I was talking with a few of my MMU Photography Club juniors earlier on (namely Fabian, Daniel Yee and JiunKei). Turns out that there are a lotta changes since graduation.

Fabian is still sticking with Pentax, and with the help of his "sponsor"-cum-aunt, he already upgraded his *ist DS to K10D. Good for him!

Daniel however is a bit of a surprise to me. 3 years ago, he quit photography for the sake of his then-gf. He sold off his 300D, EOS 30 and a series of F4L lenses and concentrate on Pak-Tor-logy. But now that he's already working and dump/ed his then-gf, he started all over again with the Pentax brand. With K100D, K10D, DA12-24, Tamron 28-75 F2.8, 75-300 and a flashgun 540FGZ. That's much more gears than I've bought after working for 2 years!!!

JiunKei also shocked me. He used to approach us (MMU Photography Club) to help with his MovieMaking hobby. Turns out he's now a proud owner of 400D and some lenses. Through his contacts, he got quite a good access to the F1 as well as MotorGP races. Looking forward to more photos from this video-turn-photog.

As for me, I'll prefer to safe up the money and let the gears pay for itself. Now that my Toastmasters contest journey comes to a pause, I should start to look for ways to fund for my expensive hobby.

Labels: Friends, Photography

Today has been an interesting day in my simple life. There are huge ups-and-downs but I did manage it quite well.

Right after lunch, Sarangga informed me that Sebastian's son passed away during an accident. I don't know how to response, but quickly gathered the bosses (TanTK and Yamaguchi) to pay our respects. Sebastian's living all the way up in Balik Pulau, luckily a close friend of his knows the way there. When we arrived, the family is having their prayers. The funeral is very simple, but yet quite emotional.

Back in the office, I talked to Jay who is a family friend of the deceased. He told me that he was having a conversation with Sebastian the night before. S was very proud of his son's SPM results and was planning to send him to Med School. Despite having chicken pox, his son rode to school and met with an accident on his way back. He's only 17, the family have high hopes for him. But what can you do when the Angel of Death calls him?

When I was standing outside the house, I saw his school uniform hanging outside to dry. Those uniforms are dripping their tears with the deceased of their owner. Family members and friends flooded the house with encouragement and support, but not even a single drop can bring him back. To life.

No matter what race or religion... having seen your children go before you must be devastating. Don't talk about life... the day my computer die on me I also super heart broken liao...Anyway, I do hope that Sebastian-san will toughen up, and may the Lord be with you.

Labels: Death, Life, Work

After preparing and competing for the speech contest for the past 3 months, I’ve received the notice from above that it’s time I deserve a rest. Today I was competing in the Division contest. My competitors are heavy weights from over 30 clubs including those from Ipoh and Batu Gajah!

I did not manage to win the Challenge trophy, but I’ve gained a lot of experience along the way. In the club contest, I fought against 3 senior TM members and only came in 2nd. But 2 weeks before the contest, the Club Champion-cum-Club President, WHYap was sick and hospitalized, and hence I took his place and won the Area Contest on his behalf.

Nesohu performing in Area Contest

After winning the Area Contest, a group of people approached me to give me enormous encouragement and support. Thanks to the effort of my mentors – (DTM) Shankar, (ACB) Noorida, (CC) Sabri, and (CC) Muthu. For the past week, I’ve been training hard with the help of (2B) IreneT and my fellow mentors.

I have sleepless nights as the speech is racing in my mind. On the contest day, the other contestants are mostly twice my age. I almost turn cold feet and throw in the towel. Yet after drinking gulps of warm water, I managed to get up to the stage and present my topic perfectly. Before I arrive at my seat, I received handshakes, and congratulatory SMS from “Past District 51 Governor”-cum-“My x-big boss”.

Before the results are announced, the Tally Counter gave me a sad face and shake his head. I started to feel sorry and I was thinking, “Man, I’m going to disappoint these people…” I turn my head down and pray hard, “God, if I can’t get 1st, please…give me a placing at least!” And then I heard my name being called! Yay~ I got THIRD!!!

This is really a milestone for me because firstly – it’s my 1st time competing, and secondly, most of my competitors are seasoned (and professional) speakers. After receiving the award, I tell myself, “I’ll be back!” This will not be the end of my Toastmasters journey. I’ll continue to come back and fought for the champion’s cup.


Photo with the winners


Irene who helped me all the way

Since 8pm yesterday, my family has been gluing our backside in front of the media (both TV and Malaysiakini) to get the latest update of our Nation's 12th General Election. To everyone's surprise, Alternative Alliance has being given the chance to prove themselves.

PM: ‘We’ve lost, we’ve lost’ - 4.12am
As Information Technology has bloomed to an era where even retirees get information online. Top guns and Old birds are mostly being voted out despite giving stern warning and threats through the "Prime Media". As a kopitiam analysis, here's what I havta say. When Malaya was formed 51 years ago, there was the need for Race-related political parties. History has proven itself...no one dynasty can be at the peak for too long. Malaysians can't wait for BN to "Keep Reinventing" they want someone to "Just Change It".

Today, most people stayed at home to avoid May 13 from happening. DAP MP, Chong Eng and Celebrity/Blogger JeffOoi says in his blog that there will be no "celebration" - hence no chance for riots to happen. In the blue camp, the Police chief as well as PM also warns the people to remain calm.

Changes around the world
Well, this change does not only happen in Malaysia. Let's not talk about our neighbouring country Indonesia and Thailand. In UK, Tony Blair gives away his seat to Gordon Brown on June'07. And in Australia John Howard (Liberal) who rules for 11years 8months has to give out the chair to Kevin Rudd (Labor) on December 2007. In the other part of the globe, the Americans will be expecting either a Hilary or a Obama in the white house. The world is changing, so are the expectations of Makkal Sakti (People's Power). No one will vote for an ideology which is outdated. There's a saying, "Tradition hindrance Progress, Progress hindrance Tradition".

Regret not casting their vote
Since the announcement of GE2008 results, friends has send me messages that they were shocked by the outcome of the election. After a deeper discussion, I found out that 90% of them are not registered voters. But after this year, I believe most of them regret not being a part of recreating the history. Each vote is significant to the outcome of the government that is going to rule. Well, this year they are going to amend the Constitution. I believe the change would be for the benefit of the nation, and not for a small group of people.

The only people I find disappointed are those who worked with the government. But like every football match, there's always a champion, and a defeat. Sorry to say that Malaysian team is defeated in the Semi-finals @ Yonex All England Open 2008 last night.

For those of you who are interested in the breakdown of the votes...visit Election Commision of Malaysia website.

Labels: Poticitcs

I was trying to abstain myself from doing any political posts. But after reading through so many blogs, and being exposed to all the promised these parties have to say.. it's about time to do voice out my views here.

The weather is not optimum for the past few campaigning weeks. But these DAP politicians have to stand on top of a pickup just to help voice out the complains of the rakyat. They do not offer tents, performances or dinner to the people, but the attendance to each ceramah is better than any lecturer can expect in a theater.


No matter how hard it rains, the people flooded Han Chian Indoor Stadium on the 1st of March 2008 to listen to the DAP & PKR leaders speak. Those that are unfortunate continues to stand under the rain and listen.

Unlike BN, the oppositions havta depend on donations from the public for their campaign. But Penang voters never dissapoint them. On March 1, they collected a total of RM30,000 plus but on March 8, they collected another RM123,000 from their supporters.







After looking at all the pictures, here's what I have to say. Before you cast your vote...try to ponder for a while, "What are you actually voting for?"

As for me I would like to have a stronger opposition (quote: Tun Mahathir) so that the nation will have a "auditor" in the Parliment. This is important for the prosperity of the Rakyat as a whole as no single party/race/person should determine the future of our nation.

Fellow readers, I believe in one point of your life you have subscribed to some fashion magazine or entertainment magazine. Like you I once read these magazines and feel like changing my whole wardrobe before the age of 21. These magazines shows you that if you buy their luxurious-over-priced goods, you will be respected by public. Even young bloggers have been showing off all their "investments" on the bags, watches and clothes to achieve "prestige" status. How true is that?

I'll be 26 this April, but yet...I still wear the same T-shirt and shorts. Do I get less respect from the public? Even on stage, I'm wearing the RMB200 suit and yet I managed to win the heart of judges in the Area contest. Thankfully, my younger sister Qi do realize this as well - [Read more]

All these years, we were always humble in our living expenses despite being able to afford luxury. The reason being, those money should be better spent elsewhere and do much better good. Both my parents are working, and can afford to send us overseas. But "NO", we said. Why should we study overseas the same course we can get locally?

I'm still using the same Nokia 2100 mom gave me after mine went down to the sea 2 years ago. Even my managers are surprised to see me using the same old phone. Are we afraid to be left by the side by our peers? NO!!! We are still very much welcome by friends around us as we are no different than those who can buy RM1000 dresses and million ringgit car.

Message I want to deliver: You are never judged by how you dressed, what car you drive or what phone u use to make your calls. What is more important is the friendship that you can offer, the things that you can give back to the world.

Like what they used to say, "We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we loan it from our children". So let's don't waste our hard earned money and time in the never-ending Rat race of materialism.