Stupid Logic

I think I should post something about my recent Trippin' eh?

2009-12-01T17:14:00.003+08:00

I have a looooot to talk about but man, where to start? Maybe this photo would be a good teaser as any. This was taken right beside Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh. Lovely city. Would love to tell you all about it soon.

BAG Networks' Musical Raya Preview

2009-10-12T14:06:00.001+08:00

Dillah and The Seeds.

Sheraton's Ramadhan Kampong Delight

2009-08-26T14:24:00.004+08:00

Year after year, Sheraton Utama Hotel doesn't disappoint during the Ramadhan season, by offering a plethora of great breaking of fast items at a great price. The kampung styled offerings are sure to whet the appetite of the fasting patrons, with little tidbits of starters based on local dishes; from the salted fish, salted eggs, eggs covered in peanut sauce; to the local sweets and desserts, accompanied by the customary dates to break the fast, diners are greeted with a plenty of choice at the Tasek Brasserie this year.

Dates and traditional sweets and desserts to start off the feast.

The usual grilled whole lamb is present, along with the grilled food station. Other dishes of note were the Lamb Topiaza, and the Potatoes with Peanuts and Anchovies, which I loved despite the simple nature of the dish. I haven't had the chance to try the Fish Filet dish and the Sup Tulang, but I only saw thumbs-ups from the other diners in our party last night, so it's safe to say it's good.

Curry Laksa, heavenly.

The laksa finished out my 'rounds' last night, and people who know me, knows that I've been looking for a good laksa dish in Brunei for the past few months. I'd say the curry laksa they had was one of the top 3 laksa dishes I have had here.

To finish up, the dessert station was particularly inviting for the amount of cakes and desserts lined up, but had to go with the Mud Cake, as I'm a fiend for chocolate.

In all a great spread, a great atmosphere, and should have paced myself. By the end of the dinner, I was really, really full. Maybe I'll come round again and have another go. Two family members conveniently have their birthdays in September. Maybe by then I've had more training.

Ray

2009-08-23T01:42:00.003+08:00

Went to KL almost a month or so ago, to do a coverage of Didi and Khalil's wedding there. Did quite a number of things over there, of which sightseeing and being a tourist was one of them. Wouldn't have gone to the Aquaria at the KL Convention Centre if Nikki and Mashee didn't drag me out there. But it was good times anyway, snagging the above photo made the RM38 entry fee just bearable.

Ok, list of things I did there this time.

1. Rode on a bike during a wedding coverage. Weirdest, moment, ever.

2. Finally got to visit YL Camera at Pudu Plaza. Had to sneak out really early for this, so I wouldn't get dragged out for shopping. Truly a mecca for photographic fiends everywhere. Ask for anything here, photography wise, they'd surely have it, if not at the back, it'd be upstairs in their other unit(!). Got some lightstands for me, and a servicing for my camera body. Ask for these stuff from other retail shops in the big shopping centres in KL, I'd bet you'd be met with a blank stare.

3. Stayed at other places than Bukit Bintang; stayed somewhere near Jalan Masjid India, and then moved out to a posh hotel at Mid Valley, called The Gardens. The area where we stayed initially is particularly good for my early morning wanderings. I frequently visit a small shop selling top ups for the Malaysian telephone line (those things run out pretty quickly if I may say so.) and stop by the numerous mamak eateries dotting the place. A lot of things to shoot really.

4. Met a lovely model over laksa, and shot another.

All in all, quite a fun experience, and I'm honored to be able to cover Didi and Khalil's wedding events, from Brunei all the way to Senawang. Wish I could join you guys in Amsterdam!

Mentiri

2009-08-19T11:03:00.002+08:00

I can't believe I have been living at this place for this many years and I've never been to this spot. Maybe on sleepless nights, I'd drive over to catch sunrises here again.

Belangkas Twilight Underneath the Stars

2009-07-30T00:06:00.001+08:00

Taken on a beautiful Friday morning. Might head back there to shoot the place some more.

Suzy and Syukri's Wedding Preview 2

2009-06-29T01:52:00.004+08:00

Suzy and Syukri's Wedding Preview

2009-06-15T07:43:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to the lovely couple.

It has been a while...

2009-06-01T16:02:00.001+08:00

It has been a while that I posted anything under the Modelling category. Of course, again, featuring Ryda. This is a collaboration with my decidedly awesome make up artist partner in crime, Q of GosipdanGincu fame. She's offering basic makeup classes, so do go check it out!

Geronimo!

2009-05-31T20:26:00.002+08:00

Taken during last year's 50mm challenge, touring Kg. Ayer. An upcoming competition will be on soon at BruneiForever forum. Join up, take part, win fantabulous prizes.

KL Trippin' New Years

2009-05-22T22:13:00.003+08:00

I've just realized I haven't posted quite a lot of Trippin' photos lately, as I have not been out of the country with the camera lately. So in an effort to bolster my Trippin' collection on this site, I'll have to regurgitate some photos I've taken from my New Year's trip to KL.

As I was waiting for everyone to return from their shopping, initially I tried to sleep off the afternoon to lessen the effect of the previous boat/plane/bus/LRT ride, but how can you when KL is beckoning just downstairs? So with camera in hand, I set out to explore a bit of Jalan P. Ramlee, and what it has to offer.

Instantly as I set out of the apartments, this was waiting for me at the shoulder of the intersection. Composing it against the background of blaring lights and music, sets off a tone of normalcy against the hectic city life. Great area we stayed in actually, stalls just down the road, a small grocery shop (important!) and a great Indian eatery just a bit of walk away down a small road, where I get my breakfast everyday while everyone's still out of it on their beds.

I find that I'm a bit reluctant to shoot on the streets of KL. While the other lads are more than happy to hang around and shoot their hearts content along Jalan Bukit Bintang, I still feel a bit concerned about whipping the darn thing out in public. My lenses aren't actually tiny, save for the 50mm and the 105mm, but I tricked myself that I'd be more inclined to shoot in public only if I have the 50mm with me. I'd have done so too, if we weren't too busy shopping and eating! Yeah, show me to the nearest Adidas boutique or sports apparel shop, I guarantee you you'd find a shopaholic in there (me!).

Oh I wanted to try the steamboat after a long night of partying, but at 3AM, it was already gone. Darn.

Star Trek (2009) Movie Review

2009-05-08T19:56:00.006+08:00

Imagine a world where space travel is common place, where there are crafts travelling faster than light speed warping through space and time, where transporting humans across distances can be achieved with teleportation, where ingenuity, courage, determination and loyalty are character traits to be expected. Now imagine experiencing all that during your formative years watching Star Trek: The Original Series. While we've all become jaded over the years, and special effects have come a long way since the 70's, sometimes we all need a movie to come along to bring back the fond memories of watching the possibilities of the human species advancing beyond our time.

While a new gloss of paint is slathered over this reboot of the franchise, the underlying Trekkiness is all there. The characters and their mannerisms, the epic space battles, the Trek universe science, the ingenious problem solving, the sense of duty to the Federation; it's all there, hitting the right notes, echoing the spirit of The Original Series. While not an exact carbon copy of exacting standards, merely an artist sketch and rendering of a source material that is fondly loved by most, and alien to some. In other hands, I don't think this reboot would work, but in the hands of master artist J.J. Abrams, the final artwork manages to rekindle memories of past for die hard Trekkies, I mean Trekkers, and introduce the average moviegoer to what is arguably the best representation of Star Trek: T.O.S. for this decade.

While the story is essentially a genesis story of how the legendary crew of U.S.S. Enterprise came together, the star of the show was definitely Chris Pine's portrayal of James Tiberius Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. Mind you, fitting in the shoes left by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy is a herculean task considering the intellectual property and the millions of die hard Trek fans out there; they've taken these beloved characters' essence and made it their own. While Heroes fans might have a hard time to dissociate Quinto from Sylar, by the end of the movie, Quinto is unmistakably Spock, no nonsense, and logical antithesis to Kirk, brash, devil may care attitude with a wicked sense of gut instincts that proves to be useful to the Federation. The interplay between the duo's distinctly different approaches are woefully brief however, as there needed to be screen time to develop the other characters as well, but it's nothing a sequel can't rectify.

All the other beloved characters are present and accounted for, with John Cho as Sulu and Anton Yelchin as Chekov, Karl Urban as the inimitable DeForest Kelley, I mean Dr. McCoy, Zoe Saldana as the love interest Uhura, and Simon Pegg as the beloved Scotty. While a sequel is still up in the air, there is room for the actors and actresses to grow into the characters and make it their own. While Karl Urban is undeniably DeForest Kelley reborn, Simon Pegg has redefined Scotty to be a very excitable Simon Pegg. Even the Enterprise has that certain T.O.S. retro charm to it, with the consoles and control panels looking like the updated versions of the T.O.S. ones, there is that feeling of adherence to the original cast, Enterprise included, while updating it for a fresher look to attract the new fans.

While the story's plotlines are not what you'd expect from previous Star Trek movies, but in the world of J.J. Abrams, it fits right in. All the important plot points are plausible in the Star Trek universe, with a number of movies in the Star Trek saga having had established precedents. But if you somehow by now managed not to know the storyline, then you will be pleasantly surprised. While it might seem too complex to the average moviegoer at first, but during the viewing, the suspension of disbelief is carried forward ever so gently by the pacing and the avoidance of total sci-fi geekery by not bombarding technical jargon at the audience. By the time of the movie's revelation scene, the audience will be so emotionally invested in the characters and their predicaments; they will be much more receptive of the ideas introduced in the movie.

Special mention has to go to the cinematography and the special effects. The sweeping angles, the dramatic, and poetic, slow motion sequences, the believable presence of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the most realistic CG sequences ever put on screen, even the controversial overuse of lens flare; it all adds up to a unique viewing experience not matched since Iron Man. Considering the movie was directed by the man who brought to us the unique Cloverfield, and the best sci-fi show since the X-Files, Fringe, there was no doubt from the start that Star Trek will be a unique movie experience. While die hard Trekkers would bemoan this very fact alone, but the net effect of boosting the popularity and accessibility of the Star Trek franchise cannot be ignored. This is the one movie to catch this summer blockbuster season. Bar none.

9 Red Shirt Ensigns out of 10.

Fishing at Damuan

2009-05-01T16:07:00.003+08:00

Early Morning Stroll

2009-04-28T09:43:00.002+08:00

This was taken the same day as the previous shot. Started my early morning with a stroll at Meragang. It looks rather different in the morning light. Might do another morning trek to the other side soon.

Photoshoot 3

2009-04-20T13:12:00.004+08:00

This was the third, and what I thought to be the final, photoshoot last Saturday. I was running all around, doing different kinds of photoshoots, having taken my off day in lieu. Productive, fun, tiring, but if you know me as much as you do, you'd know I'll do another run like this in the future. Watch this space.

Anyway this is a teaser shot, just to highlight an upcoming collaboration between me and my decidedly awesome Make Up Artist. We both literally found out that same night that we'll be working together for an upcoming wedding of mutual friends. High fives were dispensed accordingly.

Beacon of Hope in a sea of Darkness

2009-04-17T15:45:00.001+08:00

Dinner by Candle Light at Sheraton Utama Hotel

2009-04-03T12:55:00.002+08:00

This was taken during Earth Hour 2009, where Sheraton Utama Hotel did an event marking the occasion with a presentation and talk about the effects of Global Warming.

Will get back to the swing of things soon. Been too busy with a wedding event, and my short trip to KK. Will do a post requested by my mate from a mate of mine for a very interesting topic for you frequent travellers. Stay tuned.

Moment of Zen in a sea of movements

2009-03-13T17:26:00.003+08:00

I can't believe I have not featured this shot here... Taken way back last September...

Just a Little Bit More...

2009-03-07T14:31:00.001+08:00

Having the resolve not to turn back early on is a great way to have the resolve not to turn back when you're almost at the top.

Long Way to the Top

2009-03-06T19:33:00.003+08:00

Time and time again, life has proven that getting to the top is arduous and a difficult task, but the feeling at the top more than makes up for the hardship.

More photos coming up soon.

Today is a 'Meh' kinda day...

2009-03-05T17:14:00.001+08:00

So I'll just post a picture of my cat...

National Triathlon

2009-03-03T06:53:00.002+08:00

Good job dudes on finishing the Triathlon group competition! Aw3some!

Turkish Delight

2009-02-25T00:09:00.000+08:00

More photos tomorrow.

Of Pasta and Pizza

2009-02-07T22:34:00.002+08:00

A Capers Lunch is one of the events I look forward too. An all-you-can-eat lunch consisting of fabulous pasta and delicious fresh pizza is quite a temptation, even when one's on a supposed weight loss challenge.

But Sheraton's Pizza might come up and take over the crown of the best Pizza in town. Pick out from the menu, add extra ingredients to your heart's content, or make up an entirely eclectic mix of toppings, it's up to you.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-29T00:55:00.004+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone's that are celebrating. I hope the year of the Ox brings much happiness and prosperity to you and yours.

I haven't actually shot this shot at this year's CNY Eve, as I have not been active in shooting in quite a while. I have been a bit sick recently, with last week or so being the hardest hit I've ever been in a while, as I literally couldn't function on one particular day that I broke down into a terrible fever that same night.

I haven't joined the forumites at our usual haunt as of late, as I've quit smoking, and rather not have the constant temptation blowing from all directions through the night. Furthermore, haven't really joined most of the organized outings too. I think it's just a phase, and I will shake out the cobwebs soon. Lining up model shoots, organizing outings for the officemates who have recently taken up photography, doing some paid jobs, and of course, the National Day celebrations is a call to arms to all the forumites to come down and do a show of force.

Soon, I'll be back into the swing of things, and there will be a lot more new shots posted up. At the mean time, I'll post up some random photos from before that have not been featured here, and I'll intersperse that with new photos as well. As the nature of my shoots recently is leaning towards the um... shoots of... a different variety, there's not a whole lot of motivation for me to post those shots here. But if you know me, you know I'll post em on my Flickr, as some have found out, and they just keep up to date on my postings there.