For your entertainment

What makes life enjoyable? It should be good food, good company and good entertainment, right?

Well sort of. But to define 'good entertainment' is not quite an easy task to do. Especially when it comes to film, movies, animation, etc.

Lately, I have watched a string of movies. With my friends, I chuckled heartily at Rowen Atkinson's Johnny English Reborn, and with my family, I watched the local gem, Nasi Lemak 2.0 on DVD. And lastly, got scared out of my wits watching Paranormal Activity 3 (I even briefly considered quitting halfway).

All three were entertaining in a way, although none a masterpiece. When I was watching Johnny English Reborn, I can't help thinking of him as Mr Bean still although he plays a spy cum secret agent in the thriller-comedy. His comedic and hilarious actions thoroughly resembled the trademark character Mr Bean in every way. Well, it was extremely refreshing to see Mr Bean speak (a lot!) and providing him with a love interest in the story further spices things up besides the added bonus of watching Atkinson pull off cool stunts and toy with special weapons. As you watch along, it occurs that this movie isn't just a mindless, laugh out loud (LOL) comedy but one with a riveting action plot and unforgettable villains (and depending on your tastes, a tiny bit of horror too!). Rowan Atkinson's brilliant acting skills manage to shine through and complements the movie very well. The scene that takes the cake has to be when Atkinson struggles to resist total mind control! It proves that he could still play a hero, albeit a funny one that would have you grinning from ear to ear at his antics to save the day.

Nasi Lemak 2.0 is a totally different story altogether. I had evaded this movie while it was playing at the cinemas for fear of being disappointed as I was really unconvinced that it (being a local film) would live up to my expectations (that's me being a skeptic). I was afraid it would be the stereotypical One Malaysia movie that carries the message of racial unity and harmony, which is fine if I was watching one of those Petronas commercials airing on TV, but not something I'd be spending money at a cinema for. It is true that I am one of the youths who have little support for local films or local music and see higher value in Western productions (like Western movies with A-list stars casting and singing talent shows like X-Factor USA, American Idol). My concerns evaporated when Dad brought home the DVD and suggested everyone to watch together it as our 'Family Movie Night'. How could I resist (the much talked about movie)?

Controversial rapper-singer-songwriter now turned director-producer, Namewee, did not disappoint as the movie turned out to be better than mediocre level. The film does well in promoting the 'localized' Malaysian food and culture and it cleverly serves as a message or reminder for Malaysians abroad (students particularly) not to experience culture shock upon returning to their homeland as nothing much has changed- Malaysians are still complaining non-stop and our food is still the best! Other than that, the movie is also a tribute to our popular dish, nasi lemak. Immediately the next morning, Mom bought some nasi lemak home for brunch, and oh well, let's just say that my appetite and appreciation for nasi lemak has undeniably increased after watching the movie. It might be a cringe-worthy experience for non-Malaysians though because the film is all over the place and not quite logical. However, the ending was a pleasant surprise as Namewee ended it differently than what would have been predictable. Aside from the pleasure of seeing the country's landmarks, Namewee's music is also a good addition, boosting the overall enjoyment of the film.

As for Paranormal Activity 3, the advertisement tagline that says, 'You don't even have to watch 1 and 2 to be scared out of your wits' is completely true. Aside from the supernatural element, much of the horror comes from the way the movie is filmed, either close range hand-held or rotating/panning and also surveillance mode. For the first time watching this genre, it was quite an experience being in sync with the scaredy-cat audience and screaming freely together as the scenes understandably elicited a great deal of response. Having put myself and my friend through this frightening ordeal, I sincerely vow there would not be a second time for this genre since much of the money is wasted as we cowered with eyes shielded.

Thus, it is safe to say that all three movies were not boring and made for a fair modern-day entertainment. Movies aside, quite a number of Malaysian teenagers/young adults watch anime, as well as yours truly.

Curiousplayfan says: Now, if only I could find an anime as entertaining as Bleach, that would be great.

Damsel In Distress

Have you ever experienced something you never thought you were capable of? And in a shocking manner. It was not the usual case of achieving something impossible (that you've been aiming for), but the exact reverse. This would be what I call an all-time unprecedented life-changing experience.

It was a circumstances brought upon by myself alright. After having bought a perfect, brand new pair of actual sports shoes and waiting patiently for a 'chance' to wear it, I leapt at the opportunity when Sunday came. (Saturday was off limits because of heavy rain.)

Despite having just recovered from a cold and having gone on an assignment to cover the 'World Food Day' event at campus on the same morning, the excitement of going hiking at a new destination, the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve at our own neighbourhood, Puchong, was a tremendously encouraging thought. The location was suggested by Dad and I was all up for it to get a chance to wear my new shoes and get some exercise in hope to strengthen my body (to prevent another nasty flu attack).

I hadn't realized it would have been so tough. But I seem to be the only one. My 6-year-old sister (who had insisted on coming along) had no problem keeping up with the pace at which my Dad (frequent runner) was going.

I hobbled like an old granny and watched as kids as young as kindergarten age and elderly (senior) citizens alike overtook me while my two companions patiently slowed down whenever they realised I was 'missing' (from view!).

After scaling the first peak and covering a fair amount of distance, I gave up at the point where there was another steep uphill climb. To complete the journey to the highest peak was still a long way to go, and too much for me to handle.

"I really can't go on anymore. I'll just wait right here,", I said, panting quite heavily while motioning to the most obvious spot to sit on, the huge log lying on the ground.

While Dad was persuading me not to forfeit, it was precisely at that time, a resounding roar rippled through the forest and immediately hushed us up.

Was it a tiger? We listened intently, but the sound had faded away. Yet all three of us heard it clearly, what sounded like a roar.

Still, it failed to spark any fear in me, let alone change my mind. I was mildly amused (at the possibility of encountering a tiger), and intensely tired. After getting the point that there is no point trying to make me 'move it', the duo went ahead and I was all alone with the forest.

I was still overwhelmed by the vigorous exercise and trying to catch my breath. Was I that much out of shape? I pondered.

It was at this point that the drama started.

I wasn't sure but it must be the exhaustion and hurrying to keep up, I seem to be struggling inside and there was a sudden strong urge to throw up. I made retching sounds several times, but there was no vomit.

I felt sick and dizzy and immediately sat down on the log. Two kids passed by together, a boy and a girl. After that, I began to panic when my sight started blurring.

My eyes were open but I could no longer see anything. I could barely make out shapes and outlines. It was scary. This has never happened to me before, no matter how much I overexerted myself.

Everything was dark, nearly pitch-black. I struggled to keep a hold on myself and hope this insanity would pass.

It didn't. There was nothing I could do to snap out of it.

I sat there, thinking I would die.

A few women pass by. "She looks pale", one remarks. Then, they left, continuing on their trail.

I was not doing well at all. My hand gripped the wood firmly and held on to it as I struggled to maintain my consciousness.

After a while, a group of concerned men stopped at the sight of me. I didn't know how I looked like, but I was most certainly very unflattering at that moment.

The men starting talking amongst themselves in Cantonese. Since my Cantonese language skill is practically non-existent, I had no idea what they were saying.

They must be worried when they couldn't get any response from me. I could only hold on to the wood as if my life clung on to it. The only thing I could still rely on was my hearing.

And then, without hesitation, I obliged as strong arms supported me and hoisted me up. Still, my legs couldn't support me. I was embarrassed that I was so weak.

Gently, they lifted me and I was placed on someone's back. I was piggy-backed down the hill and the rest of the guys followed behind.

I could feel the strong muscles carrying me as I clung on to the stranger's back. I felt sorry for my saviour as I know it must be neck-breaking work, having to lug around a 50 kg weight on his back.

As we proceed through the forest, I slowly regained my senses. Like magic, the darkness eased up bit by bit and my sight was restored.

They let me down once they learned I was ok.

I was understandably both highly embarrassed and extremely grateful to the good Samaritans. My saviour was a fit guy in his early thirties while the others were of various ages, none a teenager, but all looking very fit.

I thanked them profusely for 'rescuing' me and they waved it off good-naturedly, and further dished out some advice to me before going their separate ways.

When I met up with Dad and my sister, Dad told me he heard from the other hikers passing by that there was a girl who looked pale and unwell en route their trail.

"Dad... That was me."

Uh-huh. The damsel in distress of the day.

Quite an achievement for the first time wearing my sports shoes. (I felt so lame, as if I was a character from some drama, especially the piggy-ride part!)

It was quite pathetic considering I didn't even manage to complete the trail. I've lost to my 6-year-old sister (who seemed to go through the whole thing without breaking a sweat)!

Idle

Humans are fragile creatures indeed. At this moment, I am fighting a terrible bout of flu that is taking its toll on me and making me suffer; the battle is ongoing.

In particular, I am not thrilled that we are easily susceptible to influences or attacks, whether physical or mental, we are not immune to it.

After watching countless anime and some Hollywood blockbusters, I wish that I were stronger and possess impressive martial arts/combat skills! That could come in handy when I want to kick some a** or defend myself!

Recently, I played a cameo role in a friend's short film/video assignment. I was reluctant to help out at first (because acting is really not my forte!) but did so since I was hard-pressed to turn down a friend's request. The story was a tragic one. It was about how a girl finally committed suicide after having had enough of bullying from her peers.

And guess what? I was to act as one of the bullies! One of the 'mean girls'! It actually made me grimace inside when I had to hurl insults and degrade another person and even roughened her up a little (all in accordance to the script of course). Well, it was only an act, but suffice to say, I didn't enjoy being a bully, not even one tiny bit.

Looking back, everyone has their own 'suffering' to endure, whether it is a struggle inside or outside, no other person can truly understand it except yourself.

As for me, I'd rather not share my burden (if any) with others unless I think they are willing and able to help or can relate to it. In this age and day, friends aren't necessarily a shoulder to cry on anymore, but rather just a wonderful bunch of companions to keep you company, nothing more, nothing less.

On the other hand, sitting around complaining isn't going to get us anywhere we want to be, hence it is better to move it. Action speaks louder than words after all!

The pursuit

More than anything else, beauty is the thing that I've always wanted to achieve.

I didn't used to be so conscious about my look. Until I reach teenage hood that is.

There are a lot of things that I regret now. If only I had taken better care of myself when the slightest 'problem' with my appearance crop up in my early years (of adolescence).

Though I am grateful that I'm not overweight/plus-sized, my entire appearance just screams plain jane.

Nothing memorable, easily forgettable.

This, coupled with my somewhat introverted personality, spells total disaster.

I can easily accept/tolerate other people and do my best to get along with people or play along with the situation, in short, harmony is the key, but I am finding it a teeny-weeny bit hard to accept myself.

I've rarely received compliments about my looks but I've understood and worked that out a long time ago. I have acne. Mild-moderate range, but still, not pleasant to look at.

It's a really tough world for girls out there. I can totally relate and understand the need for cosmetic surgery.

Ironically, I was in the shoot for an article, a two-page spread about cosmetic surgery. I figured out that I am not alone, most people are not entirely happy with the way they look either.

I guess we all secretly wish we could undergo that 'transformation', that miraculous change needed to give us that boost of confidence and satisfaction in our lives.

I've came to the conclusion that almost nothing is worth spending on as much as beauty enhancement; that your money is well spent on things that would or have the potential to make you look good. The least extreme example would be clothes/wardrobe and products.

Simply because, everything else is temporary, looks stay, for a while, with careful maintenance, effects could be maximized.

Food, travel, movies- they're great reasons to part with my money, but nothing to help my self-esteem with.

Any greatest, most delicious meal in the entire world in a posh restaurant will just be that, food, which is eventually digested and gone. The act of eating is pleasure, but it is purely short-lived. After that? The feeling of over-fullness/bloated tummy when you've gulped down a buffet does not utterly sit well on your conscience when you have consumed certainly more than what's needed to fill the stomach. Movies are great fun, but you forget them after a while. They do stay in your memories but have otherwise lost significance. And travel. Unless someone handles the 'details' for me, it's not worth the trouble.

Thus, I have make a decision to minimize all 3 components to save up money. When I've had enough, I'll definitely go without fear, but with caution and thorough research.

Not plastic surgery of course (I'm looking for minimal down-time!), but some other subtler methods, laser treatment, microdermabrasion, etc.

I know that the having clear skin is not going to change my life, but the possibility of it excites me already. It will be a huge, huge improvement that no amount of food, movies or travel can ever deliver! That personal state of satisfaction and achievement.

I'm not going to let anyone put their foot down and extinguish my plans, I'm truly committed, I'm truly determined that I really want to have that beautiful-healthy-clear-glowing-skin look.

Because until I reach the state of appearance that is desirable by myself, I won't be truly happy. I would only be in a state of synthesized happiness. No matter how pleasant or comfortable my surroundings are, the dissatisfaction/discontent coming from myself cannot be stifled/silenced.

I believe that altering a person's features does not make the person any lesser or any different than he/she originally was.

After all, isn't it human rights for every person to live they way they desire? Freedom of choice!

To feel good, you also have to look good. It is no secret that confident and attractive people have a head-start in life as they have a higher self-esteem.

It would be really great to have a balance of both looks and personality!

The floating bookstore

Logos Hope is the second ship to set sail on its maiden voyage. Travelling all around the world to spread the 'word of hope' (as the ship is named after), this year's pit stop includes Malaysia.

During the first weekend of the boat's anchor at Port Klang, the Malaysian public turned out in full force, getting to experience, first-hand, the wonders of a floating bookstore and the story behind it.

After an hour or two of queuing up, no doubt people were impatient and delighted to finally see if it was worth the wait.

After being welcomed on board as you would when boarding a plane, we were first treated to a (video) screening that explains the humble beginnings and the ship's mission and vision.

To sum it up, their aim is bringing knowledge, help and hope.

Before proceeding to the bookstore exhibition section, we also checked out the interesting timeline of facts and trivia presented attractively on the walls of the ship itself.

Now, on to the main course which is the book exhibition itself. The books are priced in units to make the conversion rate easier as all countries use different currencies. Here, 100 units is equivalent to our RM 8.

Compared to book exhibitions like Big Bad Wolf or the recent Bookfest at KL, the books do not come that cheap as understandably, there were no major discounts, special price, etc. or books on offer.

However, it does feels like you've stepped in a bookstore with a huge variety of good hardcover books. Hours flew by as we eagerly browsed through the books amongst the crowd.

Books aside, the exhibition also sells music albums from various genres as well as souvenirs and merchandise.

After the book exhibition, we breezed through the section with a lot of (hand-drawn, colourful) portraits depicting life, hardship, family and other stories, mostly of children or young people. Most did not stay long to decipher the meaning of the portraits as like yours truly, their feet were aching from standing too long and headed straight to the cafeteria or what was aptly named International Cafe.

Here, the public had a chance to chat and mingle around with the crew members of various nationalities; they were assembled on board from 45 different countries.

I was pleasantly surprised that the 'shy' stereotype of Malaysians were less apparent today. Fluent or otherwise, public and crew members flaunt their English, exchange greetings and then all around, conversations were going pretty smoothly.

Oddly enough, all the crew members were undeniably well-groomed and easy on the eyes. Which got me wondering if it was a prerequisite!

My table (where I sat with my family) was joined by two lovely ladies who approached us first, asking if we would mind them joining us.

25-year-old Katya (wearing the name tag, second from left) is from Russia, while Sabrina Muller, 27, is from Switzerland.

Katya spoke extremely fluent English due to the nature of her job. Besides being an English teacher, she is a language translator (Russian-English and English-Russian). It is her job to teach the new crew members who are less fluent in English, as it is now their lingua franca while on board. She works in the administrative department. Meanwhile, Sabrina is one of the 'angels'. 'Angels' wake up at 5.30 am to clean the ship spic-and -span.

All crew members work on various projects, and may be assigned to receive different tasks, in which the ship delivers aid to the needy. Katya recalls that she had helped bring cheer to children in (their) Dubai (pit stop) while Sabrina remembers painting a fresh new coat to brighten up a hospital.

Both of them did not bring a friend along or knew anyone else when they boarded the ship as a volunteer. (All crew members are unpaid volunteers).

They were truly ladies with a brave, free-spirited mind and a soul for adventure. To hop on board as a crew member is not something to be taken lightly, as the usual period of volunteering is two years. (In special cases, upon request, the minimum period granted is 3 months.)

Both admitted that they were having a great time getting along with the other crew members and starting to get to know the newcomers closer as the day goes by.

Their joy was obvious in the manner that both gushed about having a 'wonderful' coconut curry dinner yesterday and a really 'great' chef on board.

Having good food and great company on board, what more could one ask for? (Although unpaid, crew members are given some pocket money.)

With my curiosity piqued, I inquired about the prerequisites to become a crew member.

It turns out one has to be aged 18 and above, and fit/healthy.

Before I can say 'yes!', she dropped the bombshell.

One also has to be of Christian religion to be a crew member.

"So there is no place for a non-Christian on board?", I asked.

"Well, not as a crew member, but you can be a guest. Of course, we welcome visitors from all religions!", Katya replied.

After gathering that I have become not eligible, the conversation naturally moved on to other topics.

It was a long conversation (Katya was doing most of the talking though). The other noteworthy fact we learned was that apparently, the first ship, Doulous was built two years after Titanic!! Doulous meant 'servant', which represented its service to the people. No longer in service, it is currently decomissioned in Singapore.

Eventually, we ended the conversation somewhere and waved goodbye to the crew members and the ship.

Logos Hope was an impressive sight at night, eerily enchanting on the dark, smooth surface of the still ocean.

Ultimately, Logos Hope was not only memorable for its concept of the floating bookstore, but also for its friendly crew members with a diverse background.

*After Port Klang (Selangor), Logos Hope will be stopping at Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) next before continuing on its next destination, Singapore.

Blink blink

When I woke up on this fine Saturday, I was utterly caught off guard and completely surprised when I discovered that it is October already. October! I gasped. Like how come no one wakes me up when September ends? 

Well, for a start, this Saturday will be the first that I do not have to attend piano class anymore. After three years under the wing of a wise teacher who coincidentally shares the same first name as me(!), I have graciously told her that I wanted to quit piano. Erm actually, I wasn't brave enough to tell her face-to-face so she learned the news indirectly from the counter staff managing the music centre.

However, I was told that I can't quit cold turkey like that all of a sudden. All procedures must have a one-month advance notice, the counter staff told me. So, for the whole of September, I was taking lessons with the knowledge that I am 'retiring' once the month is over.

To my surprise, my teacher was indeed a true champ- an understanding person. I was quite nervous when I stepped in to see how she would react (after learning the news and all) and all she said was, 'It's too much (to handle) is it?', with this kindest smile on her face. 

I was one of her more memorable students because unlike most of her other students who start learning their musical notes and symbols at a relatively young age, I started fresh when I was 16, mid-way in Form 4. It was embarrassing to start learning up the notes one by one and playing your first song Mary Had A Little Lamb on the piano at my age! But I was motivated to learn because I really liked piano music. 

So three years later, I have closed my chapter by stopping at the Grade 5 level. Why not go further on, you might ask? It is just too tough,  would be my honest answer. Not to mention energy and time-consuming, plus, learning at the higher grades, the fun factor is greatly diminished, it is all about perfection of one very difficult piece rather than playing a variety of classical pieces which are challenging yet still highly entertaining and fun to learn. It is true that they say no pain no gain but the reason I took up piano in the first  place was to learn it as a new hobby and to be able to play piano at leisure at the comfort of my own home. Now that I have achieved a firm understanding of the basics and even sat for exams, I do not wish to go further on. Passion and patience are the only things that is truly important for someone not musically-inclined. Well, you could call me an amateur but I wouldn't mind because I truly am one. 

So then, this would explain why I was really touched and even a little bit shocked (in a good way!) when Teacher offered me a chance. She was going to let me audition for the centre's year-end concert! The audition is set to take place on the 26th (October) although the actual concert details has yet to be announced. I would be playing two duets with my younger brother, who too, jumped on the bandwagon because of me! There is truly nothing more that I can wish for than to exit with a gracious bow!

For all reasons concerned and for myself, I must pull this one off well! Talk about having a last chance to make someone proud! I wasn't going to freak out though, but there would be a panel of judges at the audition to 'filter' the students aspiring to perform. The panel of judges, as nerve-wracking as that sounds, actually only comprises of the various piano teachers of the centre, but only the more mature/knowledgeable and experienced ones. She would be among them, judging.

Albeit the concert would actually just be another small-scaled student's recital, yours truly, the enthusiastic amateur is still all fired up to be given this last opportunity. 

*In conclusion, Curiousplayfan sees piano only as a passionate hobby and not a serious thing (career, performance, exams, etc.) Having learned the traditional way, she does not know how to play by ear.