Battle Of The Pin-up Girls

The beauty of the tennis game isn't all just about the game itself. Throughout the years, we've seen more and more sweet young beautiful girls making names in the international tennis arena, making the game a whole lot more beautiful. LOL

As I am writing this, I am catching the live coverage of the Women's Singles Finals in the Australian Open between Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic. Battle of the 20-year-olds and undoubtedly, it's a battle of the pin-up girls. Both are so pretty and what matters most is, both plays wonderful tennis.

Maria is known for her powerful ground strokes and of course those high-pitched screams, which could be quite intimidating for some. Whereas Ana has a never-say-die attitude and a fantastic fighting spirit, in addition to her all-round ability in the court. Reminds me of Martina Hingis really. But, she's rather inconsistent.

OK just a short one here. Back to the game now.

**UPDATED**

The match has just ended and Maria Sharapova has completely outclassed Ana Ivanovic in straight sets 7-5 and 6-3. She's playing some fantastic tennis at the moment after her injury plagued year 2007. This is her first Australian Open Grand Slam title. Hopefully this will be a great start for more glory in 2008 for Maria. And to Ana, hope to see more of her in the world of tennis this year.

Cheers to both!!!

The 30's Club

*Sigh* today, I reluctantly walked myself into the 30's club! *YAY* it's my 30th birthday today! Hmmm mixed feelings....!!!

So how did I celebrated it? Hmmm me and Jan had a birthday dinner (kick table leg) at Dai Cheong Kam (Korean BBQ) last night. Fantastic choice of food with reasonable price (minus the tax). Enjoyed myself!

Today, as everyone else has to work, and myself having a one week off before embarking on a new career journey beginning next Monday, I went over to Putra Stadium Bukit Jalil to watch the Proton Malaysia Open Super Series 2008!

Have to admit, this is my first time attending a badminton tournament, and believe you me, it was a fantastic experience! The live atmosphere is so different from watching the live telecast over TV.

Well, most of the Malaysian players managed to pull through to 2nd round, which will be held tomorrow evening. Hopefully they will continue to perform with the support from the home crowd. I would really like to see KKK-TBH, WMC and LCW win their Men's Doubles, Women's Singles and Men's Singles titles respectively. Cmon guys, you can do it!

That is how my birthday was celebrated. Supposed to have a surprise celebration with my ex-colleagues, but I wrecked the whole of Jan's effort. Hahaha no more surprise and the celebration has to be delayed, if there's any, I guess.

Anyway I had dinner with my cousin and Jan just now. Overall, it was a good day! Thanks to all with the birthday wishes. Thank you once again!

Cheers! And oh yeah, guys enjoy your 20's to the max! It really feels different to be in the 30's!!! Damn...God bless me...LOL

My Niece and Nephew

Here is an entry specially for my lovely niece and nephew, which is long due. I figured if I don't do it anytime soon, I will be continuously bugged by their mum, my SISTER!!! Gosh...nightmare indeed...

So here it goes, people say a picture speaks a thousand words. And so a few pics here will speak a few thousand words! See, now that's the beauty of pictures. LOL...

But before that, just a lil intro. Wei Qi is almost 3 years old now. She could be considered my lucky charm. WHY??? I remember when I visited her and my sis in Gleneagles on the day she was born, I received a call from ProJET, answered a simple question and won myself a Sony Ericsson P910 phone.

And just recently, my sis gave birth to a baby boy, Jarod. Don't have many pics of him yet though. Anyway below are some nice ones.

Wei Qi:









Jarod:






Aren't they just adorable? And just in case you guys wonder, Wei Qi has an English name too. It's Jolynn if I'm not mistaken! But mostly prefer to just call her 'Qi'.

Jarod's chinese name is Fan Wei Jun. I gave my sis some fantastic suggestions, but obviously it was an advice she didn't heed. So what was the name I suggested? --> Fan Ok Kei

Recent Updates

Not sure if everyone had a wonderful countdown on New Year's eve, but me and Jan had a quiet countdown at home, over a bottle of red wine!

Just some updates on some recent happenings.

Me and Jan spent a bomb at Ikea and Ikano during 1st Jan on household stuffs and clothings. What a way to start the year 2008! I hope this means more money for us to spend this year!!! LOL

Back at home, my guppies (especially) and sword fishes are multiplying like there's no tomorrow. Look at the pics! I feel I can now become an ad-hoc guppy supplier to those fish shops! Anyway, we are still not getting the species we desire. I guess the 2 distinctive male ones died before multiplying. Pathetic!!!



At the pyramid, we weathered the ferocious 'crowd' and tried for the very first time, J.Co's much talked about donuts! Must admit, personally I'm not a keen donut lover, thus me didn't quite like it. It's more like killing the curiosity in me, finally!





More at the pyramid...tried Famosa's 'Lo Bak Png' (in hokkien) or rather Lu Rou Fan (in Mandarin)...for enthusiasts, it's located at the Asian Street upstairs...it's good I love it...but still incomparable to those I tried back in Taipei!!! **~~yummy yummy slurps~~**



Another signature dish of Famosa's, they call it Taiwan's Rice Sausage, not bad either. They also have the 'O-Ah-Misua' (Oyster Misua), made famous in Taiwan. I remember how delicious it was when I tried it at Shih Lin Night Market, Taipei years back! But back here, no, you can't compare.



And finally, at my cousin's birthday bash, guess who I met? Malaysia's favorite song 'diva' Ning Baizura! She attended my cousin sis' birthday party with her hubby. Managed to get a pic with her after few glasses!

ADIOS 2007, HOLA 2008

The 2007 curtain will be closing on us in just another day's time, allowing a new chapter to unfold in 2008!

This is the time where people starts rewinding, looking back at what they have gone thru in the last 12 months' time. Those remarkable achievements, heart-breaking events, happier moments, etc.

A fair number of people will start jotting down new year resolutions too!

As for myself, what have I done for the past year? NOTHING MUCH!!! All I can remember was I attended lots and lots of wedding dinners towards the end of 2007, I lost count! LOL...

New year resolutions? I don't normally practise that! Pathetic some might think eh...

I live by the days, perhaps by the weeks...more appropriately by the months...LOL...what I mean is I don't actually plan too far ahead. Prefer to take things as they come, or when need be. Not good eh...but that's me!!!

Alright, lets look ahead to 2008. What's in store for me? Well, there will certainly be a big change for me in the new year, at least career-wise. I have resigned from my current company and moving back to the place where my career first started, the 'dreaded' IT city of CYBERJAYA.

I spent 5 years there during my first attachment. There's seriously nothing much there, except for IT companies! Food wise, you got to be content with Malay food, or venture further for better ones, if you're not into Malay food.

Reasons for me leaving?? Good offer! That has got to be the prime reason, for sure. Apart from that, it's only a smooth 12-13 km from my house, as compared to the 25 'traffic-jammed' kilometres I'm currently travelling from home to Subang. 10 minutes of driving is obviously better than 40 minutes of torture!

Enough said, wish me all the best folks! I really hope this will be a good start for me in year 2008! My buddy always say "cari makan susah bang"...indeed...and I always reply him "cari kawan lagi susah bang"...which I find has a fair degree of truth in it as well...

Happy New Year 2008 folks! I wish all of you youthfulness, plentiful of luck & prosperity, and most importantly, abundance of happiness!!!

Signing off with what looks likely to be my last post for the year 2007. See you lots in 2008!

Cheers!

我不配 MV

Remember when I blogged about the movie Secret, I mentioned about this sweet girl Alice Zeng KaiXuan? She was the girl, Qin Yi in that movie if you dun remember.

I was rather surprised and at the same time happy to find her acting in Jay Chou's latest MV, Wo Bu Pei (I'm Not Worthy). A bittersweet MV which depicts a love story between a normal girl and a superstar and all the restrictions or rather hurdles they had to go thru.

Perhaps Jay is trying to reflect on his own personal life, in this song, I dunno. But one thing, he made the right choice in having Alice as the "lead actress" this time! LOL

Below is the translation of the whole song.

This crowded street
Is filled with many people with untold stories...
There is fog on the glass and whose past has been hidden
The look on your face during the last rain
This alley is too confusing and we can't go back to the original story
Days are no longer as green
We have had our arguments again
What's left behind is an empty big space
The seats in the cinema
Have such a distance in between
If there isn't an on-screen partner, it feels like playing chess by yourself
I don't have time
in detail
to pen down everything about you
describing how much I love you
But your already gone leaving a smile
This feeling is no longer right
I have tried to salvage
Just a little bit more, I should have taken more consideration
This feeling I didn't give
As you were unhappy, the tired wishes you made and the compromise
I've neglected them all you actually just wanted someone by your side
This feeling is no longer right
I finally understood
Page by page, I can't bear to flip the scenes
You are tired
You are silently repeating to yourself, and have shed many tears for me
You look so tired
Yet my heart aches and you suffer
You're something I am not worthy of...

Fancy a TATTOO?

Been keeping an interest on tattoos since long time ago. Somehow the plan just didn't materialised, for some reasons.

Searching for a cool design now. It's a lifetime thingy, guess I'd better pick the right one. Will be getting one soon, together with one of my bros.

Speaking of tattoos, Jordin Sparks ROCKS!!! Love her Tattoo song to the max. Love it love it love it...!!! Especially when I stuck the earphone up my ears and blast it with my SE K800i. Feeling --> OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!

No matter what you say about love
I keep coming back for more
Keep my hand in the fire
Sooner or later, I'll get what I'm asking for

No matter what you say about life
I learn every time I bleed
That truth is a stranger
Soul is in danger, I gotta let my spirit be free

To admit that I'm wrong
And then change my mind
Sorry but I have to move on
And leave you behind

[Chorus]
I can't waste time so give it a moment
I realize, nothing's broken
No need to worry 'bout everything I've done
Live every second like it was my last one
Don't look back, got a new direction
I loved you once, needed protection
You're still a part of everything I do
You're on my heart just like a tattoo

(Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you
I'll always have you, I'll always have you)

I'm sick of playing all of these games
It's not about taking sides
When I looked in the mirror, didn't deliver
It hurt enough to think that I could

Stop, admit that I'm wrong
And then change my mind
Sorry but I gotta be strong
And leave you behind

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
If I live every moment
Won't change any moment
Still a part of me and you
I will never regret you
Still the memory of you
Marks everything i do

Reds and Devils Collide

Feelings don’t get any more intense than when the Anfield and Old Trafford juggernauts collide.

Locally, Liverpool vs Everton and Man Utd vs Man City will always be a big deal, but on a global scale Liverpool versus Manchester United is still the biggest fixture in English football calendar.

This weekend, the town will be painted red, reds of Liverpool and reds of Manchester. It's Fergie the Fiery versus Rafa the Rotater.

Singing to the tune of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town : "You better watch out! You better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why...SCOUSERS are gonna cry a river and drown the whole world!!!

UNITED WE STAND!!!

Xmas Fever in Midvalley

It was a public holiday for those in Selangor yesterday. And so we took the opportunity and went to Midvalley for some window shopping. Traffic around Midvalley was out of this world! I guess this is the last shopping complex you would want to go during a public holiday or over the weekends. Moreover it's now the school holidays and festive season. Arrrggghhhh!!!!

Anyway, as usual, Midvalley would be nicely decorated during the festive season. Christmas is no exception. Below are some of the pics I took there yesterday. Apart from the grand centre court decor, almost every corner has a huge christmas tree with unique theme. I took oni 2 of them.

Be there for the real feel and look!

Morning Drive

Just as I was driving to work this morning, reluctantly, but at the same time, having fun listening to the radio, I was wondering which radio station you guys normally tune in while driving?

FYI, I'm not Chinese educated, but surprisingly I prefer tuning in to MyFM, be it in the morning, or while driving back home in the evening. They have loads of games for callers and I truly enjoy those. Not to mention the popular Chinese pop songs which I have a thing for.

Lately, I've been tuning in to MixFM for a change. I came across a couple of new English songs which I like alot. That is the reason why I'm tuning in to an English station --> hoping to catch those songs.

Guess what, now I'm addicted to Phua Chu Kang's call-in every morning. Yes, he calls in to MixFM every morning to give his views and thoughts on the topic discussed in the programme 'He Says, She Says' (MIX Breakfast Show with Ika, Serena C and Pietro), in his usual funny and exhilarating manner. Gosh I always find myself bursting into laughers in the car these days. He's really a joker and he really makes my journey to the office early in the morning, a lot more relaxing and enjoyable.

What about you guys?

Mesmerized

You bet I was.

I was surprised S.H.E. was able to sing as good as in their recording CDs during their concert in Merdeka Stadium last night. No joke man. Boy was I wrong in underestimating their abilities. I enjoyed myself the entire night.

Girl-next-door Hebe, was as sweet as ever. She's got a clear, high-pitched voice. Selina was emotional, cute and sexy. She was always seen giggling on the stage. She performed a solo hot-dance which got the guys salivating (ahem). Her voice, high pitched plus the 'manja' effect. Ella was herself, outspoken, brave and entertaining. She can rap really well.

Together, their performance really got the crowd mesmerized. Not only were they able to sing live, credits to them for being able to entertain and communicate well with the crowd. They belted out their famous numbers in style for the entire 2 hours (more or less). Fans and spectators were seen and heard singing along with them. It was really a nice and unforgettable occasion, glad I was there last night.

They even sang 'Cheng Yan' (Lovers), a song by Beyond. I was telling Jan how I wished they would sing this song live last night. And they did! In fact, it was their second time singing this song during their concert. The first time was back in Hong Kong not too long ago. The whole stadium erupted when they mentioned they were going to sing it there last night. Everyone was singing along, and there was one instance where they asked the crowd to sing solo. Boy, you could really hear the whole crowd singing, I had goosebumps all over. A truly special moment.

Well done and congrats for the successful and wonderful concert last night - Selina, Hebe, Ella and the entire concert team!

Clockwise from top-left:

Hebe, Selina and Ella during their rehearsal earlier that day. Me and my mate Mick, sincerely thanking him for the tix. And lastly, S.H.E. enjoying Malaysian food!

S.H.E. Concert Tonite

It's been long since I last went for a concert. I've been to concerts by Westlife, Aaron Kwok, Faye Wong, Richie Ren and Power Station.

Tonight, it will be my first time watching this Taiwanese girl group performing LIVE. Don't know how well they will be able to sing on stage, but one thing for sure, there will be lots of 'lala' / Ah Beng / Ah Lian in the stadium tonight. LOL

Hopefully it will be an entertaining concert.

Special thanks to my close buddy, who made it possible for me and Jan to attend this concert.

New Fry

My 2 female guppies have just given birth to a new fry, in fact this is the second fry since. While my female sword fish is pregnant again, after giving birth not too long ago. They just seem to get pregnant effortlessly.

Only few baby guppies survived the last time. This time, I decided to remove the whole fry from the big fishes, and placed them in a smaller tank. Hopefully they are able to adapt to the new tank environment fast.

Yay...if all of them survived, I will have 20++ guppies and 5 sword fishes, without having to visit the fish shops...cool....

Bacfree

Did some research and comparison on some of the more reliable point-of-entry(whole house) water filters not too long ago, and finally I opted for Bacfree.

You should consider getting one if you somehow feel that the water for your daily consumption is not up to your standard, or if the water supply is causing staining of your laundry or causing various health issues. It is everyone's rights to do something to improve their water quality.

Important factors I considered before finally settling for Bacfree:-

1) Hassle-free (Low maintenance) - The systems are easy to maintain with a DIY backwash system that cleans the filter.

2) Reverse contamination issue - Bacfree's point-of-entry water filters comes with a Non-Return Valve (Check Valve) that effectively prevents any backflow of dirty water back to the JBA supply pipes.

3) Filtration media - Bacfree uses a multi-medium quartz filter which has multi-layers of carefully selected medium, each of different size, density and functions in addressing the water problems.

4) Warranty - Bacfree offers a warranty period of 5 years for the valves and piping. Lifetime warranty for that 'rocket'.

5) Piping - Backfree uses the stainless steel pipes, whereas most of the rest uses PVC.

4) Real-life experience - My aunt and cousin sister has been using this brand for years and according to them, it's really reliable and their water quality has improved leaps and bounds since.

Cheers.

Rock-a-bye Baby

Rock-a-bye baby, in the tree top
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all

Congratulations to my sis and BIL for the newborn baby Jarod. May my sis recover in no time and may the baby be blessed with lots of tender loving care. Most importantly, be healthy ler...and oh ya, be obedient ler...LOL

OK lah, just a short one here.

Master Filter

Always

The quality of our water in Selangor, is bad, well at least in the place I'm staying -- Seri Kembangan. I'm sure majority of you guys are experiencing this as well. Perhaps it has become a norm staying in Selangor.

Recently

I've been on the lookout for a reliable, hassle-free, yet affordable master filter for our house. Names like Waterco, Pentair, UE-Tec, Diamond and Bacfree came up. Been contemplating these few names for a while now.

Anyone has any experience with the mentioned brands, and would like to share? Recommendations and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

Arigato.

Blogging Blues

I dunno why, but I'm just not in the mood to blog!

I could have blogged about my China trip, the hectic weekend with 2 weddings attended, the new Johor Port project which me and my colleague have been assigned for, etc etc...but I guess I'm just not in it, at least for the moment...it's like something is pulling me back from writing...perhaps I'm giving all sorts of excuses not to blog!

I guess it happens once in a blue moon. What about you guys out there?

~~Hi And Bye~~

I'm back...!!!

But will be gone for a good few days starting from tomorrow...again...!!!

Holidays...!!! Yay...!!!

Just gotten myself a new travel luggage...the old ones which I borrowed from sis are in dire condition...thanks to Air Asia...



And winter clothes...!!! One new one and the other 2 borrowed from my sis and BIL....

I will be back with loads of beautiful pics and interesting posts, soon. It's goodbye from me now...

My Heartiest Condolences

I always believe in fate. But I'm not that kinda person who do nothing and leave everything to happen naturally. No, certainly not that way. What I meant was, I don't like to look back and grieve over the past, or worry about the future too much. I just do whatever that is best to my ability and then let nature takes its own course.

In other words, I'm more concerned about the present, I try to live it beautifully so that it will be worth remembering, and I appreciate whatever or whoever I have now. It has been my way of living, it still is, and will always be.

I always believe things happen for a reason. Good or bad, depends on how you choose to look at it. There will be road bumps along the journey, but we certainly do not stop there. Get over it and move forward. That's life.

But, things are always easier said than done, that's for sure. I've been in difficult situations many times before. Loved ones and close friends were never short of advices and support. But our troubled minds always choose to shut on those caring words at that period of time. More than often we choose to listen to ourselves and land ourselves into further grief. If only we could step out and look into the situation from outside of the circle, things would be much clearer. This way, we can think and act better.

My childhood friend, someone I always treat like a brother, has just lost his mum. I sincerely hope he's strong enough to go through this tough hurdle. My prayers go to his mum, someone I used to see quite often last time, for we stayed quite near to each other during schooling days. May she rest in peace. Deepest condolences to my friend and his family. God bless.

Great Weekend

Had a fairly entertaining weekend. Went back Melaka for my buddy's wedding as mentioned in my earlier post.

All of us were at his house on Friday night. It's the chinese tradition to hold a makan-makan/minum-minum ceremony at the groom's place on the night before the wedding.

It was a fun-filled evening together with the rest. We caught up with each other over satay and beers. Laughters filled the air for long period throughout that evening. Everyone just seemed to have some jokes to crack.

Slept at 3am and woke up at 7am. Time to attend Jacky's wedding ceremony. We bros were there as 'heng tai'. Jacky asked me to fetch the videographer and I had to zig-zag between the wedding car for him to be able to catch a good footage, from the house to the hotel and back. Dunno why Jacky asked me to fetch them, but I didn't complain, just helped out.

In the afternoon, we went for futsal!!! Can you believe it? I can hardly run, let alone kicking. But I reckoned it will be fun, it's been long since the bunch of us played football together. I joined as the goalkeeper. And you bet I was on the losing side. My fault for not keeping the ball out in numerous simple situations. *SIGH* Gimme another half a year or so, I will be back!!!

Wedding dinner was normal. Best thing was the company that I had. The best bunch of friends since my schooling days. We accompanied Jacky for the table-to-table yum seng. Most of us lost our voice after that. But it was great.

Check out some of the pics I've managed to take. Funny pics include Zac and Myke taking the opportunity to pose for the cameras while waiting for the bride and groom outside the hotel, Fabian 'pretending' to be drunk (or was he really GONE that night?), lying on the stage in the aftermath of some consecutive yumsengs, Damian and Mick on the stage testing the microphone...