Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Kuala Lumpur Discovery

Kuala Lumpur may be our capital city but how many of us actually spend time sightseeing around the city? almost none. Tired of going alone, I found the right person with a keen interest in photography just like me. He's none ofther than my 40 year old cousin who hails from America. Don't be fooled by his age, he is one hippy dude with a teenager's soul. First destination on my list was Batu Caves situated somewhere within Gombak. It's actually a Hindhu Cave Temple established some 100 years back although the foundation itself is almost 400 million years old. Right at the entrance of the temple stands a statue of Lord Muruga, in which the temple is dedicated to. In my personal point of view, the biggest attraction is still the 272 steps to reach the top. =P




Majestic ain't it


Climbing the flight of stairs was quite challenging, the steps were not only narrow but slippery and the banisters are in a state that you just won't want to touch it- unchanged since my last visit.


Fewsh... I made it, saved me my skin. haha


Gombak



Droplets of water were trickling down the stalactites as it just drizzled before we arrived creating a rather peaceful atmosphere inside the cave. The macaques were nowhere to be seen which was a very unusual sight as they are always after tourists for food. As we ventured deeper into the cave and climbed another series of stairs, we found ourselves at an open area similar to a square which is also a dead end. There lies a shrine which doubles as a resting area for tourists exhausted from the climb.



At this point, it feels like I'm in Mulu Cave








I could stay here all day just gazing at the formations.


being tourist-y


Statues guarding the entrance of the temple cave.

Upon climbing down, we quenched our thirst at a small cafe to the left of Lord Muruga's statue. the specialty of this cafe is none other than fresh coconut chopped open before you; so you know how fresh your coconut is. Fresh young coconut coupled with a scorching sun is nothing but blissful.

Having visited an Indian shrine, it was time to showcase another shrine belonging to the Chinese community. We went to Thean Hou temple which is situated somewhere near Mid Valley. We weren't there to worship as none of us were Buddhists but it certainly gave us the opportunity to get our cameras clicking. Getting here is almost havoc especially during rush hour. In fact, this was my second attempt after giving up during the first.


I find it surprising that there's such a huge temple just minutes away from the city centre.








Candles lighted up by devotees









Another interesting fact is that this temple boasts intricate artwork that left my cousin intrigued. Well of course, nothing beats the Khoo Khongsi in Penang.


Figurines that adorns the roof








The massive temple complex proves too wide for my lens


One thing I found pretty weird about temples in Malaysia is that it always have a pond with hundreds, if not thousands of tortoises. This one however was the cleanest and almost odour-free pond.


The prayer hall from the temple gardens

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Get Convicted!

It was touted to be one of the biggest event ever planned in our lives. Turned out to be extensive with multiple preparations and procedures. The compulsory event for term 5 students turned out to be Taylor's publicity campaign which definitely took its toll on us.

The morning started off rather peaceful. Haven't been able to sleep the night before fearing for the worse. The sunrise outside my was a source of inspiration to stay up awake and double my input. Preparations and last minute briefings were almost hell. One wrong word and disaster it might be.


God is Great. So are my parents for buying a house with such a nice view. haha


The group picture before we show them who's the boss


Alan and Sunny strutting their stuff


scene from the VIP tables


After a near 2 years hiatus, I'm feeling the beat again baybeh! lol

Man it was a stressful night with 2 video cameras as the extra eyes and ears. and not to forget the media representatives. This was really one big event. I must say that, at the end of the day, everything went on smoothly and as planned. One 2 words to describe it... C'est Magnifique!


Wemenen with his trademark roll


Wemenen grabbing Alex by the armpit. oops


The duel


The duel #2


Group pics. I just love how everyone is not looking at the camera. candid


Lee the new colgate ambassador


My partner in crime.. hehehe


The nuisance on earth


wemenen, who played an important role in making it all a success.


Mayying, I just don't know how to thank you.


Who killed the Sheriff?



Right hand man gives the go


erm... lol. Who is he? Another important playahh..


Part of the few that made it successful too

This may seem rather late but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved directly and especially those involved indirectly behind the scenes. Without a doubt all of you have done a wonderful job that has left the college and the lecturers proud as well as me, for having great "colleagues" like you. I apologise for any mistakes done and I regret it shall any. Video is out on Star Online btw [Episode 4]. Happy Viewing. =) Great Job once again.
Get Convicted!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Highland Excursion

TCHT, more specifically our dearest Miss Jasmine organised a FAM Trip for us up in the mountains not far away from KL. It was to expose us to the gambling industry, [yaiks] and understand the operation of an Integrated Resort. This is no petty business. I was kinda lazy to go but heck it was an all expense paid for trip so there was nothing to lose.


Mid Valley City on the way to the peak
Align Center

Nana Me Jay

I've never been a fan of Genting in the recent years. The lack of new and original attractions are partially at fault. Furthermore, nothing in Genting seems to be natural. Everything is manmade and I personally hate manmade attractions unless it's a cosmopolitan, not entertainment city. Which explains why I never like Sunway Lagoon too. And to make matters worse, the attractions are adapted from another theme park or entertainment zone from another country. I couldn't even find a nice shot except for the one below.



Then again, it was supposed to be an educational trip not a photography trip. Meals were covered by Genting and it was very kind of them to serve us quality, and I really mean quality food unlike other hotels. Most of the pictures taken were very hospitality-related and it'll definitely bore potential viewers. Fortunately I found the seminar rather interesting and yeah I don't know what I was saying there but yeah. It was fun. lol


Jay Sean Naomi June Joanne Me Atika Reagan


Daya and group





G123!


We took group pictures almost everywhere including the suites. haha





One of the places with the best view in Genting, but is only for the privileged unfortunately. Trip ended up quite informative. However, despite the easy promotion as campaigned by the Vps, I don't think I will ever find myself working within the gambling industry.