Tall Guy's Story

I Am Lost

TWM — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:39:01 +0000

Life is a maze. It is unrelenting with confusing series of pathways. No one can ever avoid the twist and turn of the routes. It’s one of those puzzles where you go on one end, and surprisingly end up in another. Sometimes you might be lucky enough to get through, sometimes you’re stuck on a dead end full of disappointment. So you try another, sometimes backtracking in an effort find the correct route. But most of the time, you are lost in the middle of nowhere. There’s only one way through the maze and you have to try every option available.

Decisions are vital in the maze. Whether it be a wise or careless one, a decision has to be made to go on. One is followed by another. Once in a blue moon you might pick your brain, “Why the hassle? Can’t I just escape from all these mind-blowing, complicated and bizarre stress of life?” You can put your overspending life into a halt for a moment. Eventually, you will need to get back to life.

Life is about seeking the source of true contentment and happiness. There is no such phrase as “They live happily ever after”. Fairy tales are just an escape from reality, which hurts. While I am composing this irritating truth of reality, I could feel the ache in the pit of my stomach, gradually bubbling into my chest, filling me with chill and melancholy. I am lost.

Now Playing… 낯선 해 (연주곡) – 박혜리

: Life is a Maze – by TumbleVision

Next Big One will strike Sumatra within decades

TWM — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:09:25 +0000

Another earthquake similar to the one that caused the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami will be arriving within decades. It centers on Padang and the tectonic time bomb it is sitting on. This time it might be 8.8 magnitude. Geologist Kelly Sieh shared this pretty terrifying tales.

Photo from BBC

Sieh is as certain of this prediction as scientists get. He has narrowed the timeframe to mere decades — a small window in a field where scientists more commonly study patterns in land and rock formations spanning hundreds or thousands of years.

The evidence comes from measurements made with the global positioning system (GPS) which tracks horizontal and vertical land movement, and recovering prehistoric data from coral, which record sea-level changes in their growth patterns over the centuries. His team found that Sumatra has been hit by a sequence of large earthquakes caused by ruptures along the Sunda megathrust about every 200 years: in the 1300s, 1600s and 1800s. So the next one is coming, he says, and Sumatra’s central western coast will be ground zero. -TheMalaysianInsider

Picking up an age-worn globe, he points to the exact spot where the quake will hit and its likely trail of destruction. Because it will be further south than the 2004 quake, any tsunami would be most serious along the central western coast of Sumatra, and in the opposite direction, south-west heading to Mauritius and South Africa, where the waves would arrive many hours later and have time to dissipate. But the giant waves could affect more than a million people along the Sumatra coastline, particularly in the densely populated city of Padang.

Soldiers and volunteers carry an earthquake victim from a collapsed hotel in Padang on Indonesia's Sumatra island October 1, 2009. (REUTERS/Muhammad Fitrah/Singgalang Newspaper)

There is nothing to stop the expected tragedy. We can only get the word out so that more can be done to save lives. Hopefully this time it won’t be that deadly.

To learn more about the science behind the quake, visit HERE

Jason’s 1st Attempt on Flash Presentation 2005

TWM — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Some say most left-handed are totally into arts and are very creative. Absolutely right! Instead of dribbling the ball to put my 189cm height into good use, I chose to nurture and hone my innate (at least that’s what i think) skills in design. Marketing myself has always been a relentless trait.

Allow me to present you, a 21-year-old undergraduate production 2005 – “The Grand Opening”

p/s: This presentation is best viewed with high speed connection as it is quite a huge file to load. Thus, if you experience slow connection or loading, let it load til the very end and watch the loop playback of it. The next time you enter this post, it will start directly and play without lagging. As this took more than 2 months to compile, I just need less than 10 minutes of your time to appreciate the masterpiece.

I taught myself Adobe Flash (formerly named as Macromedia Flash) when I was 21. Being in the publicity department, I took up challenge to compile and produce a presentation for the grand opening of the 1st Malaysia Conference we’d organized. From a Flash dummy to a so called ‘intermediate’, I sat in front of my personal computer with a dial-up internet connection, 12 hours a day, working on this particular presentation.

It took me two months from brainstorming the contents to designing the template, from selecting the best soundtrack to embedding relevant videos and finally synchronizing the tempo and compiling the overall presentation. Instead of revising my engineering subject, my brain was almost exploded with gimmicks to ensure a perfect presentation that was able to create an oomph to all international and local participants in the conference.

2 hours ago, I was re-organizing my files and folders from my previous hard disk. Coincidentally, I came across this particular masterpiece and was eager to share to my fellow readers (although it is not perfect).. as I am still proud of it.

I guess this is the way I market myself. “Surprise myself to surprise others”. Welcome to my world!

TWM Photoblog officially launched!

TWM — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:05:20 +0000

Check out my latest photoblog. Showcasing my best shots in photography. Feel free to comment and rate the shots.

www.twmphoto.com

Journey of Hope

TWM — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:46:00 +0000

I closed my eyes and slowly took a deep breath. I could hear the weeping of a 40-year-old woman. It was deep, mournful and unrelenting. Images of her desperately holding on to her lifeless baby in the mud remained suspended on my mind. Then my heart pounded frantically as I remember the families struggling against the strong currents of the swollen creek, trying to reach for anything solid to keep them from being washed away. Some were hanging on to the rusty lamp post. Some were clinging on to the old and dilapidated signage. As for the less fortunate, they passed out floating gracefully along with the current. The awful, terrifying wailing came again and this time it was from all directions. All of a sudden, a ray of light shone upon my face. It was the warmth that brought me back to my consciousness.

The glare of the sun broke down into rays behind the window panes and one of it glowed directly on me. Slowly I gazed out from the moving train. The world is indeed beautiful. The light wakes up the world and reminds human beings that it is time to start the day with renewed strength and enthusiasm, to set simple to lofty ambitions, and to fulfill dreams. I can see school children walking in a straight line under the menacing eyes of teachers, uni students taking slow steps in the busy streets while endlessly revising their notes, and businessmen racing briskly to work while cutting through human crowd. Unknown to these people, miles away from the city of possibilities lies an entirely different world which is bleak, terrifying and unpredictable.

More than 1000 miles away, there lies a city sinking into abysmal depths of fear, sorrow, and hopelessness. The Typhoon Ketsana had called a month’s worth rainfall to wash Metro Manila in a single day. Later on its course it whipped neighboring countries of Vietnam and Cambodia. Changing direction to SouthWestern, a huge earthquake churned up a giant tsunami that devastated the Samoa islands causing buildings to topple and killing at least 53 people. Another powerful earthquake struck off the city of Padang on Sumatra Island trapping thousands under rubble. Mother nature took away 75 lives. Going through the circle of disasters, the focus returned to Manila where another super typhoon is predicted to be strong enough to tear apart homes.

The world has lost its charms in the eyes of these people. The unforgiving catastrophes stole away their happiness, their loved ones, their home, and their lovely planned future. Life can be as glittering as a diamond and as gloomy as the fog the next day. The hope and plans might turn to dust in a split second.

It was a singular emotion that no words can describe. It began as an aching, miserable feeling in the pit of my stomach, gradually bubbling into my chest, filling me with chill and sadness. The world has once again been enveloped into sheer darkness as the train passed into the tunnel.

The train came to a halt as it reached its destination. I lazily stood up and walked out with a heavy heart . I am back to the world of material comfort where unsatisfied and ungrateful people complain endlessly over minor inconveniences.

As the cerulean sky and fresh air greeted me as i stepped out of the MRT station, I’ve once again realized how fortunate I am to live in peace, in comfort, and in touch with my aspirations and goals. Until when all these will last? Only the future can tell.

Friends are like Valentine

TWM — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:50:00 +0000

“It’s that time of year again when florist make more money in three days than they normally do in three months. When you put your lactose intolerance aside and enthusiastically accept chocolates from your boyfriend like it’s the most creative gift on earth. A time when you willingly pay a ridiculous amount of money to sit in a crowded restaurant to stare into each other’s eyes while trying to ignore the 20 other couples doing the exact same thing. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. A wonderful time for those in love.” -interesting definition from Reader’s Digest.

Neither burning a hole in my pocket nor getting eyesore staring too much, it was nothing but a normal day for someone with no Valentine. Sometimes I wondered, is this supposed to be something to be sorry about or a relieve? Hmm… Ok, back to topic.. Love was more focused on friendship that day. That sunny morning started with a family breakfast. The enjoyment of my delicious “Loh Mee” was interrupted by mum’s grumble. “Why my handsome son and pretty daughter who dressed so lovely today still no valentine? No one will ever believe this.. bla bla..” As usual, ears were opened wide enough to let all words in and definitely out easily.

A lady who shares the same interest, passion and thoughts would be ideal but seems like my cupid angel is still looking for his best arrow to fire. It is like shopping for suitable clothes. You got to look around at different shops with different brands and design. Yes, I admit I’m someone who will go for a try on less frequent in a fitting room if I see clothes that might suit me. Sometimes you may end up not buying any.. oopss.

While my parents headed back to hometown, and sister back working on her audit file, I started the Karaoke session with my old friend and her colleagues at Red Box as the shouting and vocalizing lasted for 3 hours. We had nothing better to do than to join the crowd where most couples hang out. Park? No.. Hotel? hey, you dirty minded.. It is the dark room where couples can do anything without being noticed.

Movie Crowd on Valentines

It was worth queuing. Wistful, melancholic, steeped in a sense of impermanence and looming mortality, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” starring Brad Pitt is not a movie one could have predicted. It tells the tall tale of an infant who is born as an old man—tiny but suffering all the infirmities of an 80-year-old—who lives his life in reverse, becoming younger with each passing year until he achieves real infancy at the end of his life. Truly inspirational !

The lovely day was concluded with dinner/supper back in hometown accompanied by another old friend of mine. So, no Valentine? No problem.. Because friends are like Valentine. Heartwarming, bringing pleasure. Connected to good feelings, with memories to treasure.

Portrait shot of me and Lithan

Portrait shot of me and Shuey Ding

Since I was back from Banjarmasin, everyday is party day for me. Meeting friends and family here and there… having fun and laughter here and there .. chatting, gossiping here and there. And of course, eating and keep eating here and there. So, every day is Valentine’s for me!

Chap Lak Meh Steamboat Gathering – Singapore

Family Gathering at Shokudo

My last word. Happy Valentines Day everyone! Hope you enjoy your way of celebrating it.

Chinese New Year 2009 (Selamat Tahun Baru Imlek)

TWM — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:57:00 +0000

For Chinese people, the Lunar New Year that falls on Jan26 will be a great occassion to reflect on what they have achieved in the past year as well as to make a wish for the year to come.

As for all who work away from home, reunion with loved ones in the Lunar New Year holiday is the best, or one of the best, remunerations for all the hardships that have been endured during the year. Bringing money and gifts home to aged parents and young children is the greatest joy after year’s hardwork. These are the values of Chinese culture that have remained for thousands of years.

For me, who is now working on a dredging project, this year is an exception. Neither family gathering nor lavish reunion dinner, here am I in a Muslim dominated country – Indonesia. Red packets (angpow) collecting sessions, waking up fresh with new red clothes, visiting around with friends are replaced by a word that no one will like it (W-O-R-K).

Barongsai – Lion Dance

Disappointment increased when the festive occasion will be celebrated as a low-key event in a world where Chinese is minority. Before the reform era, Imlek (Chinese) related celebrations were shunned by the New Order government. At least now, it’s good to see people openly celebrating Imlek. However, it is a different story in Aceh – the only province in the country that has adopted Islamic sharia law. Chinese have to abide by all existing regulations in Aceh. Many Chinese are fearful of publicly performing the world-reowned lion dance, known as Barongsai, wary of riling followers of other religions.

It was Jan25, a day that every Chinese longed for. My grumbling stomach reminded me, it’s time for the big feast. This time no expensive abalone soup, auspicious fatt choi or delicious home-cooked mun cabbage, instead, I had a quite sumptuous feast with my colleague at an Indonesian-Chinese restaurant (halal). I had no complains… at least we had a reunion lunch as scheduled.

Me and the so called Reunion Lunch

I wondered since when the BBQ tradition started in my life. The BBQ dinner haunted me twice in a row this year. First, the New Year celebration in Singapore and now Chinese New Year in Banjarmasin. Our celebration continued with an early simple BBQ dinner with guys from work.

After the fun messing around with our food, we then rushed back for a Lion Dance performance scheduled at the hotel lobby. The funny word “Barongsai” which means Lion Dance in Indonesian was introduced. The ceremonial drumming added some spices and create the exotic, authentic atmosphere for the auspicious celebration. As the drum goes on, I whispered to myself, “At least, I had something different this year! I’ve never watched Lion Dance performance during Lunar’s eve.” Hours of walking, sniffing, acting curious and pawing on the ground, the Barongsai ended. As usual I’ve filled up my memory card with all the interesting shots.

Greetings from the lions on CNY Eve at Swissbel Hotel Lobby, Banjarmasin Indonesia

Nope, it’s not the end of our day. We ended up at the hotel lounge singing in public. Being forced by my half-drunked colleague, I was asked to sing with the contract singer. First, the popular Indonesian song by ST12 named PUSPA (Putuskan Saja Pacarmu), then touching love song “Terima Kasih Cinta” by Afghan and lastly, the duet of oldies “Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You”. I was a bit nervous during the first song, but then confidence was gained when fun rolls in.

Singing 3 songs in a row after the Lion Dance

Cheers and claps from colleagues, guests and hotel staff made my day. The supposed to be an unexciting day became an extraordinary experience. As the famous Chinese proverb goes, “When you are at home, you depend on your family. When you are out of home, you depends on your friends”. I seconded. Nowadays, hotel is treated as my second home, while hoteliers and colleagues became my family members. On my second thought, I am already back home for Chinese New Year.

We visited the only temple in Banjarmasin on the next day. Quite surprised to be greeted by some local Chinese who speaks Chinese! Although they are not fluent, I managed to have a good chat and got to know about the best place for non-halal Chinese food and where all the Chinese hang around. According to them, the number of ethnic Chinese here who embrace Buddhism is falling, with many converting to Protestantism and Catholicism.

Tri Dharma Temple at Banjarmasin

No matter if they are Christian or Muslim-Christian, most of them will throng temples to burn incense, and pay respect to their ancestors during the prosperous day. For them, this is not defying their religion but a chance to reflect on life and remember their ancestors. Most of them want their kids to know who their ancestors were and they don’t think praying for their souls and remembering why they are here now makes them less of a Muslim or Christian. I felt proud as the Chinese over here stand as one even they are from various religions.

Merry Christmas and A Happy Recession Year!

TWM — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Same old words, time flies. Another year awaits for us! But, having to think about it.. Have you achieved what you’ve planned for 2008? No? If it is regarding work or better pay? Then too bad. As recession is coming to town. Indeed it has already arrived at your doorsteps.

This year, Christmas is never that merry.. for most people. Why? Because “Recession is Coming to Town“. So, sing along…

You’d better watch out
You’d better not cry
You’d better keep cash
I’m telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

It’s hitting you once,
It’s hitting you twice
It doesn’t care if you’ve been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town

It’s worthless if you’ve got shares
It’s worthless if you’ve got bonds
It’s safe when you’ve got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY

You’d better watch out
You’d better not cry
You’d better keep cash
I’m telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!

Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH

You’d better watch out
You’d better not cry
You’d better keep cash
I’m telling you why:
Recession is coming to town

America’s second biggest bank, Citigroup announced a staggering cut of 52,000 jobs. China announced a big jump in unemployment as many factories producing for exports closed. Singapore foreign talents human waves slows down as recession bites. Approximate 16,000 employees laid off by Sony. Dell lays off 700 in Ireland while San Disk layoff 450 – 500 employees. Motorola joined the crowd with 3000 employees. A lot of the factories have choosen to layoffs their staffs or force their employees to take unpaid leave. Bla bla..

——–

Well, well.. shall I talk about this during Christmas Day! Am I spoiling ur mood huh? Sure, I am… Sorry for that but Merry Christmas.

This year, am celebrating Christmas in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. No christmas songs, no candlelight, no fireworks, no hustling crowd, no doubt.. a “Silent Night” indeed. Well, at least we had a company dinner during Christmas Eve at a Japanese Restaurant… no huge turkey but sashimi and teppanyaki for Christmas.. what a weirdo…

Anan, Me and Ronnie (Christmas 2008)

Nova, Sarifuddin and Kwong

Jan, Evie, Kwong and Sarifudin

——–

Still remember last christmas, me and bunch of friends joined the countdown crowd at Orchard Road, then headed to Clarke Quay for some beer, finally ended around Singapore River, not longing to go home.. That was really a fun time!

The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Crowd at Orchard Road (Singapore 2007)

Christmas at Clarke Quay (2007)

Amazing Thailand: The Magical Journey Never Ends (Day 4 & 5)

TWM — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:11:00 +0000

Day 4 is Family Day as we spent most of our time in Dream World or in other words, The World of Happiness. The classical European style fantasy land is located at Pathum Thani Province, just north of Bangkok. Although nothing much relating to Thai, it is the best place for family fun.

Dream World, Thailand

Totally lost in the Fairy Tale maze, we visited the Giant’s house (Jack and the Beanstalk), strolling around Frog Prince castle, riding around with the enchanted Cinderella pumpkin carriage.

Stuck in Jack’s Room

Do some arm wrestling and transformed myself to SuperJason and caught the bloody thief on a Tuk Tuk. Sounds childish rite? Come on, it’s dreamland.. spare yourself and be childish for a day!

Arm Wrestling

SuperJason saves the day

——–

Ok, if the childish fairy tales don’t appeal to you, then you may consider this.. feel the adrenaline rush on the coaster…

Silhouettes of the coaster

If you couldn’t stand the hot weather, cool down in the Snow House. Finally, we ended the day with another family portrait. This is supposed to be a couple seat in Dream World. Instead we made it a family seat. Why not? Love makes a family, don’t u agree?

Love Makes a Family

——–

Great moments are always short! Don’t you think so? The moments I have been longing for, now became memories. Although it was just 5days 4nights.. our family bond had grown stronger. I strongly believe that travel is the best way we share love, happiness and great memories together.

Family Portrait at 84th Floor

Even though, our Thailand trip ended after the fifth day. The Magical moments will never go away, and remains in our heart as a nostalgic memory.

It has been great sharing these wonderful moments with you, and I wish to share more. Now that I’m back in Banjarmasin, Indonesia for work, I never miss documenting the Banjarese lives over here through photography. Just went to Lok Baintan, Banjarmasin early 5.30am this morning. Had a lot of scenic shots of the traditional Floating Market here. Will be sharing them in my blog soon, but first, I’ll need time editing and uploading. So, stay tuned..

Of all the 2000++ photos, these are some i can share… feel free to browse through my Amazing Thailand photostream in Flickr for more photos–> Amazing Thailand Photoset

Once Upon A December (2 years after)

TWM — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:05:00 +0000

“November should be the month, but why he is not out yet?” she questioned worriedly. Day after day.. excitement became restlessness. “Until one fateful day, a big moth landed on my belly and you came to the world hours later,” she told me.

Her statements put me in deep thoughts. Am I “Liang San Puo” (from Chinese literature Lovers) reincarnated? Nope, they turned to butterflies, not moth! Am I an immortal from the moth clan who got reincarnated due to wrongdoings? Perhaps, I watched too much Chinese fairy tales. All unrealistic thoughts swirling my mind. Anyway…

——–

2 years after the first post, Once Upon A December – 22years of living, here am I again celebrating my 24th Anniversary.. No longer celebrating alone during semester break in University (2 years ago), and unlike last year, celebrating with my schoolmates in a Japanese Restaurant, Singapore.. this time I was accompanied by my fellow colleagues in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. It’s a memorable one indeed as the hotel lounge singer and other hotel staff get together and sang me a birthday song as well.

Celebration at Hotel, 9pm

My heart melts as candles burnt. It was a touching memorable moment. Thanks for all the wishes I’ve got from you guys. May all our dreams come true. World peace, and say no to global warming!

——–

Updated on 3rd December 2008

I thought I am finished with this post. I am wrong. Good times haven’t ended yet. I’ve received a wonderful surprise from the hotel today.

Birthday Wish from Swissbel Hotel

After all day work, back to my hotel room, this is placed on the minibar. Although my name is spelled wrongly, I really appreciate the effort. With this, I would say this is my best birthday ever as everyone in the hotel are aware about my birthday.

2 Birthday Guys

Coincidentaly, it is Jan’s (colleague) birthday today, one day after mine. All of us gathered and went for a nice dinner at a restaurant to celebrate our big day. Just came back from the dinner. Surprises all day long.

Tall Guy's Story

I Am Lost

Related Posts:

Next Big One will strike Sumatra within decades

Related Posts:

Jason’s 1st Attempt on Flash Presentation 2005

Related Posts:

TWM Photoblog officially launched!

Related Posts:

Journey of Hope

Related Posts:

Friends are like Valentine

Related Posts:

Chinese New Year 2009 (Selamat Tahun Baru Imlek)

Related Posts:

Merry Christmas and A Happy Recession Year!

Related Posts:

Amazing Thailand: The Magical Journey Never Ends (Day 4 & 5)

Related Posts:

Once Upon A December (2 years after)

Related Posts: