2014 You're History

YIt seems everyone will be making their respective New Year's resolution for new hope and new start in 2015. Unfortunately, some of them are too distraught and lost to make any sense of what New Year holds for them.

Thought we could head a new aspiration and new start in the final days of 2014 but the recent happenings has deterred us to achieve that. Sombre clouds are blanketing us once again with hundred thousand people were displaced in East coast and Northern Peninsular due to insurmountable flood. If that isn't worse enough, we received yet another heartbreaking news that  AirAsia QZ8501 had gone missing with 162 people aboard. 

2014 indeed has been a tough year for most of us especially for Malaysians. We lost two commercial planes within short span of four months. We lost a worthy opponent in the government. Our harmony was tested by the dumbfounded parties. And the natural disasters has unleash its full throttle in our soil - flood, landslide, draught and we even had tornado strikes for very first time.

Meanwhile, the international front didn't do any good this year either. We lost our beloved comedians. Israel assaulted Palestine without any mercy. The rise of ISIS caused crisis. We trembled as Ebola spread. Let JibJab reminisce some of the defining memories of 2014:

Likewise, it was a tough at first for me this year but it all went well eventually. I quit my job, I engaged in a relationship and I even had a trip with my mother after so many years.

Since it's the final day of 2014, don't be so depressed of what had happened in 2014. Let's embrace ourselves with hope and joy in these final hours of 2014. Like what Pharrel sings; Clap along 
if you know what happiness is to you!

Sexiest Boys Alive in 2014

Hello everyone.

It's end of the year, it's the time again to  continue the legacy of past three years in concluding the year in my blog.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present you The Sexiest Boys Alive in 2014. Waste no time and get smitten by the boys:

(Pic: Tiktalking)

Zac Efron - This kid from High School Musical did grow up good. I guess all the girls and fags out there would like to have a neighbour like him - doesn't care whether he's bad or good. Thank you Rita Ora for ripping his shirt off at MTV Movie Awards

(Pic:Hollywood Reporter)

Dylan O'Brien - I wouldn't mind to be lost in the maze with him. In addition to his acting career, this lad has produced, directed and starred in number of comedic short films. And yes, we will seeing him running through the maze in 2015.

(Pic: CapitalFM)

Ed Sheeran - I know he is not hot nor sexy but I like his songs. Don't you think his songs are mesmerizing. I don't how many times I've been looping "Thinking Out Loud". 

(Pic: The Star)

Benedict Cumberbatch - Surprised right that he's in the list given that he doesn't have boyish look but then again I just love his deep voice! BTW, he's the Smaug in The Hobbits.

(Pic: Digiday)

Alex from Target - Twist of fate indeed, never knew just simply bagging groceries could be an internet phenomena. His Twitter followers shot up to 300k within 24 hours and even CNN, BuzzFeed and Ellen featured him. Compared to those staff at grocery retailer that I frequent....sigh...

James Rodriguez

James Rodriquez - not a fan of football for all my life but the World Cup fever was just inevitable and it was so contagious. People watched football, I watched footballers. Don't you love his Columbian boyish charm.

Charyl Chappuis

Charyl Chappuis - Swiss + Thai parentage = Handsome kid. As i mentioned, I don''t watch football but there was a hot topic in the mainstream media about Malaysia vs Thailand for Suzuki Cup. Then there was a surge of tweets about this Thai footballer saying how cute he was. So I Google it and my gosh!

(Pic: Cinemablend)

Ansel Engort - I think most of you ended up being tearjerker after watching The Fault in Our Stars. Not me because I found the movie was rather draggy - I knew the guy gonna die, so throughout the whole movie, I was like "Faster die!". Nevertheless, he was really charming and witty in the movie. I wish I could be that witty...

(Pic: nerdist.com)

Chris Pratt - Hands down if you agree with me that Guardian of the Galaxy is the movie of the year. If you don't agree, I'm sure you share the same echo with me - Chris Pratt is hot. Glad that he has a lead role in a movie eventually after being a supporting actor in so many movies. We will see him again in Jurassic Park next year.



                                               

Logan Lerman - Who? Can't recognize him? The lad from Percy Jackson. Aside from being so cute, his acting skill is improving I must say. 

There you have it ladies and gentlemen. Let's hope that we will have more eye candies in 2015!

Maiden Arrival : City of Angels - Bangkok

I couldn't be any prouder of me for treating my mother for the Bangkok trip. Though it wasn't a luxury one or some European holiday but at least I did fulfill filial piety and spent quality time with her.

My maiden trip to Bangkok was a great one. The itinerary went smoothly and accordingly thanks to my handy assistance TripAdvisor which guided me throughout the journey. And of course, Google Map. Please download both mentioned apps to make your holiday a hassle-free one.


Without further adieu, let the pictures below narrate my travelogue in Bangkok:


Day 1: 

The view of infinity swimming pool of I Residence Sathon

We arrived at our hotel quite late in the evening given that traffic jam in Bangkok is a horrendous one. It's worse than KL - seriously, traffic jam in KL is crawling while the one  in Bangkok is standstill. Anyhoo, our accommodation was I Residence in Sathon. It was recommended by my buddy and I didn't have any regret in taking his recommendation. The room was huge, comfortable, value for money and the best thing was its convenience. It was just a short walking distance to Chong Nonsi BTS station.

Erawan Shrine

Since we arrived late, so our first stop was a close-by one - Erawan Shrine aka Four Faced Buddha (disembark at Ratchadamri BTS station). My mother wanted to pay a visit to this shrine. As per words of mouth among her friends, whoever pray to this shrine, your wishes would come true. Even I offered my prayers, see whether the words of mouth are really that trustworthy.

Snoppy flooding the Christmas decoration at CentralWorld

Kalpapruek's Tom Yum 

After making our wishes, we crossed the street to CentralWorld to have our dinner at Kalpapruek Restaurant. The food was great there (just a lil pricey). Since we were in Bangkok, so we ordered its local signature dish, Tom Yam. Compared to Malaysian version, Thai one was rather clear and not that very spicy as I expected.

Day 2: 

The second day was a hectic one since we gonna visit few of the main attractions in Bangkok. First stop, The Grand Palace and The Emerald Buddha Temple. Just be wary of the scam over there. When we reached there, we were approached by the tuk tuk driver saying that the Grand Palace only opened at 1 pm - so he recommended us to go to Wat Arun with his tuk tuk. Folks, please don't trust those tuk tuk drivers outside the palace - they just want your money. In fact, the opening hours is 8.30 am - 3.30 pm with 500 baht entrance ticket.

It was an eye-opening experience to learn the heritage, the glory and the history of Siamese Kingdom. The grandeur of the buildings there was simply magnificent. History has it that the palace had been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 until 1925. Though the current King Bhumibol resides at Chitralada but the Grand Palace is still used for official functions.

However, the drawback of this visit that it was too crowded. And I was annoyed with the tourists from China - they were really rude to be honest with you and they spit everywhere! . Nevertheless, the spirit of travelling and exploring must continue.

After two hours awed by the monuments at Grand Palace (and of course, struggling to go through  the crowd), our next stop was Wat Pho aka The Temple of Reclining Buddha. It is just a 15 minutes walking distance from The Grand Palace.

Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok. This temple also houses one of the largest single Buddha image of 15 m high and 43 long.

Even Obama visited this temple

 108 bronze bowls indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha        
                              

Next, Wat Arun aka Temple of Dawn. It is not very far from Wat Pho, which is just across the river of Chao Phraya (ferry service is available). My mom wasn't a fan of river transportation, so it wasn't pleasant journey for her. Furthermore, the river was rough and there weren't any life jackets. 

History has it that the temple was shown in French maps during mid 1600's. The main feature of this wat is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which is encrusted with colourful seashells and bits of porcelain. You could climb the 200m or so tower but it is very steep. Since i'm afraid of height.. ..so yeah...

Across Chao Phraya River

                                       

Siamese cat at Siamese temple 

As the night fell, there wasn't any better place than Soi 38 in trying Bangkok local delicacies. Though it is much smaller than our Jalan Alor but the food is really nice and cheap too (just in front of Thong Lo BTS station).

Waited 20 minutes to be served - mango sticky rice, one of the famous local delicacies 

Day 3

Last year when I was in Hong Kong, I didn't visit Madame Tussauds there since it was very pricey. On contrary,  the one in Bangkok (located at Siam Discovery - walking distance from National Stadium BTS station) has early bird promotion in its website (only 400 baht per pax before noon entrance). My mom and I had lots of fun seeing the almost-real  prominent figures.

Beyonce

Katy Perry

Justin Bieber

Mario Maurer

Our journey continued with Jim Thompson House which is not far from Siam Discovery. Who is Jim Thompson? 

Born in 1906, Thompson was an American businessman who revived Thailand's silk industry almost single-handedly. Aside from being a businessman, he was also an ex-architect, so you would expect his house is rather interesting one. Using parts of century old houses, he succeeded in constructing a masterpiece that involved the reassmbling of six Thai dwellings on his estate. Unfortunately, this businessman disappeared when he went for a stroll in Cameron Highlands. Until today, his traces yet to be found.

Sieving out threads of silk from cocoons 

Cocoons before turning into silk 

To conclude our trip in bangkok, our final destination was Asiatique. Spanning across 12 acres of land, Asiatique hosts one of the largest night markets with over 1,500 stalls (which we were literally lost there). Forget about Patpong or Silom night market, this night market has it all and it's cleaner. It is very easy to locate this place - disembark at Saphan Taksin BTS station and take free shuttle ferry to Asiatique.

I felt like walking down at Main Street of Disneyland

                                     

The huge Ferris Wheel of Asiatique

That's all folks for Bangkok travelogue.  Definitely will make a return someday. Just love its accessibility and the weather there (suprisingly  it was chilly there).

So my 2014 trip had been accomplished. Maybe I should start saving for 2015 trip. Still no clue where I would like to go but I hope somewhere far far away. Somewhere cold...perhaps retracing the origin of The Beatles?....

A Holly Jolly Christmas

If ask Bart Simpson why Christmas is celebrated every 25th December - he will answer you this: 

"To celebrate the birth of Santa!"

His answer is rather funny but we could not blame him since Santa Clause does overshadow Jesus Christ during Christmas. Just look at shopping mall's festive decoration, Santa clause face is like everywhere. Even those evergreen Christmas carols are themed after Santa Clause. 

It will be awkward if Jesus is the main theme of  Christmas carols:

"I saw mommy kissing Jesus Christ"

"Jesus Christ is coming to town"

"Here comes Jesus Christ, here comes Jesus Christ right down Jesus Christ lane"

"Jesus baby, so hurry down to my chimney tonight"

Anyway, I won't be a honey bee to write sugar coated words but all I want to say, and since it's Christmas, I have to be honest, I'm thankful to have him in my life.

To my beloved friends and others, may your holiday season be blessed peace, love and joy.

P/S: Just a sneak peek of my Christmas Eve dinner moment ago - it was a simple candle lit dinner at home. Since our booking at some restaurant was cancelled last minute (that some restaurant is Halia at Sime Darby Convention) and we were very lazy to go all the hassle to find a dining place which would be still available for booking on Christmas Eve so we just bought some candles, a bottle of wine and Daves Deli roasted chicken for our 'meaningful Christmas Eve dinner. 

December Beaver

Well well....it has been two weeks since my last entry.

Lots of thing happened for past two weeks and one of them was I've got married. Just joking.

What kept me busy was that I quit my job and currently having a month break before commencing to my new job in January.

Sounds fun eh? Well, it's fun for being bothered about work but I was and am still pretty occupied actually.

First of all, I shifted to a new place. Not to say a super duper new and better living environment but it's more spacious I would say. Trust me, shifting to a new place is a daunting task and really tiring. I lost the count on how many rounds that I need to make to transfer my belongings from the old place to the new place - not forgetting loading and unloading part. Until now, I still haven't arranged my stuff properly!

Though my crib is a total mess but my partner and I took effort to set up the Christmas tree

Secondly, I made a quick escape to Genting Highlands with my partner since I missed the cold breeze over there. Yeah, the sole purpose for me to go uphill to Genting not for gambling (which I have no idea at all) and not for the theme park (though it has been closed for sometime to make way for Fox theme park) but for the cold breeze. I really like the cold breeze over there as it's really refreshing for  me though it's rather dry. Anyway, this is my second time staying at First World Hotel. I had terrible experience staying there for the first time like 10 years ago but I must say it improved a lot. It's clean and really comfortable. We spent more time in the room rather outdoor since twas so comfy to wrap in the blanket in the cold weather. I was pretty impressed with the self-check in/out kiosks which were really convenient and fast.

Chilling a cup of Starbucks tea in chilly weather - this is life!

So what's next? Bangkok trip, Mumma Mia The Musical and of course, the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas. 

Back to December

I had a very long conversation with old buddy of mine this evening. I was really delighted that we managed to keep in touch once again after like 10 years since we last spoke.

He was my buddy back in high school.  I still could recall vividly that we were struggling for SPM since we barely studied and look at us now, he's a doctor and I am...well.. a PR practitioner so to say. I have no idea where the path will lead us for another 10 years.

Maybe I should not look that far, maybe i should just look a little bit closer on the things that will be happening after this Friday. Yes, this Friday will mark my final day at my current company. Thereafter, i will have a month break and i deserve this break since I've been working like a dog for past five years! So no more alarm clock, no more deadlines, no more followups and no more pitching.

Sounds perfect but i guess my break will be very exhausting one since the lineup for the activities are so packed - from Bangkok trip to move into a new place and from short trip with my boo and my short vacation back in my dad hometown Penang. I hope all will go well - fingers crossed!

Since it's already December, so before i end my note, let's play this song to enliven the festive season- how i love Christmas! :)

When I turn 70

Everytime a very old lonely person who could barely walk pass me, several thoughts will run in my mind inevitably. I will miss my late grandma. I will also feel pity for that old person. And i will feel afraid as well.

Yes, I'm afraid of getting old. I know I'm still young and alive at this moment but I'm not God or Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar - I can't turn back time or delay the passing of time. I have to live with it.

For me, one of the challenges which has been haunting for being gay is that who will take care of me when i get old. I can't produce offspring and don't even think to adopt a child in Malaysia for gay couples. You may say that my partner will take care of me until we grow old (God's willing) but still - who knows both of us are too fragile and weak to even take care of ourselves.

I always wonder what I will be when I turn 70. Will I be lonely and poor, sitting alone at the bench and reminisce the good old misty yesteryears? Or will I be filthy rich and living in a big mansion? Future is not ours to see but for sure, I'll be having arthritis and wrinkled sunken eyes by then.

Maybe it's too early for me to worry for the things that only happen in next 40 years. I don't even know i will live that long or maybe end of the world will already have doomed us all by then.

Nevertheless, when I get old, I hope will be someone classy who accepts aging gracefully just like Audrey Hepburn....

He takes my wheel

Words can't describe how exciting I am coz it's just merely two weeks before the last day of my current workplace. I'm really looking forward for my one month break throughout December and it will be great!

I have been working for all my life without taking any proper break. I guess it is justifiable for me to take a whole month off and refresh myself. Activities installed for December are really awesome from moving to a new crib, Christmas, watching Mamma Mia The Musical for free (I won the tickets!) and I'm even travelling with my mom. After hiatus like 10 years, this is the first time i travel abroad with her and I'm really excited and proud. Why proud? Coz I sponsor her - well, it's not those lavish getaway but just a humble trip up to Bangkok but I already feel so proud about myself for doing filial piety.

Though I'm all geared up for my December break but at this juncture also I will ask myself who or what I want to be. I'm hitting the big 3 O very soon but honestly, i don't have no answer for myself. You may say I'm a fool who doesn't really care about the future or you may say I'm carefree lad. Whatever you may call me, this is me, I can't change it. I'm not heading my life aimlessly but i know that God is always there for me to guide me and He never forsakes me.

I know we're cool

So I was accompanying my partner to do his grocery then suddenly, I saw my ex. I didn't say "hi" to him since he was busy talking to his friend (not because my partner was next to me that time).

Come to think of it, this love sick thing could be very awkward and puzzle sometimes. You called your ex "darling", "honey" "baby"- you could call him the sweetest name on this very earth but eventually when you broke up, you just politely address him with his first name. Really, your ex or even your date used to be the closest human being to you. You promised him forever love and the endless exchange of "I love you", you even could die for him. But eventually, fate ended the relationship, you moved on with your life. The closest human being to you is just an acquaintance now. I believe when you stumble upon your ex in the mall, you would just politely say hi and that's it.

So do i miss my ex(s) or my dates?

Not really but sometimes i just would reminisce the times we spent together. It is rather funny to reminiscence those teenage years when i was in relationship during my high school. Technology wasn't so great back then, so communication was just via SMS and MSN messenger or even dropping
 love messages in Friendster. When i missed him, i would just miss call him . I wasn't rich that time (I'm not rich even now), there were limited things we could afford to do like watching movie or just having a very simple dinner.Doing those simple things could make me so happy though in a frugal relationship.

Actually, not much difference between what  I did with my ex and the things i do with my partner  Still same old things, watching movies and having simple dinner - gosh, i haven't change for all these years for romance, I must be a very boring person to date with. But aren't these simple things that make the relationship so pure and true. Need not to be extravagant and shower the relationships with materials, after all, he will leave you eventually.Lol, just joking. The best things in life are free alright?

Before i end my note, this song goes out to my exs and my ex dates, i know we're cool (except for some).


P/S: How could you not love Gwen Stefani? She's so beautiful and classy!

Racism and Sexism

We heard so many news and even viral social media postings in regards to racism and sexism. Need not look far as these two prejudice, discrimination and antagonism are still pretty much demonizing our own people at our own back yard. Clueless? Just look at some politicians and the prominent figure who looks like a frog.

But you don't really care, do you? We're only be alarmed if some jokers out there make a headline on his/her racism or sexist remark on our own race and gender. But have you ever  being a victim of racism and sexism?

Just wanna share with you, lately I've been aggressively looking for a new place to live in since I'll be moving out from my current place very soon. Inevitably, my source of searching will be ibilik.com. To my surprise, the preferences in those vacant postings are pretty disturbing.

The common preferences are "Chinese only" and "female only". Aren't that pure racist and sexist? Are those Chinese and female folks living in nomad kinda life which move around? What about other races and men? These two folks are capable enough that they don't need a shelter?

This is an unhealthy sign definitely. Room rental could be this racist and sexist, what about wider scope like career, business and scholarship opportunities? 

3 Pants Every Man Must Own

I really admire those people who have a huge wall of wardrobe (like those wardrobes that human could walk into it and land in Narnia) in their bedroom. The clothes are  paraded so neatly  and it is very easy to mix and match for a perfect attire to kick-start the day.

For my case, my wardrobe is a disaster. It's very untidy and once you open it, please prepare for the landslide of my clothes. But one thing for sure, I always keep my three very important pants in a special compartment - so it will be handy for me to pick the pants without ransacking it.

There are abundance kinds of pants available in the market for men to choose from (step aside, women!). But do you know what are the three types of pants that men must have to strike a pose and seize the day with confidence and style?

The first in the list is the trendy chino pants which are the perfect substitute for jeans. Chino pants are much lighter in weight compared to jeans and give men that comfortable feel.I have few chino pants with me and I wear it to work as it accentuates the essence of 'I have fun in my office' without overshadowing the formality and seriousness at work - it's like best of both worlds. Men can mix it with a blazer top or even an oversized tee without ever getting caught by the fashion police.

And of course, few pairs of slack trousers if you're working in corporate environment (slack trousers are always the safest wear in formal occasions like meetings and corporate events). Though slack trousers are bit old-school but it really reflects maturity (or should i say well-experienced) and professional at work. You can add sleek and stylish look in your old-school slack trousers by matching it with a blazer. Even a simple business shirt could make you look so clean but yet so sophisticated.Choose from the classic black trousers, to the beige pants or even the striped pattern trousers and walk in style everywhere you go.

Last but not least, another type of pants which must be available in the wardrobe for men is sweatpants. Sweatpants do not limit itself only in sports. Its light fabric makes every moment so much easy and it's a perfect wear to tell everyone that "Today, I don't feel like doing anything - please, do it yourself!". Just match it with a pair of flip-flop could make you so stylish without any effort.

Interested to make yourself fashionable and confident with three must-have pants? Check out ZALORA as it offers a wide range of pants designs for men from various local and international brands online.

The Queen of Divas in Malaysia

It was really dream came true for me last Wednesday as I finally had the chance to witness one of the most succesful divas Mariah Carey belting her hits – The Elusive Chanteuse Show live in Kuala Lumpur! Though at first, I was little bit in doubt about this concert since you know she made a boo-boo in Japan. Nevertheless, though I was soaked in the heavy rain with the helpless raincoat for like three hours but it was all worth it.

Photo: Astro Awani

Even though her vocal performance was not that great compared to her early stage of her career but t it’s Mariah Carey –  her name really synonyms. And I have to admit here that her #1's album is my first album that I bought using my own money back when I was very young.

Back to the concert, the highlight  for me was when she sang Emotion. Yes, I’m talking about her trademark fifth octave. Really, when she ended the song with fifth octave, it literally sent chill to my spine and the crowd went crazy!I was wondering how on earth a person could reach that very high note! I think the only time that I could reach high note was when I had terrible sore throat.

Anyway, the other highlight was when she sang my all-time favourite I’ll Be There. I never knew that Trey Loren was one of the backup singers that night and his presence for the duet just rekindled the beautiful ballad of The Jackson 5.

Sadly, there was few disappointment about this concert - not because of her but the organizer. Firstly,  the two screens at the sides of the stage were really small. To add on, the camera crews rarely focused on her! It’s safe to say that I paid for this concert just to listen to her voice but not to see her in person. I really pitied the crowd who sat further then me. And also, the seating arrangement was really weird. I didn't know why there was a huge empty space at the field. It made the concert looks empty and the cheapest seating looks like seating for outcasts.

All in all, I had a great night. I never thought that I could have this chance to watch this songstress live. Definitely, Mariah Carey has carried out her vocal performance very well – she will always be my diva.

Not Wealthy But Rich

I had a rude shock that the page view of my blog has exceeded 100,000 mark and still counting. I'm not sure whether there's a technical glitch in Blogger.com or there are genuine people out there who read my blog. For those who are reading my blog, big thank you for your support though most of my entries are lamenting about my life and always end without any conclusion.

Just a quick rewind, i started this blog back in 2012 as it was lowest point of my life. Back then, i was so emo and i needed something to share my thoughts of sadness. But over the years, the entries are getting more positive. Compared to now and then, I think the road I've traveled so far was laden with lessons - some were very painful to bear with and some were just perfect memories that I will never forget. I guess at this juncture of my life, i should lead a more positive kinda life.

There's a wise man said  that there's a big difference between wealthy man and rich man. Wealthy man is a person who has an abundance of money and assets and other tangibles you could name it. That wealthy man utilizes his abilities and capabilities to earn the wealthiness. Wealthiness could draw people's admiration and jealousy at the same time. Unfortunately, when that very wealthy man passes on, people will only remember his wealthiness, the tangible assets that he has but not remembering of who he was. Even he has all the wealth in the world, he may not be happy and contented since he sacrifices his every ounce of his life and every second of his time just to find wealthiness.

On the other hand, a rich man may not be wealthy. He may not have all the money and assets in the world. But he has the heart and devotion to enrich others. Enriching others by giving aid to the poor, give a shelter to the homeless, a bowl of rice to those who are neglected or even leading others to have a better life. He may not be wealthy but his richness has garnered others' respect and gratitude. When this rich man passes on, people will remember his name who touched and inspired so many others. He may not be wealthy but he could be the happiest person on this very earth as he has helped so many people along the way.

I know that in this real world, everyone is chasing for wealthiness but have we paused for awhile and look people around you? Have you heard their stories? I believe their stories that they about to tell will somehow inspire you. You may never know thier stories are thier plights, Who knows that thier stories will help you to be a richer man?

Wealthy or rich - i could not foresee what future will hold for me but for sure, moving forward, it will be positive.

Tale as old as time

I'm very delighted to learn that my girl pal got engaged this morning. She was very close to me during high school and I'm very happy for her that she has found her happily-ever-after. And it was so sweet and romantic that her fiance proposed to her in front of Eiffel Tower. I guess that faithful tower is every girl's dream to have their loved one to get down on their knees and pop the question.

My Facebook lately has been very lovey-dovey. So many love birds flew faraway for holidays in foreign land. How envy.

I always believe travelling is one of the ways to boost up the romance between two couples. Travelling is like an adventure to explore a foreign place, it is such a satisfaction if we manage to find a tourist spot together. My bucket list for travelling is mostly European countries and United States. Don't get me wrong, i love my country but just that except Perlis, I have been every state in Malaysia inclusive of Sabah and Sarawak. So yeah, Malaysia is like not that foreign for me.Let me be Walter Mitty for awhile and let my imagination takes me faraway to UK, France, Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna and New York City. I know right, it ain't cheap to date me. Nevertheless, it's just a wish list of mine and i never foresee that it will be materialized in near future. Not emo about it because my imagination could run really wild and take me very far :)

When it comes to romance, it's a big disaster for my case. Seriously, i don't buy flowers and i don't bake and i don't do candle-lit-dinner. Maybe i don't see those are romantic gestures. Romance for me is combination between surprises and solitude.Or perhaps, rekindle my childhood memories with Disney elements.

After couple of relationships, none of them could make me awed. I guess all my dates are suck in romance. Well, not lamenting, at least i had  them And i know that i'm very hard to please. The closest thing when it comes to romance i guess it was setting up Christmas tree together. I know it sounds silly but that moment reduced me to a child - i was so happy.

I guess I shouldn't ask a lot for a relationship. At least i have a relationship in which i have someone who loves me. Romance is just a bonus, a bonus that add some colours in the relationship.

Back to December

Want to know something scary?

2014 only has 78 days left. So what you have done so far in 2014? Are your resolutions fulfilled?

God knows what resolutions i made for this year but things look positive in the end i would say. I'm pretty sure my favourite month December will be a bang since I've a lot of plans have in mind:

1. Shift to a new place - i love my current crib but after living alone for so many years, i think it's about time to live with my partner. I'm not sure he will be able to keep up with me but i believe it will be a heartwarming experience like someone to cook for you since i don't know how to cook, someone tuck you in bed and waking up next to someone that you love. 
2. Travel - Ever since Hong Kong trip last year, i never stepped out from the country. But where can i go? I know the ideal place will be Bangkok because it's cheap and near but what the city can offer me? I don't want to visit another template of KL. Or maybe i should go back to Hong Kong...no...no...who knows the protest gone worse...no..no...Taipei? I can't speak Mandarin...ok, i just stay in Malaysia
3. Outdoor activity - my partner has been pushing and coaxing me to take up some outdoor activity since i spend so much time eating and watching The Simpsons at home. He always asks me to take some martial art. I'm very reluctant to this coz i don't want people to hit my beautiful face. Not gym or Zumba please coz both activities are very synonymous with gay. I want something extraordinary...maybe a wall climbing class or maybe i pet a dog and train the dog...
4. Spend more time with mom - Mamma Mia the musical will be staged in December and she is a big fan of ABBA but the tickets are not cheap, sigh. See how it goes...
5. I'm waiting for 6...if you know what i mean...
6. And after all, December is all about....

Guide Us With Your Grace

Gosh, it has been a month since my last entry - I was that busy but nevertheless, I'm still pretty much alive to write this entry.

Throughout this one month, many eventful things happened in my life - realization, wisdom, courage and love are just few words to sum it all.

To be honest, it is very hard to find courage in me. I'm afraid to do a lot of things. I'm afraid of failures. I'm afraid of disappointments. I'm afraid of uncertainties. Uncertainties are one of my nightmares that  never fails to visit me occasionally. These uncertainties have always holding me to make the big leap to go forward. Moving forward is not just stepping your foot ahead but it takes a great wisdom and courage to make the first step.

You may never know where the first step will lead to - a better life or end up barefoot poor? But at least, you're moving in your life. Staying stagnant leads us nowhere.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 35 years old I know still don't. But whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's.

If you're stuck at the crossroad in your life, just listen to this song, just listen to its beautiful starting:

"I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go. And help us to be wise in times when we don't know"

Do You Remember Mid Autumn Festival?

I still could recall that when i was small i would be the happiest kid on earth for tonight. Mid Autumn/Mooncake Festival was the only time of the year that i could play with fire, candles and lanterns. I still could recall that I had a bee figure lantern and of course those traditional paper lanterns. I would lit up the entire porch with candles for several nights approaching Mid Autumn Festival.

But as we grew up, the significant and the joy of Mid Autumn Festival was slowly fading away. I think most of us just have a  special and simpledinner and have mooncake just to mark the occasion. That's it. It's not fun anymore.

It sucks to be adult right?  Things are so complicated and so difficult when you're gradually aging. There is no more simplicity anymore and we tend to see things in a spectacle which has deviated our sight to see  things in a more complicated manner. Simplicity doesn't exist anymore when we grow.

How ironic right, when we were kids, we couldn't wait to be adults and do the things the adults do. But adulthood is not fun as what we envisaged. It is filled with stress, worries and uncertainties.

 Back to our childhood, we were carefree, happy and we dreamed big. Even a paperplane could fly you around the world. Even a toy gun could kill all the bad guys. And you could even build a imaginative living city with Lego blocks. Our dreams and imaginations were limitless.

But back to adulthood, we do not dare to dream big because we know our limits and we are so afraid to lose. And the world is not that innocent anymore, it's real and it's live or die.

Since tonight is Mid Autumn Festival, i should take a step back from this real world. Let me end my entry tonight with my late grandfather's favourite poem, my mom's favourite song and of course, my everlasting legend singing this beautiful song with her beautiful voice to serenade the beautiful moon-lit night:

Everyday It's a Winding Road

So last long weekend was a rather heartwarming  weekend actually. Heartwarming because my brother brought his girlfriend back to Ipoh - not only meeting my parents but my grandparents as well. At least this time looks promising and hopefully there will be a joyful culmination in the end. My grandparents are very old, time is always a challenge for both them to see their eldest grandson to walk down the aisle. 

Walking down the aisle, it is just a few steps of walk but it takes a great courage and lifetime to make that few steps. Maybe i'm too naive but i always have this perception that the man has to be very successful as in financial stable and has a advanced career to marry a girl. A man shouldn't let his wife to endure frugal kinda life. 

So it literally hits me when my friends are married and some of them even have kids. Look at me, i don't have an admirable career (unlike my ex-classmates who are now doctors, dentists and i even stuck in this job) and I'm not that happy-go-lucky I used to be anymore.Well, i tried to clap my hands like a room without a roof but it always led me back to this long and winding road. 

Ain't know why my childhood brings so many happy memories. The ice cream truck, playing firecrackers, playing swing-swing at playground, Christmas, cycled around my neighbourhood, petting the cats, watching Cartoon Network,playing Nintendo with my brother, even strolling at the park could make me so happy back then. Simple things could bring so many fond memories. Does growing up mean giving up everything that makes you happy? 

I'm a grown up man now but only few happy memories I could recall like meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time, setting up Christmas tree in my room, romantic getaways....i better stop here or else i'll be interrogated by someone.

But really, sometimes i wish i could give up everything and leave the world behind. Maybe when it hits 100 then it will be it....

It's 57

Here comes 31st August. Some of us will value this day so much coz we can sleep a little longer.

I admit that I'm some of them but I won't forget the true meaning of this day.

Every national day, all my learnings on history during my high school time just keep in flashing in my mind. From the proud Malacca sultanate to Portuguese ooccupation, from the atrocities of Japanese forces to the insurgence of communism. And the final chapter, the independence of Malaya and followed by the valuable efforts to build this country.

Nevertheless, a history book is not a defining tool to learn about Malaysia. You have to be a Malaysian to know about Malaysia. Its values, its cultures and its heritage are too vast for one to adopt.

Indeed, one of our admirable traits is that we cherish our Multi-racial cultures very much. And we respect our differences. These differences bond us even stronger. 

I know times is rather tougher this year but together we will make it through.

Happy 57th Merdeka.

Stuck In a Moment

It is a heavy period, i would say. My aunt passed away late last month, one of my favourite actors hung himself last week and today, i learnt that acquaintance of mine had passed away. How much more do i need to bear?

You see, every juncture of our lives, we will stop once in awhile and ponder the purpose of life. Such a cliche question but i believe most of the people are still struggling to find the answer. There's no definite answer for that, it really depends on how you view your life.

Life could be a beautiful thing and a bed of roses. You know, having heartwarming family, having those pampering times with your children or even watching your partner grows old. Or you can be more realistic by having all the materials in the world.

However, above is just the bright side of our lives.Roses come with thorns too. You are very lucky to live in happy and contended life whereas others are still wandering around on the sidewalk living in the dark and walking aimlessly.

I was wondering where all those sad, depressed and lonely people come from? Were they fated to lead such a undeserving life? Or the society lead him into such way? Or they are too weak and faithless to face failures and resentments?

Sometimes I really wish i could be a cat - so everytime i fall, i could always land on my feet. Sometimes I also really wish that i could be Willy Wonka and owns a Chocolate Factory. I know i daydream a lot but fantasy and dream can make you go far while reality is just one sick brief moment that just to pass-by.

Light up, Light up

My dreams lately have been kind to me. No more nightmares but sweetdreams lullaby me recently. I know it may sound silly but i dreamed that i was travelling in London, Berlin (God knows why), New York and Paris. The dreams were so surreal that I could feel the excitement. But alas, I don't know which part of my lifetime i would have the chance to have an escapade in those mentioned places.

It sucks to wake up and face the reality. Reality can be beautiful sometimes but most of the time, it shows its ugly true colours. My reality is not something that i would proud of or be happy about it. It seems that all the stars that illuminated my darkest nights had faded away.

I don't even know how to light up. I have lost the sparkles in my life. I have lost the glow in my life. My life is rather soulless for me recently. It's like no purpose to drive my life. I'm just letting my life passes me by.

They say being gay supposed to be colourful but this is not the case for me. I don't have sizzling body to wear those tits-showing singlets. Though i'm proud to be gay but there were times i felt so ashamed about it because they are bunch of shrimps with nice body but without any brain. And even with nice body, they would become whores to showcase their bodies in Facebook as if they're inviting sluts out there to put their money into the former's underpants. Aren't beauty things don't seek attention?

Live and Let Die

He was a genie, a nanny, a radio deejay, a hunter, Popeye, Peter Pan, a robot, a doctor, a penguin, President of USA and the list goes on and most of all, he was a comedian who never failed to give us laughter on the silver screen. But on Monday, our laughter poked by this comedian had turned to sorrow.

I believe you and I were devastated that Robin Williams has passed on. I guess it's safe to say that we watched at least one of his movies in our lives. I came to know about this actor when my mom bought me a VHS tape Jumanji when i was like eight years old and  Robin Williams was an epitome of comedy movies for me ever since.

Never knew behind the man who gave us the heart-warming joy and laughter was a man who had been suffering from depression. He didn't kill himself, depression killed him.

How you gonna diagnosis whether a person is suffering from depression? What are the differences between sadness and depression? Fate dictates us that there are times that sadness will occur in our lives but don't let sadness to overwhelm us.

I know life sucks most of the time. Hopelessness, worthlessness and restlessness are the demons that drive everyone into sadness or depression in this case. I have to admit that I don't see the world as beautiful as it's promised to be sometimes. I see the world as a dark and hopeless place to live.Really, everytime i scroll down my Facebook, i would envy those who post those pictures which they look so happy and so complacent. What about me? I will question myself why i could not have that happiness. Is it fated for me that i will lead a long and winding road kinda life or am i too blind to appreciate all that i have?

But life goes on, i have to move on with my life. Life is really short, so don't waste my time to compare with others. And don't waste your time doing things that you don't like. It will be a very
sad ending when you're on the deathbed and recalling the things that you didn't like but you did it. Live and let die.

Let me end my entry with this quote from Robin Williams:

“You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.”

Farewell, Mr. Williams and thank you.

The Precious Blessing

I just realized that my buddy has been living with his partner for months and best of all his partner's parents gave their blessing to my buddy relationship. 

How wonderful it is. They could enjoy relationship freely in their parents' eyes without any need to pretend and without any need to make the relationship underground. And it is really wonderful that his partner's parents could be proud and happy for their son's relationship.

Tough luck for me as I don't think I have that kinda blessing. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who is seeking the precious blessing. I'm pretty sure you too.

You see this gay thingy is still a taboo in our modern society. The greatest  pressure for a gay relationship is hide from your family members or if leaks out, it's even tougher when your family members never give their blessing and despise it instead.

I always believe that one's relationship is a very private thing-a situation which a world shared by two individuals and it's not an obligation to explain and to report  to anyone. 

But when it comes to family especially your parents, come on, you can't hide from them right. They will start interrogate why you are very close with that particular friend of yours.

Sometimes I really wish to go two steps ahead to my mom. Skip the 'gay confession' part and straight to point to her 'mom, this is my partner'. 

I wonder how she will react. Will I shock her til raising her blood pressure sky high or she will accept it nonchalantly like "oh wow".

I think most likely she will like "seriously? Stop joking. Why him?"

I don't know when I will come clean with my mom coz sometimes I feel like not nice of hiding since I'm her son. And by that confession, I hope she will accept my partner coz he is worthy to be recognized. 

On contrary, if I ever beg blessing from his family, I guess I'll be on my knees crying and begging and singing this song: 

Can I have your daughter for the rest of my life?

Say yes, say yes 'cause I need to know

You say I'll never get your blessing 'til the day I die

Tough luck, my friend, but the answer is 'No'

Everybody Hurts Sometimes

July supposed to be a great friend of mine who never failed to give me that extra miles. However, July could betray me sometimes. July took away my uncle two years ago. And today, the final two days of the month, I received a very sad news from my mom that my aunt has passed on.

Indeed, today is a sad day for my family. Though we knew this day would come but never knew it came too soon. I hope my family members would be strong and carry on at this difficult period.

When you're sure you have enough of this life, words of wisdom here is don't let yourself go. Life is really fragile and is really short and rather unpredictable. I remember I was with my aunt and other family members celebrated my uncle's birthday earlier this year but never knew my aunt has gone forever.

Day could be long and night is yours alone. Sometimes everything is wrong and nothing seems to be right. The problems you're having now; be it at work or relationship or even argument with your friends; trust me, it's just a tiny particle in the universe.

There's more to life. Life is bigger than what we thought - those problems are just small fragments that constitute life. I believe life is filled with love. I know ugly people are everywhere but in this crowds of ugliness, there's love. Love from those who lend you a hand and love from those who show you guidance to get out of this ugly society.

If you're having problem right now, please stop crying your heart out. Beauty is all around us and not just in pageants and parlors. You can find it in the swirl of galaxies or swirl in the centre of a sunflower.

I remember there was a time i was so lost and i had no clue what to do then I lamented and  asked God, where were you when i needed You the most. With a blank state of my mind, i walked into the car and turned on the engine and the radio started to echo "God is watching us, God is watching us....from a distance" (Bette Miller's From A Distance). If He didn't watch me, i wouldn't writing this entry.

Before i end my note, this is for my aunt who passed on this afternoon and for those who had departed from us:

Ernest Zacharevic Relives Ipoh's Nostalgia with Seven Murals

I must say tourism in Ipoh is really booming. Well, if it didn't why the hotels there were really growling like mushrooms.Really, i was in Ipoh during the pre-Raya weekend, and the downtown was infested with people from elsewhere (validated by the non-A plat number and they conversed in non Cantonese language)

Everytime I bring my friends from outstation, i have this puzzlement of where i should bring them. White coffee, Gunung Lang Recreational park, load of local delicacies, caves  , coffee shops or

 maybe Lost of World of Tambun? Being a native Ipoh so i wouldn't find any of these tourist spots are interesting coz Ive been there and done many times.

However, recently, the well-loved painter Ernest Zacharevic has added more colours to the historical old town of Ipoh with his seven brilliant and yet nostalgia mural paintings. 

Compared to the ones in Penang, you find it easier to locate his paintings in Ipoh coz it is just short walking distance for the paintings. If you're in Ipoh and hunting for Ernest Zacharevic's paintings, here is the map/guide for you:

Ipoh-The City That Tin Built - this gonna be my favourite painting of his as he used Chinese black and white style painting. You can locate this painting at the head of Jalan Bijeh Timah (at the end of Jalan Panglima)

The colourful hummingbird - located at the open private

  carpark at Jalan Panglima.

Uncle with coffee cup - Ipoh's famous white coffee is illustrated as well. This could be easy to locate at
the wall of Oldtown White Coffee in front of Padang Ipoh at Jalan Dato Maharajalela.

Kids on Paperplane - Our childhood is revisited with paperplane though until now i still don't know how to fold a paperplane. This painting is located at Jalan Sheikh Adam in front of Padang Ipoh. Once you have done with the Uncle with Coffee Cup, just turn right at the junction and look up!

Uncle with Trishaw - I guess this is the most difficult for me since it is located in the small corner of Jalan Bijeh Timah (approaching to the main road  Jalan Sultan Iskandar)

The Curious Girl - Located at Jalan Bandar Timah just diagonal opposite of Plan B 

Kopi O Break -  the most surreal painting of his in Ipoh. Located at open private parking at Jalan Tun Sambathan in front of Maybank.