MyNews Dot Com

The city needs more decoration

2008-04-22T06:05:00.001-07:00

I found some interesting neon decoration in the park at Seoul Tower - human neon. That reminds me of Kuala Lumpur is not doing a good job in decorating the city. Cleanliness is another problem. With more vehicles and more congested traffic nowadays, I think the citizen is screaming for a better living environment. To keep the pollution low is one thing, to lift up the spirit of the city is another thing. To keep the citizen's aura way up high, the street is in need for a beautification. I think general plantation of trees and flowers is definitely not enough. We need more creative structures, such as monuments & lightings, . Right now, if you ask me what's the most creative structure in KL, I'm sorry, I have to say if you consider the Twin Tower is.

E=MC2 & The Ipod Skin

2008-04-22T06:01:00.001-07:00

My recent shop at a record stall has helped me solved one of my problems: How to decorate my Ipod into Mariah theme. I'm so thrilled to find the deluxe version of E=MC2 is packed with a set of Mariah Ipod skin. The price of this version is only RM17 more than the normal version at RM37.90, which is truly a good news to all Mariah fans. I like the skin and it goes really well with the black Ipod.

So much about the Ipod skin, what about the album? IMHO, I think it is the 4th best from MC apart from Music Box, Daydream & Mariah Carey. It's truly worth for the waiting and MC again lifted her standard from Emancipation of Mimi. This album is enriched with a lot more new elements than what she has ever done before, eg the very Sean Paul's style Side Effects, a bit of oriental touch in the I Stay In Love, and the very Timberland Migrate.

My favorite tracks: I Stay In Love, Touch My Body & Bye Bye
My rate: A

Waves oh waves

2007-05-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

It's the first time I am standing so near to the big waves (in Bali). In Malaysia, there's nothing like this, so please don't laugh at my ignorance about the surfing waves. It is cool, breathtaking, but I gotta admit is a bit scary though.

Looking for a 5 Star property in Bali?

2007-05-15T03:26:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the very beautiful properties I found in Bali. It is asking for USD3.5 million. Neighborhoods with some of the luxurious 5 stars Spa Resort such as Nikko & The Bale. The property is built beside the sea, with great sea view and on a quiet piece of land. It is no doubt one of the best resort homes you can get in Bali. If you like to try it out, perhaps a renting at USD3ooo a night (for a minimum of 2 nights) would be another option. To me, this is too darn expensive! But, for the quality, it is worth it.

Gate way to the paradise home

Almost an mansion with its own sea & own pool

The master bedroom is located at the basement, thus, it is almost at sea level. Fantastic view.

Spacious loving room and washroom

Some of the interior decorations

Some parachuit spot at the area

Bvlgari Resort Bali, The 5 Star Experience

2007-05-15T03:22:00.001-07:00

"Luxurious, exclusive, sophisticated”, these are just some of the best of the best words that can describe Bylgari Resort well.

As its brand that says that all, quality yet maintaining at a higher market range, the Bylgari Resort has brought the Bali Villa battles to the next level. Mainly captive to the Japan & Korean market, the villa is designed in very Eastern feel, more than that, all the facilities and infrastructure provided will definitely wow you.

From the high tech bed room with latest technology such as the best home audio & visual system, the elegant European + Eastern design and set up, to the pool and spa, everything is equipped with the best for the finger tips. Spa for example, it is using the world’s most expensive spa products, one of my all times favorite, ESPA!

The location of the villa is roughly 40 minutes drive from the airport, calmly rested on the sea shore yet surrounded by rain forest, where else can you enjoy more than beach & forest all at a same time? Security is very strict in the villa too. All guests’ belonging must be checked upon arrival at the security check point at the entrance before being brought to the waiting hub, where, the buggy will take the guests to the reception lobby.

It is definitely not easy to select which is the best villa in Bali, however, I truly believe Bylgari Resort has brought the Bali villas status to a higher level, or at least, it is the best villa I have stayed so far.

The overview look of the villas & the pool side.

Welcome to my home! Hehe, I wish. From the private pool, to my private washroom! I love the villa so much.

An outside view of the spa. After Spa, don't forget to relax yourself at the balcony and enjoy the great scenery.

ESPA! Gosh, I love the products

Ulu Watu Vs Tanah Lot

2007-05-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

2 of the most popular sea temples in Bali, one at the west coast, Tanah Lot, another one at the southern coast, Ulu Watu, which one is the best?

My personal favourite, Ulu Watu. Sits high on a steep cliff; below are some of the best surfing waves in Indonesia. The view is incredibily impressive. Standing on top of the temple enjoying the great sunset view and the cool breeze is truly breathtaking. It is a very sacred temple where many parts of the temple is not allowed to be visited. One cons I must say is the monkeys. Tourists must bewared of them as they will grab whatever they could from you; hats, caps, camera, specs, anything! They are extremely active and intelligent, so make sure you prepare yourself a bag of nuts, because you need it to trade it back your belongings with the monkeys.

The temple is siting on top of the cliff, watching the sea (bottom); At the other end of the temple on top of another cliff is where the ritual is being held. There's some culture dance in the evening too (top)

Watching the fierce wave from top is a bit scary, do you feel like I feel?

Monkey is everywhere, watch out of your belongings, you just don't know when they will come out and grab your things. But, aren't they cute?

Tanah Lot on the other hand, is built at the terminal of the shore. It is connected to the mainland during day time, but after the high tide when evening is approaching, it is separated, and seems like being built on the sea, this is why, some people call it "temple in the sea". The temple is extremely famous for its sunset view. It is 500 years old, yet, the temple is conserved well. Crashing waves on the rock around the temple is spectacular. I love it so much, if it wouldn't be that too commercialised. I find it too touristed, as there's a big art market before the entrace to the temple, and it is really so crowded.

Bring your slippers with you. Walk to the temple and TOUCH the white snakes. According to the Hindu, the snakes will bring you good fortune. (top) The temple is surrounded by seas. The temple is where the god of the sea lives.(bottom)

Satay "Celup"

2007-04-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest Satay in town, Satay Celup! The special about this recipe's it combines "Luk Luk" and Satay. To those who have never been to Malaysia, "Luk Luk" & Satay is both local favorite food. The way to prepare "Luk Luk" is very simple. The meat/seafood will be cut into pieces, skewered and soaked into a bowl of boiling soup to be cooked. Satay on the other hand is almost the same way, except the meat will be marinated first, skewered, and grilled. Another hightlight of Satay is the sauce, made from spices and herbs.

So, what's Satay "Celup"?Here's the trick, the skewered meat/seafood is soaked in a boiling satay sauce, and that's why I called it the combination. It is now being the most popular local delight which can only be found in Malacca, a historical city in Malaysia. The taste is very special, it is fill with the spices and herbs aroma, which gives many taste. All I can say is, if you happen to travel to Malacca, you must try it. It is simply the best exotic local food that you must try.

There's a number of restaurant offer the food. Among them, RESTORAN CAPITOL seems to be the local favorite. I was told the restaurant is packed from opening till late night before closing. I was there around 12 midnight on a Friday night, and you can see from the pciture there's a long que waiting to be served! (I don't know the exact address, it is located at Bandar Hilir, next to Jonker Street)

Is Desperate Housewives drying up?

2007-04-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

The series looks like in the danger of drying well! If you have just watched the latest epidose 18, you may feel the samething as me, "Not another corpse!"

I do not understand why the writer is so keen on throwing us more corpse, again and again. I think a few mystery a season is too much. The writer should ellaborate more on one mystery, add more sparks and details on the relationship between the characters for example. As it is now, the wives seem to gather in a very rare occasion. The chemistry just seems dying. On top of that, the temporary departure of Bree made it worst. Poor Bree has vanished for episodes since the last fell from the ladder.

Right now, I guess the only character that I still like is Gab, at least her life is still interesting to watch, such as some of the jokes in her glamorous life and detail which is still working fine. Hmm, I am not sure my suggestion is alright, but i guess somehow, the writer should take a good reference on some dummy-smart characters like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Phoebe of Friends etc. I am sure this can add some extra funny element into the show.

Hit the beach in Kylie style!

2007-04-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

"Madonna, make way for Kylie Minogue. The Australian pop singer is the latest star to join with Swedish fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz, inspiring a limited swimwear line to debut in mid-May.

Minogue, 38, didn't design the beachwear but contributed ideas and will appear in ads themed ''H&M loves Kylie.'' The '60s-inspired line includes blue-green bikinis, scarves and a slinky silver swimsuit priced at $24.90.

Minogue, who recently resumed performing after treatment for breast cancer, has hits including ''The Loco-Motion'' and ''Can't Get You Out of My Head.''

Madonna co-designed a collection for H&M that went on sale last month. AP"

taken from Chicago Sun Times.

H&M Loves Kylie
Uploaded by LindaMoore

Rich "brats"

2007-04-19T01:39:00.000-07:00

Addressed as the worst killing spree in modern U.S. history, the Cho Seung-Hui tragedy has impacted the society and everyone of us. Shocked, dismayed, who could have thought a 23 years old student was pushed to this never return path, hurting himself, and the rest. Now question is, why he did that? If you are following the case, from the reveal of his video, it is told because of rich "brats" and their "hedonistic needs."

I never been to US, I have no idea about the life being a student there, is the rich american kids really that mean? I must say the movies did give many of us a bad impression about them. Look at those rich & famous high school dramas, anyway, I did find it rather entertaining to watch such movies. Ok back to serious, I believe this is a common case that happens in everywhere, in my country for example.

Thus, that come down to the basis, human. Hierarchy existed way back to the beginning of the human civilization, as old as from the ancient Egypt dinasty. Human always wanted to be special and stand out, with money, with power, and be popular. To be on top among the rest, you can get what you want, and borned in the rich and famous, you automatically hold the key to the fastest way to reach the top. Thus, many of these off springs that borned in the rich, they tend to lose themselves because they are brought up in a very easy life, which they can get almost what they want, and most of all, pampered. Most of them have lose their instint in caring to the rest, neither being considerate nor rasional in many things they do. That is because of their immaturity of thinking, mainly due to the parenthood or grew up in a lonely way.

Forgive me if i being offensive, I have some real life examples at work. There are some particular rich kids that I don't like to deal with in business. They don't do a good negotiation in most cases, and their thaught is always narrow and always take-it or leave it state of mind, very one way. I must say these people that I met definately isn't a good entrepreneur if they are borned with nothing.

I don't think this is something can be changed, we are human, just hope the parents are mature and down to earth enough in bringing up their children. I believe most of these youth they do carry a good heart, but seems like this good mind just got burried deep down in their thaught. Parent should teach them with good values, introduce them to team works, show them to socialise with everyone and most of all, teach them about respect and loving each other.

Lastly, I don't mean to offence anyone, and this topic is just about how i feel when Cho said about rich "brats". Let's not overshadow the rest who are really nice and being really a good person.

Nokie goes Gold!

2007-04-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

Nokia has unveiled the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold - a bold and prestigious new style statement. Encased in luxurious 18-carat gold plating, the precisely crafted Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold combines timeless design with contemporary flair, resulting in an exclusive display of personal style and elegance. A sirocco is a strong wind, originating in the sun-bathed Sahara desert and travelling all the way to the Mediterrean. This blending of the strength and sensual beauty of nature is the inspiration for the extire Nokia 8800 Sirocco line.

Combining its heritage of highly desired communication devices with stunning organic designs derived from surfaces found in nature, the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold pays artful attention to the smallest details and selection of materials. A stunning achievement of craftsmanship, fine white gold accents enhance the 18-carat gold plating while the sapphire-coated, scratch-resistant glass display helps to ensure that the beauty of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold endures.

Created with a dedication to perfection, the crafting of each Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold draws from techniques mastered over hundreds of years by watchmakers and jewelers. A smooth sliding mechanism reveals a high-resolution camera and the intuitive and ergonomic keypad. While beautiful, the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold is true to the “form follows function” mantra of Nokia designers and engineers - a tradition built upon decades of experience in mobility.

The “inner beauty” of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold includes a high resolution camera, stunning color screen, and a wide array of messaging functionalities. The elegance of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold is also complemented by a coordinating desk stand and color-matching Bluetooth headset.

Titanic passenger list

2007-04-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

It has been over 90 years since the Titanic sank, however, I believe many of us still feeling sorrow over the tragedy. I still remember when i was watching "Titanic", I almost can feel the pain and the dismay when the ship was sinking. This is surely a painful history in our human kind history, something which we can never forget.

I have found a website with the records of the Titanic passenger, and I would like to share this with you. For more information, just visit www.findmypast.com.

Everyone goes Core-2-Duo?

2007-04-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

Just right before the Intel's Quad swip across the world, there's an amazing duo combination in the world of Music, Shakira + Beyonce. How interesting is that? Both considered one of the hottest babe and respectively popular in their own genre of music, R&B + Latin. The effect is as amazing as the Core 2 Duo!

It is always not advisable to put two hottest same gender stars to colaborate together, check the flop of Whitney & Mariah, followed by Madge & Britney. I just wonder why this hardly worked out where I find the work is actually fascinating.

Now will it be Beyonce & Shakira turn to prove this collaboration a failure? Judging from the Billboard Top 100 (www.billboard.com)...it seems to...How sad! Well I don't care, I really like this collaboration, they are both hot in the video, and they do look like twins at the end of the video. Why not you check the video out and see for yourself?

A whole new world of cyber-social?

2007-04-17T02:38:00.002-07:00

"Cyber-social", that's a new term introduced by my friend. I was told that I am so not cyber-socialise. Maybe my friend is right, from the first date I started the blog, I just thaught it is just a diary, but now, thanks to my friend, I am so so amazed that the blog is actually a way for you to communicate with millions out there!

True enough, I believe I could be the last person to discover this, many celebrities for examples has started their own blog in sharing their lifes with the fans. Maybe, I mean obviously, I am such a blog-dummy.

To those who maybe still in my shoes, who hasn't explored the whole new world inside the blog community, or anyone who just started with this whole new fascinating element (which has been around for some years by now), you may try out www.mybloglog.com to begin with. Today is the first day I joined the community, so there's not much I can share about the many functions of this community, but for sure, this is just one of the million ways to interact and socialise with millions out there. Have fun!

Revamp

2007-04-15T01:11:00.000-07:00

Long time i have not visited my own blog, it has been abandoned for quite some months. I find it rather hard for me to continue writing, as I never like writing nor reading. And I have run out things to write about, perhaps hasn't any interesting occasion happen to me lately. Hope after i revamped my column, I'll get a little inspiration.

Perhaps some of you may can give me some tips on maintaining the blog's story lines? As it is now, I found it rather difficult to continue it as a diary basis. What do you think?

Lately I am very found of Gwen's Sweet Escape, love the color of the video, and it looks really fun.

Here ya' go! Pig racing!

2006-12-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

While i was flipping through my...hmm...digital photo album, I found this picture that I took few months back in Pattaya, the pig racing. The babes were so cute, and they ran not slower than a rabbit! They are adorable. You know, George Clooney doesn't keep pig with no reason.

My Christmas Tree

2006-12-27T05:05:00.000-08:00

Wish y'all a joyful festive season and great year ahead.

I had never had a Christmas tree, partially we don’t celebrate Christmas, and my mom will definitely complain if I put a tree to give her additional household work.

When I was walking around IKEA, I no longer can hold my desire to have a xmas tree of my own. The price was cheap, and it displayed too many nice pretty decorations, I just can't get my hands off them. As i know my mom won't allow me to put one at home, thus, i put it in my office.

My office looks bright and joyful with it. I enjoyed spending hour putting all the lights and decorations on. Though is just a small tree, and my first time decorating it, I just can't help feeling how much contented I am. (Perhaps, I should try to make a bigger one next year. Hehe.)

More pictures on the final

2006-11-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

Singing on the stage

Announcing 4th place

Top 3 revealed.

Phobe (left) was trying hard to make Sandy Lam sang.

The end, what a night!

(Special thanks to Joe. All photos are taken from his site. These pictures are strictly for my personal blog and memory, strictly not for commercial use)

This is it....The Grand Final!

2006-11-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

Immediately after the selection, while i was still reminising about my earlier performance, 5 of us was brought to a briefing at the backstage....We were told a whole list of schedules and things to do, it sound extremely tiring and frighthening. The final was at the same night, and we only had one time to reherse. But who cares, "I am going to perform on the grandest stage in front of one of the most popular asian singer, my all time favourite SANDY LAM!!!"That alone enough to swipe all my worries and tireness.

We then being brought to the hall..yes! The Genting Arena! I had always dreamt to be on that stage, singing to thousands of people, feeling the moment surrounded by people listening to me...and it finally happened to me! I can't tell you how stupid I was, I did imagine myself singing on a stage like this when i was little many times. Now I got to do it! It is the touchest moment of my life. I really felt proud to make it, win or loose, it meant nothing anymore. What more to say, I got to sing along with the live band! My first time ever! (I still very excited over it until now.)

The rehersal went on about 1 hour, then we were told to head back to hotel for a break and be back in an hour. Frankly, if it wasn't of the excitement, I really collapsed due to the tireness and the pressure. The night was a big night, and the show must be successful. EMI invested quite a lot on this mini tribute concert aka contest to Sandy Lam.

At 4pm, we gathered once again at the hall for the final preparation, the touch up, make up in another word. haha. It was 4 hours before the show, everyone just can't hide the excitement. By 6, the rest of the crew like dancers and guest artists arrived. I really had a great time enjoying myself talking to many artists, they were really some great people that I have ever met. And to my surprise, they were friendly and easy to be with! (I made a good friend with one of the artist until now! Sweet!).

By 7, the hall began filled with people, while i stared from the back of the curtain, i can tell the hall was around 1/3 full for a capacity of almost 7ooo, i would say at least 2 thousand people including fans turned up. At 8, Sandy Lam appeared!!!!! She was escorted to the judges seat...and now...it came down to all of us, the contestants & the guests artists to put up a good show!!

When the #2 contestant was called to the stage, I almost wet my pants. I was so excited and scared! I know I can't let the nerve ruin me and everyone, by hook or by crook, I must performed well. Now...it was my time! #3!!!!! I took the mic over, walking out from the curtain and walked towards the center stage....Sweet! The hall was so beautiful. I looked at the audience, it was like whole dark but with lights like stars...I really thaught I just walked into the space. And there, I saw Sandy Lam, so stuning. She looked at me, music played...and i took off. I put myself into the song, I felt like a star singing on the stage, I didn't feel scare anymore. It was so warm. I saw some flourecent tube swaying together with my singing. I heard loud of applauce...I felt like crying, I thank god for giving me such a moment of my life time. And most importantly, my family and friends were at the audience cheering for me, and Sandy Lam did look at me from begining till end...I MADE IT! I FINISHED!!!

Contentedly without screwing the song, i walked to the backstage with smile. I wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who clapped for me. Now all that was finally over, I had my great moment, the winning still meant nothing from begining till now, as my purpose were all acheived, singing to my favourite idol, singing on Genting Arena and singing to thousand of people. There is nothing more I can ask for.

Forgive me for not paying attention to the rest of the contestants, I spent my time chatting with the crew, the contestants who performed, and the artists. It wasn't a contest anymore. Everyone around all friendly and nice. It was a wonderful moment for me to ever get to know everyone of them.

After almost 2 hours, finally it came to the very end..results. 5 of us were called to the stage. I guessed i would be the last. But i didn't bother....the MC annouced the 5th place...it wasn't me....then come 4th...."Dear, it got to be me this time", it wasn't because of I had no confident on myself, but i respect the rest of them who were really better than me..."If by luck, the best I can go is 3rd....", just after my thaught, 4th was annouced...I made into top 3! That surprised me a lot! Now came to #3.....the girl next to me suddently shout at me saying I was in top2! She peeked at the results, and she was right, she was 3rd and I made to the final 2!!!!

I was brought to the center now together with the ex Malaysian Idol finalist! The Miss World moment was happening to me...and the winner was....The Veteran! Yeah, I lose to her..I took 2nd, but hey, that wasn't important to me at all. I didn't expect to win anything the first place started from the audition. I just wanted a chance to sing to Sandy Lam.

When i walked to Sandy to take my prize, I couldn't describe how excited I was, Sandy so pretty! And I can't believe my eyes that the idol I have workshiped since 20 years ago was standing there, giving me the prize! It was too good to be true!It was a mircale. Here, I can no longer hold myself, the kid inside me came out, I cheered "Sandy I Love You" while i took over my prize from her. I hope Sandy didn't stunt becos of that haha.

Sandy gave me the prize! Woo hoo!

I really wish it could happen one more time, especially with Sandy. I hope I can do this again some day and sing together with Sandy "At Least You Are There". That was an amazing journey to me, a miracle happened. I will never ever forget this moment. It will always be the moment of my life.

To everyone out there, don't give up on your hope, miracle does happen!

Celebration with my family and friends.

I finished at 1st runner up!

Semi comes final!

2006-10-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

14 October was a very long day to me. Mixing with pressure and scare, unexpetedly, it ended as my biggest day ever....

Started from a nerve cracking Saturday morning, I began my journey with the rest of the 18 contestants in the semi final. The venue is at the stage in the Times Square Genting, an open stage which is not too big in the concourse.

I can't remember much what happened during that moment, all i knew was, one of the contestant stunted me, she was the lucky #1, and she is a veteran who also a top 10 in the Malaysian Idol 2005. Besides her, I also noticed a few other regulars who took part in other reality singing show. I knew there was nothing much I can do but doing my best, to pick only 5 contestants out for the same night final would be very tough for an amateur like me.

Within an hour hour, it was my turn, the 10th contestant. My hands shaked badly the whole time when i was on stage. I tried so hard to hold myself together, just to think of the lyrics and the music. "I just wanna have fun..." that's the thing I kept thinking of.

Maybe just like most people said, you'll get it when u are least expected. I was shocked I was chosen as the only male contestant in the top 5 to go into the night finals!

Let me try to recap the feeling when my name ws announced......I remember i almost grabbed the girls on my left and right and shout out..."I made it too???"

I made it into the Sandy Lam Singing Contest semi final!

2006-10-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

12 October 2006 is definately a date I won't forget...This is the day I received the call from EMI Malaysia that..I had made into the 14 October Sandy Lam Singing Contest - Semi Final! WOO HOO!!!

The contest is organised by EMI inconjunction of Sandy Lam to Malaysia on the 14 October promoting her December concert in Malaysia and her latest album. The contest started off with a few audition locations in Penang Island, Johor Bharu, Kuala Lumpur and last in Genting Highland. It basically covered most major part of the country, is truly one of the major singing contests in the country of the year.

Oh, let's get back to my motive joining the contest..It started base on the kid inside me, I am a big fan of Sandy Lam! This is the chance of my life time to sing in front of her, and of course, a chance to sing in Genting Arena, the most pretisgious concert hall in Malaysia, as good as Kodak Theather in LA!

I remember the day i went to the audition in Genting last week, nerve was all over me...if it wasn't my friends kept pushing me, i would have gone home. Honestly, I am just an amateur, it has been at least 8 years i never sang in public, not to say if I have to sing on the stage.

Undecisively, I walked to the registration counter, took the form, filled up, when i was about to put in the name of the song i wanted to sing, I was told the song wasn't in the list! Gosh, I bet you know how tensed I was at the moment. What choice i left? I had to request to sing acapella! It wasn't suppose to be accepted, however, maybe the judges pity me, I was allowed. Then i was brought to the waiting room...waiting for my turn.

At the very last second i wanted to walk out from the waiting room and leave, my friends came in. They calmed me down, and we decided to find another song with music to sing. So 3 of us busy looking for substitute, there, they helped me picked this song "Day & Night".

After about 30 min, i was called to the audition room....one last check, I told the assistant about me changing my song with one condition, I got to look at the screen to see the lyrics and sing! I know what a disastereous attempt...but it is better than acapella, i thaught. So i walked in togther with the assistant, and I saw the judges! Those familiar judges that judged in some TV singing reality show..."Can I go?" That was the only thing i could remember to say inside me. The assistant helped me to explain my situation. I even told my a-night before decision and I came empty hands. Then one of the judge spoke, they accepted my attempt. However, I needed to sing one extra song, the acapella song that i registered earlier.

Music started, I sang looking the screen....yeah i know that was so embarrassing! Surprisingly, no pitchy problem and the judges seemed to like it. Now the worst moment came...without lyrics, I can't remember the lyrics in my acapella song. I invented the lyrics, i stumbled....all most anything that you can name of except my voice. After my performance, one of the judges spoke to me that I can't sing without knowing the lyrics. What else can I say? My fault....

I walked out the room with emptyness...and i thaught it got to be a No.

Ever since then, i was very disappointed about myself for not able to remember the lyrics...and i realised how badly I actually wanted to sing in the final. I as hoping the miracle..

Yes, it happened! 12 October 2006, when i was able to leave my work, an sms came...saying in mandarin " ..congratulations you are in the semi final!" I couldn't believe my eyes.....I made it!!!! I made it!!!!!

Now, I am looking forward for the coming 12 October, I promised myself it will be my day!

...to be continued

A rejuvenated trip in Bali

2006-07-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

"I think Bali is just a small island," that's what I have been telling myself and my friends. To my surprise, the size is actually 3 Singapores, and from the terminal of North to South will take apprx 6 hours! The island is packed with people, and not less, travellers of course. My mission to Bali this time, is to try the SPA in Bali, so I shall not reveal much about beaches and shopping districts as it may be found easily in all magazines and internet.

Let's beging with my first stay at Kuta...

KUTA

Well known as the famous surfing spot in Bali, here, you will see so many surfers walking around the town. The beach is just a few walks from the town, and is usually packed with so many people. Along the side are all the 5 stars & 4 stars luxurious hotels. Is the most crowded and happening spot in Bali. Hotels in Bali is about the same except in Ubud, which I will tell more later. The front of the hotels may look small and narrow, road leading to the hotels' lobby is narrow too. But if you go towards the lobby area, you will be so wrong. It's as amazing as Alice in Wonderland. You can never imagined beyond the lobby area is blocks of rooms and big gardens. Everything suddently has become so huge and spacious. With its rich herritage and traditional vibrant of colors and nice sculptures plus decorations, hotels in Bali is uniquely distinguished from the rest of the world.

In Kuta, you may find lots of shops selling pirated branded stuffs, such as D&G, AX etc. And the price is more reasonable than Shen Zhen & Shanghai in China & Thailand. Besides, Balinese is easier to negotiate with too. Best place to go for, Kuta Square.

Moving around in Kuta to other hot spots is easy. About 10 minutes from Kuta,there is the most famous night life district in Bali, Legian, this is also the place boomed by the terroris that caused hundreds of people dead. (Horrible incident). Few years after the incident, Legian has revived it's past time glory. At night, the street is so packed with people due to many clubs & shops. I visited the monument of the victims, and been to a few pubs around. Frankly, the booming still haunting me. I couldn't relax myself and alerted myself the whole time. Not really a pleasant time for me.

In Bali, there is more than 1000 hotels & SPA. All of the SPA centers as luxuruios as the 5 star hotels, of course, it's pricy too. In Kuta, most of the SPA centers are just in the town. Hundreds of them can be easily spotted. There, i tried one of the famous SPA named Ratu Bali SPA. The masseurs are very skillful, their experience ranging from 4 years to 10 years, so you need not me to tell you how enjoyed i was being massaged by these professionals. On top of that, after applied with their natural herbs and remedies, you will have a instant refreshed feeling. But, I couldn't tell the different as it feels the same as Thai massage. The Balinese's signature massage search goes on....

Ratu Bali SPA

UBUD

Roughly 40 mins away from the beach toward the middle of the island, there lies one of the must visit places in Bali, Ubud. Temperature in Ubud is cooling, road leading to it is narrow too. However, I am so fascinated along the way. Firstly, the padi fields, the greenish trees, and then the sculpture workshops, culturistic shops & restaurants, the galleries, the temples & the antique houses, best thing is, it's not as crowded as Kuta. Ubud is the place to enjoy, to see and feel more about Bali. Ubud is sorrunded with natural beauty, mountains and padi fields is everywhere. The place is particularly quiet and peaceful at the night. To enchance the experience of staying in Ubud, take the Villa. Villa in Bali is exceptional spacious and unique. Each Villa is like a small mansion. Well equiped with bathroom, jacuzzi, swimming pool and of course the enormous greenish gardens and Balinese decoration.

Sceneries around the villa, the mountains, the jungles & the padi fields

The garden around my villa. An open shower in the garden too.

Enjoying my balinese food at the hotel's restaurant

Besides the Villa, another thing that make my jaw drops is the Karina SPA. To me, it is not just the most beautiful and expensive SPA in Bali, but I woud say it is surely one of the best of the Asia. Doing SPA in Ubud is so different compared else where. Imagine, lying under the open air surrounded with jungles, trees and padi fields, enjoying the massage while listening to the jungles whispering softly in your ears and the cool breeze. It feels like heaven! Here in Karina, each guest will have a chance to enjoy themselves in their private SPA villa. The Villa is 2 stories tall. Lower ground would be the washroom, shower room, steam room and changing room, while upper is another heaven. The Massage room, the swimming poor, the jacuzzi and the fantastic jungle & mountain views!

In Karina, I have finally found the Balinese's signature massage. The technique consists of punturing and stretching. And the unique part is the hand rolling, I thaught i was being rolled by some massage balls! What more can I say, is simply the best massage I ever had.

The garden around the Karina Spa

The individual spa villa, equipped with swimming pool, massage room,

and the jacuzzi that is facing the open view of mountain and the florest.

Enjoying my swimming, sun bathing and jacuzzi after massage....is like heaven!

Bali is such a different world. The people is so nice and simple, is such a pity it is living under the pressure of financial & politics problems and terrosists threathen. Anyway, from the good view, is it truly the best SPA destination in Asia, and to the world. It is a loss if you didn't come for the Heavenly SPA, Bali!

My sister's 25th birthday party

2006-06-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my family's birthday has been always the most delightful thing to do in my life. I enjoy having fun and happy moment with people that close to me. Like everyone said, nothing feels better than HOME.

It is one of the most challenging and talent searched birthday party I've ever been. The party is held at one of the most famous karaok center in town, and talking about karaok, you know this is the time you can not embarass yourself, not to your family especially!

Tremblingly i took over my mic the first time of the night, thinking to showcase my strong vocal with the song 'REASON' to wow my sister. To be honest with you, I seldom sing to my family, it could be the 2nd or 3rd time and the 1st time after a decade. That was some pressure for sure when my mom and her boy friend focusing on my singing, I nearly got key off everytime! But thank god, I'm not a time waster, with my powerful and flawless ending (exagerrating), I easily WOWed my family and become the song bird of the night. Partially, that thanks to my family's lousy singing skill. Haha.

Nah, to be exact, it wasn't an idol contest at all, it was just a fun family outting while celebrating my sister's birthday. If it wasn't this party, i would never noticed my mom can't sing and how improved my sister and my cousin singing. (LOL) Most of the time, we just scream and yield like nobody else's business. ehhmm, I still have a bit of sorethroat now.

My cousin (the one with mic) was so into the singing mood. I would give her 100% score for her emotion. But deduc 100% from her "quarky" voice. (hehe)

This is the moment we've been waiting for, candle! cake! and birthday song! And to the birthday girl, what is more excited than open the gift after this? ( I gave a Jean Paul Gautier summer edition fragrance to her and she likes it a lot, that what brother is for.)

The party lasted around 4 hrs (from 9.00pm - almost 2am). If it was not becos my future-brother in law rushing home for the France match in the world cup, we would've stayed until it closes at 3am! What can i say, good time is never enough.

A journey to the moon

2006-06-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up wondering, will I ever be able to go to moon in my life? Unexpectedly, I made it!

Well is not i really go to the moon, but I went to this IMAX cinemea at Times Square Kuala Lumpur, and I watched a 3D movie named "Walk to the moon".

As real as it can get, the 3D solved my wonders on how a moon look like. I almost thaught I was at the moon! Looking at the sands, the surface and the astraunaults "cleaning my helmet", I just can't tell you how excited and happy i was.

The movie lasts for 45 minutes. It brings us back to the history of the mankind's expedition to moon, and of course the first walk on the moon and the rest of the astraunauts who made it to the moon. It is a meaningful historical journey.

Undenialble that it is truly a bless to have a chance to be on the moon, but this is also a very heavy burden. Being to the moon can never be a personal objective and a man's selfish dream. Every astraunault who stood there, they carried the great responsibilities of all mankind. Each step they made, they wrote a new chapter for our history. To discover, to build and to implement each mission for the mankind, is truly a great contribution that we all must respect and remember.

I salute u, Mr & Mrs Astraunault.

Eating out at Alamanda, Putrajaya

2006-06-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

It was a refreshing and relaxing dining at Alamanda Putrajaya. One of the reasons could be it is away from the stressful and boring city,& secondly, it wasn't crowded, gave me a perfect balance of food & leisure.

I really had a great time fun chatting with my best friends, and of course taking photos as much as we like (as if we own the restaurant :P)

Oh, i almost forgot to recommend this Rasberry Cheese Cake. I wonder why it isn't a signature cakes of [Secret Recipe]. It tastes marvellous to me. I definately will have it again at my soonest!

My funny pics

2006-05-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

The city of angels, Bangkok

2006-05-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

Duration: 2 - 7 of May 2006
Mission : iSPA conference

Yay! Finally I made it to Bangkok. Here's a snapshot of me when I was attending the iSPA conference. I didn't manage to visit anywhere during the first 3 days, but I do enjoy meeting so many wonderful people and nice Thais during the conference.

I stayed at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel. In front is a busy street with lots of shops, massage centers, pub areas and nice restaurants. And to my surprise, there is elephant too! Haha

(a scene of me feeding the elephant. How i wish I can carry it home with me)

Night Market

Besides its notorious red light district, Bangkok surely a heaven to anyone who likes to wonder around at the night market. Pat Pong & Silom which stands out side by side combined making it a good night market to those who enjoys night life. They are separated by a main road but connected with lanes. At the lanes, here is the famous red light district, shows and almost everything you like to see about man & woman. (You know what I mean)

Silom

Pat Pong

Enjoying drinks at a pub nearby

If u looking for a one-stop center such as looking for wholesale, don't miss out Suan Lum. It is a huge night market where you can find almost everything. Don't miss out the food centers and entertaiment too.

Transportation

Transportation is cheap in Bangkok. The price of the cab is reasonable & comfortable. Tuk Tuk is another way to travel especially during the heavy traffic, however, i strongly do not recommend if it's raining.

Fast Food

Like else where in the world, you can find fast food easily, except they have their own dessert cater to their local market. Here's one dessert which I found it interesting, it is KFC's "Strawberry Cheese Cake". I haven't found it else where yet in Singapore & Malaysia, try it if you have a chance. Yummy.

A heat escape at Fraser's Hill

2006-04-30T23:38:00.002-07:00

Date: 29 & 30 April 2006
Venue: Pahang, Malaysia

It was a long weekend, and that's how a gang of us decided to go Fraser's Hill for leisure, and of course to escape the terrible heat lately.

Fraser's Hill is a very very small place, situated 1500 above the sea level, it's temperature is cooling and varies from 16 - 23 celcious.

It is a great place to enjoy natures, with lots of jungle trails to choose from, and bird watching. It is overall a great quiet place to relax and ease the pressures.

Oh look...we found something, is a bird? no, flower? no..is a map! And that's where we are at the moment. Phewwww....

Rich in flora, everything is greenish here.

There's other small interesting places such as horse riding, lake, waterfalls etc. But if you are leech-phobia like I do, stay out of wet fields! hehe.

Doraemon's favourite snack

2006-04-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Introducing Doraemon's all time favourite cake.....(forgot the name, hehe). You can find it in Kinta City, Ipoh, Malaysia. Price at 1.20 Malaysia Ringgit. 3 flavours to choice from, chocolate, strawberry & peanut butter.

It tastes like pancake, munchy and not bad.

Kek Lok Si Temple

2006-04-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Location: Penang Island, Malaysia
Date visited: 24 April 2006

It is one of the historical temple to visit in Penang. It is basically divided into 2 parts. The Pagoda, and the Kuan Yin statue.

There are also others attraction in the temple such as garden, and the liberation pond, which consists of turtles that were released by the prayers. Was told some of the turtles has reached almost 100 years old or older!

PAGODA

The pagoda comprises hundreds of statues with different poses. However there is an entrance fee.

Kuan Yin Statue

After decades, the Kuan Yin Statue has finally being "renovated". It is now replaced by the metal structure and sit on a square that specially taylored for the structure. In a few years time, the statue will be sheltered which makes it the largest structures that overlooked the whole Ayer Hitam.

Other Attractions

Use the old staircase that cut through from the market. And don't forget to get a good bargain at the shops.

Feed the hundred years old hungry turtles.

New hair cut

2006-04-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

Hoping to cut my bad luck away too. (That's my purpose actually...hehe)

2006-04-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

Last night me and my family celebrated my closest cousin's birthday.

I felt bad cos I forced her to gave us a treat, hehe. Worst still, I suppose to buy her an ipod as her present....but I haven't yet. :P

I am so use to bully her, am i bad? Alright alright, will give you an ipod dear cousin, but gimme sometimes before i shop for it. hehe

Kylie's new look

2006-04-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

This is the first official photo from Kylie after the surgery. She looks great as before. Can't wait for her come back. For more info, do log on to http://www.sayhey.co.uk or http://www.kylie.com

What a bad week

2006-04-17T02:36:00.000-07:00

(so down)

Last week was such a nightmare to me, bad day, bad time....
First someone stole my less than1 month old Motorola V3i,
then some thief smashed my car window, and broke into my car.....Haizzzz

What a week....ahhhhh

Got to have some cake to calm myself down.......

"Hmm, good taste, yum yum"

(photo is taken by my brandnew nokia n70)

FHM Sexiest Woman

2006-03-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

Top 3

No objections. Nice.

I wonder will Sharon stone make it to the top 10 after exposing herself for the final time in Basic Instinct 2. (hope not) hehe.

Flashback: Gem Isle Scrapbook

2006-03-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

Watching turtle hatching is another fun activity here.

Some times ago in July 2005. Situated not far from Pulau Redang, in between of Pulau Perhentian & Pulau Kapas, there is a small island named Gem Isle.

Along the trip was my two dearest friends.

Not much beach scene to share, "PG18rated" hehe - kidding ya.

Gem Isle is not just an island, it is also a place to enjoy good massage...mmm...so nice. (The masseurs are mainly from Thailand, quality is assured!)..ouch..take it eay dude.

If you wanna know more about this place. Drop me a line then.

Stray dog? I say is my lucky star.

2006-03-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Not long ago on late December 2005, while everyone was busying jotting down their christmas list...Santa gave me an early surprise. A baby dog from no where came to my house. It wasn't a pleasant surprise at all! haha.

We have been keeping our own dog for 7 years, it is a lovely and obedient pug. To have another new baby dog is certainly a very painful repeated history. First we have to tolerate it's crying when we separating it at night, potty train the baby and have to take extra care of it.

We did thaught to put notice on the missing dog, but we afraid some bad people might miss claim it. We dare not to give away to friends or pet's sanctuary, cos we feel pity on all those abandoned stray dogs. In the end, my mom taken the full responsibility, and voila, it has been living with us since then.

It is a very very playful dog. Very active, extremely smart. It brings lots of joys to my family. And of course sometimes it is a pain in the neck. But in the end of the day, this is fate that brought us together. For better or worst, we shall live happily ever after, hehe. Who knows it might bring luck to us right? Welcome to my home, Lucky.

My trip to Hong Kong /Macau/ Shenzhen

2006-03-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

On March 2006, my long waited moment has arrived. After such a long time planning I finally got my foot to Hong Kong.

Before that, Hong Kong was never a destination i wanted to go. Perhaps I watched this city too often here and there. I saw Hong Kong as a small island. A place where people hardly breath and a very commercialised city. Therefore, I went to Paris, London, Indonesia, China....and Hong Kong always not in my list.

Things changed after i knew a good gang of friends who like to shop a lot. Summer sales in Singapore had never become a hot topic anymore. They liked to talk about what they shopped in Hong Kong. I felt so isolated and one kind (haha). Well, that's how i come to my decision to plan for my first time ever to Hong Kong. To prove wheter my friends were telling the truth.

Well they are. As i have expected, this is a highly commercialised city. Shopping seems to be the most important and popular things to do. You see shops everywhere. And i was told the things really cheap during summer sales. (That's for my next adventure) .

Staying in the 54th floor of Shangrila-Island is another experience. I manage to capture the whole view of the harbour. I never thaught Hong Kong can be so charming. Now i know why it is called the Oriental Pearl. It is certainly the best city so far i discovered. I prefer Hong Kong to Paris & London, no doubt about it. Everything is so easy here. You get anything u want as easy as 1 2 3. Is a very convenient city. As a cantonese speaking person, I really feel like home too.

Another lovely things I discovered is the people. I was always been told Hongkies are cold and less humanity. But perhaps I had a better luck. People I met were friendly and quite helpful. I could never imagined I would love Hong Kong that much.

I like Hong Kong, and I certainly will come back more often. Oh, before I go, if you are a budget shopper, try Shen Zhen instead. And make sure you know how to do a good bargain.