of things could happen. And the fact that the UK has notoriously held the record of having the highest number of teenage pregnancies of all Europe, doesn't bode well for the kids over there.

Them westerners think that having sex (in or out of wedlock) is such a natural thing, that not having it would be deemed weird and may even be ridiculed. I'm not saying that this is true only to people of the Occidental, but seemingly more prevalent there.

It's sad really. Like Alfie for instance, when asked "what are you going to do financially (to support the baby)?", he responded with, "what is 'financially'?". I sure hope that baby Maisie will grow up normal and not a slut like the mother or an idiot like the father.

I'm not trying to be mean by calling the 15 year old mother a slut. But to have several other boys claiming paternity to the newborn child is an indication of her active sexual life.

I hope nothing of this magnitude shall befall me, my family or any other persons for that matter.



Jaa ne!

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Gurindam 12

I saw 'Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam II' recently. I must say, the movie is highly complex in its plot making it rather tough to follow. I was watching it for maybe, the second (third? fourth?) time and yet I still find myself puzzled at times. A major letdown for, an otherwise great movie.

Anyway, every time I watched the PHSM franchise (which includes the TV series, Anak Pontianak), I'd end up humming the spooky haunting song known as Gurindam Meriam, the same song that Meriam likes to hum.



I was intrigued by the song. So I did a brief research on it. The gurindam turns out to be an actual gurindam known as Gurindam 12, written by the famed literary figure of the Malay world - Raja Ali Haji.

I'm no expert in the realm of Malay literature (sastera Melayu), so pardon my explanation. Gurindam is a type of puisi (poetry), similar to syair and seloka in that it is generally longer as compared to pantun. Gurindam has no specific rule to it i.e. no specific stanza rule, rhyming is not a necessity, etc.

It does, however, usually made up of 2 components - "syarat" and "jawab". The former is usually an issue posed and the latter is the answer or the consequence. For instance:

Apabila banyak berlebih-lebihan suka, (syarat)
itulah tanda hampir duka. (jawab)
Ingat akan dirinya mati, (syarat)
itulah asal berbuat bakti. (jawab)
Akhirat itu terlalu nyata, (syarat)
kepada hati yang tidak buta. (jawab)

The above is the excerpt of Gurindam 12 used in PHSM. Click here for the complete text of the gurindam.



Jaa ne!

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