The promise which I managed to keep, helping him in taking portraiture photos of June; his lovely wife. Photography has been part of my interest and I’ve been photographing mainly on landscape & building structure at places around Kuala Lumpur.

I have to admit that portraiture shooting was never my kind. Nevertheless, it is a promise. Only thing, the complexity level increases when I found out on the very day itself that it was a photographing session when she was 6 and a 1/2 pregnant.

Shots were taken at a lake garden located in Taman Wawasan, Puchong.

Am glad that I’ve kept the promise. Not only I’ve got to learn new thing that are useful when it comes to portraiture photographing but being able to witness it with my own eyes of the smiling faces on the happy couple at how parenthood will be in the coming months was indeed remarkable.

Blessed Couple – Yau & June

Remember the nights of 2006 when you were least sober?
Those were the nights at the masquerade.

Remember the battle of 2007 when you went all out?
Those were the time when we Titans won.

Remember the winter days of 2008 when you were brought down?
Those were the stronghold of a new deliverance.

Remember the call of 2009 when it came again?
Those were the days of life in a cell.

Remember the ongoing seven days in 2010 which passes you by?
Those were the days that ought to be treasured.

Forget I will not, remember I will always.

The fashion show is a cultural blend of design and creativity where 26 designers were chosen to showcase their garment known for their bestworks.

Decided to attend the fashion show after receiving an invitation from Kah Wai, the Associate Director of Media Relations & PR for Limkokwing University.

Hosts of the night

The fashion show started with singing performances from two groups which I peronally find them to be very much talented.

Moving on, the much anticipated models on runway showcasing garment which include mixes and blends of material with influences from great Ming Dynasty in China, ethnic Dayaks in Borneo, Quashghai people of Iran, and many others.

Next up, models strut down the catwalk in hairstyles focused on the fabulous Glam Rock creations. The hairstyles were epitome of the rock lifestyle. Time to rock the world.

Back to performance time,  a round of applause to the guy in beatboxing.

And the current hit song Break Your Heart was performed so well that I thought it was Taio Cruz himself.

The second part of the fashion show is on Ethnic – Limkokwing Black collection; a series of billowing gowns known for their impeccable tailoring and detail as it exhibits the talented works of Limkokwing’s alumni.

The fashion show ended with the final runway on the introduction of fashion designers from Limkokwing University. I have to admit that the fashion show indeed showcased the student’s inspirational ideas and true form of originality in the fashion world.

Creativity in Motion by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology definitely brought imagination and energy of the fashion industry to Jaya One that night.

Now why do I say that? It’s because this place is not located on the main aisle of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur where you’ll see dining places like La Bodega, Michelangelo’s and even Starbucks.

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso is located on the opposite side of the aisle, a corner next to Bentley and EON Bank. Due to its location, it’s generally quiet with few passerby. Therefore, it’s an ideal place to sip a cup of coffee if you would like to be in the big city minus the crowd and intense noise pollution.

Visited the place on a sunny weekend.

Started to rain with the current unpredictable weather and I moved to the bar instead.

It makes one wonder why is there a revisit review on Segafredo Zanetti Espresso. Simply because they have new menu on both food and beverage. To name some, you can now find pizza and german potato salad to fill that hunger of yours.

And if coffee isn’t your kind of beverage, why not quench your thirst with a bottle of Hoegaarden?

However, do take note that Segafredo Zanetti Espresso now charges 5% on the total bill for Government Tax. But what’s the big deal if you enjoy the atmosphere and coffee there? I wouldn’t mind so long as I get a peace of mind with my coffee.

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso
Lot No: 2.74.00 Level 2
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
No. 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +(603) 2141 1815

Full set of Segafredo Zanetti Espresso HDR images is found at my flickr page.

Below are some of the HDR images that I produced during the weekend in Pavilion KL, shot using Olympus E-3 System.

Full scale pictures are available at my Flickr profile.

It was said that the Floria event showcases the best of the Malaysian and International landscape along with horticulture  industry. This may sound sad, but it’s true. I’ve sighted carrots, cucumber, and other variety of vegetables more than to flowers.

One of the horrendous experience on floral photoshooting as the flowers displayed are common and could be seen on every street of Malaysia thus making this event with only an average number of crowd.

Some random shots of the flowers available in the Floria event.

Upon leaving, we were greatly blessed on a remarkable landscape shot of the Putrajaya scenery. Well, at least it wasn’t a wasted trip.

Apart from running with my usual buddies Dennis, Sophea and Jenn Ting, this year there were two new joiners Jane and Cheng Lam.

In order for the runner to receive the certificate, they will have to complete the race within the given time duration. For 10KM category, time duration was 90 minutes. In first thought, I wasn’t sure if I could still keep up with my usual pace since I’ve not been training.

Through midpoint of the race, I’ve realized that my pace was much slower as compared to last year. Now what may be the reason for slower pace this year? I thought to myself and after analyzing, it could or definitely be due to the following reason:

1. 2009 – Slim mobile phone, 2010 – iPhone
   
2. Two pieces of 20 cents coin
   
3. Sony Walkman mp3 Player
4. Credit Card & Touch n Go
5. Didn’t train for the past 6 months

I guess it says it all. Towards the finishing point, it was disappointing to see the results of my finishing time.

2009 Finishing Time: 1:15:52

2010 Finishing Time: 1:21:13

In 6 months time, I’ll be running Standard Chartered SG Marathon 2010 on 06 December 2010. Not sure I would be training since these days, I just don’t feel good physically and mentally. But no matter what, the Standard Chartered Marathon slogan Run Your Race is what keeps me going. Every runner has a cause to run, every runner has its own race to complete.

Keep running Ted

Every individual, the word cherish may be seen or felt differently but it all conclude to the same definition. One may view life as a merry go round which turn in circles yet another may see life as a ship sailing to its lighthouse.

It’s always common for others to see things the way of the world did. Everything owned, were taken for granted. One would only realized the value of the item when it went missing or gone for good.

I am no exception from seeing way the world did. At the age of six, mum bought me a collectible toy car. It was one of the coolest toy in the market since it changes color according to temperature. Back then, these were the toys of the days and a child will be filled with happiness and being proud owning these toys from Mattel Inc.

Practically, the toy sticks with me 24/7. At night falls, it’ll be resting beside me. And in the dawn, I’ll wake up right beside it. Nothing separates me from it, not even at the companionship of the little kids around me. In my hand, I grasp tight of the toy, and that’s how much it meant to me.

One fine day, as mum was driving while I was in the backseat; I had this mischievous thought. An action that I’ll suffer its consequences later. An action that has no turning back. It was like in the cartoon, on my right there was an angel in white and on my left a red devil. I initiated on the move based on the devil’s saying; “It’s alright, you can pick it up later or even a week and I’m sure it’ll be there”. Thus, I wind down the car window and actually threw my favorite toy car out towards a back alley of a residential house.

I reacted as if nothing had happened. The toy car is now gone, I no longer feel its existence. I grasp my hands tight, opening it slowly but it wasn’t there. I thought to myself, that mum will drive by here tomorrow and I can pick it up then. Days gone by, I can no longer feel or touch it. Weeks passes by, I went to bed without it and dreamt of the times I had fun with the toy car in my hands. I woke up in hope that my favorite toy would be resting beside me but that wasn’t the case. In reality, it was gone for good.

Mum never drive by that place when I threw my favorite toy car out of the window. In fact, we never pass by that place ever since. Even at six years old, a kid have to bear with the consequences based on the actions done. It may seem too late for being remorseful, knowingly that what’s done can never be undone.

Filled with nothing but regrets, I’ve realized that it was an act of suicide for I’ve destroyed my own happiness at that point of time with my own hands. I should have cherish the moment that I had, the time when it was lying beside me, the time when it was in the hands of mine, and the time when I should just stay put without throwing it out.

There are times when man would eventually get numb from the ride of merry go round and wishes to stop it, times when the sailing ship finds it common to reach its lighthouse. Whatever it may be, always remember to cherish what you have and own for it may not be here to stay permanently.

Appreciate what you have and learn to cherish for there will be days when one faces with the consequences of an action done.

I replied her saying ‘You left that day without saying goodbye, and of all time why would it be now?’ She looked at my awful face with a broken heart in return saying ‘It was the time without a doubt, you came back after 4 years. Look at you, you’re all grown up. I remembered you were small when I held you in my arms’.

I cried. With a deep breath I said ‘I really do miss you. Everything felt different when you weren’t around’. She knew what I was saying and had a bright cheerful smile which I have not seen for a long time. ‘Don’t cry, you’re a grown up now. Grown ups are supposed to be tough or at least act tough even when you have to face with life’s worst issues at time’ she says to me.

‘If I could, I would want you to stay just a little longer. If I could, I want to be hug by you rather than acting tough. If I could…’ when she stopped me from continuing and gave me a kiss on my forehead. It makes me cry harder than I already was.

‘My dear, I understand every single feeling that you’ve been carrying. I raised you with these pair of hands by myself. I fed you when you hesitated to eat and started running around. How could I not know you better for you’re my love?’ she said.

‘Promise me that you’ll chat with me the next time I see you. Promise me that when I am at the end of the race, you will be standing there waving at me’ I asked and she replied ‘I Promise’.

‘Believe me, it was the right time when He said that I’ll need to follow Him. There isn’t a better time or a better way apart from this for He knows it well’. I nodded my head and agreed fully.

‘Come now, let me give you a hug like I used to and a kiss to you for remembering me’ as she draws me closer to her.

I felt the last hug and was remembered of the first when I was given. It felt secure. It felt warm.

She started heading back while looking at me one final time, slipping off her hand from mine as we bid farewell. Just like the old times, she waves at me saying goodbye with a smile on her face. Full of assurance from her face that we will meet again.

She’s now gone.

-End-

This is the story of the love that I had for my late grandmother whom had peacefully left with The LORD back then. After been away from home for four years, I finally decided to head back home to spend time with my family members especially her.

The above story wasn’t real. It was all made up by myself in view of the love that I had for her. I know well enough that I’ll see her again in time to come.

The whole scenario that happened above is something that I Can Only Imagine.

Inspired by MercyMe – I Can Only Imagine

I used to think that a local production show could be pretty lame and boring and I was proven wrong after watching the performance.

Very Malaysian feel on the storyline and this eventually brought out the finest taste of Malaysia. The act showed the typical lifestyle of Malaysians with local humor and a twist of sarcasm in between.

What brought me to life during the show was the character of a shy boy that had a crush on a beautiful girl, his dream girl. Who wouldn’t have such scene in his lifetime? I know I had it.

It changed the perception that I have on local performances and I’ll be back for more. One thing in my mind though, was it my imagination or did I really smell mee mamak in the studio itself before the show?