The Mind-blogging Adventures of bAcKs, me & I

Well, its been a while since my last post…hell I didnt even finish my last post. Some of u (probably a very small number of people who just happen to come accross this boring, uninspiring n hopeless blog) may b wondering what ive been up to since…well its none of ur business! hahah….

Anyway, just to let u know (if u r a least bit interested in what i write) that i’m moving my blog to a different site. Its still under construction, not yet the final masterpiece that i strive for, but doable for now. Hopefully it’ll give me more freedom to b expressive n creative. Click here the link to checkout my new blog - bAcKs! new blog

p.s. - I do plan to finish my last blog…with pics!

28th April 2006 - I’ve been looking forward to this day since the end of last year. An island getaway reunion for SEMESTA batch 9397 (plus a few of our extended SEMESTA family & friends). I took the day off that Friday as it would allow me to take my time with last minute preperations n b at the Putra Bus Terminal without any rush. I even promised Noreen that I’d b there early to help her with unloading stuff (lots of goodies for hamper bought a few days b4 on a Tesco shopping spree)…but alas.. at the last hour or so, I got a call from Fidaz asking me to help get her camera from Una at Desa Pandan (off track from my intended destination). I agreed; but once I got there….$@%^$&%*#!! Short story version; I got the camera; I was late so I made a call so that someone would help out Noreen; got stuck in a jam in front of The Mall (just a 100m away from the  terminal), so lugging my backpack I walked the rest of the way…saw Sunshine n all was well..hehe (didnt I tell u that I had some surprises of my own for this trip!). I’m not angry at anyone, just emotions of the moment. Besides, this day is special to me, but thats another story.

29th April 2006 - After a long bus ride (’bout 8 hours) n sleepless sleep

BLOG UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

This is it….just 1 more day 2 go b4 my school reunion island getaway. We’re goin’ 2 Perhentian, woohoo! Its been months in the planning n organizing. I gotta say, my friends r the best bunch of peolple I know to really get this thing going. I’m psyched n excited ’bout a lot of things; obviously an island paradise surrounded by crystal clear waters is one thing… but I’m hoping on some surprises of my own…hehe…mayb!

Japan… Number 1 on my "Country’s I Most Definitely Want To Visit" list. There is something about Japan, the country…its people; culture & traditions, both modern and days of old.. that fascinates me. Plus, Japanese food is 1 of 2 of my most favorite food. The other being Tex-Mex (think Chilli’s). Sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, tempura n the likes…not at all disgusted by raw fish, if done well of course! Dunno if it has anything to do with my slightly diluted Japanese blood, coming from my late great-grandmother who was a full-blooded Japanese. She was brought up during pre-world war 2 era, here in what would one day become Malaysia. So that makes me 1/8th Japanese…does that even count? Enuff of the family history lesson…

Think Japan and visions of sweeping mountains, misty valleys, cherry blossom trees, ancient temples and a view of Mount Fuji in the horizon comes to my mind. I’ve always marveled at the beauty of the changing seasons in Japan’s countryside n the Japanese-style architecture & gardens. This is the country where samurais n ninjas came to be, of ancient arts & customs, rich in history & traditions. Thats what made me like the movie "The Last Samurai" so much. Sure it starred Tom "wacky on Oprah!" Cruise, but there was more to it than that. The village  in the valley, the samurais n their code of honor (tho I dont think my honor n death by suicide or decapitation have anything to do with each other) n the freakin’ cool katana (samurai sword 4 u dimwits) forged by the village blacksmith; all fascinating  elements in the movie.  Interesting point to note; how come there’s only 1 beautiful girl in the village? I’m not complaining tho, hehe…

My fascination is not just limited to Japan’s countryside n history. The modern megalopolis of Tokyo, its people n lifestyle filled with the cool n the weird. Didja know that on a certain day, at a certain place, (I cant remember the day n place, but I saw it on the Discovery Channel) people hangout there wearing costumes, both colorful n unique. Its not just what they wear, but the characters they portray. U could find the princesses, the goths, the brides, the gangsters, the cowboys, the so-called macho-cool guys n many more lepaking with their respective groups. Man!…only in Japan.

Have u ever seen the movie "Lost in Translation"? Loved it! It starred Scarlett Johansson & Bill Murray in a story set in Japan with its modern day culture & lifestyle set in the background. It’s not a love story, but something deeper…simpler even. Their 2 characters meet by chance, soon develop into a surprising friendship as they venture thru Tokyo, having often hilarious encounters with its citizens, n ultimately discover a new belief in life’s possibilities. To me, this movie is kinda magical in the sense that it speaks to me about life n friendship, about the deeper feelings we have as human beings. Not sure if it makes sense to u…its not easy to put to words. Japan doesnt just serve as a backdrop/location for the movie, but also breathes life as its own character. I dont think it would’ve been the same or even better if it were set somewhere else.

Now I’m going to talk ’bout 3 things from Japan that hav been a growing export; hell, may well already have a huge following in other parts of the world! Manga, Anime & J-dorama.

Manga - or simply meaning Japanese comic. Definitely a huge industry in Japan, n increasingly popular around the world. What is unique about manga is its art style n stories that varies in genres. Its not just all big eyes n cutesy face, as there r stories with incredible detailed artwork (with a certain unique style) n themes that can appeal to many or specifically geared to teens or adults. Not necessarily geared just for kids. It has even influence comic artists n writers from around the world. What sets it apart from them is the imaginative ideas & themes in the many genres, especially when compared to American comics primarily focused on the super-hero genre. Manga’s growing popularity is not even hindered by the black & white artwork…yeah u heard me, no color (usually). Currently I’m checking out "Blade of the Immortal" n "Battle Royale". Definitely not for little kids as the story and artwork can b filled with graphic depictions of violence n mature themes. However, it doesn’t make the artwork on "Blade of the Immortal" any less amazing!

Anime - Japanese animation to me is not just cartoons, but another medium of telling a story. Much like manga, it is diverse in many genres from sci-fi to horror to drama to fantasy to history to comedy to crime…even a combination of genres. Sure, some animes r targeted for kids, some can appeal to many, n some specifically for teens n/or adults. Animes with detailed animation & design n/or interesting characters and stories appeal to me. What is unique is it can be both imaginative in animation n story ideas. I’m sure some of u hav seen or heard of "Spirited Away", "Ghost in the Shell" n " Akira"; popular examples. I dont think it would hav been as good if they were made into live-action movies, considering the budget for such a endeavor. That’s what I meant by animation being another medium for a story. Some of my favorite animes r "Wolf’s Rain" n "Cowboy Bebop", both complemented by an awesome soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno. Seriously, if ur not tone deaf u’ll love it or at least appreciate the music. Currently enjoying titles like "Nana", "Mushi-shi" n "Blood+"…life drama with humor; horror of sorts, haunting in a way; action with lil’ bit of horror (respectively).

J-dorama - in other words, Japanese Drama. Probably the least popular of the 3, but still quite favored. Sure most of them r basically love stories filled with bits of tragedy n life drama, but what I like ’bout them is also the Japanese unique brand of humor in the stories. Japanese humor is probably more obvious in mangas & animes, but still appeals to me when watching J-dramas. Of course I’m a sucker for the stories (or is it the actresses?). Among my favorites r "Good Luck", "GTO", "Shotgun Marriage" n "Pride". The latter got me hooked on its opening theme song…Queen’s "I Was Born To love You", a must on my music playlist.

I could go on more about my fascination with Japan n in even further detail, but suffice to say that it would b a dream come true to one day visit this country. I’ve been meaning to learn the language but never really focused on that. Hmmm…mayb I should, but I dont know if I’m up to learning a whole new language this late in my life (like I’m that old!). I would really love to go to one of those festivals that they celebrate there…n c cherry blossoms. But damn it! y oh y is it damn costly to travel around Japan! One day… mayb!

Blood is spilled
without sympathy
Blood is splattered
for game that’s deadly
There is no end
to this destructive path
No end
to this sight of death
Life cease by this monstrosity
Blood and gore
no stranger
to this monster called WAR

Rags and bones
those who hunger
Poverty strikes
lashed out in anger
Pain and fear
to those who suffer
The innocence and purity
of life they plunder
Under the might of man
do famine spread
do death ravage
infinity dead
Brutality and savagery
machinations of WAR
Lust for power
motivations of WAR

I hear the suffering
a whisper, "Help me!"
goes a dying breath
unheard goes this plea
I see the suffering
coloured with blood
red rain in pain
do tears flood
I feel the suffering
such burden in life
for it seeps through the soul
a painful strife

Where is our humanity
our soul not wrath
Why is life tainted
by this endless bloodbath
What is ahead
of this darkened path
Who is he
this reaper of death

If a world collapse
there is only hope
Hear me man
life hangs on a thread, not rope

Note: This was something I wrote years ago for my school magazine, so pardon the simple way I expressed my feelings on the subject matter of WAR. I recently found it under a pile of my stuff back home, and thought it would be good to share it with you guys (& gals). Our world is as fragile as the people who inhabit it, but can be as strong and wonderful as the people who inhabit it. It’s a delicate balance the path the human race walks in; the relationship within humanity, human beings to human beings; and humanity’s relationship to nature and the environment. World War 3 may not be a topic in today’s media, but look past the geography, the politics, the peacefulness of our everyday lives… and really look at the conflicts happening in our world. Despite ‘peace’ and ‘freedom’ here… there is still pain and suffering somewhere else in the world; and to those who live there, it could very well be World War 3 to them. As we share the same planet, what path do you think we are headed (or being led to)? Feel free to share this and spread it around. Copy it, paste it, post it somewhere else… and just maybe we could make a difference.

Thats how old my granddad is now… n his birthday was last Sunday, the 19th of February.  He has 10 children, 39 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren n counting. Our big family is still ever growing (of course this is only on my moms side). I feel quite blessed to have such a great family, especially a granddad who is funny, warm n cheerful. Despite his age n health, he has never let that be a hindrance to spend time n enjoy the company of family n friends. He has travelled around the world n been to many places that i’ve only dreamed about. So that says a lot about him already.

As to celebrate the occasion of my granddads 81st birthday, our family had a BBQ picnic at Teratak Anisa in Janda Baik. The place belongs to my uncles in-laws. I was quite at awe when arriving there, surrounded by lush greenary with the river running thru in front. That day was so much fun… lots of food, BBQuing n it wouldnt b complete without a dip in the rivers cool waters…mandi sungailaaa… Us cuzins (around 20 of us or so) even had a game of tap rugby. We used a football instead tho…n threw the rule book out the window (n into the river..hehe). U can imagine how the game was, considering most of the cuzins r still kids (n the rest r still kids at heart). So much fun! Plus, there were 3 birthday cakes… a chocolate cake, a strawberry sponge cake & a carrot cake.. n of course I had 1 of each!

I was so exhausted by the end of it, tho I wish we could have stayed longer, n my only regret was that I didnt even get a chance to eat the home-made burgers!

I surelaaa… ini Buli Balik aaa.. banyak best wooo!

With those simple words, I’d like u all out there to go n watch this movie… NOW! Its the sequel to Afdlin Shauki’s directorial debut Buli; 10 times more funny! The movie is hilarious n u’ll not regret it. From start to finish, Buli Balik never fails to entertain with its brand of comedy, albeit not all original in context but that didnt stop me from laughing my @$$-off. Many guest stars were featured in it providing some funny scenes.

Buli Balik is not purely a comedy. It has some drama, giving the characters depth & emotion where we can relate. Thats what makes it worth watching too. So its not all gags & laughs… there r some heartfelt moments, serious moments n sad moments that almost made me cry (just holding back the tears in all machoness…haha..). Mayb its just me… I guess I’m a softie at heart (yeah rite!). Nevertheless, the drama does not make it any less entertaining, just much more worth watching.

I gotta admit, this is definitely one of the best Malaysian movies out there… n hey, its got Nasha Aziz in it. Aaahhh*sigh*…Nasha.. Malaysias own. Paired-up with Afdlin (with chemistry to boot!), gives many average joes something to hope for. One can only dream…*sigh*…

Another thing I like ’bout this movie is the soundtrack mostly done by Afdlin Shauki, I think. It just puts u in the rite mood n adds more to the emotion. Afdlin Shauki is one talented guy. I greatly admire his creativity n his humor. After hearing the song "U sure’r not?" sung by Patrick Teoh, u’ll know the movie’s already worth watching.

On another unrelated note, did anyone watch this new local series which aired last nite (Sunday) on 8tv called KL Lights? The show’s ’bout a girl, Nadia n her quirky friends as they navigate through the emotional baggage of KL-lites. A mix of drama & comedy (dramedy…is there such a word?), where the characters speak a mix of malay n english. Quite interesting; deifinitely will attract urban Malaysia to the show. Me… I love it already, just coz Daphne Iking is in it, even tho she’s in a supporting role. Lovely Daphne…*sigh*…

Last week was a blast! Left for Phuket, Thailand on the 1st of February for an awesome dive trip… and for the next 4 days & 3 nites out on a boat in the Andaman Sea; going from island to island; dive site to dive site; eat & sleep on South Siam’s M & B 2 (the name of the boat).

Unless ur one to easily get sea sick, u’ll definitely love spending time hangin’ out with full view of the most majestic blue in the wide open sea, with cool sea breeze in ur face… u can just smell the salt water in the air.

Sleeping cabins may not b the luxury type, but there’s no stopping me…or my brothers from sleeping soundly as our boat gently rocks back n forth  above the waves. If the cabins r a little cramp 4 ur style, u could always spend the nite up on deck, better still up on the sun deck underneath the stars. With a cloudless sky… the stars lite up the nite!

I did a total of 9 dives. Couldve done 10 ‘cept I got sick after the the 5th dive, had a bout of vomiting probably due to the rough waves. So unlucky me had to sit out 1 dive just to clear my head of any wooziness.

Once underwater, its a totally different world filled with many odd-shaped colorful corals and other sealife; where strong currents can be unpredictable and the temperature rise n fall in an instant. I saw leapord sharks, moorish idols, morey eels, jellyfish and the biggest find was a manta ray that was 3-4 m wide. Could be bigger. Other sealife to be found are groupers, triggerfish, shrimps, nemos (a.k.a. clown fish) and many more that I dont even know what they’re called.

The view underwater mayb magnificent n beautiful, but that doesnt mean that the world above is any less amazing. Its exactly like what u c on postcards and travel magazines, probably even better once ur actually there. Seeing the sun set on the sundeck filled me with serenity n soothing calmness, much like the sea around me… tranquil. The pics below were taken at Similan Island, one of the dive sites on the trip.

After 3 nites out at sea, the final nite was out seeing the sites n nitelife of Phuket. Much has been rebuild since the tsunami. U could c signboards on the streets directing u 300 m inland should another tsunami wave hit. I stayed at the Patong Resort, a short walk away from the beach. The most popular spot in Phuket to experience its nitelife is along Bangla Road. 4 those of u who have been there… u know what the attraction is. I aint gonna elaborate..hihi..trust me, experience it 4 urself! One thing I can say is, from what I obsereved, Phuket is definitely a popular tourist spot with its own uniqueness. Lots of mat salleh especiallly, n the single fat ones can b seen walking with a local escort (if u know what i mean…*snicker*). They must b damn drunk or really desperate coz… let me b blunt.. their escorts r ugly! Well most of them anyway. Hell, even some of the transsexuals look prettier!

Not to make it sound ominous, scary or give the impression of any bad omen happening… its just kinda cool for a title, since it was on Friday the 13th after all. Quite opposite to what the title of my blog may suggest, the day itself was a grand and joyous occasion. Before the reception of my cuzin’s wedding, lots of work had to be done. When I arrived that morning, the hall where the reception was to be held was bare empty, save for the pelamin on the stage area (which was mostly completed). The tables n chairs hadnt even arrived yet. I thought to myself… man, definitely a lot of work is ahead! Well, thanks to the help of our huge family…cuzins, aunties n uncles, even the maids.. everything was done by the time the guests arrived. I gotta say, as a family we can really pull it together.

After unloading stuff for the wedding, me n my cuzin Aidyl were off to put up the signs… u know, just in case some guests have a hard time reading the map n need a little visual aid….hahah.. Right after Friday prayers, off we went; driving around TTDI (the reception was held at the Community Hall in TTDI) like mad men (well, not really…just sounds frantic considering people usually put up the signs at least a day b4, not a few hours b4!). But it was fun in a sense, heheh… n as we put up the final sign it began to rain. Lucky us!

That nite, after ushering the guests, I was tasked to carry a basket filled with telur pindang to give out to the guests…normal stuff. Me, I was all for the food, n damn was it good food! Nasi Briyani Kambing n all… I’m going hungry just thinking ’bout it.. (drooling all over) hmmm…yumm..

Let the pics tell the rest of the story…

iqqie, me, nadia & nabila

anip & amira giving out telur pindang

aida, ajin (with wide smile) & me

kaiyie, zufar & our granddad

the macho cool dudes among the flowers

cuzins gone wacky!

my little brother haziq & kak pah

my family with the celebrated couple

Its past 1am. I should b asleep by now…snoozy doozy…but gotta keep the blog alive..heh. Going to my grandparents tomorrow, so I’ve been up all nite rolling pulut panggang as potluck 4 tomorrow.

My cuzins akad nikah went well. Altho it was raining heavy, n even had tree branches falling on the road, it didnt sour our moods nor hinder our spirits. Got delayed a bit tho…but alls good. We had 9 hantaran trays n I got to carry the one with the wedding ring n mas kahwin. I’m most impressed with the hantaran shaped like a birds nest with chocolate eggs, fake birds n all. Nice…delicious looking actually…haha.

Still got the wedding reception to prepare. Thats all 4 now.