Inspiring Hobby: Photography

One of my hobbies that I like is photography, having been exposed to it while I was in school.

Actually, photography is like a piece of art itself because the photographer is able to create beautiful pictures, just by having an eye - usually from different angles. Of course, higher end cameras do help as then the photographer can create photos a lil different from the actual scene. And there's also photo editing softwares, though, to me the best ones are always captured as is.

However, in a way, though it falls within the art scope, photography is a lil less art-sy in a way, as its a broader 'function' (compared to like painting) - its needed even in work (not only in the media industry, but even like in construction, real estate, etc), hence a wider exposure too - not to mention, cameras are a must on trips - to record our experience & journeys.

In the course of finding submissions on the book for Malaysia, I've chanced on a few nice photos myself. Here, I would like to share a few of my personal favourites, taken by other photo hobbyists - for the passion of beautiful pictures. Of course some are pros, but there are some here who just snap good shots on their daily lives & travels.


004
Originally uploaded by cliffbutt100

Star gazing! Now, that's a true star! Just look at its texture.


Tetes - Tetes Embun Pagi
Originally uploaded by Prama Arta

Embun pagi - little morning dew. Somehow, this photo reminds me of a bonding/ togetherness feel. Maybe it was what I used to see during scout camps.


It's Saturday!
Originally uploaded by Ad_Q

Saturday morning! Ah reminds me of the times we needed to wash our shoes over the weekend for school on Monday!


Mosque in Kuala Ibai
Originally uploaded by deyna rashid

Just look how the sky blend with the mosque. Blue- white! Its so peaceful just looking at this pic. And what a beautiful mosque it is.

Many thanks to these photographers who share their art pieces in their sites and for us to be awed by them :)

Malaysia Is Beautiful

The process of publishing the book for Malaysia sure gets me a lot of research. Ive been reading so many materials - from hardcopy to softcopy, and the vast information online.

Being Malaysian, and quite updated with the ongoings in the country, I thought this would be a simple & easy task. In a way, just like any other Malaysian, it should be rather easy - we roughly know the culture, people, places to visit, etc. However, I realised that the knowledge I know is rather general in a way! Even one of the simplest ones - travel was difficult.

Im lucky to have visited the many popular sites in the country, and even had a fun time snorkeling in Redang (Beautifully Refreshing). That actually help me to understand the diving sites better, and why
Malaysia is really so beautiful - above & under the sea!

IMG_0072, originally uploaded by aquanerds.

Ive never been to Sipadan, but just see how beautiful it is. What a discovery on the Sipadan island, and also on diving - picture really tells a thousand words!.

To add, the diving sites like these found at Sipadan & other areas in Sabah & Sarawak are just part of Malaysia. There is much more to see from heritage buildings, new modern buildings with great architecture, and other nature places - from North to South Peninsula, West Coast to the East Coast... and East Malaysia!

This brings me to mind on a comment made by an acquaintance on tourism in Malaysia being too diverse. That time, I agreed with him, but now I see the reason. It's mainly because the country has lots too offer! And tourists whether local or foreign, can choose what they like - all in one country!

In a way, Im enjoying myself discovering something I thought I knew! Its a lot of information & knowledge gained.

Most of all, it makes me feel that this Malaysia Book project is a good one - to share Malaysia to everyone - locals & foreign. Im sure that there are more we need to know about the country (the positive part) - more of like the first step of 'recognition' :)

*No need to guess where one of my next holiday trip is gonna be!

Great Music Video - KISS

One of the phenomenal Korean video clips riding (or in a way creating) the Korean wave is a song by 3 member Korean girl group, K.I.S.S - 'Because I'm A Girl'.

Created back in 2002, this song is rather sad, but however, the music video is done in a very unique way, turning it into a rather touching clip.

Just like the lyrics, the video shows about a building relationship to be broken... but the twist is towards the end of it, where the guy sacrificed his career & love for the girl by donating his eyes to her, and for her to live on well. This shows the strong love & the big heart of the guy for the girl.

This music video is falls in the rather typical imaginary-romance of 'beautiful love' Asian pop music is known of. However, its bold storyline has created a big fanbase, and I'm sure has touched the hearts of many.

To one extend, the song itself has been translated to a few different languages - with the more notable ones in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese & Tagalog.

There is also an English version by Jini, one of the original members of the band.


Orignial Korean Version


Mandarin Version

Beautifully Refreshing

I love beaches - sea. sand. sun haha :) Was really looking forward to a holiday break and it was timely then my friend planned a trip to Pulau Redang.

What a beautiful experience to this beautiful island, which was made famous by the movie Summer Holidays starring Sammi Cheng and Richie Ren.

It was nice to get a break, to get connected with friends again, and to be on such a wonderful island.

Holidays - any type, are very refreshing and gives the mind time to relax and get new ideas. With this trip, all I can say, there will be more to come!

Beautifully You

Went to watch the Korean movie of 200 Pounds Beauty. Beautiful movie, well scripted and directed.

But more importantly, the movie's theme is to look at our inner beauty. And though the world may judge others by looks or background, but what makes each and all of us special is our deeper selves within.

And though the world & societies do have standards and criteria to meet, but in the end, reality is that we have to judge the beautiful part of ourselves. For I believe that is what makes us continue to live life happy and full :)