It's My Birthday

Clear blue sky on my birthday-a great omen

Words seem to be futile to express my gratitude for my close friends who made a series of birthday celebrations to be so memorable.

As expected, most of the people dropped me this question; how do you feel right now as you have hit the significant age?

To be honest, I feel nothing. I didn't grow an inch taller nor I had third nipple on my body. I'm still me. But I can't deny that when hit adulthood or commonly known as golden age, you feel tired easily. Not only physically tired but you look tired as well. You feel the radiant youth just vanished from your face.

Nevertheless, as you hit this significant age, you will realize that you are very mature in thinking. Your mind is open up to take concrete criticism. You will learn how to distinguish between good and bad. You will also learn who are the people that meant to be kept in your life.

Alright, done with my intro, let me walk you through of my birthday celebration.

The million dollar question here is who was the person that celebrate my actual birthday with me? Let the person shrouded in mystery alright. I really had wonderful night.

We went up to Marini's on 57. I have to admit that I'm a kampung boy, it was my first time. I always had this perception that the restaurant and lounge were meant for the upper class, not the low class boy like me. So it was nice experience to have someone to usher you to the lift. I felt like a living diva for that particular moment.

My breath was taken away by the awe-inspiring view of Petronas Twin Towers with Kuala Lumpur city in its background. I just literally sat there without a word for like half an hour just to enjoy magnificent view.

Marini's on 57 - Kuala Lumpur's highest rooftop bar, Italian restaurant and whiskey & cigar lounge

Tower shining gold as the sun went down

 Marini's On 57 features floor to ceiling glass and surpasses views of Kuala Lumpur

Enjoy every sunset

My birthday celebration continued at Troika Sky Dining. Set in Tower B of The Troika along PErsiaran KLCC, it comprises two dining venues and a bar: fusion-focused Cataloupe, Italian bistro Strato and Claret wine bar. And we chose Strato.

Strato's landmark spiral staircase

My birthday meal: Spaghetti, pesto, bottarga and mascarpone cheese!

And of course, my birthday cake. Obviously from Starbucks

The next day of my birthday, me and my bud went to Pulau Ketam in search of Mr Krab's Krabby Patties. Nah, since it was a long weekend, we had a short road trip over there. I'll write my Pulau Ketam escapade in the next entry alright.

The next next next day of my birthday, I had celebration with my ex colleagues and buds. We had dinner at Mario & Luigi, Bangsar. I never knew there was a row of shops in that secluded area. Located at unassuming enclave of Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, this Italian fine dining restaurant is inspired by simplicity and immaculate focus on high quality ingredients.

Verdict? The food was okay, nothing to shout about but what I enjoyed the most was the quality time with them. Though there was a celebrity next table but we couldn't bother much. She should approach me to take a picture with the diva.

Casarecce with lamb ragu and arugula leaves

The birthcake is brought to you by Elevete Pastisserie. It was superb! You can check its wide array of patries at its Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Elevete/

Last but not least, with my Diva Group. It was simple dinner at Japanese Casual Restaurant Watami. Though it was simple but at least we enjoyed our bitch feeding. I love my Diva Group coz they are bitchy enough but yet they look after each you. And what I like about them is that they never reveal their bodies coz they could afford to buy clothes to clad. 

Before I end my note, for many times when I'm single, I would long for a boyfriend to celebrate my birthday with me. This year is a little bit different coz I don't need one. I have my lovely friends for this celebration and I could not ask for more.

I can't deny some people were missing in picture and not even a birthday wish from them. It's okay. Maybe people were busy or I was meant to be forgotten. It's okay.

To show my gratitude for those who made my birthday so memorable, this song is for all of you:

Bag Better Fashion Feng Shui At Reebonz!

Do you believe in Feng Shui (wind-water in English) the ancient Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment?

If you are a Feng Shui follower, Reebonz, the trusted online platform for buying a wide range of new and pre-owned luxury products has collaborated with famed Feng Shui practitioner Master Kenny Hoo to help you navigate the Year of the Fire Monkey with style, and luck.

Master Kenny Hoo is the resident expert in a series of three humorous videos by Vlogger Jenn Chia that will be released on www.reebonz.com.my. He provides Feng Shui advice for specific Chinese zodiac signs in the areas of Love, Health and Wealth in this entertaining and educational series.

If you do not believe in Feng Shui, this is still a great opportunity to explore new shapes, colours and brands, and add a few more must-have accessories to your collection.

Why Handbags Should Be A Feng Shui Staple

Handbags often hold a woman’s ‘life’. We store our identity, our communications and contacts, entertainment, cosmetics, medicines and keys among other necessities in our bags. We have our bags with us during our waking hours. It makes sense to choose the right bag to suit our needs, and even to boost our luck!

How To Choose Your Feng Shui Fashion

To get onto the fast track to Feng Shui fashion the first step is to identify your Chinese Zodiac – of which there are a possible 60 from a combination of 12 animal signs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar) and 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water). 

Shape

Each element has a shape that complements it. Wood also known as ‘Tree’ is represented by tall rectangles, Fire by pointed, angular shapes for example triangles and diamonds, the Earth element is broad and chunky, Water is wavy, while the Metal element is round. 

Choose your bag shape based on your element for example Wood elements can opt for backpacks, Fire elements can go for studded , quilted bags, Earth elements would suit Boston bags, Water elements should opt for unstructured bags, and hatbox type bags will complement Metal elements.

 Colour

Next comes the colour, where it gets more complicated as colours that activate different types of luck change from year to year for different Chinese Zodiac signs. Check www.reebonz.com.my for a simple chart on the colours to use for your sign to increase your luck in Love, Wealth & Career, Health and ‘Nobleman’ an interesting concept that involves getting help from others.  It also lists the luck outlook for the 12 Zodiac signs.

To bring more festive joy in this Chinese New Year, Reebonz invites fashionistas to unlock a surprise of amazing deals for users who sign up as members. New members who sign up until 22’nd February 2016 will earn windfall of RM88 lucky credits. Unlock your surprise at: http://go.reebonz.com/cny16 

Please visit: http://www.reebonz.com.my for more information on making Fashion Feng Shui. 

These Are The Days Of Our Lives

Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Yupe, today is my birthday. It's not regular birthday but it's a significant one since my age has reached a significant number. If I ever have a second cycle of that number, I'll be an old man actually.

As today I celebrate this significant age of mine, inevitably, I will recall those days when we were young. Sun always shining and we lived for fun back then. Bad things in life were so few as I recalled.

Nevertheless, as we grow older, those careless sunny days seem pretty hard to come by. As we slowly and swiftly fly away from our parental care, days are becoming more challenging. But then again, no matter how challenging the days ahead of us, look, I'm still writing this entry at this significant age.

You see, life is like an arrow and a bow. An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just stay focus and keep aiming. You will nail it.

Anyway, I always imagine myself what I would be when I turn to this significant age even when I was a kid.

Back in primary, when Spice Girls was phenomenon (big fan here) - still remember those silly short essay to tell your ambition? Pilot or doctor would always be my answer. I was so innocent to follow the flow. Come on, be honest with me, as if you never wrote pilot, doctor, lawyer or engineer as your ambition when you were small. Then, my ambition took a drastic turn when I left primary school.

After I removed my innocence a little during my junior high, I thought I would be a doctor at this age. I had this heart and kindness to help people around me. Aside from that, it looks pretty cool to walk around with white robe and stethoscope.

I took science for my senior high since I wanted to pursue my ambition to become a doctor. As indulged myself with facts and facts and facts, I felt that my horizon and my thinking were confined with the perimeter of facts. I just fed in all the facts into my brain just to pass the exam. I was lost. I knew science wasn't the thing for me since it would limit my creativity and my ability to think forward.

So I took Public Relations. Say what?!

Yes, I took mass communication and major in PR. It was surprise for me also since I'm rather quiet person but I knew I had the passion to communicate my ideas to the masses. And today, at this significant age, I would say I did quite well. No accolades needed because I have achieved so much and I'm contented thus far. Since most of my friends don't know what PR is all about, even I also don't know how to tell my parents what it's all about, so I never share out my achievements since they don't understand.


Come to think of it, I'm not rich nor have the jaw dropping look but at least I'm quite contented with my life right now. I know gay folks like to boost of what they have and their sexy figures but hey, I'm Alvin. Take it or leave it. I don't care what you think about me since I don't think about other people at all. As I've grown into being me, I've learned to become kinder and less judgemental of myself. I've become more comfortable with my own skin really.

I know at this age I should settle down. Well, I thought about it few years back and I thought I really found that special one but it didn't happen. Yes, I'm single. I know back in those days I was like a desperado,  followed my feelings blindly and hooked up with my exes. I was very childish indeed.

As I've grown, I learned that feelings could be an infatuation, it could be misleading. I know feelings are important but since it's about love of my life, I guess I shouldn't rush for one. Come what may. For now, the person that I love is myself.

My gosh, this entry is so long but who cares since nobody reads it. Alright, let me give my acceptance speech here to wrap up my entry:

"Thank you, Academy. I would like express my  gratitude to my both parents who sacrificed so much to raise me up. I would like to thank my friends for their supports and of course the laughter that we shared. Thank you"

It will be cliche to end my entry with a birthday song right? Let me share a beautiful song with you, These Are the Days of Our Lives by Queen. This song really describes my feeling on this very special day. And of course, Happy Birthday to Me!

P/S: This is the last video of Freddie Mercury before he passed away due to AIDS. When he said "I still love you" in the end of this video, he really meant it.

Wow! Nobody Cares

I have to admit here that I put considerable amount of weight. Metabolism is all I have to blame.

Back in those days, I had no limitation when it comes to eating. Fried chicken skin, grilled fish, fried chicken and ice cream were some of my favourite supper back in college time. Don't even mention what I have for supper now - most of the time is just plain skim milk.

I no longer have that V-shaped face nor the skinny body. It's all over the place now, as in physically.

So will gym be my last resort to maintain my general well being?

Looks like it. If i hit the gym, it will be like a reality TV series, I believe I would be super bimbo there.

If I ever manage to have sizzling body (say like Justin Bieber), should I flash it all over Facebook? I cannot comprehend those gay folks showing off the bodies in Facebook. I know it is sort of achievement but the other hand, for me, those people are worthless. The only thing worthy of them is their bodies.

Maybe their parents didn't pay much attention to them when they were young. So they need to show off their bodies like vagrants for attention when they grow up (gay bash alert). I must say that I'm really fascinated by their postings. How did they learn to say "I want attention" with so many different captions with just one body.

If they didn't have those sexy body, will people pay attention to them and click 'like' in Facebook? I doubt so.

Oh well, gay community is that superficial.

To be honest, I would not date a guy who likes to show off his body in Facebook. I know it sounds harsh but it looks very dirty for me as if they didn't shower for days. And why on Earth I will let my lover's body to be shown to other people, his body only applies to my exclusivity.

I would prefer my partner to have the brain rather than the body - as the saying goes, beauty gets the attention, personality gets the heart.

You see brain is a gift and it's irreplaceable whereas we can train ourselves to have a sexy body- you and I can do it, so it's not that precious actually, pretty common i would say. I would prefer someone who is smart and witty and that it would be perfect.

‘Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP & MYDIN’ Provides 440 Children with New School Kits

The ‘Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama  TOP & MYDIN’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme provided 440 underprivileged children from 20 charity homes nationwide with a complete school kit of uniform, shoes, socks and bag, exceeding its initial target.

TOP, the No.1 detergent brand in Malaysia collaborated with MYDIN to carry out the charity fund raising campaign from October 12 to December 13, 2015 which saw 30 sen from the sales of selected TOP products from all MYDIN outlets nationwide channeled towards providing the back-to-school necessities for the pursuit of education among children aged between 7 to 17 years from charity homes.

The brand went all out to raise awareness and participation in the charity fundraising campaign with roadshows at all MYDIN outlets nationwide, receiving tremendous support from consumers in return. It raised more than RM10,000, above the projected RM40,000, allowing the CSR program to benefit an additional 40 children from 2 more homes.

Representatives from the TOP and MYDIN were on hand to present the full school kits to 20 children from Rumah Anak Yatim Yayasan Amanah An-Nur Maisarah and Praise Home at the close of the campaign, that was held at MYDIN Meru Jaya, Ipoh here today.

Representatives from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kasih Nurul Iman and Vision Home were also on hand to collect school kits purchased with the additional funds raised.

The children were full of smiles, after changing into their new school kits during the closing ceremony of the ‘Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP & MYDIN’ campaign.

Understanding that for underprivileged children, the clean clothes that most take for granted may be out of reach, TOP, the No.1 detergent brand in Malaysia¹ developed the ‘Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP dan MYDIN’ charity fund raising campaign.

The objective of the campaign was to encourage school attendance and participation by providing tangible support in the pursuit of education, levelling the playing field when it comes to uniforms and school essentials while boosting self-esteem and self-image, educating them on living skills such as washing clothes and presenting a clean, neat and well-groomed appearance.

Perak Exco Member, YB Dato’ Hajjah Rusnah Bt Kassim lauded TOP and MYDIN for including their business partners as well as customers in delivering social responsibility to the less privileged, coming together to serve the needy and in the process fostering a more closely-knitted and caring society.

TOP, developed by LION Corporation Japan is well-known for championing the concept of hygienically clean living to encourage cleaner laundry, more comfort and a better sense of well being through its continuous innovation through breakthrough Japan technology.

TOP has transformed the detergent industry in Malaysia through many innovative technologies and the introduction of lifestyle concepts, over the years.

Bowie: Music, Art and Fashion Icon

On first day of this year, we lost beloved daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole. Never knew, ten days after, we lost another beloved and a legend in entertainment industry.

David Bowie died today after lost his battle against cancer. He was 69.

Bowie has redefined glam in glam rock. This rock n roll chameleon was a lot more than just outrageous make-up and glittery clothes. His persona and his genius in music had inspired many artistes yesteryears and today.

LGBT community especially gay men has every reason to mourn for this loss. He was among the first artiste who came out as gay. It was 1972, after five years Britain decriminalized homosexuality.

Elton John and Freddie Mercury were still in the closet. Meanwhile Boy George and George Michael were still at school during his time. He was among the first to defy gender boundaries, subverting everything that men were supposed to be with his characters and costumes.

He was labeled as "gender bender". He has always been an icon for all of us who felt straitjacketed by having to be straight or acting like a man by conforming to any imposed definition of gender or sexual orientation. He was the one who inspired us to  defy this imposed definition and be comfortable with ourselves no matter how people judge us.


I guess David Bowie will stage a rock concert with Freddie Mercury in heaven soon. Rest in peace for both legends.

RENEW, REPLENISH and RECHARGE Your Skin

Have you ever felt yourself old but not too old to buy anti-aging beauty products? Neutrogena has the solution for you.

In our 20s and 30s, we begin to notice changes in our skin. The environment around us, our diet and stress levels as well as our body’s natural aging process can cause our skin to become dry, damaged and dull. This situation is referred as the skin’s transition period, a natural phase in the journey of skin aging.

What is Transition Skin?

With age and exposure to environment, the skin’s water carrying molecules-known as hyaluronic acid - begin to disappear, causing skin to become duller, rougher and damaged. We notice our first few lines, more visible pores and a loss of suppleness.  Skin in this phase of transition needs more than just hydration to replenish it from the outside; it needs a powerful cell renewing formula that treats damaged skin from within.

Clinically Proven to Fight Transition Skin in 4 Weeks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal is clinically proven to help to fight the first signs of skin aging for transition skin.

In clinical efficacy tests over 4 weeks, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal demonstrated significant improvements in all attributes of transition skin, including:

·    Improved smoothness in more than 2/3 of participants

·     Improved hydration in 95% of participants

 ·     Improved radiance in more than 80% of participants

Unveil the Power of Cell Renewing Science

Specially formulated with scientifically proven and tested ingredients, NewNeutrogena® Hydro Boost™ Renewal RENEW, REPLENISH and RECHARGE skin in just 4 weeks.

RENEW in 4 weeks.  Restore tired and stressed transition skin with botanical CMLP extract that harnesses the power of citrus botanical extracts. This patented extract has the ability to boost the body’s natural process of cleaning up damaged skin cells that accumulate below the skin’s surface. CMLP also strengthens the skin’s barrier function, which is a key defence against environmental stress and aging. The results? A brighter, healthier and more youthful complexion.

REPLENISH 1,000 times more. Say bye-bye to dryness.  A double hyaluronic acid formula-capable of retaining 1,000 times its weight in water – delivers hydration across multiple layers of skin. High-weight hyaluronic acid molecules hydrate the outer skin layers. While low-weight hyaluronic acid molecules penetrate deeper, improving skin hydration and roughness and reducing fine lines.

RECHARGE with triple action. Get your glow back with a triple-action mineral ions complex that works to recharge the skin cell’s energy cycle. With regular use, skin looks more toned, radiant and refreshed.

Introducing Neutrogen HydroBoost Renewal: The Science of Smoother, Bouncier and More Radiant Skin in Just 4 Weeks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal Treatment Lotion

The first step in your skincare regimen is to replenish and retain hydration.  Contains CMLP extract, which works at a cellular level to renew tired and stressed transition skin, energizing the skin to prepare it to better absorb Hydro Boost Renewal Serum. Use morning and night after cleansing to breathe new life into skin layer-by-layer. 

Suggested Retail Price: RM 23.70

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal Serum

Clinically proven skin cell renewing power of CMLP extract that penetrates deep with every concentrated drop to improve the skin’s barrier function. The dual weight combination of hyaluronic acid helps to boost the skin’s hydration, leaving it plump, smooth and luminous, improving skin dryness and reducing fine lines. Use after Hydro Boost Renewal Treatment Lotion for smoother, bouncier and more radiant skin in just 4 weeks.

Suggested Retail Price: RM 97.90

                        

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal Gel Cream

Abundant moisture helps to lock in the skin renewing power of Hydro  Boost Renewal Serum for long lasting hydration. Clinically proven dual-weight hyaluronic acid formula to replenish skin hydration and smoothness, while reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Suggested Retail Price: RM 76.90

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal Range is now available at selected Watsons Stores. Available at Guardian, Caring and leading nationwide chain pharmacies July 2016 onwards.

Jealous Much

I was left dumbfounded after watching the lavish personal life of Dato' Sweri Dr Hasmizah or better known as Qu Puteh. She has 17 houses or should I say mansions in Ipoh alone. Not forgetting her cars and endless bags and jewellery.

Some of the items she never uses it. Why? She bought it just for the sake of having it -"Asalkan ada".

I don't see her as showing off, she worked hard and she earned all the fortunes. What she is having now is an accomplishment. 

So ask myself what would I be if I'm filthy rich like her. I guess I'll buy a lot of houses around the world - London, Hong Kong and definitely New York! 

Imagination could take you very far but once you wake up, it's rather a sad place we're living in. We're constantly checking out people's assets. As checking goes extreme, we might end up living in jealousy. 

Talking about checking out people, I came across this acquittance of mine in Facebook. My gosh, he complained that he had resort to sit in economy class instead of business class for his Europe trip. Bitch please, I don't even have a chance to set my feet off from Asia continent! 

Yup, you and I will never be satisfied of our assets. The world seems not enough for us. As our assets seem minimal for materialistic eyes, people will be judgemental towards us and shun us off. 

Come on, you and I have came across these people before. As they see you live in minimal kinda lifestyle, they will look down on you. Trust me, there will be no second meeting up after that. 

Wait..wait...give me a moment here...I need to find a plastic bag... I wanna vomit...I feel nausea when I recall these kinda people. 

Who cares anyway. My life is my own race track. I don't compete with others. Sometimes I can't tell if I'm dealing well with life these days or I just don't give a shit any more. Really, I don't have time for judgemental people. Particularly the ugly ones.

If people are being judgemental towards you, remember this: their ass must get jealous of all shit that comes out of their mouth. 

If your friends around you are constantly bragging how many men want them, just remember: the cheapest prices attract the most customers. 

Moving along, what if you don't have physical assets? Build asset on your body, flaunt your body in your Facebook and regain self-confidence through number of likes. I know I'm going to hell for saying this.

For those who like to show their body off in Facebook, I can't deny your body is making you sexy. Your dazzling smile is making you gorgeous. But you can't have beauty if you don't have personality. Though I don't have the body nor the dazzling smile but  I believe I have the personality. Come on, I'm smart and witty.

So this coming Valentine, I want to be Cinderella as she never asks for Prince Charming - all she wished for was a dress to attend a party lol

Good night everyone and my entry tonight is pointless.

2016: Fun

As the clock struck 12, cheers from the crowd at The Curve reached its fever pitch. It was cheers for new hope and new aspiration for 2016. And of course, the cheers for fireworks.

The firework display was magnificent though it was short-lived for ten minutes. The firework display does reflect our lives, the outburst of colours in our lives are short-lived. So cherish the sights in our lives while it last.

I shouldn't be so emo since it is my first entry of 2016.

Generic question for every New Year for everyone: What's your resolution?

I have none, honestly. I'm not being aimless here. You see resolution for me is just a cliche thingy for every New Year, it never works for me. I don't want my whole damn year be confined to my promises which I blindly make in the beginning of the year.

Our lives change every single day - therefore, our resolution might be irrelevant in coming days or even months later in the year.

The other thing is, whatever resolutions I make, it won't be materialize. Even I made resolutions for 2016, I think I will keep it for myself. I don't want to be a jinx here.

The bottom line is I just want to have fun in 2016 since previous year was a disaster. All I want to do is to have some fun and go cray.

I rather not to use the word 'happy' because happiness for me has a deeper and profound meaning. The word 'happy' denotes contentment. You think a person like will be contented? Nope.

My friends wished me that I could get a significant person this year. I want to but it doesn't I need to. I prefer to come naturally. If he appears in my life this year, it will be blessing, if not, it will be blessing too as it proves how strong I could be without anyone in my life (though I wish I could put my head on someone's shoulder sometimes).

There you have it guys, my first entry of the year.

If you had a terrible year in 2015, I could assure you that those hard times are gone. We still can keep holding on.

Happy New Year to all of you and have a great year ahead!