Being an Ipoh-born, it was such an embarrassment since I never been to Hot Spring at The Lost World of Tambun, Sunway Ipoh. I was really excited to make a trip there with my partner.
However, my excitement and anticipation were marred by the Lost World Hotel.
So I had this Digi reward which they were giving 60% for the Lost World Hotel 2D1N with two complementary hot spring tickets along with breakfast for two. The rate from its website was stated RM220.
I called the hotel for the availability and double confirm for the hotel rate. The rate was correct but when I told the them that I had this Dg reward 60% off:
Lost World Hotel: For this, it will be using published rate.
Me: (Confused) What is published rate?
Lost World Hotel: Around RM400 plus.
Me: So after my 60% discount will be RM200 plus am I right?
Lost World Hotel: Yes.
Me: I thought the room rate is RM220 so after 60 % discount rate will be around RM100?
Lost World Hotel: No, we use the published rate for your reward.
Me: So the reward not make any difference.
Lost World Hotel: Yes.
It looks like they marked up the original price to 60% - so after 60% discount it will remain the original price. So other Digi subscribers and I will not enjoy the 60 % discount.
What a reap.
In the end, we just bought hotspring tickets at the counter. Our first stop was the Petting Zoo since we wanted to kick off our night with something dry. Though it was named Petting Zoo but you could hardly touch any animal there except rabbits and hamsters which were quite common and you can just walk in to any pet shop and touch it. To my dismay my favourite raccoons were off from petting. The feeling watching your favourite animal that was so closer but you could not touch it was simply disappointing. But overall it was alright and I like how they segregated the animals - it was like a maze in a lost ancient civilization. Let the pictures narrate a bit my night at Petting Zoo, Lost World of Tambun,Ipoh.
Raccoon - you could only look but can't touch it. Sad.
The very long python - i wonder whether they captured in the wild and pet it here
Two love birds
Hi Tapir
Waiting for Christmas
What does the fox say? Among the cutest things there
Calling King Julian
Tarantula
Back to the main attraction; the hot spring. But before that, we acclimatized with water at the main pool. So I had phobia with water I just splashed water there. Somehow the water got into my eyes. Somehow my eyes got infected. Somehow doctor diagnosed it as conjunctivitis. Either the water was dirty or I should have wore goggle. Anyhow, I liked the hot spring a lot. Apparently, the hot spring is all-natural. At temperature over 40 degree Celsius, it was a perfect place to rejuvenate, rest and relax.The conclave of attraction at Lost World Of Tambun Hot Spring includes Infinity Pool, Lost World Steam Cave, Foot Spa, Crystal Spa, Top of the World Pool, The Geyser of Tambun, Crystal Pool and many others.
Main pool - great place to wash your eyes
The Hot Spring
The cascade of waterfall was simply amazing - and you even could stand at where the water fall- it hit painfully on your skin
That\s all folks. Definitely will make a come back to Lost World of Tambun but definitely not the hotel.
I have been to Cameron Highlands like 10 times in my life but this was my maiden overnight trip.
So how was it?
The entire Cameron Highlands was dead silent at night like those quiet neighborhood in the horror movies. Well, the local folks had dinner at 6 pm so you would expect what time they slept.
You could own the roads literally at night since there weren't any cars around. But I must say I really like the cold chilly at night in Cameron Highlands. The cold breeze in 19 degrees Celsius weather blowing onto your face was simply refreshing.
My partner and I went on Sunday so we missed the Brinchang night market on Friday and Saturday.The only hangout spot at night in Cameron Highlands for us was Starbucks in Tanah Rata - so typical.
Let the pictures below narrate my trip over there.
Lavender at Cameron Lavender
Lavender Ice Cream - smell like floor cleaner liquid
The steady windmill at Cameron Lavender
Cameron Lavender - Located in Tringkap along the main road, this is the among the first attraction if you're coming from Ipoh. For me, Cameron Lavender was like a scam to me. You see, the entrance was RM 8 and what I have got in return - lavender farm which wasn't picturesque, flowers and more flowers, flies, possessed minion and whole lots of pop up stores selling honey, strawberry and its jam, flowers and fruits. Please don't expect the extend of lavender farm like in Hokkaido.
It was very challenging to take good pictures since the pathway there was pretty narrow and the place was crowded most of the time.
Not only Cameron Lavender, my entire trip in Cameron Highlands was infested with flies, they were like the pest all throughout Cameron Highlands. I even had problem to eat as the flies kept buzzing around my food. I guess the mama fly queen lives there.
Sungai Palas Boh Tea Plantation
The queue was endless and there was not any seat available
Sungai Palas Boh Tea Plantation - If you've been there, you would know the road heading up there is dangerous but the road heading up to its nearby attraction Mossy Forest is even more dangerous - suicidal but let tell you more later.
Back to this plantation, my two cents is avoid weekend; it was so crowded. We could not get a seat and the queue to purchase food and beverages was long as shown in the picture. We wanted to take the breathtaking view from the viewing platform was also marred by the crowd. It was rather disappointing experience and we spent merely half an hour there.
As the night fell, it was time for food hunting. Initially we wanted to have steamboat at Taman Abang but we were afraid that they would serve only vegetables which he hated and frozen which I hated. So it wasn't justified to pay something that we did not like. We opted something flavorful at Malay stall just opposite of Starbucks in Tanah Rata. It was good, the tom yum was excellent remedy for the cold weather there.
Starbucks in Tanah Rata
3 dishes with one tom yum - all worth it at only RM 21.
Starbucks - The only hang out spot at night in Cameron Highland. Located along the main road in Tanah Rata, this Starbucks is just your typical Starbucks. But I loved it since it was just so nice to have a hot drink in a chilly weather.
Mossy Forest - The highlight of my trip since it was my first time to visit this forest. The way leads to Mossy Forest is the same way as the way to SungaiPalasBoh Tea Plantation, however, once you see the signage GunungBrinchang, turn left.
How to get up to Mossy Forest?
There are couple of ways actually - hiking, take the four-wheel drive or drive your car up.
Hiking up - I am not sure the routes to do hiking over there but I overheard the conversation of the hikers that they started the hiking at 5 am and they only managed to reach Gunung Irau, another mountain nearby Mossy Forest, at 4 pm. But be prepared - the trail is very muddy, avoid white shoes if possible.
Four-wheel drive - I believe it cost around RM 50 per person since I saw the flyer somewhere. The fare is inclusive of the tour.
Driving up - Think twice if you plan to drive up. The route is the scariest and the most terrifying experience ever. The road is narrow, is curvy and steep. Since it is a long and winding road, you have no visibility on the vehicles coming from opposite direction most of the time. And yes, the road doesn't have the safety mirror that should be located at the sharp corners.
Haunted by the sharp corners, this road even scarier as you would frequently encounter the four wheel trucks that plying the way. They drive very fast - so you are literally risking your life of being hit by them. Honking at the sharp corners is your only way to keep you alive.
Though it was terrifying but it was worth it as the foggy forest was a whole new experience for me. It was like the Twilight movie in which Edward jumping around from tree to tree with Bella.
In addition to the foggy and misty atmosphere, what awe-struck me was the roots and the branches of the trees that covered with moss. It curled up and down as if defying the gravity that set the landscape into a misty and fairyland adventure with the grasp of cool crispy air.
Unfortunately, the boardwalk was pretty dirty as the snack packets and drink bottles were thrown everywhere along the boardwalk. Can't really blame those litter bugs since there wasn't any dustbin in sight. Maybe the authority wanted to discourage visitors to consume anything at Mossy Forest.
You could go use the boardwalk or further your adventure by hiking a little to get closer to the mossy-laden trees. The trail would lead up to the peak of Gunung Irau. It was challenging since the trees were curvy along the trail and it was very muddy. I wasn't sure I was standing on a solid ground or on a solid mud since as I stepped on it, it was hollow underneath. It was like standing on a hollow platform.It was bit terrifying as I was afraid the hollow ground would give way as I stepped on it.
The view taken from Mossy Forest
After 30 minutes of terror ride, we have reached Mossy Forest
Thou shalt not pass
Apparently Mossy Forest separates Perak and Pahang. Some said that if the forest is not misty, you could view Ipoh from there
The Mossy Forest moss encroaches the trees and even the ground
Enjoying the picturesque trees while grasping the cool crispy air at Mossy Forest
Just like the movie scene from either Twilight or Lord of The Ring
Before we left Cameron Highlands, we stopped by at a shop to have a drink and the shop aptly named Pokestop. It was around 6 pm and the family next to us was already having their dinner. Seriously, I would be in the office at 6 pm. I guess the folks in Cameron Highlands are leading a simple life. Waking up at 6 am and sleeping around 9 pm since there is no nightlife in Cameron Highlands. Though I would like to have simple kinda life but it is not simple as this. As fated, I would like my life to be colourful and exciting with whole lots of daily activities until 2 am. Yes, I sleep around that time everyday which it's bad for my health. It is my yearly resolution to sleep early but I fail to materialize it every year.
That's all folks. Hope I will have a travel entry very soon.
Fans of Ed Sheeran must be disappointed as his concert tickets were sold out in 30 minutes-but fret not.
The Grammy-winning singer is making his way back to Malaysia and U Mobile is the official telco partner for his concert which will take placeon November 14this year. To celebrate the partnership, U Mobile will be organising a series of contests to give away concert tickets in the lead up to the concert date. More information on the contest will be made available in June 2017!
Ed Sheeran’s Malaysia Concert is part of U Mobile’s Unlimited Grooves calendar, an initiative aimed at responding to customers’ music passion.
More information on ticket giveaways will be available on U Mobile's websitehttp://www.u.com.my in June 2017.
VITAGEN, Malaysia’s first and No. 1 cultured milk drink that has grown alongside generations of Malaysians, kick-started the celebration of its 40th anniversary with the introduction of its, ‘A Better Gut Begins with VITAGEN’ campaign, as an extension of the brand’s far-reaching digestive health education and awareness initiative.
Pioneer of the industry and custodian of digestive care, the iconic cultured milk drink has been an integral part of Malaysians’ everyday lives for 40 years. VITAGEN contains billions of good bacteria with live, active cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. This formulation helps aid the absorption of nutrients from food and stimulates a stronger immune system. It also assists in suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of intestinal disturbances for optimal digestive health when consumed.
Good gut health is increasingly important as Malaysians face health challenges linked to sedentary lifestyles, stress and increasing consumption of fast food that may be low in fibre and low in good bacteria.
Studies have shown that gut health is linked to obesity. Malaysia has the dubious distinction of being among the fattest countries in the region. The prevalence of adults who are overweight is up to 30%. Obese Malaysians make up 17.7% of the total population. This combination means that almost half the country’s population are either overweight or obese.
Diseasesof the digestive system, or gut, are listed as among the 10 principal causes of hospitalisation (9.14%) and death (3.81%)in private hospitals, while colorectal cancer is ranked as the second most common cancer among Malaysians at a high 12.1%.
Many ailments including stress, seemingly unrelated to the human digestive system are caused by gut problems. Understanding how the gut works and how to care for it is essential to overall wellbeing.
VITAGEN has been expanding its efforts to promote good gut health to Malaysians through on-going campaigns and activities aimed at creating awareness and forming healthy lifestyle habits about the importance of good gut health.
The brand is also catering to Malaysians with specific health and dietary preferences with reduced sugar and collagen variants. Recently the VITAGEN Less Sugar variant was awarded the Healthier Choice logo under the Ministry of Health.
VITAGEN’s General Manager, Mr. Poh Eng Lip said, “Malaysians need to get healthy. This year, we are employing different strategies and approaches because the traditional discourse of, ‘don’t do this or that because it is bad for you’ does not work with the younger generation.”
VITAGEN has been championing digestive care for the past 40 years through its popular school programmes, collaborations with organisations such as Digestive Health Malaysia and the Nutrition Society of Malaysia as well as sponsorship of sporting and entertainment events, among others.
VITAGEN’s campaign in conjunction with its 40th anniversary shows the positive correlation between good gut health and overall wellbeing through three key areas namely, improved immunity, greater mental clarity and a more balanced mood.
Sharing some of the brand’s plans to make good gut health more compelling to Malaysians, in line with VITAGEN’s 40th anniversary campaign, Mr. Poh added, “We have an exciting year ahead for VITAGEN. The events and activities surrounding our outreach are backed by research that better gut health improves overall wellbeing.”
For further information about VITAGEN and its campaign “A Better Gut Begins with VITAGEN”, please visit:
After much commotion, Beauty and The Beast is not showing in Malaysia after all.
Though our Censorship Board has given its green light to screen movie after removing the gay scene but Disney decided to pulls the movie entirely from Malaysian distribution.
Before proceed further, below is the controversial gay scene. If you don't want to turn to gay or somehow you're just plain homophobic, please don't click play:
OMG, you're gay now! Yay! Bring in the rainbow and unicorn!
To be honest, I'm really disappointed that I don't have a chance to watch this movie. Beauty and The Beast is my favourite Disney classic. I watched like thousand of times when I was small. I remember there was a rerun in 3D in silver screen couple years back and I watched that too. The dancing scene was simply magical. This remake is like the most anticipated movie for me but it has been shelved off.
Though really disappointed but I could not agree more with Disney decision.
Like seriously, cutting out the gay scene doesn't make any difference. Gay people will still be gay with or without watching that gay scene. Gay and LGBTQA+ are is part of our society whether you like it or not. Removing the scene will not remove us from the society. Removing the scene will not make us silent, in fact, it will make us louder.
I really don't get it. The Imitation Game, starred by Benedict Cumberbatch, was able to make the cut in which the main actor is gay! Let me break it down what is gay; all the Apple products are gay because Tim Cook is gay. Facebook is gay since one of the co-founder Chris Hughes is gay. PayPal is gay since Peter Thiel, co-founder is gay. Don't wear Michael Kors, he's gay. D&G gay. Armani gay.
You see, you can't escape, we are everywhere!
One of the reasons that Disney is adamant with its decision, aside in supporting LGBTQA+, I guess this movie is a tribute to Howard Ashman and Disney did not want to ruin the story who meant so much for Ashman. So who is this Howard Ashman?
Apparently, the all time classic Beauty and The Beast by Disney was inspired by the AIDS epidemic. Lyricist Howard Ashman was behind some of the most moerable songs for the 1991 movie. And it turned out he has a powerful message about acceptance that may have gone unnoticed at the time.
According to an interview with Bill Condon, who directed the new live-action Beauty and the Beast, the original animated movie was partially inspired by Ashman's own battle with AIDS. The movie originally revolved much closely around Belle. But Ashman, who was just diagnosed with AIDS before product began, thought Beast needed more of a storyline.
For Ashman, this movie was a metaphor for AIDS. Ashman was cursed and this curse had brought sorrow on all those people who loved him and maybe there was a chance for a miracle and a way for the curse to be lifted.
Not only did Ashman shape the movie's romantic storyline but it was also his idea to make the movie a musical.
Ashman's struggles as a gay man living with AIDS in the early 90s can be heard in some of his lyrics.
"Kill the Beast" reflects the fear many people had toward people living with the disease and the alienation he felt as a result.
The lyric goes:
"We don't like what we don't understand, in fact it scares us, and this monster is mysterious at least. Bring your guns, bring your knives, save your children and your wives, we'll save our village and our lives. We'll kill the beast".
Ashman passed away on March 14, 1991. Just 4 days after the first screening of Beauty and the Beast. He won two posthumous Grammy awards. One of them was for his work on the song "Beauty and the Beast".
Ashman may also be behind Condon's decision to include an openly gay character.
Well, we shall move on and honor Disney's decision who has been supporting us. Let's reminisce our childhood once again with this beautiful song by Ashman:
The World Kidney Day 2017 (WKD17) is an annual event and this year’s focus is on healthy lifestyle to preventobesity as obesity can lead to chronic kidney disease. Obesity remains the number one preventable risk factor for chronic kidney disease because obesity largely mediates diabetes and hypertension, the 2 most common etiologies for end-stage kidney disease Overweight and obese people are also more prone to develop albuminuria and, for at least some types of kidney disease, a greater amount of albuminuria and more rapid progression of renal failure. Apart from that, obesity also leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and other serious health problems.
According to WKD17 organising chair, Dr Lily Mushahar, senior consultant nephrologist, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, one of the more effective ways of making Malaysians slim down to a healthier weight is through proper education, exposure and awareness. Dr Lily said that eating has become a part of our local culture. Our local food, especially those with high calorie content is one of the contributing factors to the high prevalence of obesity amongst Malaysians.
“We are a multicultural nation with a wide selection of delicious delicacies. However, most of these foods are usually made up of glutinous rice, coconut milk with a high content of sugar. What we can do is to educate everyone on this epidemic and create awareness for a better, healthier lifestyle through this national level World Kidney Day 2017 on the 18th of March, with the Cycling Convoy flagging off from Hospital Serdang to Taman Botani, Fun Run, Zumba and a lot more activities that promote and encourage healthy lifestyle. This year’s WKD17 celebration is special as it started off with a group of 30 cyclists pedalled 633KM from Kangar to Putrajaya over 6 days – all in a bid to raise awareness regarding the importance of healthy lifestyle, exercise to combat obesity and kidney diseases! The journey involves 16 pit stops where the 30 cyclists will spread health messages and collect signatures on a banner, which will be officially given to the Deputy Health Minister on the 18th of March at Putrajaya during the official launce of WKD17 celebration. ” said Dr Lily.
Major private companies such as Lucenxia, Baxter, Fresenius, Sanofi, Kyowa Kirin, Roche and AJ Pharma are also helping to promote and sponsor the event.
“This program is very interestingbecause not only will there be fun and healthy activities that everyone can participate, but there will also be a talk on kidney health awareness and how to take care of them. Being obese is very closely linked to chronic kidney diseases which can be prevented if more people are aware of their unhealthy eating habits and their sedentary urban lifestyle that lacks exercise,” added Dr Lily.
There will be free health screening including measurement of body mass index, blood glucose level and bloodpressure measurement. There will also be various booths promoting health, outdoor activity equipment and a blood donation campaign at Taman Botani Putrajaya this March 18, 2017.
According to the findings by World Health Organization, about 600 million of the world population were overweight and about 41 million of children under the age of 5 years are either overweight or obese.
Revealed recently by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, obese Malaysians make up 17.7 percent while the ones that are overweight make up about 30 percent, bringing the percentage to 47.7 percent in total. Statistically, Malaysia is the most obese country in Asia and the officials blame it on the high calorie diet and sedentary urban lifestyle.The health minister has also warned that the country is in the midst of obesity epidemic.
For more information on World Kidney Day 2017 and for registration, please visit http://goo.gl/zMQehB for fun run, and http://goo.gl/NpKmJK for fun cycling ride.
Good hygiene is one of the foundations of good health but for so many of us keeping clean is a distant second to all the busy-ness and activity that surrounds us. We need to take breaks for health and hygiene, and Antabax is leading the way!
Antabax, the *No.1 Halal antibacterial personal care rangein Malaysia is partnering with The Amazing Race Asia, Season 5 to make the link between good health and hygiene more fun and exciting in efforts to encourage more people to soap up and sanitize. To drive home the connection, the proudly Malaysian brand is organising contests on its Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on-ground promotions geared towards promoting active lifestyles for better health, through good hygiene.
The Antabax Facebook contest will offer two lucky participants and their ‘dates’ an exclusive money-can’t-buy experience – to be part of The Amazing Race Asia season 5 Finale party in Singapore, come December. The prize offers tickets to the event, flight and overnight accommodation, aside from Antabax products, and The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 merchandise.
The Amazing Race Asia is part of AXN’s global Amazing Race franchise, an adrenalin-fuelled reality show where teams of two compete against teams from other Asian countries for the prize of USD 100,000. Hosting the fifth season of The Amazing Race and the 11th season of The Amazing Race franchise overall is the Singapore based, Chinese-American Actor, Allan Wu and Indonesian actress, Tara Basro. The series airs every Thursday at 9pm, starting October 13, 2016 on the AXN Asia channel 721 (HD) and 701 on Astro.
This season Malaysia has three teams representing it ‘the muscle brothers’, Alex and Will, the ‘beauty queens’, Yvonne and Chloe and the recently eliminated school mates, Alphaeus and Brandon.
Antabax and The Amazing Race Asia are a great fit as both promote healthier lifestyles. Antabax has the complete range from antibacterial shower creams, soap, antibacterial cleansing wipes, instant hand sanitizer and hand sanitizer spray required to maintain hygiene at home and on-the-go as you pursue a more active lifestyle.
According to Ms Angeline Sim, Group Product Manager Household & Personal Care Department, Marketing Division at Lam Soon Edible Oils Sdn Bhd, “Antabax is delighted to partner with AXN as The Amazing Race Asia is a great platform for our brand to reach a wider audience. We hope through this partnership, it will convey the message of healthy and hygienic lifestyle by leveraging Antabax extensive products that provide the audiences reliable protection from germs.“
With Antabax Derma Protect System for 24-hour antibacterial protection, and Micro Moisture Serum that contains skin vitamins for moisturising, Antabax antibacterial range will leave your skin protected against 99.9% of germs, yet soft, smooth and well nourished. The products are also certified ‘Halal’, giving Muslim users full confidence in using them.
Be inspired and get healthier with an active lifestyle, by tuning in to AXN every Thursday at 9pm, answer all of the questions from the Antabax contest correctly and stand a chance to win amazing experience that money certainly can’t buy and merchandise for you and your family.
The National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) is organising the first ever Stroke Games in conjunction with its 20th anniversary celebration. To be held on March 4, 2017, the event is specially designed so that stroke survivors can participate in various sports within the scope of their abilities.
This pioneering initiative will showcase the remarkable abilities and the possibilities of life after a crippling stroke. It captures the strong, innovative spirit of NASAM and upholds the organisation’s motto that ‘there is life after stroke’.
“The Stroke Games is born out of the belief that sports and playing games heal the brain,” said Founder Chairman of NASAM, Janet Yeo, a stroke survivor herself. “It will provide a platform for stroke survivors to overcome challenges and inspire them to compete with one another in a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
“After a stroke, appropriate and aggressive rehabilitation is crucial,” emphasised Yeo. “Participating in a sport or games not only provides physical benefits but also contributes to improving cognition, body awareness and spatial orientation. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, playing games provide stress relief, builds team spirit and improves social skills.”
According to Yeo, the Stroke Games is pivotal to taking NASAM and its stroke survivors to new heights. “The Games is in tandem with NASAM’s mission to continue nurturing a new beginning for stroke survivors through holistic stroke-specific programmes. Itis a reminder to our survivors and families never to give up. The event also showcases to our donors and the public that with motivation and dedicated support a stroke survivor is capable of amazing recovery. This will be an opportunity for them to see our stroke survivors as courageous champions and super heroes.”
The Stroke Games will be held at the Panasonic National Sports Complex in Shah Alam, and will see about 800 stroke survivors, family and friends from NASAM’s nine clubs nationwide coming together. There will be 34 sporting activities – eight individual and 26 group challenges. These include table tennis, darts, bowling, carrom, obstacle walk, baton relay, and basketball.
Each game has been carefully selected and modified, taking into consideration factors such as the abilities and stress levels of stroke survivors. “The sporting activities involved in the Stroke Games have been modified to be safe for stroke survivors,” added Qamer Iqbal Khan, NASAM’s Rehab Training and Development Head. “The degree of modification is based on the severity and impact of the stroke. For example, basketball shoots or throwing darts will be played standing as well as sitting on a chair. So whether you are in a wheelchair or walking independently, the experience will definitely be enjoyable, fun and at the same time aid recovery.”
To make the Stroke Games a reality NASAM is seeking contributions from organisations and individuals. The sponsorship can be in cash or in the form of specific items, including hotel accommodations for stroke survivors and their caregivers, t-shirts, trophies and transportation. In return sponsors will be featured on promotional materials such as t-shirts, caps, buntings and banners, and also on NASAM’s official website. All cash donations are tax exempt.
“We want the Stroke Games to be a point of pride for stroke survivors and for all Malaysians,” said Yeo during a media briefing at NASAM on Monday. “Our stroke survivors are ready to step out, put aside their challenges and demonstrate their inner strength and amazing abilities. We need your support to make their day spectacular.”
At the media briefing the Stroke Games logo was unveiled by the patron of NASAM, YABhg Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hajjah Dr Aishah Ong. The logo,a torch with vibrant colours and design represents the stroke survivor’s rise to the challenges of 'life after stroke'. It denotes determination, inner strength, courage, hope and distinctly shows the final strides made to overcome the odds and emerge as champions.
The Stroke Games will culminate with NASAM’s 20th Anniversary dinner on Sunday, March 5 2017, at Geno Hotel, in Subang Jaya.
Every now and then, strangers will ask me whether I'm Malay or Chinese.
I'm totally fine people questioning me about my race. To make it clear here, I'm pure Chinese. And I know I can't speak Mandarin and I have big eyes (not single eye-lid) which make people mistaken me as Malay.
I'm totally fine because I'm a Malaysian. There's no need to give much concern of what race I am, Malaysian first, my race comes second. I believe Malaysia wouldn't come into this stage if those bigots could put Malaysian first and race second.
Alvin, if you put Malaysian first, your race second - why not get a partner which is not your race?!
I have no problem with that actually. And people who are close to me know that I have preference towards certain race and that race is the majority race here.
As old saying goes "Love is Blind", if you're strong believe in this phrase, you have to
be colour blind in love.
I do not believe that the colour of one's skin is the factor for your to consider your partner. Underneath the skin, it's the common love that we share across the universe - the devotion, the sincerity, the care and the adoration.
But this is Malaysia. I believe if my partner is a typical Malay or Indian, people will have those staring eyes. I know even my friends will question me.
You know I don't care right.
Anyhow, I hope things could work out for me. Yes, I'm seeing someone lately who is not same race with me.But it's to tell whether we could be there.
It has been more than a month ever since the Pokemon Go craze swept all over Malaysia.
I wasn't a fan of Pokemon before this and aside of Pikachu, I didn't even know other Pokemon characters. But ever since I played Pokemon Go, I could nail like 90 per cent of the characters.
A month plus gone and I'm at level 21 with 101 Pokemon caught thus far. Not that bad right?
I know the craze is slightly dying. When you reach higher level and 60-70 percent of the Pokemon, there's nothing more you can catch. And the super rare Pokemon characters are really hard to be caught.
What about the gym?
You could hardly go into gym as errors happen most of the time.
But then again, we still have this undying spirit of "Gotta Catch 'Em All". It feels so satisfying everytime a new Pokemon added into the Pokedex.
So where is the best place to catch Pokemon?
Definitely, Taman Jaya which is just opposite Amcorp Mall. Pikachu is like running wild there! Aside from Pikachu, you can find Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Magikarp there as well.
In any given moment, three to four Pikachu could appear!
They are not zombies but they are human flocking at Taman Jaya just to catch Pikachu. It seems an animated Pikachu could do the job better in uniting people compared to political propangda :)
I caught so many Pikachu there til I could even evolve it into Raichu!
Playing Pokemon Go is more than a game, for me. Really, it could strengthen your ties with your family members or with your friends. Though it is annoying to see people got so engaged with their phones and block your way or even walking zombies which walking slowly in a group but they are completing a mission together. I even bumped into my long lost friends plenty of time while playing this game.
In addition to strengthen your ties, playing Pokemon Go could really entice you to get out from comfort of your home and visit the public places and parks. It's time to do the walking to hatch the eggs.
The ever so beautiful Dataran Merdeka
For the first time in my entire life, I stepped into Merdeka Square and I felt like a tourist from afar. It is a huge square indeed when you need to walk from one end to another end to catch Pokemon. But beware of the sprinkles there - please don't get wet. Plenty of Charmender there. Some said, Snorlax appears there sometimes. I didn't have any luck for Snorlax but I caught the rare Hitmonchan.
Soaring high
Central Park Bandar Utama
1Utama is great place to catch Pokemon but sadly, the reception could be bad sometimes. The rare Pokemon I ever caught there was Ponyta and Seadra. You can go out to Central Park outside of 1Utama - Magikarp and Shellder are aplenty there. And since it's a dog-friendly park, you can play with the dogs too - not Growlithe, real dogs I'm talking about.
Taman Tun Park, TTDI
Nothing much here - if you need candies for Psyduck and Magikarp, please visit this park.
Setia Walk Puchong
It's like a nest for Magikarp here. If you need to collect 400 Magikarp candies, please drop by here. Even if you're inside the restaurant, Magikarp could appear on your food!
But then again, as we are engaging with Pokemon Go, please don't neglect the people who do not play like our grandma and grandpa. Ditch your phone for awhile and spend time with them. I know rare Pokemon is hard to come by but you only have your grandparents once in a lifetime.
Abdul Latif has contributed another gold for Malaysia in Paralympic. Not only that, he even broke the world record!
Indeed it was a proud achievement thus far for our Paralympians with three gold medals and counting. Earlier today, Ridzuan Puzi and Ziyad had ended Malaysia's drought for gold in Paralympic in T36 100M final and Men's F20 Shot Put respectively.
Their achievements should be an inspiration for all of us. Having challenges in life or even having disability is not the reason that we should stop pursuing our dreams. Just look at these these Paralympians, their trainings were little harder compared to rest of us but it was that dream that pushed them further. It was that dream that made our nation proud. It was that dream that our Negaraku was played in Paralympic.
So these three Paralympians had achieved their dreams, what about me?
To be honest with you, I don't have dream in my life. Sounds aimless right?
Don't say. I'm not the only one who doesn't have dream. Well, you can simply name some dreams for me like getting a nice car or getting a nice house. But for me, dreams doesn't translate into materials.
Dream for me is like an achievement beyond the realms of materials. Dream for me is like an achievement of what you want to do for people. In which that people will remember your achievement and be inspired with your achievements.
OMG, I suddenly sound like Oprah. Of course, Oprah Winfrey is a great inspirational icon for me.
So is it wrong not to have dream?
I did have dream when I was young. Those silly teenage dream like settle down with a charming and caring partner (I'm still wishing for this), getting those expensive cars, travel around the world or even getting a very cozy house. But sadly, these dreams are still dreams for me. It is still out of reach for me.
Thought little bit disappointed but it doesn't mean that my life is worthless. I know you will feel like a loser when others have achieved so much better than you and they are way ahead of you. Please don't be.
The purpose of your life is not comparing what others have but you don't. Well, it is good to compare so you can push yourself a little harder to outdo them but please get carried away with it. Or else, you will end up in jealousy and being self-pity with your life.
I believe God is fair. He created each one of us with so much strengths and weaknesses. These strengths and weaknesses will determine your dream and the path of your life ahead as you will leverage your strength to determine the next course of action in your life and leverage your weakness to determine not to do in the next course of action.
For those who don't have dream like me. Don't fret cause it's not the calling yet. When the calling arrives, use all your might and go for it.
