The Gallivantings of Daniel Franklin Gomez

2010 FIFA World Cup – My Initial Prediction

Gallivanter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:06:44 +0000

OK, before I proceed, I would like to say that the country that I support is Germany, and been supporting them since 1990 and Lothar Matthaeus still remains my favorite player of all time. Moving on with my initial prediction, which I shall tweak closer to the event, looking at the player selections for each country.

2010 FIFA World Cup - My Initial Prediction

Group A
As boring as France is, I think they are favorites in this group, with Uruguay, Mexico and South Africa challenging for the remaining spot. Personally, I would like to see South Africa, the host nation plus Urugya into the next round. Top 2 – France & Uruguay

Group B

It’s obvious that Argentina are hot favorites by a mile, with Nigeria being second favorites. I don’t want to see Greece going through, and I don’t think South Korea would go far either. Top 2 – Argentina & Nigeria

Group C
Oh no, it’s an easy group for England, an arrogant country who think at every world cup, they will win it. While they should easily come away as group winners here with USA giving them a scare, England won’t win the world cup – I hope they don’t because the last win in 1966, they’re still talking about it! Top 2 – England & USA

Group D
A potential bananaskin draw for Germany I must say, with Ghana, Serbia and Australia all having the X factor of surprise. Germany are known to step up when it matters so I reckon they should be able to finish as winners, but second place, it’s a toss up between any of the 3. Top 2 – Germany & Serbia

Group E
The self-imploding Holland will crush Cameroon, Denmark and Japan to move on to the second round. I expect Cameroon and Denmark to fight for the remaining slot. Japan who? Top 2 – Holland & Cameroon.

Group F
What an easy group for Italy! Maybe Paraguay is the “biggest” threat, but Slovakia and New Zealand? Ha! Unless New Zealand play football like rugby, they don’t have a chance in hell. Top 2 – Italy & Paraguay

Group G
It may still be a clear cut route for Brazil, once again, hot favorites as usual. It’s nice to see the overrated Portugal in the same group because I hope Ivory Coast finishes second. As for North Korea, as much as I would like to say they’re the whipping boys, I think they might provide a scare. Top 2 – Brazil & Ivory Coast

Group H
This is by far the easiest group of the draw, as Spain faces competition from Chile, Switzerland and Honduras. I would not mind seeing Spain lifting the title giving European countries the lead. Chile should be able to dispatch off Switzerland and Honduras. Top 2 – Spain & Chile

Round of 16
I would love to see upsets in the form of Nigeria & Serbia, and with that, I’m sticking my neck out to say that Serbia might be the likely upset. The most entertaining tie of the round would be Spain vs Ivory Coast with Spain just shading it.

France vs Nigeria – France
England vs Serbia – Serbia
Holland vs Paraguay – Holland
Brazil vs Chile – Brazil
Argentina vs Uruguay – Argentina
Germany vs USA – Germany
Italy vs Cameroon – Italy
Spain vs Ivory Coast – Spain

Quarterfinals
France vs Serbia – France
Holland vs Brazil – Brazil
Argentina vs Germany – Argentina
Italy vs Spain – Spain

Wow. How mouthwatering is that? As much as I would like to see Germans seeing off Argentina, I think it could be a tough one for them. As for France, the luck of the draw is what keeping their name here, for me anyway.

Semifinals
France vs Brazil
Argentina vs Spain

This is where France’s campaign ends, to the mighty Brazil. Argentina might provide some scare but in the end, Spain’s class will see them through.

Final
Brazil vs Spain

Spain to win it for me. I just hope the final is not an anti-climax like the Brazil vs Italy final in 1994.

Sunway Pyramid Aims to be Malaysia’s Biggest Mall in 5 Years

Gallivanter — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:06:36 +0000

Sunway Pyramid Aims to be Malaysia's Biggest Mall in 5 Years

The Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall plans to be Malaysia’s biggest mall by size within the next five years! I’m a regular there, at least twice a month and I’m looking forward to the expansion so I do not have to rely on Midvalley all the time for its completeness.

I just wish Domanchi opens up a branch here. Currently, Sunway Pyramid is 1.7 million sq ft in terms of shopping area, and Midvalley stands at 2.5 million (with a God knows how much wasted for Gardens), while 1Utama is at 1.85 million.

My second home Kota Kinabalu, One Borneois 1.5 million sq ft, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is 1.37 million sq ft while KLCC is 1.18 million sq ft.

Mel & I usually arrive at the mall by 11am to ensure we get a carpark and spend a good few hours there, roaming around the place, watching movies, shopping, the works.

And since I am planning a major home investment in the coming years that would see Sunway Pyramid remaining as my nearest shopping destination (Subang Parade cannot be taken into consideration as it’s a hasbeen), I’m looking forward to its expansion in 5 years.

My Article on Junk Magazine February 2010 Issue

Gallivanter — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:06:15 +0000

Why Daniel Franklin Gomez Loves Bon Jovi!

Click on the above to enlarge, you’ll find the answer there.

This was my article that appeared in the February 2010 issue of Junk Magazine, an entertainment magazine that I have been contributing for over 8 months now. I review 3 albums every issue although I missed out on the March 2010 issue, look out for the next issue (either April or May) where I return with a review of 6 albums. I go simply by the name of, Daniel.

I hope to be able to continue to contribute to Junk Magazine, and if you know any magazines that are looking for people to review music albums, let me know as I’m keen to expand on this hobby.

Chingy featuring Nelly – Hey Now (Song Review)

Gallivanter — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:06:16 +0000

This is “Shake Ya Tailfeather” part 2! Download it and you’ll know why. I really loved that track and while this song is nowhere near its class, it’s still catchy enough to be blasted through nightclubs. However, I think it could’ve been a whole lot better had Chingy and Nelly reversed their role in this song, because I think Nelly’s style of freaking awesome as he sings while he raps.

Chingy ft Nelly - Hey Now (Song Review)

DOWNLOAD Chingy featuring Nelly – Hey Now 7/10

Danny Gokey – I Will Not Say Goodbye (Song Review)

Gallivanter — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:06:22 +0000

This is Danny Gokey’s best song off his very very weak country album. Why the hell did he went down the country path instead of focusing on more soulful contemporary? I guess he has not found himself yet. So, please, do not get this album because the songs are forgettable. This is the only track that stood out because he delivers it very convincingly, and if you read the lyrics, it’s dedicated to his late wife. Nice touch Danny, but please come back stronger for your sophomore album.

Danny Gokey - I Will Not Say Goodbye (Song Review)

DOWNLOAD Danny Gokey – I Will Not Say Goodbye 8/10

Blue October – Jump Rope (Song Review)

Gallivanter — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:06:47 +0000

This song is pretty cool – it goes up down up down up down, and no, it does not involve any human body parts, but simply the description of a jump rope in motion, and Blue October delivers this on a positive note, reminds of that band in the past called errrr….I forgot.

Blue October - Jump Rope (Song Review)

DOWNLOAD Blue October – Jump Rope 7/10

My Pre-Wedding Shoot “Rejected” Photos

Gallivanter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:06:01 +0000

Here are some of the pre-wedding photos taken by Alt.Ing Photography. He is also our official photographer for our wedding, hall lunch, dinner reception for both KK and KL! Alvin gave me over 30 photos to choose from for him to be able to put up on his blog. So, after filtering the BEST for the wedding photo montage, here are the “rejected” photos, still superb in every way. No thanks to Alvin, we had a tough time deciding.

Gallivanter & Kadazanbonita

The Gallivanter Slide

Expression of Joy

The KK Sunset Silhouette

My Sumandak

The Sunset Shot

The Bellboy Yoga

The Telenovela Poser

Tum Paasse Aye

The 360 Turn

Zany Lovers Witnessed by the Moon

These are rejected, so can you imagine the sheer level of quality that our photographer and blogging friend, Alvin produces? I highly recommend him, and his price is extremely competitive. I got a bigger discount thanks to my blogging links.

Jason Derulo – Love Hangover (Song Review)

Gallivanter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:17:39 +0000

Awesome. This is Jason Derulos’ BEST song off his debut album. He’s a mixture of Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, and his first single, “Whatcha Say” is way overrated for his own good. Here, he delivers a really catchy track. For his sake, I hope this makes the airwaves because it’s pleasant to the ears.

Jason Derulo - Love Hangover (Song Review)

DOWNLOAD Jason Derulo – Love Hangover 8/10

Mann feat Sean Kingston – Ghetto Girl (Song Review)

Gallivanter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:13:06 +0000

Oh no, will Sean Kingston ever stop? He continues to bastardize classic songs, the latest victim is Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”. However, his version is definitely the lesser of 2 evils compared to that horrendous version from a stupid boyband called Westlife a few years ago. Strictly for Sean Kingston fanatics (are there any?).

Mann feat Sean Kingston - Ghetto Girl (Song Review)

DOWNLOAD Mann feat Sean Kingston – Ghetto Girl (Song Review) 4/10

JLS – Mary (Song Review)

Gallivanter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:08:00 +0000

It sounds like a “slow” version of that Vengaboys song, I forgot the title of it. See if you can catch the same tone, especially in the chorus. Also, see if you can hear a little of “Come on Eileen” in there too. Nevertheless, it’s a pretty decent song by this boyband called JLS.

JLS - Mary (Song Review)

DOWNLOAD JLS – Mary (Song Review) 7/10

Oscar 2010 – My Picks

Gallivanter — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:06:10 +0000

Best Picture
As much as I liked watching Avatar, for it to be the hot favorite for this year’s Oscar is a testament to the weakest lineup of movies for as long as I can remember. For all the glitter and fancy of Avatar, story-wise, it is recycled and for Oscar to have it nominated, simply dilutes the award. Unfortunately, the rest of the movies, aren’t great either and if it was me, I’d give it to District 9. Personal – District 9 | To Win – Avatar

Best Director
I have never seen this before, where both ex-husband and ex-wife are in the running to win the award, and by far the hot favorites. Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” against her ex-hubby, James Cameron for “The Avatar”. Quentin Tarantino was just Quentin Tarantino, thus after a while, although “Inglorious Basterds” was fun to watch, it was also predictable.
Personal – Kathryn Bigelow | To Win – James Cameron

Best Actor
Hmm, I watched a few here, except “Crazy Heart”, while I feel Morgan Freeman’s presence in this nomination for “Invictus” was overrated, I think outsiders have got to be George Clooney and Jeremy Renner. I think Jeff Bridges will get it, although personally, I would like it to go to Jeremy Renner for “The Hurt Locker”.
Personal – Jeremy Renner | To Win – Jeff Bridges

Best Actress
I caught the end of “Julie & Julia” and I thought it was a horrible film. I don’t think Sandra Bullock deserves an Oscar for “The Blind Side” either, what was so special about her acting? I’m a fan of Meryl Streep (loved her in “It’s Complicated”) and would like to see her win, but this is a very weak nomination list.
Personal – Meryl Streep | To Win – Sandra Bullock

Best Supporting Actor
I loved watching Matt Damon in “Informant!” but I just don’t understand what’s the big deal about his acting in “Invictus”, a seriously overrated movie for me. I watched Christoph Waltz, Stanley Tucci and Woddy Harrelson and I believe all of them were way better than Matt Damon. This is a really tough call for me, as I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of these actors’ role. I think it’s a toss between Christoph Waltz in “Inglorious Basters” and Stanley Tucci in “Lovely Bones”.
Personal – Stanley Tucci | To Win – Christoph Waltz

Best Supporting Actress
I think Mo’Nique of “Precious” is a clear favorite by a mile, with both Anna Kendrick and the lovely Vera Farmiga of “Up in the Air” as outsiders.
Personal – Vera Farmiga | To Win – Mo’Nique

Best Animated Feature
Yawn, I think this will predictably go to “Up”. I have to admit, I enjoyed watching “Up” and thought it was a shoe in until I watched “The Fantastic Mr Fox”, if you’re into dry humor then this is a must watch as I found it refreshingly hilarious. The animation’s done old school too, not reliance on the latest CGIs.
Personal – The Fantastic Mr Fox | To Win – Up

Oscar 2010

Oh well, I can’t always get what I want.

An Informal Bloggers Gathering @ Lembah Impian

Gallivanter — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:06:02 +0000

It was a spur of the moment, less than 2 weeks before Mel & I visited KK, I decided to organize a gathering, especially for Sabahan bloggers who are now I call friends, and also roped in some fresh faces too to add a little spice to the evening. I did not make it an open event, because it was an informal and simple gathering. The photos speak for themselves. I love impromptu gathering, and I’m glad that most of us mingled @ Lembah Impian Kota Kinabalu. We ended the night at D’Junction. Another memorable nightout for us in Sabah, and I have photos to prove it!

Sabahan Bloggers Informal Gathering 2010

Kadazanbonita & Gallivanter - The Nokia Ad Shot

Us & Supercool Greg Chai

Informal Bloggers Gathering 2010 @ Lembah Impian

Wei Chuen, Jacq, Mel & Errr...

The Organizers

Alvin Ting doing his thang!

Food Bazaar @ Lembah Impian

Rickshaw Attack - Shortly Before the Bell Fell!

Gallivanter - Stream Test via N97 on Qik.com

@ D'Junction KK

Gallivanter's 2 Feet!

Gallivanter's 1 Foot

The Official Group Photo

Our First Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Kota Kinabalu

Gallivanter — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:06:35 +0000

Alvin Ting is officially our photographer, for the biggest night of our lives, or rather biggest nights. From Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, soon, I will be married to the love of my life. We have a second pre-wedding session coming up at the end of March 2010, this time, through our bridal shop (yes yes, the package option).

Mel & I spent last Friday at Beringgis Resort doing our pre-wedding photoshoot. Although the sun was blazing hot and at the end of the day we were knackered, some of the shots turned out excellent. I may show only a FEW and will only release it closer to the big day in May/June.

But, for some of you who are not on my Facebook list of compadres, feast your eyes on the shots taken by my future niece-in-law during our photoshoot.

Kadazanbonita @ Emelda Vincent-Franklin

Kadazanbonita & Her Mom

Gallivanter & His Mother-in-Law

Kadazanbonita & Gallivanter - The Real Men in Black

Alvin Ting - Wedding Photographer

Gallivanter & Kadazanbonita - Bollywood!

Gallivanter's Baggage

Gallivanter & Kadazanbonita - The Beer Ad

Galllivanter & Kadazanbonita - The Movie Scene

Kadazanbonita & Gallivanter - That's All Folks!

These are just snippets of what transpired during the photoshoot that started at 11am and ended shortly at 6:30pm. I would like to thank Alvin and Carol putting up with my antics that day. More to come!

Why Do People Treat Money With Respect?

Gallivanter — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:06:07 +0000

I noticed the Indians here in Malaysia, especially in the food business, when the exchange of moolah takes place, you’ll see them almost-beggar-like stance, where they use one hand holding the wrist of the hand that is giving the cash, and the receiver does the same too.

I wonder if this means we are respecting money. I know that without money, it is difficult to survive and maybe generations of hardships has led to this so-called culture? Why is it only the Indian community who is in the food/service industry?

Respecting Money?

I do not see the Malays nor the Chinese having such actions when it comes to exchanging money. Sure, you might argue because it’s all blood and sweat for the money earned, but, why does it have to be that way?

It looks like money superstitions have affected us. I’m sure Chinese and Malays have their own money superstitions too, but to equate money with respect, especially at the primary form of exchange is rather baffling.

Could someone enlighten me on this?

Our Kota Kinabalu Trip on 24th February 2010

Gallivanter — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:06:40 +0000

Mel and I are really looking forward to this one, particularly it’s the last one before our big day in May in KK. The trip will hopefully sort out all the wedding preparations, with some pre-wedding photos taken by Alvin Ting, our pre-nupt inquiry at Sacred Heart plus a night out with our Sabahan blogging friends on Saturday night.

The itinerary
24th Feb 2010 – 9:25pm flight to KK arrival midnight
25th Feb 2010 – wedding preparations
26th Feb 2010 – a day with Alvin Ting for our pre-wedding photos
27th Feb 2010 – Pre-nupt Inquiry @ Sacred Heart + a night out with Sabahan blogging friends
28th Feb 2010 – 12:30pm return flight to KL

Kadazanbonita & Gallivanter - May 2010

See you all soon!