when drama plays on a boy - inactive

Final Announcement

2008-05-09T17:46:00.005+08:00

Hey people! Know what? For one reason I think pulling myself off from blogging would only make me the losing end. Hence yes, I think I will be back blogging but no longer on When Drama Plays On A Boy. I will launch a new private blog where I invite my readers (I am sorry that even some of you are really close to me, I may not extend this invitation to you. I dearly hope that you understand and value our friendship greater than this).

However, having said so, I will only invite people starting on September 1st, 2008 - the official launch date of that blog for public eyes (public in this context means readers). Up from now till August 31st, I will be blogging on that blog but without readers reading my entries.

Yes, a friend of mine, Shuhada told me what's the point of me blogging then - I write and I myself read. Well here's an explanation for you and the others who are I bet curious to know, I do not blame you guys for the curiosity. It's what I call self-satisfaction. Sometimes life is too short and we just may not know when we are called back from where we came from - so why not document our life's little bits. At least, even if it's hidden, one day there is a substantial amount of truth lying there for those who seek it.

Back to the new blog, I am doing it on a very small scale - no adverts, no fancy items etc. If you guys have noticed, I have removed my shoutbox from this blog. It presently appears on my new blog hence the reason.

I have also removed certain page elements on this blog so that even after my leaving, this blog can live its legacy. I will not delete anything further from this blog. The ad panels would remain here although I will no longer pay great attention to them. Together let the memories of When Drama Plays on A Boy live forever.

It has been great for the past year and a half writing my scribblings on this wonderful piece. I have attracted lots of readers in that period of time. I thank all of you people for supporting me!

We will meet again soon. Do drop by YouthMalaysia.com where I will still be contributing as a Youth Amplifier writer. They even may have something new in store for me that would surprise all of you - hint. So yes, stay tuned for me there. Should you need to contact me for correspondence or friendship, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at faris[dot]kabeer[at]gmail[dot]com.

A very big thank you again. Take care.

Lots of love,
Riz

p/s: the 'about the blog author' section on this blog is last updated in early May 2008. Thus, updates after that would not be rectified and republished. For the latest version, the information can be obtained on my new blog come September 2008 - limited for invited readers only. Also, links on this blog linking other pages are correct and workable as per early May 2008. They will not be updated after this.

A timely move.

2008-05-05T15:32:00.004+08:00

Dear wonderful readers of mine. What I have today on my entry would move some of you to question why this and why that. To all of those questions, an explanation would precede my announcement in this very entry.

Some of you may have noticed that over the past few weeks, I have downsized my Friendster account, deleted my Facebook account and changed my Windows Live ID. Also, some of you might have realised the unique domain rizfares.com is no longer accessible as effective 1st May 2008, I have canceled its subscription. The unique domain would not be sold to the open market up to 19th October 2008. However, please let me reiterate that ANY website created or redirected from the domain rizfares.com after May 1st 2008 does not originate from me, and hence I would like to inform that I have nothing to do with those. Please let me assure that the public Blogger domain name : www.surviving-a-drama-life.blogspot.com would remain active and that no cancellation would be done.

Why all of these? Ever once felt that you have stalkers even you are not one big celebrity. Yes, I am experiencing that now. Not that I have not gone through this before, but recent developments have gone overboard and I have no choice but to take these measures into account.

Oh yes, before I continue, let me inform to all readers (and stalkers alike), that I have been confirmed a place into King's to study my desired course. I will hence leave somewhere very early in September - that also indicates that I will not be celebrating the Eid-ul-Fitr in Malaysia. London is going to be tough and fun at the same time and I hope everything turns out to be good and for the best.

Recently, I have got to know of users on social networking websites such as Friendster and Facebook to have been printing out (or saving images) from my profile. These images have then been shown to certain parties that indeed have smeared my name. As a regular teenager, it is normal for me to socialize with friends and have some amount of fun. I know my limits and for God's sake I am turning 20 this year. I am not even in school anymore! Oh well, but we are stuck with people living in the Stone Age, hence, some amount of fun, for them, equates to being OUT OF CULTURE. I think culture needs to change on par with time. Why don't we take all good elements from all cultures and fuse it? Make it one global decent culture?

The real thing that happened in simple terms: SOME PEOPLE TOOK MY PICTURES ON FRIENDSTER/FACEBOOK, SHOWED THEM TO THEIR PARENTS/FAMILIES WHICH DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS. HENCE THEY BADMOUTHED ME TO MY DAD WHO'S NOT LIKE A DAD AT ALL AS HE THINKS OUTSIDERS SPEAK NOTHING BUT ALL TRUTH. SO YES. GO FIGURE. All of these started with my brother being attacked first but indeed it has spread to me as well. I mean why would people even bother? It's not like my dad puts a bounty or anything if anyone reports of our ill-doings. Plus, what did we do anyway that's so out of the norm?

I am also not spared from the mouths of real people - out of the virtual cyberworld. Wild accusations have been put on me and my brother. Some say they have spotted me in Batu Feringghi indulging myself into vice. What the fish people? Yes, I do go to Batu Feringghi often, but to hang out with my friends buying DVDs and other cheap items. And, of course, the beach. Duh~. And if someone see me out late? How late is that? The latest I get back home is at 2am. Now, I do not think I owe anyone an explanation for this but I have no choice, apparently in this part of the world it looks like I DO. A guy said I was out on New Year's Day with a couple of girls. Want to know the real deal? They are Nabilla and Inaz along with Nabilla's two foreign friends from UWC. And guess what? We went for a barbecue by the beach which included MANY PEOPLE - OUR EX SCHOOLMATES. They are non Muslims so we felt a little bit uncomfortable as utensils for the barbecue used may have been used for non-halal meat etc. Of course we did not tell them! Why? OF COURSE BECAUSE WE FRIGGIN KNOW THAT THEY ARE HUMAN TOO, AND THAT THEY HAVE FEELINGS AS WELL. SO WE WERE POLITE BY TELLING THEM WE HAD OTHER PLANS FOR THE NIGHT. So now, tell me, seeing me in Tari Cafe at New Year's eve around 12am(duh that's the whole point!) - what's wrong with that? I mean come on, it's not like I go out every night. And I think it's the first time I went out on New Year's Eve in my entire life. I have been putting my life so much into academics in the past that I missed out what regular teenagers do.

And yes, speaking of my dad who does not understand me or my brother. We need to take care of his 'status' of being a politician. What crap is that? We did not choose this life of ours. It may look like a perfect life - the big house, access to cash and gadgets. But he's in politics - his enemies would go to great lengths by even to sabotaging my brothers, my mom and I who have nothing to do with my dad's political career. This year, he is going to contest for a post in his good-for-nothing party. So yes, many of his so-called advisers has told him to convey messages to me and my brothers, that we need to be extra careful of whom we mix with and where we go etc. I know all that crap, but I still do not get the point why because of him that I need to sacrifice my fun life. Is not that a selfish act? My teenage life does not come by again, and mind you I'm going to be 20 this year! Do you guys want to know an interesting fact? I have never been clubbing in Penang (which makes me wonder about a text message I got from an acquaintance saying I'm a good dancer. Hello, where have you seen me dancing mate? You go clubbing in Penang or KL, I don't. I have to wait for far-away trips for it. And I can count my number of times going clubbing. Twice to be exact. Once in Sarawak and another time in Singapore.). I simply cannot risk myself going to club in KL or Penang. Well I have to face the fact right, how on Earth would you want me to avoid everyone? So for now, the best thing to do is not do it. Oh well, like I said, I can't wait to go off for my studies. At least, to a certain extend, I will get my social life back.

It's not that I am lacking anything academically with my increased social life status. Look at my records, they have been rather quite good. Well, it's just the mentality of the people here that I am getting seriously sick off. I am not generalizing it to everyone, but majority of the people here have the mindset of getting too much obsessed with other people's lives. Where is the sense and integrity of one's privacy lying? It's as good as gone.

So well, after saying so much here goes my announcement:

I will be taking a hiatus from blogging on my personal blog. I am not going to promise on the actual date that I will be back but I can assure you I will be back someday to continue. However, I can say that when I come back, I will most definitely run a new blog on smaller scale, with no fancy unique domain IDs etc. Please do come by this blog to check if I have launched a new blog.

To note as well, I have downsized my Friendster account - with minimal profile information, one 'decent' but hot picture, no featured friends and finally no fancy blog layout with media elements. I have deleted my previous Facebook account and have since created a new one. However, this new account would remain private from the general crowd as I plan of only adding my friends that I get to know in the UK. No offence, but I think that is the best for all of us. In fact, I am quite lenient in the sense, I am not deleting anyone from Friendster that have already been in my friends' list. Only that, any random add ups after this would be rejected. The blog's unique domain measure and going on a hiatus is simply a precautionary action to avoid stalkers keeping a close eye on me. I have also seen hate posts directed to me; while I do not see a direct link but I can figure. Now, I think what I say or put for the general public to read about myself is simply for personal satisfaction. I do not force anyone to read or give nasty comments. If I say go fuck off on my Windows Live nick, why do you even bother giving so much attention to it? It's not like I know you well or anything! Hence, with this also, I have created a new Windows Live ID, which will not be public known. I have 'cleansed' my list and only those known to me are added on the new account. As for Yahoo! Messenger is concerned, at present, I am leaving my account as it is. Although I do not know half the people in it, it does not pose a great risk for me.

I have also relinquished duties on Style & Life : Lifestyle and passed it to my long time friend, Shuhada Rabi. However, my duties as a Youth Amplifier (writing jobs) on YouthMalaysia.com would remain until such time where I resign but I have no immediate plans of doing so. So, for those of you who are eager to follow up my writings on general issues, especially those pertaining to youths in Malaysia; do log on to www.youthmalaysia.com. Articles originate from username rizfares are my articles. At times, my Editor uses the name Faris Kabeer, Faris Ahmad or Ahmad Faris when she publishes my featured articles, so please be aware of that.

It has been a great pleasure writing on a constant basis for the past few months. So much so of some of you are regular to this blog, I enjoyed every moment of it. Thanks for all the great support and most definitely I will stay connected through the blog should I have any updates of coming back. I will not delete this blog, no worries.

Take care.

Lots of love,
Riz

Till we meet again.

just wondering...

2008-04-30T04:13:00.001+08:00

Well, my site statistics show that there are hits registered from the UNITED STATES on my website. This has been active very much in the past weeks. So to that particular (or more) visitor from the United States, care to introduce yourself.

Please leave your 'hi' on my shout box or simply by commenting this article. I'm quite puzzled who are you (guys). It would seriously be fun if you're some random person. LOL.

I think I only have one friend and a relative in the US (of that I know of thoroughly). I doubt both of them have my blog link hence the whole drama of being puzzled.

I know it's silly, but please, I do want to know. I know my UAE hits and Norway hits; they come from people I am very familiar with!

Take care.

Love,
Riz F

Boredom.

2008-04-28T21:28:00.002+08:00

I do get bored these days, even when I do have things to do. LOL. So today I spent my afternoon posing!

And these two are my personal favourites!

Love,
Riz

p/s: I have nothing to update. It's just been a regular day-to-day routine life these days. I'll update if I have interesting things to update. Take care and always stay tuned!

Music enthusiasts, here's your call!

2008-04-23T17:27:00.002+08:00

This/Parts of this article has also been featured as a non-paid blog entry on YouthMalaysia.com. Paid articles written by Riz F on YouthMalaysia.com does not appear anywhere on his personal blog. Hence to access those paid articles, please log on to www.youthmalaysia.com. He uses the name Riz Fares, Faris Ahmad and Faris Kabeer for paid articles on YouthMalaysia.com.

Come this May 2nd to 4th, Penang will play a generous host to music troupes from around the world performing at the Penang World Music Festival. Held for the second time in the island state, the previous inaugural edition of it proved to be a huge success attracting some 5000 fans.

The music festival features ethnic and world music in its performances. The event was first planned to be held every July (as it was first held in July 2007). However it is changed and rescheduled to be held somewhere around May. This is because Penang experiences wet weather conditions during the months after June. However, again, due to recent global weather changes, we are not too sure whether changing it to the month of May would be of any help. Nevertheless, we still anticipate that Penang would be poured with music enthusiasts from around the world. Last year, even with the heavy downpour on the very first day of the festival, the crowd ignored mother nature's rain and ironically indulged in it. Many chose to stay on getting drenched and danced the night. For others, they simply cuddled under the cloudy night skies and enjoyed the shows.

The Penang World Music Festival features a very unique concept whereby it is held in an open-air jungle environment - a very good fusion of tribal music and surrounding greeneries. Even more interesting, there are no seats for this event and one gets to choose where to sit - and you can even choose to move around while enjoying the show. There are stalls set up nearby selling merchandises and light refreshments. Public facilities like public toilets are scattered all around, even with mobile units supplied by the Penang Municipal Council.

This year, as the organizers anticipate the weather to be fair, all of us could expect sitting 'under the stars on the green grass having a good time'. What's best is seeing the event being attended by all walks of life.

A word of advice: do bring in your mats and umbrellas. They may come in just as handy as it gets. On another note, it is good to avoid brining in chairs etc as this will obstruct other spectators from getting a good view of the shows.

Tickets are priced at 50.00 MYR for adults while children are admitted at 20.00 MYR. Students can look forward to enjoy a 20% discount by producing their student ID/matric card during tickets' purchase. MBF credit card holders do get a 30% off their ticket price; up to 5 tickets per card holder. For those of you staying out of Penang, the organizers have worked with several travel agencies to even have special tour packages to suit yourselves. For example, you may even tour Penang's best and attend the festival at night - they have 3D2N packages. For the three days, the shows start at 7.30pm and last till 12.00am and will be held at the Botanic Gardens. Tickets can be purchased through selected travel agents, promotion kiosks, and online. Log on www.penangworldmusicfestival.com to find out more about the festival and to purchase your tickets. Some of you may want to attend for only one night, and that is possible as well!

The Penang World Music Festival is an event not to be missed! So mark your calendars and set up to flood Penang.

See you there.

In no instance the writer or the medium this article is delivered should be held responsible should you experience any damage whatsoever from benefiting the use of this article. The writer or the medium this article is delivered are not affiliated in any way with the places, products or people mentioned in the article.

Skincare For Men

2008-04-22T21:02:00.002+08:00

This article is dedicated mainly for the guys out there! Of course, their girlfriends and partners or lovers can always hop in to read.

We always hear the world saying 'looks does not matter' every now and then and that 'the heart is what that counts', well think again, and this time do not be in denial. It is the 21st century and it is definitely a big lie if how personal outlooks do not affect oneself. Having good-looks is another thing - that is predetermined in life; of course there's plastic surgery but why go under the knife for no concrete reasons. However, looking good is a thing we all can decide in life. It can come from many aspects such as body weight, wardrobe choice, make up, skin quality, fragrances etc. Women have been very much obsessed with these from those days, however, we can see the trend affecting the male population in recent days. This cannot be avoided, hence the males do need to take some serious action to adapt themselves to this trend. With metrosexual icons on the rise, it is a key to be noticed these days or there you will fall blending in the background.

No, no one is asking the men to unleash their feminine side, but merely taking more concern and care towards their personal outlook. We are living in 2008 not in the 50s. Looking good will definitely boost one's confidence and hence create a quality life. Now, this article would focus more on skin care rather than the other aspects said earlier. Men do need to realise that it is inborn in the male genetics that onset puberty, men do produce more sebum on their skin. This leads to oily skin surfaces which would later lead to pimple formation. All thanks to the facial hair in men, shaving irritations do occur on men's skin more often than women as the skin is always irritated with the movements of the shaving blade. Imagine this: try taking a knife and shave a regular spot on your hand everyday. That's how men's facial skin is treated everyday. Though facial hair varies with ethnicity. all men do experience this, of course, if they are diagnosed with a certain medical condition.

Many men think taking a little bit care of their face translates to being a women, relinquishing their machoness. It is weird that they do not realise that is the reason why some women go 'ewww' after looking at them. They of course do not look appealing. So guys, here's a tip; start by taking care your face. For starters, it can be a little bit tedious to start a regime of facial care - noting the fact men are not the best example of being tidy and detailed.

The present market offers a plethora of skin product ranges for men. It can get very annoying and difficult to settle with a brand. There are also different price ranges to look at. Not only that, it is interesting to find out how different individuals react differently to different brands and products. Sometimes, certain products are really not a necessity to care for one's skin.

If your skin does not react to lower end facial cleansers, then by all means go for them. Not only you save on the bucks, you are a few steps closer for a better looking skin. However, not all of us are the same, and some of us do need to make the sacrifice on the bucks. For these people, it is suggested that you consult a skin specialist or get a skin review done before committing to a produce because to your surprise ; some products really can get you down with bad irritations. You may end up having a bumpy red face instead. After getting your skin consulted, you may then settle with certain products.

Biotherm seems to be a cool brand to settle with. They, however, are quite not systematic and appealing in their marketing strategy. Many men find it too troublesome getting their 'right' products as Biotherm's line for men, Biotherm Homme of fers too many products. To top that, some products do have a clashing feature, meaning they have the same properties and only differ slightly - perhaps for night or morning usage. After reviewing Biotherm, it is still undeniable that cleansers and exfoliators from Biotherm would leave one's skin very supple and soft. Most importantly it gives back the shine and glow of one's skin; no matter what age you're at. Sometimes, even if you are young, the tremendous stress that you undergo might kill the glow of your skin. What's best if not looking good on a Saturday night out with friends, right?

However, recently another brand launched its product range for men. Thoug h not fancy as other brands, most products from this brand does not add fragrance nor colour to their skin care line - they still to essentiality. Clinique launched their men range last year - Skin Supplies for Men. In this range, one could find products for skin care, hair care and body care. The products are featured very systematically that it takes less than 30 minutes to decide which products that one needs to suit his face and skin. Leaving their hair care and body care for your own evaluation, their skin care features very simple essential products for all men plus a few optional products for aging men. Their for-all-men essential products is arranged in a 3-step manner; face washes, scruffing lotions and M lotions. They have several products in their cleanser face wash range in which one gets to choose according to his preference and skin type; they have solid face soap and liquid face wash - also with different strengths. Their scruffing lotions on the other hand features 4 types of strengths to suit an individual's skin type. Finally, their M lotions comes in three types to suit again depending on one's skin type. Now, you may be wondering what skin type am I? No worries, go to any Clinique counters or boutiques, they would be glad to conduct a free evaluation and advise you on the products you should need on their 3-step programme. If you feel you are aging with lines starting to form on your face, their optional skin products would just do the trick; eye hydrator, line minimizing gel and oil control hydrator pore minimizing formula. These latter products are however not in the essential 3-step programme. If you are a phobe in real life consultations, you may want to log on www.skinsuppliesformen.com to get a free online evaluation. Usually if you opt for the essential 3-step products, you can expect them to cost between 250-350 MYR. These if used properly, can last up to three months with daily usage. Note that their shaving range is not featured in the skin care range.

Application is really simple actually! Cleanse, Remove Dead Skin Cells and Hydrate.

So to all the men out there, what are you waiting for, take these simple steps, look good and enjoy what life has to offer.

Good Italian cuisine to dine in Penang!

2008-04-21T21:32:00.010+08:00

Fancy Italian cuisine anyone?

Well just recently I got the opportunity to dine at one of Penang's best Italian restaurant. It was to commemorate my brother's and mom's birthdays (we have this tradition of going out for 'strictly family' dinners especially to celebrate special occasions - not that we do not go out at other times). Do enjoy the pictures and some quick facts about my dining experience!

Peppino
Peppino is one of the in-house restaurants of the Golden Sands Resort in Penang. Golden Sands Resort is managed by the famous Shangri-La group. The Shangri-La line is co-owned by Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok (who also owns Malayan Sugar through Kuok Brothers). Described by the employees in Peppino, Mr Kuok is a very humble guy and this trait is passed on to his children and grandchildren. They do come by once in a while to dine there - So people, you may never know if you get the chance to meet him. Peppino starts serving at 6.30pm daily and take their last order at 10.30pm. Having reservations done would be a good idea if you plan to dine during peak seasons when the hotel occupancy rates are nearly full/full. Golden Sands Resort can be reached at +604-8861911.

Food served
Peppino serves all-Italian food. From bruschettas to lasagnas, you may even imagine yourself in little Italy for awhile. They are children friendly, having said that, they have kiddy meals to compliment kids. They have quite a number of dishes as well. According to a staff member, the menu changes every now and then to suit timely needs. However, signature dishes are usually maintained as Peppino has many regulars coming back for more. During peak seasons (Christmas and New Year for example), the usually serve set meals rather than a la carte meals.

Staff and ambiance quality
I would personally rate the staff and service at Peppino to be of a distinguished level. Not only they are friendly, the team is very helpful - come on, not everyone is well versed with what the Italians eat!. They take a very personal interest to attend to each and every patron dining in there. I must say that the team there are made up of old-timers, some of which have joined the Golden Sands Resort for 20 years or more. They are very well versed with customer relations and have the best PR one could find in recent days. The ambiance of the place suits an Italian restaurant and its target group. Peppino is made for all-ages, and is not a fine-dining restaurant. Hence, you may admit kids below 12 and dress 'not-so-formally'.

Food quality
Peppino is an award-winning restaurant featuring a mix of good chefs. At present, the chefs are local headed by a Chinese man. Ironically as it sounds, the food however are as authentic Italian as it can get. So no worries. In fact, my family and I have heard about Peppino many years back but it only settled this time that we actually found out where exactly it is located. We were having problems finding out where 'the best Italian restaurant' in Penang was, we thought it was in a different hotel and each time we dined we would look out for an Italian restaurant only to no avail. From a personal experience, I would recommend you to try their lasagnas. They serve one of the very best lasagnas I have ever tasted in my life - I tried their Lasagna Tradizionale.

Alcohol and Halal issues
For Muslim patrons who wish to dine in Peppino, do not worry at all as they are very Muslim-friendly. All meals are pork-free, in line with Shangri-La's policy in Malaysia. Also please note that they only use imported meat for their dishes ; they are all Halal meat as they Malaysian government only allows import entry of Halal meat into Malaysia (if they are regular meat - Chicken, Lamb, Beef). Alcohol beverages are served in the restaurant but you can always find an array of non-alcoholic beverages besides sky juice =D Some of the dishes use wine in its preparation - you may tell the waiter that you want it to prepare in a Halal manner, in which the wine would be omitted. Please take note that they will do this only where possible as some dishes simply would not turn out without wine. The basic food menu indicates if alcohol is used in the meal's preparation.

Exclusive Dining Club privileges
There are two Shangri-La hotels at the Batu Feringhi beach stretch in Penang namely the Golden Sands Resort and the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. They are at present running a by-invitation only dining programme called the Exclusive Dining Club whereby members get a 20% off their dining bill. They are also entitled for booking priorities and room published rates discounts. Besides that, they also carry out special promotions from time to time. This April for example, EDC members would get 40% off their food bill if they dine on Mondays-Thursdays. So look out for a friend who has the EDC membership! You will save a lot. *hints*

Special occasions at Peppino
If you were to celebrate a special occasion in Peppino, they do cater for that as well - at their restaurant. You will need to arrange with them a few days earlier though. This can be done by contacting them by telephone. At times, they may give complimentary cakes/desserts (like they did for my brother) and even treat you with special live band performances.

Pricing
As per hotel dining is concerned, you cannot expect something cheap. However, based on my personal experience, the food is worth for what you pay in Peppino. It is not overly priced like fine dining in Rasa Sayang's Feringghi Grill but it is somewhat on the higer side. A decent meal for five would cost around MYR 600.00. So do the Maths! Plus, we do not dine in hotels on a daily basis.

How to get there
Most Penangites are familiar with the hotels stretch in the Batu Feringhi area but if you happen to be a tourist in Penang looking for the best Italian food in town (do try the local food as well ok, Penang's a food haven), then you may find this information useful. Look out for sign boards heading towards Pulau Tikus and then when you start seeing boards to Batu Feringghi, follow those signages. You will end up on a windy road. Upon that, you shall be able to see the first hotel on your right - Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. You will need to start to slow down, the Golden Sands Resort is just right after Rasa Sayang (they are side by side). You can find ample of free parking spaces to park your car if you are driving. Proceed to the hotel lobby and Peppino should be on your right.

Overall star rating.
3.75/5

A dessert my youngest brother had.

My family and I. Sorry that the picture has been edited as the capture quality was really bad - we snapped it using my brother's sick camera which auto produces bad images when its battery runs really low.

Filleto di manzo ed agagosta; a small piece of beef and an equal portion of lobster.

Italian breads served as complimentary starters.

A type of bruschetta we ordered as starters.

Peppino

Macedonia; a unique Italian dessert which mixes fruits, egg, wine and ice cream in its recipe. It is baked for awhile in the oven before served. Well ok, you guys might wonder why I still had it when it had wine (I am quite a practicing Muslim; although not very religious) - I did not realise, only after eating I realised. Nevertheless it tasted good.

Mixed garden salad with Italian sauce.

Lasagna tradizionale

Conchiglie all ariabiata - a type of shell-shaped pasta dish

Some kiddy meal; Crabmeat pizza. It had lots of basil leaves in it. The Italians use basil a lot in their cooking.

Peppino serves an array of good mocktails as well. In this photograph: Strawberry Virgin Margarita

You would be entertained with a live band featuring oldies music creating a very retro-like ambiance.

The interior of Peppino.

p/s: The 20 over year old Golden Sands Resort will undergo extensive facelifts come June 2008. This is inline with the hotel celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010. At this time, it is uncertain how would the hotel manage its renovation process - we do not know for sure if they would close for business during that period or they would carry out the renovations in stages whereby it does not involve closures.

in for a short self-quote

2008-04-19T03:21:00.002+08:00

"I f*ck when I cry. So make me cry." ~ Riz F

p/s: I will be posting up two GENERAL entries soon(hopefully). They will appear as blog posts(not featured articles) on YouthMalaysia.com as well (where I freelance write both paid and non-paid articles). So stay glues for that!

Langkawi Escapade : A 3D 2N Experience

2008-04-17T02:50:00.004+08:00

Last Sunday to Tuesday, my family and I took a break from our tedious schedule and indulged in a luxurious short retreat in Langkawi. Below are my scribbling that I would want to share to all of you on my experience recently. Hope you guys enjoy! They are just the highlights of my trip because to tell you the truth, telling you every inch and bit of the story would take years!

DAY 1
* Left home at 9am for Penang airport.
* Flight at 12.15pm bound for Langkawi on Firefly flight FY3210.
* Reached Langkawi at 1pm and took dad's friend's car at the airport.
* Headed to The Datai which was about 40 minutes away from the airport. We had our reservations done the week before to stay at the hotel.
* Upon checking in at the hotel, we took an afternoon nap before venturing out to Kuah town to shop. We ended up at one shop and bought lots of stuff.
* Later, we headed to Pantai Cenang for dinner. We picked a restaurant at random and luckily we ended up at a place that served fabulous dishes!
* We got back to the hotel to spend the night

DAY 2
* We had a tour arranged (we arranged ourselves with the hotel) for the day. It was scheduled at 10am but we woke up only at 9am. We had to call the tour operator to reschedule our tour at 11am instead.
* We had breakfast at a local stall owned by a Chinese Muslim. The food was ok and very localized.
* For the tour, we had to drive all the way to a small jetty where we had to board a speedboat. Oh yes, it is called Mangrove Tour whereby these are included in the tour : (a) Mangrove forest tour by boat (b) On-sea fish farm stop (c) Kelawar cave stop and tour (d) Crocodile cave tour by boat (e) Tour to where the river meets the sea (f) Lunch stop at a floating restaurant (optional as it is not paid for).
* After the tour, we relaxed at the hotel. My parents went for a massage in Pantai Cenang while my brothers and I chilled at the beach.
* We then had dinner at Pantai Cenang quite late.
* We got back to the hotel to spend the night

DAY 3
* We woke up at our own pace and went for breakfast at 11.00am.
* Then we headed for a dip in the sea and a stroll on the beach.
* We went back to the hotel room right after, to pack our stuff and prepare for check out.
* We left the hotel at 2.00pm for the airport where we reached at 2.30pm.
* We met my dad's friend there to pass the car to him. As he owned the shops at the airport, my brothers, my mom and myself all purchased perfumes for ourselves - we got 15% off plus the duty free thing.
* We boarded the 4.00pm Firefly FY3201 flight bound for Penang, the flight was delayed for approximately 20 minutes. It arrived late from Subang.

INFORMATION ABOUT LANGKAWI
- LANGKAWI GEOPARK
Langkawi has recently been given the UNESCO Geopark status, hence Langkawi Island is now known as Langkawi Island Geopark. It is the only UNESCO accredited geopark in the Southeast Asian region at present.

- FIREFLY
Firefly is Malaysia's first community airline. It serves as a low-cost no frills carrier to connect short haul destinations. Penang International Airport is its main hub. Firefly is wholly owned by Malaysia Airlines but runs itself independently. Ground handling for Firefly is done by Malaysia Airlines. At present, no carriers connect the Penang-Langkawi route except for Firefly. Firefly has friendly crews hence service on board can be said to be good, for a low cost airline. Just as a note for all, Firefly allows a maximum of 15 kgs of checked in baggage per passenger and a further 5 kgs to be carried on board as hand carried items. Currently Firefly operates on F50 Fokker aircrafts, so it will be a different experience travelling onboard this carrier. We usually travel on bigger planes and trust me, travelling on Firefly give you an adventurous feeling. Also, their crews are friendly unlike AirAsia. They do sell merchandise on flight along with snacks. I bought myself a cap instead of t-shirts because they ran out of t-shirts. So anyone travelling on Firefly, please get me a black size M Firefly T-shirt. I will pay you once you get it for me! =D I must say that even they use F50 aircrafts, do not be fooled that your security is compromised in anyway. The flight is as smooth as in other planes. Maybe what differs is that you get to see the propeller fans outside of your window and perhaps some amount of noise can be heard inside the aircraft. You may expect delays from Firefly, but I think only in unforeseen circumstances. This happens on other airlines as well, even full-fledged ones; so this is not uncommon. Purchase for tickets on Firefly can be done online at www.fireflyz.com.my. Since the aircraft is small, it accomodates not many passengers; in other words it is kind of 'private'. The interior of the aircraft is very much similar to Malaysia Airlines's aircrafts. In fact, in-flight announcements do follow Malaysia Airlines's guidelines and standards. One thing to note, the aircraft is small so you can aspect the aisle to have not much room as well. Baggage overhead compartments are rather small than regular wide-bodied aircrafts, BUT fitting in a standard cabin-sized bag would not be a problem. Firefly uses a 2+2 per row seating configuration for now. It is touted that Firefly would change its F50 fleet to a similar aircraft type in the near future in its exercise to use new aircrafts and to expand its fleet size. The new aircrafts are said to be able to accommodate around 20 more seats than the present F50s.

- THE DATAI
The Datai is one of the hotels owned by Singapore based property conglomerate GHM. GHM offers luxurious fleet of hotels. In Langkawi, they own to hotels, namely The Andaman and The Datai. These two hotels are very secluded and are located very far from civilisation. Having said so, it is no wonder a heaven for one to relax and rejuvenate; to throw all the stress away and never look back. I have stayed in The Andaman a few years back. I would say, both are equally good and if you were to ask me which one is better; I would say TRY BOTH. Prices do not come cheap though but I can guarantee it is worth every penny you pay. Getting the cheapest room is good enough. It is like a mini-suite at a regular hotel. So you do the figuring for suites at The Datai or The Andaman, and the maths too of course. They both have similar interiors. Now, for this entry I am going to focus on The Datai. The Datai is about 500-1000 meters away from The Andaman. The Datai is located at the very end of the road leading to Teluk Datai(Datai Bay), and the road reaches a dead end right after The Datai. Upon arriving The Datai, we were given welcome drinks and were seated at the lobby lounge. Note that The Datai does not run regular reception like you see in conventional hotels anywhere else. Their reception is very friendly like having 3 to 4 tables with officers in each table attending to guests. If you are a pre-booked guest, one of those officers would receive you on hand upon your arrival at the hotel porch. (If you drive to The Datai, your car would be given free valet service). Rooms are usually ready upon arrival, if you are pre-booked. Even your room key-cards would be ready. Within minutes we got ourselves checked in. What is interesting is that almost most of the staff know your room number and that you do not really have to identify yourself when asking them anything at all. The Datai offers a very quiet experience. Even at the hotel lobby you can barely hear anything except for birds chirping and the winds blowing. There is no music here like hotel lobbies usually have. Their lobby lounge is restricted for children aged 12 and below after 6 or 7 in the evening. I stayed at the cheapest room (at present they are having discounts for Malaysians and Singaporeans - 925 MYR per night instead of 1316 MYR) which is the Deluxe room. It accommodates maximum of two adults and two children. Even staying at this room itself, it offered a fantastic rainforest view and ambience. Interior of the room used lots of timber and is very much Balinese and features motives from the Malay archipelago. In-room radio features nature-like sounds such as water tapping, birds chirping and simple traditional bamboo music. I must stress that the room is very spacious, not to mention the toilet. It is indeed a perfect place to wind up and to refresh. The Datai, like The Andaman are beach resorts, hence they feature a white sand beach. The Andaman is very close by with the beach while The Datai being on a hilly top is quite a distance from the beach. However, they have 24 hours buggy service that would ferry guests up and down. It takes approximately 6-8 minutes. Besides having hotel rooms, The Datai also offers guests villas. These villas are somewhat home-like and are closer to the beach at the low lands. However, these villas are priced at a different scale. Upon reaching the beach, one would stop to enjoy the breathtaking scene of the Andaman sea. The white fine sand compliments the blue-green clear sea waters. You would be surprised that the water is so clear that you are able to see the seabed and fishes, even on the shore. There are also a few small islands located nearby (Langkawi is a 99 island archipelago by itself). It is simply breathtaking to see nature's creation and I cannot deny that it has put even more sense to me to care more about the nature. It would be so hurtful to see these beauties taken away from Earth. No words can describe the serenity of the place. It is no wonder The Datai was ranked "Best Hotel in the World" by Conde Nast Traveller UK. My mom also said she once watched a show on Discovery Travel & Living which described Datai Bay as the 7th best beach in Asia(or the world, I'm not too sure). So, save up that bucks and go for a holiday! Malaysia has it! =D

- MANGROVE TOUR
Well, Langkawi being a tourist spot, is famous for having many types of tours. I am focusing on the Mangrove Tour is because, my family and I took that tour for our holidays recently. We wanted to take the Island Hopping Tour, but I suppose that would be more fun with friends rather than family. Anyway, back to this Mangrove tour. I took the tour arranged by the hotel, so it is of course a little bit more pricey than if I were to scout around in town myself. The hotel priced the tour for all of us at 550.00 MYR. If we were to scout in town, prices are between 200-300 MYR. Well, you basically will charter a boat for three hours and it is private - meaning you and your party would not join others. A boat can take up to 8-10 people. So in this tour, you would be brought to these places:
- Mangrove forest tour by boat
- Kelawar cave on foot (they'll stop you there)
- Crocodile cave by boat
- Eagle feeding by boat
- Fish farm visit (they'll stop you there)
- Lunch at a floating restaurant - Wall In The Hole (optional because you will have to pay for the lunch yourself, it is not included in the tour fee); the restaurant serves 2/5 standard food, but there are not many choice of floating restaurants there so for the fun of it, it's okay to dine there.

Well, it is indeed an interesting tour to experience and I suggest those of you planning for a Langkawi trip to do it. The eagle feeding seemed very interesting as well as the fish farm visit. Also, there is a part when the boat man would take you to where the river meets the open sea, and there is just one word to describe it : spectacular. The water is so green and blue that it reflects so nicely. The water is clear and you'd just wish to have a daily life revolving around oceans.

- GOOD FOOD : RASA RESTAURANT
Talking about good food, Langkawi is a place where you can blend in good food with the beaches. Seafood here is superb, and they serve good dishes. The dishes mainly are Malay, Thai and Chinese dishes. Occasionally you may get influence of Indonesian cooking in their dishes here. Food in Langkawi is moderately priced for a generous amount. For a heavy 5 person meal which included 2 fishes, 1/2 kg of prawns, 1/2 kg of squids, crabs, chicken and vegetables, you can be slapped with a feather amount of 300 MYR! Now that's dirt cheap. I would personally like to highlight one restaurant in particular that serves very good Southern Thai and Indonesian seafood dishes. They are undeniably very hot and spicy but it's all worth to the Asian tastebuds. I would recommend you guys to go to Rasa Restaurant located somewhere at the Pantai Cenang eateries stretch. It is not very far from the airport. Recommended dishes: Udang masak cili kering (Prawns cooked with dried chilies) & Sotong masak daun kari(Squid cooked with curry leaves). We loved the food so much over there that we came back the second night for dinner! The owners of Rasa restaurant also owns the budget Rasa Guesthouse. I think it is verya very decent place for budget travellers. It cuts the norm of normal budget hotel room interior. Room prices is around 70 MYR according to the guy I spoke to (he is the owner's son, and co-runs the place). For young kids who would travel there with friends, I think this place is a great place to consider. It is located nearby the restaurant as well in Pantai Cenang. It is sometimes featured as a landmark on Langkawi's free maps.

- SHOPPING
Shopping in Langkawi used to be a big hoo-haa in the past. It is because people used to get cheaper things on the island as the island is a duty-free island. You will need to comply to some Customs regulations to be tax exempted from bringing out items from Langkawi. There is also limits on items brought out of Langkawi. All of these can be checked with the Customs department. One thing that remains famous to shop in Langkawi is its cheap kain batik(sarongs), imported chocolates and cookeries. My family bought lots of chocolates that will last up for two months. LOL. But I guess, that is not true afterall seeing my brothers and I indulging in every chocolate we've got back to back. Don't blame me if I get all fat back come this May! Blame the nastily wonderful chocolates!

- ELECTRICITY AND CONNECTION
Electricity in the Langkawi is the same as the rest of Malaysia in case some of you are wondering. So feel free to bring any of your personal electrical items without fear of it getting burnt. LOL. Maxis 3G is available throughout densely populated areas in Langkawi. You may connect through GPRS though. Wireless and broadband connections is available from cybercafes and hotels. So yes, it is not that ulu afterall - having described Teluk Datai's remote area.

- WATER
Water quality in Langkawi can be said to be fair. Tap water is drinkable but bottled water is advised for consumption. You may find that parts of Langkawi face low water pressure at times. However, it is not severe that it affects your daily water usage.

- WEATHER AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Weather in June is the best but at recent times, the locals described weather in Langkawi has been quite unpredictable. It is supposed to be the rainy season in Langkawi now, but through my experience recently, it was all-hot during the day. I encountered minor showers at night, but nothing to say the weather was wet. For people who care greatly about sun burn, do bring lots of sunblock. Otherwise, I would describe the weather in Langkawi to be very pleasant and features a tropical island-like atmosphere.

- PEOPLE
The people of Langkawi are very exposed. Even though they live in kampung houses etc, they are very much friendly people. This maybe because they have been dealing with streams of foreign visitors eversince Langkawi was made a tourist attraction in Malaysia. Most of them are well versed in English and portray a very friendly image. These people, in my humble opinion, should be the faces that represent Malaysia's front line in airports, ports and entry points. They are simply full of smiles and very helpful. They don't seem to be astonished if one is different from them. Langkawi has a multicultural harmony society as well, but in a proportion where the original locals make up the huge sum. They live quite happily as far my observations are concerned.

-PHOTOGRAPHS

Hotel room at The Datai

Dinner at Rasa Restaurant

Mangrove Tour

The private beach at Teluk Datai

Just for this photo above, I would like to share with you guys that I could actually see fishes swimming around near the shore at the Teluk Datai Beach. I had to make this picture bigger so that the fishes are visible. The fishes are on the right-top corner of this photograph, and are white in colour.

Firefly Flight

And my one and only 212 SEXY MEN by Carolina Herrera.

Lots of love,
Riz F

Party Time : Alexis's Birthday Party

2008-04-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

I attended Alexis's birthday party just now. We had this whole drama-like planning earlier this year, but due to unforeseen reasons, we were all caught up with our own commitments.; so the party was finalized and planned into place at the last minute. I did not help much on planning her birthday party. Natasha helped Alexis more to make the party a blast. Anyway, Alexis invited a few of my friends (they know each other as they go for clubbing together etc) for the party as well. My brother was invited too. So it was pretty much a familiar crowd at her party. She invited her KDU-mates as well, who happen to be familiar to me. The only people I had problems 'connecting' was her other clubbing pals. But that did not matter much because I had the rest of the invitees to talk to. I can say I had a good fun laughing my ass off the night to jokes cracked by all of us.

We had drama photoshoots a little bit here and there; not many because we had to play host entertaining people too. (Natasha and I are quite close to Alexis, her birthday party is somewhat 'our' event too.

I had prior commitments today before the party. I had a few articles to submit on YouthMalaysia.com (although it is only due Tuesday, I'm leaving for Langkawi tomorrow hence the rush).

Natasha SOS-ed me via text message to show up at the earliest opportunity I got because not many of Alexis's friends turned up. Alexis planned it to start around 6.30pm/7pm but even at 8pm only a few of her KDU mates came. As soon as I got out of the shower I quickly got dressed and buzzed down to head for her party. My brother was late, so I told my friends to pick him up instead (they did just that later). Oh yes, the party was held in a hotel suite, Sandy Bay Paradise hotel to be exact - in Tanjung Bungah. It was earlier meant to be a beach party, but I don't know what happened. I guess they got freaked out of the unpredictable weather.

Around 8.30pm I reached the hotel. I got harassed in the lift by two young Caucasian girls, they went 'Hey cutie.' 'Isn't he cute?' At first I ignored thinking they were talking to someone else, but then I realised, I was the only one with them in the elevator. Worst still, their room was on the same floor with Alexis's suite. Crazy.

But anyway, I felt somehow hot after that. LOL. It was good being at the party. Natasha introduced me to Alexis's friends with much drama. I then proceeded to have some light snacks and drinks before gossiping with Alexis and Natasha. Well, people start coming after I came (What do you expect? I'm the star after all). So yes, the crowd started to build up and Alexis had to mingle with them. Natasha and I got to entertain the others as well. It was a fun bunch we clicked into. The guys were pretty much cam-whores as well. Welcome to the club mates!

Well I guess we just fooled around pretty much to kill time and then half of the crowd went down to take a stroll on the beach - and yes snapping photos too. At that time, I got quite bored already, so I made a few phone calls to some nice people to catch up. LOL. We walked on the beach and fooled around for quite a while before heading back upstairs to the suite. Then only we learnt that the others were coming down; but it was getting late so we just chilled in the room. The rest changed their minds too of going to the beach. Natasha had another party to attend as well that night, well more like an after-party. So her friend was supposed to pick her up from the hotel. So, I waited for her friend to come before leaving but at the last minute there was a change of plan. People were starting to leave Alexis's birthday party as it was hitting midnight. Alexis wanted to follow Natasha as well, so they both thought it was best they drove up rather than having Natasha's friend pick them up. HENCE, I left with my bro when I got the updates. I came back home, and here I am scribbling this piece.

I've got a bag to pack. My flight to Langkawi is at noon tomorrow. Hope I have fun! Will blog in again when I get back.

Mwahx!

Lots of love,
Riz F

Psst! Breaking the rule : Super short update!

2008-04-12T03:13:00.001+08:00

Some drama quotes from people I know, simply to make myself feel super wanted and hot:

"You are really a stylo, even if you pull off the worst outifts, you still look good. You just have the style."

"Riz F does not do small things, he never does. It's just not right. You always do the biggest things that have impacts. You are so going to do a grand farewell party"

Whoa! I feel so elated right now, I actually get people saying that these days. Hope this hotness days keep on rolling as the sun sets and rises. =)

Just so taking of a tiny weenee bit break from my busy schedule and the 'off-blogging' thing! So this is just a short post.

Oh yes, before I sign out : I hate being stranded in malls alone, worst still being ditched by EVERY SINGLE CALL I MAKE. Go figure. I was pissed this evening. oh well, the world does not revolve around me after all. Wait till that special someone fills in my heart back, then I'll just need that person for a chat; just a ring away.

I have French later in the morning. Then perhaps an appointment with my hairstylist, need to get those 'early curls' chopped. Later, I will be attending my friend Alexis's birthday party at Tanjung Bungah's beach. =)

Bought my blue top already! It'll match my white-blue surfer shorts I bought from Aussie in 2006.

Love you people. Do not anticipate for an update soon, I think I'll only update when I get back after Langkawi.

Bon week-end to all of you!

Lots of love,
Riz F

p/s: I have another article (third article) due for YouthMalaysia.com. Things are going great!

KL + Malacca in a Day.

2008-04-09T23:50:00.000+08:00

Guess what people? Believe me or not, I was in Penang this morning but I was in KL later. In the afternoon I was in Melaka. Then I got back to KL to catch my flight back to Penang. ALL IN A DAY. Pretty much of a feat eh?

So now the question is WHY ALL THESE IN A DAY?

I pretty much don't know myself. My dad and mom had some stuff to do in Melaka (Pulau Besar to be exact). My brothers and I had nothing to do at home, and hence were forced to accompany my parents. They wanted to overnight in KL so that it would not be that hectic, but my brothers and I were reluctant. We'd choose Penang over KL anytime, no offence but growing up in this wonderful island made us really contented Penangites! Penang's full of colours be it the food, people, culture, or even places.

Now so, to keep the trip bearable for the day. We chose to fly up to KL and from KL drive down to Melaka before taking a short boat trip to Pulau Besar. And to keep the finances on tab, we chose AirAsia over MAS. From the LCCT to Melaka, we had my dad's KL driver to drive us down.

We left Penang at 8 in the morning. No flight delays whatsoever. Everything was smooth. Just so to note, I hate AirAsia. The staff (be it ground or cabin crew) are super duper arrogant. I mean, they treat you as if you're desperate to fly and that's why you choose them. I know they offer cheap tickets and stuff, but we as consumers only choose them because we are smart consumers not because we cannot afford flying MAS or other full-fledged airlines. We can if we want to! Plus, hello, customer service is an area all companies should seriously look best at, regardless who the customers are!

We reached LCCT at around 9am. My dad was already there with the driver (he flew to KL the day before - one of his routine trips). We then hit the roads straight to Melaka. The journey took us around 2 hours. We exited the Ayer Keroh NSE interchange and headed to a Nasi Kandar restaurant owned by my dad's acquaintance. We had a feast of breakfast then! Seriously. I ate like a hungry pig.

After that we left for the Pulau Besar jetty (It's somewhere near UMBAI, the famous place for seafood in Melaka - read my post on my road trip which included a stop in Melaka.) It wasn't too far away, so we reached 30 minutes later. The boat operator at that place told us that we're able to charter a boat for a decent RM120 per to-and-fro trip. They had fixed times however due to the water conditions. So we had to leave the moment we arrived as we had to take the boat back to the mainland by 2.30pm. Anytime later would leave us stranded on Pulau Besar for hours as the sea water would be too shallow for the boat to pass.

Trip from the mainland to Pulau Besar took us 10 minutes.

Pulau Besar can be concluded to be a very minimal touched island. There are buildings erected on the island, but not many. There is a resort as well, but I guess it's not that posh as you might think. The island is serene undeniably. Electricity on the island is generated by a local power generator, meaning they do not come from the mainland. Water on the other hand are obtained from the ground. There are about 100-200 people at any one time on the island, according to a local we met. Please do not expect wireless connections (unless you can connect through Maxis or Celcom 3G - but again only the GPRS bandwidth is available here). No good toilets, trust me. Communications is based on mobile phones, and that's that. There are no big shops on the island. You may find a few small shops though which sell tidbits, drinks etc. Items are brought from the mainland. As per food is concerned, the island has a place where food is served everyday for everyone, FOC. It is very minimal though. Plain mineral water is served too. They cater for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. How do they sustain? Provisions are usually sponsored by frequent island visitors or simply by donations. So there has not been a day there is no food on the island. They always do have people who cook as well.

But again, here's a catch. The condition of the place is very much not decent. It is very unhygienic and to a certain extend the place stinks. Food cooked too are not carefully prepared, so if you have a sensitive tummy, you might want to get yourself packed food from the mainland first!

We stopped by to taste the food after my mom and dad finished their work on the island. It was not bad, but I DO HAVE A SENSITIVE tummy, so I ate with caution. Time passed by fast and it was time for us to board the boat back to the mainland. On the way back to board the boat, we stopped by at a shop to have a drink and to enjoy the island's spectacular view.

I love this country for having such beautiful sceneries. It makes me more inclined to care for the environment. It is sad to see people destroying the nature as days pass by. For example, Penang can be seen to have been 'destroyed'. Yes we do have great beaches, but how clear is the water? Wait, what colour is the water? Our beach sand are amidst used diapers. Our forests? Well, let's just say we have HOMES in the forests. Our hills are all scavenged for new developments. It is a sad state but I know it is hard for the authorities as well, the population is increasing and THERE IS A NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT. Penang is an island-state after all. What we can do is save the other islands and forests in Malaysia for the benefits of our future generations.

After taking the boat back to the mainland, we headed back to my dad's friend's Nasi Kandar restaurant for tea. Then. we left back for the LCCT to catch our flight back that night. We reached the LCCT at 7pm. We rested in the car till it was 7.30pm. Then we went into the airport to check in and do with the formalities. Another note: I hate LCCT. People just swarm everywhere. I get very much intimidated in the airport always(well fine not always, it is my second time anyway). I even cancelled my wish to use the toilet, I was too petrified to see the amount of toilet traffic. So, I saved it for Penang. LOL.

Waiting for our flight was really killing. (My dad followed us back) I hung out with my brothers at the Coffee Bean. It's one of the VERY FEW decent places there anyway. I called up a few friends and killed time by chatting on the phone. Then, my family and I left to proceed to the boarding gates. I felt 'Pheww'. I was very much in the mood feeling very lethargic.

AirAsia made an announcement that our flight to Penang would be delayed by 10 minutes or so, but later somehow the flight departed on time. I am happy to be back in Penang, at least I get to go to a decent toilet.

All in all, it was good though very tiring!

Sometimes you wonder what is it like to be on a small(very,very small) tropical island - somewhat like Tom Hanks was in Cast Away, this is what you get on Pulau Besar, off the coast of Melaka.

A scenic painting-like view of the beach in Pulau Besar, off-coast Melaka.

LCCT-KLIA

Blog Announcement =P

2008-04-09T06:00:00.001+08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages;

I will be taking some time off from blogging.

I will be in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka today.

On Thursday and Friday, I will be in Penang but I have whole-day activities planned for both the days. [I am meeting a friend from out-of-town]

On Saturday, I will be having my 4-hour French lesson in the morning. Then, I will be having a private session with my hairstylist. Later that evening and onwards till late I have a friend's birthday party to attend.

On Sunday, I will be leaving at noon to Langkawi for a 3 days 2 nights family vacation. I should be back in Penang on Tuesday evening.

Upon coming back from Langkawi, I will be having a family birthday dinner(to celebrate my mom and brother's birthday) at a hotel here on Wednesday.

I hope to be back posting an entry perhaps on the 17th or 18th April.(Thursday or Friday that week).

Stay tuned as you may never know I might just be posting during my 'vacation' period.

Take care.

Riz F

Why is Faris having an unpredictable-blogging syndrome?

2008-04-07T23:59:00.000+08:00

Just being random:

# I love My Way by Frank Sinatra and Salam Terakhir by Sudirman.

# I don't think making love is a suitable term to describe having sex. You can actually make love by doing other things, don't you guys think so? Having sex, is well, just HAVING SEX.

# I first held someone's hand so long in the grasp of my hands was on a night in 2004.

# I miss my friend Anushya. I don't know suddenly I had a random thought about her and how she was helping me carry my bags when I was sick. You're one of a kind, remember that. And, you'll make a fine doctor one day, seriously. Really hope you can make it for the World Music Fest early May.

# It is weird that you can get adjusted to a name one names you, even if that is not you name at birth.

# When I work part time in the UK, I plan to keep my money and spend it holidaying in cheap countries in Southeast Asia; Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia etc. This includes going to Phuket, Koh Samui and Bali. I so want to go there again with friends or simply with someone I love. You know, that special someone. Why don't I want to go now? I don't have the funds, my OWN funds I mean. I can go with my family, but seriously those places wouldn't be that interesting going with family; especially now that I'm turning 20.

# I will be going to KL+Melaka on Wednesday morning and I'll be back the same night. On Friday, I'll be meeting Fara. Saturday: I'll be having French in the morning, followed by Disney on Ice in the afternoon and a birthday party later at night. On Sunday, I will be leaving to Langkawi for a 3D2N holiday with my family. Like all holidays I've mentioned in the blog, I would not be releasing details of the holiday before actually returning for the trip; for safety reasons. So please do anticipate a great holiday-update. I can't wait to do some of the fun activities there, especially going island hopping. Read more on Langkawi here.

# I have received my first assignment as a writer on YouthMalaysia.com. I think it is inappropriate to release information of what I am going to write (it is not fair to them). You guys should check it out perhaps later this week on YouthMalaysia.com. They assigned me for another topic earlier this morning, but I had to turn it down because it was something I was unable to do(a review on a TV show which I have not watched). Later, I managed to change my topic to something else, and my earlier topic was given to another writer.

# I am in the midst of applying for my accommodation if I go to King's for my undergraduate. The system sucks I can say, but well, I do not have much of a choice, being a first year freshie.

# I hate it when people reply me with '......' on any IMs. It is totally alright if I'm in the process of telling something and that they're typing the '......' to say that GO ON, I"M LISTENING. I mean, that's what people do. But it just gets sick when someone goes ... ... when he/she doesn't know what to say or simply for no reason. It's pretty stupid and it ANNOYS me. It gives me the impression that the person is not interested to chat with you. FUCK IT, tell me right on my face than giving me stupid '......'. What's worse is if the person who does that is the one nudging or buzzing you in the very first place. Cheap attention seekers.

# About the Langkawi holidays, planning got me into real bad arguments with my family because my family tends to be very fickle minced. But no worries, everything is ok now.

# I will be taking my mom's laptop and my dad's Maxis broadband USB when I am travelling. I don't promise to come online, but I will try at my very best. *bluekk, I have an article to submit to YouthMalaysia, remember?*

# I am planning for my brother's 16th birthday bash due on the 19th of April. :S God knows how it'll go. For now, the theme has been set to Black and Green. He's hired(well not paid, but you know he uses you-r-my-brother-so-it's-foc privilege) me and the tutera-like gang to help out. So Natasha and Alexis would be helping me out a little bit I guess. We're even in charge of handing out the invites and handling attendance replies. Also, we'll liase with people for the food that night. Not to mention, we'll do up the deco. I'd like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to the TUTERA-LIKE team for being there always to save parties going haywire. You guys are the dearest.

# If I were to have plastic surgery when I have the money, I'd do something about my hair, nose and freckles. Yes, that's all.

# I just feel like saying this 'Well please move on with life, because I'm trying so hard to move on but with you clinging on me like a pathetic little fat rat, life seems so hard'.

# Since with the writing jobs and applications going on vigorously, I think I might need to speed up my laptop order to be placed by 30th April 2008. =) I need the data all put in, up and running by the time I leave to the UK. You know, I'll need time for familiarization etc.

# I have a tonnes of French revision and homework to do, I have yet to touch one. Well, it's more like IF I DO I GET BETTER, IF I DON'T DO NO ONE CARES thing. I feel guilty not doing, that's all. I'd definitely want to maintain that 70% I got for my first term in my second term as well. =) Oh yes, term 3 of the French beginner programme starts June 16th - September 1st. So I think I can make it to finish the whole level! I might be leaving only days after that (perhaps on the 7th or the 8th)

# Do you know the current DPM's wife actually sang My Way in my house for some year-end get together with the DPM dinner organized by my dad's company? I'd say though much has been said about her, she pulls off My Way with style and vagueness, and her voice suits the song. If you get what I mean? A woman in control kind of thing. LOL.

#I will apply for my credit cards soon (via my dad's principal cards, so that I get the supplementary ones). No, it's not for shopping, but more for EMERGENCIES IN THE UK.

# I hope to go to KL in the end of May to do my UK student visa cum shopping; Mega Sale starts on the 24th of May.

# Diana had compiled a '20 Things To Do Before You Turn 21' for me the other day, when I was dead bored. Miss you girl, we so have to hang out at Chili's when you get back. Remember the date okay, May 21st - a tentative. I will rewrite and edit them before putting them on my side panel. =) Stay tuned for that.

# Redang in June with KDU ex-classmates would be real good.

# I am going to the PC Fair and World Music Festival with friends.

# I need to find some kind of a small business that requires little work but would generate tremendous income. I really am desperate for money. Inaz suggested that I become an escort for OLD SEXUALLY DEPRIVED WOMEN. She says I could make big bucks in just one night. Sounds like a plan!!!! HAHAHAHAH. Nah, we're planning up on something, but we haven't got anything in mind right now just yet. Any ideas?

I guess I need to do some sit ups and weight lifting now before going to bed. I will need to write on the article for YouthMalaysia tomorrow before going off on Wednesday. Wish me luck.

Lots of love,
Riz F

WHEN DRAMA PLAYS ON A BOY EXCLUSIVE : Exposés

2008-04-07T23:36:00.002+08:00

EX-KDU STUDENT-TEACHER SCANDAL???

LOL. Methillan(my KDU A-level junior) was influential in me posting this entry. Just so all of you know, the old woman in the picture is Miss Tan, our once Chemistry theory lecturer. Many dislike her for her bitchy/sarcastic remarks. I too, get pretty annoyed with her at times. I mean, you guys have no idea, in class, we used to feel the tension and heat between her and us (especially when exam results are announced). We ain't the regular bully-able kiddos, hence each time she gives us a bitchy remark, we'll give her one back as well. Oh yes, and another thing; She loves taking away our time telling her life's love stories and dramas. Ironically, she blames us for being noisy in class and that we took so much of her precious time. Trust me, we were JUST normal. If the other lecturers could stand us, it simply means we're normal. UNLESS ALL OF THEM HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST US, THEN FINE, I DO AGREE, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH US. BLUEGHH.

Anyway, enough describing about her already. The reason I am posting this picture is because I wanted to share with all of you how older women love 'seducing' me. No kidding. I mean, of course they don't go slut-erish on me, but you know, seducing in an old-lady manner.

The picture above is courtesy of Natasha, my ex-classmate. She caught me candidly 'helping' out Ms Tan find for her files on her gigantic notebook. The only reason I helped because she took years searching for a file essential to get to our past-year-examination answers. Irony huh? I'm like STAYING ALIVE next to her. LOL. It was taken around approximately April 2007, so that makes it one year ago. Am I skinnier now, or then? :S

Anyways, these are some random scary facts that you don't know about me:

#1 - I attract older women. Example: above, my ex-high school principal. my discipline teachers in school, my French tutor, the Alliance Francaise director(no kidding, a classmate of mine realised, she asked me 'Hey why does the director loves sindir sindir and talk to you huh?' . I attract motherly-figures too. Natasha's mom likes me. LOL. Serious, not joking. I mean, in a son-mother way lah, don't think dirty. And Natasha don't kill me for sharing it with the world, I'm the son your mom never had. A few other 'mothers' describe me to their children as if I'm a God-sent saint.

#2- I attract LALAs(Term coined by Natasha). LALAs are those Friendster/Facebook GURLS and BOYS who'd do stupid poses in their profile pictures. They tend to over make-up and make innocent faces and snap. Yes I attract them to fall for me. They've been adding me a lot. :S most of them go with the 'are u a model?' question right after adding. I suppose my recent extreme hotness pics are to be blamed. But anyway for the record, I ignore their messages, because honestly, I do not like LALAs.

#3 I love young kids, I mean I find them attractive. Well not to the extend that I'm a pedophile or anything but, I love love love love fourth/fifth formers for some reason. I don't know I feel like they are too innocent to cheat on me and stuff like that. I know some may say they are immature etc. Of course, I don't go for those type but rather I'd search for those matured ones who'd be able to secure the relationship. I don't like fragile relationships.

For the past week, I've been getting questions from juniors, LALAs and friends alike whether am I doing part time modeling, the answer I would like to give to all of them: PEOPLE, WITH THE TYPE OF TEETH I HAVE, I CAN'T POSSIBLY DO THAT. Seriously, I went to a dentist the other day, she freaked out. So no, I am not, and if you think my pictures are good, then thank you. I just try to look good, but that does not necessarily mean I'm a model. Like seriously, I'm getting sick of LALAs who add me to 'beautify and glamorize' their profile. Come on, would you even add me say, 5 years back? When I was a fat kid in high school? I bet it'll be a no.

And LALAs seem very interested on my ethnicity. I think that's not even relevant. They go, hey you have a rather Malay name, but you look Indian and you speak good English! What are you? Of course, I'm an alien, that's what I am you dumbass.

I mean come on, so what? If I converse in supposedly good English, does it mean that I stole the rights of any particular ethic group! Even angmohs don't care that the whole world uses their language, why do you even bother? I mean, English is a universal language and luckily enough my whole family do converse mainly in English, hence my English is not bad. Frankly speaking, I speak regular English,not too good, because seriously I DON'T READ classics. People who read classics when they were young up till when they grow old, now I bet they'd have the purest form of conversing in English. So shattap lah kan.

And yes, I do look Indian because I do have Indian blood lah you doink! What does it look like? I look Indian but I am a pure Mongolian is it?

And mind you people, Faris is not a Malay name, but rather a Muslim name. And I happen to be a Muslim, so go figure how I ended up with that name. So happens the name is common among Malays in Malaysia, so what can I do? I mean, I do have Malay influences too in my bloodline. So yes. Come on, I'm a Malaysian, we have lots of ethic groups, intermarriages HAPPEN, and hence most of us don't belong to one particular race anymore; believe me ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.

And just so to note, I love my skin colour. Really. When I was young I used to hate it because of some brainless freaks had to say something bad about it, but hello, after growing up and being exposed you wouldn't believe that people actually want to be like me, they say I have a gorgeous tone. Who cares, everyone has different tastes, so beauty and outer looks are rather very subjective. I'm just pissed on how some people judge others. They tend to associate darker skinned people with stupidity, poverty and illiteracy. Give me a break, we're in the 21st century. GROW.

Till then,

Riz F

YouthMalaysia.com Job Offer and other selected short stories =)

2008-04-05T18:00:00.003+08:00

Hey people, like I've promised, here is the update on my application to be a writer on YouthMalaysia.com.

Well, guess what?

I got the job offer, and I anticipate you guys should be seeing my entries on their website anytime soon (as soon as they assign me to something of course!)

Congratulations to myself =)

French is getting tough by the days, but tonnes more fun too. Classes on Saturdays rock, I get breaks between each 2-hour session, and hence I get to indulge myself into croissants and tea. But I do miss night classes, because I am simply a lazy bummer who cannot be up early! I was 10 minutes late for class; and it is my first time late to the place!

Just so to share, my blog registered views from the EU and UAE recently. LOL. I bet you guys know who you are. Thank you for supporting =)

The ads are coming back with great responses, which is a good sign; I think I have enough funds to maintain 2008. Great help. Thanks.

Oh yes, anyone up for a dinner at Batu Feringhi's Shangri-La Rasa Sayang or Golden Sands? I am an Exclusive Dining Club member, so this month, Mondays to Thursdays - there is a 40% discount for meals there. Do your maths! RM1000-6pax-Fine Dining-Rasa Sayang. RM600-6 pax now. So RM100 per person. Cheap WHAT. I mean, it's a fancy place, what do you expect anyways? I am also entitled for a 20% off published room rate. So yes, anyone up to belanja me? I do need a retreat. Speaking of which, I'm eyeing Phuket or Koh Samui. I saw my KDU A-level junior's blog(Gajen), apparently he went to Phuket recently. I know lots of vice things go around there, but who cares lah kan. The beach is superb. I need a retreat, I reiterate. LOL. But nevermind, I will make do with Langkawi should my KDU ex-classmates crack to make their plans a reality. Siew Ling, my high school friend is up to plan for us something too, God knows what's on her mind, but I guess it'll be something really GOOD. Arghh.

Oh yes, l'argent(money), c'est un problem. Mom says she would give me and my brothers each RM 1000 to shop in KL. If I'm smart I can be thrifty and spend just 60% of it. The rest can go to my oh-so-untouchable Al-Rajhi account to last for my outings/vacations up till I go off for my studies. (I have my funds there, I mean my OWN reserves. LOL).

King's got back to me stating why they have not changed my study offer to an unconditional one; apparently its because of UCAS' online system. I have to accept the conditional offer given to me before the offer can be changed to an unconditional one.So I did just that, and in order to do that, I need to have all of the universities' decisions. Queen Mary had not replied me, so I withdrew my application from them. So for now my UK uni application status is:

King's College, Univ of London : Firm Conditional
London School of Economics and Political Sciences : Application Rejected
Univ of Manchester: Insurance Conditional
Queen Mary, Univ of London: Application Withdrawn
Univ of Birmingham: Conditional- Declined.

I will start applying for my accommodation in King's and Manchester next week or so. Then I plan to do my UK student visa when I get my unconditional offer. I anticipate to get this done by the end of May.

Adoi, notebook lagi! Haven't got myself a notebook computer, that would be done before mid-May I suppose.

By the way, right now, I'm obsessed with Anuar Zain's Perpisahan. I mean, I know the song's over a year or so, but well, who cares lah kan? I do get my ear fine tuned late. So hence it explains it all.

LOL. For my kind readers' information, I am going for Disney On Ice this coming Saturday. The last time I went was in 2006 with Inaz and Raymond. Well, this time around it's not that I want to go, but rather I'm offered tickets to watch. Sayang la pulak kan kalau tak guna.

Alright people. We'll catch up soon.

Cheers.

Take care.

Lots of love
Riz F

thank you for the little kisses.

2008-04-02T23:59:00.000+08:00

Many thanks to Ira who bought me back hershey's kisses from Langkawi. She came over to my place for lunch today and it was sweet of her getting me a packet of rice as well. =) It was good. LOL. We should do this often, perhaps when Inaz is back as well. Love love.

Anyway, now, today has been a one of a kind day in my life. As a nobody, I got noticed pretty well today. There were so many calls/smses/online chats for me today. I mean, most of the people were the people I've already known, but they simply pop out after so long, and many of them are just hinting to hit me up, as in hook up. I mean, seriously, it's not a perasan case. I, of all person, would know what perasan cases' symptoms are. Oh well! I guess it's just my lucky day.

Come to think of it, life is very ironic that sometimes, NO ONE NOTICES YOU AT ALL WHEN YOU YEARN THE MOST,but at some other lucky times, you get a zillion people noticing you, and worst ALL AT ONCE until you're limiting yourself to open up to each and everyone of them; it's human nature, you don't want to miss anyone of them. So well, it was a little bit out of hands just now, I had phone calls + online chats + texts! Crazy!

So to some friends who were chatting with me tonight, my sincere apologies that I ignored you guys! You see, there's always a good reason if Riz ignores. LOL.

Oh yes, have I mentioned chocolates actually do make one feel lots happier. No seriously, try them. Especially if they are GOOD chocolates, you'll forget your whines for awhile and all you'd think would be the good things in life. My dad got a boxful of Patchi boutique chocolates, and I'm indulging in it right now! LOL. Along with Kisses! Man, all that work out is not going to help me overcome this little sweet things! HELP.

Okay, I'm off to update Style & Life : Lifestyle. Do check it out soon!

Lots of love,

Riz F

Je suis désolé. Voici les mises à jour.

2008-04-01T23:59:00.000+08:00

I am truly sorry for showing tantrums and not being professional in updating my blog. I let my feelings dominate my passion, again, I'm sorry. But no worries, here I am again updating you guys with my not-so-interesting life.

Oh yes, just so to note, the post's title is in French which literally means, I am sorry. Here are the updates. I think it's correct, but who cares, I'm allowed to make mistakes on my blog. Just get lost if you think I'm a retard.

Well today's April 1st - April Fool's Day. I used to remember the times I was in high school where everyone tried to fool each other on April Fool's. I, being a little bit ignorant, usually end up being fooled the most. This year, it's a little bit different because I'm neither in college nor in school anymore. But well, of the usually more than 10 pranks I get when I was in school/college, I just got one this year. All thanks to Natasha!

I bet you guys just want to know what she did! (I was so amazed that I tried doing it on Min but well, let's just say not all people are as ignorant as I am, so it failed on Min). Well, she texted me this morning saying KDU had put up my picture on the high achievers board. I'm like wtf! Not only that, she had to emphasize that they used by chubbier days picture! I was really going nuts. So, I returned her text with a phone call - I do this a lot when I have one thousand words to say per second, texting would just use too much time. LOL. Then she went with her prank till at one point she started giggling and said APRIL FOOL!!!. I went 'IDGETTTTTTTTTTT!'. LOL it was hilarious. Thanks babe for starting my day with such a hilarious prank! I had fun.

Min texted me not so long after, so I did the same thing on her, but of course, I failed. I don't do cliche pranks well.

Oh yes Min asked me if I wanted to go for the 2nd World Music Festival this coming May 2nd-4th. Oh wheeness, I would love to go! I'm looking for more friends to go with. I don't know how much are the tickets priced this year, but I guess they're still maintaining the venue at the Taman Kuari, Botanical Gardens, Penang. =) I love the botanical gardens. I should go there often eh, to de-stress. Really. I used to do that a lot when I

was much younger, with my family that is.

Ahh. Anyone up to join me and Min (and some other ex-classmates), do hit me up via the comments section. LOL.

THE POST CRUSH SYNDROME EXPLANATION
Okay, I do owe you guys a little bit of explanation on the lack of updates for the past week or so. To be frank I had a 'love life' crisis. While like I'm famous for, my love life is something I like to keep in private, and I would like it to remain such way.

Just for some of you KPCs who would want to know, the story was something like this:

I had a crush. Crush likes me back. Crush and I both agree that we just have crushes and nothing more. Then we found out the real truth about ourselves and really loved each other, but well both of us were not ready for commitments. It is more like the other party was more not ready, I was in between ready and not ready. What can you expect the person is so much younger? Oh well.

So yes, when I really like someone, and if I don't see a future of being together I get a POST CRUSH SYNDROME which usually lasts up to 2 weeks. This time around, I got over quite fast, thanks to all the good friends I have. I wouldn't say that I'm a 100% okay now, but I think enough to keep me moving forward already. Crap happens.

PHOTOSHOOTS
So when I felt bad about myself during the post-crush syndrome last week, I took my time off a few nights simply for photoshoots. Well, those were done to make me feel better about myself. It's like indulging into chocolates when you're down. My way of doing things is to camwhore to make myself feel better. So there I was preparing my whole wardrobe and myself, to produce not-so-bad home shots. Also, I gave it a shot on basic photoshopping skills to cover ugly walls and to enhance the pictures' quality. In the end, these are the stunning results (well for me at least!).

So anyone up for a shoot with me? I'm planning one with Honey soon. Hope it'll be great.

NOTEBOOK PC MANIA
It's already April now, and I think it's just the right time to place my notebook order. That way, I'll get it somewhere mid-April. Then, I'll have around 4 months to upload vital files and data into the notebook as well as familiarizing myself with the notebook. So, I've begun searching and surveying some models online. At first, I was interested to get a Sony notebook merely because Sony produces stylish looking notebooks through their VAIO lines. However, they tend to lack on features but are overly-priced. So, I looked around other brands as well and two brands finally caught my attention; Dell and Hewlett Packard(HP). Well, Dell has this XPS series, which one of the models in the series is a (product) red™ . It is a little bit pricey, though it's still in my budget. Ahh, talking about budget, mine's about 6K, in MYR. This is of course a full specs notebook, if I were to get the XPS (product) red™ model. It features a 13.3" screen. It's cool and everything, but I still feel it's too pricey for me. Plus, the design is a no-big hoo haa. It's a pretty normal looking conservative type of notebook; though it's red in colour. Picture below:

If I don't get this, I might consider two more models from HP. One is really super cool and funky, HP's new dv2800se artist edition notebook. It's a funky notebook, whereby the outer design features a graffiti-like design. The design was inspired from a submission of a 21 year old Portuguese art student. HP and MTV had a contest to design their notebook, and this was their winner. The problem is I'm turning 20 and the design is somewhat more for those still in high school. It's nothing wrong for me to use the notebook, but would it suit the course or the place where I'll be doing my undergraduate. The last thing I want is being laughed at while doing an important presentation in uni merely because my notebook looks pretty not 'serious'. Min told me the same thing as well, I mean it'll not definitely suit my 'job scope' in uni. I'm doing a Maths degree for Pete's sake, and I expect to mingle around with a 80% geek population and 20% funky people. Like they always say, majority wins; like it or not we've got to go with the flow. But again, come to think of it, why the heck would I need to sacrifice something I like for the pleasure of others? So you see, there's a mental conflict in my brain right now. BLUEKKK.

Hence, I went browsing the notebooks the had on HP Malaysia's store. Guess what? I found an exact match to the features of this special edition, just that the one I found does not feature the graffiti design on its outer casing. It's pretty much normal looking. Quite modern but conservative, and I think would fit into the 'job scope'. It has the 'expensive note' impression. I think it's dv2700t. And the price seems very reasonable as well, as it stands at MYR 4999.00. The artist edition is priced at MYR 5499.00. MYR 500 more merely because of the customized special edition design. I'd rather claim the 500 bucks for a quick retail therapy in Pavilion KL. (Speaking of which, my last shopping was in December 2007! I need some new stuff in my wardrobe. Getting bored already!)

Check out the notebooks:

On another note, who's interested to buy my Macbook? It's in pretty good condition, with Leopard installed. It's a 2006 model, and it's white in color, I'm looking for someone who could pay between MYR 2500-MYR 3000 for the Macbook. Buzz me if you're interested or spread the word around if you think you could get someone who's interested to buy. LOL.

YOUTH MALAYSIA JOB
The other day (yes, it's about the post-crush syndrome again), when I was down. I gave some thoughts towards myself and came to a conclusion that too long a holiday actually kills. I mean, yes, I am taking up French, but that's still not enough in keeping my brain active and my body moving. So far, I've been working out and taking up French, and that's basically it. Other activities include SLEEPING, SLEEPING, MOVIES, TV SHOWS, SLEEPING, DVDs, LUNCHES, SLEEPING and OUTINGS. So I really felt useless and becoming even more useless by the days. I called Natasha and MeeChea that night to whine. MeeChea told me about a website for job seekers, asiaparttime.com. She told me to get a job to keep me occupied. It would also enable me to meet new people so that my brain expands rather than shrinks. So I was really up for it. I used to fancy working in the customer service lines, even as a kid. I've always wanted to work as a sales associate in cool boutiques, but well, I just have this fear of having someone I hate coming to shop at my workplace Crazy, that would be really unbearable for me. And because of that wonderful reason of mine, I never had the guts to apply for those kind of jobs. LOL. But how? I needed A JOB.

I don't fancy working at any eateries simply because I fear getting orders mixed up and getting scolded by customers. I mean, I'm not that desperate anyway. Gosh, I fear lots of things, don't I? So well, just for curiosity sake, I logged on the website MeeChea told me. To my surprise they had so many jobs posted there, and stuff you'd never expect. There were vacancies for writers, but most of the job offers were typical and wanted some writing experience or subject knowledge; as in a FORMAL EDUCATION in THE SUBJECT AREA. So I did not possess anything like that, I thought I was just wasting my time. Then, suddenly I stumbled upon a job posting from Youth Malaysia (I then logged on to Youth Malaysia's website). They wanted to hire anyone as long as we're in the youth age group. I was really elated actually. They wrote that they'd pay around RM10-RM50 for articles that they assign us to write. I thought, why not give it a try? And then, I e-mailed the Editor(who seems to be a very friendly person, and to a certain extend nice - I barely know her!) So well, so far, they've just collected recruitment applications and the results would be known end of this week. I hope I get selected to write, because the whole portal seems fun. Although they seem to lack on content as per now, I think it has a great potential to grow in the coming days(or years for that matter). For example look where XFresh has landed, they started with something similar, and in fact when it first intercepted, I was one of the very few people who joined their website. I was busy with school back then, and suddenly the next thing I knew was Xfresh had their own RADIO CHANNEL. I'm like whoa! So I guess, the mindset we need to have is to think beyond expectations and believe in something; never give up the impossible because in the world we love in the impossible are always possible one way or another.

I will let you guys know if I get selected to be a writer on Youth Malaysia. It will truly be an honour, but even if otherwise, I guess at least I tried. =) No harm done.

OUTINGS THAT HAS YET TO BE FEATURED (Pics ONLY- Sorry!)
- Alexis's Birthday
Natasha, Alexis and I hung out the whole day to celebrate Alexis's 20th birthday. She is the first among us three who turned 20! So here you go, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL. We hung out in Gurney, caught a movie! Then we just lepaked in Secret Recipe before going to my house for some lepak session. Later that night after my French class, we had dinner in Gurney drive hawkers promenade.

- Old Town Outing
I kind of forgot when I did this, but I guess it should be around a week or two ago. Shazwan demanded I put the pcitures on. So here you go! I went out with the boys for movie(konon), but we were late, so we scrapped off the movie plan. We had a long dinner instead at Domino's. Then we headed to join Alexis and Natasha who were at Old Town(New World Park). Shaz and the boys left first while I hung out with the girls, they sent me back home. Whee!

MOVIES WATCHED
- Water Horse
I watched this over a pirated copy! It was very clear! Apparently copied from the copy the makers sent in for award reviews. Well, it's not that I support piracy 100%, but well my brother bought it, I can't help it but watch. Plus, we couldn't find the time to go to the box office anyway. It was either he was busy or I was busy, and we both promised each other to catch that movie together. So we did, at 2am on our TV set. LOL. It was a good movie, compared to many of the stupid movies released this time around of the year.

- Spiderwick Chronicles
Do not be deceived by movie trailers. I watched this when I hung out with Alexis and Natasha on Alexis's birthday. Man, we really anticipated it to be really good, noting the fact the trailer seemed very 'magical'. But you know, the movie did not live up to my expectations. Creatures were merely somewhat very bodoh in the movie. Even a 3 year old would find the movie boring. The story line is a little bit draggy though they have interesting ideas along the way. I think the movie is based on a novel, hence they couldn't make it as interesting as it is in the novel, maybe because it'll take too long of screen time.But the ending sucked big time? Wana know what happened? NO, OF COURSE I'M NOT GOING TO WRITE IT! I gave MYR 6.00 to the box office for this, you should too, afterall, for all you know, your cup of tea is my cup of air longkang!

NIP/TUCK AND NOVELS
I have yet to start watching the 4th season of Nip/Tuck merely because I have this insomnia problem at night and I tend to sleep a lot during the day. When I stay up at night, I can't seem to concentrate to do something for a period of time. I just get very restless. So yes, until those are rectified, my Nip/Tuck Season 4 would remain in my drawer! =)

Novels? Don't even dare to ask. Painting Mona Lisa and The Glass Palace, well both of those novels are resting quite well in my bookshelf. I have yet to touch them. I don't know when I'll ever finish them. They seem to never get started(or even if I start, they end up only a few pages before I restart from the beginning again). Ahhh!

MS IRA N CHOCS
Ira went to Langkawi the other day. Oh yes, Ira is Inaz's sister. Like I've said both of them are like family to me. And Ira is somewhat like the big sister I never had. LOL. So she went to Langkawi last week with her friends. I followed her to buy her ferry tickets, and even got drenched in the rain! It was fun though. She bought for me chocolates from Langkawi(they're cheaper there!). She's yet to send them to my house. LOL. Can't wait. I need to pass her my pendrive containing episodes of Prisonbreak S3 that I've downloaded. LOL.

FRENCH CLASSES SCHEDULE CHANGE
Last week when I went for my French class, the director at the place told me and my classmate(yes it's just two of us this term for Tues & Thurs classes) that we had to make some adjustments to come on Saturdays for classes. This is because Alliance Francaise cannot accommodate for low enrolment as they would suffer loses. So, rather than having 2+2 and 4 hours options for students to choose from, they are making it only 4 hours available this term, meaning they are cancelling Tues & Thurs classes. But here's where the drama comes! My classmate cannot make it on all of the Saturdays, as she works on Saturdays and classes will clash with her working time. She works every second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Hence, after much discussions etc, the director agreed that we had a special formula where classes on the 2nd and 4th week of every month are conducted on Tuesdays(while others remain on Saturdays). So if I have a class on Tuesdays, they'll be 2 hours per session, whereas if I have classes on Saturdays, they will be 4 hours per session. All in all, instead of having 44 hours for 11 weeks, I will be having 33 hours for 11 weeks. My French tutor claims that it'll be perfectly okay because we're both(my classmate and I) are quite fast learners hence the reduction in hours wouldn't jeopardize the syllabus coverage. LOL. So I'm free on Thursdays from April onwards! I'm looking forward to attend a Saturday class soon, we'll be meeting the original students enrolled for the Saturday classes from the very beginning. We'll also be meeting two of my classmates who attended Tues & Thurs classes for the First Term but joined Saturday classes for the Second Term. LOL. But I'll just meet them on alternate weeks since I'm in this 'special formula' arrangement, along with the earlier classmate. Pretty confusing ey? I know, my maid got confused too. Even I'm confused with the dates, I had to write it down.

LSE REJECTION AND OTHER UNIS UPDATES
I've got my reply from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE), and it is the first institution that rejected my application. They did not even give me a conditional offer, but I guess they did a favour for me, because now, I don't have to make my mind whether I'll have to choose King's over LSE or otherwise. Now I know where I'm most probably heading; King's!. I do not want to confirm anything yet because I'm still in the midst of submitting documentation and corresponding with the university to finalize my offer. So once everything is official and is in place, I'll announce it on my blog. =)

Pray that everything goes well people! I do want to go to King's. I really do.

Queen Mary has yet to reply(they'll take another decade I suppose).

Others are pretty much the same; Manchester, Birmingham and King's. All have given me conditional offers that I've fulfilled.

Aus univs remain the same, but I did not really bother to keep tab on them merely because they are my back up. So I'm still keeping their offers, just that I'm idle on them. I have till around May/June to do that. So that's cool.

LOVE LIFE DIRECTION
I have no love life. I hope not to have crushes again because it simply kills and it is the only thing that weakens me from my work. I am a workaholic type of a person, I cannot afford to have this one weakness of mine dominate my working habits. I really hope to enjoy my single-ready-to-mingle life, and remain that way for some time (at least till I leave for the UK).

KL TRIP & CELINE DION CONCERT CANCELLED
Oh yes, I don't think I'll be going for Celine's concert. Reasons:
- If I get the 300 bux ticket, it's not really worth it. Seriously, youtube would be better.
- I do not have enough funds to get the 1K ticket. Even if I did, I won't spend it for a mere concert.
- I have no friends to go with, or necessary arrangements done for me to go.

LOL. Anyway, the concert is rescheduled to the 13th. It was originally planned to be held on the 8th. But Celine was down with some throat problems in Australia before her performance there, hence she needed a few days of rest before resuming her Taking Chances World Tour. In fact, the show in Australia was postponed for a few days as well. Better luck next time for me, who knows, there might be future chances of meeting Celine up close. Life's full of surprises and its all about Taking Chances anyway. So I'm taking the chance to miss this concert and hope to attend some of her other performance in the coming years.

I LOVE COOKING AFTERALL
I've been cooking occasionally for the past few weeks. Enjoy the pictures below. Looks like I have a passion in cooking afterall, eyh? Hey, I do cook well okay! Really. I love myself for that.

REVIEW
I have really good friends in life. Friends whom accept me for whom I am, friends who never discriminate me in any way. Non racist. Friends who built me on their blocks of friendship merely based on sincerity. Both boys and girls. I love them. I really do. Thanks for being there all this while. I know I can be a little bit of a nuisance at times, but I'm just human at the end of the day, just like you.

It has been 4 months since I actually finished my A-level. I have 5 more months before going away for quite a long time for my studies. I will miss people back home, in fact, it has sunken these days that every day when I wake up, I'm drawing a day closer to the day I'll shed my tears saying goodbye. It's not that its forever, but WHO KNOWS, like I've said, anything can happen in life. I might settle down there? Maybe. Who knows right? Just know those who are dear to me back home, you guys rock till the end! I'm not running away, but merely taking a break and having a wind of change in my mind. Experiencing something different, out of the norm daily life I've been going through for the past 20 years. I really need to enjoy life, to have people with a higher level of tolerance, to hide from people I despise etc. Ahhh.

I miss my childhood- not the fat days. But the experience of going to a kampung school, where I need not bother about status, what I wore, or how I talked.
I love visiting distance relatives. I love weddings. I love running around. I love the jungle, I love the rain, I love the hills. I love the ambience in my grand uncle's old house in Taiping. It's just spectacular when it rains(and it rains very often there). The clouds, the morning dews, the greenery. I was a kid. I enjoyed. I enjoyed taking bath there, they have ICY COLD WATER running from their taps. And they usually store their water in gigantic clay barrels. They had no fluorescent lights at night, but rather they had the conventional yellow bulbs everywhere. There would be exotic insects coming by the windows, I'd just admire them. I MISS THOSE DAYS.

I don't see my kids(if I ever have kids) doing that. It's a 90s experience in Malaysia. It'll never happen again I know, but it's more of the memories I cherish as a child. I doubt anyone would remember, because it's my childhood and it only left an impact on me. Just like all of you would have your own stories to tell. It's very interesting to see how beautiful life's all planned for us, if you start paying attention to the smallest things in life. Have you ever thought what would you have ended up being if you had taken another path in life?

I'm being very drama, I know. It's my blog. It's my say. =)

Oh well, to end this post, I would want to quote this :
Is it not ironic? We tend to ignore those who adore us, but we adore those who ignore us; We hurt those who love us but love those who hurt us. It is funny that love is like how you can be crazy loving someone so much only to realize they forget to love you back.

Lots of love,
Riz F

Like who bloody cares lah kan

2008-03-26T00:24:00.001+08:00

I'm feeling very annoyed, pissed, emotionally unstable, stupid and suckish for the past few days hence the lack of updates.

Why you ask me? IT'S ANOTHER CRUSH SYNDROME. I don't know how to get over it(wait, I think I know, but what I don't know is how long it'd take for me to recover). Have I ever mentioned how much I hate having crushes?

I feel stupid.

Good night.

Au revoir!

Driving-mania.

2008-03-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

Wohoo! After the accident the other day, I was having a little bit of phobia driving around. In fact, I only drove short distances i.e. to go to my French classes. Plus, I try to avoid driving at night as my eyes seem to have been deteriorating by the days. My left eye especially. Man, I'm still in denial.

Anyway, I had a dinner scheduled tonight with my ex-classmates from KDU A-levels. Joining for the dinner would be Natasha, MeeChea and Min. So, earlier plans for the day was that we meet at New World Park for dinner. We planned to crash in the Manhattan Fish Market there. So everything was set and at 5pm, I called Natasha for a final confirmation. And the PLAN WAS ON! I was supposed to pick her up and we both are supposed to go together where we'll meet Min and MeeChea there. Min and MeeChea would be driving their own cars there. Oh well, I had visitors after that, well not me exactly, but more like my family had visitors. I, being a member of the family, had to pop my face for courtesy. The visitors were my brother Syahin's friends and their mums. These two friends of my brother's are cousins, meaning their mom are sisters. They're from Tehran, Iran by the way. LOL. So I caught up in a discussion over pizza and tea till around 7pm. Then, I received a call from Natasha! The verdict was : MeeChea's dad took her car and hence she can't come to the island to join us at 7.15pm but she'll come a little bit later. I then called Min to settle the dinner at 7.45pm, and everything was set. THen a few minutes later, Min told me that MeeChea said she'll not be joining us; with no reasons said. I had to call MeeChea after that, and then I was told that her dad did not allow her to drive to the island(for some reasons that he had of his own). MeeChea thought of having us over the other side, in the mainland to join her. At first, Min and I were not too keen, as we were lazy to drive. LOL. I was afraid to drive as well, firstly because it's at night - I had eye problems and the post-accident trauma. But well, I went what the heck in the end and a plan was drawn up ; AUTOCITY JURU. We actually wanted to go to this place for so long, in fact since we were in KDU but the plan never seemed to come real. So we quickly asked our parents and once we got their approvals, we called MeeChea. That sure did cheer her up a lot! =)

I was kind of surprised when my parents did not bother telling me to be careful or telling me my curfew like they always do. I mean, JUST LAST WEEK, they called me a zillion times simply because I was not back by 10pm. This time around; NOPE, NOT A SINGLE PHONE CALL. Well oh well, weird parents I have I suppose.

Min had to give a lift to her mom to the mainland as well, so she drove in a separate car. I on the other hand went to pick Natasha up and we both headed to Juru. We met at the Juru Rest Area. Man, of all person I had to meet was a pro-PAS Malay uncle of mine. Crazy! I mean, I was with a girl in the car, at around 9pm in Juru rest area. Whatever he might have thought of us, but well he seemed okay though when I went to acknowledge him. He lives in Taiping by the way. Scary!

JURU Autocity has Manhattan Fish Market as well. So we ended up having dinner there.

After dinner we went walking around a little bit, they had this fun fair at the Autocity. Then, we went to this MINI FLEA MARKET, where I bought a 'Star Light' for my aunt. She's been arguing with the husband for the past two years because my uncle did not stop the car then get that 'Star Light' for her; Apparently, it's no more sold where they last saw it. So I guess, this would put an end to it. LOL. I don't know what fetish she has for the light.

Then, we all headed to the Starbucks for a drink. Well we were not really up for a drink but we merely needed a place where we could all sit down and watch out Melaka Trip videos on my laptop(well, I brought my mom's laptop!). So yeah, MeeChea used her employee discount for us (She's not attached to that branch, but she can use her benefits anywhere). It was a little bit of drama there since MeeChea did not get her employee card yet; Min and MeeChea had to flirt with the guy at the cashier to convince him MeeChea's actually an employee with Starbucks Sunway Carnival Mall.

Oh yes, just for the records, Min is getting more feminine by the days. I'm like WTF? Is that even Min?

We left for home right after. Min left alone to pick her mom up somewhere nearby. MeeChea and Natasha followed me in my car. I had to wait for MeeChea's dad to pick her up somewhere near the bridge(towards the island) before heading off to the island with Natasha. We cam whored a little bit while waiting for MC's dad. There was some driving drama twice. First was when I had to go to the parking area near the bridge, I was on the opposite direction, so I had to go into the U-turn road so that I get to be where MC's dad is supposed to meet us. Due to the repair works near the toll plaza, it was a very short distance for me to turn into that U-turn road. I had to do some stunts, VERY QUICKLY, mind you. DRAMA-ness.

Then after MC's dad picked her up, Natasha and I left for the island. Again we were at the opposite direction(since we U-turned and now are towards the mainland). So we had to find the U-turn road back to the bridge. LOL. I missed it and turned into Perai. The place was quite eerie. Very quiet. I did an illegal U-turn after being convinced by Natasha, and then was bac k on track to head home. I kind of speeded a little bit because I had to pee. Took the Jelutong Expressway, then dropped Natasha back at her place before going back home. I thought I'd be home by 12am. But no, it was already 1plus when I reached home. Surprisingly, no calls from my parents! They don't even know whether if I'm back yet.

Ahh, what a day!

Lots of love,
Riz F

p/s: Please click here to read up on the Manhattan Fish Market - Juru Autocity food review!

Updates! Updates! Mari baca!

2008-03-19T23:59:00.000+08:00

My dear readers, sorry for keeping all of you waiting for my updates!

Well, this time around it is not that I have nothing to update, but somehow or rather I was too busy to have the convenience of time to jot down an entry. Anyway, here I am, after almost a week of silence!

Get-together with high school close friends.
Well, last Friday, after Friday prayers, I headed to Queensbay Mall to meet Emilia(Emy) and Shafinaz(Pnut). It's been almost two years since the last time I met Emy. Let's just say things got way complicated that we ended up not meeting each other. In fact, both Pnut and I did not meet her for that period of time. Pnut and I have been meeting on a regular basis, around 3-4 months once. Anyway, it was rather of a get-together than a lunch appointment. =) We all had lunch at home before meeting up. We met at three for coffee at Starbucks. There we sat chatting our way reminiscing our old times in school as well as filling each other with present day updates and gossips. We had quite a good fun before I had to go and pee. Emy and Pnut wanted too okay! Oh yes, before I continue, I was receiving so many SMSes that afternoon about the street protest purportedly staged by the state UMNO members as an objection to the new DAP-PKR state government of Penang's policies. Everyone was worried and advised me not to go to town, and thankfully I wasn't there anyway as I was way so far in Bayan Lepas where everything seemed NORMAL. Oh yes, that disrupted my chat with the two young ladies a lot. So right after that, we went walking around the mall before settling down for another chat session over a shared piece of cake. We headed for home after that, Shafinaz dropped us all back (I did not drive to Queensbay, someone dropped me off). I was dropped off at my aunt's place in Bukit Jambul because my mom was around that sector doing her shopping. She picked me up later for home.

Malaysian Cabinet
And so, the PM has announced the Cabinet members for this term of their administration yesterday. It was quite funny to watch the telecast live. The questions the journalists were nailing the PM with were simply so funny that it's too good to be true, and the PM had to answer them which made the whole thing a perfect midday drama. Many heavyweights were dropped off this time, significantly the AP Queen. Finally.

We can see that half of the cabinet members are new with a significant increase in deputy ministers coming from Sabah & Sarawak. Well, it should be so noting the fact most of the Barisan parliamentary seats came from those states. Oh yes, this time there are no parliamentary secretaries to all of the ministries. This is to ensure the Cabinet is small and compact. This would enable the Parliament to have enough members of the Barisan backbenchers for motions to be passed. If not, the Opposition would be having a gala time frying them. Well, I think they are going to anyway either way. So oh well, much said about the Cabinet already. Marina Mahathir wrote quite a good yet simple commentary on the Cabinet listing. Do visit her blog.

French
Well yesterday was my final French class for the first term of the beginner level. Wohoo people! I actually finished the first term. I reckon signing up for the class just not so long ago, and voila I'm done with the first term already. I've signed up for the second term. I'll be continuing with the same slots of 4 hours per week with two lessons of 2 hours. At one point my class had 8 people, but for the second term perhaps there'll just be 4 of us remaining in the same slot. One moved to the Saturday straight 4 hours slot while the others gave up on French. In fact, when the term starts next Tuesday, it'll be only two of us first. The other two; One is taking Saturday classes for the next 3 weeks-he cant make it on the normal slots for these coming three weeks, the other is on vacation in France(his wife is French). So yeah. That's about it. And yes, my French tutor got her approval by the government to continue teaching French, so that's good news for us. I shall keep on updating about my French progress from time to time, and not forgetting French class gossips. LOL.

Personal Blog
Well over the weekend I changed the layout a little bit if you guys have realised. And not forgetting I did change the colour scheme too. Nothing too drastic, but well, let's just say it's enough to keep the ambience running good and the blog mojo up. I've added the Nuffnang ads service to increase my revenue for the blog. So right now, for those of you loyal readers of mine, I'd really appreciate you guys clicking on those ads each time you guys pop into my blog. Not to forget to click on the Google ads as well. I get paid in USD for Google Ads while in MYR through Nuffnang. Trust me people, I'm not trying to make any extra cash here, but basically the fund is supposed to be for my domain name; rizfares.com. Look, I don't even have enough revenue to buy a decent space so that my blog can be more decently organized. At present, I have just only purchased the domain name, JUST THE NAME. That will cost me around RM 40 to RM 50 every year. Bleghhh. Oh yes, just something to note, Zamir, my high school junior seems to be a silent visitor to my blog. I only realised the other day when he told me about reading something on my blog. I went 'So you do read my blog?' And he went YES. LOL. I never knew! No wonder my counters keep on showing me a handful of visitors everyday, they make up the silent visitors like Zamir. They come without commenting on any entries nor posting anything on the shoutbox. Ahhh, I'm elated. Anyway, kudos to Zamir, he told me he always clicks the ads EVERYTIME he comes into my blog. Thank you so much. I wish that all the other readers are just like him! All of you are greatly appreciated.

Style & Life : Lifestyle blog
And so the blog is around 60% up. I've been working on it ever since I did the layout overhaul on this blog. I've got a few more things to fill up on the blog such as its welcome note and several other information on the bloggers. It is mostly taking time on the bloggers' management. Like who's in, who's out. That's taking me time a lot. Also, of course, what's good a blog without its contents. No one has posted anything yet. I guess they're all waiting for me to make the debut. True! But folks, you guys can always go ahead and post anything first because I might take a while, I'm doing the 'technical' stuff remember! Ahhh. Currently, the blog has been soft launched, but the official launch would be on 1st April 2008. So be sure to check it out. It will be only then that we would try to publicize the blog so that we get more site traffic. We are not aiming anything big, but more of a sharing platform, by bloggers for the online community. I was talking to Lisa via MSN just now, and she was wondering if we could make money. I guess we could, someday, through ads of course. But again, that has to depend on the site's traffic. Site traffic depends on our contents. So yeah, it's all interconnected and everything is pretty much important to us. Well, if ever we make money, I guess we'll channel it mostly towards charity, of course I'm not denying the fact to share the money equally among the permanent bloggers, but I guess that would just be a small nominal amount. BUT AGAIN, WHY TALK MONEY when the whole thing hasn't even kicked off yet? We'll talk money say in the years to come, for now, it's a free-for-all concept blog. Do visit it at style-and-life.blogspot.com. It should be 100% up come April 1st.

Dinner at New World Park
Tomorrow's a public holiday; Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Well people are spreading rumours saying there are going to be illegal demonstrations in Penang apart from the legally scheduled Maulidur Rasul parade(I don't know what else to call it). The police have assured the demonstrations widely said are merely rumours and that the public should not be alarmed. To me I guess, we should all act normal and live a normal life. Just like any other day, any other public holiday. I guess, we seriously need to move on and not let these petty things mind us so much. The election is over, people have voiced their decision. I think, why don't we all stand by it, for the next 5 years? Should all of us not be happy with the present administration of the state after this term end, we can always change it in the 13th GE. After all, the people have proved this time that they are in power, that shows they'll have even a greater power next time.So this simply shows that none of the parties should be too comfortable in their seats; be it the ruling government or the Opposition-both at state and federal levels. The best team wins in the end of the day. That's the present Malaysia, so we'll have to face it. We're talking about democracy here. We chose, we'll have to stand by it. Ah, too much on it already! Anyway, there was a reason for saying all of this. MeeChea, Min, Natasha and I are going for dinner tomorrow night at New World Park's Manhattan Fish Market. It's just one of our few more monthly 'get-togethers' ;now that we have just a few more months left before, us, the FREE people start going off for studies. I hope none of the riots would go on, as seriously, we'd want a peaceful evening enjoying dinner tomorrow. I'll blog about the food and the place on the new Style & Life : Lifestyle blog. It'll be my maiden article on that blog, and in fact the blog's maiden entry (unless someone posts something earlier. LOL).

Take care then.

Lots of love,
Riz

p/s: Sorry for posting bare entries these days. I haven't got the shutter bug mojo these days, but don't worry I'm building all the energy back Pics will invade this blog in no time.

NEW DVDs and lots of fun!

2008-03-13T23:59:00.000+08:00

Guess what people? I went out with Ira and Inaz again today. Well, I was supposed to go out with Inaz yesterday but it rained heavily and I was bloody lazy to drive all the way to Bayan Baru to meet Inaz. So Inaz told me to meet her today instead, the fact that she had tonnes of assignments to do as well.

I had French class today too. So I had to excuse myself about 45 minutes earlier to join Inaz and Ira. They picked me up from Alliance Francaise. Kudos to them that they FOUND the place without getting lost. I had to pick my brother Nazim who was in Uplands for some drama thing. So, coincidentally we had plans to go to Batu Feringghi as well to buy DVDs, so I told my mom that we'll pick Nazim up. That's just what we did, and we headed to the night market to get ourselves our treat of DVDS. There was nothing much, but at least I could get my Nip/Tuck Season 3 and 4. That's splendid enough for me. Season 5 is out but it isn't the complete season, as they have yet to obtain the remaining episodes due to the late US airing of the series(some Writer Guild Strike). So I just bought seasons 3 and 4.

Besides that, I got other movies as well, simply to kill boredom and time. Oh yes, by the way, I got 70% for my French Beginner 1 evaluation. Not bad right? I mean, a total foreign language, and a 70%. I think that's pretty okay already. The highest so far(yes, because some haven't sat for the test) in the class is 77%. Ah, and I've officially signed up for next term (term 2 of 3 - yay!).

Anyway, we spent about an hour buying DVDs. After that we headed to Subway only to find it closed. So, Nazim and I wanted McD while Ira and Inaz wanted some mamak food. We went to get take away of those meals and headed back to my house. Inaz wanted to conduct an interview for her assignment. We did that after having our meal. All in all it was a good get together. We're more like family than normal friends. Well, I guess because we've known each other since Primary 4, so that makes it up. 10 years and counting. Ira and Inaz left at around 1am. =)

So here I am now typing this entry. I need to work out a little bit before going to bed. Man! This is crazy! I'm 60.X kgs. I need to be 58.X or 59.X soon. ANOREXIC DIET BEGINS SOON. Oh yes, my hands hurt and there are blisters because I'm carrying weights without wearing any gloves. Darn me.

A pleasant surprise came in my mail just now. Puan Norhaida, my ex-schoolteacher sent me an e-mail as a reply substitute to my SMS yesterday. LOL. I never knew she had an e-mail. Oh, it's good now that I can keep in touch with her and get SMKBJ's info wired to me EVEN if I'm gone overseas for my undergraduate.

King's sent me a handbook via snail mail this morning. It's like an international student handbook! It has detailed information and checklists on what I need from the moment I accept my offer till I settle down in the UK. Good thing they have that. God, the college is in Central London, I bet that's REALLY going to make me eat leaves everyday. Don't be surprised if I come back looking really anorexic next year's summer (Bleh! that's what they say, but in reality it's more like I'll end up becoming Fat Joe - See what happened to Mel!).

Anyway, got to run now. Do take care and will write in soon.

Lots of love,
Riz F

p/s: www.style-and-life.blogspot.com is up. Do check it out. Several classmates from KDU and I discussed this project last year, towards the end of my course. Well it definitely took me sometime to get the thing configured. Do support the blog and I hope we can share stuff and information with each other in that site. If you're completely clueless on what I'm talking about, simply click the link and check it out for yourself. You may find lots of info are still not uploaded and fields merely filled in with placeholders, do bear with me as I try my best to fix them all up in the coming weeks. To contribute towards the site, do e-mail me your details. My e-mail address can be found on the ONLINE INFO section of this very blog.

SPM Drama.

2008-03-12T23:55:00.000+08:00

I got a rude wake up call this morning from my aunt. Okay, well it is not that rude after all, but anyone disturbing me from my sleep are considered rude, in the laws of Riz - for a stupid reason that is.

Anyway, she called me merely to inform me that her nephew (NOT RELATED WHATSOEVER WITH ME), got 11A1 for his SPM examinations. I was like SO? But of course, I am a polite boy. I went more like OH GOOD FOR HIM THEN. I thought the conversation would just end there, but nope, she started saying, 'So Faris, you're not that good afterall. 8A1s and 2A2s. No big deal. I'm like WTF IS YOUR PROBLEM?

No seriously. What's with all the A hype? When I did my SPM I told myself, I would very much contented already if I were to get 6As. I didn't even bother id they were A1s or A2s. Getting 10As was a BONUS for me and hence I wasn't really going around town publicizing my results. I do acknowledge many did better than me, but I guess that's their hard work and this is mine. I am me, I wouldn't be me if I got more than what I'm supposed to get.

For one thing, during my SPM year I don't quite ask any of my friends of their results. In fact, till today, I don't quite bother asking individuals their results, unless of course they're really close to me, LIKE EXTREMELY CLOSE. I don't know, I don't see what's the big boombang about getting so many As. I watched the news just now and they said that a guy from Kedah scored some 20As. I went nuts. I was like, MAN, WHY DO YOU NEED THAT? Well if to prove yourself that you can do it? What is the sole purpose of it? Is it not taking examinations is a mere assessment to see whether if you've learned something?

During my A-levels, I learnt something. No one bothered of what each other got. We set our own targets. We set the number of subjects we take. We do the things, ourselves. Parents do advise, but we make our decision. I took 3 when I can take 4 simply because I know my strengths and weaknesses. My target was an AAB but AAA was something I dreamt of. But we've got to be very realistic in our lives, there needs to be a solid reason when we do something. My reason was to enter university. My course requires something like an ABB to AAB. Of course for a good uni you'll need something like an AAB to AAA. I got AAB in the end, I was indeed very happy. I have friends who got 3As 1B and I've heard people getting 5As, but never once I was envious of them. I thought, good, at least they can venture into fields that they want to, fields that DO REQUIRE SUCH GRADES.

So yes, what I'm trying to say is that. WHY DO PEOPLE COMPARE INDIVIDUALS MERELY ON ACADEMIC GRADES? I love what Azhan wrote on his blog on this issue.

Plus what more if you start comparing me, a guy who sat for the exams in 2005 with someone who took his exam in 2007! I'm not denying the fact, he is smart academically. But trust me, I've seen the guy, and he doesn't have a good social life. I mean, being a teenager is a one time life experience. Making friends, hanging out, chatting our way through the nights are things WE DO. He missed all that in his teenage years. Time does fly a lot right after school end. I do miss my younger teenage days but I've never regretted anything I did. I'm glad I did things I did then. I chatted with my friends during Bio class in school, we discussed bio porn related stuff. We had real good fun. In the end, it sums up to whom you really are. What's the point of getting a whole string(a long one too, mind you) of As but you're a total nerd. You go blank when you're exposed to topics related to politics, entertainment, happenings and stuff like that. Nabilla, who is one of my closest friends, is someone I look up to. She scored 8As in her SPM. But mind you, she's doing lots better than some of you who got 12 or 13As. Nabilla's got a scholarship to UWC to do her IB. And now, she's really exposed. She talks real crap. Not bullshit. I'm really happy for her. There were once, people(mostly teachers) started saying she's dropped a lot this and that, but I guess she is who she's meant to be. She's not super duper good in squash, but at least to those of you who talk, I bet she's lots better than you guys.

Listening to your heart and following it's real desire would bring you success in life. Advice from parents and wise people should be heard and compared to your own standings and what's best is taken, better still to merge them. So again, please stop this nonsense of being too stereotypical labelling people merely by academic standards. We are in the year 2008, give all of us a break and think like you're supposed to think, not of what people USED to think. We need to evolve people because that's the nature of the world.

Blehh!

Syahin, my youngest brother is going on a residential trip to the Penang Hill tomorrow! I guess I'll only see him on Friday. He's already asleep now and I doubt I'll be awake to send him off to school. That guy is leaving home for the first time tomorrow! He's never ever been alone all these 8 years of his life. It'll definitely be good for him. Can't wait to hear his stories when he gets back. Crappy fellow!

Lots of love,
Riz F

Of 10,000 BC and more.

2008-03-10T18:05:00.000+08:00

Today I went out to Gurney Plaza with Inaz and Ira.

We met up for lunch at Food Loft. Ira and Inaz picked me up from home. I was supposed to drive them from home, but I was too lazy.

Anyway, after lunch, we had nothing much to do, so we headed for the movies. LOL. I forgot it's the school holidays already! No wonder there were so many people in Gurney just now, despite it being Monday - a working/schooling day. My brothers are not in government schools, hence the katak bawah tempurung issue.

We watched 10,000BC. Well I thought the movie was supposed to be good, based on the trailer that I saw last week (when I went for Step Up 2 : The Streets with Natasha - ANOTHER DRAGGY FILM, THE FIRST STEP UP WAS WAY BETTER). Anyway, I'm not going to write any spoiler for both Step Up 2 and 10,000BC. I mean, I have this attitude of NOT PERSUADING PEOPLE NOT TO GO AND WATCH A MOVIE. Seeing is believing. I hate it when people tell me 'Hey don't go and watch so and so. I watched it, it sucks'. Your cup of tea may not be mine, enough said.

So I guess, you guys should go and watch the movie, and judge it for yourself. Pour moi, je deteste le film dix-mille avant JC. C'est un film tres ennuyeux.

What's with the French? I HAVE AN EVALUATION TEST TOMORROW! Hope that they stick with their 'IT'S JUST AN EVALUATION AND YOU CAN CONTINUE WITH THE NEXT TIER EVEN IF YOU FAIL'. If they are particular with requiring people to PASS to enter the next tier, then I suppose I'm dead meat. Je suis dead viande.

I guess it's back etudier (to study). I'll catch up with all of you real soon. Meanwhile, I do appreciate if you guys help me out to spread a word on the Art Exhibition at the Alliance Francaise de Penang running up till the 8th of April 2008. Feel free to paste or use the image that I have put up on the side-bar of this blog.

Lots of love,
Riz F

Massive! Election EXCEPTION Encore entry!

2008-03-09T23:52:00.004+08:00

My God!

Just when I said I'd be posting only one entry covering the 12th Malaysian General Election, something BIG happened.

A wind of change, a tsunami of hope and simply a tide of power made their way into the Malaysian political history forever.

The Opposition front managed to gain more than 1/3rd of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) in the Malaysian Parliament. Ruling National Front coalition whilst securing more than 50% of the parliament seats failed to secure a 2/3rd majority which is vital for the amendment and addition of Bills in the Federal Constitution. It looks like the Parliament would be on a standstill for the next term, in terms of policy changes etc - unless of course both the ruling government and the Opposition representatives achieve somewhat a mutualism between them (highly unlikely of course!).

Now, not only that, the Opposition secured 5 states to form their state governments. DAP-PKR taking over Penang, PAS taking over Kedah and maintaining their helm Kelantan, and finally PKR-PAS-DAP taking over Selangor and Perak. Now, that is definitely a big blow to the National Front.

However, for one thing, it simply indicates the power of the voters, voices of the people. People are up and ready for a change - a massive one.

It is indeed one of the biggest loses for the ruling National Front which has been all these while strong; ever since their inception from the Alliance party.

One worry that plays in every citizen's head is that WOULD WHAT HAPPENED IN 1969 REPEAT? Read up on Wikipedia what led to the May 13th 1969 racial riots. You would be surprised that the loss of 2/3rd majority of the then ruling Alliance party was one of the influential eventsthat led to the riots. We are the 21st century Malaysians, Malaysians who are very well exposed, not oppressed and strong. Democracy has to definitely work. Hence, I hope there would not be any racial tense and riots being demonstrated this era. An open-discussion would be okay, but no one should resort to violence as it simply shows how barbaric we are to the international world. We have grown and nurtured for the past 50 years, we definitely do not want to travel back in time. Because if we do, trust me, the Starbucks generation of today, would end up as cheap foreign import for developing countries in the years to come.

Anyway, to those newly formed state governments, I hope they do not disappoint the voters and there should not be any racial discrimination whatsoever as promised. Together, we build a better Malaysia, for Malaysians.

On another note, I hope the National Front do not give up as well and do necessary postmortems. Not to forget, they should repair and rectify whatever damage done. This includes putting a whole NEW LINE UP, a people's line up, and disposing faces that should not be there in the very first place. Of all person, I bet they know best of what(or who?) made them lose big this time. So much so as we sympathize, we should move on in building this country.

At the end of the day, it all sums up as one nation we call our motherland. We'll do whatever it takes to maintain its harmony, prosperity, stability and sovereignty.

Good luck people for this term!

Lots of love,
Riz F

Malaysia's 12th General Election

2008-03-08T14:29:00.002+08:00

So this would be my first and only entry covering the 12th General Election; reasons being : I'm totally not interested with politics of this country, for now. Also, I think everything is so messed up that putting your head into it would just spin you around and if unlucky you might get pinned down with no room to breathe. And lastly, I'm not an eligible voter just yet. I have not reached the legal age to register as a voter, perhaps, this will be no longer an issue comes the 13th General Election as I should have reached 21 by then (and hopefully get myself registered).

The dissolution of Parliament mid-February did not come as a shocking news to Malaysians despite frequent denial at first by the ruling coalition. Perhaps they had their reasons for it. Nomination of candidates this time saw an intense lobbying both in the Opposition and the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) party. Some of the incumbents had to make way merely for new faces to come in (choices by respective party leaders - NOTE: most parties had a leadership line up change in the last term). This time around, independents are highlighted quite a lot in the media and as we can see, there are quite a number of places where independents are contesting. The famous one would be Tok Mun who is a 89-year-old grandmother contesting for the Kuala Terengganu Parliamentary Seat. Now, it might be a laughing stock to some of you but I think Tok Mun deserves to be in this race and portrays a very GENUINE democracy fight. Who is she? She's a nobody. Trust me, many younger people would want to vote for her. I know she would not win(but who knows right?), but I have a great deal of respect for this woman. She cycles around for her campaign with help from those who volunteer. She has tried contesting 4 times before this, and this is her fifth time. She doesn't give up that easily. She has her very own manifesto, though, they seem unrealistic to materialize BUT I think it is indeed a great effort. Thanks to some of the volunteers who helped her at the 11th hour, she has a whole blog dedicated to her, as well as a facebook fan account. Search for maimunbintiyusuf@gmail.com.Go Tok Mun! I mean seriously. A real person fighting for real people.

A few seats were won uncontested during nomination day; most of them because their opponents had 'technical' issues with the Election Commission. Also, this time around, for the first time, the Election Commission had(yes HAD) introduced the use of indelible ink to eliminate possibilities of phantom voters voting. It is weird somehow that the Election Commission had put on an uphill task to introduce the ink, I mean they had a great deal of debate on whether to introduce the ink or otherwise. A decision was made even before the Parliament was dissolved, and that WAS YES THEY WERE GOING TO USE IT (along with transparent ballot boxes to prevent cheating). However, the use of indelible ink came to a media controversy just a few days back as the EC had announced to withdraw its use for the 12th GE. A concrete explanation had yet to be done but the public are definitely very upset over it.

The campaigning period between the Nomination day and Polling day is somewhat 13 days, and to some it remains a very short period. In fact, this whole election thing is viewed to be a 'rush election'. Nevertheless, it is the ruling government's call for an election as per stated in the Federal Constitution. So yes, legally, it's no problem. Heavy campaigning has been observed this time around and the parties involved had certainly used the Internet as a cheaper yet effective medium to woo voters. People no longer rely solely on the mainstream media as they claim it was very biased. So for 'juicy truth' they log on to blogsites and websites featuring campaign materials to gain voters' confidence.

From my observation, I see the general public population are not showing any sense of enthusiasm for this GE compared to previous GEs held. I've talked to people , some of them are simply not voting for their own reasons. I mean, whoa! I do remember elections being like a big time celebration when I was a little boy. This time, yes, you can see the posters and flyers but you don't actually see the enthusiastic people running around.

Today is the polling day, and I've received so many SMS regarding riots in Terengganu. God, buses movement believed to have being ferrying phantom voters were stopped by certain political groups. These incidents caused the police to take up extra security measures at those area. Luckily in Penang I did not hear those kind of news just yet. There are indeed many hot seats to be watched this time. I would definitely love to see some people going down and some going up. I loved what Marina Mahathir wrote on her blog of her being neutral - not inclined towards any political party. I mean, she seriously has substance. I would want to be like her too, not inclined to any parties. It is unfair and unjust to say they don't have capable leaders in the National Front, but that doesn't dismiss the fact that capable leaders do exist in the Opposition too. So being ON THE FENCE and seeing both sides of it seems to be the fairest thing to do. And about voting, I guess, you'll just have to vote for your area and let the whole nation decide which party wins. It doesn't mean if you can't change if you've been always voting for the same party previously. So being a neutral person makes you, YOU. You are not obliged to vote for anyone or any party. And you solely decide at the end of the day, at the polling station.

There is a mere 4 hours plus remaining before polling stations nationwide closes at 5pm. Political campaigns officially ended last night at 12am in line with the Election Act. I don't know what are the voters' turnout like. The weather seems a little bit gloomy here in Penang; rainclouds are hovering our skyline. I bet it's about the same everywhere else in Malaysia. AS per 12pm just now, the EC chairman said 32% of the 10.9 million registered voters had cast their ballots. I think it'll be a 60% voters' turnout for this GE. We have 4 more hours, I don't think we can make up the rest of the 78%. LOL. Anyway, I guess we already know who'll win this time, like they always do. The anticipation isn't that great. But just for the sake of it, I bet most Malaysians, like me, would tune in RTM tonight to catch on the latest results. Oh hail the next Government (whomever they are, I don't want to take chances here!)

We'll all know who wins the election late tonight, so there is no need to blog about it again. This concludes my entry for the 12th Malaysian General Election.

Lots of love,
Riz F

African Art Exhibition

2008-03-08T03:32:00.001+08:00

Well I was asked to distribute flyers for the African Art Exhibition which will be held at the Alliance Francaise de Penang beginning tonight. The exhibition will run for a month. Please note that the Alliance Francaise de Penang closes on Sundays and Mondays. So anyway, instead of distributing the flyers, I guess displaying the flyer on my blog would help reach a bigger target group. So here goes:

The opening would be held tonight at 8pm and features African cuisine refreshments(I'm not too sure if dinner is served, but I DON'T THINK SO). So for those of you who are free, do drop by. I won't personally be there tonight. But again, my French classes are at the Alliance Francaise de Penang, SO I GUESS THERE'LL BE PLENTY OF TIME FOR ME TO SEE THE EXHIBITION. Note that the African cuisine thing would only be for one night, that is tonight, to mark the exhibition's opening.

Oh yes, for typical Malaysians, the entry for the event is FREE OF CHARGE ( unless you purchase pieces exhibited there).

On another note, term 2 begins this 24th of March, so to those of you who would want to take the opportunity to start learning French (no matter what your age is, because they have classes that caters for almost all ages, EVEN SMALL CHILDREN CAN ATTEND), you can register now at the Alliance Francaise de Penang. Should you have enquiries on the classes or anything, do call the staff there at 04-2276008 or e-mail them at afpenang@tm.net.my (they're pretty quick in responding).

The Alliance Francaise de Penang is located at 46, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, 10050 Penang, Malaysia. It's near Irrawady road and can be accessed through a small right turning before the pedestrian traffic lights along Burmah Road (this leads to Jalan Phuah Hin Leong).

Why am I posting this? Simply because I am a proud member of the body! It's a non-profit organisation, but funded a little bit by the French government. Funds collected are mainly used for their events, to pay their staff etc and they are simply self-sufficient.

Take care,
Riz F

KL Trips update!

2008-03-08T01:53:00.001+08:00

I am not going to KL on the 15th and 22nd of March for the UK uni exhibitions. I have e-mailed all of the unis' reps and informed them. All of them said it is okay as I still can correspond to them via e-mail should I have any enquiries about their uni/life there. So I'm saving some huge bucks here. =)

I have a 50-50% chance of going to the Celine Dion concert, and I may fly in (since I have extra cash now that I'm not going for the two other trips). Min might accompany me, Natasha too. Again, it all depends. I might spend the night at my dad's hotel room in KL (he'll be in KL that day).

I have my French evaluation next week. I'm preparing this weekend for the exams on Tuesday. Wish me luck.

Inaz will be back soon, I'm going out with her on Monday and Wednesday. =)

I so need to go to KDU soon to sell my old books (yes I still have a few more with me) to the March '08 intake students. Actually I've sold half of them earlier this year to a girl who was my junior in high school, who coincidentally joined KDU's A-levels for the January '08 intake. Perhaps, I'll do it on Wednesday. Just perhaps. GOD KNOWS IF THEY'RE ALREADY IN OR OTHERWISE.

Lots of love,
Riz F

I met with an accident today!

2008-03-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

No worries, it was a minor one, really. I mean, I've seen my aunt (or other people doing worst things).

How it happened
I was driving along Logan Road (I had French class today, so that was where I was heading earlier today). Logan Road, is a very narrow road near Anson Road. It's near KDU, yes. Anyway, usually, there are cars parked sidelining both sides of the roads, leaving the road very narrow for vehicles to manoeuvre. And, I don't know why our local municipal council here sucks big time that they make HUGE WIDE ROADS to be ONE WAY STREETS whereas letting small narrowed ones to be two way roads. Bloody hell, right? Yes, our fucking system is bloody screwed up. They have porn-looking metal Pinang trees on roundabouts and pubic hair looking waves on bigger roundabouts. And they talk about HERITAGE. Period. (Wait till I write about the election in one of my new future entries, though I'm illegible to vote, I have a Malaysian dream too - Trust me, YOUNG MALAYSIANS IF GIVEN A CHANCE WOULD MAKE A BETTER MALAYSIA, A REALISTIC ONE, A REAL PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT). Anyways, back to the accident, so along the road, while I was driving, car on the opposite direction was heavy. I had to really stick onto my lane, so I really did focus. Now, there was this taxi in front of me(Taxi drivers in Penang are ********) who abruptly stopped in front of me. Thank God I kept my distance like around 3-4 meters away from the taxi. I thought the taxi was still moving because IT DID earlier. He did not put any indicator signal or anything to say he is stopping. There was this motorcycle right behind my back, travelling at a reasonable speed of 50-60 km/h. I could have put on an emergency brake and just stop in the middle of the road too, but if I were to do that, the motorcycle guy would have rammed right into my back glass. That wouldn't be a pretty sight. So next action was, to see if I could take up the opposite direction's road to 'overtake' this stupid taxi. Nope, to no avail were my efforts. There were simply a whole sting of cars passing by. I had no choice rather than to try to break a few times and try to stick out to my right so that the motorcycle had enough time to slow down. In the midst of doing that, I did scratch my car's left side onto his right-back corner. My car was a longer scratch because my car was moving, his was STATIC.

Aftermath
I luckily did not freak out, in fact, it was somewhat quite spontaneous of me reversing my car so nicely and parking it and NOT FORGETTING PUTTING ON AN INDICATOR LIGHT SO THAT OTHER PEOPLE DON'T RAM INTO MY CAR. I got down after that. The deal starts here, I was mentally VERY PREPARED AND STABLE but my physical self wouldn't just compute. I was trembling on my feet, I mean you could actually see me shaking. WTF. I could see myself shaking. And I actually went 'Fuck Faris, stop shaking already, what's bloody wrong with you?'. My body was really out of control. I mean, like my rage was so high, I could deliver it too, BUT WITH ME BEING SHAKING, I wouldn't say I pulled it off well. So here's what basically went on.

*I saw from inside my car that there were some passengers getting in into his car. And that this stupid driver started pouting his mouth. Seriously, if he thought that was cute, nope, seriously man, he needs lots of stuff to be done.*

Taxi Guy : *pouts and tries to swear in Tamil, I think*
Me: *WTF? Say something already fucker* Apesal you park kereta you tengah-tengah jalan nie?
Taxi Guy: Saya tak park ok. Saya ambil pelanggan (yes he said pelanggan, lol.).
Me: Ye la kalau ambil penumpang pun takkan boleh stop je tengah jalan mcm tu. Dah la tak letak signal pun.
Taxi: You tak boleh beza ka kereta berjalan dengan berhenti.
Me: Tak boleh la dari jauh. Lagipun tempat nie mana boleh berhenti atau park macam tu je. Saya blajar kat sini jugak so saya tau la kat sini. Memang no-parking.
Taxi: You tunjuk dekat saya satu mana ada tulis no parking.
Me: *I was VERY FAMILIAR WITH THAT PLACE MIND YOU, I MEAN PUHLEASE I STUDIED IN KDU FOR 1.5 YEARS. AND KDU IS LIKE A MERE 2-MINUTE WALK FROM WHERE THIS WHOLE THING HAPPENED* Tu dia, depan mata pun tak nampak?
Taxi: You jangan nak loya buruk dengan saya. *LOYA BURUK IS ANOTHER MALAYSIAN-COINED TERM THAT I FUCKING HATE TO HEAR. If I'm not mistaken, Natasha's friend, Chin Eng got himself LOYA-BURUKED too by three bribe-thirsy policemen, the video is on his blog if I'm not mistaken.*
Me: Saya nak pergi kelas ni. Dah lambat.
Taxi: Habis tu macam mana awak nak bayar ni?
Me: Bayar? Saya mana ada duit sekarang. Saya blaja la. Saya boleh bagi awak number saya saja.
Taxi: *Took a paper from his car and copied down my number* Awak takleh bayar sekarang?
Me: Tak boleh. Kalau you nak, you boleh call mak saya, Datin &*^&**, dia boleh bayar.
Taxi: *freaked out* Uh? Saya takmau tu semua, you langgar you bayar, saya takmau cakap dengan mak you ka sapa ka.
Me: Tapi saya ada hak untuk appoint lawyer, saya pun malas nak cakap dengan you. You bagi number you, saya boleh suruh lawyer contact you. *He gives me his telephone number*

*Then a security guard from the condominium came out and told him to move his car because apparently he was blocking residents from moving their vehicles in and out from the condominium area*

I thought I was blocking, so I went into my car too. But when he moved his car, the residents could move in and out already. And that stupid taxi sped off, I did not even had the time to take down the taxi's number. If not, I would have done a police report. Like seriously.

Now, I can't make a police report because I don't have his car number. But nevermind, according to Shuhada, if I don't make a report and if the other party does, I'll just get a traffic ticket saying that I HAVE TO SETTLE A RM 300.00 COMPOUND AT THE TRAFFIC POLICE HQ IN PATANI ROAD. Anyway, I'll perhaps ask for a 'discount' or something, and get the thing paid. At least, it'll go to public funds(hopefully lah kan, if the present day's government is very clean) and not that stupid arrogant taxi driver. I wouldn't say that it's his fault ENTIRELY but it's more of my fault 10% and his 90%. But because of his arrogance, he deserves all the fault on him, and none on me.

Myself
No injuries. Seriously, the impact WAS so light, I think I've played bumper cars in fun fairs and have had serious bruises from that. THIS AIN'T ANYTHING LIKE THAT. Just that because you're driving A CAR, so yes, the guilt settles in quite a bit. But for me, I am and was mentally very prepared and I took it very lightly. I mean I didn't panic or anything. Like I was calm mentally. My stupid physical form however was darn, it was like my central nervous system had shut down communications with my body parts. My legs trembled so much that one could see me shaking. In fact, now I think I'm a little bit feverish. I think it's more of the physical shock. Anyways to hell with it, a boy's going to get his car banged someday, one way or another.

The Asshole
Dark Indian guy, with thick moustache and a head full of hair. His age, I'd say maybe early forties, or mid-forties. Mentality : TYPICAL OF A MALAYSIAN TAXI DRIVER. No offence to some good ones, but I generally label people. So face the fact. Well, no personal injury whatsoever to him or his passengers. His car suffered just a minor scratch (more like the paint peeled off) at only ONE POINT ON THE RIGHT BACK CORNER OF HIS CAR. He sped off before I could get his car registration number, I mean I got down and everything but I simply overlooked and only realised when he began moving off very fast.

The Parents' Verdict
They're VERY COOL about it. Really. In fact, I WAS COOL ABOUT IT. I told my mom only when I reached Alliance Francaise for French (I still had the guts to go for CLASS, see I mean, mentally I WAS OK). After texting my mom, she called me within 10 minutes, despite me telling her NOT TO because I was having a French dictation examination. But I had to answer, who knows she might be worried or something. Sure enough, yes, MOM WAS WORRIED. She just wanted to make sure I DID NOT DIE OR ANYTHING. LOL. She kept asking me a thousand times, even though I was telling her I WAS OKAY AND THAT I WAS IN CLASS. Then she asked me again what did happen even though I told her EVERYTHING THROUGH SMS. I did not tell my dad though, because my dad has this tendency of siding others(even if they were at fault) rather than siding his own family (even LAWYERS are better in this case) - SO I DID NOT TAKE THE RISK. So when I got back, my mom was ok, did not ask anything. My youngest brother went : Stupid taxi driver eh. My dad came back later and he in fact, just left the room. He asked me if I'm okay and asked me how did the whole thing happened. I told him and he was so cool about it, he even told me what to do the next time if I'm involved in a similar state(touchwood NOT); CONTACT HIM AT HIS DIRECT PRIVATE LINE, MY MOM and HIS DRIVER, both via calls and SMS. I then explained why I did not; because I HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL. We had a chat on regular things after that.

What my friends say:
After the accident, the first person I called was Natasha. Simply because when she first had her car accident, I was right next to her. So I wanted a hands-on advice and words of 'calmness' from someone my age who's actually been through it. I was there with Anushya when hers happened. MIND YOU, hers happened NOT VERY FAR FROM WHERE MINE HAPPENED. 5 minutes drive away. Natasha told me to be calm and it really made me comfortable. Everyone was basically worried about me rather than what happened. So that made me feel very contented. I mean I DO SERVE A PURPOSE ON THIS PLANET, afterall.

Next person of whom I called was Min. Eh, it was more like I text messaged her and she called me back. It is very nice to have friends who could lend moral support at times when you feel so sucky. So Min listened and told me not to worry and that SHE GOT INTO ACCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES and it simply boosts more confidence and alertness. So thank you, Min.

Anyway, my French tutor got to know about the accident too, because she asked HOW AM I? in French and I said PAS BIEN(NOT GOOD). I told her about the whole drama, while my classmate Su Qi listened too. They told me about their views too. EVERYONE DID MAKE ME FEEL BETTER. SO THAT'S GOOD.

Miss Montigaud, my French tutor even took her time on her walk back home, to see my car's condition. That was very sweet of her. I hope she gets her working permit approved soon so that she can be teaching me my French all the way. She's quite a typical French country lady. Modern and exposed but very rooted, if you get what I mean.

ANYWAY SOMETHING JUST TO SHARE, I WOULD MOST PROBABLY SETTLE DOWN SOMEWHERE WHERE I CAN LEAD A HAPPY SYSTEMATIC LIFE, EARNING GOOD BUCKS and LIVING WITH SOMEONE OF WHOM MY LOVE IS UNDIVIDED FOR AND SO BEING RETURNED WITH THE SAME LOVE. So folks, if I don't come back right after I graduate, don't ask me when I'll be back for good. BECAUSE I simply don't know. Malaysia will always be my motherland, but I may call other places home - that would be a definite fact in my life. I have this dream of travelling and hopping around many places in my 20s-40s. Life is once, so why not make the best of it. Being exposed, doing things you want to do, making your dreams a reality. Maybe a permanent settlement would only come when I'm 40 onwards. LOL anyway, maybe some of you might get the hint what's this paragraph got to do with me or my life or simply this very entry. I'm sick of living in a cocoon, in a community full of jerks and NOT NICE HUMAN BEINGS. It makes me so sick. Oh well. Tchao.

Still with lots of love, hugs and kisses,

Riz F

Hard Rock Hotel & Hard Rock Cafe set to rock on Penang!

2008-03-04T20:06:00.003+08:00

Come 2009, Penangites will once again have something to be proud of their little island; the Hard Rock Hotel Penang is set to open its doors for business.

The former beachfront Casuarina Hotel which is one of Penang's very first beach hotels (opened in the 70s), is going to be the all-new Hard Rock Hotel. They are currently renovating the existing building and in fact extending certain parts of it. Once completed, the new hotel will feature a 200-over room capacity. Casuarina closed it doors for business somewhere in late 2006, so currently the place is not in operation. Hard Rock Hotel would project a very modern like concept with a rock 'n' roll element as per its signature across the globe. Also making its debut with the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Penang would be the all-time famous Hard Rock Cafe. It is indeed a jumble for Hard Rock Cafes to open along with Hard Rock Hotels so far. Penang is no exclusion. So finally, we'll have some upclass place to hang out with a pub-like ambience, but not too 'heavy'. I don't know about Hard Rock Hotel Penang, but other Hard Rock Hotels do feature stage performances every night (or some on weekends) by local and international bands. Most of the genres are heavy metal and rock music. It is definitely very 'loud'.

It might not be an appropriate place for families with small children to stay, but nevertheless, 'adventurous' families may opt to do just so. I've personally been to Hard Rock Hotel(and Cafe) in Bali. I think it is one of the very first Hard Rock Hotel flagship hotels around the world. Well, the place is indeed cool. VERY MODERN. In-room toilets are open-like - meaning you don't have a door. It creates this sexy thing whereby you do 'your thing' in the toilet and your partner glimpses from the bed. LOL. They have flat screen displays every where, including inside guestrooms. Personalized greetings and messages are displayed on screen for you. The one in Bali has a FANTASTIC swimming pool, they have a beach-like concept - even though it is close to the REAL BEACH. The swimming pool has beach-like entries, with real sand. So it's pretty like a beach in a hotel. Children(or even adults) can play or build sand castles around the pool. Yes THEY DO HAVE THAT MUCH OF SAND. The Penang Hard Rock Hotel is said to have beach-like themes with sand features, but I don't dare to say how true this is. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when it opens. (Unfortunately for me, I would most probably not be in Malaysia when it opens, but nevertheless IT WOULD BE A GREAT SUMMER VACATION IN PENANG FOR ME WHEN I GET BACK *hints to everyone*).

The nightlife scene in Batu Feringghi would set to change with the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe. Batu Feringghi used to have a great nightlife a decade back, with coffee outlets and cafes springing there. I don't know why, slowly, they began closing down and right now, Batu Feringghi is as good as dead past 10 or 11pm. Plus if it is a weekday, there aren't really lots of things to do at night after 10pm. Yes, I do agree they do still have a stretch of restaurants across the stretch of their famous night market there, but there is simply no ummph. Walkways are too narrow ( I don't blame the local council too, because HOW MUCH OF ROAD CAN THEY TAKE MORE TO MAKE A WIDE PAVEMENT for pedestrians to walk, the roads there itself are very narrow!). The eateries are a little bit gloomy too. Nope, I'm not telling to brighten up the place. My context of gloomy is that, they still use lighting fixtures of the 80s, and some are not cleaned; so do the math on the amount of dust collection. So Batu Feringghi certainly NEEDS a NEW LIFE. Hard Rock Cafe, hopefully, will do the job. Plus, like all Hard Rock Hotels, they will have merchandise cafes near the hotel that sells memorabilia of the Hard Rock legacy. You might find Elvis-oriented stuff. So, yes, it would definitely enhance life there.

Not to mention, locals would yet again get employment opportunities there. They should hire young locals who are fluent in English; this is my advice. I mean, to attract and maintain the standards of the Hard Rock brand, they certainly would need to do that. Service has to be at its utmost importance. Whilst Shang-ri La's Rasa Sayang is a more classy-like place, Hard Rock Hotel Penang should follow service standards of the Shang.

Security should be tight so that holiday-makers would feel secured and well protected.

And, they definitely would need to have a social responsibility towards the beach. There is a need for something to be done. A clean up and setting up of a good 'landscape' is a must. Beach boys should be restricted to those appointed by the hotel; not some sluggish looking perves. I mean, face the fact, pick which beach boy you personally would want to deal with? A lean young dude who's not a perve, and speaks good English OR some sluggish fat perve who barely speaks well. Beach activities too should be limited to those operators appointed by the hotel. These way, they can have a decent beach scene. Not an overcrowded place i.e. Grand Plaza Parkroyal, Penang.

The Hard Rock Hotek (HRH) in Penang would be managed by Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), a Singapore owned company. (Just like how Gurney Plaza is managed by Capitand Retail - another Singaporean company). Well, I am not pro-Singapore or whatsoever, in fact I am ANTI to a certain extend. But well, again, we simply have to face our facts right, THEY DO HAVE A BETTER SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY, and by appointing them we can at least try to 'repair' our system here. Once we're able to continue with the repair, then we can always acquire those properties back. I anticipate HPL would definitely maintain high standards for the hotel. Good facilities and amenities should be seriously looked into. Like the HRH in Bali, they even provide FREE condoms for in-house guests , all courtesy of the hotel. Of course, it's not like a free-flow of condoms, but still. My point is : young adults would make up most of the hotel occupants or visitors for hotels like the HRH, so well, it's the 21st century. So those kind of amenities IS A NECESSITY. I'm not encouraging pre-marital sex, but I'm preventing unwanted babies being aborted. Also, to cut risks of STDs that are growing by the day.

Anyway, that would be another story. Now back to the hotel; Meetings and youth conventions can be held at a nicer place after the hotel opens. Right now, we don't have a choice but do it at some posh oldies-style hotel, where there aren't much of a choice for us youngsters to get a hip and trendy place to host reunions, or simply a birthday party. I agree that we do have clubs and everything, but look, it's not somewhat appropriate or decent if the crowd gets too big. For example, would you want to squeeze in all of your birthday party guests to a small club and end up not having enough oxygen to even breath (it did happen at The Amazing Race Asia Season 2 Finale Party in Singapore, REALLY).

So I guess, with the opening of this hotel, it would be great to have reunions or parties for bigger crowds. It's location of being near the beach is a great advantage as well. People can have day long activities. For example a beach activity in the afternoon, followed by an evening cocktail before dinner in the ballroom.

HRH's singnatures include trendy set of signages, funky colored walls, hip deco, and a bubbly staff force.It will indeed it will woo the young crowd.

Anyway, much said already. I guess I shall stop writing for now and all of us should wait for its opening due in 2009. Oh yes, before I sign off, Penangites should be honoured that Hard Rock (and HPL) chose Penang as their next destination for their expansion. It should be noted that there are two types of HR Hotels worldwide, one being JUST THE HOTEL(and of course the CAFE) and another which incorporates a CASINO in the hotel. The one in Penang would only be the hotel-only type meaning MINUS the CASINO(same like the ones in Bali and Pattaya). There are a few of these hotels worldwide at present, but it is on a growing expansion with places like Dubai and Macau being in their list of next openings.

LOL. Well, I shall talk about low-cost no-frills Tune Hotels sometime soon. Till then.

Random late night facts.

2008-03-03T01:49:00.001+08:00

# Celine Dion's concert might be a reality for me. Natasha says she's interested. We're in the process of planning our trip. I might ask Zufar if he wants to join us. And perhaps, can let us stay over for perhaps 6 hours at his place to spend the night before leaving back to Penang the next day. Selvan can join us too, if he wants, since he too, is in KL. It'll be good to meet these once close friends of mine (they are still close, but we rarely meet, unless if it's for 'business')

# My two trips for the UK education fairs scheduled on the 15th and 22nd of March are finalized. I will be going by car to KL with my driver. My mom and brothers might follow on one or both the trips. I'll be going on a day trip for both the trips. I'll be in the KLCC vicinity, so to those of you who might want to meet with me up, can buzz me via my mobile. I might meet some friends there too.

# I have finished watching Season 2 of Nip/Tuck. I'll get Season 3 and 4 when Inaz comes back for her one week mid-term break starting on the 7th of March.

# I'd want to go for a movie marathon soon. The last movie I watched in the cinema was the Game Plan with Shuhada and Joyce.

# I want to blog something about 'Flawless & Disability'.

# I am confirmed continuing my French lessons for Term 2(Part 2 of 3) which would remain every Tuesdays and Thursdays.

# I have a couple of outings scheduled in March. So I'll be pretty busy. All my weekends are occupied. Try me on Mondays/Wednesdays.

# I am selling my Sony Ericsson W850i. It has a screen defect. Repair would cost you around RM250.00. I plan of selling the phone for RM 350.00. It has a hairline crack at its joystick area (it is a common thing that happens to this model, check out mobile phone forums).

# I've finally got my Givenchy Very Irresistible Fresh Attitude EDT. Thanks to my dad's Maybank Treatpoints - some credit card scheme. I got my brother an Adidas sling bag too; on condition he shares it with me. LOL.

# I need a cool-looking cloth sports jacket from Wild Channel soon.

# I'm going real broke. I need to find a job soon. GUESS is still tempting me but I still have doubts, WHAT IF THEY REJECT ME or WHAT IF I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH, WHAT IF THEY'RE RACIST. (Oh fuck Faris why are you talking like this, you're more to all of this.). Period. Well, something touched me the other day. I complained to a friend, what if they reject me if they want marketable faces only. Then she said, you don't look bad. Aww. That's so nice of you. Anyways, now back to reality. I may take up a part time job. I have French on Tuesdays and Thursdays is why I can't take up a full-time job. And, mind you, I wouldn't sacrifice French. LOL. And one more thing that's bothering me, how would I go to the boss on my first day of work and say 'Hey, I might need to take off on the 8th and 9th of April.' AAAAAAAAAAHHHH! But really, I need money to replace all of what I've used(and going to use). It's not fair to claim 100% from my parents. I need help, yet again.

RANDOM IMAGES~

Celine Dion is coming!

2008-03-02T23:26:00.005+08:00

Hey people!

Yes you heard me right, and some of you may have already read the papers or saw the ads. Celine Dion is indeed coming to KL as a stop-over in her Asian leg of her latest Taking Chances World Tour. She'll be performing in Stadium Merdeka on the 8th of April, which unfortunately happens to fall on a Tuesday. Note that it is her only stop in the ASEAN region, so we can expect seeing people as far from Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines coming for the concert. But again, I think die-hard fans wouldn't mind taking the day(or the week) off simply to attend the concert, I mean, really Celine Dion is simply one powerful singer not to be missed.

Look, okay, to cut the crap short, and going straight to the point : I WANT TO GO FOR THE CONCERT. There are a few problems that I'm encountering right now;

(a) Prices start at RM138 to RM 988. What's with the eights? God knows. Purchasing a RM138 ticket is as good as not going to the concert at all, all I would be able to see would be a miniaturized Celine Dion running here and there on the stage like an ant. Or worst, I need to use a pair of binoculars, which is a very UNCOOL thing to do at a concert. I might as well play her videos on Youtube or something. So I plan to go on the next ticket scale, RM 288 (I can only afford up to this, like, seriously). Again, I'll need to fork this out from somewhere or simply need a partial funding from my dad. NOT TO MENTION I NEED TO FIND MY WAY TO KL, and that'll cost me money AGAIN.

(b) Going to a concert ALL BY MYSELF(she's sung this too! 1996 I think) is seriously sick. At present, I have no one to follow me or have shown any interest in accompanying me to the concert. I feel guilty calling anyone because yes, no doubt, RM300 for a ticket alone, is definitely a little bit ridiculous for students like me. But again, I'm a die-hard fan. It doesn't matter for me, I'm just worried for the person who would be accompanying me. It's so hard getting someone to accompany me, firstly it is on a TUESDAY NIGHT, people may work the next day or simply have class. I mean, not everyone is idle as I am. Getting them to PAY too is another reason.

(c) I need to figure out how to go to the concert. Where to stay would be another question too. Concerts like this usually ends very late, most probably I'll need to stay back and go home the next morning unless of course if I'm driven there or something. I'll be lucky if my dad is in KL on that day (he usually is in KL from Mondays to Wednesdays or Tuesdays to Thursdays) because in that case I can bunk in at his hotel room. SAVE lots of $$$. Mode of transport: Fly? Forget it lah kan. Bus? Alone? No way. Drive? Might, if someone who can drive is following me too. Being driven, I hope.

(d) I have my French lesson on Tuesday nights. Well that's not a big problem if I can inform the place at least 3 days earlier. They'd be happy to reschedule for a quick 45 minutes 'catch-up' session.

HELP!

What do I do???????? People are snapping up the tickets quite fast. In fact, at some of her stop-overs before this, tickets were sold out weeks before the concert. I need to go! Really NEED to! But well, if all doesn't work out, I guess I'll just have to come to terms to simply watch her on Youtube or buy her TAKING CHANCES album and pretend I'm in her concert. BODOHHHHH!

I don't mind scrapping off my Pulau (Haven't decided which Pulau just yet) vacation plans just for this. I mean I'd rather spend money for this!

Lots of love,
Riz F

Getting the right person do the right job

2008-03-02T21:38:00.007+08:00

I spent RM300 doing my hair up yesterday. These included trimming, relaxing, highlighting my hair and giving it a hair treatment.

Well I know to some of you, you may label me as this ungrateful spoilt brat. Say what you want, but for your info, I used my savings.

And seriously, the end product, a sense of satisfaction.

Well the whole thing took about 3.5 hours. LOL. I went in at 3 pm and got out at 6.30pm. Thank God my hairstylist was in. She coincidentally was at the reception the moment I stepped in the salon. (For new readers of When Drama Plays on A Boy, my 'official' hair salon for the year 2006 and 2007 was Jantzen Hair Salon in Gurney Plaza - they do have outlets elsewhere too, including Singapore and Hong Kong). They're hairstylists are certified Loréal Professionals too. They do carry other certifications and brands as well. I think I'll make Jantzen my 2008 salon too. Anyway, it's not the place actually, getting the right person to understand you and your hair is the outmost important thing. In my case, it took me two hairstylists before this, before getting to the right one (which I've stuck on to since 2006). For first timers, getting the right person to meddle with your hair is something quite difficult. Some may be smart in cutting and producing excellent results, but they lack on communication skills - they talk crap or stuff you don't want to hear. Some may be so friendly and nice but are simply dumb when it comes to doing up your hair - which in the end defeats the purpose because it outweighs the primary reason of going to a hair salon. Getting a combo might be very rare, but not impossible. For me, thank God I found someone who's nice and pleasant enough with good skills in hairdressing,even if not excellent. I mean, she doesn't produce like bombastic results but she delivers well, nothing I got was hideous, so that's cool already. And she's a pleasant young lady. She doesn't talk much but she doesn't have this cocky look too. She smiles a lot and we kind of click. I don't like talking for no reasons too. I mean, that's just plain me - to strangers. Just so some of you might want to try her (I don't take responsibility whatsoever if she doesn't do well for you), her name is Fanny Chew. Like I said, it differs: the compatibility between different individuals and their hairdressers. You may not like what I like.

Anyway, since we are in this topic, I would like to reason out why I keep going back to the same place; my hairstylist knows what style fits me best. I think I've had 5 different styles in the past 2 years plus. (minus the OVERGROWN STYLE, that's purely because of not getting my butt to the salon). Usually when I step into the salon, she goes 'How do you want it this time?'. I go, "Do what you think fits me this time'. She smiles and starts working right away, of course briefly explaining what she'll do. She quotes me the prices too, so that I wouldn't end up in a heart attack in the end. And she never complains about my hair being fine, too dry etc. You know, some hairstylists are like bustards, when they go 'Eh why your hair like that one? Ayoh this one cannot do anything already, you must cut very short first then only can one. Ayoh what you put one for your hair? Very hard ler this one.' or a personal experience:

Me: Can you highlight my hair?

Bustard hairstylist in Gottlieb Road (I shall not mention which salon, find out yourself) : What color you want?

Me: Well I don't know, it's my first time highlighting my hair. I want something not too obvious from far, but is able to be seen under normal conditions. Not too striking.

Bustard: Oh like that means no need to highlight. Highlight means ah must be stiking one. Waste your time and money only.

Me: *wtf? I know what highlighting is you fucking piece of shit. Fuck you.* Oh in that case I shall not waste my time any longer.

*My brother was cutting his hair there so I had to wait for him*

So like 30 minutes later, when my brother was done, during the payment the stupid hairstylist came up to me. Eh sorry ah about just now, I tell you correct things one. I ignored.

*END of DRAMA*

So my hairstylist in Jantzen is a type of a person where she suggests things that'll look nice on me rather than saying out ugly stuff about what has already been in place. It's like MOVING ON rather than whining about what's PRESENT or the PAST. So that's why I've been going there ever since my first time going in there.

Pricing wise, yes I do agree that the place charges quite a bomb. But I think, it's all worth the satisfaction I get, both physically and mentally. I mean hello, would you want spending 4 hours hearing a bitch or a bustard talk or whine about you? Man, that's pathetic.

So anyway, I would like to emphasize to all of you to get someone you're comfortable with to cut your hair, and most importantly you're happy with. And yes, sticking to one person is better than hopping to different stylists every time, reason being: that person would know the whole history of your hair and what he/she has done to you before. It's easier to work with someone familiar, both for the customer and the stylist.

Just so to note: Jantzen used to be this quiet place when I first visited them in mid-2006 but recently they've employed more people to work; mainly male staff (hair dresser assistants)) Thus, this has increased their customer base, to a wider range of level. Yesterday when I when to style my hair, I saw old people, young people, small kids, and even bald men getting their hair done. It's really nice to see a SALON-FOR-ALL concept going on around there. Really. Mind you, I was there nearly for four hours, so I HAD THE TIME TO OBSERVE THINGS. LOL.

Have a look at the pictures below.

Sorry that you can't quite see the highlight done on my hair. As per always, highlights/hair dye don't seem to show the moment you apply, it takes several days to settle in. But nevertheless it is still visible in real life right now for me, just that I took these two pictures using my Macbook webcam in low lighting conditions. Anyway, I snapped the back part as well, if you look closely, my hairstylist left an 'ekor' behind. LOL. Seriously, it looks sexy. Really, for me at least. I trimmed my hair a bit, besides having my curls straightened 60% using hair relaxers.

Lots of love,

Riz F

Newsflash!

2008-02-28T17:54:00.001+08:00

I guess I might just be driven down to KL for both the trips to KL. At least, I can arrive and leave at my own pace. Seriously, I don't like waiting in malls or airports simply to kill time - ALONE.

OR WORST:

I'll just cancel both trips and meet the reps in UK itself when I leave for my studies! It's not like I can't contact them through e-mail from now till then.

We'll see what goes by.

dilemma.

2008-02-28T15:34:00.001+08:00

Diana is in class. So she can't talk to me.

Inaz's roommate is sleeping. So she can't talk to me.

My feet looks like Shrek's feet.I've finally removed the corns and calluses but the healing scar is still visible. It'll take a few weeks before everything looks pretty much normal.

I've finished 6 episodes of Nip/Tuck Season 2. I have 10 more to go to finish the season.

I am going to KL by flight on the 15th of March to attend the World Class Studies in London road show - ALONE. Min has yet to come back from Bangkok to confirm with me whether if she's going with me, but again, I need to book my flight early (to get a cheap fare of course!). If she decides to follow, I'll inform her on my flight details, so that we can fix something up together.I might meet Zufar and Selvan (my friends from high school) in Suria KLCC after attending the programme (the programme will be held in Mandarin Oriental, which is next to Suria KLCC) for a late lunch cum get together. I'm flying back the same night on the last MAS flight from KLIA.

I am going to KL again by car(my driver's driving this time) on the 22nd of March to attend the Education UK expo at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. I might go with my mom and two brothers. I don't know when I'll be visiting Ipoh again (since I will be off for my studies in September), because I usually go to Ipoh, to my grandmother's place during Raya. Raya this year is in October. So I thought it'll be nice to simply drop by Ipoh on the way back since I'm travelling by car anyway. I know no one lives there, but at least if I can the house keys, I might want to wash up or something before hitting the roads back home. Oh yes, again, it'll be a day trip.

I have some French work to do now.

Thank God Shuhada is online, I can chat with her at least for awhile to kill boredom.

I texted Stephanie, my quiet but fun in her own way ex-classmate from KDU. She's not decided where she's heading for uni, but big chances she's doing it locally she says.

Syed wants to hang out for lunch with me. Every time I can't make it; reason being : late notice. He told me that he wants to have a sleep-over thing with the rest of the gang in Batu Feringghi, so well see how that one goes.

Shazwan asked me to join him on Saturday to hang out. I don't think I'm pretty much available for the weekends in March. First two weeks, I'm helping out, not directly with the elections. Nope, I don't have a choice. I'm just merely doing 'secretarial' jobs. Nothing more. I'm seriously a fence sitter till the end. Never want to and never will be affiliated with any political party. It's really so much fun speaking for yourself, and you don't need to agree when people say something and you don't need people to agree with you. SO yes.

Why do I rant so much? God knows.

Back to French, Nip/Tuck and Oprah.

The days of Nip/Tuck are back!

2008-02-28T11:14:00.001+08:00

Well, I've started watching Season 2 of the series finally. So far, 3 down, 13 more to go.

I'll have to finish watching by March 15th because Inaz wants to borrow and bring it back to Kuantan by then. (She'll be back for a week starting March 7th).

The series is seriously good. I'll be going to Batu Feringghi to get Seasons 3 and 4 when Inaz is in Penang. Apparently the finale season(Season 5), is on air in the US, but has come to a halt due to the Writers Guild strike. So, our lord of cetak rompak here of course can't produce any volume for us to buy and watch. I'll just have to wait after finishing season 4 then.

I'm very much interested to buy QAF Seasons 2-4 too. Like Inaz and I both watched the first season and the finale season(I know it sounds dumb).

Besides these, I'm watching Prisonbreak Season 3 too. Since Prisonbreak has this 'anticipating' oomph, I can't wait for the series to be a whole volume and put on sale. (It's still on air in the US, so do your calculations when it'll reach our shores). So what I do is that I simply download them using Ares. Every time the epidose finishes airing in the US, I start downloading them. I store them in my thumbdrive so that Inaz can have them too when she comes back.

Inaz and I are partners in TV series. We go to Batu Feringghi to get our stuff usually. LOL.

I've been deprived of the latest movies. There's nothing good right now at the box office. Perhaps there should be good ones out in March. But again, whom am I going to watch with? Everyone seems to have moved on with life.

I plan of getting back to my exercise regime and to READ MY LONG LOST CONTACT NOVELS. I hope.

Much love,
Riz F

SPM, oh, SPM!

2008-02-27T17:18:00.001+08:00

Well recently, I have quite a number of juniors and friends who took the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination last year coming up to me and asking me when would the results be announced. Firstly, the thought that crossed my mind was 'How the fuck would I know? SPM was so an old story for me already! And why of all person would I know?' But of course, I was polite by replying, I am not sure and that nothing has been announced in the papers. Thing is I did the same in 2006 too ( I took my exams in 2005), asking people around me when my results would be out, so hence the politeness. Gosh, the anticipation of a public exam (as in where the whole nation sits for it) is seriously a tremendous one. So yes, I get you guys. Anyway, many of them were contemplating earlier this week that the results would be out somewhat this Thursday/Friday, on the 28th/29th. They say it's be out before the General Elections(after this shall be abbreviated as GE - including future posts) scheduled for March 8th. Reason being; most of the polling centres are schools nationwide and most of the election workers comprise from teachers. So it'll be hard managing two major things at one time (giving out the exam results, analysis as well as handling the GE).

But anyway, quoting The Star's report today :

SPM results – no date fixed yet

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has refuted rumours that the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results will be released this Friday.

Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said there was no truth to the rumour.

“The exact date for the results has not been fixed yet but it should be released by the middle of March,” he told The Star.

Rumours have been going around that the SPM results would be released this Friday with the newspaper receiving enquiries on the matter.

So that's a relieve for everyone expecting something big this week (more like drags the anticipation time). Well, anyway, to those of you who took the exams last year, a very good luck to you. Trust me, so much so you don't want to know about your results, YOU DO WANT TO KNOW IT VERY MUCH IN REALITY. Plus knowing the results makes you move on with life which I bet is pretty much on a stand still for you guys right now. At least, you'll know what to do next. So what if it's bad? It's not like it's a death sentence. Do enjoy life as per every moment you have. Chill and relax.

Take care.

Lots of love,
Riz F

Something to share with all of you!

2008-02-27T17:04:00.001+08:00

I was flipping through my high school yearbook, and it struck me how fun it'd be if I were to share some of pages from it. Do enjoy.

Around 3 years ago, I said this...

And this poem (To My Beloved Friends, by Nabilla Ariffin) means a lot. Nabilla Ariffin is a very close friend of mine.

Lots of love,
Riz F

Random facts

2008-02-26T01:25:00.001+08:00

Do you know that it is advisable for an adult to change his/her toothbrush every 3 months? - I do just that.

I need to get back to my exercise regime of sit ups, and biceps weight lifting and abs electric toning. If I have the time, I should start using the gym equipments for my chest too. Too much to procrastinate even.

I need to lose at least 1 kg to be back at 58.X

I sleep not that late these days, not exceeding 2am. I wake up by 10am daily these days.

Good night.

A quick update, here and there.

2008-02-24T21:20:00.001+08:00

I'm terribly sorry people! I know I haven't posted anything since a week ago. Sorry again!

I was(and still am) quite busy! No, nothing to do with the elections. LOL.

Say I'm selfish, but yes, I'm busy with stuff pertaining to myself hence rejection of lunch outings, hang outs etc. I'm currently 'very busy' with my university applications. It's been really 'heavy' corresponding with 5 British universities. Not to mention, in between, I get constant calls from Aussie universities 'not letting go' of me joining them. Man, what? They've all turned higher education to some big-time money making scheme. Sigh. Unfortunately, I need those qualifications to go further in life, so I don't have much of a choice right now rather than to just entertain those uni reps.

Anyway here are my updates:

Farewell lunch outing with KDU GCE A-Level July 06 ex-classmates.

Last Monday I got a call from Anushya informing me about a get-together due that coming Wednesday. She told me that she'd be leaving to KL to further her studies in IMU on Sunday(today). So I told her my okay even though I couldn't confirm.

To cut things short, we scheduled it for lunch on Wednesday. I was busy after 5pm on Wednesday, so that's why. Earlier, the gathering was planned for something later in the evening up to dinner. We settled to meet in Gurney Plaza as it was the most suitable and convenient place for most of us. Plus, I guess Anushya and MeeChea who live on the mainland are used to travelling to the island and it did not really cause a trouble for them.

Another reason the gathering was done is to mark Natasha's end to post-A-level days. She has enrolled into a Murdoch University programme delivered in KDU Penang. Quite an update huh?

So anyway, I was the first one to reach, followed by Min, then Anushya and MeeChea. We had lunch at our usual spot, Nando's. We've been quite a regular there even since we were studying A-level together. Natasha brought Leonard along, but they did not join us for lunch. So, we ventured to several spots in Gurney Plaza to find a perfect place to lepak and chat. Finally, we settled with Starbucks, thanks to Natasha and I - we bought a cake in Starbucks before anyone changed their minds of going somewhere else.

We chatted for quite a while ranging on lots of topics. Mind you, even the general elections topic did not miss out on our chat. We had a really good time laughing ourselves out!

We had trouble snapping our group picture as we did not want to ask anyone's help to take our picture. All of us forgot to bring our camera. Min had her N95 with her, with its 5.1MP camera,but somehow, I don't know why Nokia phones seem to have something 'tacky' about their camera phones' photo end result. The picture somehow comes out fake-ish. It happens a lot with my mother's old N73 as well. So I used my P1i instead. Yes the pictures came out lots better. But because it was my phone, so I had to set the timer settings. I think the timer was too fast that every time I ran back to join the group, I don't make it in time resulting myself not being in the picture. So finally we gave up and asked a Starbucks employee to snap us a picture, and it came out just fine!

At around 5pm, I told the group I wanted to leave. Out of a sudden, all of them too, wanted to leave. So we kind of walked each other out of Gurney Plaza. God knows when I'll meet all of them together again, but so long I am enjoying every moment that I can and let's just say I enjoyed that very moment with them and hope for more to come.

July '06 Get-together-cum-farewell at Starbucks Gurney Plaza, 20th February 2008.

Natasha and Riz

Macbook

I've finally got my Macbook repaired. I repaired two things and added another.

My Macbook was long due to undergo all of this. In fact, it was supposed to be sent in last August itself but I was too busy with my studies and life. I gave it to my brother, Nazim, for him to settle the repair work, but I guess he too was busy with his life. So anyway, I took my time off before going off to Singapore to send the Macbook to the Apple service centre at Hardwicke House here in Penang. These are the things that needed to be repaired:

- faulty battery
- cracked top case (the keyboard and mouse area)

The technician at the Apple service centre told me that the battery problem was more of a factory defect hence I am entitled for a free replacement (It costs RM 4XX to change for a new one if it is not a factory defect). The cracked top case however, was chargeable as my warranty period of one year has ended. I bought the notebook in July 2006. So that cost me around RM 590.00.

They were quite fast in their service, everything was done in one week. So I could take my notebook back last Wednesday. I bought the new Mac OSX Leopard to upgrade the operating system. Leopard seems a bit the same like Tiger with small but significant features installed.

So the notebook is as good as new right now. I'm keeping it so till I leave. I'll hand it over to somebody lucky(I have yet to decide) before I go off for my studies. You might be wondering why am I not taking it with me, but the reason is because I am getting another new Windows-based notebook for myself (most probably a SONY VAIO with features the new Intel quad processor).

All repaired and good as new.

Installed Leopard as well! Coolio =)

Nokia 6500 slide

Last Monday, my mom and I went to the mobile phone shop in Macalister Road (yes THE mobile phone shop, because it is the only shop that my family goes to buy new phones). She wanted to get a new phone, namely the new Nokia 6500 slide. We both did a lot of 'research' through the web first before settling to get her that phone. In fact, I was the one who wanted to buy that phone first but did not have the funds to buy just yet. I just came back from Singapore, hence I spent quite a lot for the first quarter of the year already. So anyway, she bought the phone quite fast, and it was RM 1150. Well we took an AP set, it doesn't really matter for us because we don't usually use the warranty. We usually resort to change our phones once they get spoilt. After buying hers, my mom went 'Hey don't you want to get one as well?' I was really tempted but seriously I did not have any extra cash to buy. It'll be seriously out of budget if I were to buy the phone. I mean, I usually plan my budget and finance properly to last me for the next 6 months, and for definite I know getting a Nokia 6500 slide would just make me go only window-shopping for the next year. So I told my mom 'Nope, I don't have enough money!'. But then, she offered me RM 350 to top up to the amount. I was again, tempted. Then I contacted my aunt to ask whether if she was still interested to get my Nokia 6300 (she was interested in December). She said she was, and I set the price for RM 450. The deal was set. So RM 450 +RM 350 = RM800. I needed an extra RM300.00, so this was the exact amount that I had to fork out from my account. And, I did just that! Well, after counting and stuff, it'll not disrupt my budget at all(maybe at most, for a month, I'll really need to keep tab on my spending). All of these took me around a week, so I finally purchased my phone on Saturday!

My new Nokia 6500 slide. Love it.

I love the exterior design. It looks rich and elegant and combines all of today's essential features. Also, the body is scratch prove. (Of course not deep scratches done on purpose).

It incorporates a Carl Zeiss lense for its 3.2MP built-in camera. Note that Nokia 6500 slide differs from the classic version by having another VGA standard camera on the front for video call support.

One day Perlis trip

Today I followed my mom to visit a relative in Perlis. I rarely follow my mom anywhere, but this is one of the very few trips that I went with her. It was somehow scary going to Perlis. It's so laid back and under developed compared to Penang. I mean, if you were to leave me there for one day, I might commit suicide or I might even try WALKING back to Penang, really. I'll do whatever it takes. We left Penang in the morning at around 9.30am and reached Perlis at around 12 noon. We lost our way a couple of times, so that's why. We spend around 2 hours there and left back for home around 2pm. We reached Penang at around 4.30pm. It was indeed a tiring day, I came back and slept till dinner time! Enjoy the pictures!

Belimbing kecil.

A true Malaysian kampung house surrounded by jungle.

My mom and Makcik Mahani with sirih leaves.

My brother Syahin admiring a 2 year old dragon fruit plant that has grown so big bearing fruits. The one in my house is already 2 years old but remains somewhat smaller than Syahin himself.

Makcik Mahani with Syahin. My brother demanded this picture to be taken for remembrance.

Syahin and my mom patting a 4 month old baby goat. Note: My aunt in Penang owns the goat and several other goats there, she 'parks' them in Perlis.

Education UK 2008 Expo by the British Council & World Class Study in London road show

Well, I was e-mailed by several universities that I have applied in the UK telling me that their representatives are coming over to KL in March. Some of the e-mails were even sent by those who are coming themselves. They even asked me to schedule a time so that an appointment can be set for me to meet them. Usually, if you're not an applicant, you usually will just need to drop in and visit their booths just like that. So I feel somewhat honoured that as an applicant to their universities, I get to pick a time to talk to them, without the need of getting through the usually-packed crowd. Now, the problem is there are two exhibitions on two consecutive weekends. On the 15th, there's a World Class Study in London exhibition in Mandarin Oriental. This exhibition features only four UOL universities; Imperial, King's, LSE and UCL. Out of this, I am an applicant for two of the universities; LSE and King's. On the 22nd is the bigger expo featuring more universities; of which I've applied to Manchester, Birmingham and Queen Mary. This expo would be held in Penang too, but unfortunately the universities that I've applied to are only participating in the expo in KL. Now I'm contemplating on which weekend should I go, the 15th or the 22nd or both or not attending both. Bluekh! High chances I might go for one or not go at all, and even if I go, I'll make a day trip by flying into KL in the morning and taking back the last flight to Penang. So far there are plenty of seats on MAS and AirAsia still available for both the dates and fares just differ by RM 50.00 between both the airlines, the latter being cheaper of course.

Of unexposed people and inconsiderate beings

Lately, more and more people around me are simply turning into some nuisance beings. Really. I'm getting really tired and getting really sick of the behaviour of those surrounding me. They have a very childish mindset, I don't blame them, but they really need to know that I DO GROW UP.

I'm not blaming everyone around me, but certain quarters. Although they just make up a small number, the intensity of me getting really irritated is very high! For instance, someone who's old enough(somewhat my age) acting purely like a monkey. Seriously. I don't know why it is so hard for certain people to follow rules. If there were to be a sign saying 'DO NOT SPIT', would you spit? Well this person that I'm talking about would. A sign says 'NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY', and there he'd go snapping with a supernova flash.

Moving on to the next type of irritating specimens that surround me these days; those who have nothing good to say but just simply have to say something, even if it's untrue. Sometimes, joking has its limits. It might be fun to poke and joke around once in a while, but if it gets too often with the same bloody joke, it gets REALLY boring, because I tend to GET THE POINT ALREADY. For example, say if you see a big zit on your friend's face, you'd go 'Hey there's a zit on your face!' Now wouldn't that friend of yours go in her/his heart 'In case you haven't noticed, it's my face, I KNOW better, and you don't have to tell me I have a zit on my face. It's not like I have something stuck between my tooth!'. It's pretty embarrassing especially when you do that when others are around. No really, I think people should start having some manners. Once I was blamed for calling someone fat, but SERIOUSLY it was a misunderstanding. That person thought I said FAT, as in FAT. I said in the PHOTO YOU LOOK FAT AND LET'S GET ANOTHER ANGLE. But well, I apologized though technically till this day I think what I said wasn't at all hurtful. I mean, seriously, in photos, if you get a wrong angle, you do look fat. Geez, the last thing I want is to die a bad person. Anyway, back to mannerisms. So lately I've been seeing the same few people not having a life by fooling around with the same statements towards me. FARIS YOU ARE **** FARIS YOU ARE **** FARIS YOU ARE ****. I get the point already, I think. Don't blame me if I start ignoring you. As a matter of fact, I have indeed started ignoring almost 3/4 of my 'friends'. No really, I think, I just need those who are really FRIENDS, not people I can't be truthful with. What's the point of 'acting' it all up just to please them, just to be in their circle. Oh, give me a break! I don't need that, please.

The other day I was on the phone with Inaz, I told her I seriously need to get a new set of friends. So, in other words, I can't wait to go off for uni this September. Although I know life wouldn't be all sunshine and flowers springing, but of course I can start new. A new atmosphere, a brand new set of people to start mixing with and a whole lot of adventure ahead. It's not that I'll forget the nice people around me now, but I think it's time to move on. I hate being in a closed society, where there's no room for brain expansion (or exposure for that matter). In the long term, I'd settle down where there's good money and there's a good meaning towards life. I live to enjoy every moment of my life. Life is short and there's no time for me to entertain all those bad energies near me. Shhoooh! Get lost.

Many Malaysians (I think) do not know King's or LSE. For God's sake, they don't even know what A-levels is! Now I don't know whether I'm lacking behind or they are. Thing is they act as if I'm this stupid guy, budak kampung-ish fellow. What they don't realise is how looks can deceive. I may mix with people from the lower income group. I may eat at a road side stall. Just because I do things that those upper-class people don't even dare doing, they think I'm this uneducated boy. At times, when I enter a place, I tend to be given a 'lower-class treatment'. Look, I do all my applications simply by myself. So far, my parents haven't intervened anything. The decision of what and where I want to further my undergraduate degree is solely mine. The other day, when I went alone to an office to hand in my application supporting documents, I saw this family; from what they looked like, yes they indeed looked rich. The mom was fully 'painted'. FACE, NAILS, ETC. She was practically talking on the phone so bloody loud just to show off she is someone important. The guy who was filling up his application looked like this spoilt brat; he doesn't even know how to fill out his forms as he kept on asking the clerk. When I came in, they all looked at me, AS IF I'M THIS LOOSE VAGABOND TRYING TO STEAL THEIR MONEY. Then, when I handed in my offer letter from King's to the clerk, there they went asking me questions how did I get in, etc. I have two words, FUCK YOU. But again, out of courtesy, I just said something nice in a sarcasm manner,' I'm smart I guess'. Yes I did say that. I don't know why, recently I have the guts of saying things to people if they acted out of the norm. I'm nice to those who deserve. I used to hold my words to myself those days, but no, I think I had enough.

So back to King's and LSE. I have friends asking me when am I going and when. So when I tell them in September and perhaps most probably to King's, they tend to go,Wah in September ah? So lambat ah. Why you don't wana go now?. Huh? Where? King's College ah? Not university is it? Where is it? Never heard of it pun. Again I have two words, FUCK YOU. Why did you even bother asking in the first place? I mean, as if you're going to have a different set of respond say if I were to answer a different place and a different date. King's is famous at its own accord. LSE is the abbreviation for the London School of Economics and Political Science. Several head of states graduated from there. Please wake up and try reading about those unis on Wikipedia or something. Please start talking some sense. Don't humiliate yourself by acting ~~smart~~ stupid. You know why you haven't heard of those places? Because you're in a freaking stupid uni, or even worst, you're not even in a uni. I get seriously pissed when someone goes with the tone as if I'm going to an illegal uni overseas simply because I'm too stupid to enrol in one of the local uni. Again, give me a break. And finally, why am I going in September? BECAUSE THEY ONLY HAVE ONE INTAKE PER YEAR, that shows how much you know, thank you very much. So please save the acting smart thing in front of me, and try educating yourself before talking. It really annoys and pisses me off.

Friendster, Myspace, Facebook suspension

Effective last Saturday, February 23rd 2008, I have temporarily suspended my activities on three social networking websites that I am affiliated with. This includes suspension of testimonials/comments and photo comments on Friendster, ignoring updates on Myspace and ignoring Facebook requests and updates. There will be no replies for messages sent on those three websites as well.

Please note that this measure that I have taken is only on a temporary basis and shall be lifted at a date that has yet to be set. Nevertheless, I will let all of you know through this very blog. Online communication with me primarily is via e-mail (GMail). My Yahoo! Messenger and Yahoo! Mail is inactive. My Hotmail account too, is inactive to receive any mails. However, I do sign in through Windows Live Messenger though chances of me being in front of the PC when I am online is slim. I usually leave my status as AWAY or simply appear offline. Those who wish to drop short messages could send them via Windows Live. I will reply when I get back in front of the PC. Nonetheless, the tagboard on my blog serves as a memo pad for you to leave your messages too, just in case I'm not contactable by other means. My mobile phones are usually switched on 24 hours but getting me reply your messages / answer your calls is another problem. I do not pick up calls these days unless they originate from numbers representing my prospect universities or education agents. I simply am tired speaking to people around me. Seriously, I'm getting sick of it.

French class

I have made up my mind 70% to finish all the three tiers of beginner French at the Alliance Francaise de Penang. I am currently in the first tier and it is due to end on March 19th. The next term is from end of March to mid-June whilst the third term should be somewhere mid-June till the end of August. In this case, I should be able to complete the whole beginner level and be awarded my Certificate in Elementary French by the Alliance Francaise de Penang. My French tutor however might be changed because the present tutor's visa is ending in March, right after my present term ends. I'll definitely miss her. I hope the next tutor who comes to teach is not a pain in the butt. Also, I really hope my present tier one classmates do join me for the next term as well! They're quite a fun bunch, even though noting the fact that they're all mostly in their early 30s. (I'm the youngest in the class!). That's that for now.

I guess that are my updates for now. Till then.

Lots of love,
Riz F

p/s: My brother Syahin celebrated his 8th birthday on Saturday. So a very happy birthday to him. I'm feeling a little bit feverish right now, God knows why. Anyway, for heaven's sake, I need a new mouse, the one I'm using now is simply killing me! Fkkid.

Uniquely Singapore : A 3D2N Experience!

2008-02-17T00:36:00.011+08:00

Wohooo!!!!

I bet many of you have anticipated greatly for this entry of mine =) I'm making a minor adjustment on my way of blogging in this particular entry; Captions for all the photos posted in this entry would be accessible only by mouse-overs(or roll-overs) on the pictures themselves. Please note only Internet Explorer supports this feature. Other users may want to try clicking on the pictures' properties to see their captions. Thank you.

Anyway, just something I'd like to share; Nabilla called me via telephone from Hongkong and we had an hour of heart to heart talk. So thanks to her!

Now back to the main highlight!

So without further a due, here goes my entry:

My last trip to Singapore was in 1995 when I was 7 years old. I went with my family at that time, and even then Singapore was a metropolitan city famous for its status being an international hub for investors. This year, I had the chance to visit the city-state republic again. Only this time, I'm all grown up and went with my cousin! Enjoy my entry below.

- SINGAPORE DAY 1 - 14th February 2008 (Happy Belated Valentines to all my readers)

I woke up at 5.45am and straight went to hit the showers. I did what I needed to do and got out of the shower at about 45 minutes later. Then I had to dry my hair and get dressed. That took me another half an hour. By then, my dad was up already. He was doing some work downstairs. I on the other hand, packed last minute stuff into my bag, before getting other things ready. I then checked my passport and tickets before leaving my room towards downstairs. I had breakfast right after that. At approximately 7.30am I said goodbye to my family and left to the airport with my driver.

Arrived at the airport at around 8.15am. I straight headed for my bags' security screening before checking in. Then I proceeded to the ticketing counter to get my return Business Class seat sorted. I was done early!

I had nothing else to do, so I proceeded to go into the terminal area. I went through immigration and airport security screening before boarding the plane at 10.00am. There were many senior citizens that day flying into Singapore. It was like a scene from an oldies frat party. Serious shit, there were easily 5 old ladies in wheelchairs. And believe me you, they were in full make up. God knows why, don't ask.

So the flight was okay, it took approximately 1.5 hours for the journey and we were all given a light snack for breakfast. I landed in Changi Airport at 12 noon. Then, I proceeded for Immigration clearance. After that, I claimed my bag before heading out to Customs and onwards to the pick up point.

I was supposed to join my cousin who was flying in from Kuala Lumpur on another flight. So, when I came out, the first thing I did was to contact him. After much talking, we found out we both landed in two different terminals. He landed at the new Terminal 3, while I touched down at Terminal 2. Our pick up guy was at Terminal 2, so I met the guy first. He represented AXN. So anyway, he told me to wait while he gets the car. Minutes later a Silver Mercedes Benz came and picked me up. We headed to Terminal 3, where my cousin, Hisham was waiting. After picking him up, we left the airport area straight to the hotel we were going to be staying at, Swissôtel Merchant Court. The hotel was somewhere in the city area; Merchant Road to be exact. The shopping mall Central is right opposite the hotel. We were early at the hotel, which was at 1pm. The hotel check in time was only at 3pm. But anyway, we checked in first, but had to wait till our room was ready. So meantime to kill time, we walked across the street to the shopping mall. We simply went window shopping whilst deciding what to do next. After a brief 15 minutes, we came back to the hotel, to enquire what time exactly the room would be ready. The receptionist said that it'll not take them too long. So we both decided to stay on at the hotel lobby area till the room was ready. Not so long after, we got our room.By the time we settled our bags and stuff, it was already about 3pm. We still did not have our lunch at that time. Hence we decided to spend the afternoon at Orchard Road to have lunch as well as to window-shop. I had to collect a (product) red™ tee from GAP at Wisma Atria for my friend Darshillan. Wisma Atria is on Orchard Road too. Being not so familiar with Singapore's transportation at first, we decided to take a cab from the hotel to Orchard Road. The fare was about S$20.00. Then we proceeded walking around to find a hHalal shop to eat which finally ended us up in Pizza Hut. I had some pasta and Diet Coke. We went to TANGS after lunch to check out an electrical item my aunt had asked me to get her; unfortunately they discontinued the product. I detoured to the fragrances section to check if JOOP! was available in Singapore. None of the dumb salesgirl there knew about the brand, I was giving up hope. Then suddenly, I stumbled upon a JOOP! sign. Then I saw the ranges for JOOP! I saw JOOP! Jump, the perfume I got from Brisbane in June 2006. I wanted to get that at first, but when I tried smelling JOOP! Go, I thought, for a change why not I get this instead. It smelt nearly the same anyway, just that JOOP! Go has a fresher tint of smell. I got a deodorant spray as well, of the same range. It all came to about S$98.00. Another additional S$2.00 and I'm entitled for a GST refund. So I had to go and hunt for something that costs around S$2.00. Well, we're talking about TANGS here, what would I possibly get for S$2.00? The underwears were the cheapest! But even that was like not S$2.00 still! I did not give up hope. We walked around a little bit more, and tada! At the electronic section, we saw none other than batteries, which costs S$3.00 for a twin pack of AAA sized batteries. Voila, perfectos.

After that, we went walking around in Wisma Atria. It was nearly 5.30pm by then. I went into the GAP store and was told to come back at 6.00pm as the T-shirt wasn't delivered from their outlet in Vivocity just yet. (Darshillan had made arrangements earlier because the outlet in Wisma Atria originally did not have the correct size). Being told so, we walked around and camwhored a little bit before going back into the store to purchase the (product) red™ tee. I wasn't in the mood to shop that afternoon, perhaps the flight and travelling fatigue hasn't settled in that well.

Anyway, right after, we left back for our hotel. Then, we both got changed and got ready to attend The Amazing Race Asia Season 2 Finale Party which was held somewhere around our hotel area. (It is of walking distance). Just so all of you who are new to my blog; The reason of this whole Singapore trip is to attend this party - and the invites was won by my cousin. The event was an invitation-only party which included guests and the media. It was held at IndoChine Forbidden City, Clarke Quay. The place is a semi-club semi-hang out place. After getting ready, off we went for the party. It took us quite a while to locate the exact location of the place as Singaporeans, as equivalent to Malaysians, are not really that good in giving directions. They tend to tell you to go RIGHT but their hands show you to take LEFT. And when you ask them again. they get irritated. It happens back here as well. Hence, that's why we were running a little bit late. After finding the place, we immediately registered and got our hands tagged as well as received our goodie bags from AXN. AXN is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, just for your information.

The party did not start yet when we arrived. Nevertheless, the crowd was intense and the club was packed. We had free flow of drinks and snacks. The evening's event started with The Amazing Race Asia(TARA)'s host Allan Wu greeting the 400 guests. They proceeded with the contestants coming up on stage as well as short speeches by the producers and the sponsors of the season 2 production. There after, all of us joined to watch the finale episode of TARA Season 2. We watched around 30-45 minutes earlier than it was aired over AXN. We had extras too, like video clippings to wrap up the whole season etc.

Meanwhile watching, we met some people from MIX.fm. It was very nice of them to offer their table to us. They moved to another table nearby(which was better of course). Yes, we were standing earlier simply because the club was super packed. They went to a better place instead, to a Arabian tent type sitting area. The show wrapped up with Singaporean Gym Buddies, Adrian and Collin winning the season. So a huge congratulations to them. They won the main prize of USD 100,000.00 as well as some other small gifts. Besides that, in second place was sisters Vanessa and Pamela Chong (sisters of Akademi Fantasia 1 winner Vincent Chong). Third place was Filipinos Marc and Rovilson.

Hisham and I met Vince there as he and his whole family was down to give their support to Vanessa and Pamela. He's a friendly chap, being an upcoming relatively new star in the industry. He said he's working up for an English album right now, so yeah, to all Vince's fans, do wait for that.

The thing ended right after, and everyone left, leaving those who wanted to stay up the night in the club. Hisham and I spent quite some time before leaving to catch the Singapore city river cruise. We quickly went back into our hotel room and got into to our tees before heading to the pier to board the river cruise boat. The ride was free courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board. For one thing, the river was super wicked and the city view was magnificent, especially the scene where we're able to see many major international banks' buildings towering Singapore's skies. Even Maybank has a whole tower there! Right after the river cruise ended, we both headed back to our hotel room to get some rest. It was indeed a tiring day for me which started at 5.45am and ended at approximately 3am.

- SINGAPORE DAY 2 - 15th February 2008
We woke up at 8.30am. We quickly took our bath and headed for breakfast at the hotel's coffee house, namely The Market Cafe. Then, we left to the Clarke Quay Underground MRT station which was of a 5 minutes walking distance. We purchased our tickets up to Harbourfront so that we end up at the shopping mall Vivocity. The fare was around S$1.30 and it took us around 10-15 minutes. As soon as we reached Harbourfront station we exited to Vivocity. We took a quick detour by window-shopping in Vivocity, mainly in GAP. Then, we asked the staff there to keep items that we wanted to buy so that we'll be able to purchase them after visiting Sentosa, Singapore's resort island. Right after, we went upstairs to where the train that goes to Sentosa boards. We bought our tickets and chose these attractions in our package ; Merlion, Images of Singapore, Luge & Skyride, SkyTower and 4D Magix. The train took us approximately 10 minutes. Then, we both headed straight to the Merlion. The Merlion is an iconic symbol of Singapore. It depicts the head of a lion and a body of a fish. Google for it if you'd want to know more. Anyway, the Merlion in Sentosa is the biggest among all-five approved Merlions by the Singapore Tourism Board. We took off our time to catch a view of Singapore from the Merlion Head Gallery. We then proceeded to the Mouth Gallery for our photos to be taken. The wind was so strong that my hair kept spoiling the pictures. LOL.

Then we checked out the gift shop and in fact we got a mystery gift(which turned out to be a Sentosa hand-fan). We collected our photo and moved on to the next attraction (Pictures snapped by personnel in Sentosa ranges from S$ 10.00- S$15.00 per picture). We moved to the Images of Singapore attraction next. Here we went through somewhat like a trail showing us the development of Singapore from its early days to present time. It was a meaningful and informative inside to the republic's history. The way they have put it all up and the creativity make it one spectacular attraction not to be missed. This trail took us quite sometime as it is quite long and there's just so much to see. Of course, we took longer than usual simply because we stopped to take pictures almost throughout the trail. Next we went on the luge and skyride attraction. The luge is something like a go-cart but it is not motored and it has handles like a bicycle. We had to ride downhill and it travels pretty fast. So finally we ended up at the beach; Siloso Beach. From there, to get back to where we took the luge, we had to take the skyride. It is a slow open-air, swing-like, cable car-ish thing that brings you back up. After going back up, we then had lunch at the restaurant nearby the Images of Singapore attraction, and it is named Tastes of Singapore. I had a dish of jumbo chunky Chicken Satay and Sprite. After lunch, we headed for 4D Magix. It's a 3D show with real effects such as wind-blowing and water-spraying effects being felt by spectators making the extra D, hence 4D. Then we headed for Cineblast, similar to 4D magix, but it differs whereby in Cineblast you experience riding a roller-coaster.

After that, due to the excitement of the previous luge and skyride, we purchased our tickets once again to go for it for the second time. It is so much fun, so that's why. We hung out at Siloso Beach for awhile before getting back on the skyride. We then took some photos before leaving for the train from Sentosa Island to Vivocity. Earlier, we were contemplating whether to watch or not to watch the Songs of the Sea show which is a light and sound water effects show. The show was at 7.30pm but we wanted to go to the Night Safari as well. So we had to make our choice. If we watched the Songs of the Sea, we might not be able to make it for the Night Safari, or even if we did, we would have missed the animal show etc. So we made our choice to skip Songs of the Sea. It would be fun to have watched it though.

We took the train back to Vivocity. At Vivocity, we went to collect our GAP stuff before going on a window-shopping spree at the stores there. I bought a white (product) red™ tee for myself and a tee for Diana as well; her birthday present. Budi GAP dibayar GAP. After an hour or so, we left to the MRT station back to Clarke Quay to get back to our hotel. We took a quick bath and refreshed ourselves at the hotel before leaving again via cab to the Night Safari. A single journey cab trip fare is about S$20.00 from Clarke Quay to the Night Safari.

We reached the Night Safari at around 9pm. There, we had dinner at the Safari's Restaurant; Ulu Ulu. The restaurant features an upclass food-court concept. Pricing there is somewhat middle to high end. They use Halal meat but alcohol is served. Also, do note that some meat dishes use alcohol, so we had to pick the right ones for us. I had Chicken Satay yet again, but this time I had Sugarcane as my drink. The drink serving is quite big(It's $S8.00! Better be big!). Sugarcane was good, I was craving for it since last Ramadhan.

Then, we proceeded to do some walking in the trails as the animal show was only starting at 10.30pm. We wanted to go on a tram ride earlier, but if we did that, we might not have time to catch the animal show. Anyway, we overlooked at our timing, as well as got carried away that we realised we were far from the animal show venue in the Night Safari. It was already 10.20pm by then. We then asked the rangers for directions and they said we might not make it in time. We ran like crazy (and at one point I was like: Shit, I should be in The Amazing Race Asia 3). Finally we made it to the place, but we had to wait for the first scene of the show to be over. So we kind of missed the first 10 minutes of the 30 minutes show. The show was good, all thanks to the host that evening that made everything bubbly and funny. Right after, again, we ran(but not as crazy as the one before) to catch the tram. And guess what? We were the last ones, yet again. It surely did look like a scene from TARA, no, seriously. But the point is: We made it. Just as I was settling my sling bag in the tram, one guy came up to Hisham and me, he went 'Sir, can you smile I'm taking you're photograph *clicks* Thank you'. I was like, shit, over already?. I don't freaking know how I looked like as I was sweating like hell. (Thankfully the picture turned out good when I collected it later). Anyway, the tram ride was about 20 minutes. We saw animals up-close and it was fun. After the tram ride, we left to the gift shop. I bought a key-chain for myself. We then left for our hotel by cab, again we were charged the same, with a 50% surcharge because it was past midnight.

We reached our hotel at 1.00am. We went straight to our room and crashed our beds. We were so tired. At the same time, we wanted to drink something light yet fulfilling. We were like zombies wanting to re-energize ourselves. We rested for an hour till 2.00 am before venturing out the nightlife at Clarke Quay. The place has so many clubs and nightlife activities. We went to a place called The Coffee Club (No it does not look like Coffee Bean or Starbucks). The place looks modern with loud music banging. The only reason we went in because the place looked 'clean' and there were little crowd. Most of the tables were occupied by two people. Girl & Guy, Girl & Girl, Guy & Guy; if you get what I mean. So yes, and the 'clean' part was it wasn't smoky. I had this Strawberry booster thing which was so good to live up the night. It did! Really! If not for it, I wouldn't even have the energy to walk up to the hotel room. Anyway, we left around 3.15am back to the hotel. I slept at around 4am plus after washing up etc.

- SINGAPORE DAY 3 - 16th February 2008

We woke up late this time. I guess because we were worn out the day before. We overslept despite the alarm clock was set. I mean, both of us did not realise when the alarm clock rang. It was only when the clock rang again (actually the phone), that we realised it was 10am. Shit! The buffet line at the coffee house closes at 10.30am. We frantically got ready, and mind you, we even took our bath. We got ready by 10.25am. We rushed down to the breakfast area and started puffing our plates with stuff. We took so many food one shot so that even if the buffet closed, we would have enough on our tables. Man, we were acting as if we were from food-deprived Somalia. LOL. We really had a heavy breakfast (that made us skip lunch coincidentally). Then we proceeded back to our room to do our packing. It was our final day in Singapore. My flight back to Penang was at 6.55pm while Hisham's was at 8.00pm. After packing, Hisham went to the Clarke Quay MRT station to get something from a guy. Ilyas(my another cousin) had ask Hisham to collect those stuff to be brought back to KL. So right after Hisham came back, we called the bellboy to collect our baggage. Then, we proceeded to check-out from the hotel. We left our baggage in the hotel's baggage storage area before leaving to the MRT station.

We went to Orchard Road again, this time we went to several malls to window-shop. I took the opportunity to check in my flight at the SIA Downtown office located at the Paragon mall. Since Calvin Klein Jeans was next to the SIA office, it was hard for me to resist from buying anything. I simply HAD to buy something, so I got myself a wallet. Well, it was a good buy, since I was hunting for a wallet since December. Some of you might reckon me telling that Calvin Klein Jeans here in Penang had limited wallet ranges for men. According to HIsham, the same wallet that I bought in Paragon could be purchased in KL, only that it's about RM30.00 more expensive in KL. It didn't matter much to me because to me, the pricing is about the same, and it is more of me GETTING the item or not. Since I was there, I bought it. I was going to buy a wallet anyway.

We walked around a little bit more, stopped by Coffee Bean to share a drink. After that, we left for the MRT station. Right after arriving back at Clarke Quay, we headed to the Royal Selangor boutique. The only reason we went there is because of the SIA Boarding Pass Privilege offered there, FOC. We are entitled for a free gallery tour, a welcome drink, as well as to collect a free pewter coin. And being Malaysians, who count to the very last bit, we did that. We kind of rushed though as it was nearing 5.00pm. My flight was about 2 hours prior to departure. We straight headed to the hotel baggage store to collect our bags. We wanted to change our tops at the changing room on level 2, but due to the rush we changed right in the storage room. Man, that was hilarious. We then waited for a cab to the airport. The fare was about S$20.00.

I went to drop-off my baggage at the SIA Raffles(Business) Class counter, whilst, Hisham dropped his at the First Class counter. I then proceeded to do some GST stuff (it is advisable to do this first before checking in your baggage, as at times, the Singapore Customs may want to check your bags for the items). I got the Customs endorsement before leaving to Terminal 3. Hisham and I wanted to check out the much anticipated and talked about Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 3. Indeed, the terminal is one bloody cool airport. It started operations on the 9th of January 2008. At present, only long haul Singapore Airlines's flights depart from that terminal. The interior decor is very modern yet elegant. Accessibility is at much at ease. Everything is self-serviced and we should not need human assistance. No wonder it's voted as the World's Best Airport. Anyway, since time was running short for me, we had to go back to Terminal 2 where we both were departing from. Plus, I had to collect my GST cash from the counter inside. So I walked passed immigration and proceeded to collect my cash. Hisham went on to the First Class lounge first. I went after collecting my cash. My lounge was separated from his, as mine was the Raffles Class lounge. But anyway, we met up after asking the staff there. I spent about 10 minutes with him. Before that, I had a quick mini-lunch of egg sandwiches and Diet Coke at the lounge. After meeting Hisham, we bid each other farewell, and snapped a picture at the indoor garden. I then went off to my boarding gate, of course, I was one of the latest passengers to board in. I created a drama with the security staff there. I placed my handphone inside my bag but when the bag came out I started asking 'Did you guys see my phone?' Gosh, I don't know why I was so forgetful. Anyway they ticked me by saying 'You ah we all nearly died of a heart attack just now'. Thank God the Indian lady at the security saw me putting my phone inside my bag. I rushed to board the plane then. Sigh.

On the plane, everything was fine. (What's there to complain when you're travelling business). I was served my Halal Moslem Meal of Nasi Minyak with Fish Sambal. The plane took off Changi at 7.05pm. 10 minutes later than scheduled, hence the pilot accelerated on air even more to make it in time to land in Penang. This is because the same plane was to leave Penang for Singapore later that evening. However, I guess the pilot over-reacted, causing us to be ahead of scheduled arrival into Penang. We were supposed to land at 8.25pm but touched down at 8.05pm instead. Hence, on flight we did not have the time to be served tea, even though we were served empty cups! Hilarious. It normally takes an hour and a half from Singapore to Penang, but this time it took an hour. So after touching down, I went through immigration, collected my baggage, went through Customs and waited for my driver who was 10 minutes late. I left the airport at 8.40pm for home. Came back home had a little chat before unpacking my stuff.

All in all it was a fun and exciting trip. It was short I can't deny, but what more can I ask when I save so much on $$$ yet get a splendid experience. So, Singapore trip in another 13 years perhaps? No I don't think so, I might end up working there who knows, plus if I'm on the international banking side. Have fun people. God Bless.

Lots of love,

Riz F

A COUPLE OF HELPFUL WORDS FOR SINGAPORE BOUND MALAYSIAN HOLIDAY-MAKERS

Words of advice and tips:
Do note that photography is banned in all MRT stations. Also banned are chewing gums (throughout Singapore). You are also not allowed to spit around.

Immigration / Customs :
We do not need a Visa. An international passport is adequate. Customs usually do not simply find fault if you're just a small time holiday-maker.

Food information and pricing:
Generally food in Singapore is expensive for tourists from Malaysia. Also, for Muslim tourists, there are limited halal food outlets throughout Singapore (except for fast food) - as per stated in the tourists brochures. It's best to enquire within when you're in an outlet before ordering. Sometimes, food outlets are not given HALAL certifications merely because they serve alcohol. So if in that case, the food might be HALAL; and you can eat there. So it's best to check, no harm done.

Electricity:
You can plug in almost anything that you use in Malaysia. There's no need for an international adapter or a voltage transformer.

Water:
Water is expensive in Singapore relatively. A bottled mineral water ranges around S$ 2.00 per 500ml.

People:
Well from my observation, Singaporean Chinese are rude generally. However, Indians and Malays there are generally okay in the sense of their image projection and friendliness. This information is very subjective but this is a general perception that I see and experienced as a tourist. Compared to Malays in Malaysia, Malays in Singapore seem to be more accommodating and friendly.

Shopping:
Shopping experience is different in the sense of variety. You may get things out of the norm in the Malaysian market. For example they have designs not available from Malaysia. Do note that they might not have designs from Malaysia there. So it works both ways. Pricing wise, I think it is generally the same when you convert.

Weather:
It's pretty much about the same.

Transportation:
The MRT system is the best and most cost affordable mode of transportation in Singapore. It connects you almost throughout the country. It is good to stay somewhere nearby a MRT station. They presently have three lines serving the whole country. Everything is self-serviced (tickets, entrance).

Airport info:
Singapore Changi Airport is big, and great with a wide range of facilities. It is indeed of world class. Almost everything is self-serviced. Airport announcement is limited, so please check your time of departure etc. Do have some spare time to go through security screening at the boarding gate.

Taxes:
You can get your GST refunds at the airport, but please do note that you need to get a form filled/refund cheque issued at the place of purchase before making such claims at the airport GST refund counter. Also note, GST refund is only valid if you spend S$100.00 in a single store(it doesn't matter if they are on different receipts).At the airport, you should not check in your baggage first, instead, proceed to the GST Singapore Customs counter to get your forms/cheque certified by a Singapore Customs Official. Then you should proceed to check in and go into the airport terminal area. There you should find another counter after the immigration to get your refunds. They give 10% extra of your refund value if you opt to receive your refunds in the means of airport shopping vouchers.

Airline (Singapore Airlines - SIA)
It is possible to check in at Singapore Airlines in Paragon. You can also check in 48 hours prior to departure at any SIA ticketing counter. Also, Internet check-in is available. SIA staff are a bit dumb, so please be smart. I had a lady saying 'But you cannot check in your baggage here ah because here ah we all in the city not the airport, also we don't know anything about GST. You are the first to ask'. Mind you, she was the receptionist! How can you have a dumb front desk officers like that? Duh, of course, what? Do you think I'm that dumb of bringing 2 forty kilogramme of baggage into Orchard Road simply to check in? AND you're representing an airline, of your home country, you don't know anything about GST and airport formalities? Why need that bitchy statement of You're the first one that asked. Hello, mind you, I might be the first one to ask, but I promise you that I wouldn't be the last. Anyway, many SIA-passengers do not know that there are many attractive discounts and deals when you use your SIA Boarding Pass stub at participating outlets throughout Singapore. (The programme extends to some other countries as well). So be sure to use them. To know more, log on to www.singaporeair.com

Tagged again by the famous Azhan.

2008-02-14T01:15:00.000+08:00

Azhan tagged me!

Apparently I have to;
- link to your tagger and post these rules.
- list (8) random facts about yourself and tag (8) people.

Eight:
I am very complicated. I am sad when I'm happy and I'm happy when I'm sad. Enough said.

Seven:

I yearn to be filthy reach and enjoy a peaceful serene life.

Six:

For the time being, I am not ready for commitments in relationships. I prefer short hook-ups instead.

Five:

Yearns to look good and feel happy about life everyday but it never seems to happen.

Four:

Hates tags already.

Three:

Would rather sleep naked than having to wear something but you never know who knocks on your door.

Two:

Loves cam whoring and good self-pics.

One:

Hates facebook's application invites.

The unfortunate people whom got tagged are none other than.......
1. Natasha. 2. Alexis. 3. Emily 4. Gwen. 5. Lisa.

*But I'll only tag them when I get back from Singapore. I need to get some sleep, soon or face missing the flight later in the morning!*

Pre Singapore Trip shopping and lunch with Diana, and updates of course!

2008-02-13T23:30:00.000+08:00

So what's all the hype about? Nope, not the elections, mind you. I'm not that interested with it anyways, what thrills me more is my upcoming trip to Singapore tomorrow.

In fact the thrill had started the moment I made my mind of following my cousin for a semi-paid trip to Singapore. My accommodation and flight ticket is paid for, and some of my meals too. Anyway, coolio that I'll be flying Business class one way. That's from SIN-PEN when I get back. My cousin is leaving from KL and returning to KL as well. Like I said in an earlier entry, I'll be travelling alone.

So what's the big fuss and why SINGAPORE? Well, simply because we are attending AXN's The Amazing Race Asia's Season Finale Party there! Last season, if I'm not mistaken, they had it in KL. Anyway, so that explains why.

Hence to attend that party, I, being Riz F, had to shop for something new. Hence I hooked up with Diana to coincide with our lunch appointment. So after lunch at horrible Swensen's(mind you, every other food outlet in Queensbay were packed with people that day), we went shopping. Earlier, Diana wanted to meet at Gurney instead of Queensbay because she wanted to get her black jumper from ESPRIT which is not available in Queensbay. I on the other hand, thought if I were to go to Gurney, I wouldn't have much choice to shop for my party outfit. Now, boy, I was wrong. Diana proved right, Gurney has more up-class choices, even though shops there are compact and relatively small compared to Queensbay.But well nasi sudah menjadi bubur, I had to buy something! Thank God GUESS had this dirty-looking hot-looking jeans, they only had size 31. I'm a 29 who wears 30. But well, I made an exception, so I bought the jeans anyway simply because (a) I needed to buy (b) The jeans was irresistable. I went top hunting earlier, found one in EDC but my brother(of whom I called using 3G video call-NOT HELPFUL) said he saw cool looking tops in GUESS Gurney(he was chilling there with his mates). So well, I took the risk of not buying a top to continue shopping in Gurney ALONE later that evening. I wanted a white top. But all the stores simply did not have what I had in mind. Poor me. So well, besides the jeans, I bought a jeans belt, which is rugged-looking according to Diana.

Diana finally passed me my much long-awaited 19th birthday gift, a GAP tee! Thanks for the cool tee sis! We in fact, nearly forgot about it, again! (She has been trying to pass me my tee for so long, but always something turns up that she either forgets, or we both are not free to meet up).

Diana then joined her friend Hanim. I joined Inaz who was back from Pahang for the short CNY break. We hung out a little bit. We spent our time most in Starbucks talking over a drink. So that was that, and I had to leave early because I needed to continue shopping in Gurney.

So I headed straight to Gurney after that and went straight to GUESS, saw a few tops and all the white tops there were hideous, so finally I got a black top instead, plus it was on a 20% discount. Thankfully the had my size, S. Guess's size runs a little bit bigger for regular Asians. So with that, I'm done with my outfit that I'll be wearing for the party. My shoes? Well I'm wearing my dad's KENZO. Yes, two shoes on a trip. Paris Hilton in the making.

Well now back to what happened earlier that day; I would say I was a super-boy that day. I woke up at 7am joined my family(except my mom) for a family outing to Teluk Bahang. We went to the Taman Rimba, Butterfly Park and the beach. We did all these by mid-day. I was back home by noon and left for Queensbay before 1pm. Nothing much to elaborate besides that the beach was full of people due to the long stretch of public holidays. There were hot sights, but on the contrary I saw awful sights too, like this totally fat women with thick cellulite layers bouncing wearing an XS-sized swimming suit. YULK. We stopped by Cool Bananas in Parkroyal and had mocktails before going home.

Today seemed to be a very busy day for me. I did pretty lots of things simply because I wouldn't be here for the rest of the week. I had to reschedule my French replacement class, because I can't make it tomorrow. Besides that, I did some banking thing; MAYBANK's computer system simply had to go offline when I was about to do my transactions. So I guess, that makes it postponed to next week when I'm back.

Finally I sent my Macbook to the Apple Centre in Hardwicke House for repair. I'm changing the top case and keyboard first, that's costing me RM 590 already! The guy there said about the faulty battery installed on my set, they'll try to get a waiver for a new one from Apple because many of the cases are due to factory defects.

Pray that I get that waiver. I plan of upgrading my OS from Tiger to Leopard. That's going to cost me another RM509. But well, I'm doing it so that someone in the house can use the notebook decently when I leave (I'm getting a new one in June perhaps).

Blekhhh, my uncle opened his cafe at the Jerejak Jetty already! Food's a-okay. So just now we had dinner there. Also in conjunction was my aunt's birthday! I'll rate the cafe a decent 2.9/5 based on the place and the menu.

Now if I can excuse myself, I need to log onto Wikipedia to download some Amazing Race info into my brains. Like I do watch the show once in a while, but heck, I don't even know who's who in the show. So I better don't look like a fool at the party and go 'So you are....' to the host or anything stupid.

Lots of love

Riz F

p/s: I'm still in the process of unpacking my things to be arranged in the shelves of my room that I just moved into hence the lack of updating!

Diana and me in Queensbay!

At the Taman Rimba's parking area!

Cool Bananas in Parkroyal Penang!

Nazim and I cam whoring. Like serious shit. My dad and my youngest brother were waiting in the car for approximately 10 minutes simply because we both were cam whoring.

I was faking it. Really.

This is the outfit I'm wearing for the party. It looks like a normal plain black shirt in the pic, but if you have a look in real life, you can see there are embroidery details on the shirt which makes it look hot. (but again, as if anyone's going to realise in the dark club ambience)

This is the GAP tee that Diana bought for me as my birthday present. Thank you. Remind me when your birthday comes. Note that I have not even removed the tags when I was snapping the picture.

Just so all you know, I'll be wearing those two tops, and the jeans(In the pictures above) during my Singapore trip, so don't shoot at me and say Faris don't you have other clothes to wear?

Just a quick one!

2008-02-07T03:50:00.000+08:00

Hi there people!

Firstly wishing all of you a very Happy New Year for those of you who are observing and celebrating the arrival of the new Lunar calendar year.

Meanwhile, here's a very interesting piece of update from me. I'm going to Singapore on Valetine's Day for a 3 days 2 nights trip.My cousin Hisham called me up the other day and invited me for an all expense-paid trip. Then when I asked him more, he spilled to me that he won some contest, it's a package for two to attend The Amazing Race Asia Season Finale Party. How cool? Totally, yes I know. So I'll be back on the 16th. And mind you, I'm flying out from Penang ALONE, because Hisham's catching the KUL-SIN route. Anyways, that's that, I'll fill you guys in more on that perhaps before I go, if I have the time. Or else, I'll boast all about it when I get back. Don't worry, lots of pictures to entertain you guys.

Now, just so all of you know, I'm at a state of refuge in my own house. I don't have a 100% occupiable room. Like, my parents raided my room(which was theirs at first anyway), they transformed it within a day and walla, they've moved in. I on the other hand, was given my old room back (which they used as their room for a period of the last 6 months, due to feng shui, don't ask). No, don't get me wrong, I am very happy about the whole getting back my old room thing. First thing thank God, it did happen. The room I was occupying for the last 6 months was enormous,too big for a messy 19++ year old guy to handle. So I'm cool getting back my cosy room back. Only thing, the room needs to go (and in fact has started undergoing) for a minor overhaul renovation.Like there are broken plasters on the wall, hairline cracks on the plaster ceiling etc. So far we're done 80%. I changed the room's paint color, and the room's toilet paint color too. I painted my room creamy mocha (inclusive of the small wardrobe area) and black for my toilet's walls. They look great, a fusion between colonial and modern concepts.I just need to get two black lampshades' shades and some minor deco stuff to fine tune its perfection. Right now, things are basically everywhere in boxes. I've yet to sort them all out into my shelves. Thank God, I've settled moving in my clothes into my wardrobe shelves and hangars. I haven't packed my desktop computer from the room I was using for the past 6 months yet simply because this old room that I'm getting back in is not 100% complete. I cannot live without the computer, so it needs to be operational the moment it arrives in this old room, I can't spare having it unplugged lying on the floor for a few days to wait for the renovation work to be over. The wireless coverage in this old room is kind of limited, so yes, imagine the pain. I've moved in actually, which literally translates to me starting to spend my nights here from today onwards. So like it or not, finished or not, I need to sleep somewhere in this room. I'm thankful enough that my mom brought my bed at least, so that I could get a decent night's sleep. I am currently blogging using her laptop on my bed with a not-so-stable connection status. Great to see my passion of blogging growing; even in conditions like this I still take the trouble to blog, using the ease of technology (Bluetooth for pictures from my P1i and my mom's HP notebook). You guys may ask why I do not have my own notebook? Well I do, it's a Macbook. But currently, it's a little bit screwed up. I'm sending it for an overhaul and have Apple's new Leopard OS installed after these few days of public holidays. Anyway, I'm getting a new notebook in June, a Windows-based one. Perhaps a Sony Vaio or something stylish with substance, and of course value for money. That's for me to use when I leave for my studies due late September this year. Reason being of me not using the Macbook when I go abroad: It's a cool computer to use, but something not daily day-to-day use, not for me at least.It fuctions very well as a complimentary computer, to co-function with a primary daily user-friendly Windows-based notebook. So that's why.

Anyway people, it's getting very late. I need to get some sleep to get working more on my room later when I wake up. It's 3.45 in the morning.So I guess,it's goodbye time. I don't know when I'll be able to blog again, but I'm pretty sure it won't take too long. I'll try to get everything fixed a.s.a.p. Meanwhile, doenjoy the pictures below. Speaking of which, sorry that the credit stamps on the pictures are of bad quality, I merely edited them using MS Paint, the only thing that is installed on my mom's pc. I usually blog using Windows Live Writer for your information.

Till then.

Lots of love,
Riz F

I did work!!!
Note the ugly monitor and CPU is not mine and they are screwed ones that my parents use to mock up so that they can tell the whole world that they'r computer literate.

p/s: My BJ house renovation progress is on a standstill since mid-January because all of us(the family and our workers) are busy with my current permanent house and other life-related stuff.

a fat day.

2008-02-02T23:47:00.001+08:00

Red alert! Again within the time frame of one month, I need to put the FAT ALERT on again. Well I think it was the final week of December that my weight bloated up to 60kgs. The highest recorded after my image-makeover early 2007. Then with stringent diet and moderate work outs I managed to bring it down back to my average weight of 58.Xkgs that I've been maintaining for the past year. In fact, up to last week I was still at 58.X. Last night, after the Malay-Indonesian food I had for dinner, I still weighed 58.8kgs. But somehow, my appetite burst with hormones splurging today that I became an eating-machine. I woke up at around 12.30pm, thanks to Syahin and his friend Crishan. They came barging into my room (I was with my tank top and boxers, mind you), ignoring any privacy of mine. They pestered me to put on The Game Plan on the home theatre system.

That was how the whole thing started; I saw their leftovers of McD Chicken Nuggets, they ordered the 20 pieces one, and had like 6 more leftovers. I had 4.5 pieces, while my parents had 1.5 more. Fine. Oh I forgot to mention that my aunt's family came(Shaznin's parents) along with my Grandma. My grandma who's a KITCHEN QUEEN started her business of making kuih the moment she arrived. She did some savoury kind of kuih and I enjoyed it so much. I kept on eating and she kept on replenishing my plate. Only then I realised, shit Riz you're such a dead meat when you go on the scale tonight(sure did happen!). Anyway, then I went upstairs to chat a little bit. Spent my afternoon chatting with Shuhada. Then Diana came online for awhile. I went for a quick nap till 8pm. After I woke up, I was hungry, yet again. It's like there's this HUNGRY MONSTER in me using me as its medium to eat. So fine, I ate a slice of bread, and the 5-6 pieces of the savoury kuih my grandma made. Man, I felt really huge then. Plus, I had sugared drink, some orange cordial if I'm not mistaken. Fkkid.

Then I came up, weighed myself. True enough. I now weigh 59.4kgs. To top the scare, I have a few lunch appointments this week; Monday with my ex-classmate Malini and two unconfirmed ones (Sakae Sushi with Diana and another lunch with Min, Anushya, Natasha and Meechea). Gosh, I might just have a drink if I ever go on these lunches. Mineral water, to be exact. Tomorrow shall be a no-food-day.

Anyway, we managed to make a video call with my brother Nazim again tonight. It's so fast that tonight is his third night there, and tomorrow would be his last. He's leaving back for Penang on Monday morning. He did not buy anything yet for me he claims. MAN, GET ME SOMETHING! LOL.

I guess that's all. Diana's kind of pissed that I'm blogging and ignoring her chat. See you people around soon.

I might just clean up that last 10% left of my wardrobe area and then I shall start organizing my toilet tomorrow. Wish me luck doing all of these 'cleaning-up' by mid February. Also, I am starting to work out on my abs starting tonight. Wish me luck on that as well. Okay then.

Take care.

Lots of love,
Riz F

See Diana, I told you that the nuggets do come in 20 too!

Believe me now?

My brother Syahin and his friend Crishan. Note: Crishan is not wearing crutches, those are some spy-toys thing they were playing.

And finally I made Nazim call me back simply to print screen this to put on this blog!

latest drama-looking pictures.

2008-02-02T00:26:00.001+08:00

This is a vain picture, yes. Snapped it two weeks ago at my uncle's place in Kulim.

Top: I edited those above. LOL. I was bored taking care of my aunt's little girl(my cousin, Shaznin, if you guys recall). My mom and Shaznin's parents went out to the market while I waited in the car with her while she was sleeping. So don't blame me being vain, I was plain bored.

And presenting the drama-boy-apprentice:

People, he knew his photograph was being taken and he made the serious pose.

la la la =)

2008-02-01T23:00:00.000+08:00

Bludeh hell. I just ended a video call with my brother Nazim who's in Hong Kong. I realised lately he's been more and more like an international school student. He uses phrases like 'That's wicked', 'OMG', 'It's good', 'It reads....'. BLEHHH. What the fish is happening? Good or bad? Well I don't know, personally, I feel it's okay with me. My youngest brother speaks like that too. I feel odd talking to them these days, I feel simply like being left out, you know, not in the clan kind of thing. I tend to mix my Bahasa Melayu a lot and it's a second nature for me. I go with my 'Bodoh', 'Babi' 'Lah'. A LOT.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to change, or at least start when I further my studies soon. Then I can proudly be back in the clan. Oh yes people, nope, my brothers are not faking the accent, they simply speak like that. Nevertheless, they try their very best to speak English, like a Malaysian. My second brother speaks English like that, but when he speaks Malay, you can tell no difference, he speaks like a pure Penangite. Well, my youngest brother, he's never been educated in Malay, so yes, he can converse basic sentences in Malay but not when it gets too complicated when you add nouns such as badak, tapir, serigala, cacing etc.

If I speak with an accent, then I'm faking it. LOL. So catch me and say STOP WITH THE ACCENT ALREADY, then I'll stop. HAHA. But sometimes, when I'm with those foreign people, the accent tends to get in naturally. I mean I really feel awkward without it. So yes. But please, I'm good at faking it. It's not that I have flaws on some words. So spare me the bitching.

Oh well, anyway, I had dinner with the Jacksons (Syahin's friend and his family). Syahin is my youngest brother. Well it was my parents, Syahin and I along with Adam(Syahin's friend), his Singaporean mom, Hayati and British dad, David. My dad and Adam's dad had something to talk, business related. I joined the moms talking about 'family'. Somehow, being the eldest, I somehow end up in old-folks' topics all the time. It's good for me, really. I mean I don't feel bored or anything, in fact, it's so much fun.

We wanted to have Thai but had Malay-Indonesian instead. The Thai restaurant we wanted to go closed down, so we headed to another restaurant nearby. It was a good dinner.

I'm now back home. I plan to get to bed soon. Getting good at being anti-nocturnal a.k.a. normal back.

Lots of love
Riz F

Syahin and I cam whoring before going off for dinner. =)

Syahin and his friend Adam at the restaurant. Oh yes, by the way, we had our dinner at Amandari (Kelawei Road).

Through the years : Blogging - An evolution

2008-02-01T16:30:00.000+08:00

This afternoon just before Friday prayers, I came online. I was chatting with Shuhada on Gtalk and suddenly the we reminisced the old days of blogging. I started blogging in June 2005, much encouraged and supported by her.

My first blog was at blogdrive, which still remains active to be accessed. It's a mixed emotion being able to read my old entries, seeing the way I write, the stories I tell and simply admiring the art of it. My blog on blogdrive can be accessed by logging on to http://www.faris.blogdrive.com.

After I was tired blogging on Blogdrive, I moved to Wordpress for about 4 months. I was very impressed with Wordpress's features such as enabling password protected entries, etc. Again, I got tired of Wordpress because it seemed a little bit monotonous and not as 'exciting' as I have anticipated. Perhaps it was because of the limited layout choices and widgets compatibility. My address on Wordpress remains active till this very day, and can be accessed from http://www.farisarcidias.wordpress.com.

Right after leaving Wordpress I joined Blogger, which I have not moved ever since simply because of its easy-to-use interface as well as giving me a certain extend of freedom to choose my layout and colour themes. Just to note, my first URL on Blogger was http://www.forgottenchapters.blogspot.com. This address can no longer be used as I've changed it to the present address of http://www.surviving-a-drama-life.blogspot.com. Entries posted during the first address's time still remains here in this blog. When I was using the earlier address, the blog was named Of Forgotten Chapters and Myths. I did not post that much for quite a while after setting it up, and when I got my blogging mojo back, that's when I changed the address to the second(and present) address. The blog's title too changed to When Drama Meets A Boy. Also during this time that I applied for a paid domain; www.rizfares.com, which till to date remains active as an alternate URL to access this blog. Recently my blog underwent a minor facelift again and end up being renamed When Drama Plays On A Boy. However, I did not change any of the URL(as per it was when the blog was When Drama Meets A Boy) that links up to this blog.

Pretty a lot of changes huh? Well, trust me, Shuhada did far more than me. It's so much fun to see us mature, to post in better quality entries as time passes by as well as revolutionizing the blog into a fun place for random people to stop by simply to wind up after a long day's work. In this very blog I share my life's experiences, stories and simply about everything that I take personal interest in. =)

Anyway, I do have another inactive blog which I used to post my poems and writings. It's at http://www.xyers.blogdrive.com. Feel free to visit all of these places, and most importantly do come by visit this very blog of mine as often as you can. Currently this is the only one that I post entries on, and is active both for content and accessibility. Do drop in your shout out or your comments if you have the time to spare. Do click the ads, that's very helpful and greatly appreciated.

Lots of love,
Riz F

just another day

2008-01-31T23:04:00.001+08:00

I woke up very early this morning to send my brother Nazim off to Hong Kong. He's participating in a theatre festival there. Just so all of you know, Nazim is taking up drama as one of his subjects for his IGCSE, hence the active participation in the drama-related fields.

His flight was a direct Cathay Pacific flight from Penang to Hong Kong, 8.05am, I reckon.

But as usual, airport formalities and stuff, we had to be there around 5 in the morning.

We left him to enter the boarding area at around 7am before leaving back for home.

I slept after that and only woke up at 1pm.

Had French.

After that, Nazim video called us back here, and I, being the most literate in computers in my house for now, had to settle the connection issues.

Now, I'm chatting with two of my old-time besties, Pnut and Nabilla. It's so nice to chat witho old friends who know almost EVERYTHING about you. We're like closer than we are to some relatives. Anyway, Pnut's whining to me about her life in UTP while Nabilla's just talking about general stuff.

Bleghhh. Oh yes, ZOMGness, guess what? At 5am today, at the airport, I wasn't at my best appearance, and guess what? I had to bump into a minister, and my dad HAD to(yes simply HAD to) introduce me etc. Anyway, it was Dato' Mustapa Mohamed, the higher education minister of Malaysia. My dad had to brag that I'm going off end of this year overseas, bla bla bla what not. Sampai the people with the minister thought I was the one flying off this morning and not Nazim..

And people, I've got a conditional offer(which I've fulfilled but yet to submit the results) into KCL. Oh whee-ness. Hope LSE offers too, so that I can crack my head real bad and make the wisest choice.

I guess that's pretty it. Sorry for the bare post, I don't have any pictures that can be associated with today's entry.

Anyway, I'm getting pretty much normal now; my sleeping pattern that is. I think I might just do some cleaning-up in my wardrobe area before going off to bed. Tchao.

Lots of love,

Riz F

Just a little bit to chip in

2008-01-29T21:49:00.000+08:00

I did not go to the Thom Thom French concert held at the New World Park on Sunday. I wasn't feeling too well, plus I don't think many of my French classmates went.

Well today I went 'essential-items' shopping with Natasha. Yes, bought my inner-wear stuff. LOL.

I always have this thing when the time to buy those stuff comes, like I'd be all jiggered as if the whole world is watching me buy my undies. LOL. Anyway, it's a routine thing. Yes people I am hygienic, I don't wear the same stuff for 10 years without changing. I change 6 months once. The last was around mid last year I reckon. So anyway, grabbed them fast.

Also got myself some cool non-fit boxers from Padini to sleep with(With all due respect and honour, credit goes to Natasha; she picked them because I was being pathetic).I don't sleep in pyjamas but rather in a tank top and a boxer most of the time. So here's the story, the other day when I was spring-cleaning my closet, I gave ALL of my sleeping-boxers (threw some) because they were too old. After doing that only that I realised that I had nothing to wear to sleep, so I had to sleep with my track sports pants with my usual sleeveless/tank tops for the past few days. So hence the 'restocking'.

Besides that, I replenished my supply of towels. I gave out a few during my spring-cleaning a few days back; (a) because I have too many towels in my closet (b) some of them are too thin; I don't use thin towels (c) Some date centuries; and I haven't been using them. So, just to make the number 'just nice' I only bought one bath towel and one face towel . So now, I think, I have 5 bath towels and 3 face towels; which is adequate. I need those face towels because usually I dry my hair using them. Natasha was like 'How many towels you use one time lah wey?'. LOL.

Bought my socks as well. Three pairs this time from Nike. I warned everyone in my house that these new socks are to meant for me, and me only. NEWSFLASH: My socks are always being used by my brother, and no one bloody cares to say the socks are mine. So this time, I've drew the boundary, and that is these THREE socks are solely mine. It gets very annoying when I find out there's no socks for me to wear simply because 'NAZIM AMBIL SEMUA STOKIN KAMU DAN PAKAI KE FOOTBALL/SEKOLAH/WHATEVER. '

Finally, I changed back my deodorant to Nivea For Men(which I have always been using before this). Thank goodness. I tried the Adidas deodorant, and somehow it doesn't seem right for me, instead of controlling my sweat glands, I tend to perspire more at my armpits when I use it. So it was indeed an urgency to get a new Nivea deo. I gave my Adidas one to my bro (since he was the one who first introduced it to me).

Natasha and I bumped into Emily in Gurney Plaza. So she basically tagged along with us. We had a catching up session going on at Secret Recipe. It was good. She in fact snapped a few shots which I've yet to get from her; she hasn't come online. Perhaps I'll take it from her blog once they're up there.

I think I might hit the sack soon. I'm planning of getting back to my normal life, no longer nocturnal. Seriously. I would want to wake up at 8 or 9am. So I guess, I'd better be get going. Plus, I have a lunch appointment in Gurney tomorrow with Min, Anushy, Meechea and perhaps Natasha if she's free.

Till then.

Lots of love,
Riz F

Note to Natasha: Now you can stare how long you want. =)

The towels I got =) Quoting my mom 'Make sure they're Liz Claiborne'.

EDIT: PICTURES FROM EMILY

Note: All of us bought something from Padini!

Something I found off the net.

2008-01-28T14:15:00.001+08:00

Your Scholastic Strength Is Evaluating

You are great at looking at many details and putting them all together. You are talented at detecting subtle trends, accuracy, and managing change. You should major in: Statistics
Speech
Conflict studies
Communication
Finance
Medicine

What Should You Major In?

Weirdly enough it is true to a certain extend, and mind you, I did not cheat when I was doing the questionnaire prior to getting this result! Try yours, click the link above.

Lots of love,

Riz F

Ombak-ombak Mixed Media Presentation : Storm In A Box

2008-01-26T23:50:00.000+08:00

I was lucky enough to catch this performance today. It ran for two consecutive days (for the public), starting yesterday. It ended just now. Well for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, it's none other than Storm In A Box, a mixed media presentation by Ombak-ombak, a newly formed NGO promoting performing arts here in Penang.

I came to know about the presentation through my friend, Natasha. She has been actively rehearsing and training for the performance ever since we finished our A-levels late November last year. Indeed, with all the effort and great team work, they managed to put on a good show. I'm not really a die-hard performing arts fan, but somehow, I do take interest in it when time permits. I have lots of time these days, hence I took the opportunity to watch the show.

Anyway, I went with my two other ex-KDU classmates; Anushya and Meechea. They came all the way from Butterworth by ferry. They waited for me at KDU (unfortunately because I don't freaking know the way to the jetty from my house to pick them up). After picking them up, we headed straight to where the show was held; the seafront field opposite St Xavier's Institution(SXI). The ambience of the venue itself makes the whole atmosphere 'complete'. It was so good, the sea breeze, the trees, and everything else. The show wasn't really packed, but a handful of people did turn out. I would say, the venue(stage which is not really a stage) size to spectators ratio is just nice. If more people were to attend, things wouldn't get too good; people might have problems getting a clear view of the performances. Anyway, just before I forget, entrance for the show is by donation with a minimum donation of RM 10.00. Natasha got us the tickets beforehand, and in fact delivered them to my doorstep yesterday; so a big thanks to her.

So anyway, we reached the place at 8.10pm. 10 minutes late from the time the show was scheduled to start. However, apparently we realised when we reached, we did not miss the show yet as the host was just introducing stuff about Ombak-ombak as well as welcoming all of us there.

There were three pieces of performances that took the stage tonight. All three were from different genres and themes. The first to take the stage was a music based performance; Letter From The Bird Community (Surat Dari Masyarakat Burung). Apparently, the piece is an adaptation inspired from Usman Awang's poem. It was pretty straight forward. However, the all the scenes involved music, singing and chanting and all was conducted in Malay. The second piece was a short drama directed by none other than the famous Janet Pillai titled Sonata Tropika. This performance, compared with the others, is the simplest piece, as in from a viewer's understanding perspective. It's some sort of a typical soap-opera brought into a small-scaled theater type of a performance. One would find the whole piece amusing and full of humour. Also, they managed to bring out the scene of some of the regular Malaysian lifestyles we hear daily. The play lasted for about 15 minutes and had scenes in English, Chinese and Bahasa Indonesia.

The last piece was the one which our friend, Natasha, acted. This piece as they all call it is a dance installation, and a very abstract one. It takes concentration to understand what's the whole performance is all about. I managed to understand 40% of it. Well, as all abstract pieces are, understanding of a particular piece differs between individuals. Anyway, I got the chance to talk to Natasha after that, she explained what it was about in the end, and everything seemed to make sense after she explained WHAT and WHY. It was basically about sins and they portray sins in so many way you could possibly imagine. Just so to note here, they used boxes that represented sins; enough said.

All in all I would give the whole thing (all three performances) a 2.95/5.00. Please do not be disturbed by my ratings, really. I am known to give absurd ratings for stuff. I've never rated a movie above 4.00/5.00 besides Titanic, so you guys get the picture now? Well, it was good lah okay. And here, I have to add that it would be a big loss if you missed the show(considering if you're a Penangite who has nothing to do tonight or last night and know about the play).

The show ended at 9.10pm. We took a picture with Natasha and flexed our muscles a bit before heading out. So by that time it was 9.30pm already. Natasha was supposed to join us for dinner earlier, but she cancelled last minute because she learnt that her production crew were having a 'CASTS' PARTY'. So it was just Anushya, Meechea and myself for dinner. Before heading for dinner, Anushya showed me the way that I should take later after I've dropped them both at the jetty after dinner. We had a mock driving session. I know, I can be pretty dramatic at times. After that, we headed to New World Park to have dinner. We had dinner at the Manhattan Fish Market, had some shared-platter thing. It was good. Right after that, I sent Anu and Mc back to the jetty before heading back. Man, I drove through CHULIA STREET, PENANG ROAD and onwards to BURMAH ROAD all one shot, alone. For those of you who think I'm crazy just because I drove, those roads are super sempit and they have crazy trishaws, bicycles, motorbikes going all over. To top the cream, they have cars parked by both sides of the road. So being a P license driver, it is AN ACHIEVEMENT. Plus, it is a Saturday night. Cheer for me.

Enjoy the pictures I've attached below. Have fun people.

Lots of love,

Riz F

The photo we snapped after the show. Note that Natasha is sitting on a wooden box; they used lots of wooden boxes as props. On my right is Meechea and on my left is Anushya. Just so all of you note, the design on my tee is a SAXOPHONE! Look closely. Pretty abstract too eh? I brought the cap fearing that it would rain. Thank God it didn't. The weather was just fantastic.

LOL. Meechea commented that I'm kind of lame taking pictures after we finished our meals because usually people take their meal pictures before they eat. I forgot! What can I do. Anyway, look there were clams, prawns, baked fish, fries etc. It was one good meal. And we had generous but moderate amounts, so it was cool. For the record, Manhattan Fish Market serves Iced Milo! How cool is that?

p/s: For more info on the show go to http://www.storminabox.blogspot.com. Natasha has a blog too, http://www.purpleholicfreak.blogspot.com

Ketulusan Hati

2008-01-26T03:17:00.001+08:00

ANUAR ZAIN

Cintaku tak berdusta
Tak mengenal ingkar
Tak kenal nestapa
Cintaku hanya indah
Hanya bahagia untuk selamanya
Apa yang kurasakan ini
Persembahan untuk dirimu
Kau biarkan kasihku

Mencintaimu tak mengenal waktu
Tak mengenal puitis
hanya tulusnya hati
mencintaimu tak mengenal ragu
keyakinan hatiku hanya untuk dirimu selalu

Cintaku tak berdusta
Tak mengenal ingkar
Tak kenal nestapa
Tak ada seribu janji
Hanya bahagia untu selamanya
Apa yang kurasakan ini
Persembahan untuk dirimu
Kau benarkan kasihku
Mencintaimu tak mengenal waktu
Tak mengenal puitis hanya tulusnya hati
Mencintaimu tak mengenal ragu
Keyakinan hatiku hanya untuk dirimu selalu

Apa yang kurasakan ini
Persembahan untuk dirimu
Kau dengarkan kasihku

oooo

Mencintaimu tak mengenal waktu
Tak mengenal puitis hanya tulusnya hati
Mencintaimu tak mengenal ragu
Keyakinan hatiku hanya untuk dirimu selalu

Well I don't know why I seem to think of my two failed relationships, and so suddenly I am deeply missing the two once most important people in my life. I'm in real good talking terms with only one out of the two. The other seems quite cold. I wish all of these could have been better for us. Anyway, I still love you both very much, it's just that things can no longer work out between us. Nevertheless, you both are one of the many wonderful things that has happened throughout my life. I appreciate our times together greatly. There'll always be a special place for you two in my heart.

Lots of love,

Riz F

p/s: Listen to Anuar Zain's song! Yes the one that I posted the lyric up above, Ketulusan Hati. Tchao, got to go revise some French, I sucked the test recently LOL. The second test. The first one was done exceptionally well. By the way, the University of Manchester seems to send me stuff everyday (from various departments in the university itself). And yes, my Statement of Results for my A-level exams has arrived! Like they usually take nearly two weeks, but this time they sent it within 3 days. Weird?

Meanwhile, here are some photoplays for the entry.

Natasha passed me the tickets to her show due later at 8pm. I'm going with Anushya and Meechea. I shall blog about that if I get the opportunity when I get back.

My Statement of Results. Got lots and tonnes of work to do regarding my applications. Mind you, I have 8 universities to handle. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I'm just going to attend one. God knows where. Wish me luck.

It's one heavily-planned weekend.

2008-01-25T02:42:00.001+08:00

Well it's not going to be a long update.

Just that here's what I shall be doing for the weekend if nothing comes across my plans (which includes my deep desire for sleep).

Friday 25th January 2008: Outing at night with Shazwan, Aidil and Syed. *tentative*

Saturday, 26th January 2008 : Mixed Media Presentation by Ombak-ombak Arts Studio at St Xavier's / CLS field, 8pm. Joining me for the show would be my ex KDU classmates, Anushya and Meechea. Natasha, another fellow ex-classmate is acting in a dance performance somewhere in the show, that's the whole reason we're going. Hope it'll be good. I think of having a curfew of coming back home by 11pm, respect for my parents. =) Plus, I've got to send Anu and MC back to the jetty etc. DRIVING ALONE LATE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT IN PENANG IS SCARY.

Sunday, 27th January 2008: Alliance Francaise de Penang is presenting a rock band's(the band sings in French, though their members are not French afterall. Thom Thom is the name of the band) gig at the New World Park at Swatow Lane. My French class classmates seem interested in going. We in fact, exchanged numbers just so we meet on Sunday there. My teacher is forced to go even though she doesn't quite like rock music (neither do I) simply because she is a member of staff at the Alliance Francaise de Penang. I might go simply because they are all there, and for the fun of it. Plus, that place has lots of night eateries i.e. Starbucks, Old Town, Manhattan Fish Market, etc.

Ahhh, hope I don't get lazy and end up sleeping through out the weekend. =)

By the way, I met my friend Sham for the first time earlier on Thursday. A pleasant chap. He came down a few days back simply to 'visit' Penang. He'll be going back later today though. LOL. For those of you who know him, he's no longer based in Kelantan as he is working in KL. I so got to check him out working in KLCC(He works in Hugo Boss). Anyone up for a 2d1n/3d2n KL trip in February? LOL. Duit pun pokai ada hati nak pergi so I guess this time pergi, it's more of pusing-pusing shopping-if-necessary rather than hardore shopping.

Well, I guess that's all for now. See you guys real soon on another entry.

Lots of love,

Riz F