Digging up a treasure trove

Went to watch Resident evil: apocalypse (RE:A) last night. The crowd for the 11.50 p.m. show was huge, not only for RE:A but the larger audience was for the New Police Story starring Jackie Chan. RE:A was not too bad, the special effects team did a real job in their department and Nemesis was a beauty (if you can call a half ton walking zombie stunning). Storywise, well your mindless zombies attacking and infecting Racoon City, quarantine measures, egotistical megalomaniac trying to gain power by lurid experiments on population, sexy heroine (who always seems to be waking up with nothing but a piece of blanket to cover herself with) and lots of scares and action. The thing with this is that the movie's pacing is a little unconventional, the beginning was started as a narrative about the first movie and what happened since, next is your usual large scale disaster panic, followed by the few remaining survivors trying to stay alive, first half was dominated by tense moments as if ghouls would leap out of every corner but soon it turns into an all out action slug fest with Alice going face to face with Nemesis. Not much scare, a little humor interjected in between courtesy of an Afro-American hustler and lots of female adrenaline action. Okay to watch but don't expect too much but expect a sequel for sure. Pity the movie lasted only around an hour and half.

Today also, I set out to clear away the mess I have under my staircase and also the piled up junk in my room. Advice, everyone should try trudging through their junk once in a while cause with our busy lives, we really don't know what we stored and packed away in that dusty corner awaiting re-discovery. Shrouded in cobwebs, hidden behind more recent additions, I found a box I'd forgotten about. Opening it proved to yield very interesting finds indeed. As if a time capsule has been opened, the memorabilias (some would call it junk) I found brought back so much memories. True enough; the box was stuffed with leftovers that I packed off when I went back to my hometown after my university studies were done with, items I found included:

1. A collection of university literature; college act and regulations manual, library orientation manual, course book, "Welcome to UMS" orientation week portfolio and the School of Science and Technology (SST) guidebook. All these went into the re-cycle pile immediately! (Especially the college act and regulations manual).
2. Old notes from yesteryears.
3. Toastmasters manuals and training schedule.
4. My orientation week Batik shirt, which was the first thing to be locked away in the box as our year was of a yellowish hue (bright banana yellow!).
5. My half finished diary for the year 2002 which brought back so much memories but a task which I relented as I was putting off writing entries for quite some time.
6. Old sms messages from my ex and accompanying letters. That was a surprise, remembered I put it there tied up neatly to be forgotten when I was feeling heartbroken.
7. Manuscripts printed out to me by Adrian titled "The Cask of Amontillado", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe. Still remember the day he gave me those during our first year.
8. Receipts and items from various places; coaster from Genting where I once went on a holiday, dog license receipt for Lady, ferry ticket for Labuan trip and a birthday portfolio gave by some friends (a Winnie the Pooh folder) last year.
9. An eyeglass holder with my first pair of glasses (which received eternal criticism by Adrian for making me look dorky).
10. Ticket stub for Pesta Angpow during Chinese New Year when we were all stuck here in Sabah.
11. Old photos from the past 3 years of my stay here in Sabah.
12. A box filled with leftover accessories (even my 16MB memory stick for my digicam!) and broken gadgetry from my desktop which is now R.I.P.
13. One dead cockroach.

Sieving through the things brought back a flood of memories and for a moment I was overwhelmed. Somehow the parting of way between me and my housemates was a little hard to bear (I assume it's not as much a problem for them as it's for me). After living under the same roof for 3 years (and three residence changes), you really get used to each other's antics. Still recall things such as the first meeting with Kuok Sum (got stuck in the penthouse in Kurnia Perdana for the Kaamatan holidays) and Adrian (he locked me out of a room to go to town and came back to find me with my bed in the hall reading AD&D), Adrian walking into the toilet to find Kuok Sum (naked), late night study sessions with coffee that bothered my sleep, KS's unique sleeping patterns and positions, swapping MP3s, burning anime series, cramming for exams together (though our different taste of music proved awkward, one liked rock and new age metal, the other classic and opera and the other oldies with lots of Chinese songs, take a guess which goes with whom) and many more escapades! Haha don't think they'll appreciate this being aired out to dry hehe but can't resist.

I was asked once by my mother if I enjoyed my university days, and all I could reply at that time was uh! But looking back this moment, I figure despite all the bad things that happened, the companionship that I forged here, especially with my two housemates, Kuok Sum and Adrian really left a lasting impression on me. I never really felt so close a bond between friends before this, secondary school parting was lacklustre at best with not a single active contact between any of us, form six was better as I had a close core of friends of whom we still meet up every possibility we can, but university well it's been good. It's not the place that made the past years special, but the people here, each with their own nuances and peculiarities, that makes life interesting to live.

So everyone do take the time to look through your things and the next time you feel compelled to throw away the nice receipt or ticket stub, save it, it's a reminder of your past, your experience and your memories. For now I'm putting away some other keepsakes back into the box, who knows what memories they'll bring after another year of being forgotten!

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Standing at the edge

Kudat

Pic: Standing at the tip of the world, only a few places could claim that. Borneo, Kudat is home to the northern most tip of the Isle and the terminus is at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. Walking at the edge and looking out into the vast South China Sea, takes your breath away.

Sabah has one of the largest number of marine parks and marine protected areas in Malaysia with world class dive sites and beautiful islands. The recent addition includes the likes of Mataking, Mantatani, Mabul, Layang-layang, Labuan, Sipadan, Langkayan and the Turtle Islands. It's is then good to hear that several others are going to be added to this list, already the Semporna Islands Park is in the framework with its unique geologic features. Now plans are underway to turn Pulau Banggi off Kudat and it's surrounding waters into another, the Tun Mustapha Park (named after the first Chief Minister of Sabah). Kudat used to be a sea trade stopover for ships heading from Labuan to Jesselton (now KK) to Sandakan. It's still a small hamlet and development is slow to come. Fishing is still the main occupation here and many seafood products can be had quite cheaply. But there is one feature that Kudat is famed for, that the northern most tip of Borneo is located here. A rocky crag, triangular in shape pierces the South China Sea. Visitors can walk upon the rocky face when it's low tide and savor being at the edge of the world.

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Dawn breaks

Dawn

Pic: Dawn breaks early in the east coast of Sabah, thin slivers of light break through the horizon and cast a glow over the still landscape. Semporna, Sabah, 2003.

I couldn't resist posting a second picture of Semporna, so enthralled was I of the place. Waking up in the dead of the morning (round 4a.m.), sat down in the dark, water still and motionless, waiting out in the veranda, cool air surrounding me, coffee at hand, dawn breaks! Snap! This happens to be one of the most cherished pictures from my East Coast Sabah tour in 2003, hope you all like it as well.

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Forgotten world

Paradise

Pic: A tongue of greenery, extruding out, dividing sky and sea. Nothing sums up Semporna better. Semporna, Sabah, 2003.

Not many people stop over at Semporna, not many people have reason to. Besides as a stopover for more popular destinations such as Mabul and Sipadan, the only other reason anyone would throng the area would be for the annual Lepa-lepa festival whereby the sea Bajau, famed seafarers of old (of which many still take up the occupation or even live their life on boats) decorate their boats and stage a parade and celebrations. But Semporna is beautiful no doubting that and since it's not as well known as other destinations, that primeval beauty can still be viewed pristinely. Formations of islands, mostly coralline in nature are found jutting out from the sea akin to jewels, crowned with a luscious growth of greenery which amazingly survives and even thrives in this nutrient poor environment.

There are no luxury hotels to mention besides one, the best way to see Semporna is through the kampung life or traditional village homestay. We were fortunate to be able to reside with a friend's relatives on Bum-bum Island, one of the larger settled islands. Most dwellings here are shanty wooden constructs built on the island's edge over the water surface. Villagers fish, swim and eat, all in their backyard facing the open sea. Children are seen carefreely jumping into the sea from their house, many of whom are seasoned swimmers at an early age. The only other importance of the area is seaweed cultivation of Kappaphycus for carrageenan extraction (a very common substance used in everything from toothpaste, gel, juice, medicine and even preservatives for processed meat), making Semporna one of only two areas in Sabah to be doing so.

A boat ride, provided by our friend's uncle took us to a secluded island, which by tradition belong to their family. A prayer was made to an ancestral shrine there for safe use of the island when we disembarked. The water there was crystal clear, not an ounce of trash was seen for miles, sky blue to the point of looking turquoise and the sound serene. Starfish, giant clams, shells, king crabs, sea cucumbers and fishes were seen in copious amounts near the coast. The islands, some look as if they're on stilts others with depressed bases, were eroded on the base from wave pounding on the coralline base for ages. A lack of development meant the environment was incomparable to anywhere else I've been to. Though we arrive by boat, low tide meant we could walk from island to island, now connected by sandbanks. Our visit was topped up by having coffee at a local village, a different tasting concoction that taste of a hint of saltiness, most probably from the mineral spring the water was taken from, but the taste was unforgettable!

Sabah Parks (the agency in charge for conservation and maintenance of state park areas) is proposing the setting up of the Semporna Islands National Park in the near future and plans are already in the process of being finalised, so maybe more people would be able to view this geologic splendour.

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Happy moon cake festival everyone!

Tanglung / Lanterns

Pic: It's traditional to hang lanterns out during the moon cake festival. These usually comes in various forms from the simple paper accordion lantern to more elaborate constructs of bamboo, wire and coloured paper in shapes of animals, cartoon characters or objects. Children usually enjoy this time of year due to the fact that they can eat mooncakes (a soft crusted baked pie with fillings, usually lotus paste), parade their new brightly lit lanterns and generally pig out.

Happy moon cake festival everyone, hope everyone out there celebrating this festival is out enjoying themselves lighting up their houses with candles and lanterns! Well have fun you all.

It appears that modern times have caught up with age old festivals. In accordance with modernising age old customs to suit the taste of us modern city slickers (as well as to earn their cash in terms of sales), consumersim has again struck. The modern day lanterns are tailored to the biggest taste appeal of children, namely television. Not that a tv shaped lantern is being carried out by hundreds of kids, but that whereas the old lanterns were simple or used templates of zodiac animals, the new updated versions showcase Pokemons, Ultraman, Powerpuff girls and even celebrities! Also the appearance of electronic lanterns, (though this is not so recent) run by batteries rather than candles is now a commoner sight, to the relief of parents that had to deal with the probability of their house catching fire by careless child mishandling.

Another point to note is the moon cakes itself. Whereas the pasar malams (night markets) used to sell these delicacies, un-adorned in trays, now large companies such as Tai Thong and Overseas Restaurant are packaging them in nicely made enameled tin containers, pre-packed and individually air sealed. These containers are even promoted as collector's item akin to stamps or baseball cards, with their stylised designs, Chinese poetry scripts and even excerpts on the history of moon cake preparations. Consumer tastes are also whetted and spoilt for choice as the range of moon cakes has blossom tremendously. No longer do we have to be content with plain flavours of lotus paste and tau sau (red bean paste). The bold can now go for flavours such as Dragonfruit wonder, green tea blend, yam and kaya treat, coffee aficionados can taste the creamy mocha sensation, true Malaysian can have their durian pandan delights and there's even dodol (sticky rock sugar liquorices) lotus paste with 4 (count em 4) yolks within!

Oh well, times change but we can still expect to see children walking down the street clutching their lighted tanglungs/lanterns (candled or non) for quite some time to come, so till next year!

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Lower Kinabatangan

Serene

Pic: Early morning mist danced gently on the watery surfaced and clung playfully on the trees as if nymphs just awoke to the tune of a slow symphony. The lull will soon be broken when the harsh sun rises and the forest awakens with the chatter of wild things while their nocturnal counterparts put in for the day. Sukau, Sabah, 2003

Located in the District of Sandakan, the lower Kinabatangan, Sabah's longest river is a sight to behold. Large swatches of protected forests still virgin explode with wildlife and flora. The Sukau Forest Lodge is one of two major tourism centers here, the other being the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The main attraction to be found is a chance encounter with a monkey with the largest nose you'll encounter, proboscis monkeys. Here they are found in large numbers seen swaying in the tree line by the banks, feeding, grooming and sleeping. A boat ride through one of the many tributaries will often give you a clear sighting of one of these critters. Another sight, if you're lucky (we were not), is the rare pygmy elephants that are said to appear at times to forage by the river. But primates are abundant here and the only funny thing to note on my trip there was my friend keeping on insisting that the monkeys we saw did not have a large enough conker to warrant it a proboscis (which it turns out to be). Experience the tranquility here as you'll be miles away from civilization, the resort is reached by a near 2 hour drive through dirt road (be ready for aching butts) and no village appears for miles away. Though that night we were "fortunate" as a staff member was having his wedding and we were serenaded till 4 a.m.! The only respite was when the generator died for half an hour but after that hiatus, they redoubled their effort to catch up! Haha

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A climb up the mountain

Kinabalu

Pic: A small village nestled near the foothills of Mt Kinabalu, South East Asia's highest peak (4095.2m). Picture was taken near a lookout point near Pekan Nabalu on the way towards Kundasang, the nearest town. Clouds were already beginning to obscure the peak and by late afternoon driving proves difficult as visibility drops to less than a hundred metres with cloud cover and mist, making the place both spiritual and ethereal.

Mmm, I as thinking of a new theme this week to showcase, I figured what better but to put up pictures of my current residence, Sabah. I still haven't been to every part of the state but the sights and places are bound to astound you. Starting off is one of the most famous landmarks in Malaysia, our very own Mt. Kinabalu. The mountain is still held sacred by many of the tribes living near the area and a yearly offering of chickens and prayers is held (it used to be enacted before any climbing attempt) to appease the souls of ancestors that is believed to reside here. Another legend also speaks of the mountain being the dwelling place of a dragon. But now the mountain is open for anyone to try and stake their claim of the top!

Whew, the last time I attempted Mt Kinabalu, it involved a 2 day climb. For those out of shape, the mountain can be a bit of a challenge but even people who spend their waking hours sitting in front of the com in an office, its not particularly difficult with it's well planned trails. Yet it's amazing how some people can actually breeze through the climb and back again all in the span of less than 3 hours! Yup the record for the yearly Mt. Kinabalu marathon is about 2 and half hours, and that's both ways. But from observations, I believe these athletes can never beat the porters who traverse the peak every day for the rest of their life. Walking up, I was passed by an old lady who I put at around 70 years of age lugging 2 gas tanks on her back and she was outpacing me fast, whistling a tune whereas I was puffing my lungs for the rarified air! Well these folks have been doing this since young and now it's not much of an effort unlike me:)

The climb is worth all the amount of leg muscle strain, drenching and soaking from the rain and leech bite one might get if unlucky. The view at the top during the early dawn is spectacular and there is nothing like the feeling of being above the clouds, painted with every hue of a sunset when standing on the plateau at Laban Rata, the rest house one spend the night before an early start. Sights that will greet you will be, cascading waterfalls, cliff faces, stunted mist forests, vertical crags, sheer dropoffs, lush jungles and your final goal, the top. A not to be missed stop later when one ascends is a good soaking at Poring hot springs a little down the road past the town of Ranau. Here all your aches can be melted away in a natural hot water bath that will leave you tingling. So for all those that ever made plans to visit Sabah, one of the must see and do is climbing Mt. Kinabalu. So try it yourself!

Few reminders for those attempting a climb;

1. Pack light, you don't want to be burdened climbing, you can leave your excess luggage at the park office as storage.
2. A little practice and excercise session to keep in shape a few weeks before the climb might help those sedentary figures.
3. Dress appropriately, light weight clothing that allow you to breathe is recommended, sweater and windbreaker helps stave of the chill (reaching near 8 degrees at night), gloves for a good grip while navigating the rock face, balaclava to protect your face and a good pair of comfortable shoes to avoid leg sores, also lots of socks (trust me)!
4. Leave valuables at home, forget the steroes, walkmans, watches etc. They're more of a liability than anything to you. A small amount of cash is needed near RM50 (around USD 15) if you feel like buying a hot meal and coffee, or bring instant noodles if one wishes to save:)
5. Muscle ache reliever! This is a MUST MUST, many a life has been saved with this little miracle!
6. Bring a medium size bottle of plain water, refilling stations are available about every kilometre for refills.
7. Bring a camera, you'll see a lot of good shots available while climbing.
8. Energy bars or even chocolate helps in boosting energy levels while on the climb.
9. Lastly, a rain coat (light one) is a good deal especially climbing during the rainy season when sudden downpours often turn the pathways muddy and water gushes past you in streams (hence the extra socks!).
10. Enjoy yourself, it's a good experience, one you're not forgetting easily.

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Sunset

Rays

Pic: An chanced occurence that lastest a brief moment. Cloud bank obscuring the setting sun seen from my previous residence led to it's rays being diffused in streams of light in every direction. Location: Kurnia Perdana, Sabah, 2003.

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End note

Fruits

Pic: Oranges, mangoes, guavas, apples, grapes, chestnuts, pears, rambutans, langsats, durians, duku, starfruits, pomelos, dragon fruit, and many more. How many do you recognise or had tried before?

This is the last of the series for Petaling Street, next week I'll be coming up with a different theme, maybe in future I'll publish more pics of the place if anything good creeps up. Well any comments on this weeks portfolio? I know there are some bad and some good shots in there so thanks for the comments:)

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Morality rules?

Candyman

Pic: Molasses candy, hard chunks of sweets that were often found widely in the old days sold by people riding from house to house on their bikes, blaring their horn to proclaim their coming with shouts of "Lai lai lei mai!" (Come come buy). Nowadays a sight like this except for a few surviving souls of old are rarely seen. At the old Popular book store this old ah pak still sells his pan full of candy, using his utensils to chip away fragments, awaiting his customers.

Today at the UMNO (United Malay National Organisation) General Assembly, the hard issue the delegates tackled were none other than the ever threatening menace that might corrode our youths, steal away our future and deprive our nation of prosperity. Yes we're talking "Reality shows!!!!!".

Now how does one of our leading national parties come about to discuss such an issue (the article was detailed in today's STAR newspaper on page 6), at the main event of the year, we might ask? Beats me. Under the Islam Hadhari principle (Islamic philosophy of excellence), reality shows such as Fear Factor and even the locally produced Akademi Fantasia (Fantasy Academy) was used as a poster child. The first was to point out that the acts and stunts in Fear Factor were dangerous and serves no aim, without an ounce of bravery shown. True, but as the show states, it is to conquer fear itself and supervision of experts are used to ensure the stunts are safe but challenging the human limits.

But shudder, Akademi Fantasia, which has a huge following here is based on the ever popular American Idol (of which there is already a local version, Malaysian Idol), is said to tarnish moral values. Let not the hardship, the training and the raw emotional chiseling the contestants get from the judges be a factor, let not the fact that many aspirants out there which looks upon this as one of their only chance to be notice and achieve stardom, let not be the fact that its harmless entertainment that people come home after a hard day's work to relax to deter us. Delegates put out that the show promotes maksiat (sinful activities) as the contestants and perhaps audiences (?) mix freely, where the opposite sex of whom are not related has an avenue to mingle freely. It went as far as to ask the National Fatwa Council (pertaining to all Islamic religious matters) to intervene.

Other matter was the lambasting that SUHAKAM (Malaysian Human Rights Commission) got recently when it wanted to put forth a suggestion that a man should be brought forth to court if he forces his wife who declines his advances for sex. My, the argument was that it was the wife's duty to allow the husband to perform services, to me a Neolithic mindset that I find surprising to survive even today without the fundamentals of a relationship being on equal terms.

Mmm another case was when two lovers were caught holding hands in a local park area and were issued summons for that act. Till today the case still holds that they were acting promiscuous in public and has been referred to the high court. To many this seems trivial even harmless, that two people in love can show an ounce of affection such as holding hands. Overt exposure might be conceived as inappropriate but it seems that the standard bar is being put too low to the point that any show of affection is prohibitive. How is this different from a mother breastfeeding her child, a father giving a goodbye kiss to his child or two friends embracing as a sign of farewell.

It's frightening to think that the authorities are trying to act as moral guardians in this respect and that certain antiquated ideals still hold true. What's worse is that these issues are being discussed by people who are not even bothering to ask the very people affected by such situations. My, we still have a long way to go Malaysia.

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Blossoming

Flowers

Pic: A guy buying up flowers most probably for his sweetheart, hardly can wait to get his purchase home. Petaling Street has a side lane that houses boutiques and florists. Anyone can get several of the various flowers for whatsoever occasion they fancy be it funeral wreaths, bouquets for occasions or ceremonial flowers to greet opening businesses. The choices are limitless as well, flowers of all kind and colours (there are even fake blue roses for sale) are yours to choose from.

First of all I wish to thank everyone that has written a comment at my site and the support you all give to a fledgling blog site like mine. I really hope it'll grow up to everyone's expectations as I'm learning on the way. Do keep up suggestions and comments so that I can continue to improve. Thanks you all.

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Campus elections anyone?

The university election has once again been concluded and the results? Who knows or cares. That's the answer you'll get if you go around asking most of the students in the university, why? Cause there is no cause to be bothered knowing who your Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar(MPP) / Students Representative Council (SRC) are. I've always been baffled why the newspapers are always so keen to print news such as "Pro-government candidates wins!" or "Council still dominated by opposition candidates". How do they even identify who's who affiliation wise? Do they have stickers saying "a vote for me is a vote for the government"? Frankly if the authorities are worried about which campus is heading towards opposition inclination then Universiti Malaysia Sabah(UMS) is in no danger at all. We can't be bothered nor are the candidates even have the slightest inclination towards national politics! Ask many and they'll are more proficient at spouting out names of the latest MTV popstars than to name their own cabinet ministers.

To me I wouldn't be bothered at all whatever their affiliations are and the reason being, it has no direct impact on how they do their job at all! The SRC should be more concerned about carrying out the job mandated to them as in their namesake that is the student's welfare and rights. Each year it'll be the same, there'll be a big brouhaha about the elections and candidates will be named, but from the bunch that I see applying for the job, much can be said. Most of the time elections are not even needed, school and residential elections are usually a no show as candidates are often below quota (they had to drag some helpless guy who don't even want the position) that applicants, whether they're worthy or not often win without contesting. As for the University Council, the candidates are often a sorry bunch that leaves much to be desired.

The list of candidates will be displayed, the students may make a quick glance and later regret we even did. Most will vote not for the best man for the job but based on how their picture look on poster (mmm maybe that guy will do the job, he does look better than the guy with the mole next to his pic). Add to this that the candidates often don't campaign, have a solid agenda, no idea how university politics are run or that they don't even put an ounce of effort into it. For those that are afraid that the students will turn to radicalism, fear not, they don't have it in them. Who would I vote for? If I could I wouldn't even! One candidate once said in a speech "I am for defending the rights of all students, that we'll be able to have the freedom to have our rights and make this university great!". Problem is he most probably don't know what the heck he's talking about, no clear idea on how to fix our problems or just making a grand speech with no real intention to help the students after he is elected.

For the three years I've been in campus, the bunch of elects are usually the same, spineless and toothless beings. What use is there for a council when:

1. Their office is always closed so that we cannot complain;
2. They have no real power to represent the students nor negotiate with the administration to solve our problems;
3. Every problems are solved by issuing memos on what they are trying to do (usually a meeting with the higher ups but with no concrete results after that) but no real solutions to the problems;
4. They never take time to ask the people they represent as to what's bugging them;
5. They are not held accountable to the students if they fail in their responsibilities; and
6. They're just ball-less eunuchs

So why do people still apply for it? Besides the fact that we need to uphold the pretext that there exist a democratic body to represent the students rights, the other more likely answer is that the members elect are given a free trip (yes its true!) to a foreign country once their tenure are up. One batch we experienced especially during the most turbulent administrative year where we were plagued with transportation schedule problems, PTPTN (a government student loan program) which is always late, course registration fiascos and a lack of facilities for students, that year the council (some of the members I personally knew) were flown to Europe for a "sharing of minds and broadening of experience plus networking of future leaders". My, if these are our leaders for tomorrow I really don't know if the country is going to run aground. If they can't even effectively work as a team to sort out the university student's problems how more so can they tackle real and serious decisions that will affect millions of lives?

I was more impressed with the representative process in Singapore's junior college when I was there. Even for the prefectorial board there were elections and they really campaigned! Not only were there weekly speeches, but the problems they address and concerns raised are for the students and about the students. They brought themselves up in poise and walk around the campus greeting everyone during the campaign trails, issuing token such as stickers and name badges espousing their candidacy. There is even a journal detailing the campaign with write ups and biodatas on each candidate. Plus the elects are not assured of their positions so any foul ups or lack of duty can be brought up with the effect of relinquishing them of their positions. Now that's a system that should be adopted by our candidates wannabes, which we would like to call more matured than a bunch of junior college students.

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A small achievement! (For me at least)

Whew, thought it would never be done. But techno doubters, it seems like I've managed to do the impossible but yes, I've added a link site to my blog (for those who don't know me this may seems a very trivial matter to rejoice over especialle to technophilles out there, I'm all thumbs concerning electronic media so this is an achievemtn). So I'm gonna celebrate with a bottle of Vanilla Coke! Cheers. I hope visitors will take time to visit the other interesting blogs featured by some very talented people, will add more as time comes. Happy reading!

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Diam!

Diam

Pic: A spray paint art found hidden in a corner of S&M Shopping Mall in KL. Says it all (Most probably gone now after they repainted the building for the Merdeka (Independence) Celebrations in August.

Urrgh, this must be one of those days when you wake up and it feels like nothing good is going your way. The morning began with a severe case of headache and diarrhea which up to now has foreseen at least 4 trips to the loo. I'm stuck alone here with my girlfriend Laura away on a field trip and my roomie in another field trip! Add on to this the fact that ants are mysteriously appearing in my room table and might be trying to colonise my external hard disk as their new nesting hole. Dirty laundry piling up in the corner, someone ate my chocolate bar and the list goes on! Well just posting something off hand to amuse everyone out there.

There are days when you just wished everyone would just shut up and leave you in peace or days that you just wished to let your mind out. For me today it feels like a little of both. Freedom of speech, well there a lot of debate in Malaysia whether we really have the freedom to speak our minds out loud. It's not the fact that we're not allowed to speak out, rather the fact that people either:

1) Don't bother to say what's on their mind

2) There's really nothing in most people's mind worth stating in the first place or

3) Other people really don't care a rat's a_ _ about what we have to say.

It's not true that we can't say anything. If the usual channels are not open for one to voice their opinion, well we can always rely on the makciks (housewives or elderly woman) in the markets, the old ah paks (elderly gentlemen) in the coffeeshops, and even your usual sundry shop owner can be a source for the latest updates in the country. News through these channels usually spreads faster than your local satellite dish. Walk into any coffeeshop during any hot happenings and you'll hear the average Joe become an expert in whatever field, be it politics, how soccer managers should run their teams, the latest inane education policies or even the latest health fad diet. I assure you it'll be more lively, interesting and imaginative than anything they discuss in the Parliament. Never mind that most of the time what's being discussed is either a blatant fabrication, overblown or just another conspiracy theory from people's overactive imagination, in the end all we want is to hear good gossip right?

But I'm all for free speech, heck I'm getting bashed up by people all the time and that's their right, right? Even the American president is not immune to verbal bashing from talk show hosts, though if that happens here you might find that particular host gone for a spell to who knows where. Inside all of us is a critic that's for sure. So let no one push you around shouting "Diam!" as the most basic fundamentals is our right to have an opinion even if others agree to disagree with us as someone I know rightly puts it, now that's freedom of speech.

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Old and new

Shoplots

Pic: Walking by on a rainy day, the downcast sky allowed for a very diffused lighting through the plastic roofing recently constructed over Petaling Street. I found it led to a surreal setting and even an eerie feeling to the old pre-war shophouses, as if the residents and events of the past are relived again today. The architecture of the buildings are of an eclectic fashion with the two story building decorated with Chinese couplets, sculptured archways and stylised pillars. The upper floor often acts as the living quarters for the family who runs their businesses in the lower floor. A five foot alleyway is found in the front allowing shelter from the elements as one walks from shop to shop. The front is a more recent addition, minor shoplots to accommodate the traders here, but at night one will most undoubtedly be squashed as the center is filled with ever more traders.

Well I really liked the way the picture turned out except for the man on the right, would've been better if he was not there or that he was standing further inside to display fully. Well couldn't really wait if your father is busy walking at breakneck pace to get all the shopping done, just a quick snap and voila!

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Have a care

Daily bread

Pic: A common sight behind the glistening edifices, the sleek cars and the rich businessman. A society many of us wish not be reminded and mostly ignore as if they don't exist. But exist they do and they are there, asking alms on the street, living and dying by the sidewalks, maimed, destitute or just with luck to have people that do not care for them. So next time you walk by ask yourself if you can spare a little from your usual McValue meal or that latest CD you crave, that a little help goes a long way and it means so much to one who really needs it. Beware if fate decides that one day we might end up the same way and then we wished there was someone to help out with a little kindness.

My daily bread

My daily bread,

Who will provide my daily bread,

Oh kind soul don't just walk on ahead,

Leave a coin or two to spare,

To show some heart and care.

My daily bread,

The sidewalk, my home, my life,

By your kindness I'll survive,

It's not a life I wish upon,

Yet with hope I live on.

My daily bread,

Oh passersby take heed of me,

Open your eyes and see,

Am I not the same as your lot,

Remind yourself lest you forgot.

My daily bread,

My fate I am resigned,

So please leave a token behind,

So empty my stomach won't feel,

Alone in the sun, rain and chill.

My daily bread,

If there was any other life to be had,

The present no more I'm glad,

To have a family to love and cherish,

Yet all that is but a wish.

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Connection

Touch

Pic: With its frail hands sticking out from the cage, a small edifice not even enough for it to climb nor roam. This Spider monkey is a pet being kept in a local temple in Kuantan by its curator. This small gesture, of man and beast reaching out and forming a connection reminds us that there isn't really that much separating us as we share about 95% of our genes. Hope, the only thing left, to never see another being caged and its freedom curtailed, such fate should never befall anyone or anything for that matter.

Being a marine biologist, conservation issues are always an interest of mine. Sabah in Malaysia possess one of the last un-spoilt wilderness in the country and the varied natural attractions found here are enough to keep one occupied, which after being here for 3 years I'm ashamed to say I've not really explored them all as of yet. For the forest lovers, trekking places like Danum Conservation valley, boating down the Kinabatangan or the latest attraction, a hike into the un-spoilt Meliau Basin. Divers will claim some of the best dive sites in the world are found here, Sipadan with its world renowned coral haven, Mataking, Turtle Islands, Langkayan, Layang-layang etc. Culture wise, Sabah is a mixing pot of various ethnic groups, Kadazans, murut, Bajau, etc. each with their own tradition and culture. All these ingredients make Sabah a truly unique place to visit.

Yet its sad that recent news reports state:

1. Several fishermen were caught harvesting turtles off Sabah's coast with around 50 turtles killed or caught alive off the coast of several marine protected areas, enforcement officers manage to apprehend the offendors but not before they managed to carry out this slaughter.
2. Asian Geographic also chronicled the live animal trade of Pangolins through Malaysia. Around 1,200 were seized at the border, ready to be trucked off to places like Vietnam and China where the shell and meat is going to be turned into traditional medicine.
3. Sharks are being caught, slit of their fins and thrown back into the ocean with the misleading notion that they'll regenerate, while in reality they drown.
4. Plantation opening in Sabah for oil palm recently displaced orangutans from their natural habitats and forced officers to capture them to be released in the Sepilok Sanctuary which is already crowded and hemmed in by plantations.
5. Shells sold freely and without limit in the local Sunday markets for collectors (most are in the endangered species list).
6. The film "Finding Nemo" though generating interest in sea life, encourages the aquarium trade whereby fishes, live corals and invertebrates are often caught by destructive means such as cyanide poisoning. I saw with my own eyes, a clown fish, wrapped in a plastic bag, fins torn and sold for RM3 (less than USD 1) whereby it looks like it'll never make it.
7. Insensitivity even lurks as filmmakers of the movie "Puteri Gunung Ledang" (The Princess from Mount Ledang) stripped away hundred of years of mossy growth from Cameron Highland forests to grow of all things morning glories for the set.

Well, we could really do better right?

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Curious trade

Street barber

Pic: A barber plying his craft at a roadside corner. Not many such trades exist nowadays with modern barbers preferring to offer clients creature comforts such as air-conditioning, loud blaring music, expensive range of hairstyling solutions and the most modern hairstyling equipment money can buy. But here one will find this man continuously servicing satisfied customers who don't mind a fast, cheap and fuss free hair cut. He even provides services such as mole removal, ear wax clearing and as usual the good old razor shave.

Old trades die hard and even thrive here at Petaling Street. Whereas high rental are forcing other places of business to either increase prices or go out of business, nothing more is needed here but some space and the basic tools of the trade. You'll find rarely seen occupations here, a far cry from the slick and ultra-modern urbane look elsewhere in the metropolitan city. Next to this old time barber is a man offer knife and scissors sharpening for a few Ringgit (less than USD1) with his millstone, by the corner old style chettier (Indian money lenders) who still sit in wearing their dottis, cross-legged on the floor while discussing terms of lending and the ever present fortune teller armed with their charts, predictions and advise. Soon all these may be a thing of the past with no interest from younger generations and much less economic incentive to continue on, the cultural fabric will be a less colourful one i bet.

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Cute Lady

Lady

I promised a friend that I would put a picture of our dog in the blog and since he's back in Penang well here's a cute pic to remind everyone how sweet (though don't let the innocent face fool you, she can be mischievous) she still is. Yes she's Lady, and has helped us out of some prrrreeeeeetttttty bad low moments in life. She's still the darling of everyone and the girls just can't resist petting her and if there's food she'll always oblige!

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The many facets of Petaling Street

Who will buy?

Pic: "Who will buy my belimbing (starfruit)?" indeed. A fruit seller at Petaling Street, with space and competition a commodity, even the traders there have a hierarchy just as in actual society. Whereas others have been allocated their little cubby hole with roofing, this lady is spotted selling her wares at the back of a stationary store at the very edge of the trading area without any facilities, most probably not a legal marketing spot in a sense. But she's there and whatever it takes to eek out a living for a senior like her, we wonder why there's no one else to take care of her in her golden year. So who is up to buying a fruit or two from her?

You can well see a stratified community of sellers at Petaling Street, one lane specialises in flowers where all manner of blooms of every colour imaginable are found. Hawkers Lane, which is in reality back alleyways with no modern amenities to speak of save a couple of stools and tables. Dining here is a mixture of open air aromatic sewage ambiance and an obstacle race in avoiding the rats scurrying near your feet, but make no mistake the best foods are found here and not in any hygienic food court. Fruit Alley where you will find apples, grapes and oranges imported from all corners of the world to more local fare of belimbings, ciku, mangoes and the more famous durians if they're in season. The fake goods corner provides perfumes, Russian made telescopes, Armani bags and eyeware, Rolexes, Manchester United Jerseys and not forgetting VCDs and DVDs of recent movies (of which tourists are very fond of bringing back as souvenirs at USD3 for a DVD). Truly Chinatown is akin to the image of the olden day bazaars where world travelers come to haggle for exotic goods. Well, you can still see Nigerians, Russians and Indonesians here hawking wares, at times going on foot and bothering dining patrons with offer of fake watches!

Also, where else would we find the modern juxtaposed so deeply with the past; the yuppie, suited and armed with the daily financial news, busy with his PDA and calling on his new 3G cellphone, can have his cappucino and cheesecake from Coffeebean or old timers, wearing a simple white vest, daily newspaper at hand, legs astride on the chair and 'chatting' with a group of friends at the table, still prefer the Kopi-O kau kau (thickly brewed aromatic coffee blend) and his morning dim-sum (small savory dumplings in various styles). Ladies would zip across the street to the latest fashion boutiques with selection from Paris, Milan or New York or the more money conservatives could haggle for bargains at RM10 for three shirts from the street vendor. Patrons, offering prayers to their God (s) at the local temple then hurrying to the shop next door to place 2 big, 2 small (lottery numbers), nourishing the soul and with hopes of nourishing the wallet all in the same day. Nothing more stark to elucidate this duality than in Chinatown itself, with its olden styled buildings, echoing occupants of old and happenings of the past and the modern facade erected recently, plastic and steel indeed!

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Petaling Street

Setting shop

Ah I'm starting out this week's blog with a pictorial essay on Petaling Street or better known as the heart of Chinatown in the Kuala Lumpur area. Despite the almost gaudy and patronizing makeover (Chinese architectural arches entwined with modern plastic roofing and a huge sign saying "Welcome to Petaling Street"), if one looks hard enough the actual living and architectural essence that is Petaling Street is still intact despite the fake veneer. Tourists can still be assured of buying "authentic" fakes, everything from Gucci handbags and Rolex watches to the latest DVD of major movies currently showing in cinemas. But deeper down below, the real deal is still there, the wetmarkets still operate daily, selling cuts of meats and you'll still be able to find the best Asam Laksa in town as well as Portugese grilled fish (chilli marinated fish cooked in foil wrap over a charcoal fire) if you look hard enough. Old clan association buildings are lovingly preserved and the congregation of religious worship houses (Indian temples, Chinese prayer halls, churches and mosques) makes this a spiritual center as it was in the old days. But still other heritage pre-war buildings are being torn down or stripped of its innards as a block seen from the road has only the front facade preserved while the back has been turned into a carpark. Such is the price we face to either modernize or get stuck back in historical backwater, which is better?

Pic: A vendor wheeling his mobile store to its daily fixture, sets off early in the morning and often works till the wee hours of the evenings when other nightime stalls take over in shifts. Various items are sold here and fruits, both local and imports are readily found. But beware train your eyes on the signs as if you're the least bit slack, you'll end up paying more as the sign lists two prices, one for half a kilo of fruits and the other for a kilo with prices for both but inversely written in lettering sizes to make as if a kilo is worth the price of half kilo ones.

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Graduation

Photo

Well me and my technological ineptness with computers has left me the only choice in publishing my picture here and not in my profile column, maybe someday I'll set about learning html editing and set things right but for now indulge me okay. Here's my mug (like it or not!) in the center. Flanking me is my girlfriend Laura on the left and my dad on the right. Mum, sis and my little brother couldn't make it thought due to schedules and school.

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Empty feelings

Lonesome

"I'm leaving on a jetplane, don't know when
I'll be back again, oh baby I hate to leave you"

It's strange, being here in Kota Kinabalu (KK), though its been three years and now after graduating and staying back you have this odd feeling that all the familiar faces around you have left and even those people that you don't know, the person sitting next to you on the bus, walking by in town, eating by the adjacent table, watching movie a row away in the cinema, paying bills, partying, etc., you somehow miss them though they're strangers, they're as much a part of your daily life as those you know intimately. All these now seem so distant as many of those I once call friends, and even those that I don't, are no longer about. Walking about, everyone seems new, different and almost alien, as if I somehow don't belong here.

I must admit that after the departure of my long time roomies, Adrian and Kuok Sum, its been a bit lonely here, we've been through so much, both good and bad times and now everyone is somewhere else, doing something, getting ahead in life, the difference is that our paths don't always come together as often as in the past. Maybe this is a sign of growing old, of being nostalgic and of looking back again in time, sometimes getting caught just starring into space as the mind travels back to a time not so present. Well a lot of great memories I have and its thanks to some very good people, wherever you are, take care!

Pic: A couple awaiting their flight, sat lonesome while watching aircrafts taking off and wondering when it's their turn to drift into the wide blue yonder. What are they thinking? What are they feeling? Imagining the lands they are about to head to or remembering what they're leaving behind? (Sony P-9, F/5.6, 1/160 sec, ISO 100)

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Self portrait

Self Portrait

Me, 2003

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Inaugural Post

Well here goes, my first post ever in this blog. It took me long enough with all the procrastinating and excuses but here goes. Well the first item that I wish to convey to all those future readers is the goal of this blog. Like the header suggest, I'm dedicating this blog to my hobby, photography. Like any aspiring photographer (albeit a poor one that cannot afford a mega buck SLR), I'm going to showcase from time to time the various shots that means something to me (with my trusty Sony P-9 and P-100 as my sidekick). Interjected in between will me musings, little known but utterly useless facts, thoughts, gripes, feeling and just plain postings when I'm under the weather. To me, the photos I take reflect myself and with that speaks volumes more than any amount of written text can convey and I'm happy to share these with you all, feel free to scrutinise, criticise (constructive please) and comment upon to help me improve and have a feel of your thought. So for now enjoy this post and look forward to more.

"Paint a picture of your life and
let others judge you by their opinion, be they good or
bad"

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Browse by Categories

Leisure
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Street Photography: Intrusive or art?

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Pok Ku: Malaysia's best Blog
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1 year license renewal period? NOT!
Chinese wedding dinner facts
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Malaysian ghost inventory
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Morality rules?
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Puppy mayhem
The Tong yin fiasco
23 years old and still ticking on
Of suicide jumpers and lost STPM certs
Unobservant eye
Sales, sales and more book sales
Laura’s Gift : With Love
Strike and strike out
Surprise birthday shopping
Bombed something nasty today
Presenting the Toilet Club members
Business venture recruitment
Name that Pup Contest!
The New Guy and the New Mum
Problems with custom officers
True ghostly encounters
An unexpected re-acquaintance
New mum in the house!
Haloscan comments implementation
Feast for thought
Mohd. Zaki
Johleen Koh
Tang Sui Sieng
Get Well soon dear!
Lim Chen Fong
Bobita Golam
Ong Ghee Siew
Madihah
A small achievement! (For me at least)
Cute Lady
Graduation
Self portrait
Inaugural post

Photo contest submission
i-gizmo
i-gizmo: Kitchen
i-gizmo submission: Shoes
i-gizmo submission: Cups
i-gizmo challenge : Book

Lensday
Lensday: Blue
Lensday: Festive
Lensday: Repetition

Moody Monday
Moody Monday: Old
Moody Monday: Cozy
Moody Monday: Crushed
Moody Monday: Festive

Photo Friday
Photo Friday: Best of 2004
Photo Friday: Tacky
Photo Friday: Abandoned
Photo Friday : Reflection
Photo Friday : Prosperity
Photo Friday : Patterns
Photofriday entry : Family
Photofriday Entry : Radiant
Photo Friday Entry: Still Life
Photo Friday: Unexpected
Photo Friday entry: Jump

Sunday Shoot
Sunday Shoot: Angel
Sunday Shoot: Fear
Sundayshoot: Beauty

Theme Thursday
Theme Thrusday: Toys
Thursday Challenge: Container
Theme Thursday: Light
Theme Thursday: Animal
Theme thursday : Round
Theme Thursday : Everyday things
Theme Thursday : Windows

Poems and Songs
Birthday wishes
Malaysians
Have a care

Thoughts on Life
The End
Of coffee shops, dumb witted patrons, phone reloads and insolent drivers!
Jottings of an atheist
December crossings
World AIDS Day
Mandarin? Sorry I’m a ‘xiang jiao ren’
Iris Chang’s passing
First sight
Confessions of a Blogger
A salute to childhood junk food
Another close call for the US?
Libraries outdated?
The masks people put on
I hate Tuesdays
Historically speaking
It's raining again!
Digging up a treasure trove
Diam!
Connection
Empty feelings

Travels
Pahang
No.9
Kopi-O satu!
Sungai Lembing chronicles
Cinemas : Relics of Kuantan

Penang
Cheong Fatt Tze mansion
Entrance guard
Sacred verses
Where in the world in Penang Part 1

People
Thoughts
Of kids, friends and books!
At work
People feature

Petaling Street
End note
Blossoming
Old and new
Curious trade
The many facets of Petaling Street
Petaling Street

Philippines
Until we meet again, Philippines
Haunted
Culturally speaking
Getting around
An afternoon at the cockfights
Of beer bottles and horses
Entertainingly yours!
Extraordinary people
Duality
Of Colonization, oppression and freedom
Heritage sites and beyond
State of the seas
Where does the future lead?
Mabuhay!

Sabah
TAR Marine Park : Sapi Island
TAR Marine Park : Manukan Island
Karambunai beach
Long break and Raya happenings
Gomantong
Rugged country
Survivor anyone?
Standing at the edge
Dawn breaks
Forgotten world
Lower Kinabatangan
A climb up the mountain

Misc
Incoming storm
Fragility
A bicycle
Sunset

University Antics
Back to classes
UMS, Bukit Orang Bunian

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