Stupid Logic

Moments at AYF: Movie Screening

2008-08-19T19:26:00.002+08:00

After a bit of shopping directly after our touchdown, and after a bit of familiarization with Singapore's decidedly awesome MRT system, we were packed into buses for a movie screening at a newly renovated school, named, aptly enough, OldSchool. It's a great place where, if I recall correctly, artists, musicians, theathrical performers, photographers and the like can call their own, allowing them to use the facilities there to create their masterpieces. The area we were gathering was called the Sinema, where screenings of local movies and film festivals are regularly held. I've also heard they do some concerts there once in a while. Hip and trendy place actually.

The movie was titled 'Journey to Kaabah', chronicling one man's journey across land, from Malaysia, all the way to Mecca, to perform the Hajj. While not the best movie ever, I reserved all my opinions to myself, opting not to grab the open mic. I'll be civil on my first night at AYF.

Anyway, this is our first chance to have most of the delegates in one area, so some delegates took their chances getting to know each other. As I had other programmes ongoing at that time, which was capturing all the happenings, emotions, moments and interactions for a special programme, I kinda laid low for a bit, just so I can snag some stolen moments. But then again, it didn't stay like that for long...

(To be continued...)

Congrats Dude!

2008-08-11T14:32:00.002+08:00

Congrats to Hamsul and Naeema for on their wedding day! Have fun on your honeymoon!

Yaaaaaaaaaaammmm-Seenngggg!!!

2008-08-04T12:24:00.002+08:00

Tommy from Singapore toasting with all the delegates from the Asean+3 Youth Forum.

To the new friends I made during my AYF, one week stay, I'd like to welcome you all to my website.

I'd like to thank you all for making my trip there a memorable one. From the delegates, our lovely Liaison Officer Dhini and Yi Na, to the event organizers, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful hospitality that you've shown to us. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, and having not once ever joined a youth gathering such as AYF, I didn't know what to expect. But the new people I've met from all over the world, the wonderful atmosphere, the great camaraderie, the friendship, I don't think I will ever forget my week there.

I'll follow up this post later. Still trying to straighten out all the business cards I have.

A View from the Top

2008-07-24T17:48:00.000+08:00

A tourist takes in the views of KL with his camera while listening to the audio tour.

Mimi Rahzia at Blue Eden

2008-07-24T17:38:00.002+08:00

Mimi Rahzia of Terminal Cinta fame. Naturally, the guys picked on me to take the shot. Which I don't think I'd complain that much.

Strangely, this photo might make it to the cork board behind her.

The Dark Knight Movie Review

2008-07-19T09:22:00.005+08:00

In what was befitting of a finale performance by the late Heath Ledger, his portrayal of The Joker as a madman hellbent on bringing chaos to Gotham City truly deserves the rave reviews and accolades it has received. A deranged psychopathic lunatic with anarchy on his mind, sometimes you'd forget that underneath that make up, was once an actor that played teen heartthrob roles and confused cowboys.

A performance that even rivals, surpasses at times, Jack Nicholson's screen presence and charisma, every screen time The Joker gets was used effectively in showing how crazy he is and his singular focus of bringing chaos to the established order, while bringing order to his chaos. Underneath the facade of craziness, lies a calculating, manipulative genius that, unless matched by Batman himself, would see Gotham crumble into the mess that it was before Batman's arrival. Always staying a step or two in front of the authorities and Batman himself, pushing and pulling everyone to overstep their moral boundaries and nosediving Gotham into anarchy.

The title chosen for this iteration was not coincidental, as the whole movie involves the interplay of Batman, and Harvey Dent, the 'White Knight' of the story. Both recognize their own role in cleaning up Gotham, but ultimately realizing that the other would be better suited in doing what them themselves can't, to the point that either one of the two is willing to risk themselves to protect the other's ideals. This also serves as another dimension of the love triangle set up when Rachel Dawes, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, is romantically linked with Aaron Eckhart's character.

As Batman cleans off the last few crime bosses that was left behind after Falcone's arrest, they band together to rebuild anew. But try as they might, nothing could be done while Batman still roam the night, until The Joker steps in and shakes everything up, not just the renewed control of the cleaner Gotham streets, but as well the notion of what the perfect criminal truly is.

And that is one without any qualms about killing everyone regardless of affiliation, no qualms about doing the craziest thing you can or can't think of, no qualms of even hitting where people hurt most, that is their loved ones. Because Christopher Nolan chose not to even flesh out the Joker backstory, preferring him to be "absolute", an 'unstoppable force' pitted against Batman's 'immovable object', you can sense that the two are even matches when it comes to their intelligence and tenacity, and the ingenious ways both employs, Joker in trying to pressure Batman, and Batman in trying to pursue Joker.

Then there's his other 'plans', that made everyone go batdroppings insane. These really pushed Gotham to the brink of anarchy, and the resulting chaos would be a far greater magnitude than what Ra's Al Ghul did in Batman Begins. And even if you think you know the story by now, it doesn't mean there's no twists at the end, by which point if you didn't think Joker as the psychopath that he is, you will by then.

One of my most anticipated movie this Summer, I can gladly say the wait has not been for naught. Even if Ledger is robbed of an Oscar, I can say without uncertainty, he will be awarded a couple of Moonmen's, one of which should be the Best Villain. Truly a performance that was worthy of a great actor, who locked himself up in a room to study the mannerisms of a Joker of the comics transposed into a real life, flesh and breathing deranged lunatic. 9/10.

Queen of the Night

2008-07-19T07:41:00.001+08:00

Selenicereus grandiflorus.

Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik!

2008-07-16T08:12:00.002+08:00

His Majesty Sultan Yang Dipertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam checks the guard of honor at the celebrations at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien yesterday, 15th July 2008.

Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik!

Congratulations Yani and Mirul

2008-07-07T09:23:00.001+08:00

Indonesian Products Expo

2008-07-05T14:16:00.001+08:00

Ongoing from 3rd to 7th July, 10am to 10pm.

Sheraton's Le Chef Table Experience

2008-07-02T18:36:00.003+08:00

Mango Mousse... Oh my... Sinfully delicious...
"Embark on a Culinary Excursion at Sheraton Utama Hotel"

BRUNEI, Bandar Seri Begawan, 1st July 2008 ? In conjunction with His Majesty's 62nd Birthday Celebration, Sheraton Utama Hotel is introducing its new special eDISHions at Tasek Brasserie starting from 7th July until 7th August 2008. Set out on a road to indulgence and treat your senses to a culinary excursion with exquisite local delights prepared by Sheraton's own innovative culinary experts.

For just $10.00 plus 10 per cent service charge, savour Sheraton's own authentic Chicken Rice with perfectly poached chicken with the delicious aroma of its rice topped off with condiments that completes the set as a whole.

Sheraton's Nasi Briani Campur is a must try with the careful creative fusion of local herbs and Indian condiments that?s served with acar, papadam, kurma telur and kambing bakar vindallo at just $12.00 plus 10 per cent service charge.

For a more western flavour, our 'Continental Culinary Touch' dish is equipped with char grilled provencale and marinated high quality black angus meat with grillades scampi brochette, Cajun stick fries and fresh green salad at only B$15.00 plus 10 per cent service charge.

Our Sebastian Pas-try, Must Try dessert that can't be missed. Take pleasure in the delightful taste of mango mousse with fresh fruits and vanilla crispy at only B$12.00 plus 10 per cent service charge.

For more details, please contact the hotel's direct line.

The dish is called 'Continental Culinary Touch'... The angus steak alone was worth the price of admission...

Kemuda Institute and Brunei Darussalam Aids Council Concert at Asma Hotel Preview

2008-06-30T09:59:00.004+08:00

I Mean The Snakes!

KL Trippin' part 1

2008-06-28T13:25:00.002+08:00

I'm gonna post just the photos I took from my first morning in KL which I did a bit of sightseeing, going around to KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers. Lovely people, lovely sights, lovely nightlife. In short, I had an awesome time shooting and exploring that city, which I can safely say, that never sleeps.

If you people know the reason I went there, you know how to get to my Flickr and check out the stuff I took. Definitely not gonna post it here.

Congratulations Umi and Azrol

2008-06-18T11:32:00.000+08:00

What are you doing on the 28th?

2008-06-17T09:19:00.002+08:00

Might I suggest going to a kick ass show and see a lot of awesome local talents rocking it out? Maria's gonna be there, and I Mean the Snakes are gonna be playing too. Well, ok, full disclosure, I did the shot for them for the poster. But hey, it's for a good cause!

There is No Charge for Awesomeness! Or Attractiveness!

2008-06-09T10:23:00.002+08:00

I was drinking water when a decidedly Jack Black-ian Po the Panda gestured as he had to climb up a seemingly finiteless number of steps towards the Jade Temple, that's when I had the most terrible choking of my life. And the most rewarding!

This is one movie that everyone might enjoy. The parents who brought their wee lil demon spawns might enjoy a bit of respite watching this movie. I swear, the amount of sudden outburst of laughter might make the popcorn or water a dangerous weapon when propelled out of your nose.

In a decidedly refreshing move, Kung Fu Panda was made with a more mature audience in mind, with Jack Black as the main character Po, and a stellar cast of voice actors that includes Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan of all people, this was not a movie specifically made just for kids. The jokes and comic timing were a bit more clever, and if you loved Jack Blacks other works in the musical and theatrical arena, you might recognize his signature all over the animation.

But let me talk about the 3D animation for a bit. I really liked the stylized animation style, and the gorgeous scenery that the characters interact in. Unlike the cold and plastic looking characters in Shrek, it has The Incredibles feel to it, as in the animation fits the subject matter.

The peach tree scene was really lovely, as the leaves floated among Master Oogway.

At the outset of this post I didn't wanna ruin any of the big laughs for you, but I figured one out of many is good enough. Watch it with good natured people, and not frumpy ones, and I promise you guys will have a good time. 8/10.

Basking in the Sun

2008-06-04T22:28:00.001+08:00

The first thing I did when one of my all time favourite models comes back from her studies? Well, take her out for coffee, but after that, I make sure to arrange a series of shoots with her. Ryda, of Puteri Gunung Ledang fame.

High Key

2008-06-03T15:32:00.002+08:00

Did a quickie shoot with Suzianti, a former co-worker of mine, and all around hot chicka. Took all of one hour. Thanks babes!

Other Photos from the Shootout Outing pt 2

2008-06-03T10:18:00.000+08:00

Other Photos from the Shootout Outing pt 1

2008-06-02T15:20:00.002+08:00

I MEAN THE SNAKES!

2008-05-28T15:48:00.004+08:00

Awesome, awesome band. Did this shoot after the long day of shooting at Bandar, where I netted my monitor lizard photo. Informed at 5, ready to shoot at 9. Sometimes I'm surprised of my dedication to this art.
Did a shoot for the IMTS guys last night. Afterwards, they rocked out with their latest material. Great stuff.

Strobist Info: 2x SB800 shoot through white umbrella both on the left and right shooting at 1/8, and 1 SB24 clamped behind them on the railing at 1/16. Fired via GI remotes.

Burned some stuff out in CS3. EDIT: Noise Ninja-ed and David Hill-ed as well.

Wow... I won...

2008-05-28T09:14:00.003+08:00

This won me first prize for the local youth competition! And I'll be going to Singapore to the Asean + 3 Youth Festival representing Brunei with this photo! Awesome! Theme of the shoot for that day was Global Warming.

Caption: A monitor lizard inspects an intruder to his habitat.

Description: The use of water bottles has exploded in recent years due to the convenience of having bottled water at the ready for daily use. Numerous companies in Brunei have wholeheartedly embraced this growth market and introduce their own brands of bottled water. The bottles are actually recyclable, but either due to public indifference, or ignorance, the water bottles are unceremoniously discarded. If it doesn?t pose a direct threat to wildlife, an indirect effect of that would be global warming due to the increasing use of hydrocarbons to produce the PET bottles; it has been noted that recycling plastic material amounts to a saving of more than 50% than producing the bottles from their source materials.

Top Shutterbugs Awarded In Photography Competition
By Adriana HAC

Bandar Seri Begawan - A prize presentation ceremony for winners of the recent photography competition which carried the theme 'Global Warming' was held yesterday at the Youth Centre in the capital.

The competition was organised by the Youth and Sports Department in cooperation with Brunei Darussalam Photographic Society.

Present as the guest of honour was Haji Mohd Zali bin Haji Arshad, the Assistant Head of Youth and Sports Officer.

The ceremony began with the recital of Surah alFatihah led by Ustaz Suprapto bin Komari followed by a brief speech from the Head Judge of the Brunei Darussalam Photographic Society, Haji Mohd Yusof bin bin Haji Mohd Yassin.

The top five winners were announced during the ceremony followed by the handing over of certificates of appreciation to all participants.

Mohd Khairul Nizam bin Haji Abd Rahman was adjudged as the winner while Mohammad Taufiq bin Yakub came second. In third place was Mohamad Mahadzir Iskandar bin Zakaria followed by Dyg Hazimah binti Abd Hamid and Haji Abdul Azim @ Haj Mu'az bin Haji Tujoh.

The winner will be representing Brunei Darussalam for the "ASEAN+3 Youth Festival Photography Competition" in Singapore from July 28 to Aug 3. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/May08/280508/nite23.htm

The Lovely Rufina

2008-05-22T18:12:00.002+08:00

She's a representative from KK competing for the first time in the ISO category. Previously she competed in the Opie or Optimist class of boats, which were the tiny little one man boats. Even at her first competition, she bagged a respectable third place!

Happy Engagement!

2008-05-08T08:32:00.002+08:00

Happy Engagement to Hjh Mas Suzie Lawati Kartika Sari and Syukri! God bless!

Iron Man Movie Review

2008-05-03T15:21:00.005+08:00

This movie was quite a surprise in that it avoided the cheesy lameness of Marvel comics movie adaptations as of late, and it manages to attract stars such as Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terence Howard and Jeff Bridges! This line up of stellar stars gave character to these, uh... characters in that they have that underlying mannerism that doesn't really boil to the surface, but it's tangible and it's there. No doubt the stars drew these traits from their own personalities, so you can see parts of Robert Downey Jr. shining through Tony Stark, or even the lovely Pepper Potts has a little Gwyneth in her.

I don't know who Jeff Bridges channeled his asshole demeanor from, but man, did he play that part perfectly.

In keeping with the original storyline of the comic books, Tony Stark is a genius play boy industrialist that inherited Stark Industries from his parents. After a brief stint under Obadiah Stane's mentoring, Stark emerged from beyond the shadows and became one of the most charismatic, yet naive, merchant of death. Only after his convoy was ambushed, and he fell into enemy hands, only then he realized all the weapons he produced found creative ways reaching to the people he rather not want using his weapons.

During his captivity, his captors wanted him to replicate a weapon he designed capable of unleashing hell fire from just a single missile. Considering the state of the prison was in, you would think it absurd to recreate a sophisticated weapons system; but he managed to create a chest implanted device necessary to keep him alive from all the missiles and weapons made available to him. Knowing the tremendous available power from the chest implant device, he set out to create the first of the prototype of his infamous suit of armor.

As he made his escape, you can see the change of heart he underwent, adamant in preventing his captors from using the weapons he produced, correcting his wrongs by destroying the stockpiles of weapons bearing the mark "Stark Industries".

What's amazing is that they chose to keep the look of the suit realistic, insofar creating metal and rubber suits to be interspersed with CG sequences. The team that previously worked on Zathura under Favreau came and did the suits for this movie as well. And as that movie showed us, the final product really blurs the line between what is real and what is CG.

I'm not saying that the CG version of the suit isn't impressive, far from it. Every detail of the final Mk III suit has a specific purpose to control his flight and his life support system. Every surface animated, every flap opening and closing, controlling his flight trajectory, every function is grounded in movie based science, where it has the plausability factor of a far greater magnitude than being bitten by a spider and getting superpowers.

The technology and the science they use to explain and use to depict the gadgetry of the Iron Man suit and Tony Stark's house is based on real life, albeit a few more years in the future. The home automation, the 3D projection, the interconnectibility of the devices, even the Iron Man suit can theoretically be achieved given a few more years and a few more billions of dollars. No wonder the officemates I went to watch the movie with were swooning at all the gadgets.

That's about it though, that's as much as I'm willing to disclose so as to let you fine readers to go watch this action packed, well written, and well directed movie. Director Jon Favreau, which also is in this movie as one of Stark's body guard who got to race around in a Rolls Royce, hit a jackpot on this one. Combining CG effects that blends well with live action sequences, focusing on the major storyline points while letting the actors improvise their lines made for a great experience. The character of each actor shows through their silver screen counterpart, and it only made the movie that much more likeable. No wonder it's shaping up to be the most well received movie of 2008, and stands to become the highest rated superhero movie of all time.

9 out of 10. It is that good!

Image copied from ComingSoon.net