Thursday, October 2, 2014

Feminism

"Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all percieve gender on a spectrum, instead of two sets of opposing ideals." -Emma Watson
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<Prologue> (feel free to skip this)
I don't like judging people by classifying whether they are gay, straight or bi. I'm guessing society hates on LGBT just because they themselves just lacks some comfort somewhere (which is everyone's own personal story), and therefore feel superior or better when they can judge (or even hate) on other people.

In fact what a lot of people don't see is, for those people who aren't straight, it might be genetics (which I don't really think so), or that they just met someone in which flaws and imperfection are still a unique attraction to them, or that they have a harsh encounter with some people and decided to live the way they want to.


Either way, what I see in some people who aren't straight is that even though they have been through heart breaking or soul damaging encounters, they still are able to appreciate someone, despite the person's flaws, and have an unconditional affection and care towards them. Even though the other person is of the same gender, even though it's going against society. This kind of affection, is not one that even a straight couple might have. Even though someone is straight, they still might go into a relationship because of money or fame. And that's not something I would support in society.


But that does not mean that I 100% support LGBT. Sadly to say, there are people that decides to go into a homo relationship just because it is "the trend" or some sort. But on the other hand, there are also straight people that are able to appreciate their partner without having the motive for fame or being "trendy".


What I am trying to say is, stop judging people based on their sexuality, but rather their values in committing in a relationship. Straight and gays both have a portion of their people that are just scumbags and there are also the people who are just like your angel. Throw aside those stereotype-ings and see people in a different angle and you will get to understand what it is by being human and being able to love. After all, being understood is what we all crave for as a living person with a beating heart.


Extra note on the people who "gays for attention": I'm not comfortable with people pretending to be someone they are not, just so that they look cool. (It's the same like how I don't like girls that try to act tomboy, posting pictures of them dressing up cool but insert an emotional teenage status as caption. If you are not really into it, don't try acting to get attention. If you are one, you naturally will give out the vibe.) 


</Prologue>

========================================================================

People somehow relates being a feminism to being a lesbian. Lol okay I don't blame them, in fact it is a pretty direct image, but it is not all that true. Not all feminists are lesbians kay.

Strange story, I was a feminist even before I knew the word exists. Growing up since young, during primary school in fact, I just had to have the luck to see the ugly sides of some guys who are pretty immature. And in the circle of society I was in, majority of the girls are like all about being pretty, into romance tv drama, sitting aside or doing nothing but laughing during sports periods etc. I hated being on the weak side (being an athlete we were always being judged on how strong or weak we are, and so being weak is a sort of sensitive word to me).

So growing up I tend to fend or side for the girls and being against guys. After the senior years in high school and onto college, going into a totally different circle of people, I realized that there are also guys that are pretty amazing and not as immature as those that I've met earlier in my life. There are some guys that really are just brats but there are also some social gentlemen that dares to make the first move. I stopped myself from hating on guys so much. Even though some of them have a terrible attitude, even though some of them treat girls badly (stereotyping), even though some of them are just very very whiny, I should have known earlier that each of them too, has their own story behind their attitude. After all, we all are damaged by the lack of love too. 

I was thinking on how guys are also actually human too. Stereotyping people is not what I enjoy (although it is a social norm), but it always brings misunderstandings of people towards me, for uncountable times, and it was not something that I enjoy. Society stereotypes guys as masculine, strong and stuff. What society doesn't know is that this actions are also limiting a guy's freedom to be vulnerable as a human being. I mean yes, guys should project the image that they are strong, but being strong doesn't mean that a guy should hold everything that is hurting him in and act like it is nothing. Because by holding all the hurt in for a long time will eventually make a person collapse emotionally, and the consequences are normally showing out violence, which in turn hurts other people. It all comes down to the over-powering actions of society's stereotyping people.

Being strong is actually not a "guy's thing" but also what girls should be. We are not living in the older eras or a romance novel, girls that are too weak and only depend on other people for help are either a spoiled kid, a teen with her head in the clouds, or an annoying nuisance. Being strong is not all muscles and stuff, it is a very subjective term but it is another story to tell.

All of these pretty much developed my view on how not all gay people are terrible and not all straight people are right (refer to prologue).

But it was until last week where I watched Emma Watson's speech on the "He for She" campaign, which was based on feminism, where girls should stand up in society nowadays, but at the same time also inviting the guys to play their part. [Watch the video here.]

Only then I realized by being such a feminist for all those years, I was one of the people who had developed an "anti-men" attitude subconsciously. (Being able to accepet a number of guy friends that are more mature as bros and buddies, but thinking that the rest are just attention seekers etc.) And that I should've been more mature to be able to realize that I was too, a brat who didn't see the other side of the story, for all those years back then.

"We don't often talk about men being prisoned by gender stereotypes, but I can see that they are. And that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence. If men don't have to be aggresive to be accepted, women don't have to be compelled to be submissive. If men don't have to control, women don't have to be controlled. Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all percieve gender on a spectrum, instead of two sets of opposing ideals."

That was a part of the speech. And there was also "HOW CAN WE EFFECT CHANGE IN THE WORLD WHEN ONLY HALF OF IT IS INVITED OR FEEL WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONVERSATION?".

Emma Watson's UN (United Nations) speech was part of the He for She campaign, in which she invites the guys in society to support gender equality by playing their respective parts. "I want men to take up this mantle. So their daughters, sisters and mothers can be free from prejudice but also so that their sons have permission to be vulnerable and human too--reclaim those parts of themselves they abandoned and in doing so be a more true and complete version of themselves."


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LINKS
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<end notes>
In the end I try to appreciate the opposite gender more, but still ho pe that some immature guys to stop being attention seekers or worse.

Sorry to the guys who tried to approach me (I know there are a number, it's pretty obvious just to say), me being anti-guys might have shoved some people off with a cold attitude but just wanted to say that its not your fault.

Don't ask about my sexuality, never really gave deep thought into it, might just go along with the right feelings.
</end notes>

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Breakfast at The Red Beanbag

It's at Solaris Dutamas/ Publika.


So one day my high school mates decided to have a food trip, breakfast actually, to a cafe near Pavilion, we had some plot twists that morning, and so we ended up giving The Red Beanbag a shot. 

[extra note: setting your phone on silent mode, without vibration too, is not a very good idea when you're a person that needs morning call :P]

Not being someone who is familiar with all the fancy food terms that sound cool and pro, it was quite hard to pick something to eat. Check out their menu here.

===========================================
In the end, this is what I ordered:

I picked Beef Bacon.

At the moment, here are the few SAT food-words that I didn't know:
-kale (Google image)
-portobello mushroom (Google image)
-hollandaise sauce (Wiki: an emulsion of egg yolk and liquid butter)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the end, this is how it turned out:



On the top layer is my first try at hollandaise sauce, followed by the poached eggs, kales, mushrooms, and finally the beef bacon before the fluffy french toast.

Thumbs up to:
- Nice/ interesting recipie
- They have eggs (I like eggs so I hope my meals have them, like a staple food)
- Enjoyable tasty beef bacon and mushrooms (quite meaty, lovers will enjoy)
- It's quite filling

Not so happy with:
- Too much kale (But don't rely on me for this point, I'm a meat lover so I tend to not enjoy vegetables that much. However, considering that a balanced meal ratio of vegetable:meat is 3:2 or 3:1 or 70%:30%, the vegetable content here is considered low, that is if you have a small appetite like me and treats this as a lunch.)
- For those who do not enjoy messy eating, let me warn you that the egg yolk here is runny. So if you're on a date and trying to impress your other dream half, unless you know a graceful/ nice way of eating a runny egg yolk, I suggest you pick another dish without poached eggs.

Verdict: 4/5
It's a very enjoyable meal all in total, and I really missed the taste of the beef bacon.

==========================================
These are what my friend ordered:

Signature Baked Eggs *RBB recommended*
Two eggs cracked in a bowl of lamb, chicken and beef bratwurst topped with mozzarella cheese & baked to perfection. Served with sourdough toast.
Andrew's comments:
- the look of the food is nice
- the taste is also not bad
- quite cheesy, sort of like Pizza Hut style cheesy, because it has hot dog (the bratwurst) inside too.
(in other words not for people who can't stand too much cheese)
- but their egg is fresh :)
- recommends my meal instead (Egg Benedict III) :P

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joh's Burger
Homemade beef patty burger with fried egg, beef bacon rashers, tomatoes & cheese. Served with fries.
Garry's comments:
- the bread and margarine forms a salty yet aromatic duo, a perfect combination!
- the soft eggs and beef patty is very chewy (in other words, enjoyably meaty)
- the bacon rashers are crisp and tasty
- the fries have a just nice saltiness
- the portion is well matched to its pricing

==========================================
Now onto the environment, here are some pics:

What was hung on their wall: bags of emotions.
I had an urge to take the violin out of the Passion bag to hear a performance from Andrew. 
On their windows #1
On their windows #2
Glass bottled flowers hanging from the top.
Random photography.
They have a jar of brown sugar on every table.
We've concluded that this is a decent yet cozy place. I love their idea of the bags of emotions hanging on the wall. Each table also comes with a jar of brown sugar, a jar of water, and your eating cutlery (I forgot what else was on the table).

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Its not a bad place to enjoy and chill out/ hang out with your pals. Too bad we didn't try out the coffees selection this time. I might come back again for more if the financial status of my wallet have a good mood. (Yeah, the prices ain't student-friendly. Total tax is 16% if my memory serves me right.)

However they do have the following promotion:
Hopefully it doesn't turn out to be RM19.99. :P
It's not a bad place, check it out. ;)

Le entrance.
Signing out.

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The Red Beanbag Links
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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Starbucks Malaysia Summer & Autumn Beverages

There was a week where I went to places which has Starbucks and thus got a drink for myself, twice in a week! Goodness, my money... T.T

But I did it because it was double points week in conjunction with Merdeka week. (With a Starbucks card, if you buy a certain number of handcrafted beverages you get one free. So yeah, buy lesser beverages for a free drink, why not?)

Anyway here's the summer season specials (although it's summer all year long in Malaysia):


I tried the Tiramisu Frappucino one first, it tastes normal (well, its chocolatey-coffee, and of course the taste is richer/thicker than Chatime coffee series), but then there was these yummy chocolate crunchies inside it and on top of the whip cream (yum!). #instantlove

And so days later I went out with my family, while they were doing their shopping I had no where to shop so I sat down at Starbucks and got my double points a Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Frappucino.

To my speechlessness I found out it tastes almost the same as the Tiramisu Frappucino I bought the other day, almost the same, it even has the chocolate crunchies in it. So it's either I can't differentiate the presence of the extra chocolate chips, or they did not add the extra amount in, or they served me the Chocolate Chip version when I ordered it the other day.


Name got spelled wrongly LOL

Top of the Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Frappucino
But anyway, the cup with Chocolate Chip in its name is more expensive than the other by RM1. My advise: just go for the Tiramisu Frappucino and hope the barista accidentally poured some chocolate chips inside it. (LOL the season is over by now anyway so just head off to the Autumn seasons drinks)

The only autumn beverages promotional poster found on the internet at time of post
For those who hates/ can't stand the taste of vanilla, don't go for the French Vanilla Latte. I didn't get the latte version but I bought the frappucino version (also known as the French Vanilla Frappucino, same stuff, just ice blended version).

I don't like the taste of vanilla (a little is okay though), so I thought since it's Starbucks, lets have some high expectations on what the recipe turns out to be. And yes, I should have known better, Starbucks did live up to it's name as a famous coffee shop, the vanilla taste is quite strong for a person who can't tolerate the flavor. (So for a normal person it should taste like "wow, I can actually feel the vanilla-ness in the coffee!)

I didn't order it with whip cream so I can't really judge how it blended it with, but I managed to finish it probably because the ice shavings in it helped diluted the flavor, or that I was reading stuff and shifted my focus away from the vanilla.

I haven't tried the Dark Caramel Latte... :/ Probably will, when Starbucks comes out with a next good offer.

Here's some pictures anyway.


I don't know what those sprinkles are :o


Those chocolates seem yummy though...

Signing out.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

等一个人咖啡 影评

“哇劳,这电影超违背逻辑的!不过也很好看就是了。”

事先声明,本人只看过此电影,没读过它小说。另提,也没看过《那些年》,却只读过它小说。所以若本人观点的影评和更热忱的九把刀粉丝们或你的观点有冲突,请多多体谅+指教。

就因为我很孤单没人可约出了门做点事,有时间就去买了一张电影票消磨时间,就挑选了九把刀大人笔下演变成大作品的电影,《等一个人咖啡》。(其实也是因为阿不思很帅啦)



====以下摘自官网====

每一個人,都在等一個人。
繼「那些年,我們一起追的女孩」後,
最受網友期待的九把刀愛情電影
等一個人咖啡 Café.Waiting.Love
台灣上映日期:2014年8月15日
香港上映日期:2014年8月15日
馬來西亞上映日期:2014年8月28日
新加坡上映日期:2014年9月04日
中國大陸上映日期:排期中,敬請期待
電影類型:青春愛情喜劇
出品人:崔震東
監製:柴智屏、九把刀
導演:江金霖
(「那些年,我們一起追的女孩」執行導演)
編劇:九把刀
演員:賴雅妍、宋芸樺、布魯斯、張立昂、洪言翔、陳語安、藍心湄、李㼈
特別演出:周慧敏
台灣發行公司:威視電影
官方網站:http://www.cafewaitinglove.com

《劇情簡介》

大學新鮮人思螢(宋芸樺),來到「等一個人」咖啡店打工,結識了咖啡沖調技術高超,任何客人點的特調咖啡都能做得到的超酷拉子﹣阿不思(賴雅妍)、每天都看似無所事事的神祕美麗老闆娘(周慧敏),和她的暗戀對象﹣喜歡坐在固定座位,看似身邊女友不斷的澤于(張立昂)。
在大學裡擁有許多離奇傳說的學長阿拓(布魯斯)和一群好友到「等一個人」喝咖啡,卻碰上搶走他前女友的拉子-阿不思,很有正義感的思螢看不慣阿拓被好友們嘲笑而大罵對方,而和阿拓結為好友。開朗的阿拓熱血又真誠,為了完成去環遊世界的夢想到處打工,因此不斷的延畢而成為校園中的傳奇老學長。也因為打工認識了看似黑道大哥但其實曾是電影導演的熱炒店老闆暴哥(李㼈),以及擁有一身驚人廚藝的洗衣店老闆娘金刀嬸(藍心湄)。


深深被思螢的正義感電到的阿拓,常常介紹他那些有趣的好朋友給思螢認識,思螢的生活也因為有阿拓而變得多彩多姿。思螢一直暗戀著澤于而只是把阿拓當成無話不談的好朋友,直到阿拓決定要離開台灣,出國去實現夢想時,思螢才明白﹣原來她所等的人……

====以上摘自官网====

本人很喜欢喝咖啡,虽然还没至于可以讨论什么国家的什么咖啡都最好喝的阶级,不过至少也分得出基本的咖啡种类。所以当看到一些不是咖啡热忱的年轻人把喝咖啡当作是一种拍照来发在网上以显示自己的生活来希望有多多人“按赞”的活动时,就会心里不爽。(就像当一个人很喜欢一样东西却被别人很随便地看待)不过由于本人挺欣赏九把刀的笔下作品(虽然不会读过很多),所以就对这部电影有了期待。

等一个人咖啡店竟然是故事里的重要场地设定之一(年轻人的闲逛处么)。好啦,画放一边,店外面的招牌挺可爱的……(幽默实习生在此)


好吧,女主李思莹就凭着一个轻飘飘的性格(就差不多像大多数的台湾剧的女主角那样咯)来到这里打工!然后我就有眼福看帅哥吧台手阿不思的泡“咖啡”技术。

百合!百合!百合!wwww(滚一边啦你
虽然同时也很喜欢看T小姐的场面,不过本人也很enjoy有那本咖啡笔记本的场面。(拥有一本那样的书是本人没实现的梦想,因为没有打油,所以没有加油……)可惜上网找也找不到那本笔记本的图案,所以若你看过电影,你就会知道那是个怎么样的笔记本,若你还没看,这里就有了一个理由叫你去看~


百合场面多多~www(好啦这不是电影里的,这是花恕里的场面)
由于帅哥T小姐阿不思是闻名“怎么样的咖啡都能泡得出”,所以很多人很多人都喜欢来乱点咖啡,就如……

阿拓……(好啦这也是花恕 )
就连演员们都那么可爱了,是不是给了你点鼓励去看这部电影呢?啊,你看了?噢噢,那你也应该知道除了可爱的演员们之外,也有九把刀和导演的合作之下拍出来的笑点,多到这里无法一一列出来~

不过,之前在一个女同志的专业那里的笑话说“那个男生以前取消我,作为报仇……我抢走了他的女朋友”。没想到这一个笑点竟然也被采用在电影里,传说有个学长有个女朋友……


好喜欢这一点……

另说,这是九把刀大人的作品,当然也少不了各种各样的人生理论等等之类的。



等等之类的场面。

同时也喜欢副故事/次要故事所带来的情节/味道……



最好的亮点还是九把刀成熟的爱情观,至于那些我就不放图了,因为那些还是通过影片感受比较有感觉。

若你问我我有不爽这部电影的哪里吗?我说有!我来看这部电影,期待的是一部感人的显示生活篇的爱情故事,结果在故事的重点情节竟然都是一堆不逻辑的事情来挺着的。因为我非常羡慕那些可以没有用魔法之类的不逻辑幻想来写一部感人的故事的人(虽然我不讨厌魔法幻想类),所以看到这部电影的重要情节时我有点无话可说。不过我可以原谅它,因为九把刀的创意可是独一无二的,而且就算有多乱来都好,还是挺感人的。能够让我哭或差有哭出来的电影我都会+1。

另外有不喜欢的就是一些女角色们的性格。本人有时不喜欢看台湾剧是因为那些女主角傻乎乎的,声音又很尖,花痴,还有把整个世界看成是欠自己什么东西那样到处嫌弃却自己不会采取行动,一整个就像被宠坏的小孩一样。虽然在这部电影里面没有那么严重(可是不是完全没有),不过本人还是花了前半段的时间来忍受一些女角色尖尖的声音。还有思莹的花痴行动……



好吧,所有爱情故事的女主角都是要有点花痴/傻乎乎的……


虽然这么说,不过这篇故事非一般的爱情故事。我会给它一个7.5/10的评价!若你还没看就空出自己的一点时间来享受这部咖啡电影吧!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY experience

My first Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra performance I attended, which I am also glad that it was Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY.

For those who don't know about it, Distant Worlds is a concert tour featuring music from the Final Fantasy games series. It is a worldwide tour and normally featuring Arnie Roth as the conductor, working with different orchestras, choir groups and soloists of different countries. It is a popular concert tour among Final Fantasy fans, and one that an undying fan would die for. ;D




The performance was held for 3 days in Malaysia held in the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, KLCC. I went for the last performance, at 17th August, and the only afternoon performance (the other two was at night). Personally I've never been to the Petronas Philharmonic hall and I'm glad that I found the place to collect the tickets in time. (I didn't knew there was a direct route from KLCC shopping mall, I went in through the outside. :P)

MPO's promotional poster
Tickets were being sold super fast hours after the first announcement was made on Facebook (I'm guessing they had joined the MPO's mailing list, maybe I should join too :P). It was so fast that weeks after the first announcement on Facebook, they announced that due to great response, they've opened up their corporate suites for sale (at a much higher price too though).

I got my hands on the second cheapest ticket (still a student, aiming for cheaper stuff, although by that time I didn't knew there was student price lol), which I didn't get why the seats was at the back compared to the cheaper ones, only to find out that it was an upper circle seat. This I was quite relieved and super happy at the same time because it has something like a bird's eye view of the orchestra where we can see the whole ensemble (including the Dithyrambic Singers), compared to the view from the audience directly in front of them.

Just claimed my ticket and outside the box office. >.<
[WHY DIDN'T THEY PRINT DISTANT WORLD'S LOGO ON THE TICKET?! T________T]

This sign was welcoming us at the stairs to the hall, although Distant Worlds is actually their pre-season concert. :P
A view of the entrance.
"EXPERIENCE MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU!"

**************************************
Setlist:

FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Prelude
with Dithyrambic Singers

FINAL FANTASY VIII: Liberi Fatali
with Dithyrambic Singers

FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Victory Theme

FINAL FANTASY IV: Battle with The Four Fiends

FINAL FANTASY VII: Main Theme

FINAL FANTASY XI: Fighters of the Crystal

FINAL FANTASY VI: Dancing Mad
with Dithyrambic Singers and organist Andrew Blackburn

Lightning Returns:
FINAL FANTASY XIII: Light Eternal

FINAL FANTASY IX: Not alone

FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Chocobo Medley 2012
with Dithyrambic Singers

[INTERVAL 20 mins]

FINAL FANTASY VII: Opening - Bombing Mission

FINAL FANTASY VIII: Fisherman's Horizon
with Dithyrambic Singers

FINAL FANTASY XII: Dalmasca Estersand

FINAL FANTASY VIII: Don't Be Afraid

FINAL FANTTASY X: Hymm of the Fayth
with Dithyrambic Singers

FINAL FANTASY X: Zanarkand

FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Battle & Victory Theme Medley
with Dithyrambic Singers

FINAL FANTASY VI: Opera 'Maria & Draco'
with Ho Chi Mei, Chi Hoe Mak, James Leong & Dithyrambic Singers

FINAL FANTASY SERIES Main Theme

**************************************

A view from the upper circle.
[Cameras and recording devices aren't allowed but if you hashtag MPO on instagram you can find pictures like this. :P]

The show kickstarted with the prelude and Liberi Fatali, the amazing theme of FF VIII. Then, conductor Arnie Roth greeted us and in his short speech he also included that it's the 20th anniversary of FF VI, and therefore they are going to feature more songs from FF VI, and that Nobuo Uesmatsu (who made appearances in some of Final Fantasy music performances) couldn't make it here as he has his band performance. :'( After introducing the lineups of songs, he then said "but before that", turned to the ensemble, and played the victory fanfare, which was an iconic symbol of winning a battle in the FF series.

I'm not very familiar with FF IV, FF IX, FF XI and FF VI, but the performance was quite enjoying. Final Fantasy VII Main Theme was very well played and it was a pleasure listening it live to a video on the screen. Final Fantasy VI Dancing Mad (boss battle theme) was also very enjoying, especially the timpani and drums section, really intense beatings. While playing Dancing Mad there was videos on the screen on FF VI too, however due to it being more pixelated (old games look), they included scenes of the battle between Tina and Kefka from Dissidia Final Fantasy. (Good job! xD)

I'm pretty glad they played something from FF XIII, it was Light Eternal (featured in Lightning Returns). Although I hoped it was the original Blinded by Light, because everything in Lightning Returns is more dark, gloomy and down toned, but still I manged to have those feels of Lightning's journey. On screen showed scenes from all FF XIII, FF XIII-2 and Lightning Returns.

Before interval was the Chocobo Medley 2012, which was very interesting as they showed funny moments of the game with Chocobos (although none from FF XII :( ), which also includes Squall riding one. The video was also synced with the singing where there was this "hey!" and a little high definition Chocobo appeared from Sazh's birdnest hair (scene from FF XIII). There was some sort of majectic ending and Sazh's Chocobos came flying out forming a "25" on the screen. It was a marking of the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy in 2012.

During interlude we get to have our toilet breaks, hanging around outside the hall, or check out the shopping section. MPO also sells refreshments around the area. But I'll elaborate about the merchandises sold at the later in this post.

The section after the interval begins with the opening of FF VII, Bombing Mission and FF VIII's Fisherman's Horizon. Both quite notable songs from their respective series. I was also very very happy that they played The Dalmasca Estersand from FF XII, because FF XII's popularity isn't as high as some other FF series and therefore it's songs too. But I am truly happy they picked The Dalmasca Estersand because it brings back memories of starting the game, and also because it is played in the battle area beside the city of Rabanastre, one of my favourites. In this piece the xylophone was contrasted very well at it's part, the playing was more complex than I thought.

Hymm of the Fayth from FF X allows the Dithyrambic Singers to shine, it was a very moving performance especially for those who journeyed through FF X (by playing or by watching playthroughs) as this was a notable piece of Yuna's pilgrimage. FF X's Zanarkand was next. Zanarkand is like a signature to FF X, and was played quite frequently throughout the game. The on screen video shows high quality cinematic scenes from the game too, lots of Yuna and Tidus, but I was a little sad that there were no scenes of the place Zanarkand itself (despite the name itself). This piece begins with the piano accompanied by very little other instruments, and I was like "finally, the piano contrasted!". (The piano isn't a solid member of the orchestra family, only to appear at some performances. And I was thrilled to see a grand piano on stage, been trying to listen to the piano parts from other songs but it blended in well that I failed to do so. I think I saw a celesta beside it but don't remember it being used.)

A Battle & Victory Theme Medley is next in the line, consisting of Battle at the Big Bridge (FF V), Fight with Seymour (FF X), Let the Battle Begin! (FF VII), and the Victory Fanfare as the ending. Very enjoyable performance, feelings through the timelapse for players of the series mentioned above. They've also showed scenes from FF VII Advent Children on the video when the FF VII part was played. xD

A special of the night (ahem, afternoon), is from FF VI, Opera 'Maria & Draco' in English, featuring soloists Ho Chi Mei, Chi Hoe Mak, and James Long, also accompanied by the Dithyrambic Singers. Arnie stated that this was an all new composition as they think that this opera deserved a fuller version of itself, not only featuring the male and female lead, but also a narrator of the story (featuring Mohd Mustaqim Abdullah as narrator of the day). The four tracks that play during the sequence are "Opening," "Aria di Mezzo Carattere," "The Wedding," and "Grand Finale" (online sources). And I must say, the female soloist Chi Hoe Mak has an amazing voice, not only was it loud and clear, but also solid and strong, and sweet at the same time. :D

The concert draw to a closure with the FINAL FANTASY SERIES Main Theme, as the on screen video shows scenes from FF I to FF XIV. This was one of the most moving performances for me, the beginning of the piece was smooth and clear, building up to it's grand climax, accompanied by a viewing of the whole series of FF, and an ending scene with the words of gratitude to us, the UNDYING FANS. <3 I began loving this song ever since I played FF XII, it is a very very grand composition of a music! After that Arnie Roth leaded the whole ensemble (including the soloists) to stand as the crowd gave a long lasting applaud. Giving his thanks as well as saying that he looks forward to coming back again to Malaysia. *hopes raised*

Just as we thought it was over, Arnie announced that they are going to play an encore, an unlisted piece that he thinks (and so do we) that it should be played. And there goes, I was listening to One Winged Angel (FF VII) live in front of me! (The crowd cheered on when he announced the song too, everyone is very very happy! xD) The Dithyrambic Singers did a good job on this one, very strong emphasis on their voices! I listened to this with a satisfied smile on my face in the dark hall (already crying inside out of joyfulness). TwT

And so it ended but not the selling of merchandises. I got to remind myself that if I ever get to attend Distant Worlds again I must either buy their merchandises early, or do not attend the last concert but the first or second ones instead. I was hesitant to buy their T shirt when I first found out because it was RM60. At the end of the concert my size sold out (although I still was very hesitant). As I check out their menu, I realized that their official tour art book (RM30) was sold out too. Other stuff on sale was Distant Worlds CD (I and II, RM40 each), and FF (some series)'s original soundtrack (RM100++). While MPO also sells keychains and some other stuff that I didn't take note of, but what I did take note of was that MPO's paper bag was very beautifully designed (I didn't see Distant World's one though).

Distant Worlds CD cover. Image from Citrus Glitter.

How the T shirt looks like. Image from Citrus Glitter.
 
I've also noticed that the Dithyrambic Singers was wearing the same attire for all members. The guys were wearing formal while the girls was weaing this dress, accompanied by a pearl necklace.

Attending MPO's concerts, we are supposed to oblige by their dress code. While some performances requires us to dress formally, this performance only requires us to dress "smart casual"-ly. Jeans are allowed, but no colarless T-shirts, sports attire, slippers and the sort. Last minute-ly I felt that my original pick of clothing looked too formal for the event, luckily I spotted a neat top hanging in my room, it was a recent birthday gift from my friends. And I am really thankful for them right now. xD

OOTD
After the concert many people were selfie-ing under this giant poster, so this was the best shot I could get. :P

I love this poster TwT
Part of a list of songs that I wanted to hear but wasn't played:
One Winged Angel (FF VII) :D
Blinded by Light (FF XIII)
The Promise/ The Sunleth Waterscape(FF XIII)
The City of Rabanastre (FF XII)
Eternity: Memory of Lightwaves (X)
Eyes on Me (FF VIII)
Melodies of Life (FF IX)
Eternal Love (FF XIII)
Kiss Me Goodbye (FF XII)
Dearly Beloved (Hey! this is not FF!!)
Roxas' theme (This is not FF either!!)
Theme of Aya Brea (Ok, this is waaayyyy over...)

[after reviewing this list maybe I should go to Voices: Music from FINAL FANTASY concerts instead. :P]

Extra mini complaint: Why put FF XIII on the poster when only one song from FF XIII was played??? You got my hopes up at first you know?!?!?! T___T (And no, Final Fantasy's Prelude, Main Theme and Victory Fanfare was not featured in FF XIII so in total only one song from FF XIII was played.)

Overall it was an amazing feels, memories and music experience. I would totally come back for more of Distant Worlds or other performances by Square Enix in the future, hopefully with Nobuo Uematsu and/or Angela Aki appearance or Yoko Shimomura as special guest (LOL totally irrelavant). And next time when I get to go, I hope it's some FF X/ XII/ XIII special anniversary or something. XD


Post event pic.
Background: FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 file bought in Taiwan
Ticket courtesy of MPO. ^___^
A great big thanks to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dithyrambic Singers, all soloists, Arnie Roth, Nobuo Uematsu, and last but not least, Square Enix for making everything possible. =D


Signing out.


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Sunday, August 17, 2014

Happiest 5k

If you don't know what THE COLOR RUN is: Also known as the Happiest 5k on the planet,is a unique color race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community. The Color Run is a 5km, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometre.

The Color Run Malaysia is presented by CIMB Bank (clever, this company knows how to market), sponsored by Toyota, New Balance, and TNT. (And also supported by many other companies, but no Nike :'( )

[The above information is stolen from the pamphlet handed out by The Color Run.]

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Prelude:

Once upon a time, I got a free pass to the color run.

So I went to collect my kit.

Le shirt
What I like best about the stuff in the kit bag. :3

A headband and two tattoos are also included.
What I find most interesting is that the headband is made in China while the tattoos are PROUDLY made in USA. xD

So my mum got these for me as extra.
(Gosh it's the color of Eva Unit 01!!)

Prelude ends.... and now....

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[The design of the runner's kit bag, colorful eh? :3]

So the flyer noted that the gates are open at 6am and Warm-Up Session at 6:45am, while the Flag off is at 7am.

I had to wake up at 5am+... reaching KL only to realize there was road closures and had walked on those closed roads to Padang Merbok (the venue). =.= And to see an overwhelming number of people jumping on the field with music blasting everywhere and a super hyper emcee's voice in the air (the warm up must've begun)! xD


Since there was a tremendous number of people who signed up, us runners are being released at the starting point as waves. So the rest behind waited quite a while, while taking selfies and photos (it was a young, energetic crowd I must say!). Also there was this mini hovercraft, which seems to be holding a camera, flying on top of us participants while waiting, and everyone just turned to wave at it. xD The emcee is now at the Starting Arch (they have an arch at the starting and ending point), along with a few workers, throwing out a few color packs (colored powder in a small plastic pack) to some lucky runners. Too bad I didn't get it though. :P

While passing by the Starting Arch, us runners had our first color blast by those stand-byers, and I was kinda complaining mentally that I didn't get blasted enough. >.< Just only a few meters away from the Starting Arch, our wave of runners encountered some tourists by the roadside taking pictures, and one of them cheered on to us "Almost there!". We sure did went laughing out loud. (Which is pretty ironic because the Finish Arch is just on the road next to ours.)

Anyway, on the way I've encountered some pretty interesting costumes! (It's a little sad that I didn't get all of them.) Some people were wearing tutus (which was sold on race kit collection day LOL), colorful socks (also sold on race kit collection day), wigs, and some even cut their shirt stylishly (I wanted to cut off my sleeves at first, but laziness and forgetfulness got the better of me, sigh)!

See how young and crazy some runners can be! :D
Totally respect the girl on the top right, if it was me I would've just given my spot to someone else, despite it being just a non-competitive fun run.

I like New Balance because it collaborated with my college to organize a run (not because of some Korean craze). I'm pretty happy that they are the blue color station for no reason though. xD

Some of the runners used this mirror by the roadside to take group selfies. >.<

Passed by this memorial. I have a feeling they did this on purpose so that we can get to see KL. =w=

I'm happy not only because there is a water station, but also because there is 100 Plus station!!
(100 Plus is their official isotonic beverage in partner, which means... free 100 Plus!! Yay!)

Almost reaching the finishing area, a photographer decided to do a runners group selfie so I dashed in time to join in. And I met an old classmate of mine (actually she caught me running so... yeah, I'm terrible at recognizing people). Turns out we might go to the same uni together.
Long time no see! :D
Somewhere over the rainbow.... I got blasted with the colors of Eva Unit 01. *super happy*
Color transformations.
2nd pic: Don't worry it's powder not blood.
How I ended up in the finishing line.
We also get a color pack when we're done to throw around for the mini music festival going on at the stage.
Colored ground, it's full of powder!!
Maaaahhhh shoooeeeee!!!
The New Balance booth sure do brings back childhood memories, with a sport-ier taste.
But overall other booths were equally amazing, we get to instagram our photos and print it out for free!
Extra: Some Nike-loyal girl even changed the "N" logo to a Nike logo while having her fun. Thumbs up xD
My shoe has a horrible atmosphere around it.
This guy was walking around the field. It's super cute and also, respect the person inside it, standing the heat while making others happy, thanks a lot!
Aaaahhhh well, signing off! :D
[To you who is reading this: if you love fun, photography (or selfie) with a dash of colors, this is not a run to miss! Do join in the future!]