Sort of an adventure race held in Sungai Sedim, Kedah by Malaysian Tourism and Discovery Sport and I was invited to join a team competing in the Open Category. By the end of the whole event, I was satisfied, and glad that I joined. Met lotsa great individual that shared the same passion for the outdoors. Would definitely do it again. And hopefully, would win the next time.
I was invited to join for and event held by Malaysia Tourism and Discovery Sport. Honestly, I have very little information on what it is all about. All I knew, was that it was going to be something I’d enjoy, and that it was related to the outdoors.
So I went, not knowing what awaits, but at least I had a friend with me, and that is always a plus.
In a whole, it was great. I get to do a lot of things there, things that I enjoyed very much.
There were abseiling, rope ascending, rope traversing, flying fox, obstacle course, cycling, tubbing. And every team of four would compete, and I’m not so sure on how many teams there were, but there were a lot.
It was held in Sungai Sedim near Kulim in which I went to a boarding school there, so it was nice to have that feeling of going back there.
The first day, it was pouring rain, but that didn’t stop us from doing what we had to do, which was to win the competition. We also had to camp outside (which was pretty sweet) with tents and all, and were supposed to cook our own meals. I was on the Artiste team of four, and we were taken care of pretty well. We had tents and meals, everything taken care of, so we had no problems. Honestly, it wouldn’t have been any different either way. I’d like to think that I have enough skills to survive moderately when going camping.
My team consists of 4 members. 2 recording artistes, a bass player from a band, and I. I knew Elyana well enough to know that she’d be okay with everything. Aesar and Hafiz on the other hand, I don’t know them that well enough to know what to expect from them. But they were so easy to work with, I’m telling you. And they did more than great. For most event that required us to work in pairs, my partner in crime, Hafiz, performed extraordinary. I knew he’d be good at this, but he was actually great, not just good. He and I worked so well together, that by the end of one event, I couldn’t stop smiling because we managed to do, just what we wanted, and the outcome were even better.
The second day started differently. A friend was getting married, and the reception were done there. Right after that, we had a series of competitions waiting for us. For the cycling/tubbing discipline, Elyana was my partner, and she was great too. We qualified, just in time to finish the whole thing. She cycled, ran, carried a durian, paddled, answered questions, and even did some weight lifting as well. Her points just went through the roof in my eyes after that.
I never thought I’d have so much fun at the event. I met an old acquittance, Pyan too. It wasn’t entirely a surprise, I knew it’d be his thing too (and his team won 1st place overall).
I met a lot of people that shared the same thing that I love too. And I’m looking forward to see them again. I’m sure I will.
Oh, did I mention my team got a decent placing/ranking in the competition too? I hope we made our fellows actors and actresses proud.
I was in Jakarta to see a couple of friends. Some new, some came all the way from Jogja. I spent a bit of time exploring Jakarta on my own. And it was weird being away in a different country, but still managed to check out on how they work too. I always forgot to snap pictures whenever I travel alone. Darn!
A hazy morning in Tebet
Teh Botol Sorso
Chilling..
I managed to see how they work, and experienced a different side of Jakarta, from the point of view of the locals who lives there. Very interesting.
Two months is a long time to be in a production. I still remember the first time I arrived in Lumut for the telemovie. I literally didn’t know anyone. I talked to a few from the production team, only through the phone. I didn’t know how they look like, and didn’t know any of the cast that I would be working with as well. Not so bright of me, I don’t know why it didn’t occurred to me to ask them on who would be involved.
But like I said earlier, I met some wonderful people on set.
Rozie Rashid played my mother. Of all the people that were on set, I think I clicked with her the most. She was not only pretty, but talented as well. Considering my role in the production as her youngest son, that was the closest to her, its only fitting that we were close even outside of production. She was more like a big sister, rather than a mother (my real-life mom is almost twice her age). It was so easy working with her, but I don’t know if she had trouble working with me. I know I’m new, and there’s just a lot of things that I am still learning. There were so many times we couldn’t stop giggling when on set. I couldn’t look her in the eyes, afraid that I would laugh, because I did, a couple of times, all the while, hoping the director would not scream at me, because I know its my fault she’s losing her concentration as well.
She inspires me a lot. Giving me a lot of encouragement, to just go out there and do it, do whatever I feel like doing. Trying out stuff, and not to look down on myself too much. And one thing for sure, she is a wonderful wonderful mother, which reminds me so much of my mother back home.
Then there’s the dad, which I met on my very first day. Hairie Othman intimidates me a little bit I think. Knowing for a fact, I’ve seen him on films before, and how he was the heartthrob of his era, I felt quite small compared to him. He looked as though he could step on anyone he wants to, literally I mean. But after being with him on set, he softened down, and he is such a pleasure to work with. Very much like Rozie Rashid, he is also more like a brother to me in real life. Off camera, he is one passionate man, trying very very hard to make a good living for him and everyone around him. Despite what he had to go through before, or what others said about him, I see him as one determined guy, that loves his children more than anything, and just wanted to be taken seriously at times.
My eldest brother on screen, is the wonderful Zack from the pop group X-Factor. He is a character, I tell you. I couldn’t help laughing at his antics. Seems serious at times, but if he had his way, we would never be able to finish on time. He would always have something crazy to do on set. And one of his favourite thing to do, is to jump out of god knows where, whenever the director yells “Action!”. It was not until later in the production that I had a chance to meet him, so during the second half, I saw a lot of him. We had a lot of scenes together, and I pray to god I’d have short scenes with him. Imagine, if I couldn’t keep my cool when I’m with Rozie Rashid, how would it be if I had to do scenes with a clown. Yup, he brightens up the set, and thank god, cause by the end of the production, most of us were already all stressed out.
Ezany played my second brother, the one with the brain. I was supposed to work with him late last year, but I had to pass it. So I never got the chance to talk to him prior to this production. He is most famous for his belacan business, but I guess not many knew (I certainly didn’t) about his kicaps. And I’m a big fan of his kicap on set. He seems more serious than most of us. But I understand why. He works, and he knows when to separate his personal life from his professional life. He knows how to balance both, and he has a pretty sweet ride too. But too expensive for my lifestyle, and wallet. Near the end of the production, I can see that he had loosen up a bit, and that was nice. He is a couple of years older than me, but I feel so immature whenever I’m near him.
I knew what I sign up for when I decided to do a 26 episode TV Series. The location is almost 80% in Perak, which means I would have to spend a lot of time away. And now, with only two days left, I’m back in KL, waiting for the last two days.
Honestly, I never really did do anything when I was in Perak. Sometimes I hardly leave the room (if I decided to stay the night lah). But I’ve encountered some really nice people, and some that weren’t that nice too.
I remember having teh-tarik in this one mamak in Sitiawan. It was raining, and it was getting dark too. I refused to go to wait for my scenes at the location. I’m very fond of mapleys, really. Its just so simple, and well, real. Hygienic side is a different story. Anyhow, there were a group of boys, from a nearby College was there. There were 7-8 of them. And when some of the recognizes me, the whole bunch came, and sat at a table next to mine. I was writing my “future plans” at that time. They were being really friendly, and asked some questions, mostly regarding the “Dunia Baru TV Series” and what the hell I’m doing there alone. I left right after they leave. I reminds me a lot of the time I would go out late at night with friends from University. And I missed those days deeply.
The first scene I had to do was in Lumut, in a CraftShop by the Jetty. I was surprised to see them selling IKEA candles at a much higher price, without even taking off the IKEA label at the bottom of those candles. And whenever I have the time (we were there all day, for a couple of days), I would walk to another mamak a couple of shops down. And I remember fondly, on how each and every person working there would read what ever it is that I was reading, over my shoulder. They would be even more fascinated after seeing my pictures in the magazines as well. They would always ask questions, none of which I could either understand, or explain. But there would always be exchanges of smiles, and instantly, we would feel satisfied. (more…)
For the past few months, I have been driving back and forth, between Kuala Lumpur and Lumut, Perak. The distance is approximately 230 kilometers. Its a long drive, takes about 3 hours 15 minutes top, with my slow driving.
Working away from home, puts a toll on me. Rather than being physically exhausted, it would normally hit my emotion nerves. The craziest thing I’ve put myself through is working for 21 hours non-stop, driving 3 hours back home after that, settling down the first hour I got home, sleeping the next 2 hours, waking up and taking an hour getting ready and driving back for another 3 hours to location again, and working for another 14 hours. Yes, I brought it upon myself. Why?
More like who is automatically being knocked-out. We pretty much know who is going to win the whole thing.
Today is the finale for the CLEO’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelor 2008. And since I had to actually force myself to go for the event, I might as well write something about it. I’m dreading on the fact of having to go, for so many reason. But more than anything, its because I’m simply not Most Eligible Bachelor material.
I knew a couple of friends who was listed in previous years listing. And I’m just not anything like them. I adore them, but I just know I am what you would least expect in a guy.
I’m not confident with myself. I don’t think I deserved to be put on the pedestal for something I’m not. I don’t think I am better than anyone else. I would rather hide than stand out. I’m afraid of crowds. I don’t know my ways with girls. Girls look at me as this spoilt dependent little kid. I’m not friendly. And I’ve accepted that. I’m not sizzling hot, so I don’t pretend I’m one. I don’t dress up nicely, and most of the time I’m a mess. I wear the same clothes again and again. I wouldn’t be able to dance if my life depended on it. I’m not sexy. I guess I’m happy being a nobody to most people, because I know I am probably somebody to my family and friends. I’m a friend, a son, a brother, but I’m not a heartthrob. Who are we kidding here.
I just hope I’d be able to forgive myself for doing this, this one time.
This is nothing against the organizer, or anyone involved in it, the bachelors especially. You guys are great. I envy you people for being able to put yourself out there. Be comfortable with what or who you are. I wished I shared the same passion, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
So I wish good luck to you guys, and hopefully you’ll have a blast at the event. And to whoever wins the title, we all know you deserve it more than anyone else listed. I hope you’ll be happy.
