Experience Asia – Exciting prizes with Hilton and CNNGo

2:32 AM ACTIVITIES, JUST FOR FUN, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

UPDATED:
The video has been part of CNNGo channel. All of you are more than welcomed to view it.

It has been a quite month for this blog but worry not, dear readers; as I am gathering more exciting travel stories for everyone's to enjoy. In the meantime, help me grab an opportunity to win interesting travel prize from Hilton and CNNGo.

1. First, please visit this link ;
Experience Asia – Enter to win exciting prizes with Hilton and CNNGo.
(http://adfeature.cnn.com/stayhilton/experienceasia/video/gallery.php?orderby=likes)
2. Second, find my self-made video title "Love for Travel - A Story"

3. Third, click on the video and of course enjoy yourself watching the short clip
4. Lastly, click "LIKE" button below the video, or you can also tweet to share the video.

For more exciting stories, I wish to explore every possible opportunities. This is also part of a journey. Your attention and support is extremely appreciated.

See you soon!!!

Don't wait further. Just CLICK HERE to immediately view & vote..

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OMG!!! It's almost four years.

4:40 AM EXPERIENCE, JUST FOR FUN No Comments

This can be considered as an interval entry. 

Of late, I have been dealing with trouble finding words to pen down on this blog. Despite of the abundance of ideas overflowing in my mind, it is just to hard for me to articulate them for your pleasure readings.

In view to find my writing cap that went missing, I have gone through all my entries in this blog. To my surprise, this year would be the fourth year of this blog's existence. My god! How fast time flies. I did not realized that I have been writing online this long. A couple of the recurring themes in here revolves around my travel experience and my thoughts while on a journey finding mr right. 

Over these years, this blog only had three facelifts. Though I am thinking of giving this blog another round of layout change, I do not think I am in the right state of mind to do so ^_-

Anyway, I am sure there has been plenty more readers who has came here and enjoy my entries. Despite my struggle (still is) of finding more local readers who are interested at reading thoughts and ideas in English, my writing passion has never dimmed since day 1. 

Genuinely from a writer's perspective, I wish to seek some honest opinion of this blog's from my respectable readers. 

So, ladies & gentlemen...the table is open for your thoughts and ideas. Feel free to drop comment here.

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Dari-K

2:11 AM CULTURE, INSPIRATIONS, JUST FOR FUN, TIPS 1 Comment

Dari-K - If you are a steady reader at this blog, you would know about the origin of my pen name - Makiko S. When I first knew this guy, he was just a simple yet a very smart guy who was completing his Master's degree in Singapore. He was there for a while before heading to Oxford university to further his study.

I have to admit that he was one guy who I used to admire (from far) - obviously I like smart people (who doesn't, right?). This guy is one of many reasons for me to start travelling as well. In the recent years, we keep on maintaining communications between two countries.

This entry is dedicated specially for his newly opened chocolate shop in Kyoto. At this moment, the shop serves customers in Japan, but I was informed that plans for expanding delivery is coming soon.

So readers, if you happened to be in Kyoto, drop by at this wonderful chocolate shop. Rest assured that since his cocoa beans are from one of the best cocoa producers in the world, you'll be surprised with the products.

It is a Japanese chocolate house, but the name of the shop is unique - it's not even a Japanese name. Please add Dari-K on your travel diary if you stop in Kyoto.

Note: For Mr 'Owner', this would be definitely a reason for me to add Kyoto in my travel list. Wish you all the best with the chocolate shop.

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My Dream Love Story

7:03 PM JUST FOR FUN, RELATIONSHIP 13 Comments

This morning I wake up and look straight up to the sky. It was a bright, sunny, clear blue sky. I felt so blessed. Then, I stand up – another day is about to start.

Each day the first thing I do is to put a smile on my face. It is the natural reflection of so much hope and love within me, which are meant to be shared. It is more than a blessing to have had the chance to share my love with people surrounding me, mama, papa, brothers, sisters, cousins, families, friends and who ever who came across my path.

After the last relationship, every day, for six years, I have not lost my hope – that one day I will find my so-called “prince charming”, my soul mate, my other half, MY LOVE. It is the dream which I live in reality.

God is the ultimate creator of life. Although I still walk my days alone, someday He will bring that ONE for me to experience the greatest gift of life – to love and be loved.

Some have said to me that I am too choosy. Well, I have good reasons for being one. It is my dream love – which I think belongs to me, unconditionally.

I hope for a man, who speaks softly and gracefully in front of me – reflecting the amount of respect any lady could have received. I hope for a man, who admires my beauty – reflecting the level of acceptance any lady could have embraced. I hope for a man, who stands up for me – reflecting the scale of courage any lady could have had.

Like a deep red coloured rose bud, the gentle and warmth of the sun will determine the soon change the feature of the rose bud. An ideal relationship is as such when the SUN and ROSE naturally work together, displaying the magnificent colour and shape of a full blossomed flower under the smartly lit surrounds light and temperature.

I dream for a love that is strong – built over trust and faith of two individuals.

I dream for a love that is wholesome – mixture of two arrays of strengths and weaknesses.

I dream for a love that is complete – pieces of puzzles that complements a picture in the making.

It will always be about personality and efforts of two souls, which can endure every challenges life could have ever spared for you. I wish that one day, the man who I hope for and the love that I dream of will forever make me smile, even when the morning sky is not blue.

This is my dream “Love Story”.

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

Footnote:

I am still waiting for my own dream love story. Nevertheless, I have a few special person in family who have already found their dream love stories. I can hear wedding bells within the next 12 months, so I hope if this piece is chosen as a winner – I could share this with them.

A token of appreciation to CST production & Linda Rahim Kuala Lumpur for giving the opportunity for me to share my story

CST Production

Linda Rahim Kuala Lumpur

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Keep in touch - Today's world

2:28 AM JUST FOR FUN, QUICK NOTES No Comments

Surely most of us nowadays are somehow associated to a social networking web-application - the most famous would be Facebook.


It's great to have a platform to strengthen and rekindle relationship or/and friendship. I remember the challenges to remain in touch with friends especially whenever there was a need to be physically separated. Farewell bids like, "Keep in touch.", "Don't forget to call/ mail!" were familiar when we say goodbyes to our friends or families. Soon after that, we write letters, wait for Mr. postman or find any phone to call-up friends; all for the sake of keeping in touch. Eventually the regime started to become less frequent, and at the end - we hardly communicate with those who we used to be connected with.


Thanks to the powerful virtual world now, any relationship can now be re-connected at the end of your fingertips. 


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


PS. I still prefer to write on a piece of paper (aka snail mail) because it gives personal touch when it comes to communication.

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A tale of two

3:40 AM JUST FOR FUN 4 Comments

We are made to find each other. 

I see no difference. We complement each other.

Even when we do nothing, it is still comforting.

Because I care, so we look out for each other.

Things done are more meaningful, when they are done together.

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Formula 1: A dream comes true (Part II)

2:25 AM JUST FOR FUN, UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL 2 Comments

I saw one of my favourite persons in this world, Michael Schumacher - see Formula 1: A dream comes true (Part I).

This weekend shall not be forgotten. It was the busiest yet very exciting 2-days weekend I have ever experienced. On top of the tight schedule, the weather and the extremely loud noise - none could dispute the special feelings I had experienced. More than overwhelmed, my mind were briefly deviated from the common things - thanks to the opportunity given. My dream to live the adrenaline rush of watching the favourite sport, the favourite team and the favourite driver have finally came true.

Dream - one can have so many along the course of one's life. Some could be realistic and some could be considered as very difficult or almost impossible to achieve. As a normal human being, I could not run away from having the craziest dreams. Whether you believe it or not, many successes are driven by this first 'magical' word.

A dream is the seed of many greatness or strengths a person could attain, so long that it is then nourished and further developed in order to produce a result. Some prefer to call it VISION, but I rather choose this traditional word- somehow it will keep my foot on the ground while working hard towards achieving it.

When I was younger, the only drive that I used to have was my dream. At that point of time, my understanding of the need over setting objectives, goals and mission before proceeding with developing strategies was almost ZERO; in view to materializing my dreams.

The most exciting part of a travel is not at the destination, but the whole journey towards the destination. Over the years, most knowledge and skills are acquired while I was walking the road, be it on foot or on a jet plane. 90% of the journey will determine how far one could have reach. The remaining 10%, however are determined by the 'luck' or opportunity, so long that one still have hope.

Once upon a time, I dream of going to a Formula 1 Grand Prix race wearing red (supporting my favourite team) and see with my own eyes of the man who inspire me so much - doing what he loves the most. It was a dream, and today it comes true. PERIOD. 

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Formula 1: A dream comes true (Part I)

12:05 AM JUST FOR FUN, UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL No Comments

One can always have at least an impossible (or shall I say almost) dream, of which often be the wildest or the craziest among all dreams. If one dream is to be considered as an impossible mission, does that means one has to stop dreaming? A very rational type of person would argue that having an impossible dream could be a waste to an individual.

However, it could be the only thing that spices up your entire life. Among the many crazy dreams I have in life, I have always wanted to watch Michael Schumacher live in action. Due to other commitments, plus the fact that I was not able to afford the ticket, my closest experience with F1 race cars and its drivers are in front of my TV, at home, even until Schumy announced his retirement 3 years ago .

When I got the news that my idol was going race again, it was one of the exciting moment in life. While I was trying to get hold of this year F1 Malaysia GP opportunity, my office had opened the door for me. It was only a 15 minutes quiz-and-BOOM!!! Today, for the 1^st time since my passion for the sport started, I was seated in the second row from the main racing track facing directly to Mercedes Petronas team pit. I cannot even describe the feeling when I could immediately see Michael Schumacher’s name clearly – without having to use any visual aid.

As soon as the qualifying ended, the memory of seeing Schumy waving to all the fans remains. Can’t wait to really experience the whole adrenaline rush and excitement tomorrow.

To be Continued…

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Words, Phrases: cute redefinitions

3:50 AM JUST FOR FUN No Comments

Special thanks to the person who shares this with me.

I found them worth sharing with all of you. It makes me wonder how simple things can be explained, without losing its’ true essence:-

CIGARETTE

A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper

With fire at one end and a fool at the other!

MARRIAGE

It's an agreement, wherein

a man loses his bachelor degree

and a woman gains her master

LECTURE

An art of transmitting Information

from the notes of the lecturer to the notes of students

without passing through the minds; of either

CONFERENCE

The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present

COMPROMISE

The art of dividing a cake in such a way that

everybody believes he got the biggest piece

TEARS

The hydraulic force by which

masculine will power is

defeated by feminine water-power!

DICTIONARY

A place where divorce comes before marriage

CONFERENCE ROOM

A place where everybody talks, nobody listens

and everybody disagrees later on

ECSTASY

A feeling when you feel

you are going to feel

a feeling

you have never felt before

CLASSIC

A book which people praise,

but never read

SMILE

A curve that can set

a lot of things straight!

OFFICE

A place where you can relax

after your strenuous home life

YAWN

The only time when some married men

ever get to open their mouth

ETC

A sign; to make others believe

that you know more than you actually do

COMMITTEE

Individuals who can do

nothing individually

and sit to decide

that nothing can be done, together

EXPERIENCE

The name men give

to their Mistakes

ATOM BOMB

An invention to bring an end

to all inventions

PHILOSOPHER

A fool

who torments himself during life,

to be spoken of, when dead

DIPLOMAT

A person who tells you

to go to hell

in such a way

that you actually look forward

to the trip

OPPORTUNIST

A person who starts taking bath

if he accidentally falls

into a river

OPTIMIST

A person who while falling from EIFFEL TOWER

says in midway, "SEE I AM NOT INJURED YET!"

PESSIMIST

A person who says that

O is the last letter in ZERO,

Instead of the first letter in OPPORTUNITY

MISER

A person who lives poor

so that he can die RICH!

FATHER

A banker provided by nature

CRIMINAL

A guy no different from the other,

unless he gets caught

BOSS

Someone who is early

when you are late

and late

when you are early

POLITICIAN

One who shakes your hand

before elections

and your Confidence, Later

DOCTOR

A person who kills

your ills by pills,

and kills you by his bills!

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If you think your body is tired, check if your brain 'feels' the same...

2:43 AM JUST FOR FUN 1 Comment

IF YOU CAN SEE THE ABOVE MOVING, YOU NEED REST. YOUR BRAIN IS GIVING SIGNAL THAT THERE IS TOO MANY THINGS GOING ON ON YOUR MIND.

AND IF THE SECOND ONE SEEMS TO BE SOMEHOW ANIMATED (MOVING), PLEASE DON'T THINK FURTHER - TAKE A BREAK NOW!

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Endangered species "Civet Cat" not in the wild, but behind my house

2:06 AM JUST FOR FUN, MAKIKO VOICE 1 Comment

The gazetted forest area which surrounding my neighbourhood is now being slowly changed, in view of paving some development.

I've always thought the loud thumping noise occasionally heard outside or sometimes on the house ceiling could be from any small monkeys or cats. 

Earlier tonight I saw an animal, with long musk, long body and long tail trailing on the telephone line stretching from the pole heading towards me (I was standing facing out the window).

It was dark outside, but upon seeing the animal turned back to the pole, stop and started to stare at me. My curiosity made me to stare back at it, as I was trying to browse in my head of the actual type of animal I was seeing. After about 10 minutes, I guess the animal kinda understood that I was not intimated by it..so it started to trail on the telephone line heading to other direction.

To my amazement not only it has a very long body & tail, the ability to trail on a single rope-alike (i.e. telephone line) and the ability to maneuver it's move (hanging upside down while finishing the trail) before moving to my neighbour's roof gave confirmation that this animal is not any domestic pet or animal.

As I remember that Civet Cat has somehow the same physical description, so I Google up...The picture confirmed again that this is actually what I saw. Civet Cat is protected by law since it is considered as endangered species. They are meant to be in the wild. It saddens me to know that maybe because of their home are now being turned to be commercial or residential area made them vulnerable and have no where to go. 

I supposed sometime in this week, I need to check with FRIM and see if there is any way of catching these wild life animals to relocate them back to where they are supposed to be.

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The Day We Find Love by 911 (D' Respond)

4:02 AM JUST FOR FUN, VIDEO No Comments

Isn't the first time

Won't be the last time

Don't you worry, I don't mean to make you sad

My tears will soon be over

With your conscience clear for a new life ahead

Don't be sorry, I really need to hear the truth

But the only thing I'm asking, 'cos I need you to

Remember me, as the only one who set you free

Maybe time alone will make you see

How deep our love could be

No, it's never too late

[Chorus]

'Cos I know, this isn't the first time

It won't be the last time

I surrender my soul

'Cos you're always, keepin' me waitin', anticipatin'

The day we find love once again

I won't give up while there's a glimmer of a chance

A dream that's never ending

Inviting love and a perfect romance

A burning passion, oh baby you're my destiny

But the message I'm receivein', is your through with me

But I'll be there, even though you tell me you don't care

How could you forget the times we've shared

Don't throw our love away, you know it's never too late

[Repeat Chorus]

Remember me, as the only one who set you free

Maybe time alone will make you see

How deep our love could be

No, it's never too late

[Repeat Chorus]

This isn't the first time (The day we find love)

It won't be the last time (And I need you one more time)

Keepin' me waitin', anticipatin' (The day we find love)

This isn't the first time (The day we find love)

It won't be the last time (The day we find love)

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Blank & Busy (BB)

2:26 AM JUST FOR FUN, UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL No Comments

Since I am fairly occupied with things at work, it is normal for 'brain' to be not functioning that well in churning ideas for me to write. I hope, next entry would have some ideas (my own) to share. 

In the mean time, maybe it's worth sharing about my personality assessment in brief which I got from several sources (and I am in agreement with the result about the details given):-

My COLOUR : BLACK

You are mysterious and cool. You are a beautiful, hushed person-who is loyal, yet peculiar, and you won't let anything block your destinations. Gorgeous, silent, mysterious, and cold!

My NUMBER : 8

Having an 8 Life Path makes you a born leader and provides you with great opportunities. Success is common in your life and others flock to you. Having a good judge of character enables you to partner with the best people. You must avoid harming those around you as you strive to reach the top.

My THEMES

Learner

Individualization

Input

Analytical

Focus

My ATTRIBUTES

Exact

Profound

Practical

Creative

Planning

Correct

Careful

Considerate planner

Purposeful

Logical

Perfectionist

Elaborator

Thorough

The above summarize about myself and surprisingly all are almost accurate. Anything else that need clarification?

I think it is better to know me personally rather than keep on asking question...Hahaha... I am always free for a date or any social outing (",)

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Jigsaw Puzzle, anyone...?

1:31 AM JUST FOR FUN, UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL No Comments

First of all, I wish to thank the 'person' who gave me the present for the Pricing Team Gift Exchange. It was delayed by a day, nevertheless, like mentioned in my previous piece..it is the thought that counts.

However, I have to admit that the 300-pieces jigsaw puzzle is somehow a hint to remind me of who I am, at least in the office. My first reaction was not 'excitement'. Instead, I was a bit disappointed with myself - to be officially known/ perceived as a meticulous and process-oriented person (no offense to the person who gave me the puzzle).

The same evening, I immediately open the box and completed the puzzles within 3 hours.

Of course with the help of my two younger sisters, my disappointment ended up to be an exciting activity between my sisters and I.

At one point I was almost discouraged by the fact that I could not do it faster than I thought. Just for note, I used to enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles during my primary school years. But starting and completing the puzzle during the wee hours of mid-night, seemed to be ridiculous (quoted from my sisters). 

That three hours gave me time to do a quick self reflection. The jigsaw puzzle is a testament to the ability of mince trying to play the games without any given rules. Instead, I ended up analyzing about the pieces, the colours, the shapes, and not to forget I even managed to divide the section of which is to be done first and which is last.

If I choose to keep the puzzle first, chances are it will never be touched after I keep it away. My accomplishment that day was to keep on pushing, despite the fact that I was (already) extremely tired (it was 00:00hrs when we completed half) and my back pain kept on bugging me; my determination to ensure the puzzle to be completed as I wanted it to be. 

Since 300-pieces puzzle is now officially not so-challenging for me, I bought a new puzzle earlier today (1000-pieces). Not sure if I am purposely 'daring' myself to see how far I could go (literally), but I can know that the puzzle will be a 'temporary' hobby until I can find things to do outside the house.

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Sunday's Evening Stage Show

12:16 AM CULTURE, JUST FOR FUN No Comments

My sister and I had a blast evening today.

Sometime about two months ago, she had asked me if I would want to join her and see a friend of hers performing. It was a good idea going to see a dance performance.

Her friend's dancing school had planned for a charity concert. Today was the day. We were entertained by 18 dances by almost 70 students (dancers).

Although it was a simple concert, while I was watching the dances, I can't helped myself from feeling sentimental. I used to study performing arts for a short stint before. Nevertheless that period gave me so much experience and memories. I wished I could continue my passion in dance. I can still remember the moves and musics, and of course the exciting hours rehearsing with friends before any dance show.

My sister and I are 10 years apart. Seeing the young girls dancing on stage do make me feel a bit old. I was thinking earlier if I still have the stamina and energy to dance (or make any dancing moves). I can see her enthusiasm of wanting to do a many things. I sure did thought the same when I was at her age.

In the end, the 2 hours performance have made a significant impact to me. This is the first time in so many years, for me to actually go out and enjoy a stage performance. I can say that my first attempt trying to 'go-out' again was not so bad. At least me and my sister enjoyed each other company for the evening. 

  

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