Acapella - with beat box - wow!

What can I say, but "wow"! Hopefully one day, my group can be this good!

Homework!

Ah, been a while. Was preoccupied with Facebook, and had mental block. Anyway, have postponed my "homework" for almost three weeks already, and doubt if I can get away with it again.

So, was researching Tosti's "Sogno", but came across Andrea Bocelli's Sogno instead:



Nice.

A Wicked Christmas This Way Comes!

Merry Christmas!

To spit, swallow or chew!

Almost every time I go for my vocal class, I develop a cough, be it a mild or racking cough. A cough for sure it is. Not sure if psychologically, the thought of hitting those ever so high notes have somehow conditioned a fear in my body which manifests itself via coughs.

Then again, my teacher says I have weak lungs, to take less cold drinks, etc. So many dos and don'ts so that he can push me to soar above the harmonies so that the melody rings clear and true way way above all else.

And not only giving advice, he promotes the traditional type of medication. Should take this (insert a chinese sounding herb like name), should take that (insert another chinese sounding herb like name), all for a better health. Well, not that I scoff at traditional Chinese Medication, it is just that I am generally wary of it, especially not knowing the ingredients and how it will affect me internally. But my teacher swears by it, and says he is a living proof of such medication.

My teacher even brought me to see a sensei "down the road", who guaranteed him positive results for his own ailment with almost like a money-back-guarantee promise. Of course, after my teacher who spoke to him in Mandarin about my cough, (me no speakie Mandarin, and he no speakie English) like the traditional kungfu masters, he felt my wrist and listened for the internal drumming of my heartbeat for the hue and cry of my body, wailing non stop of the abuse and torture that I put it through. Even asked me to stick out my tongue for scrutiny.

And what did he say?

Sensei: You must drink less cold water! Your tongue is white! You have indigestion problems, and your throat is usually dry.

Errr.. right! I have already limited my cold drinks intake, but true, just a few minutes ago, I took a sip or two of cold water. And although I don't speak Mandarin much (well, almost never), I do understand bits and pieces, and when I heard about cancer and the sensei said can cure, I thought to myself this is a scam!

Of course, I am no expert, but surely if traditional medicine can cure cancer, it would already have been patented and sold like hotcakes all over the world. Perhaps it is the sensei's marketing technique or ploy, but talk about misrepresentation! When I mentioned it to my teacher later, he sort of hedged, and said the sensei mentioned will help alleviate cancer, but I know what I heard even if my Mandarin is not first rate.

And my medicine? For 9 packets of dodgy looking herbs, nicely wrapped in small rectangular paper, to take whenever my throat does not feel right (and I ribbed my teacher saying that I will take a pack every time before I come to his class), it cost me RM54!!! When I expressed a mild dismay at the cost (RM6 for a small miserable looking pack!) the sensei quickly defended that this is good medicine, and to take only as and when. Shish! Must be me being yellow skinned but speaking in ang moh language, so he took opportunity to slaughter on price! Ciss!

And now? I sit here staring at the medicine. Not sure if I will actually take it or not! But definitely will not let my teacher pressure me into buying such medicine next time. When I mentioned that my body is already full of other prescribed medication, he said I was too westernised and should consider my eastern roots!

And here I thought I am very "Cina" already, somemore must be more "Cina"!!! Aiks!

Conspiracy

Rain conspired against me. Poured through the wee hours of the morning, and woke me up about 5am. So I cancelled my exercise plan scheduled for 730am, and when I woke up around that time, it was a beautiful day!!

Oh well, next week perhaps.

Grammatical Conundrum

Oh dearie me.

Have always been puzzled by the usage of "You are welcome" vs "You are welcomed". I have always used "welcomed" instead of welcome in this context. Recently, someone said it should be "welcome" and not "welcomed".

After doing some research online, it was deduced that both are ok, depending on the usage. "Welcome" is used in the context of an adjective, and "Welcomed" in the context of a verb.

What brought this on? Well, came across this sentence in one report:

"The portfolio is expected to be underweight in bonds for 2009".

Should it be read as "The portfolio is expected to be underweighted in bonds for 2009"? Am still trying to reason it out. I think it should go in the context of adjective and verb as well.

How ah? What do you think?

I have a date with Spring

It has been a while. Have forgotten about this movie until recently, when I heard that Dama Orchestra was bringing this to life on stage as a musical. The first time I saw this was on the big screen overseas, and I remembered it because of the beautiful music and story. Set in the period between 1960s and 1980s, it tells the story of four women and their lives.



I thought that the local adaptation was very well done. Dama, again, does not disappoint. The four female leads obviously shone. Some difficult music there, but well performed. The male leads held their own, with some good voices. Very nice sets, props, and use of stage too. Bravo! Bravo!!

Even after the show, I was still humming the music. Go watch!!!

Bright Blue Rose

Attended a concert earlier on today, and heard this song being sung. It caught my attention immediately with the beautiful melody and lyrics. Still trying to digest the lyrics. Bright Blue Rose by Jimmy McCarthy.



I skimmed across black water, without once submerging
Onto the banks of an urban morning
That hungers the first light, much much more
Than mountains ever do.
And she like a ghost beside me, goes down with the ease of a dolphin
And emerges unlearned, unshamed, unharmed
For she is the perfect creature, natural in every feature
And I am the geek with the alchemists' stone

Chorus

For all of you who must discover,
For all who seek to understand,
For having left the path of others
You find a very special hand

And it is a holy thing, and it is a precious time
And it is the only way
Forget-me-nots among the snow, it's always been and so it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

Chorus

For all of you who must discover
For all who seek to understand,
For having left the path of others
You find a very special hand

And it is a holy thing
And it is the only way
Forget-me-nots among the snow, it's always been and so it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

One bright blue rose outlives all those
Two thousand years and still it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

A Panting We Will Go

A panting we will go,
a panting we will go;
Heigh Ho and Cheerio,
a panting we will go!

Twice round the lake Perdana, yes. Twice around it was. Second time this week, and hoping to make it a regular at least once a week event.

Exercise seems to be an abominable word, but unfortunately, it cannot be a word any longer. Have to actually get physical!

The walk (yes, more walk than run) highlighted a few things. Am totally unfit, and need to lose weight (what's new?)! Am way, way above my ideal weight for my height, so time to do something about it! But, here's hoping I can see through my current push!!

Having been there twice, a few regulars were already noted. There's this guy doing a leisurely run pushing a baby stroller, with the baby sleeping, oblivious to the world (yes, he overtook me, even with pushing the stroller). There's also this group of more mature uncles and aunties doing tai chi at the park. Today, there were more serious runners noted, particularly a foreigner who overtook me 3 times!!! For every round I did, I think he did two!!!, and when I finished my two rounds, he was going for another! Cis! I console myself that it has been a while since I exercised, and will take it at my own pace.

Now, if only I could cut down on my breakfast intake after that! Hmm...

Unity?

Adverts aired in the past. Children understand, but adults? ... sigh... and even then, amongst one's own race, disunity persists. In the financial markets, some would only deal with others who are of the same "kulit" (skin). Very sad, but true. Call me idealistic, but here's hoping for a truly united country... one day... Happy Merdeka!!!

Of one bleach chapter and another

Yeah, been watching Bleach. Just finished chapter 133. Too preoccupied with the series to blog. Later... later... later...

Bleach Theme Song translated:

Your fragile, folded wings
are just tired from the pure blue sky.
You don’t have to force your smiles for anyone.
It’s okay to smile… for yourself.

That lonely feeling keeps creeping up on me.
A single candle burns still inside.
There shouldn’t be an expensive chandelier in a wild place like this.
Can I really bury it all with empty words?
I don’t even know anymore…

As long as we can swim freely in our dreams,
we won’t need that sky anymore.
Even if you can’t let go of the past,
I’ll still be there to meet you tomorrow.

Your fragile, folded wings
are just tired from the pure blue sky.
You don’t have to force your smiles for anyone.
It’s okay to smile… for yourself.

Yasmin

Yasmin Ahmad, a wonderful talent, RIP. Will greatly miss all her wonderful heartfelt adverts and movies. A special tribute:

Bleach

It has been a while since I watched any Manga show. Last I saw one was back in Uni days, and I remember violence, violence and more violence. And of course, the adult nature of it all.

But the ability to fly, fight and have supernatural powers seemed all the rage then, and even more so now. A secret society, fighting for good against the all consuming evil, well, what else is new? The Asian version of comics which have won the hearts of many. I guess it is the plot, the twists, and human relationship aspects and the ability to fight certainly becomes a major factor to draw in the viewers.

And against my better judgment, am starting on Bleach! First few episodes have already been engaging, and a bit worried that I will be hooked. Looks interesting though. Just finished episode 3, and starting on the fourth. Another 195 more to go! At least those episodes which a friend lent me anyway, and I gather that the series has not finished. It's akin to watching those Chinese Soaps or the Korean Soaps... oh my!

SFX Family Day

What a contrast! From one family day to another. SFX recently had its Family Day, and boy, was it packed. Lots of stalls for games, for food, and even for books/stamps/plants etc. Plentiful indeed. Sure, there was a system to how the stalls were positioned, but it was really cramped at the Church Basement. In the end, it appeared like a huge market with endless noise. Although relatively fun, I had a headache after an hour of being there.

There were things I liked, and things I didn't. I liked the various stalls other than the food stalls. Enjoyed the stamps stall, and bought a miniature sheetlet to add to my collection. Almost bought a RM150 brochure with an unperforated
miniature sheet, but resisted! Out of my budget as I had recently gone on an online stamp shopping spree!

I think the main thing which put me off, besides the noise, was the hygiene at one or two of the stalls. The main culprit was the satay stall. When change was given, there were bits of satay sauce and chicken bits stuck to the money. Personally for me, it was very off-putting. Some of the dear ladies manning the stall were unsure what to do and were ungenerous with the satay sauce. Sigh. Still, I had to remind myself that this was for charity. Think food allocation didn't go as initially planned for some of the stalls, either running low on some ingredients, and had to be rationed. On the whole, prices were generally steep, but hey! its for a good cause! :)

I like the vegetable stall though, as it was decently priced. Certainly much cheaper than Cold Storage at the mall near my office. There was even a theme to save the environment. Plastic bag usage was minimised, and people were encouraged to bring their own tiffin carriers as well as containers.

Towards the later part of day, things quietened down, and it became more peaceful. SFX has undergone Phase 1 of the renovation works, and my, a wonder it certainly is. Threat of the roof collapsing has seen it undergoing a huge facelift. Coupled with the wonderful stained glass windows, a more inspired feel is achieved for a sacred space. Each of the stained glass window has a story to tell. Fr. Simon elaborated once when it was first installed, totally captivating, but I have forgotten some bits. Shhh! But if anyone remembers, do share! :)

And to cap the day, Fr. Gerald celebrated the 530pm Mass, chanting the preface to such a degree that I had goosebumps! The second time I have ever felt it (first time was Fr. Aloysius, also when he sang the preface), and with the tolling of the bells three times, it gave it such a profound effect.

Grumpy

Grumpy, that's how I generally felt today. Easily irritable, but still need to keep a "game face" on when dealing with some people. Doesn't pay to be too nice to people, one can get taken advantage of.

Better recite my calming mantra... "don't frown, smile, don't frown, smile, don't frown, smile"... and if all else fails, I should just say, "WAT!" with my meanest look.

Autobots Rule!!!

YAY!!!



I remembered black skies, the lightning all around me
I remembered each flash as time began to blur
Like a startling sign that fate had finally found me
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide

There was nothing in sight but memories left abandoned
There was nowhere to hide, the ashes fell like snow
And the ground caved in between where we were standing
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes across this new divide

In every loss, in every lie, in every truth that you'd deny
And each regret and each goodbye was a mistake too great to hide
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide
Across this new divide, across this new divide

One night in Bangkok

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster... well, that's the title to one of the songs in the musical "Chess". But I was there this time (my second trip) for 3 nights at least. The first time was quite rushed, followed a tour, but this time also kind of rushed, because it was a working trip. However, managed to squeeze in some time between attending various sessions of the conference. Even got to hear the Prime Minister and Finance Minister speak!

Rather than talk about the conference, might as well let some pics do the talking. There was a lot of walking, and just exploring where ever curiosity struck.

Essentially:
1) Food prices can really range. Some reasonably cheap, others pricey, particularly at malls, etc.
2) A lot more tourists compared to KL.
3) Contrast between Chinatown area and the main upbeat shopping malls is so great. The agedness of Chinatown could be felt right down to the bones. There is a certain beauty, yet the feel of oldness permeates right through.
4) Patpong by day and night. Such a contrast, and they are all there to make a living what ever way possible.
5) Massage parlours galore, for both locals and foreigners. Reasonably cheap comparatively to KL. A 2-hour Thai massage costs about RM45, with aromatherapy massage slightly more.
6) Shopping, shopping, shopping. From the expensive, right down to the cheap. Just need to know where to go.
7) River transport for short trips still available. Makes sense too, as I reckon it is cheap. To cross the Chao Phraya River costs only 3Baht, which is about RM0.30.
8) Tailoring for a suit is quite a breeze and fast! They even deliver, and is cheaper than KL.

Of one family day and another

What a bright sunny day it was! Almost cloudless sky, with even the just popped confetti, reflecting the radiance of the magnificent sun.

A family day it certainly was for the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, with the young and not so young aplenty, intermingling freely and smilingly in most cases, with scheduled song and dance as well as Tae Kwan Do exhibition, coupled with various telematches abound. All just a stone throw away, from the increasingly popular KL Sentral at the Girl Guide's Hall.

For the organisers, it was a hectic time making sure things run smoothly and that all are comfortable. Kudos to the Committee for taking time to plan and to carry through the process.

Being somehow involved via my BEC (yeah, was somehow roped in as Coordinator and then don't know how, Zone Coordinator!), more like a messenger to relay messages etc, it was an eye opening experience watching the various vagaries of human interaction. As though working in the salaried corporate world isn't enough to see the yes and nos, and cover backside events, it was certainly a different perspective on a volunteer basis. But to be honest, at times it was not so much volunteer but desperation because there was no one else to do it or help out. Name throwing became common to the extent that it was no longer a volunteer basis, but almost like a directive from the top. The funny thing is, I hardly attend Mass at this Parish and am not involved in any of the ministries, but by virtue of my residential address, I "belong" to this Parish. However, I have thoughts of lessening commitments in St. Francis Xavier Church in PJ (which is just "down the road" from where I stay), and contributing more to the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, but somehow, I don't feel a connection.

Having said all that though, I salute the aunties aunties who willingly wake up in the wee hours of the morning and do their bit to make the event successful in their own way. Stories of waking up at 5am to do mega rounds of cooking just for the family day for charity sale and other what nots somehow made the whole event a richer and more appreciated experience. After all, these are on a volunteer basis.

From here too, I learnt a few things:
a) Kesari - an Indian kuih/dessert is pronounced as "KaySeRee" and not "KehSarRee", which unfortunately happened to me, but am sure I have been forgiven by those who heard me.
b) Kolkattai (as vertically pictured above) - Heaven forbid if it is ever pronounced as "KolKhatTai" but more with a side shake of the head "KolKetTay"! You see, I have never been strong in languages, so had the daring misfortune to pronounce it wrongly in the presence of the aunties aunties and uncles uncles who excelled in the culinary delights of the Indian Community, who initially looked at me in shock and horror when I blurted the mispronounced names. LOL!!! You see, this is what will likely happen when a Banana Chinese have been assigned to coordinate the Indian dishes for sale!
c) Pulut Panggang - and not Nasi Panggang. Had a few blank stares initially, but subsequently clarified that it is pulut panggang! And you noticed the signage in the picture above? That's done by RF who saw me making the sign and said that my handwriting was too ugly to read and not to use white because it doesn't stand out! So, she revamped my signage for me instead. She asked me to put some pictures in, but I tactfully declined. LOL!!!
d) String Hoppers with Dahl Curry - also known as "Iddiyappam" which luckily, was given to me as "string hoppers" to pronounce! For the life of me, when I first heard of string hoppers, I thought of something green and stringy like thingy. Until I saw that! as pictured above. Had thought that the dish was Putu Mayam but didn't want to embarrass myself to ask, and now, after doing a bit of research, it is one and the same!

There were games aplenty too, with the usual throwing of rings to bottle necks, trying to catch moving fake fishes within a time frame, navigating balls through perilous (almost!) obstacles, and other carnival like games. There was even a guess the weight of the cake game!

In line with going green, potted plants were donated and put on sale. I saw the price they charged for the plants, and it was a veritable steal! Was almost tempted to buy a few of the potted plants to put in the office, but RF (who had been assigned to take care of my plants) would have a mega fit! After all, I had threatened to put it as a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) that for every leaf lost, deduct one point! Muahahahaha! (evil laugh!)

A quick trip to Bandar Ikan Patin - Part 3

D. Gunung Senyum and Gua Terang Bulan

The story goes (taken from the plaque describing the place):
According to history, Gunung Senyum derived its name from an incident where Sultan Ahmad, the ruler of Pahang from 1863 to 1892 was on his way to Kuala Krau, Temerloh. Before reaching Kuala Krau, he saw a mountain on the right side of the river and asked his aides the name of the mountain. The aides smiled because no one knew the name of the mountain. To avoid embarrassment to the aides, the sultan declared the name of the mountain as Gunung Senyum or Smiling Mountain.

And to get a bit of the description out of the way (also taken from the same plaque):
Gunung Senyum is an archeological site located about 68 kilometres from the town of Temerloh and about 1,549 metres above sea level. This mountain is situated in the Jengka Forest Reserve covering an area of 794 hectares. The mountain is mainly of limestone estimated to be around 3,000 years old whilst the lowland in the east are made up of mudstone and shale estimated to be 2,100 years old. There are 19 caves with different unique characteristics. Among the notable caves are Kolam Tujuh Cave, Terang Bulan Cave, Gelap Cave, Taman Satu Cave, Taman Dua Cave, Angin Cave, Merlap Cave and Elephant Cave.

This is a pic of inside and outside the cave, as well as a few of the "younger" colleagues doing a Japanese like action sequence thingy.

There was no hiking involved, luckily, but a short walk to the entrance of Gua Terang Bulan (Bright Moon Cave). The cave is immensed, and purportedly the largest in the area. Quite dark inside, and advisable to bring torchlights. Certain angle of the cave face, makes it look like a skull face. Eerie that. I don't think anyone would want to be alone here at night!

It got its name from a certain hole inside the cave, and as you look up, it looks like a bright moon. There were also sounds of water dripping (limestone muh), and nature was abundant inside. We saw mini black crabs (but it moved too fast for me to take a picture of it), and almost got to see the white crabs but the guide didn't want to disturb the white crabs in the mini pool above ground. We were told that we were lucky enough to see the crabs, as sometimes they couldn't be spotted no matter how you look. Respecting nature, the guide put the crabs back where he found them. A few of us wanted to climb the slippery area to see the crabs in the natural habitat but decided otherwise due to the dangers involved.

Walking to the cave entrance allowed us to cross a bridge with a sign that says "Jambatan Rosak" or "Bridge Spoilt" if translated literally. Still, we crossed it safely, with the bridge looking sturdy enough. Some crossed the bridge with great aplomb, others with varied looks of apprehension fearing for balance, and some literally just strolled across taking time for a picture or two!

There was an erected tower for Flying Fox (zip wire) activities. With the line ending into the murky water. Can't imagine people doing it, and roughing it into the algae infested and god knows other what not infested water. But still, you never know, some like a challenge indeed.

Along the way to the entrance of the cave, there were flowers and plants aplenty, even bamboo trees, and other trees which I don't even begin to know the names. Even saw a Tongkat Ali tree. Flora and fauna in abundance indeed. Was also told there was also a house built nearby all natural, with not a single nail used. Didn't get to see it though.

Had expected to see more creepy crawlies, but perhaps I didn't look hard enough. Probably all there hiding, and peering from beneath whichever leaf or branches, eyeing us intruders ever suspiciously.

And how can a forest be a forest without greens? Some leaves were extremely huge! Had one or two shots with a person standing beneath the leaf, and the leaf could cover the entire person, height and width and more to spare!

Can you spot the red dragonfly? I almost missed it, until someone pointed it out to me. I was already the last one in line, so had to take a quick shot and hurry to catch up with the rest.

And inside the cave? We saw some casulties. There were bats flying high above us in the upper sections of the cave, but one baby bat was seen on the ground. Injured and scared with the guide subsequently putting the little bat in between the leaves and branches in the hope it does not become fodder for other bigger predators.

Alas, also saw the remains of another baby bat which was unfortunate to fall from the sky and couldn't make it back to safety. Almost like charred remains from being exposed to the sun. Vampire bats? JENG JENG JENG!!!

Incidentally, don't touch the bats, apparently they bite. I wonder if West Malaysians go bat hunting. I remember going hunting last time for fruit bats when I was a kid in East Malaysia, and once the bat was shot down from the sky, if still conscious, we would pick it up from its wingtip and slam it against the ground (not grass) to knock them out and put them in a box for cooking later. I did my fair share, but come to think of it now, kind of err...cruel. I think I was put off bats completely when I saw someone skinning the bats before putting it in a pot to cook! I never took a bite, ever!

And after all that, amongst the backdrop of the public loo, two beautiful butterflies in midair, dancing the dance of love. Ah, what a sight to behold.

A quick trip to Bandar Ikan Patin - Part 2

Part C: Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
The trip for elephant rides were initially scheduled for the afternoon, but had to change to the morning because it was fully booked. Morning rides were brief and just went round once a small area, but I think the novelty of sitting on an elephant without harness, safety equipment, etc was quite exhilirating itself for most, especially the young kids.

Shouts of "Pau Ching Ching" or "Hold/hug tight tight" permeated through the air as the local guides attempted to speak Mandarin to the kids, with the kids' supervisors on hand also readily reminding and possibly worrying like mad for the little ones.

Afternoon rides will apparently, bring riders into the river, and a change of clothes is expected as getting wet is a certainty. Think there's a programme to bathe the elephants, etc. Now that would certainly be a novelty in itself. Perhaps something to plan for the future.

Could be the onset of school holidays, as there were bus loads of people, especially kids. However, was told that the crowd is quite large on a daily basis. Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary is gaining more popularity. See? I didn't even know they had an elephant sanctuary right next to KL itself! Overshadowed by the likes of such camps by our neighbouring Thailand. There's even a deer sanctuary nearby.

All around, you could see the place is extremely popular with kids and adults alike. Here's the sanctuary of the great beast, a humongous sized being, in a semi wild life environment. Some were a little apprehensive, some were eager to touch, and some were just pleased to be there snapping photos away. I looked around, and hardly saw any grumpy faces. But the best is the look on the little ones' faces, as they come face to face with such a gigantic being. More so, the excitement and happiness after, which I am sure, will more than light up all parents' faces as the little ones look on in apparent joy.

However, unlike the more commercialised Thai elephant sanctuaries, this one has fixed show times and ride times. If walk-in visitors wander in half way between the programmes, there may not be much to see. Got to check and prebook the rides, etc. Can find out more about the place here and here.