Take back the mirror with ReadyFace

Teenage years can be some of the most daunting, as they experience some of the most drastic developments to their emotional, physical and social well-being during these years. Part of these developments include the struggle to control the blemishes and oiliness surfacing on their constantly changing skin.

These struggles can be particularly difficult for teenage girls, with research showing that a staggering 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid their daily activities when they feel bad about their looks and that 7 in 10 girls also believe that they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way.

Bearing this in mind, it is no surprise that much of their anxiety and self-judgement revolves around their appearance. In fact, teenage girls spend up to 7.7 hours per week on their looks and in front of the mirror, more than any other demographic. This is worrying, as research also shows that the longer you gaze into the mirror, the more anxious and judgemental you become about your looks.

So how do we empower our girls to be their most courageous self?  How do we help them combat their self-judgement?

Take back the mirror with ReadyFace

The experts have spoken: people who smilemore frequently or do a power pose feel more confident about themselves.

According to Johnson & Johnson Sdn Bhd, Country Director, Retail Group, Mr Stuart Crabb “As a youth-driven brand, Clean & Clear^®  understands the struggles that teens experience. What’s going on in their lives is reflected on their faces – puberty, exam stress, being active in sports and fast food consumption, resulting in breakouts. Breakouts results in self-doubt and loss of confidence. Puberty and teenage angst play havoc on skin and on self-confidence and self-image.”

“At Clean & Clear^® we believe that beauty comes from being confident, comfortable and secure in your own skin. That is why we want to introduce teenagers in Malaysia to ReadyFace, a concept that empowers you to channel your most courageous self”, said Mr Crabb. It can be a smile, a look, a gesture, or saying in front of the mirror that provides individuals with the confidence they need to take on everyday challenges.”

Clean & Clear^®’s Newly Formulated Foaming Facial Wash

To help girls find their ReadyFace, Clean & Clear^®  has launched a newly formulated, oil-free Foaming Facial Wash that helps prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads; thoroughly removing oil and dust without over-drying skin. The new Foaming Facial Wash promises to leave skin feeling clean, clear and radiant; and, best of all, controls oil for up to 8 hours!

By getting noticeably clearer, more beautiful skin, teens are empowered to take back the mirror, flash their ReadyFace, and become their most beautiful self.

Clean & Clear^® #ReadyFace with rewards that include sets of Essentials Foaming Facial Wash & Oil Control Film.

Teens are encouraged to be part of the movement by sending in their #ReadyFace selfies. For inspiration check out the Hall of #ReadyFace on the Facebook page, and be in the running for attractive prizes including fashion retail gift cards worth RM300 and product hampers worth RM100.

Wedding Bells

It really warmed my heart when I witnessed my bestie walked down the aisle.

That's right - Michelle is finally married yesterday. Come to think of it, Michelle and I have come a long long way together. I met her at college and she was the one who sat next to me during orientation and the rest is history. She was my bestie during college time - doing assignment together, hang out together, attended concert together, travelled together and even 'ponteng kelas' together. 

We've shared our ups and downs during college time and even when we stepped into working world. I watched her fell and right back up. She is among the toughest, persevere and kindest (almost) friend among my friends. I believe her  husband will be the luckiest man on this very Earth. 

Talking about everlasting love, I wonder is there any terms to confirm that he or she is the one. Feelings? Guts? Or we run out of time, just simply grab whatever we have hahaha.
But seriously, I've been asking myself lately is there everlasting love for me.  

I don't know.  I attended many many weddings and the way the bride and groom looked at each other - somehow it implicitly reflects commitment, sacrifices, love, courage and of course, 'till death do us apart'. Maybe I'm not lucky enough to have one.

Nevertheless, don't talk about me. It's about Michelle and Kevin. This momentous occasion marks the start of your life together. May the journey be a happy one filled with peace and harmony, joy and laughter, and romance and passion. May your enduring love be the crown jewel that ties together all the rest. Congrates.

One Sweet Day

As we were celebrating Malaysia Day (though it was marred by Red Shirt Rally), it wasn't a joyous mood for my family on September 16.

As expected though it came too early, my grandpa has returned to Lord on that fateful day. The funeral wasn't that somber and heavy in tone per say but we were relieved. The sense of relief came as he knew this day would come. He forewarned us not to be sad over his passing as he would ascend to heaven and be with the Lord.

The old man who always  in long sleeve shirt paired with slack has gone. We no longer see him riding the 60s bicycle in the neighbourhood nor seeing him taking afternoon nap in front of the shop.

One of the fondest memories that I had with him is that he would always bring me to those mini theme park/arcades when I was small. If you grown up in Ipoh, you would still remember the amusement park above the Wolley Centre.

He would ask me "You want to go to amusement park upstair?" whenever we dined there.

Of course I said "yes". Amusement park was like Disneyland for me back then. I remember that I always choose this ride, it was like a robot that goes up and down. As I enjoyed the ride happily, my grand pa would stand nearby me and observed me.

Not only that, you still remember the carousel in DR Park? He would gently carried me to reach the white horse and observed me from far while I enjoyed the ride. And of course, those mini theme parks in my neighbourhood. My grand pa never failed to bring me there.

But things have changed. The amusement park above Wolley has become a snooker place. There's no more carousel in DR Park. The empty land which used by the carnies is now a 24-hour McD. Things have changed but his love for his grand son will never change.


After his passing, I no longer have any grand parents. Three of which had lost the battle against cancer.

But thank God as I had the blessing to spend quality time with my grand parents for 20 years over. Every of my grandparents has its own story to share. It was truly an honour and blessing for being their grandson.

Please don't be sad if you have lost your grandparents. Like this song goes, "I know you're shinning down on me from heaven"

September 16

Fourteen hours to go before the Red Rally. 

It's rather a joke to live in Malaysia. First we had Yellow Rally last month, later we will be having Red Rally. And next month, PAS will be having its Green Rally. Hey, yes, we understood - you guys trying to make traffic light!

But on serious note, I've been living in Malaysia for all my life and I never felt the racial tension that intense before. The organizer stated that it will be a Himpunan Rakyat for all walks of life. We are living in Malaysia, all walks of life is pretty hard to come by.

What if tomorrow rally breaks lose? If it does, then I'm afraid the situation will be similar to the movie No Escape - which I hope not.

Though in the end they survived the ordeal but Owen Wilson did feel regret for bringing his family over to the troubled town. I guess in trying times or even near death experience, those regrets will be played in your mind. 

Do you have any regrets, let me ask you this. 

For me, I have a few but then again too few to mention. If you insist, my regret is that I should treat and repay my parents better. The other one is that I feel sorry for being a jerk. 

The other regrets are too painful to recall. In life, we do things, some we wish we had never done. some we wish we could replay a million times in our heads. But they all make us who we are, and in the end they shape every detail about us. 

Everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy.

Before i end my note, today is Malaysia Day. But sadly, this joyous celebration is scarred by the Red Rally. The best wishes from me is to stay safe. Good night. 

Taking Chances

Today is 911.

Aside from commemorating the tragedy in US, today also marks exactly four years that my ex dumped me.

The moment he dumped me over the phone was simply devastating. He said to me that I should move on but where could I go?

At least the recuperation period was easy and fast one since there was someone that really being there for me throughout the darkest hours and I never could ever forget that.

I turned over a new leaf pretty fast, to be honest. Few months after broke up, sparks fly again. It was splendid and he was a sweet guy but things didn't work out. Depressed for another two years thereafter.

Throughout that period of two years, I swore that I never fell in love again. You see, the trouble with love is that it could really tear you apart. I was so afraid that I could be hurt again.

But then again, now, I'm here writing this blog with my partner beside me.

Be it for love, career or any aspect in your life, there's a juncture that we will be scared and afraid which eventually will make us stop at that particular juncture without going any further.

We feel afraid because of uncertainties. We never know what happen next. Well, we will expect something happening next but that something most likely be contrary to what you want to achieve.


 What do you say to jumping off the edge? Never knowing if there's solid ground below or a hand to hold. I guess most of us will just stay put because we just want to be safe without falling to the solid ground and get hurt or even going straight to hell.

What if you have the bravery to take the plunge and just don't care what happen next. Fortunately, there's a hand to hold below. When you have the bravery to plunge, I believe the self-confidence will ensue. Self-confidence will build one's courage.

What I'm trying to say here is it's okay to be afraid sometimes. But don't let the fear inside of you limits your potential and all the possibilities in this world. I know that the world is a very sad place to live in but since it's already so sad, why take a step further to cast away your fear.

For sure, those courageous steps will take you even further in life.

A Day Like This

It was rather dispiriting when my mom called me earlier.

She told me that my grandfather is diagnosed with fourth stage of cancer. The cancerous cells have spread over his vital organs. He was discharged from the hospital few weeks back because there's no further medical remedies to help. In other words, days are numbered.

It has been tough time for my family since we've lost our beloved grandma earlier this year. And now we are preparing for the worst for my grandpa. It's like a curse to my family.

I know a day like this will come but I never knew it will come too soon. A day like this has taken my smile away from my face. All the good things have come to the end, it seems.

Whenever I scroll down my Facebook, well aside from ranting and complaining about the current government, but most of my friends' postings are telling me how happy they are. Their smiles are so pure and genuine. Sometimes I do ask myself whether the grass on the other side is greener compared to my side.

You see, sometimes I will zone out and reminisce the good old days. I thought as we grow older, we would be happier but it isn't the case. Life was happier back then. I remember the time I knew what happiness was.

Back then, I still had my grandparents. Back then, everything was within my grasp. My life was pretty stable and care free back then. I still can recall the moments that I had with my friends and my lovers and my almost lover too.

Oh well, things changed but it didn't change that well for my case. That's life. I think i should hit the sack. The happier the memory is, the more it hurts.

Since I'm being so melodramatic in this entry, why not I end it with a lullaby.

 If we had the chance to do it all again, tell me would we? Could we?

Top 7 Leisure Activities in KL

Let me ask you this, aside from hang out with friends or even heading to  gym or cafe hopping or movies or shopping, what can you do in Kuala Lumpur/ Klang Valley to kill off your free time?

Sleep whole day! Yupe, you can do that but still you need to go out from the house and get in touch with the world right?

Here are some recommended activities you can do during your free time or to occupy your weekend.

1.Head Up to Highest Point

If you're living in KL, I bet that you have been looking at the Petronas Twin Towers for all your life. But have you ever walked across its Sky Bridge and going up to its highest floor? Well, level 86, it's just two storey short to the highest floor.

I did.

I was reluctant at first as I heard from my friends that you need to queue around 6.30 in the morning to purchase its limited ticket.

It wasn't the case actually. We reached there around 9 am and we managed to grab the tickets and instantly headed up for the tour.

It was pleasant actually coz it was my first time.

For only RM 26.50 per pax (the rate applies to MyKad holder only), you can have 40 minutes tour at the Skybridge as well as the observation deck at level 86. Opening hour is from 9 am to 9 pm everyday.

Such a vertigo experience to see this lad washing the Skybridge windows

I'm top of the world looking at the other tower

KL City 

2. Petting Zoo

If you're an animal lover, you would love this. Located in Seri Kembangan, Farm in The City houses among the world's biggest and smallest animal such as Aldabra Giant Tortoise, deer and pony . The most interesting about this farm is that you can hug and feed them! But I was rather disappointed that they didn't have raccoon - my favourite animal :(

I guess my favourite gotta be feeding the birds. I was like a Snow White for a day. Need not worry as the Snow White will not be melted by the sun as the farm is pretty shaded by the trees.

Located at  Jalan Prima Tropika Barat 2, Taman Prima Tropika, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor (behind Giant), the farm is closed every Tuesday. Price wise, it's RM 32 and RM 27 for adults (MyKad holders) and children respectively. 

3. National Planetarium


If you like interstellar and our planetary system, please don't go to National Planetarium - unless, you really like kids which I don't.

You see, the planetarium is the best spot for the mischievous kids to roam around school excursion. Trust me, I've been there and you could barely walk as it was a sea of school kids! Teachers should have controlled and supervised them right? I think the teachers already gave up on them.

Since it's only RM 3 entry for MyKad holder, it's okay if the visit is annoyed with kids and entertain yourself faulty display units.

Nestled in Jalan Perdana in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, you wouldn't miss it since the planetarium is the sole building there.


4. KL Bird Park

Though the entry ticket is bit pricey - RM 27 for MyKad holder but it's very worth it. I've been there twice and it never disappointed me.

Maybe I'm an animal lover so it feel really good when I'm feeding the birds. The birds over there don't afraid of human, in fact, they will come after you for food.

Meet Donald and his nephews 

Located in the vicinity of KL Lake Garden, KL Bird Park houses 3,000 birds with over 200 species! Sprawling over 20.9 acres, you need to spend 1-1.5 hours to visit the entire park. 1.5 hours?! Yeah, literally you're inside the world's largest walk-in-free-flight aviary in the world!

5. Cat Cafes

It seems furry-friendly cafes have been brewing in Klang Valley.

Sorry dog lovers, when it comes to furry friends for me, it's exclusive for cats. I'm huge sucker for cats!

Recently, I visited this cat cafe named Purradise in TTDI. To play with cats, you require to purchase a drink @ RM 15 and you're entitled for an hour play time with the cats. RM 3 for subsequent hours.

Located in 24A, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Purradise houses 12 cats that could easily melt your heart.

Meet Brie

One of my favourite, Luna the cat

6. Ice Skating 

To be honest, I'm not a good skater.

I had my first experience on ice back in college time I guess. And good Lord, I have no idea how many times I fell. I thought skating on ice would be cold but I was surprised that I sweat like mad.

Alright, tips for the beginners; balance yourself and move your left foot to 10 o' clock and your right to 2 o' clock - then you will glide.

Aside from Sunway Pyramid and the new IOI City Mall, little did you know that there's an ice skating ring at The Curve. Located at The Royale Bintang hotel, the ice skating ring is rather small but you can skate all day long without any time limit.

Price wise, it's RM 22 for weekdays and RM 25 for weekends. You can even obtain a coach for only RM 55 for half an hour lesson. And this is the best part, you can loan a penguin for only RM 25 to break your fall - which I did.


7. Cycling

I don't go to gym nor exercise. That's why my body grows horizontally recently.

My outdoor sport activities could date back to my high school days during those PE time. But if you want me to name at least one sport activity, it has to be cycling. I don't mean those cycling that travels far far away - cycling in the park. Though it doesn't sound extreme and rather layback but it could really make me exhausted.

One of my favourite spot is Taman Wetlands in Putrajaya. With only RM 4 per hour during weekdays and RM 6 per hour for weekends/public holidays, cycling there it's really satisfying as the buildings and landscapes in Putrajaya are really picturesque.

You may park your bicycle aside and walk up viewing tower

Cycling among the meadow and pond - nice right?

There's even Flamingo pond in Wetland