tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60748922955272713472024-03-14T12:55:58.736+08:00Spot lights(zzz) on me!~Life is a stage and we are its actors. Beautiful ppl will always be in the limelight while not so beautiful ppl will only shine during embarassing moments! Trying to get your attention by writing rubbish here. Comments are highly appreciated ppl!!!~Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-33812781006929040772011-10-27T16:06:00.008+08:002011-10-27T17:01:29.252+08:00Spotlights on Nokia: My stand on Nokia's first flagship Windows Phone<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To start off with, interestingly enough (if you didn't already know), Nokia was a toilet paper producer in Finland 30 years ago before it became who it is today - a giant and leader in global telecommunication! Back last year in Nokia World 2010, newly elected CEO Stephen Elop announced to the world that Nokia will be ditching their very own homegrown platform - Symbian and MeeGo, in favour of Microsoft's Windows operating system (OS). And with that shocking news, Nokia shares plummeted, fans lost trust and went array to competitor Apple and Android, and sales of further Symbian and MeeGo products went cold and unnoticed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, for hopefuls and hardcore Nokia fans like me, we wait and see for Nokia's first Windows phone. Anticipation ran high, excitement was great at the Nokia World 2011, London yesterday. True enough, Nokia announces their first ever Windows phone running on the latest Windows 7.5 code named Mango OS; not just one, but 2 new Nokia Windows phones! Namely the Nokia Lumia <a href="http://www.nokia.co.uk/gb-en/products/phone/lumia800/">800</a> and <a href="http://www.nokia.co.uk/gb-en/products/phone/lumia710/">710</a> dubbed as the first 'true' Windows phones. (Click on the embedded links for specs, pricing and videos of the phones in action).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smartphoneenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/nokia-800-for-nokia-world.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://www.smartphoneenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/nokia-800-for-nokia-world.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The high end Nokia Lumia 800</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www-bgr-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/700-nokia-lumia-710_group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://www-bgr-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/700-nokia-lumia-710_group.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The mid-tier Nokia Lumia 710</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I believe most of us wants more choices when choosing a smartphone, rather than just 2 current platforms which, not sure bout you, I'm quite tired of looking at now. Windows 7.5 OS looks really fresh - with live tiles updating your contacts' social activities, deeply integrating social networks, and latest news as well as notifications keep flashing at every interval flip of those metro tiles widgets, the Nokia Lumia homescreen looks very much alive and not.....boring like the other 2 platforms. The Windows UI made the whole using-your-phone-experience now much easier, faster and simply funner! And the US media approves of it too - <a href="http://www.noknok.tv/2011/10/21/windows-phone-7-5-the-media-loves-mango/">Windows Phone 7.5: The media loves Mango</a>! :D </span><br />
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<div>While the Lumia design is stunning, specs looked good and Windows OS seems promising [Read: <a href="http://conversations.nokia.com/2011/10/26/nokia-world-us-reaction-round-up/">Nokia World - US reaction round-up</a>], I have to admit, it's not superb! As much as I am a fan of Nokia, I was actually hoping for something much much greater! Because we know it, Nokia is the BEST phone manufacturer in the world. These guys KNOWS how to design and make phones and are DAMN GOOD at it compared to any other companies out there.<br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was actually hoping their first phone to have specs greater and features more advanced than the current best iOS (iPhone 4S) and Android (Galaxy Nexus) phones. But my expectations was only three quarter met. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nokia phones finally had a decent and fast processor, the Lumias have a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. But what makes it slightly disappointing is that it only have 512MB RAM (same as iPhone 4s but latest Androids having at least 1GHz); 8GB (for Lumia 710) and 16GB (for Lumia 800) memory size; lower screen resolution; and NO front-facing camera!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But then again, I have to be fair to Nokia too. Considering Nokia and Microsoft officially started to work together in March 2011, the fact that they managed to pull these phones off in just 7 months or so, is a job well done feat! And let us ponder if all those missing links really matter? Just like iPhone 4s, the reason why Nokia Lumias are only equipped with 512MB of RAM is because Windows 7.5 OS is light and doesn't require that much of it. The smaller memory size is compensated with free 25GB cloud storage by Microsoft. Nokia's famous ClearBlack AMOLED Display is already producing super vivid and clear screen images. And front-facing cameras....... be honest, how many of us ACTUALLY uses them (often)??? To make things better, Lumia has apps only available for Nokia phones! That is the free turn-by-turn voice navigation <i>Nokia Drive</i>; free music streaming and downloadable <i>Nokia Music</i> as well as <i>ESPN</i> app.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But of course! If only the specs were greater, Nokia Lumias would have won hands-down! But this is not the case...... for now!</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Quote winrumors.com : 'Nokia's "Ace" device is still on the horizon and rumors suggest that it will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2012. Nokia's Windows Phone offerings are just the beginning of what is likely to become an important ecosystem for Microsoft and its partners.'</span></blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What about Nokia "Ace" you ask? Well, it is said to have 1.4GHz Snapdragon processor; 8MP camera; 4.3" ClearBlack AMOLED display; 1GB of Ram; Near Field Communication (NFC); Bluetooth 4.0; 32GB memory; and 1800mAh battery! And of course, running on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango OS! Now isn't this exciting? We will just have to wait for it. And if this does comes out, I will DEFINITELY buy one! :D [Read: <a href="http://wmpoweruser.com/nokia-900-ace-specs-revealed/">Nokia 900 (Ace) Specs Revealed</a>]</span><br />
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Now that Nokia had had its first flagship Windows Phones, we as hardcore fans want more! I strongly believe Nokia can and will deliver better in the very near future. My speculations on Nokia's slightly-above-average-product this time is maybe because of the limited time that was available to grab hold of the Christmas shoppers, and they do not want to lose on that. Another thing is <i>maybe</i>, by producing more affordable Windows phones <i>now,</i> they can cater to a lot more lower income customers who are in search of a smartphone; which will attract more developers to build on the Windows ecosystem and <i>then,</i> deliver a better phone with a much more mature and established OS later! Of course, these are just my assumptions. A very optimistic one. :)<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">Quote mashable.com in its article <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/10/26/lumia-800-hands-on/">'Nokia Lumia 800 Could Be The Best Windows Phone Yet [HANDS ON]'</a> : "The Lumia 800 may be the best thing to happen to Windows Phone, not because it's a great looking phone - but because it has the type of design that might make more users consider Windows Phone as a platform.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">That's what the original Droid did for Android. It gave Android a brand name and in the U.S., a flagship device that could go toe-to-toe with the iPhone. It didn't matter if a user ultimately ended up buying an HTC or Samsung Android device, the Motorola Droid was what conceptualized and sold the Android OS experience to millions of users.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Microsoft and Nokia are both betting that the Lumia 800 does the same thing. For Nokia, this is Waterloo and it's time to stand and deliver. At least in my limited time with the device, it's delivered. This is a phone that has the goods and the OS - Windows Phone 7.5 - is worthy of its beauty."</blockquote><br />
Whatever it is, Windows OS are here to stay. Like it or not, loyal Nokia fans would inevitably need to switch from Symbian to Windows and learn to embrace it! Nokia-Microsoft partnership is still young and fresh, give them a good 6 months for them to better complement and understand each other. I believe, soon, Nokia-Microsoft will be on top, again.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wil Liam Choo is no professional phone reviewer. This article is solely his opinion and never meant to be judgmental. He always believe that there is so much more in a smartphone platform than just iOS and Android; and hopefully Nokia-Microsoft will create a successful third ecosystem.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">**********</div></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com3Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia3.1624557767357206 101.609801871093743.0350957767357207 101.45855987109374 3.2898157767357206 101.76104387109373tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-69708480388564219062011-08-08T14:37:00.002+08:002011-08-10T09:12:47.798+08:00Jakarta kata (says)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ever since last year, my faculty has been organizing Student Exchange Program for its dental students, a way to increase its ranking in the World Best University list (I think... :P). The participating universities for this year are Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia; Airlanggar University, Surabaya, Indonesia; University of Chiang Mai, Thailand; Institute of Medical University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and University of Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Since I missed out on last year (due to ignorance), I <i>die die</i> also must apply this year! Thankfully I got it but not to my desired universities. :( I was hoping to get either Chiang Mai or Taiwan. But oh well.... everything happens for a reason. So, comes what may! I was given Trisakti University in Jakarta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My 1-week exchange started on the 15th of July and lasted till 21st of July, which consists of 5 other members. Reach Jakarta at about 5pm local time and whoa.... is the air hazy or is it just me? LOL! No offence, Jakarta friends. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't think I wanna go through the exchange program in detailed, so here are just some pictures to summarize: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BL8tqEv3Mv4/Tj4wks9l3yI/AAAAAAAABBc/Snkt5Y03jMs/s1600/18072011697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BL8tqEv3Mv4/Tj4wks9l3yI/AAAAAAAABBc/Snkt5Y03jMs/s320/18072011697.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Checked in at male <i>kost </i>(student hostel)<i>*</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKnc0Ebi6dw/Tj4wcNDWGfI/AAAAAAAABBY/TQf54gpUz7Y/s1600/18072011696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKnc0Ebi6dw/Tj4wcNDWGfI/AAAAAAAABBY/TQf54gpUz7Y/s320/18072011696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*The ever narrow roads in Jakarta*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5o-oY76xDq8/Tj5BkeR6rpI/AAAAAAAABDA/Ae0kJ5MRk9w/s1600/19072011717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5o-oY76xDq8/Tj5BkeR6rpI/AAAAAAAABDA/Ae0kJ5MRk9w/s320/19072011717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*This is how you park your cars in Jakarta! Imagine an emergency happens. LOL!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1634730799"></span><span id="goog_1634730800"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ygzBojHBPjY/Tj4v-X4jBJI/AAAAAAAABBM/6xNJHhL9pKE/s1600/15072011638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ygzBojHBPjY/Tj4v-X4jBJI/AAAAAAAABBM/6xNJHhL9pKE/s320/15072011638.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJoWwO32nb8/Tj4v2rGH7pI/AAAAAAAABBI/ZcKtyIPT_70/s1600/15072011637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJoWwO32nb8/Tj4v2rGH7pI/AAAAAAAABBI/ZcKtyIPT_70/s320/15072011637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*My room. Not bad eh? Air-conditioned, but too bad no fan*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3p71TmWxZQ/Tj4q5gHcDAI/AAAAAAAABA4/bZVzaMvBxh8/s1600/224449_255910187753371_100000031761201_1090878_1995046_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3p71TmWxZQ/Tj4q5gHcDAI/AAAAAAAABA4/bZVzaMvBxh8/s320/224449_255910187753371_100000031761201_1090878_1995046_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Picture time at the uni entrance*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCSJeGxqgPA/Tj4zw7YvaxI/AAAAAAAABB4/z8FbvFyX-7w/s1600/18072011691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCSJeGxqgPA/Tj4zw7YvaxI/AAAAAAAABB4/z8FbvFyX-7w/s320/18072011691.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Trisakti University, Faculty of Dentistry - a 7 story building*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BT_VXff5dLQ/Tj468CEyf8I/AAAAAAAABCM/LJ_4rP7XUwQ/s1600/18072011693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BT_VXff5dLQ/Tj468CEyf8I/AAAAAAAABCM/LJ_4rP7XUwQ/s320/18072011693.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Tutorial commencing! But at the basement? Hmm...*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNk1Apj8huo/Tj47DJwZEYI/AAAAAAAABCQ/GAOtFd6D0QM/s1600/18072011694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNk1Apj8huo/Tj47DJwZEYI/AAAAAAAABCQ/GAOtFd6D0QM/s320/18072011694.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Lecture! On law and ethics. Cool!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xTxkk-5uFk/Tj5CbOtdvVI/AAAAAAAABDQ/qBJwtK7pdcI/s1600/20072011754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xTxkk-5uFk/Tj5CbOtdvVI/AAAAAAAABDQ/qBJwtK7pdcI/s320/20072011754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*General Dental Practitioner clinic. A bit crammed eh?* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgk2Sdn5JHU/Tj5C16nKnGI/AAAAAAAABDU/RcoTQB-WVkA/s1600/20072011749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgk2Sdn5JHU/Tj5C16nKnGI/AAAAAAAABDU/RcoTQB-WVkA/s320/20072011749.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Oral surgery clinic - extraction in progress. :)*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUtlygABFVE/Tj4q7pTJhuI/AAAAAAAABBE/espmXSSYwrs/s1600/281650_255906337753756_100000031761201_1090859_1862337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUtlygABFVE/Tj4q7pTJhuI/AAAAAAAABBE/espmXSSYwrs/s320/281650_255906337753756_100000031761201_1090859_1862337_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRgjhl2y1lU/Tj4q2nbpTAI/AAAAAAAABAo/4ixlJ1ECDak/s1600/183929_255906394420417_100000031761201_1090860_1823560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRgjhl2y1lU/Tj4q2nbpTAI/AAAAAAAABAo/4ixlJ1ECDak/s320/183929_255906394420417_100000031761201_1090860_1823560_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Group photos of course with cute and funny Indonesian friends*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mupeujEujLI/Tj4q6FZzURI/AAAAAAAABA8/oOeTp9uJ6xQ/s1600/263299_255912211086502_100000031761201_1090885_1537618_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mupeujEujLI/Tj4q6FZzURI/AAAAAAAABA8/oOeTp9uJ6xQ/s320/263299_255912211086502_100000031761201_1090885_1537618_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*In the year (dunno when), 4 Trisakti Uni students was shot during a reformation. This memorial was to commemorate them. Wow!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wShiCyJuONc/Tj4q3bxnC9I/AAAAAAAABAs/dgPbWMD9jOY/s1600/184064_255907031087020_100000031761201_1090875_2211418_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wShiCyJuONc/Tj4q3bxnC9I/AAAAAAAABAs/dgPbWMD9jOY/s320/184064_255907031087020_100000031761201_1090875_2211418_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*With the Dean of Trisakti University. She was an ex-Ms Indonesia beauty queen!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides the formal uni stuff, of course there are plenty of fun with our happening and outgoing Indonesian friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQqOM40fcI/Tj45hknUftI/AAAAAAAABB8/jZXz4y29Y4A/s1600/16072011642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQqOM40fcI/Tj45hknUftI/AAAAAAAABB8/jZXz4y29Y4A/s320/16072011642.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFL93udPrPE/Tj4q32dshTI/AAAAAAAABAw/OJZAxkAbNd8/s1600/223059_255912351086488_100000031761201_1090887_1151751_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFL93udPrPE/Tj4q32dshTI/AAAAAAAABAw/OJZAxkAbNd8/s320/223059_255912351086488_100000031761201_1090887_1151751_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*At Mount Udjo, Bandung for a spectacular angklung and cultural show*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKt7ZtG76qw/Tj4q48HwtyI/AAAAAAAABA0/Vo6Fl8fYs4Y/s1600/224410_255905897753800_100000031761201_1090849_5128661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKt7ZtG76qw/Tj4q48HwtyI/AAAAAAAABA0/Vo6Fl8fYs4Y/s320/224410_255905897753800_100000031761201_1090849_5128661_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1soxa0OClEc/Tj4wKF0dH_I/AAAAAAAABBQ/JWsf6l9Z5S8/s1600/17072011653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1soxa0OClEc/Tj4wKF0dH_I/AAAAAAAABBQ/JWsf6l9Z5S8/s320/17072011653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgdPFvfPjHI/Tj4wS7lE4dI/AAAAAAAABBU/g3OyBrnBFE0/s1600/17072011655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgdPFvfPjHI/Tj4wS7lE4dI/AAAAAAAABBU/g3OyBrnBFE0/s320/17072011655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Kawah Putih, Bandung - a natural sulphur lake!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5R35JPRDS_8/Tj4q62sX9zI/AAAAAAAABBA/cGUjmzdhQvU/s1600/265660_10150247621205939_664335938_7498818_2869077_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5R35JPRDS_8/Tj4q62sX9zI/AAAAAAAABBA/cGUjmzdhQvU/s400/265660_10150247621205939_664335938_7498818_2869077_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcluJzANMog/Tj46gbVQyqI/AAAAAAAABCA/WBhRJJRH-Pg/s1600/17072011665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcluJzANMog/Tj46gbVQyqI/AAAAAAAABCA/WBhRJJRH-Pg/s320/17072011665.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Strawberry feast at Bandung*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkZJSbsJ8uc/Tj4wyk7DoMI/AAAAAAAABBk/EGSpyt-iSEo/s1600/19072011732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkZJSbsJ8uc/Tj4wyk7DoMI/AAAAAAAABBk/EGSpyt-iSEo/s320/19072011732.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*The iconic Monumen Nasional (Monas) in Jakarta*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJWKoC_ydbY/Tj4xHChURBI/AAAAAAAABBw/eeOs6aNNQks/s1600/21072011768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJWKoC_ydbY/Tj4xHChURBI/AAAAAAAABBw/eeOs6aNNQks/s320/21072011768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*View from top of Monas*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfC8iRLXups/Tj5CSi9Vk_I/AAAAAAAABDM/700Y57UqQ_M/s1600/19072011736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfC8iRLXups/Tj5CSi9Vk_I/AAAAAAAABDM/700Y57UqQ_M/s320/19072011736.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Just a random statue near Monas. Looks as though they are not wearing any pants. LOL!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UPbnmz1pVs/Tj5BJQMtfbI/AAAAAAAABC8/-xmfyE6js3I/s1600/20072011763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UPbnmz1pVs/Tj5BJQMtfbI/AAAAAAAABC8/-xmfyE6js3I/s320/20072011763.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSEbW_-D2jg/Tj5BCUphDYI/AAAAAAAABC4/Ib7vjoesoTM/s1600/20072011761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSEbW_-D2jg/Tj5BCUphDYI/AAAAAAAABC4/Ib7vjoesoTM/s320/20072011761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Seafood dinner at Bandar Djakarta with live singing*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9S1JzwoAUg/Tj4wtZyAABI/AAAAAAAABBg/tzpEwuhA4b0/s1600/18072011698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9S1JzwoAUg/Tj4wtZyAABI/AAAAAAAABBg/tzpEwuhA4b0/s320/18072011698.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*My favourite! Foot reflexology at only IDR 35,000! And damn classy ok.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6azuLKloBAA/Tj5CCreZfjI/AAAAAAAABDE/lygpy1N3EW4/s1600/18072011700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6azuLKloBAA/Tj5CCreZfjI/AAAAAAAABDE/lygpy1N3EW4/s320/18072011700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*1 of the MANY huge shopping centers in Jakarta*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8OKS0A_cV4/Tj5CMs60j4I/AAAAAAAABDI/n8BmBVVn37E/s1600/18072011714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8OKS0A_cV4/Tj5CMs60j4I/AAAAAAAABDI/n8BmBVVn37E/s320/18072011714.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*And Indonesian loves karaoke too! ^^,*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Little do I know that Indonesia has SO MUCH food to offer! I ate non-stop when I was there! I swear I've gained 10kg from all those eating! >.< Here are a few of the notable food that I had.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3MntPZsPbo/Tj4xQ1CRPgI/AAAAAAAABB0/4ZOtFL7S0A4/s1600/Pempek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3MntPZsPbo/Tj4xQ1CRPgI/AAAAAAAABB0/4ZOtFL7S0A4/s320/Pempek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Pempek submarine - a Palembang delicacy! Simply tasty!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYTU8wAMhxk/Tj46sxC_WlI/AAAAAAAABCE/Q3v_s7XbJt4/s1600/17072011677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYTU8wAMhxk/Tj46sxC_WlI/AAAAAAAABCE/Q3v_s7XbJt4/s320/17072011677.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahuY7uL3oP4/Tj460rnwVhI/AAAAAAAABCI/2UjCgk-kMRY/s1600/17072011684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahuY7uL3oP4/Tj460rnwVhI/AAAAAAAABCI/2UjCgk-kMRY/s320/17072011684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*A certain ethnic food in Bandung. Simple, healthy and delicious*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOYjPInUDWw/Tj4w2pWIoPI/AAAAAAAABBo/LRaMxdkFa8I/s1600/20072011755_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOYjPInUDWw/Tj4w2pWIoPI/AAAAAAAABBo/LRaMxdkFa8I/s320/20072011755_1.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Es durian cendol! Heaven I tell you. :D*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I42kO8kN7to/Tj47Lzz4TiI/AAAAAAAABCU/07HJxAi4vSM/s1600/18072011704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I42kO8kN7to/Tj47Lzz4TiI/AAAAAAAABCU/07HJxAi4vSM/s320/18072011704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Awesome hot, spicy, sourish noodle with meatballs - Bakmi Sakaw!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOtfw6E2KDY/Tj48N24vd_I/AAAAAAAABC0/obPYLLaWRZk/s1600/Nasi+padang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOtfw6E2KDY/Tj48N24vd_I/AAAAAAAABC0/obPYLLaWRZk/s320/Nasi+padang.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Of course, Indon's specialty, Nasi Padang*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtIP53DwfkM/Tj48E50mjaI/AAAAAAAABCw/_cQ-mBve0qg/s1600/Martabak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtIP53DwfkM/Tj48E50mjaI/AAAAAAAABCw/_cQ-mBve0qg/s320/Martabak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Crispy on the outside, soft buttery in the inside - Martabak chocolat! Very VERY sinful*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what did Jakarta kata (says)?? "Welcome and have a pleasant stay!" And we totally did! I love the companion of awesome Trisakti Uni students. They are really fun and outgoing people. The food and entertainment in Jakarta is really cheap. I guess (certain places in) Indonesia is not that bad after all. :)</div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-7977417262676228942011-08-04T21:00:00.006+08:002011-08-04T23:40:56.870+08:00Sweet as gulab jamun & varied as thali!I have always wanted to go to India! Having Indian best friends and been loving their food has made me even to consider myself as half Indian (at times)! XP<br />
So from 22nd - 30th July 2011, was a chance not to be missed when World Dental Congress 2011, organized by International Association of Dental Students (IADS) and Young Dentist Worldwide (YDW) was held in New Delhi, India! Because this event was publicized a year ago, I bought my flight tickets way way back then at a price of only RM550 (tax applied) for a KL - New Delhi return ticket (Air Asia lah)! Talk about a good deal! Haha...<br />
The whole conference fee was about RM1600 with food, transport and accommodation provided, quite similar to Asia-Pacific Dental Students Association (APDSA) pricing I would say.<br />
<br />
And of course on the 22nd, like everyone would, I was an hour early at the airport waiting for boarding. Checked-in, luggage handed in and ready to fly. My flight was at 5.40pm, so I waited at a cafe for the rest of my coursemates who are flying together to arrive.<br />
<br />
At 5pm......they have YET to arrive, the boarding gate closes at 5.10pm and last check in was at 4.50pm! I was like "Shit man! This is not good. Where the hell are they?". Received a few calls saying that they were close, a friend of mine Renette tried to buy time at the check-in counter. Of course, the front desk said it was too late to do anything and knowing we can't persuade him more, all we hope is that those $%&@! get their asses there as fast as God-knows-what-is-the-fastest-thing-he-created! At that point of time, I was feeling.....................nothing at all! Absolutely numb; not anger or panic, as I've never experienced this kind of thing before!<br />
<br />
And after less than a minute of cursing under my breathe, they finally arrived. A couple of minutes of denying them entrance (as expected), the management finally let them in as they've checked in online. Everything was going smooth again until one staff from the front desk announced, "Everyone can board the plane except for Chong Wai Sim"! And we were like WHAT THE FARK?!!<br />
<br />
Like I was saying earlier, I was feeling numb..... after hearing that, I went double, if not triple numb (if there's ever such a term)! I WAS DUMBFOUNDED man! Imagine someone saying that to you when everyone in your group gets to fly! How would you feel???<br />
<br />
So what actually happened? Well apparently, Renette and Wai Sim bought their tickets together. Because Renette checked in without her, the staff assumed Wai Sim is not coming thus cancelled her ticket eventhough she had had went online to check in! Now I won't be arguing who is wrong and right because both parties are at fault here.<br />
<br />
We tried arguing for Wai Sim of course. But Air Asia staffs threatened us that if we continue doing so, we will be left behind. Feeling all farked up, we have to leave her alone in hope she can settle her problem on her own. "Keep in touch through phone", we said while dashing to board the plane. We ran like mad holy cows (with respect to Indians :P) from the immigration all the way to the plane! Our names were announced for final call. And to make things even better, they HAVE to park the plane RIGHT AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY! #$%*@<br />
<br />
With clothes drenched in sweat and panting, we left Malaysia and Wai Sim, to New Delhi.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9tp2iB55D4/TjqaPVAlYsI/AAAAAAAABAk/yHoaX1c3GAE/s1600/281406_10150396386743146_702133145_10699104_4110436_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9tp2iB55D4/TjqaPVAlYsI/AAAAAAAABAk/yHoaX1c3GAE/s320/281406_10150396386743146_702133145_10699104_4110436_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*On the plane. I am NOT digging my nose! Nor am I pointing the middle finger. :P*</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We reached Indira Gandhi International Airport at 7.45pm local time, 40 minutes ahead of schedule. The airport is pretty cool, modern, clean and brightly lit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_tzIZD31Ok/TjpJB8WXB0I/AAAAAAAAA9w/icmk5vceWN0/s1600/22072011774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_tzIZD31Ok/TjpJB8WXB0I/AAAAAAAAA9w/icmk5vceWN0/s320/22072011774.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Beautiful art at immigration gate of I.D.I. airport*</div><br />
Not bad I thought, till I encountered a rude immigration officer who doesn't smile, greet or say thank you. He even slap my passport on the desk when he has done stamping! So much of a first impression to give to foreigners! >:-(<br />
<br />
I got myself an Indian phone number after collecting my luggage so I can contact Wai Sim and also the committees of IADS. Second impression of India: s-l-o-w...... It took them almost an hour to get me a new sim card. An American guy said to the staff, "In my country, I can buy a car faster than this." LMAO!!!!!!!!<br />
By the way, a sim card from Airtel costs 400 rupees.<br />
<br />
Contacted Wai Sim and she got her ticket replaced by Air Asia free of charge. She will fly down on her own the next day and I arranged transport to pick her up from airport to our hotel. Phew~~~ problems solved.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The actual conference starts on the 24th. We came 2 days earlier so that we can visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal on our own. That night, we checked in to a 3 star hotel in the heart of New Delhi city which I've booked through a tour agent in India. The place is called Hotel Pablas International, located at Karol Bagh. Just 5 minutes away from the nearest train station. And man! Is New Delhi hot or what?! The moment I step outside of my room, I start to sweat! The weather is similar to Malaysia, humid but hotter with NO WIND at all!!! My shirt was wet the whole day, like totally!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OXo7i3wLdM/TjpOIgRpnfI/AAAAAAAAA90/ZskMLWIQQvo/s1600/216753_10150396396843146_702133145_10699267_5525811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OXo7i3wLdM/TjpOIgRpnfI/AAAAAAAAA90/ZskMLWIQQvo/s320/216753_10150396396843146_702133145_10699267_5525811_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12U-ju2mFFY/TjpOJ7npddI/AAAAAAAAA94/doE955VfbnE/s1600/198768_2123100229640_1009868670_2371560_1938771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12U-ju2mFFY/TjpOJ7npddI/AAAAAAAAA94/doE955VfbnE/s320/198768_2123100229640_1009868670_2371560_1938771_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The room was quite clean and comfortable, air-conditioned and attached bathroom with hot water (which requires you to call the receptionist 15 minutes prior to showering for the water to heat up). F&B was quite reasonable. Food from 50 rupees and a 1L bottle mineral water costs 30 rupees (market price at 15 rupees only). We had 3 person in a room with additional bed, at 800 rupees per person per night.<br />
<br />
The next morning we had breakfast at hotel (complimentary) and head off to Agra, where Taj Mahal is, for a day trip at 6 in the morning. The whole journey took approximately 6 hours! Word of advice: try taking the train, it only takes 2.5 hours from Delhi - Agra.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84PBVlgy_cU/TjpY3qNxRCI/AAAAAAAAA98/GfR5ovKnUo0/s1600/287165_10150255895497869_664182868_7698673_8012977_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84PBVlgy_cU/TjpY3qNxRCI/AAAAAAAAA98/GfR5ovKnUo0/s320/287165_10150255895497869_664182868_7698673_8012977_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Travelled from Delhi - Agra on this mini bus*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODI0-UcfIz4/TjpuMD27eFI/AAAAAAAAA-c/yBkcX2UN7sQ/s1600/280177_10150255894937869_664182868_7698657_7253907_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODI0-UcfIz4/TjpuMD27eFI/AAAAAAAAA-c/yBkcX2UN7sQ/s320/280177_10150255894937869_664182868_7698657_7253907_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLjceMj0TmE/TjpZU11zm4I/AAAAAAAAA-E/5XRAf8JiwGM/s1600/23072011786a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLjceMj0TmE/TjpZU11zm4I/AAAAAAAAA-E/5XRAf8JiwGM/s320/23072011786a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnrjKJcGvGQ/TjpdSelu_TI/AAAAAAAAA-I/eHJ4MnMrwIs/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnrjKJcGvGQ/TjpdSelu_TI/AAAAAAAAA-I/eHJ4MnMrwIs/s320/Picture+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*The Taj Mahal lah....takkan tak tau? LOL!*</div><br />
The Taj entrance fee is 750 rupees for foreigners which comes with a goodie bag of bottle water and shoe cover. Because this was booked through a tour agent, we had our own tour guide which explains the Taj and its surroundings in detail. Spent about 2 hours there, then we were brought to a marble handicraft shop, textile shop, lunch and back to Delhi!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYzOwH3cdig/TjpgqmHpArI/AAAAAAAAA-M/Hxb23W2EIeY/s1600/23072011797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYzOwH3cdig/TjpgqmHpArI/AAAAAAAAA-M/Hxb23W2EIeY/s320/23072011797.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> *Marble handicraft in process.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PN65iv418wM/Tjpgz8ardTI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/yS4o6ukAYAc/s1600/04082011959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PN65iv418wM/Tjpgz8ardTI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/yS4o6ukAYAc/s320/04082011959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> *Bought this mini Taj Mahal made from pure marble at 600 rupees. Somehow we felt cheated! :S*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMoAjkMBn4o/Tjpg69JE-KI/AAAAAAAAA-U/C0t2kpxJesY/s1600/23072011798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMoAjkMBn4o/Tjpg69JE-KI/AAAAAAAAA-U/C0t2kpxJesY/s320/23072011798.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Typical North Indian cuisine known as Maharaja Thali or vegetarian thali; with naan, basmati rice, yoghurt, dhaal, palak paneer, vegetables, lentils and lassi! Costs 400 rupees, that's because I had this at a high end restaurant. Normally costs 120 rupees. North Indian cuisine are generally less spicy compared to South and Malaysian Indian food. But they are super healthy! Loads of protein and bifidus bacteria! And their lassi is thick and A-W-E-S-O-M-E! :D*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We checked out from Hotel Pablas on the 24th and head on to our congress venue, Hotel Radisson Blu at Dwarka Sector 13, New Delhi. Took a train to that area. The security was quite tight, luggage scanners, metal detectors and body scan was done at every entrance be it for train stations, hotels, malls and historical and attraction sites. Maybe it was due to a bomb attack in Mumbai previously. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CaU1yFFIt6g/TjptZkcXhvI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/wuBj26S83Lk/s1600/192872_10150255896347869_664182868_7698701_7173449_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CaU1yFFIt6g/TjptZkcXhvI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/wuBj26S83Lk/s320/192872_10150255896347869_664182868_7698701_7173449_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Security at train station*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDbC2PeQm3s/Tjpu1-pnzcI/AAAAAAAAA-g/oh1A1etbbFU/s1600/267227_10150252939149107_609914106_7500981_3696409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDbC2PeQm3s/Tjpu1-pnzcI/AAAAAAAAA-g/oh1A1etbbFU/s320/267227_10150252939149107_609914106_7500981_3696409_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5otga2-aVI/TjpvzDhlapI/AAAAAAAAA-w/PmlB3kYOFqA/s1600/284136_2127380096634_1009868670_2377573_7828165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5otga2-aVI/TjpvzDhlapI/AAAAAAAAA-w/PmlB3kYOFqA/s320/284136_2127380096634_1009868670_2377573_7828165_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Our congress venue*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gA3ikdR8OCI/TjpvQs5pryI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gipCtb4tQTA/s1600/24072011806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gA3ikdR8OCI/TjpvQs5pryI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gipCtb4tQTA/s320/24072011806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnIPvwOZHnM/TjpvY-XrY3I/AAAAAAAAA-o/kiXMXHVJd40/s1600/24072011808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnIPvwOZHnM/TjpvY-XrY3I/AAAAAAAAA-o/kiXMXHVJd40/s320/24072011808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Sneak peek of my room*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't really wanna talk about the congress in depth, after all it is just a congress. Met with a few exceptionally nice people there and would love to visit their countries should the chance come. Here are some pictures to summarize World Dental Congress 2011.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5WV5bFumq0/TjpzqLF1GaI/AAAAAAAAA-0/ndPEMqGdDbU/s1600/25072011812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5WV5bFumq0/TjpzqLF1GaI/AAAAAAAAA-0/ndPEMqGdDbU/s320/25072011812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Lecture, lecture, lecture*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCF6TAcH8bo/Tjp12tgc-AI/AAAAAAAAA_I/eFBxYUlLIeI/s1600/288937_10150255896882869_664182868_7698720_707653_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCF6TAcH8bo/Tjp12tgc-AI/AAAAAAAAA_I/eFBxYUlLIeI/s320/288937_10150255896882869_664182868_7698720_707653_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Students' paper presentation - with Indian participants Amey and Sameer*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktasiJHhdjU/Tjp2_T0L_fI/AAAAAAAAA_M/lfUjsOKy0zM/s1600/223627_2123209192364_1009868670_2371905_6237018_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktasiJHhdjU/Tjp2_T0L_fI/AAAAAAAAA_M/lfUjsOKy0zM/s320/223627_2123209192364_1009868670_2371905_6237018_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Namaste - with Taiwanese beauty, Hsuan Han*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojuUMnxaLHI/Tjp101t6wnI/AAAAAAAAA_A/BJleuV_vNZw/s1600/282023_10150396399888146_702133145_10699317_2351286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojuUMnxaLHI/Tjp101t6wnI/AAAAAAAAA_A/BJleuV_vNZw/s320/282023_10150396399888146_702133145_10699317_2351286_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Yes! Disco party every night*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNWzbQGcQ6I/TjqBTA8KPWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/7xzsG5itc1I/s1600/198812_10150255041716501_577991500_7994236_212549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNWzbQGcQ6I/TjqBTA8KPWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/7xzsG5itc1I/s320/198812_10150255041716501_577991500_7994236_212549_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Hungarian sweetheart - Karolina*</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8g_74N1gT3c/Tjp1znMOVvI/AAAAAAAAA-4/WShjMUoqgfo/s1600/278679_10150255904202869_664182868_7698925_1377606_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8g_74N1gT3c/Tjp1znMOVvI/AAAAAAAAA-4/WShjMUoqgfo/s320/278679_10150255904202869_664182868_7698925_1377606_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Malaysian booth during Cultural Exchange Night - siap dengan iPad to show Cuti-Cuti Malaysia videos! LOL!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLxp-tc2-mo/Tjp110cxaPI/AAAAAAAAA_E/piMLzD_XIx4/s1600/286334_10150255906152869_664182868_7698988_2026343_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLxp-tc2-mo/Tjp110cxaPI/AAAAAAAAA_E/piMLzD_XIx4/s320/286334_10150255906152869_664182868_7698988_2026343_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*100 delegates from 20 countries*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_C_DZNF3Q/Tjp10BmAG2I/AAAAAAAAA-8/erkscFkqIHg/s1600/279288_10150255907827869_664182868_7699040_3082526_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_C_DZNF3Q/Tjp10BmAG2I/AAAAAAAAA-8/erkscFkqIHg/s320/279288_10150255907827869_664182868_7699040_3082526_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Super cool and nice Czech dude - Petr*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All work and no play makes William a dull boy! Haha... we sneaked out from boring agendas and went sight seeing and shopping on our own. Of course, the organizers do have tours for us too. New Delhi is quite a convenient city to travel around. Its railway is quite extensive, linking almost all major tourist sites. If it is not, then you can always opt for auto ricksaw called Tuk Tuk (yes...just like in Thailand and Indonesia which are called bajai). An unlimited day pass on train costs 150 rupees (50 rupees refundable when return card). For Tuk Tuk, price can range from 20 - 30 rupees per person, just bargain for the lowest price! According to locals, it only costs them 5 - 15 rupees. Hmmm... Maklumlah kita ni tourist..... :-/</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riTfgUCfYRs/TjqKl9SB-qI/AAAAAAAAA_U/THTyM2lrl7o/s1600/286728_10150255909827869_664182868_7699094_1360588_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riTfgUCfYRs/TjqKl9SB-qI/AAAAAAAAA_U/THTyM2lrl7o/s320/286728_10150255909827869_664182868_7699094_1360588_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Tuk Tuk*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sight seeing places in New Delhi:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ReRayGLxLxI/TjqMJoIs5uI/AAAAAAAAA_c/gFHUimWYZmk/s1600/27072011831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ReRayGLxLxI/TjqMJoIs5uI/AAAAAAAAA_c/gFHUimWYZmk/s320/27072011831.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Red Fort - entrance fee: 250 rupees*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoATeGuEmP0/TjqMRip9jjI/AAAAAAAAA_g/HSRpLJoIkh8/s1600/28072011868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoATeGuEmP0/TjqMRip9jjI/AAAAAAAAA_g/HSRpLJoIkh8/s320/28072011868.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Qutub Minar - entrance fee: 250 rupees*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j459avJm4kg/TjqMYpz_MVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/_0tHSs1B1C0/s1600/28072011888_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j459avJm4kg/TjqMYpz_MVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/_0tHSs1B1C0/s320/28072011888_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64HMWWuc6q4/TjqRcqT7twI/AAAAAAAABAA/pkrIoQtwqFg/s1600/254787_10150335036806807_585686806_9598332_8087955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64HMWWuc6q4/TjqRcqT7twI/AAAAAAAABAA/pkrIoQtwqFg/s320/254787_10150335036806807_585686806_9598332_8087955_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Lotus temple - seen here are Malaysians with Hongkie, Jack and Taiwanese, Erin & Hsuan Han. Entrance fee: free*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ8xy9OSGN4/TjqL_s7MvnI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/IcGdCjGHhiQ/s1600/20110730-115419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ8xy9OSGN4/TjqL_s7MvnI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/IcGdCjGHhiQ/s400/20110730-115419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Humayun's tomb. Entrance fee: 250 rupees*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBcZnT9foHY/TjqM4BGvTjI/AAAAAAAAA_w/9hX66-OoD6Y/s1600/29072011921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBcZnT9foHY/TjqM4BGvTjI/AAAAAAAAA_w/9hX66-OoD6Y/s320/29072011921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Indian Gate. Free entry.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqzSH6n6EwE/TjqPnbhSlHI/AAAAAAAAA_8/8NuqFeyoVZA/s1600/282170_10150725916320413_845895412_19882112_7427810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqzSH6n6EwE/TjqPnbhSlHI/AAAAAAAAA_8/8NuqFeyoVZA/s320/282170_10150725916320413_845895412_19882112_7427810_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Akshardam temple - world's largest Hindu temple. Simply amazing! Entrance fee: free*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Places to shop in New Delhi:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW9kqHkw3Gc/TjqMjRTNOBI/AAAAAAAAA_o/qIhau03b5Tk/s1600/29072011897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW9kqHkw3Gc/TjqMjRTNOBI/AAAAAAAAA_o/qIhau03b5Tk/s320/29072011897.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Dilli Haat. Entrance fee: 20 rupees*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIRd482zLm8/TjqPP8XviYI/AAAAAAAAA_0/2r0eSsYyRSk/s1600/1277280506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIRd482zLm8/TjqPP8XviYI/AAAAAAAAA_0/2r0eSsYyRSk/s320/1277280506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Janpath market. Free entry*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XvYOzJRFkY8/TjqPQOOVDjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/xcYXSWmmM74/s1600/palika-bazar-inner-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XvYOzJRFkY8/TjqPQOOVDjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/xcYXSWmmM74/s320/palika-bazar-inner-view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Palika bazaar. Free entry*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, because my birthday was at the end of the congress, my "beloved" coursemates planned a surprise birthday "party" for me. During the Cultural Exchange Night, they suddenly belted out a Happy Birthday song which caught me by surprise. I was like "Oh shit! Not now! Darn!". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But you've guessed it, everyone there sang along! Haha... talk about the world celebrates with you! XP</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And they didn't just stop there! They played a prank on me by giving me a fake present which is a BLOODY 2KG DENTAL STONE!!! And oh... I've entertained them all right until they are finally satisfied and gave me the real present - a T-shirt that is printed DRAMA KING on it! =_="</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Haha.... but still... I like that t-shirt. It's cool! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3O2D8FcPF0/TjqVYuJU46I/AAAAAAAABAI/EW5aKem0_Z0/s1600/281541_2123325755278_1009868670_2372249_6872430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3O2D8FcPF0/TjqVYuJU46I/AAAAAAAABAI/EW5aKem0_Z0/s320/281541_2123325755278_1009868670_2372249_6872430_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*2kg dental stone and birthday "cake" made from Rocky biscuits and dodol*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5r__HJGeJg/TjqVVT0lGhI/AAAAAAAABAE/w7Gtu4Y_uS8/s1600/223807_10150255051431501_577991500_7994379_2361671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5r__HJGeJg/TjqVVT0lGhI/AAAAAAAABAE/w7Gtu4Y_uS8/s320/223807_10150255051431501_577991500_7994379_2361671_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Drama King t-shirt worn with pride*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, this trip to <strike>India</strike> New Delhi is really an adventure with quite a lot of good and bad stuffs. But I had fun and enjoyed myself. Now what I really miss is the people I've met at IADS and the <strike>clean</strike> food in India! To finish off this post, here are some random pictures! :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-496ld_HN35k/TjqWhqNidEI/AAAAAAAABAM/ukZeAnikaK0/s1600/285874_10150255903897869_664182868_7698914_3098692_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-496ld_HN35k/TjqWhqNidEI/AAAAAAAABAM/ukZeAnikaK0/s320/285874_10150255903897869_664182868_7698914_3098692_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Famous masala tea by the road side*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBIX1r0Rqhs/TjqWjjkUqQI/AAAAAAAABAQ/Tdp8uolwDIs/s1600/278018_10150255903982869_664182868_7698917_1952770_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBIX1r0Rqhs/TjqWjjkUqQI/AAAAAAAABAQ/Tdp8uolwDIs/s320/278018_10150255903982869_664182868_7698917_1952770_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Braving myself to drink it! Costs 5 rupees and taste like tea tarik with ginger*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzJQ_yOL8fo/TjqWnGz_WjI/AAAAAAAABAU/mTgJfEE_VmI/s1600/228913_10150252953544107_609914106_7501224_2085530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzJQ_yOL8fo/TjqWnGz_WjI/AAAAAAAABAU/mTgJfEE_VmI/s320/228913_10150252953544107_609914106_7501224_2085530_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Asian room party? Or pajamas party? LOL!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx0csPjYAfo/TjqWo1EEKiI/AAAAAAAABAc/h5DwZV2nbQY/s1600/280137_10150255904392869_664182868_7698930_5178710_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tx0csPjYAfo/TjqWo1EEKiI/AAAAAAAABAc/h5DwZV2nbQY/s320/280137_10150255904392869_664182868_7698930_5178710_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*No comments :P*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fpCUwT1jys/TjqWn_ErpSI/AAAAAAAABAY/gQd1ASUec5c/s1600/262448_10150253044634107_609914106_7502277_597543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fpCUwT1jys/TjqWn_ErpSI/AAAAAAAABAY/gQd1ASUec5c/s320/262448_10150253044634107_609914106_7502277_597543_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*On the way to airport from New Delhi station via Airport Express. Takes 20 minutes. Costs 80 rupees*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jdsKB2E99xY/TjqWppF94SI/AAAAAAAABAg/zkvjGBDt9aI/s1600/284506_2111911529660_1601805286_2093777_1665321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jdsKB2E99xY/TjqWppF94SI/AAAAAAAABAg/zkvjGBDt9aI/s320/284506_2111911529660_1601805286_2093777_1665321_n.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*We love IADS - all the way from Czech Republic*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PS: Some advice for those who plans to go to New Delhi in the future - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Do NOT trust anyone who offers to bring you to your desire place especially shopping centers. Because these "good hearted" people who assure you they don't need payment will bring you to shops they work with in order to gain commission! So PLEASE, if you must, ask directions from police, guards or shop keepers. And ladies are generally more trustworthy compared to Indian men.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Have LOTS of small change with you (1 / 2 / 5 rupees) to give to beggars that WILL DEFINITELY follow you wherever you go because you being a tourist! And they know you are generous. ;P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Drink bottled mineral water! 15 rupees for a liter of water. People said filtered water are safe but I've never tried them. No, not even water from hotel. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. ALWAYS bargain! Food maybe no need lah. But from clothes, taxis, souvenirs and even tuk tuk are overpriced JUST because you are a tourist! Normally they will be set 10 times the normal price. So pandai-pandai lah! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Travel in groups. Trust me, for a grown up man like me, it's scary to travel alone. People there WILL STARE AT YOU like you are E.T. or something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Be firm and say no! Ladies, this is especially useful. Little girls WILL come and snatch your hands in order for them to "decorate" them with henna. Once they start drawing, it's always money! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. LEARN some Hindi for God's sake! Not everyone speaks English yet. Young people in cities are more English educated. But if you are travelling away from city, sorry.... your English will not be useful anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. If you are thinking of tipping, anything from 20 to 50 rupees is enough. Please don't be like us and pay 100 rupees (it's only RM7 after all) to a hotel staff and realized how much 100 rupees is worth later! LOL! You can have 2 meals on the street for 100 rupees and get a quality shawl at 200 rupees. So you do the maths.</div></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-87527036361836021712011-06-16T17:41:00.001+08:002011-06-16T17:42:01.601+08:00S-O-L-OLast Saturday during Wesak International Film Festival at Malaysian Tourism Centre, Kuala Lumpur, I had had my first solo performance with the i.gemz! I belted out my "signature dish" (so said Brother Nee Sern. LOL!) song which is My Beautiful Friend with a twist! I hyped it up by increasing the tempo. Hehe...<br />
<br />
i.gemz did 6 songs that day and mine was second in line. When it was my turn, I was so nervous! After the first verse, I was totally BLANK! I forgotten all the lyrics! My brain just can't think! And I started mumbling..... I was like SHIT! And stopped............<br />
<br />
*Bro Nee Sern's guitar kept playing*<br />
<br />
*But I couldn't continue*<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry... can we start again? It's my first time and I'm so nervous" I said and jumped a bit to shake off the nervousness. At that moment, I was SOOOOOO tempted to go backstage and get the lyrics out! Luckily the audience was forgiving and I saw my friends giving me support from afar....<br />
<br />
*Bro Nee Sern replay the music on his guitar*<br />
<br />
I sang the first verse again.... came the second and........<br />
<br />
I managed to calm down and continue singing till the end. I wouldn't say it was perfect. There were a few wrong lyrics and a moment of pitching but luckily the whole song was delivered that day! Haha..... All the while I was focusing on my friends and that managed to calm me down a bit! LOL!<br />
<br />
It WAS embarassing! Definitely! But it was also an experience not to forget! From today onwards, I will MAKE sure I will memorise the lyrics inside out before any performances! I guess I took things for granted. :P But yes...... I learn my lesson! Haha..... I did received compliments however. So it some sort of compensated. :P<br />
<br />
I sooooooo wanna watch my performance! But too bad, no one took a video of it. :( If not, it would be something to be cherished for good. Oh well! :D<br />
<br />
PS: Pictures were also rare. But here are a few:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ai_x5OFmPls/TfnPtsmMQGI/AAAAAAAAA9U/0KBW07yZO0g/s1600/247983_10150209107833806_752038805_7091871_5522854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ai_x5OFmPls/TfnPtsmMQGI/AAAAAAAAA9U/0KBW07yZO0g/s320/247983_10150209107833806_752038805_7091871_5522854_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DVwk84ibuI/TfnPtKO8KPI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/_zyMbh49OCA/s1600/246945_10150209108583806_752038805_7091883_4149616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DVwk84ibuI/TfnPtKO8KPI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/_zyMbh49OCA/s320/246945_10150209108583806_752038805_7091883_4149616_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-63098230622600336462011-06-16T17:00:00.001+08:002011-06-16T17:03:48.724+08:00Taming the Lion (City)This week was GREAT fun! Actually it was more than that, it was AWESOME! Went down south to Singapore for 3 days for an annual dental students interaction event called MU-NUS! This is actually a friendly games between Malaya University and National University of Singapore. But then again, the games don't matter, it's the holiday in Singapore that is! Haha...... It was also my second time participating in this event.<br />
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Singapore has many great attraction sites. Because I've been there before in year 2009 (<a href="http://spotlightszzzonme.blogspot.com/2009/06/nus-mu-games-cum-singapore-trip.html">read here</a>), this year, I opt to go to different places, other than those I've been to last 2 years. This actually gave the Singaporeans a hard time as there are basically 2 groups: fresh, new comers who never visited Singapore before; and me with a few others, old timers. So, throughout the 3 days, our trips were separated into groups that brought us around to our customized trips!<br />
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It was very enjoyable. I covered new places like the Marina Bay Sands casino, Marina Barrage, Geylang, Vivo City Mall, Eco trails and Clarke Quay. It's <strike>boring</strike> difficult to tell all the awesomeness in words. Let the pictures do the talking shall we? :D<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgSaaVR6wPM/TfnFdy1guXI/AAAAAAAAA88/wk9kHpc9EAE/s1600/253474_10150645244250413_845895412_19020679_6823877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgSaaVR6wPM/TfnFdy1guXI/AAAAAAAAA88/wk9kHpc9EAE/s320/253474_10150645244250413_845895412_19020679_6823877_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_fKfkgsCy8/TfnFfB8lo0I/AAAAAAAAA9E/A5zgBtoCBpc/s1600/260202_10150645244080413_845895412_19020674_103258_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_fKfkgsCy8/TfnFfB8lo0I/AAAAAAAAA9E/A5zgBtoCBpc/s320/260202_10150645244080413_845895412_19020674_103258_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjYDjPSnYaY/TfnFcNjIAkI/AAAAAAAAA8w/UZZz7U6Wgas/s1600/249607_10150645244610413_845895412_19020687_3392237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjYDjPSnYaY/TfnFcNjIAkI/AAAAAAAAA8w/UZZz7U6Wgas/s320/249607_10150645244610413_845895412_19020687_3392237_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9HPOplVu4k/TfnFfWLGhfI/AAAAAAAAA9I/nj1L2QdYaVE/s1600/260549_10150645253215413_845895412_19020853_5120425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9HPOplVu4k/TfnFfWLGhfI/AAAAAAAAA9I/nj1L2QdYaVE/s640/260549_10150645253215413_845895412_19020853_5120425_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yv-SX7uJxA/TfnFawRZEhI/AAAAAAAAA8o/gb9MoOoaxJ4/s1600/248247_10150645245680413_845895412_19020707_3965837_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yv-SX7uJxA/TfnFawRZEhI/AAAAAAAAA8o/gb9MoOoaxJ4/s320/248247_10150645245680413_845895412_19020707_3965837_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgVU0Zlxfpo/TfnFblJV3uI/AAAAAAAAA8s/EHxlLq8fTjg/s1600/249569_10150645245965413_845895412_19020712_4046153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgVU0Zlxfpo/TfnFblJV3uI/AAAAAAAAA8s/EHxlLq8fTjg/s320/249569_10150645245965413_845895412_19020712_4046153_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MygpUkkKh2g/TfnFcheWkYI/AAAAAAAAA80/WpI9z9JozbY/s1600/252420_10150645254330413_845895412_19020875_4060100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MygpUkkKh2g/TfnFcheWkYI/AAAAAAAAA80/WpI9z9JozbY/s640/252420_10150645254330413_845895412_19020875_4060100_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAuIC8kiNLQ/TfnFdV-FPHI/AAAAAAAAA84/tEZSoo4Od1k/s1600/252566_10150645248130413_845895412_19020751_463009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAuIC8kiNLQ/TfnFdV-FPHI/AAAAAAAAA84/tEZSoo4Od1k/s320/252566_10150645248130413_845895412_19020751_463009_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4975V8RUPs/TfnFeXSyPDI/AAAAAAAAA9A/yXfv2BBVT2w/s1600/254537_10150645254580413_845895412_19020880_6414686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4975V8RUPs/TfnFeXSyPDI/AAAAAAAAA9A/yXfv2BBVT2w/s640/254537_10150645254580413_845895412_19020880_6414686_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
All these may not be possible if not for the ever so friendly and fun NUS dental friends of mine! There are really cool people! They have again gave me a wonderful experience at Singapore! Thanks guys! You all are the best! :DWil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-75812262327584166022011-06-07T20:58:00.002+08:002011-06-16T17:10:34.734+08:001st performance as an i.gemer!Last Sunday, I went on stage to perform for the very 1st time as a member of the i.gemz at the 2011 Selangor State Wesak Celebration! It was kinda nerve wreaking and I don't know why! I mean.... stage performance was not something I am new to. Maybe it was the expectation of the fellow Buddhist audience on i.gemz freshies on how good are they in singing? I mean.... naturally people would like to know what's in us that makes the cut! What made us got in to the group of the leading English singing Buddhist group! So, maybe that's why I felt kinda nervous when performing that day. Whatever it is, it's done! I am happy for the experience. I can't comment much because I was positioned as the side, so the microphone monitor was unheard of. Hence, I can't hear my own voice! So I don't know how I sang. >.<<br />
However, here's a video recorded by one of our member's wife. Enjoy! :D<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSDUrCtCJRg/TfnIdil9wEI/AAAAAAAAA9M/Ize8TDP0JXQ/s1600/260514_10150325122904688_816924687_9876825_2458540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSDUrCtCJRg/TfnIdil9wEI/AAAAAAAAA9M/Ize8TDP0JXQ/s320/260514_10150325122904688_816924687_9876825_2458540_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/v9L_zPHuF00/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v9L_zPHuF00&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v9L_zPHuF00&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>To end the post, here's a picture of the i.gemers that perform that day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YtaL8XjgxYY/Te4gX75vgLI/AAAAAAAAA8k/rWHhCLxooE0/s1600/242267_10150199266907157_751352156_7131034_4841326_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YtaL8XjgxYY/Te4gX75vgLI/AAAAAAAAA8k/rWHhCLxooE0/s320/242267_10150199266907157_751352156_7131034_4841326_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PS: Next i.gemz performance will be this Saturday, 11th of June 2011 at 1.30pm at the Wesak International Film Festival. Venue: Malaysia Tourism Center, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Catch me there if you are free! I will be singing a song solo! ;)</div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-14769406277308142022011-06-04T15:20:00.000+08:002011-06-04T15:20:51.353+08:00Animals in my mouth<div style="text-align: center;">INTRODUCING...................</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*drum rolls*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*spotlights twirling*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*dum dum.... chaaaaaannnngggggggg*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The animals that stayed in my mouth!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8dvAcmxxI8/TenM49PBCAI/AAAAAAAAA8c/6vP83E70z0U/s1600/04062011499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8dvAcmxxI8/TenM49PBCAI/AAAAAAAAA8c/6vP83E70z0U/s320/04062011499.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, it was Miss Fox. But she was too loose. She stayed for 1.5 months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then came Mr Kangaroo. Sadly, he was too tight. He left after a month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, Mr Bear! He was just nice. Actually I prefer Mr Kangaroo cause my teeth will achieve the desire results faster, but I've been warned of permanent root resorption by my orthodontist! >.<</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, Mr Bear was only needed for 1.5 months too! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In case you are wondering what the hell was I saying above. And what the heck are those animals doing there. Well, those are elastic bands that help retract my front teeth to an ideal 2mm gap (technical term called overjet) when measured with teeth clenched together from lower incisors to upper incisors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, the real dilemma of this post is........... what do I do with them, the happy family? I don't wanna throw them away cause it's still a full pack of them remaining! Can I return them? Hmmm...... Anybody wants them?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh... and I've got these left too...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On9rqoxnn3A/Tenbl6fAo3I/AAAAAAAAA8g/SL9F4Hwxxf4/s1600/04062011501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On9rqoxnn3A/Tenbl6fAo3I/AAAAAAAAA8g/SL9F4Hwxxf4/s320/04062011501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are called interdental brushes! It's to clean those gaps in between your teeth! Very useful to clean in and around your braces! It's RM2.20 per piece. I've got 5 left. That's RM11 worth! Wonder if I can sell it back to my faculty? Hehehe.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can someone tell me what I can do with these things??? Any takers? :P</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">PS: Don't worry bout cleanliness. I am a clean freak myself! :D</div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-4474197633989529812011-06-02T17:30:00.000+08:002011-06-02T17:30:08.808+08:00Embrace the braces-no-more!Last Monday, 30th May 2011, marked a historic moment (in my life calendar)! Ok...it wasn't that important anyway. But here goes.......................................................I TOOK OFF MY BRACES!!! Gigi aku dipagar no more!!!! LOL!!! :D :D :D<br />
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I wore that dreaded thing for 14 months and it's finally been taken off! You do NOT know how bad I want that thing off! Not only do I need to brush after every meals. my teeth tend to stain more often too! Luckily I have access to the dental chair almost every day and have a partner who is practicing to be a dentist too. She helps me scale my teeth whenever the need arises. Of course, provided I can curi a few minutes of spare time lah. Hahaha!!!<br />
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Even though my braces are off now, I can't help but to continue brushing my teeth after every meal before putting on the retainers! Sememangnya a dentist kan? LOL! The first 2 days of wearing the retainers were HELL! Oh, and I need to wear them for 24 hours a day except when eating. I almost cried!!! Literally cried because the pain was so bad! If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you probably read posts on how I hated and regretted putting on braces! Both during and after treatment! Call me ungrateful. But my advice to others who wanna do this, PLEASE think twice! IF you are happy with your current teeth alignment (which is mild and not too bad), FORGET about braces! Why the pain and extra expenses?! It's not cheap ya know! Having it done in a private clinic can easily cost you RM5000 - RM7000! I'm different case lah..... I am a dental student, so I only need to pay a fraction of the amount which is RM750. Still............ if the need is not there, it is therefore NOT NECESSARY! Yes, my teeth are straight now. Yes, I have a more beautiful smile now. But do you know there is a LOT of complications of an orthodontic treatment (alignment of teeth, for layman)??? High chances of caries, that's one. Permanent root resorption, "gummy" smile, yellowish teeth, gum recession are a few others!<br />
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Ok..... I shouldn't have said too much or else orthodontists out there will kill me for breaking the "rice bowl". LOL! Like the saying goes, "No pain, no gain!". Or "Beauty comes with a price"! Damn right, I would say!!!<br />
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Well, at least the pain is slowly going away now. Thank God! I am just counting the days to get the green light from my orthodontist to stop using my retainers. That's what I do ever since I put braces on, counting the days.................... counting and counting and counting and counting............................. :P<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhevnY44ewU/TedXg1Ym4RI/AAAAAAAAA8U/g7sk6K60-hA/s1600/01062011491_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhevnY44ewU/TedXg1Ym4RI/AAAAAAAAA8U/g7sk6K60-hA/s320/01062011491_1.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">~My Vacuum Formed Retainers (VFR)~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m_OAQVs1RI/TedXh6dZHpI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/JOefr3yYZcM/s1600/1306984299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m_OAQVs1RI/TedXh6dZHpI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/JOefr3yYZcM/s320/1306984299.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">~The after photo (with retainers on)~</div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-38807600432656313842011-05-26T23:33:00.001+08:002011-05-26T23:33:46.313+08:00i.Gemz, it's OFFICIAL!Went for my first ever i.Gemz practice today at BGF. We will be doing 2 songs for the upcoming <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><i>Majlis Sambutan Hari Wesak 2011 Peringkat Negeri Selangor</i></span> which will be held at Bangunan SSAAS Shah Alam on the 5th of June! Of course as new comer, I don't get to do lead (yet). Haha.... so was assigned as supporting singers for the existing lead. :) The songs that we will be doing are i.Gemz's signature songs it seems, which are <i>Dharma Shines In Me</i> and <i>Breathing In, Breathing Out. </i>Everything went A-Oh-Kay just now.... We got the melody and assigned parts pretty well. Except for me, there's one part that I keep on getting confused as I have to hit the low notes. But I'm learning... I'm learning.... :)<br />
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Oh! And yes, like the title of this post has mentioned, I am now part of i.Gemz! It's OFFICIAL! *grins* They gave a welcome "speech" right before we left. Haha..... How...erm? Surprising? LOL! :P :P :P<br />
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If you are up or near Shah Alam on that day, do come support us! It's free by the way. Event starts at 9pm. See you if I see you! ;)Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-59030728466882753242011-05-22T00:40:00.001+08:002011-05-22T00:45:03.241+08:00400 feet above groundI did something fun today! *grins* Went with 2 other friends to Pulau Indah, Port Klang for an afternoon of paramotor flight! If you don't know what paramotor is, it's actually similar to parasailing where there'll be a parachute behind you but this doesn't involve any boats. Instead, you are seated on a chair-thingy which is being mounted with a HUGE fan! It relies solely on the force of the fan to push you up to the sky. Can't imagine it? All right here's a pic:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oxbold.com/images/paramotor-tandem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://www.oxbold.com/images/paramotor-tandem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ran by a company called Air Venture, this flight actually costs RM150. But I bought it at a discounted price from Groupsmore.com at 50% off! To be honest, I wouldn't have went if it wasn't for the half price. Cause the whole thing only lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. RM150 for 10 - 15 minutes? You do the math! LOL!! XD<br />
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Overall it was not bad, really. I mean, it's not all thrilling and scary. In fact, I find it very relaxing! Luckily it rained before we came and the sun wasn't completely out yet. So it wasn't blazing hot when we are up in the sky. Mild wind, beautiful view of the Malacca straits, ships, fishermen, and mangrove forests make it a really enjoyable ride!<br />
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I would rate it as good if it wasn't for the ever-so-confusing-and-very-high-tendency-to-get-lost-route to reach the take off site!!!!!!!!!!!!! We took an HOUR to find that bloody place and asked about 10 people for directions! The worse thing is, when I called up the management to ask for directions, they just asked me to look at the map! I was totally speechless.... I mean, yessssss........ it's difficult to describe it over the phone because the roads are really secluded and confusing! AT LEAST make a better map with more details on it! I am not sure if it was my problem with the map or it's the map that was just too vague? I prefer to think the latter, thank you very much. :P<br />
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We road there was a very bumpy one! I felt like I'm in a kangaroo pouch! No joke! And my car was a total mess when we reached. Muddy....... T_T<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKQLtEcKDDw/TdfrNnvVefI/AAAAAAAAA8E/dllaCr1djVA/s1600/21052011458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKQLtEcKDDw/TdfrNnvVefI/AAAAAAAAA8E/dllaCr1djVA/s320/21052011458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>To (not) make things better, the whole field was full with bull shits! Literally, bull (and cow) shits! =____="""<br />
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According to the villagers there, the roads are not completed yet. So getting there IS difficult and yes, my GPS doesn't register the place too. So, if you are thinking of going, please go early and READ THE MAP PROPERLY beforehand! To find out more about this activity, go check out their website at www.airventure.biz<br />
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Some pics for your entertainment. Enjoy! :D :<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anedEW2muJ0/Tdfru8gODAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/za4EuLZe7BA/s1600/21052011460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anedEW2muJ0/Tdfru8gODAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/za4EuLZe7BA/s320/21052011460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1PpMCI5Dl8/Tdfrv-H63bI/AAAAAAAAA8M/eRaQ3giAexQ/s1600/21052011463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1PpMCI5Dl8/Tdfrv-H63bI/AAAAAAAAA8M/eRaQ3giAexQ/s320/21052011463.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_gFwpkyFN8/TdfrxATszRI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/VxPq30nuyXE/s1600/21052011485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_gFwpkyFN8/TdfrxATszRI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/VxPq30nuyXE/s320/21052011485.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh! There's a self recorded video too at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150609200350413&comments">http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150609200350413&comments</a></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-38837274171659467982011-05-19T12:49:00.000+08:002011-05-19T12:49:14.000+08:00Self updates as on 19/05/2011It was a 4 months hiatus this time... >.< Wow! I realized the older you get (in academic years that is), the less time you have for yourself...<br />
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As of today, I had had completed Year 3 of my dental course, which brings down to 2 more years to go! I admit, it's not a bed of roses when I was in Year 3. Handling patients was a challenge, bombarded with constant pressure by lecturers, rushing requirements, competency tests, lab works and my typical day ends at 6pm. Not to mention the need to revise and prepare for exams when those dreaded papers are near. Well........ I have to say that I need to get used to this kind of life as the next academic years will be far worse, or so said my seniors! Sigh....<br />
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Well, anyway, boring things aside, I had had many things happened during the last semester. I realized I haven't blog about my drama competition this year! Quite unfortunately this time, we didn't win nor we got any placing. The reason? Hmm.... I guess the story line was a little poor this time. And we made a mistake, we left a gap at the back stage and audience had had a good view on what's happening back there and laughed when they are not supposed to be. But I had fun! I played 5 characters this time! LOL! Yeah I know..... but 3 of them are really minor roles. Not to worry, I swear, next year..... we'll be on top of the list again! A wounded tiger, is the fiercest tiger! And I am soooooooooooo gonna act again for ONE LAST TIME! *eyes shining*<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8bpsM50zKA/TdSOML5OW7I/AAAAAAAAA8A/fRilFOSJQGk/s1600/NBK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8bpsM50zKA/TdSOML5OW7I/AAAAAAAAA8A/fRilFOSJQGk/s320/NBK1.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Theater: Naskah Buat Kekasih; Role #1: Saudagar Abas*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I have been very active in religion nowadays. Ok.... very active is an overstatement. Let's just say I am active. Yes.... I am affiliated to Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF) ever since I joined INCOVAR Dhamma Camp in 2009. Recently, I went for an audition to be a part of an elite English speaking Buddhist singing group in Malaysia! They are called the i.Gemz which is under BGF. And has had 2 albums produced already. Their songs are fresh, young and modern. Their mission is simple, spreading the Buddha's teaching through inspirations of music and songs. So..... I went for the audition (one day before my final exams! Crap. LOL!) and...... they liked me! They love me voice! :D And I was asked to join their practices now and maybe will do a debut performance during the Selangor state level Wesak Celebration on 5th June 2011! I would like to say that I am part of them now, but according to them, I am just shortlisted wor..... when will they confirm me? I do not know. Hopefully soon! I love singing and having a chance to record singles excites me! :P<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yxPgLyo4Sl4/S_VN6dPpNpI/AAAAAAAAAbk/YbdbKENeEXU/S1600-R/igemz+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yxPgLyo4Sl4/S_VN6dPpNpI/AAAAAAAAAbk/YbdbKENeEXU/S1600-R/igemz+logo.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Besides that, am pretty active in sports the last semester too. But no.... not during my exam period. Had a lot of fat storage going on *holds spare tire and starts cursing*. I need to lose them A.S.A.P.!!! >.< Cause I've got lots of plan going on the break which requires me to look good! :P :P :P<br />
Joined an inter-college swimming competition held by my university. First time participating.... didn't get myself any medals. But it was good experience! And swimming is a competition is both tiring AND stressful! Haha.. :) Still in the university's Taekwondo team. Got elected as Treasurer (again). I really wanna quit as I have a lot of things in my mind and I know next year will get worse. But....who knows.... hopefully I can find time doing what I enjoy doing and not just facing books all the while. I need a life man! XP<br />
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Currently having a 4-months holiday break! I know..... it's damn long right? Usually we will get only 2 months. But apparently, the Malaysian government wants to synchronize Malaysian public universities academic schedule with those overseas, especially the West, in order to attract more foreign students to our local uni. Which means, I will graduate 4 months later! ARGH! Then again..... I think I should enjoy this break and yes! Blog I shall........ :DWil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-25066900497225212632011-01-02T11:20:00.000+08:002011-01-02T11:20:47.830+08:00Project-κ 21: Dry Bak Kut Teh @ Terminal 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seremban may not be so famous for its Bak Kut Teh as it is, after all, usually associated with Klang! However, this restaurant called "Restoran Bak Kut Teh Fei Chan" at Terminal 2, Seremban offers a new twist to the traditional bak kut teh! They have DRY bak kut teh and other signature dishes! Now, now.... dry bak kut teh isn't something totally new! Klang apparently had this for centuries (exaggeration here)! And so, to find this in Seremban is really my first. Hence, the need to recommend this place not only to tourists but locals alike!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_kiS6YaOI/AAAAAAAAA7g/sleklDzfqQw/s1600/fei+chan+bak+kut+teh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_kiS6YaOI/AAAAAAAAA7g/sleklDzfqQw/s320/fei+chan+bak+kut+teh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides the said traditional bak kut teh (that is meat in soup) and the dry version, they also have a couple of dishes which are worth mentioning and highly recommended by me! One of it, which is my family's favourite, is the Spicy Burning Meat (<i>for bao yok</i>). I wouldn't elaborate the traditional bak kut teh as seen below as I believe everyone would have known how bak kut teh tastes like. Strong and flavourful with herbs which is perfect to be eaten during these cold monsoon seasons at night! It literally warms you up! :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_tcIUybxI/AAAAAAAAA7w/2-7tHzgGu5w/s1600/17122010159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_tcIUybxI/AAAAAAAAA7w/2-7tHzgGu5w/s320/17122010159.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dry bak kut teh..... didn't taste as what I would expect it to be! Haha.... when I heard of the word DRY bak kut teh, what I had in mind was meat (and other common bak kut teh ingredients) being stir fried till all the herbal essence being infused into the ingredients, dry or in thick herbal gravy. Try to imagine the traditional bak kut teh being slow boiled till dry so that the meat in it locks in all the herbal goodness! (OMG! My saliva is drooling!) Hahaha..... :P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But Fei Chan's version was somewhat similar to braised fried pork (<i>char cu yok</i>). Stir fried in onions, dried chillies and ladyfingers. The half fatty and skinny pork chunks are tender and flavourful to taste! It was not bad..... like I said, a change to the traditional type. Worth trying!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_tHox2_aI/AAAAAAAAA7o/7EO2exjbTRw/s1600/17122010161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_tHox2_aI/AAAAAAAAA7o/7EO2exjbTRw/s320/17122010161.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, the highlight would be the Spicy Burning Meat! I love this! My family love this! We all love this! LOL!!! Pork slices being stir fried with LOTS of dried chillies, bird's eye chillies (cili padi), dried shrimps and salted fish. Then topped with onion slices and onion leaves! It tastes really really good! This is highly recommended! Seriously! Don't be afraid because of the name of this dish... it won't burn your tongue off! I mean.... it's not THAT hot! But hot enough to keep you perspiring and mucus running from your nose throughout the whole meal till you find yourself an air-cond to cool you down! Hahaha.... But really..... it's good! :P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_tQqf9r3I/AAAAAAAAA7s/vlHBbMk--4g/s1600/17122010160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_tQqf9r3I/AAAAAAAAA7s/vlHBbMk--4g/s320/17122010160.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, like any restaurant in their right mind, they do serve greeny vegetables stir fried to your liking and also <i>yau char guai</i> too. Below is a sample of vegetables (<i>bo lei sang choy</i>)<i> </i>I ordered just to complete the healthy balance diet! :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_s-DTVA8I/AAAAAAAAA7k/tBhMXSPvnt8/s1600/17122010163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR_s-DTVA8I/AAAAAAAAA7k/tBhMXSPvnt8/s320/17122010163.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, this restaurant serves Chicken in Rice Wine, Chicken in Hua Tiao Wine, Braised Trotters in Vinegar, and Sauna Bak Kut Teh (recommended by chef) which I have YET to taste them! </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Restoran Bak Kut Teh Fei Chan</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>31-G, Jalan Era Square 3,</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Era Square, Seremban,</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>70200 Negeri Sembilan.</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Tel. no.: 010-2799972</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Business hour: 11am - 3pm; 6pm - 10pm</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Opens everyday EXCEPT Monday</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-68204892212960459812011-01-01T18:09:00.002+08:002011-01-02T17:07:29.944+08:00Embracing the first sunlight of the year...It's 2011! It's a new year! *shit*...<br />
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Anyway, while almost everyone was out in various locations around Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya for countdown, I was trying to sleep early (at 10pm) on New Year's Eve as today, we woke up at 3.30am to go for a hike at the infamous Broga Hill in Semenyih as we wanted to do "something new" and "different" way to start the New Year!<br />
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We start to move out - convoy style! - at 4.15am after picking up everyone, to this alien place. NONE of us knew where the place was! Thank goodness for GPS! Hahaha... Broga hill is situated near University of Nottingham at Semenyih. It's hard to describe the directions, but here are maps from blogs I referred to. (<a href="http://casualzone.blogspot.com/2008/12/broga-hill-semenyih.html">A</a> & <a href="http://www.maleisure.com/images2/broga_hill_semenyih/broga_hil_map%20navigation.jpg">B</a>)<br />
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We reached at around 5.30am with constant slowing down and waiting for each other at every toll gates. It was pitch dark once we were there! (Note: PLEASE bring torchlights! Each and everyone of you should have one!) We were so lost at the parking area (which is an oil palm estate) initially as there were no signs where the heck should we start hiking Broga hill! So, we waited and followed the crowd! LOL!<br />
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Surprisingly, we are not the only one who wanted to start year 2011 in a "new and different way"! Just as we parked our cars, there are 5 to 6 more cars coming to the exact spot! This place IS kinda popular!<br />
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Initially the roads were kinda flat and was an easy stroll up ahead. Saw a sign that states "Broga Hill - 1.8km" and "Gunung Tok Wan - 4.2km" and we knew we were on the right track! All hell broke loss once we passed by a run-down, very basic stall with a banner that says "Jalan Murah" (I am pretty sure they meant "JUalan Murah"! Hahaha...) or it DOES literally mean that the paths uphill is cheap! Well, no doubt bout that! It IS! X_X<br />
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The paths are mud trails! Uneven surfaces, holes and craters everywhere, some really narrow walk, jungle path and finally a rocky, barren STEEP ascend to the peak! AND I WAS WEARING SKIN-TIGHT JEANS AND SLIPPERS!!! FML! Imagine the difficulty in doing so! There were a few instances that I nearly slipped! (So note: Wear APPROPRIATELY! Shoes DEFINITELY - old ones if possible! Put ALL items in a bag pack, do NOT hand carry! You won't have enough hands to grip for support!)<br />
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We reached the peak of Broga hill at around 6.30am ~ roughly about an hour hike! It was STILL pitch dark... :/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR78k65DyZI/AAAAAAAAA7I/-5_XuTqaS4w/s1600/01012011186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR78k65DyZI/AAAAAAAAA7I/-5_XuTqaS4w/s320/01012011186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR78vjcn1wI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/RI1Jaim0sMY/s1600/01012011185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR78vjcn1wI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/RI1Jaim0sMY/s320/01012011185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And considering there was no sunlight yet, you BET, it was FREEZING cold!!! Imagine your sweat drenched shirts and windy breeze blowing at 60kmph (ok...I'm exaggerating), I can literally feel my bones shaking! NO JOKE!<br />
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While waiting for sunrise, (some of us as usual), <i>shiok sendiri</i> lah! Taking out camera and snapping everyone and everything eventhough they know they can't see anything but themselves in a black surrounding! =.="<br />
Oh....and I start munching brought breads to warm up my body! Brrrrrrr~~~ (Note: BRING SWEATER along!)<br />
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Mr. Sunrise finally came at around 7am! With a pathetic white streak of lights....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR77ZlNdzKI/AAAAAAAAA6s/6wximSGZPiA/s1600/01012011196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR77ZlNdzKI/AAAAAAAAA6s/6wximSGZPiA/s320/01012011196.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR77YUDpJLI/AAAAAAAAA6o/BfY1imEPOfs/s1600/01012011198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR77YUDpJLI/AAAAAAAAA6o/BfY1imEPOfs/s320/01012011198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then at about 7.30am, everything starts to be visible as the day starts to brighten up! Mr. Sunrise can be fully seen by then! *grins* :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR77-XmU5cI/AAAAAAAAA7E/rmyYj5IAqGs/s1600/01012011208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR77-XmU5cI/AAAAAAAAA7E/rmyYj5IAqGs/s320/01012011208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR776RYnLXI/AAAAAAAAA68/ew4f4LA12iA/s1600/01012011214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR776RYnLXI/AAAAAAAAA68/ew4f4LA12iA/s320/01012011214.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR770FZ3ENI/AAAAAAAAA6w/eX2Q5ZrSOps/s1600/01012011217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR770FZ3ENI/AAAAAAAAA6w/eX2Q5ZrSOps/s320/01012011217.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR772UHfeaI/AAAAAAAAA60/62vcXcT1pTQ/s1600/01012011216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR772UHfeaI/AAAAAAAAA60/62vcXcT1pTQ/s320/01012011216.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR774tk5YjI/AAAAAAAAA64/rfaUKQ65l10/s1600/01012011215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR774tk5YjI/AAAAAAAAA64/rfaUKQ65l10/s640/01012011215.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~This was my best photo for the day!~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR7782ifurI/AAAAAAAAA7A/nBkGvZIlk1c/s1600/01012011212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR7782ifurI/AAAAAAAAA7A/nBkGvZIlk1c/s320/01012011212.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR79HRGGc3I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Hcppdwp9nWU/s1600/20110101-071835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR79HRGGc3I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Hcppdwp9nWU/s640/20110101-071835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR79OoFAWaI/AAAAAAAAA7c/IUOR6k5ZfNY/s1600/20110101-072040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TR79OoFAWaI/AAAAAAAAA7c/IUOR6k5ZfNY/s640/20110101-072040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After MORE <i>shiok sendiri</i>-ness, we finally had enough and descended down at around 7.45am and step down on base at about 8.30am! Almost everyone was tired.... and I had to go pee! Got scolded by the car park attendant because apparently we were parked IN THE MIDDLE of the main road! Hahaha.... didn't know mah~~~ First time ok! Got space <i>mai</i> park lor! LOL! I pretended to be dumb and my coursemate, Mildred settled with her... :P<br />
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Dashed to the nearest petrol station, "let go of the water in my <i>tangki </i>(full tank wei~)", found a random restaurant in Kajang, had breakfast and headed back to UM for shower and ZZzzzzZZZzzzzZZzz......<br />
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AND THAT is how we do it! HAPPY NEW YEAR guys!!! :DWil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-29449200151784002522010-12-17T09:46:00.000+08:002010-12-17T09:46:00.847+08:00DermaGenesis: My Experience - Part 3<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-size: 16pt;">Part 3<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">29 Jan., 09<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">I was actually looking forward for my 3<sup>rd</sup> treatment which is IPL. Cause the doctor promised me a pain free, downtime free and fast session. But he lied….IPL does hurt (a bit). So you see, none of my treatments are actually pain free! It just gets less painful each time but <i>still</i> there’s pain in every session. Sigh…..<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">Anyway, IPL was fast. It only took like 20 minutes? And you are up and away doing your everyday stuff (like normal). The process include the usual face washing and then my face was being shot with (like said) intense pulse lights which finally was ice gelled. Each shot smells like something burning. I don’t know how to explain it, but at every shot, you will be able to smell as if your skin was being burnt at that very spot it was shot. The pain was there, like I said, pin point….but thank goodness it was brief. Like mili of a second. But enough to make you jump at each shot. Sigh….the price of vanity sure is painful. But what to do? It’s a beauty eat ugly world out there!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQWEwfSp-SI/AAAAAAAAA50/K17ot-5nrlE/s1600/Image004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQWEwfSp-SI/AAAAAAAAA50/K17ot-5nrlE/s320/Image004.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQWEx_eDe-I/AAAAAAAAA54/4p3zNoN4vNY/s1600/Image005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQWEx_eDe-I/AAAAAAAAA54/4p3zNoN4vNY/s320/Image005.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-MY">-The laser machine- :-O </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">***********</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">So, this is basically what I've been through for sake of a more beautiful skin on my face! I hope to say that it takes only 7 treatments to get to the skin I have now...... but the truth is, after this treatment plan, I had had underwent an additional 3 more Fraxal and 1 IPL. The results weren't immediate! I was at first wasn't as satisfied as I thought I would be......</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">But.....after more than half a year, my skin improves significantly! Apparently, the effect of laser and light therapy doesn't produce immediate effect! You have to wait at least 3 - 6 months to see the real results! Well.... this was actually being said in some articles...so I don't know but I think it's true for me! :)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-MY">So, yes.... so I would highly recommend people to go for such treatments and not being conned by expensive, non-scientifically proven, and dangerous beauty centers! Trust me....they do nothing but harm to your skin! Experience speaks for himself!!!</span></div></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-8317728543585109782010-12-16T14:38:00.000+08:002011-01-02T17:06:58.097+08:00Project-κ 20 : Pork Belly Noodles (Chu Lam Fun)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://spotlightszzzonme.blogspot.com/2009/11/project-6-sin-yee-kee-beef-noodle-pasar.html">Seremban beef noodle</a> is no stranger to anyone now. Come Seremban, the few first things that a local will recommend would be the beef noodle itself, located at Seremban Wet Market. Recently, there's this restaurant made a few adjustment to the famous beef noodle by catering it to the non-beef eater, like me! What they are selling is somewhat similar to Sin Yee Kee's signature dish, only that they replace beef slices with pork belly slices! And beef balls, with pork balls....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The reason why I choose to blog about this place is not because it is exceptionally tasty (it's not bad I would say)...... but I find it to be kinda special... I mean, why in the world it takes people SO LONG to come out with a pork version beef noodle???!!! Padahal, it's just replacing those miserable slices of red meat! >.<</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway....... The place is located at Jalan Rahang Kecil, opposite Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Seremban. Right after the traffic lights (if you are coming from Bukit Blossom or Taman SEA) at the flyover, take an immediate left and it's there! The restaurant reads, "Restaurant Hing Hoi", with a big, bright yellow signage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQmlow0WAOI/AAAAAAAAA6E/h6UioiOgqk0/s1600/15122010147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQmlow0WAOI/AAAAAAAAA6E/h6UioiOgqk0/s320/15122010147.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are quite a few other dishes being sold there like Fish & Chips, Fried Chicken rice, Chicken Chop, Century egg porridge; but the only things worth mentioning are its Pork Belly Noodles (Chu Lam Fun) and Paper wrapped chickens (Chi Bao Gai).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Priced at RM4.50 per bowl, its Chu Lam Fun is not bad, really. Just like the beef noodle, it has the usual fried preserved vegetables (char choy), sesame seeds, peanuts and thick gravy! Tastewise, I can't compare to the beef noodle because I don't take beef (remember?). Though not very generous with the pork, the tenderness and flavourful slices made up for it. By looking at the picture, it doesn't look appetising right? Yeah I know.... the cook could have spend some time on presentation! LOL! But it tastes better than it look. You should try it... just for the sake of the owner coming up with this idea! Hahaha.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQmlh0nUxfI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ka0tQZCMXhA/s1600/15122010149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQmlh0nUxfI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ka0tQZCMXhA/s400/15122010149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paper wrapped chicken (Chi Bao Gai) is sold at RM3 each! I find it rather pricey. But its their signature dish! The chicken is wrapped in a piece of paper (yes! literally!) and deep fried! So, you've got to tear the paper before eating the chicken. The chicken is less oily if cooked this way. The juiciness of the chicken is retained but the only messy part is tearing off the oily piece of paper.... Of course, this is a favourite among lots of children! :)<br />
I didn't order it this time because I don't feel like eating oily stuff then.....<br />
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The place was kinda crowded initially when it opens. But yesterday when I went there, it looks rather quiet. I am not sure why..... maybe it's because of the service... I was shocked when a customer shouted at the waiter for showing attitude when he was short changed. I don't know who is right or who is wrong.... but it wasn't a pleasant sight.... lots of tension I tell ya!<br />
Sometimes, good food but bad service would make a horrible experience.<br />
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But for me..... it's OK lar~~~Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-56807683996673183382010-12-15T11:02:00.002+08:002010-12-15T12:05:49.750+08:00Nokia N8: A Review (not by me) :PNow, my friend, Fong Kin Man has been <s>pestering</s> asking me to review on my new phone, the Nokia N8 as he was curious to know more about it; and maybe it's because of my crude honesty that he knows I won't be blowing trumpets or bull shits! Whatever it is, I wanna tell him that "Fong, no matter how crude I am, I just can't review a gizmo!! The technical terms just kills me! I would love to be a tech junkie but somehow it's not my calling and I need time to learn.... :P"<br />
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But anyhow, I've found a great review about the Nokia N8 on the web! The blogger, Alvin was at first sceptical and totally hates the N8 if compared to his favourite iPhone 4! Somehow, during the product review period, he changes his mind about the N8 after all. Read on fellow followers! This is to you, Fong! :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">*************</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"><b>Nokia N8: I want one after all</b></span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">by Alvin</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQg-Y0yaUfI/AAAAAAAAA58/BuUqU_C3g6w/s1600/Nokia_N8_colors-420-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TQg-Y0yaUfI/AAAAAAAAA58/BuUqU_C3g6w/s320/Nokia_N8_colors-420-100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><blockquote>My #N8Productions entry isn’t near completion yet. Yes, I should probably hurry – the N8 goes back on Thursday and I won’t be able to create any more content. And truth be told, I’m going to be rather sad when I hand the package back to the DHL guy. I know I’ve changed my mind about the N8, and all my gripes about it not feeling fresh and lacking any major improvements in user experience don’t really matter after all, at least out in the real world.</blockquote><blockquote>Frankly, the N8 is aimed at a different audience as opposed to the iPhone or the dizzying array of Android devices out there. And that’s perfectly fine. Smartphones don’t all have to cater to the people who’d be likely to choose an iPhone over anything else. To put it simply, I cannot imagine anyone switching from an iPhone to the N8, and neither can I envision the N8 winning over a single iPhone user out there. And the reason for that is simple. While the N8 remains lacking in terms of user interface polish, ease-of-use, pretty apps and cohesive, integrated user experience, the iPhone remains equally lacking in terms of imaging prowess, advanced features, customizability and even versatility as a converged device. In my opinion, the main reason why the N8 has been slammed so much by certain US-based established blogs (cough, cough…) is because the reviewers contributing to those blogs have no understanding of who the N8 is aimed at, or even the reasons why folks continue to buy Symbian devices when there are, in their opinion, much better choices out there. Furthermore, most of those reviewers would be using iPhones to begin with, leading to them declaring that the N8 is a shit phone simply because it has zero similarities when compared with their favourite fruity device.</blockquote><blockquote>No device is ever perfect. I admit I haven’t ever met a disappointed iPhone user, but I could find tons of reasons why the iPhone is a shit phone if I really wanted to. I still stand by my statements in my impressions post that the N8 does need a revolution in the form of a fresh new user interface focused on ease-of-use and a less head-scratching, more enjoyable user experience, but it would be wrong to dismiss the N8 merely on those grounds. The N8 has the potential to be one amazing device. It’s completely amazed me over the past few days. You’ve just got to look past the user interface, at least for now. Maybe it won’t be such a big deal when you consider the fact that:</blockquote><blockquote>1. Not every smartphone has to emulate the iPhone</blockquote><blockquote>2. In the real world, user interface and user experience isn’t such a big deal for most people</blockquote><blockquote>3. It is possible to get used to various user interfaces, even the most clunky and quirky examples around</blockquote><blockquote>With that in mind, the N8 doesn’t look so bad after all. For starters, its imaging capabilities are beyond praise. It is, without a doubt, the best cameraphone that money can buy today. Image quality in just about every situation is nothing short of superb, and its low-light performance is miles ahead of any other cameraphone. The N8′s camera has stunned me time and again with what it could achieve in the couple of photoshoots I did with it in Melaka and by the Singapore River, and I couldn’t possibly imagine myself ever needing a dedicated compact camera if the N8 served as my everyday phone. I know this paragraph is beginning to sound like an advertisement, but I can’t help it. The N8 is simply amazing in this regard.</blockquote><blockquote>So the camera app could do with a complete user interface revamp, but when I was out taking photos the user interface didn’t bother me in the least. I daresay it won’t really bother you either. You’ll be too pleased with your results to really nitpick about how menu options in the camera app still require double-tapping.</blockquote><blockquote>Another aspect of the N8 that really struck me was how versatile it is as a smartphone. The built-in USB Host functionality allows for the connection of standard USB peripherals such as flash drives and mice and keyboards through an adapter connected to the microUSB port on the device. What other device, apart from the N8 and its sister Symbian^3 devices, can you think of that comes with this feature? Of course, the fly in the ointment here is that an adapter(included in the N8′s package, by the way) is required for this to work, but it’s undeniably cool and might even have some rather valid real-world applications. Just the other day, I plugged my flash drive into the USB input on my DVD player with the intention of playing a movie off it, but apparently the movie’s file format was not supported by the player. No issue at all – out comes the N8, a TV-out cable and the USB Host adapter, and the N8 played through the full 120-minute long movie successfully and even had 50% battery left at the end of it all. N8 1, DVD Player 0.</blockquote><blockquote>It’s not just USB Host that’s worth having around – the N8 also has a built-in FM transmitter that became tremendously useful during the drive up to Melaka. No radio stations? No CD collection in the car? Loads of music in the N8 that you’d like to play wirelessly over the car stereo? No problem – the FM transmitter worked perfectly with the N8 providing hours and hours of aural enjoyment during the drive. Your friend’s iPhone couldn’t possibly do that without an add-on accessory that costs extra.</blockquote><blockquote>When you consider these 2 features on the Nokia N8 alongside true multitasking, filesystem access, microSD expansion on top of 16GB of internal memory, support for Bluetooth keyboards and mice, unrestricted sideloading of apps, support for Bluetooth file transfers, built-in 3G videocalling, themes, profiles and support for both HD and SD TV-out through HDMI and the 3.5mm jack respectively, the N8 appears to be almost a computer in your pocket; not just a mere smartphone that excels in just a few specific areas. The N8 is a fine example of a truly versatile, converged device, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it having a slightly greater learning curve when it packs in so much more functionality than more user-friendly but also more limited alternatives. I mean, folks can learn, can’t they?</blockquote><blockquote>I mentioned all the other positives of the N8 in my impressions post, so I won’t run through them again here. It’s true that the N8 does have several flaws and foibles, but almost all of them are software-based and might be fixed eventually. New Symbian is supposed to iterate and evolve much faster than before, so I’ve got renewed hope regarding the future relevance of the platform. In many ways, New Symbian on the N8 is a stepping stone to the true revolution; it’s something to keep existing users happy and solve the problems that plagued S60v5. Since it’s a mere starting point towards what’s to come, all the clunkiness of the current, legacy user interface can be forgiven, somewhat. Furthermore, Nokia resuming complete control over Symbian development can only be a positive sign; ditto for the focus around QT as a platform for app development. And the N8 will definitely benefit from all these efforts together with its sister New Symbian devices. Regarding the few hardware flaws, the only one that really stands out is the lack of a lens cover. Nokia has justified this omission numerous times through its PR channels but constantly wiping the N8′s Carl Zeiss lens on my shirt before taking a shot sort of gets old after a while. And of course, many would have loved to see a removable battery. However, the N8′s stamina is definitely commendable – it lasted 2 days with moderate use for me. I just wish the microUSB port weren’t so awkwardly placed.</blockquote><blockquote>Would I recommend the N8? Yes, definitely, to anyone who wants the most cutting-edge Symbian smartphone available today, or wants stellar camera performance both for stills and video, or wants a device that isn’t arbitrarily limited in terms of raw functionality and capabilities. Do I want one? Ohh yes. Unfortunately, I have to admit I’m loving the N8 – it isn’t the sleekest or slickest device around but it does everything I could possibly want my smartphone to do and does it without fuss. Now that there is a solution available to allow for the reinstallation of the Ovi Store client after a hard-reset, it isn’t really an issue for me anymore. This issue shouldn’t have occurred in the first place, but as long as there’s a workaround, all is good.</blockquote><blockquote>While typing my impressions post, I felt rather sad that my expectations of its user experience hadn’t really been met and I was feeling completely bored with it. As I type the last words of this post, I’m still feeling rather sad. The N8 has to go back to WOMWorld/Nokia this Thursday. Oh boy. I’ll really miss this device.</blockquote><blockquote>I want a N8. In orange. Please?</blockquote><blockquote>See the results of the Melaka and Singapore River photoshoots over on my Flickr page <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alvinwongph/sets/72157625449897483/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alvinwongph/sets/72157625590369600/" target="_blank">here</a>.</blockquote><blockquote>Thanks to WOMWorld/Nokia for hooking me up with a #N8Productions pack and giving me the opportunity to participate in an exciting competition and blog about an excellent phone, all at the same time.</blockquote> More great reviews on mobile phones are available here at: <a href="http://phonecentral.wordpress.com/">http://phonecentral.wordpress.com/</a>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-60675017644171405572010-12-14T11:00:00.000+08:002010-12-14T11:00:03.262+08:00DermaGenesis: My Experience - Part 2<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-size: 16pt;">Part 2<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-MY">11 Jan., 09<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">I really couldn’t tell how long the subcission’s downtime took. I think it was about 7 days cause I really can’t tell if it was the redness of the needle point made or was it my old scars. All I knew, it was way better now since the horrible 1<sup>st</sup> day of subcission made on my face.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">Anyway, today is my 2<sup>nd</sup> session – Fraxel laser. Before starting, the assistant washed my face twice with a mild cleanser and gently ~ ~ ~ very….gently dabbed it all away. It was so good I tell you….felt almost like a baby touching my face. Soft and gentle…..aaaaahhhhhh……</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">Ok…so…as I was saying…got washed, dabbed and in came the doctor. He was in his jolly mood as usual. We shake hands, “how are you? I’m fine” for awhile and then on with the treatment. Now, the word “laser” probably is quite scary to some of you. I don’t know….I personally think that laser sounds cool but after going for it, I beg to differ my opinion. The doctor did a few test shot on the side of my jaw (just to see how I react)…….you know what….I don’t know what’s needles are to my skin cause EVERYTIME (oklah…it’s only the 2<sup>nd</sup> time) I go for treatment I keep getting the “needle sensation”, if you know what I mean. The laser felt HOOOOOOOTTTTT!!!! It was as though I was shot by countless burning, red hot needles on my face! Now, I’m not exaggerating. It’s true! Perhaps I had a low pain threshold, I don’t know but the laser hurts! Well…..it’s still bearable though. I didn’t start shouting and crying on the “operation bed” (that’s what I called the bed I’m lying on….just to give a little “advanced” feeling to it). Imagine a tiny machine gun that was fired in a straight line and each shot, probably, 10 – 20 burning needles were sent to your skin. It was exactly how this felt. The doctor did half of my face 1<sup>st</sup>, then smeared ice cold gel on the area. It was instant relieve man! You know…it’s like going for a 10km run and the very first thing you were given was ice cold water. It’s bliss at that moment! And so the doctor did the second half of my face, put ice gel over it and done. The whole session took bout half an hour. Then, I was left in the room for like 10 minutes with more ice cold gels to cool down my burning skin and was “discharged” from the “operation theatre”. And oh, I was advised by the doctor to use nothing but just moisturizer, sun-block and mild cleanser for the next 5 days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">Now, comes the climax….looking into the mirror. I closed my eyes, stepped in front of one….take a DEEP breath…slowly, open my eyes and……………………………………</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">…….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">…….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">…….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">….Ok….it was not that bad. My face was fine. No bleeding, no scars, not distorted…..it was just a little redder than usual. But really….there was no change on my face at all besides the burning sensation that still lingers. So, I made a deep sigh of relieve. Thank God. But I warn myself to not be so happy yet! I was told it will form scabs on my face tomorrow. And now…my heart is beating so fast every time I think on how I will look the next morning. Just hope I will be fine. God! PLEASE…..make me look fine tomorrow. If there <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> going to be scabs, PLEASE make it look not obvious. PLEASE…….*counting the hours for the next day light* Worse to worse…..I’ll have to skip class tomorrow. And this is the price to pay for beauty. Sigh…..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">13 Jan., 09</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY">Take a fine sand paper and feel it. Well, that’s exactly how my skin on my face is right now. Ok, it’s the 2<sup>nd</sup> day after my Fraxel. So far, there’s nothing UGLY bout my skin. No obvious raised bumps, no redness, no pimples, no scars. The only thing that concerns me is just the roughness of my skin. I was told by the doctor that I will develop scabs throughout my face and that scared the shit out of me. During the last 2 days, I was so nervous on how I look that I couldn’t even sleep well and the 1<sup>st</sup> thing that I do when I woke up was to look into the mirror. Hey…I’m not being vain ok. It’s just that…..try to imagine lah…..how would you feel if there’s something seriously wrong with your face and it doesn’t look natural? My classes were commencing throughout the week! I can’t be looking like…..I don’t know…..ugly, maybe, in front of my whole course mates, lecturers and college mates! It would be very traumatic. SO…..THANK GOD that my face looks fine. Under bright light, there’s nothing wrong with my face. So, the doctor was right…there wasn’t any downtime. But if you notice it very veeeeerrrrryyyyyy closely, you probably can see many tiny-weeny “goosepimples” on my face. I can’t really see it but the friend who knew I went for face treatment said he can see them. Not only when I told him to look very closely and under lighting that contrast my skin tone to my surroundings. So, it’s not noticeable really. Well…..not sure till when will this roughness lingers. All I hope it will turn smooth soon and applying oil (I used “Bio-Oil” instead of moisturizers to give it a little more boost on moisture) on my face doesn’t really look….nice…..cause it’s oily. I even get comments like “why are you sweating?” and I shy away and smiled….”hehe…cause it’s hot! Phew…*takes out handkerchief and dab unseen sweats*”</span></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-58722480498960244492010-12-11T13:14:00.001+08:002010-12-11T20:10:16.250+08:00DermaGenesis: My Experience - Part 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit;">Now, I've written this post <i>years</i> ago but never had the courage to publish it until now! It is my experience of a journey to beautify my skin (not that it is super beautiful now! But better lah...) at DermaGenesis (now known as Skin Club @ Menara Hap Seng, Kuala Lumpur). Rather than it being chucked and occupying my laptop's hard disc space, I think it is better for me to share it to all of you..... Enjoy! And please... don't squeal! :P</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer: "DermaGenesis: My Experience" will be broken up into 3 parts and was written few years back. If you found out any disturbing personalities that may or may not depict the current me, please ignore, as it was written in ignorance. And cherish the present, better me! :D *wink*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">****************</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Part 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">27 Dec., 08<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a person who likes the finer things in life and looking better is not an option, it is a must. And I can tell you that I am fed up with the way my skin looked. It’s oily, red spots all over and numerous scars on it!!!!! Every morning I look into the mirror, I pray to God to grant me a flawless looking skin, 99% if not 100% flawless…..and this prayer had been my routine ever since my 1<sup>st</sup> break out when I was form 4, which is 5 years ago. Once in a while I’ll break down and cry and blame God for what skin He gave me! I’ve tried countless products, facials and medications but my problem lingers like a bad smell after you come out from a smoking restaurant. My skin changes like the tide in the sea. It goes from good to bad to worse; then, to slightly better and better and finally became horrible again! I don’t know bout you guys….but for me, there’s 2 things one should never compromise!!! That is 1) Hair. 2) SKIN!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">First impression is important…and heck it sure is!!! Come on, the 1<sup>st</sup> thing you look when you see somebody is his/her FACE!!! And how can anyone NOT care bout how he/she looks when you bloody know it that face gives such a lasting impression???</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well, today’s blog is about my experience to a well established, quite famous and a little on the high end treatment centre (note that I use treatment NOT facial centre cause it is done by qualified DOCTORS and NOT stupid beauticians) called DermaGenesis. It is located at Desa Sri Hartamas but will be located to a bigger, better, more luxurious building at Menara Hap Seng in Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur. They provide complete skincare solution; total makeover & facial recontouring; facial lines & wrinkle reduction; permanent hair removal; slimming & spot reduction; cellulite reduction; and anti aging & wellness. The programme that I got my enrolled with is Scar reduction programme for my face. DermaGenesis caters for everyone and treatments are customised according to each individual needs. Mine includes 2 Subcision, 3 Fraxal (laser) and 4 Intense Pulse Light (IPL). These are customized to me after a consultation with the doctor as well as the CEO of DermaGenesis, Dr. Morthi. The types of scar I had was quite a few ice-picks, some box scars and mostly rolled-out scars. None of these are hard yet (thank God) so…the treatments mentioned earlier suited me the best.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Subsicion means the doctor will use a very fine needle to break off fibrotic tissue that holds ice-pick scars (reason why scars are depressed, these fibrotic tissues are holding them down). Of course….this will involve pain and bleeding and produce scabs. Which means there is a few days of down time involved. Fraxal is laser….which is used to stimulate collagen synthesis again at the site of scars. While IPL will remove any unsightly pigmentations, marks, minimize pores and shrink sebaceous glands.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Notice there is NO facials involved? As I’ve said, DermaGenesis is NOT a facial centre. In fact, it is an advanced cosmetic procedure centre. Now….I bet some of you are asking bout the price already. Of course, I was waiting for this too when I 1<sup>st</sup> went for the consultation. Well…..it may be a little high for those who are on a tight budget but really…..for such advanced treatment, I consider it to be fairly reasonable. Ok ok…..I’ll quit yakking… My programme costs me RM 1760. Hey hey…. don’t go spraying blood on your computer screen now! Listen….. the usual price is at RM 4050! But I was a given a discount (50%!) and a complimentary IPL….so in the end the total amount that I need to pay was RM 1760. I’ve got to admit, it is a huge amount for a student to fork out but then think again….. what I am doing can be considered as part of cosmetic surgery procedure….. and professional doctors are handling your case with state-of-art machines. So, don’t you think it is quite reasonable?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway…I’ve went for my 1<sup>st</sup> session today. Subcision….</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Went at 1.30pm, started at 1.45pm. The assistant wiped my face with alcohol at 1<sup>st</sup>. Then on with local topical anaesthetic. The doctor came in, took pictures of my face (I’ve always wanted to have a before and after picture taken….Hehe…. :P). Wipe my face with antibiotic creams and spirit and on he goes with his needle…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It hurts I tell you…..but it was bearable. Anyone of you been for facials before? It feels like those stupid beauticians picking your pimples all over again. I even let a tear drop. Paiseh….the doctor was like “are you Ok?” and wiped it off for me. Hey…..at least I didn’t scream in pain….I was holding it. During the consultation, he said it will feel like ant bite but heck! It’s nothing like it!!! It just hurts…. But for the name of beauty….I’ve willing to go for it….</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Right….so after 20 minutes, he is done with the poking and I was swept again with some alcohol (I think) and more antibiotic creams, in fear of infections due to the open wounds. I thanked the doctor….went out to the restroom. Pee a little….wash my hands and look up into the mirror…………………………………….</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">*A whole solid minute of silence*</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I stare and stared at myself in the mirror…..I LOOK HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!! There were so many cuts here and there and blood are still oozing out!!! I could almost scream right there and then! My heart broke a little and start taking hand towels and dap onto the blood. My face was lacerated! Well….it’s not THAT bad lah. But still I look like I’ve involved in an accident and glass shreds cuts into my face! “How am I going to step out from the toilet???” And what make things worse was….I need to take public transport back to Seremban!!!!!!!!!! Haha…..it was hell I tell you! Thankfully I had my friend with me and he drove me right at Pasar Seni and from there, I dashed to get into the bus and just stay away from the stares of others. I looked like a monster.. and this is probably the worst day of my life. But my friend did consoled me to not think bout it….it is the end result that you want….not the mid progress that looks good. “In the end, your skin will look flawless….and so I trust him and hang on to my face until I got back home.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, my mom was shocked to see all those scabs on my face. I can tell it in her eyes. She was quite disappointed. She came and asked me why does it looked like this….but I assured her it is normal. Poking needles into your face will DEFINITELY cause bleeding and form scabs. My grandma, however, was pretty calmed bout it. She sees through all those scabs and looked at my scars….and say she can see the results! My scars were not as deep anymore! Of course, that made me happy (at last….SOMEthing for me to feel good). My dad was unhappy of course…..even more angry when he knew the amount I paid to get my face done. Sigh…..but it is MY money! I hardly spent so…this is the 1<sup>st</sup> time I spend more than RM 300.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I hope I did the right choice by choosing DermaGenesis….will update more on my skin’s condition next time. I’ve got to wait 3 more weeks for the next treatment – Fraxal. And hopefully I won’t look horrible again.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-MY"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-MY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 Jan., 09<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-MY">I</span><span lang="EN-MY">t’s been 5 days now. My face had improved. I notice my scars are improved but of course, some deeper ones are still visible but have been shallower. Those red marks are slowly fading away. I’ve been very impatient these few days. Every morning, the 1<sup>st</sup> thing I do, is to look into the mirror looking at my skin’s condition. Sigh…still got red marks. But look at the bright side! They ARE fading. But slowly…. Very slowly… Holidays are almost over. Hope by the day before I head back, my skin is 90% clear.</span></span>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-83285072808759169812010-11-18T10:10:00.002+08:002010-11-18T12:00:06.409+08:00Clean ma' teef for mua pleazzz???Now, I take a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">solid whole 15 minutes</span></span> to clean my teeth nowadays! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes even more</span></span> than that if thorough cleaning is needed!!! Oh God! I've never paid so much attention to my 28 teeth before until I had my braces on and stepping in to dental school! After all..... it is our job to grill our patients to take care of <i>their</i> teeth, so ultimately we can get a lil' concious about our own! Hence the tip top oral cleansing!<br />
<br />
My grandmother always <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">scold me </span></span>whenever I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">refuse to take any food or sweetened drinks</span></span> after I had brushed my teeth! And to make things worse, I keep telling her I'm hungry but no, no food for me! I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">NOT going to clean my teeth anymore</span></span>! Note that I <i>clean </i> my teeth and NOT <i>brush </i>them?<br />
<br />
Cause really..... besides the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"> tilting of brush 45 degrees to the straight axis of my tooth and into my gums</span></span> (so called Roll technique - serious shit! We have name the different kinds of brushing technique in the world!!!); using an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">interdental brush to clean each bracket embrasure</span></span> plus the interproximal area; and IF I really feel like it, add on a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">superfloss</span></span> before a thorough <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">tongue scrapping AND a mouthwash</span></span>!!<br />
Now tell me....... isn't teeth cleaning a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">hell</span></span> to me these days??<br />
<br />
Not surprising for that 15 minutes period regimen huh? And I have to do it EVERY TIME after meals!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
The next time my grandma nag me again for not eating after brushing, I'll happily reply....<br />
<br />
"Can!! But you have to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">brush and floss my teeth for me</span></span>!!!" Hehehe~~~Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-8658614519530788112010-10-28T17:20:00.001+08:002010-10-28T17:22:40.736+08:00Toyota Prius now cheaper by RM35,000Woot! Woot! Abstracted from today's <i>The Star</i> paper, my dream car (for now) which is the Toyota Prius Hybrid is RM35,000 cheaper effective 1st January 2011!! Woohoo!!!......I hope prices for smart green cars remain reasonable so that we can produce less green gas emission and lend a hand in combating global warming! And not to mention enjoy a luxurious SMART car! :)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><h1 id="story_title" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 29px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 35px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">Toyota Prius hybrid now cheaper by RM35,000</span></h1><h2 id="story_byline" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></h2><div id="story_content" style="border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">PETALING JAYA: The price of the Toyota Prius hybrid car has been reduced by RM35,000 to RM139,900.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">UMW Toyota Motor Thursday announced the new on-the-road price for the Prius, following a tax incentive for hybrid cars in Budget 2011 from Jan 1 to Dec 31 next year.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">The Prius will cost RM141,500 in Sabah and Sarawak due to higher logistic costs, said UMW president Kuah Kock Heng.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in tabling Budget 2011 on Oct 15, announced that hybrid cars were fully exempted from import duties, with a 50% reduction in excise duty.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">"UMW Toyota Motor welcomes the recent national budget announcement by the Government on the extension and enhancement of tax incentives for hybrid cars," Kuah said in a statement.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">"With this, Malaysians can enjoy our most popular hybrid car at a more affordable price.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">"They can also benefit from the high fuel efficiency and contribute to lowering carbon dioxide emissions," Kuah added.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">According to Kuah, the Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid car in the world with sales exceeding two million units worldwide.</span></div></div></blockquote>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-76366327781845377262010-10-25T12:12:00.000+08:002010-10-25T12:12:23.551+08:00Nokia N8!!! Finally got my hands on one! :)Wow.....who would have thought clinical years can be so busy! Man.... juggling with patients and studies at the same time really drains you out body, mind and soul!!! It feels worse than working! In fact, we ARE working in the day and once we are back in the evening, it's studying!!! Phew.... eventhough we may not have clinics on a particular day, we just wanna lie down on the bed and do nothing! Absolutely NOTHING!!! *takes time to breathe man*<br />
So, hiatus in blogging is expected until semester breaks kick in! Sigh....<br />
<br />
Anyway....Nokia launched their new phone recently, 16th October 2010, to be exact and I've bought one!!! A super cool silver colour Nokia N8!! Now, I am NOT going to go on and on and on about how good is my phone because that are the jobs for the critics.... Besides, I had had posted about Nokia N8 previously, <a href="http://spotlightszzzonme.blogspot.com/2010/07/nokia-n8-is-out.html">here</a>. Priced at RM1690, I think it's pretty reasonable for a new phone. And for early birds who had pre-booked the phone, like me, got a complimentary black spine casing and additional 12 months warranty!! Isn't that just value for money?? :)<br />
<br />
Now...I am pretty happy with my phone with my roommate constantly saying it feels exactly like an iPhone but really..... I do NOT wanna compare! Any unintentional similarities of Nokia N8 and Apple iPhone will remain...... unintentional! :P<br />
My only complain is that it is at times quite lagging especially so if you open too many applications at one go! However, Nokia N8 is still a very good feature phone! Hopefully Nokia will come out with a better more stable phone to rival Apple's new found fame! Go Nokia (I read that you are pairing up with Intel now to create a smarter phone operating system)!!! Or else, I'll jump ship, if iPhone has better features than you! :P<br />
<br />
Hehe.....may the best phone company wins!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">My beloved phone:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TMUDhDzn8_I/AAAAAAAAA5s/hLV5P0erPz8/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TMUDhDzn8_I/AAAAAAAAA5s/hLV5P0erPz8/s320/DSC_0542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TMUDjFlpTAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/6wVzKHeEmaw/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TMUDjFlpTAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/6wVzKHeEmaw/s320/DSC_0543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-45874134083901540562010-09-09T14:38:00.003+08:002010-09-09T14:47:32.423+08:00Merit-based scholarships not fair??? My @r$e lah.....I read something that made me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">furious</span></span> few days ago... Didn't thought of blogging bout it till now!<br />
Was scrolling through Maxis fan page in Facebook and saw our little award ceremony being posted there with a few pictures of our Scholars...<br />
Then I happily click on it and look through the comments written by other fans...<br />
Not sure if some people out there are just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">plain pain-in-the-neck</span></span> or they are just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">jealous</span></span> of us cause one comment that I read <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">really pissed me off</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">!</span></span> It goes like this (I am not afraid of showing his identity! Berani buat, berani tanggung lah!):<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=653563685" href="http://www.facebook.com/Robin.Stanislaus" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Robin Stanislaus</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Is there any really really deserving and needy recipient? Or it all went to rich people's children?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Just a thought.</span><br />
<div class="uiTextSubtitle commentActions" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"><abbr data-date="Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:11:14 -0700" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial;" title="Friday, 03 September 2010 at 19:11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">03 September at 19:11</span></abbr></div></blockquote>I was like what the hell??? Hello.... that is like a total insult! Now I am NOT being biased towards Maxis, I mean yes...they provided me scholarship but it is solely my opinion as a Malaysian, a normal citizen on merit-based scholarships!! How can he say that?? Maxis Scholarship for Excellence is solely based on merit and they consider your co-curriculum activities and assess your soft skills through 2 to 3 rounds of interviews... NEVER once they asked me about my parents' income because I believe, it is their principle to acknowledge students' achievements regardless of race, religion and family background!<br />
<br />
I had had my bad share of scholarships that they think is "fair" because they only award them to the poor or more financially difficult students... I've got interviewer saying that "My family is not poor enough so no matter how good you are, we can't offer you the scholarship"!!! So, is that FAIR??? A student's biggest accomplishment would be recognition of his success! Good students who are "not so poor" are left to fend for themselves but not so good students who are poorer gets the chance to be pampered!!!<br />
<br />
I mean yes....poor family needs help! But the majority of the society should not neglect the so-called-better-off-ones!! Besides, I can say more than half of the rest of the "poor" applicants for the previous scholarship don't even look poor!! They were donning branded stuff and just because they managed to prove that they are poor..... it is decided immediately that they are offered the chance! Come on!!! Who in the world doesn't know that businessman can fake their salary slips if they want to??!!! I am not saying all the rest of them have businessman parents but I know a handful of them are! And unfortunately my parents aren't running their own business, so the proof that I got are just plain honesty! Too bad for me lah....<br />
<br />
Sigh....and we have people like that blurting out their so-called-inequality in a social website!<br />
Every family has their own problem, including mine. Even though my parents may earn more than average, but little do you know, that they have their own liabilities which the accumulated incomes are barely enough!! E.g. medications due to chronic diseases, personal loans and debts, etc.<br />
<br />
So I would say to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"> organizations like Maxis</span></span> who are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">providing merit-based scholarships</span></span> to the people,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> A JOB WELL DONE!!!</span></span> Do continue doing so. There are lots of hopefuls out there who just need your help!Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-4065589376608566162010-09-04T22:46:00.003+08:002010-09-05T11:00:54.316+08:00Maxis Scholarship for Excellence 2010 Award Ceremony<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Finally!!! The grand finale!! I've been dying to upload all the photos taken in the studio...Hahaha! And now together with the award ceremony....this means MORE photos to be shown!!! Woot! Woot! :P</div></div><br />
So yesterday, 3rd September 2010, was the much awaited day for all Maxis Scholars - it's OUR big day!! The ceremony was held in Hilton KL. Official time was 9 am but recipients were required to come at 7 am for a rehearsal before the real thing!!!<br />
<br />
I woke up at 5.30 am that day and start walking to the LRT station from UM at 6.30 am! Whoa.....it was pitch dark I tell you! But kinda cool lah.....cause there were still stars and the wind was chilling! I didn't even break a sweat! :P I didn't wanna drive cause I don't know the way and besides, Hilton KL is just opposite KL Sentral! And I get to save on parking too.... Read somewhere that it was RM5 per hour!!! *horror*<br />
<br />
Thought I can reach there on time....but was 10 minutes late! Darn! >.<<br />
<br />
It was great to meet up with the Scholars once again that day!!! Sure missed them a lot since the photo shooting session! And you bet there were much <i>yada yada yada</i> and I TOTALLY LOVE their company!<br />
<br />
Had had a few runs and finally a trial group photo shoot (again) and you bet, chaos! Hahaha.... they were trying to squeeze 29 of us into a camera frame..... I felt like sardines honestly! :P But thankfully..... the camera woman is satisfied after almost 15 minutes of arranging us! LOL!<br />
<br />
Among the VIPs that were present were Dato' Joseph Salang, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture; Mr. Sandip Das, CEO of Maxis; and 3 other members of the senior management board! I must say Mr. Sandip's speech was really inspiring and funny! I can see that he's very attached to his company and have a close bond with his staffs... It would be incomplete if we, Scholars, were not given a chance to give a speech... but of course lah.... 1 representative from each category. Siti Sarah represented the Postgraduate Scholars while Amelia represented the Undergraduates. Both were really good and Amelia's ALMOST made me cry! *Whoops.....shouldn't have said it out loud!* Hahaha.....<br />
<br />
Then it was the individual certificate presentation! The doctors, surgeons and pharmacists of tomorrow went first... then followed by Business peeps and others. After I took my cert, as I was heading back to my seat, a reporter (I think) from don't what media approached me for a short interview.... asking me on how was I feeling that day? Where did I got to know about this scholarship? Why did I choose dentistry? And another bummer.. How does this made me a better Malaysian? (HUH??!!! Why all interviews have bummer questions wan?? Sigh... I just told him that <i>Maxis Scholarship for Excellence</i> being merit-based has made me see Malaysia as a fair and unbiased country giving equal chances to everyone to achieve their dreams!)<br />
After the rehearsed group photo session, we had tea and packed food (cause it was still puasa month....tak baik lah kalau makan depan kawan-kawan Muslim)... Good sandwiches though! And the cheese cake was not bad! <s>But why no buffet?????</s> :P<br />
<br />
We had lots and lots of cam-whoring!! Maxis also provided free Polaroid photos to everyone who was present that day! Haha.....and we took advantage of it, every pose we made we asked them to snap 5 to 6 times cause each of us wants one photo for our own! We caused them to change film packets twice and even ran out of batteries once! LOL!!! XD<br />
<br />
It was a great ceremony..... but somehow I felt sad cause this means it's the end of everything! All the excitement and great moments have ended... I felt kinda reluctant to leave actually... Cause somehow I know we won't be seeing each other in the near future! And to all Maxis staff and the secretariat you guys are GREAT!! Thanks for all the care and attention you have given us! Special thanks to Wye Yee, Kenny and Shi Ying!! You guys ROCK!!! I hope there'll be more chances like this for us to interact with the scholars, meeting up with you guys (the secretariats) again or even be a talent for Maxis! (<s>I'm so thick skin!</s>) Hahaha... XD<br />
<br />
Then, a few of us went for a gathering at Mid Valley mega mall - had lunch, movie and dinner together! And you bet! I had loooottttssssss of fun!!<br />
<br />
Now let the pictures do all the talking:<br />
1. The photo shoot!!! @ TTDI, KL - 18th August 2010<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJIXmCO-xI/AAAAAAAAA2I/oZ4w2nNxS44/s1600/CIMG2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJIXmCO-xI/AAAAAAAAA2I/oZ4w2nNxS44/s320/CIMG2712.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting pretty - make-up time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJDES7ObI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/2lzLDPKAWlI/s1600/CIMG2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJDES7ObI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/2lzLDPKAWlI/s320/CIMG2715.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Studio being set up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJZE-8X7I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/hNxmSI1fYIg/s1600/CIMG2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJZE-8X7I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/hNxmSI1fYIg/s320/CIMG2722.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJgSXMOHI/AAAAAAAAA2g/ANoeZStSHrM/s1600/CIMG2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJgSXMOHI/AAAAAAAAA2g/ANoeZStSHrM/s320/CIMG2725.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJzyM7r8I/AAAAAAAAA2o/OVuToY1i45k/s1600/CIMG2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJJzyM7r8I/AAAAAAAAA2o/OVuToY1i45k/s320/CIMG2726.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJKGAhptTI/AAAAAAAAA2w/Ycw5XAjLgXg/s1600/CIMG2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJKGAhptTI/AAAAAAAAA2w/Ycw5XAjLgXg/s320/CIMG2727.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Various poses during individual shoot</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJLfUHhnXI/AAAAAAAAA24/t-Ni54OIMdo/s1600/CIMG2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJLfUHhnXI/AAAAAAAAA24/t-Ni54OIMdo/s320/CIMG2742.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Group shoot set up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJLtokwlZI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Yx4MOlf_mfY/s1600/CIMG2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJLtokwlZI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Yx4MOlf_mfY/s320/CIMG2760.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Group shoot preparation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJPFie76RI/AAAAAAAAA3g/P53vCfBpumM/s1600/DSC06362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJPFie76RI/AAAAAAAAA3g/P53vCfBpumM/s320/DSC06362.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJPV_ASwkI/AAAAAAAAA3o/KB9LCN9u4o4/s1600/DSC06373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJPV_ASwkI/AAAAAAAAA3o/KB9LCN9u4o4/s320/DSC06373.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIMGWsr0DvI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/5btwlpFEAXM/s1600/official+group+photo+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIMGWsr0DvI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/5btwlpFEAXM/s400/official+group+photo+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The results</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Previously, Scholars were told to write down their dream statement in an A3 manila card. And this was mine - drawn and written by me after getting Maxis approval.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJL--t5x6I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/h_WDx2HnXBo/s1600/CIMG2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJL--t5x6I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/h_WDx2HnXBo/s320/CIMG2704.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But right before the photo shoot, we were told that hand-drawn posters are not needed anymore cause for fear of being illegible, instead Maxis will superimpose a digital one on the plain boards we were holding as shown in the photo shoot above. Noticed that in the end, Maxis changed my statement to "To use reconstructive dentistry to help people injured in accident"? Which totally deviates from what I wanna say.... Hmm..... :/ *shrugs*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Award ceremony @ Hilton KL - 3rd September 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJVgtMWRdI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/_RQ2yRteFQg/s1600/DSC06339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJVgtMWRdI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/_RQ2yRteFQg/s320/DSC06339.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJVTrQ7WPI/AAAAAAAAA4I/EwxO97M07B8/s1600/DSC06333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJVTrQ7WPI/AAAAAAAAA4I/EwxO97M07B8/s320/DSC06333.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Group photo run</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJVrlGGZjI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/zVaGRWdahAY/s1600/DSC06342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJVrlGGZjI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/zVaGRWdahAY/s320/DSC06342.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Ballroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJWE-zAy0I/AAAAAAAAA4o/ElLgCO6Ru8s/s1600/DSC06350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJWE-zAy0I/AAAAAAAAA4o/ElLgCO6Ru8s/s320/DSC06350.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Official group photo</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJV3mzQmZI/AAAAAAAAA4g/bv0KNNsnE6Q/s1600/DSC06346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJV3mzQmZI/AAAAAAAAA4g/bv0KNNsnE6Q/s320/DSC06346.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being interviewed by a reporter</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJWP37gTFI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rHPd2vzVdjs/s1600/DSC06360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJWP37gTFI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rHPd2vzVdjs/s320/DSC06360.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With mom and dad</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Random shoots with AWESOME Maxis Scholars!!! I really REALLY love them - LOADZZZ!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJL3Bzu1WI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/FNCKg9tKgHU/s1600/CIMG2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJL3Bzu1WI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/FNCKg9tKgHU/s320/CIMG2737.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With (back) Gurpreet, Eu Jhin; (front) Yong Jian, Darshini, Vims and Ye Han</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJXwV1DzCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/dNYn0K3ZI9k/s1600/CIMG2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJXwV1DzCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/dNYn0K3ZI9k/s320/CIMG2756.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With Ai Lin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJX0TqCWpI/AAAAAAAAA5I/ENpTDV_oge8/s1600/CIMG2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJX0TqCWpI/AAAAAAAAA5I/ENpTDV_oge8/s320/CIMG2755.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With U Jean</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJXs-Q8ZbI/AAAAAAAAA44/Zr7cS-WRpdI/s1600/DSC06371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJXs-Q8ZbI/AAAAAAAAA44/Zr7cS-WRpdI/s320/DSC06371.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With Yi Koon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJLxPd7t_I/AAAAAAAAA3I/MTnsCjslQKs/s1600/CIMG2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cv-SOpL4CwE/TIJLxPd7t_I/AAAAAAAAA3I/MTnsCjslQKs/s320/CIMG2764.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sam Ye Han - the other future dentist from IMU</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Maxis ROCKS!!! Maxis Scholars ROCK EVEN MORE!!! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">LOL! XD</div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-21963182683201860922010-08-21T14:27:00.002+08:002010-08-21T14:52:52.919+08:00One-day-model for Maxis!SO, it was the much anticipated moment for all Maxis scholarship recipients (award ceremony aside) - the photo shoot!!! We were required to be at Untold Images Studio (link <a href="http://www.untoldimages.com.my/">here</a>) @ Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL 8am sharp on the 18th August. I woke up at 6am that day to prepare myself - (cold water) shower, breakfast, thorough brushing (darn those braces), and light make-up (ok...don't give me that look...I only applied a tinted moisturizer for the foundation to be applied easier later!)<br />
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Then after a couple of wrong turns and too-early-exits (which made me U-turned twice!), I reached at the studio 7.50am. Phew....I'm still on time at least! As usual lah... Others, being Malaysians are always late... When I was there, only 5 other recipients had arrived. LOL! I didn't know they serve us breakfast! I wouldn't have eaten my Maggi cup if I knew that earlier! Then again...I wouldn't want to brush my teeth before taking pictures! :P So, I politely declined their offer.....and waited...<br />
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Kenny, one of Maxis caretaker, were seen taking video shoots throughout the day.... He asked me to give a few words and I just said, "THANK YOU MAXIS for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime experience and the scholarship! It means a lot to me! THANK YOU!!!"<br />
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At almost 9am, more Maxis scholars arrived. And no doubt, all of them speak bloody good English! "Ahh.....I've found my niche", said the banana boy in me! Hehehe~<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adeptstudios.com/images/adept-studio-studio-0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" ox="true" src="http://www.adeptstudios.com/images/adept-studio-studio-0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>While some went to take their breakfast, the make-up artists asked the boys to go down to 'let them make us pretty' first. That's because making-up boys are so much easier than girls....at least, we don't need extensive make-ups, or hair curlers or mascaras....whatever! My face was made quite fair...or maybe it is my skin tone that I don't realise all this while...I am the fairest among the other boys! Most of the boys complained how they hated their make-up on! And how feminine they looked! Hahaha.... <br />
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They were 29 of us there that day! And as usual, girls outnumbered the boys! Imagine how long the make-up artists have to spend their time doing all the girls! Pfftt.....this will be a looooong day!<br />
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Once the boys were all ready, we were the ones to start off the photo shooting session... Individual shots were taken then, at the end of the day, group shots! Vims, who will be doing aeronautical engineering at a university in UK, went first! Haha....and he felt so awkward wei~~~ Not to mention the pressure he felt when we are all watching him! LOL! Later, the studio director asked us to stay outside in the waiting room, so that Vims can loosen up! Haha.... Their theme was "Natural", so just be yourself and give them a BIG smile with energy was what we were told...<br />
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While in the waiting room, I've had my chance to mingle around with the rest of the Scholars. And each of them are unique in their own way! They were quite a number from local IMU and Monash University. While some will be studying overseas, mostly tops schools in the UK. There is one dude called Adrian who did his undergraduate studies in Harvard University and will now be pursuing his postgraduates in the same uni in Economics with Maxis funding! Smart guy I tell ya...I mean, how often do you get to know someone studying in Harvard?? LOL! And other renown universities include Oxford, Manchester and Bristol University! I feel so out of place being just from University Malaya! Hahaha....<br />
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Everyone there was great and extremely friendly!! Few of us clicked almost instantly! Ye Han, another dentist-in-the-making from IMU was one of the few that I was close with! We talked a lot that day, mostly on our course and interest in people's teeth! Haha! One really cool yet cheeky guy called Gurpreet was the clown there! He never fail to make us laugh with his witty, and sometimes lame, jokes! XD<br />
Other cool people I met that day include pretty and sweet Yi Koon, hyperactive U Jean, darling Darshinie, Eu Jihn, Yong Jian, Ai Lin and Natashinie!! I really had fun just talking to them...<br />
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Right before 12.30pm, it was my turn!! I was pretty confident to be honest. Well....I mean, at least we don't need to pose for the camera, just be yourself and smile! How difficult could that be? My photo sessions were the fastest!! Hahaha....the photographer seems to be pleased with the results and said I looked really natural! *blush* Ye Han who was next, challenged me that he will do better than me by taking fewer shots than me!! Hahaha....but in the end, I still win! XP<br />
However, his pics had more energy in it! I like them a lot.... Maybe he had much time improvising my poses while waiting! LOL! *joking* Or maybe it just came natural to him! Whatever it is, looking great Ye Han!! :D<br />
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The whole photo session lasted about 15 hours!!! The longest time took was by the group photos!! It seems the director had had a tough time trying to get good posing / expression / lighting with all 29 of us! But eventually, we made it.......after a tiring day that is! By the time I went back to uni, it was already 11.20pm! After shower and a difficult time removing make-up on my face, *THUMP*..... terus collapsed on my bed and slept throughout the night....EXHAUSTED!!!<br />
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It was indeed a memorable day for me! Not because of all the lights, camera or action but the company that was so undeniably great!!! Now, I can't wait for the award ceremony which will be held at Hilton KL, on the 3rd of September 2010, 9am - cause I can't wait to meet up with my new found friends again! XD<br />
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PS: Due to publicity concern, Maxis doesn't allow me to post up any unofficial photos taken on that day. Only after the award ceremony, am I allowed to do so. So sorry guys..... you'll have to wait! :)<br />
No worries.....at least, you'll get to look at which pic Maxis chose to be made as banners and backdrops! I'll be posting them all together then! Toorah!Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6074892295527271347.post-6742691234114721522010-08-15T11:29:00.003+08:002010-08-15T11:42:48.438+08:00Maxis Scholarship for Excellence: The Interviews<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If only I had blogged about this immediately after the interviews, then I could have remembered the situations better. But then again, if I didn't get it in the end, malulah..... Haha! No worries....I'll try to recall them as best I could!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>First Interview</u></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I remember I received an anonymous call when I was in the midst of dinner at Madam Kwan's with my aunt! Haha....true enough, I almost choked when the caller told me to go for the first interview session on Monday (that day was a Friday)! I was told to bring along my certified documents or all my original certificates and a CV along for it. It was being held at Menara Maxis (next to KLCC), 10am on the 5th July 2010.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had had a rough start that day... My water bottle cap was loose and it wet my bag and in it was all my documents! I was like WTF and trying to dry them as much as I could while cursing under my breath! :P Thankfully the interview went on smoothly. The interviewer was so friendly and I think it was the most relaxing interview I've ever been to! It turned out to be more like a friendly chat!! And was pretty fun! :D</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">If my memory serves me correctly, the questions that she asked me was as such:</span></div><ol style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Tell me about yourself - I honestly hate this question, cause it's so simple that you don't know where to start and where to stop talking! LOL....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What are your hobbies?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Why the dream you have (for me, it's an oral maxillofacial surgeon)?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Do you have any role model in achieving your dream?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Tell me about your leadership qualities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What is the most significant thing that happened in your life? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If you are to change 2 things about Malaysia, what is it and why? - I think I didn't quite nail this one... I realized I can answer much better later, if compared to when I was there in front of her! Haha...but wouldn't all of us too?? One tends to think better in a less stressful situations mah...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What are your 3 major weaknesses?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Why must we choose you for this scholarship?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Any questions for me?</span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The entire interview lasted about 30 minutes! And according to her, only 10 will be selected out of 40 applicants. If you are successful, they'll contact you for the next round.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://robeshare.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://robeshare.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/interview.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Second Interview</u></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next interview for me was on the 27th July 2010. So you do the maths.... the next notification will be roughly in 3 weeks time. </span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 140%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 140%;">Time: 2.40 PM</span></b></span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 140%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 140%;">Venue: Conference Room, Level 8, Menara Maxis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur</span></b></span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 140%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 140%;">Dress code: Formal</span></b></span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 140%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 140%;">This time, instead of one-to-one, it's three-to-one! I was required to bring a copy of my CV and original certificates too for (in case) verification purposes. All the interviewers were professors from various local universities, namely: </span>Professor Dato’ Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid, President of the Malaysian Institute of Human Resources Malaysia (MIHRM) and Deputy President of the INTI University College Laureate International Universities; Associate Professor Dr. Stefanie Pillai, Associate Professor for the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics in University Malaya; and Professor Datuk Dr. Roziah bt Omar, Director of Leadership Academy at the Ministry of Higher Education. Trust me, they are really really nice people!! I don't feel intimidated by them at all!</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 140%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 140%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 140%;">I expect the questions to be tougher this time but surprisingly it wasn't! In fact they only ask me these few questions:</span></span></div><ol style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Tell me about yourself (again)! - =.="</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Why the course you chose (in my case, dentistry)?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Are you receiving any financial assistance?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">You say you are actively involve in (your hobby), do you still participate in them in your university? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Are you planning to set up your own clinic in the future? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What do you think about the Dental Faculty of University Malaya (which is the university I am studying now)? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Which professor do you like in your faculty?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What do you think about dental health in dogs and cats? - this was a real bummer! I was stunned a moment to think about what to answer! Haha.... but I think I did OK for this! :P</span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see....the questions asked in the 2nd round of interview was something more related to your choice of studies. Compared to the 1st round which have more general questions about yourself! I did consult with previous Maxis scholars for the type of questions they'll ask this time round.... most said that it will be more difficult as there will be more thinking questions thrown to you! Well, I believe it is true for them but for me, it was as relaxing, if not more relaxing, than the previous session! My 2nd session only lasted less than 10 minutes!! I was shocked when they say thank you and allow me to leave! I thought I busted it..... But a Maxis employee who is taking care of us in the quarantine room told me that it is a good news! I was as puzzled the first time I hear it! It seems that the reason why they don't spend so much time with you in the conference room, is that they are sure to offer you a place for the scholarship! Hence, why the need to waste time for something that is assuring! Whereas for those applicants that are not so convincing, they'll spend more time interrogating them! LOL! Or so it seems.....of course I kept my fingers crossed after hearing this and in a way, it made me calm down and thank God, on 11th August 2010, I received this:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB">Congratulations!</span></i></b></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small;"> You have been selected as one of the 2010 Maxis Scholarship for Excellence - Undergraduate Programme Award recipients.</span> </blockquote><blockquote style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small;"> We will be celebrating this joyous occasion with you in an upcoming award ceremony tentatively planned on the morning of 3 September at Hilton KL, KL Sentral. Both your parents are also invited for this ceremony. (<b><u>Note:</u></b> Immediate family members can attend the ceremony should your parents not be available to participate in this ceremony)</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small;"> There will also be a photoshoot next Wednesday, 18 August. This is great fun as you’ll get to dress up and interact with other recipients. The details for the shoot area as below. We’ll be giving you more details on the requirements for the photoshoot in a separate email. </span></div></blockquote><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next up: Photo shoot and the much awaited award ceremony! *beams*</span></div>Wil Liamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16149222246690264796noreply@blogger.com17