[Coming Soon] Content to be reorganized and updated

4:50 AM ACTIVITIES, QUICK NOTES No Comments

When I started this blog in 2008, it was meant for her personal opinions and ideas. My main focus was to have a space to share experience as well as general opinion about various topics; written in English. Although, occasionally there were entries in Malay and Japanese language, I had made more effort at pursuing writing in English.
As my writing development expands, this blog direction had also came to a single focus – travel. About less than a year ago, I have spent about two days changing and tweaking the blog design and content; making it easier for readers to browse through the content and stuff.

Upcoming streamlined content 
As I travel more in future, I wish to be able to continue sharing experience and information related to all those journeys. This includes numerous pending travel entries currently on my plate.
Travel contents shall be divided into several categories. If you are looking into informative article related to a specific place or events or travel-related product and services, you can look them up easily at the category section.
Of course since my entries are mainly inspired by my personal travel and journeys, there will be sections where I will be writing personalized travel stories.

Consistent content publication
It’s been several months since 2013 arrived, but the blog had only five entries. Starting from June 2013, I will be posting regularly with at least 4 articles per week. I would try to post entries consistently according to category every week.

My old and Non-travel related entries
So, what will happen to my old entries? They will still be available for browsing and reading in this blog. Of course, the old entries (except for travel related stories) would be stashed into a specific category (non-travel posts). Since I also have another blog now, selected few of the old entries would probably be reposted in that blog.

Check out my second blog - 

My Diamond Tears (http://my-diamond-tears.blogspot.com)


Searching for Makiko S online
I am also a guest writer at The Daily Roar, an international travel blog focusing on South East Asia (SEA) region.
Check out the blog at:
The Daily Roar (http://thedailyroar.com/about/) 

Surely, if you “google-d” Makiko S, there will be list of search items available. I am available on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube (links are below). Also, you can always click on the category tab above to head straight out to YT, G+ and FB.

Facebook (Makiko S & Thumbelina@KL)
https://www.facebook.com/MakikoS.and.ThumbelinaKL
Google+ (Makiko S)
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104389974626637182334/posts
Twitter (@MakikoSaba)
http://www.twitter.com/MakikoSaba
Youtube (Makiko S)
http://www.youtube.com/user/MakikoS
Instagram (@MakikoSaba)
http://www.instagram.com/makikosaba

Interact with Makiko S?
Leave a comment here on the blog or just follow any of the social media links to allow you have direct interaction with me. I am usually available for chat or even video chat on FB and Google+; come and say ‘Hi’ to me ^_^

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First entry of 2012

2:12 AM QUICK NOTES No Comments

Today is second day of the year of 2012. Usually I love to do a reflection session by the end of any particular year. However, last year (2011) was the first time where I did not want to scrutinize the life that I had for the 12 months duration.

Anyway, I hope moving forward there will be more interesting ideas and experiences to be shared with you all.

Happy New Year and may all my fellow readers be blessed with more success & happiness for this 366 days.

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What is wrong with me?

3:22 AM QUICK NOTES, RELATIONSHIP No Comments

What is wrong with me?
I walk with chin up;
Talk loud, act proud.
What is wrong with me?
My feet stands firmed;
My hands steer forward;
My body charge ahead;
My mind, my heart are rock solid hard.
What is wrong with me?
I speak out of those emotions;
I feel of those thoughts;
Confident is part of my composure.
Empathy is part of my conscience.


I know of my feelings now;
I know of my thoughts now.
But no word to form a speech;
But no act to show a desire.
What is wrong with me?
What is wrong with me?


(DA, November 2011)

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Find Makiko S on Facebook

2:37 AM QUICK NOTES No Comments

It is taking some time now.

As usual, changes in life is inevitable. While many may choose to sigh, there is nothing to loose if I keep on smiling. Attitude must always reflect your optimistic side - be it about life, love, career, etc.

Anyway, this is a short entry. For those who are on facebook, be a follower at Makiko S & Thumbelina@KL <click here>. You are more than welcomed to share this page with as many people as you like. Here is the platform where I do most of the times, update and share stories, pictures, recommendations and many more news on travel.

Until next time =)

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Happy Birthday Malaysia

1:58 AM CULTURE, QUICK NOTES 1 Comment

Time fly very fast.
It is now almost the last quarter of calendar year.
For the past two months, I have been busy staying at home and regularly commuting to hospital for physioteraphy sessions. After this experience, I learnt that human ankle is the most complex feature in human body. I also learnt that the location where I fall is very notorious to claim bodily injury and even human lives.
Nonetheless, it was not all so bad for me. I am blessed and lucky to be able to survive and life must continue. 
On the note that August is Malaysia's national celebration, I would like to extend warm wishes to all fellow Malaysians - a Happy 54th Birthday Malaysia. 
This year would be a meaningful experience for all of us as we are having double celebration.

Lastly, in view of the upcoming Eid-ul Fitr celebration, I wish everyone who is celebrating an Eid Mubarak. I will try to write an interesting travel entry soon.

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SUKARELAWAN - Mulakan Sekarang!

2:23 AM CULTURE, QUICK NOTES No Comments

SUKARELAWAN - Mulakan Sekarang!

For many who has been involved, I am sure you are highly aware of the existence of various NGOs in Malaysia. Personally, I think our perception and acceptance on voluntary activities is very much influenced by the mainstream culture. Although we have been exposed to the concept of helping hands since early age, "volunteerism" has not been commercialized enough, especially among our young generations.

As we are moving towards becoming a developing nation, social development focus has been directed towards commercialization of economy generating activities such as empowering our human capital for commercial workforce, enhancing our education system for popular commercial sectors, etc.

Based on personal experience, I came to realize that despite knowing the importance of "giving my hands" to the needy, somehow my intention of helping others kept on dropping from my priority list. Helping financially (or shall I say monetary assistance) had overwhelmed voluntary efforts/activities by pushing away people, who are less fortunate -money wise. If I go back to the basics of helping, a contribution does not equals to monetary value itself, but the scope can be widen to other type of resources available.

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

Whether you realize it or not, there has been a healthy development in the areas of social development.

If you have been wanting to learn about volunteering locally (soon internationally), check out this site - SUKARELAWAN. This site aims to collectively gather as many organizations as possible in the country that offer volunteering opportunities to the public. Although it is still in its infancy stage, you could find relatively sufficient information about volunteer activity here.

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Interrupted postings - writer's apology

8:47 PM BACKPACKING, FROM KL to TAIWAN, QUICK NOTES No Comments

It has indeed been an interesting journey of mine while on my personal Indo-China route. To date, I am in the last city of this stint - Taipei. Albeit reasonably good internet connection in almost all the places I have stopped, for certain reasons many of the websites (including blogger) are not always available for access.

I shall resume writing about my experience for the past month or so once I have returned to Malaysia (for my break). To all dear followers and readers, my sincere apology for not keeping up to my promise.

See you all next time...!!!

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April Birthday Wishes

1:05 AM QUICK NOTES No Comments

This entry is dedicated especially for two important people in my life. Since I have no mean to access FACEBOOK in this city, hopefully this entry will cheer them up.

Although I am not at home to physically celebrate with them, I wish both of them all the best in life and hope for more success as well as happiness to be bestowed by them.

Firstly, a happy belated birthday to my youngest sister, Lyna (we are 10 years different in age); and

Secondly, a happy birthday to my dearest Papa (no need to mention the age different, eh?)


Additional note: Two of my good friends are to be married as well this month and since I am not in town, I would like to congratulate to Eppy and wife, and Ms Echah and future hubby for the wedding. May both of you finds happiness and be blessed of a long lasting marriage.

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Hello 2011

3:29 AM QUICK NOTES No Comments

First week of 2011 is almost over. Did I feel anything special this year, so far? Hmmm… it is too early to tell.

As I was checking my blogger dashboard, I realized that 2010 had been an extreme success for this blog. The objective after I resume writing on this platform for 2010 was very much achieved. With more than 1500 page views, slightly over 100 comments and reaching 100 followers – I personally believe that it is not a lost battle trying to position an English medium blog in the Malay reading segment. Of course, occasionally I do write items in Malay just to give a little bit of spice to the readers.

One of my agendas for this year is to keep on writing, so I could continue sharing opinions, thoughts and experiences with more people. After more than a year, it is time for some transformation for “Reality Check: The Air We Breathe”. I hope to be able to make initial changes soon before I can start focusing again on the delivery of content to all my dear readers.

Until next time!!!

Note: It is not too late to wish all of you a Happy New Year. Let us work hard towards more success and happiness in life.

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Greatest Love of All

1:43 AM ARGUMENTS, LIVING LIFE, QUICK NOTES 2 Comments

The greatest love is for the only one - Him. 

Cinta paling agung hanya untuk-Nya, Allah swt. Itu pun, kita manusia berkongsi kasih dan cinta kepada-Nya.
Pun begitu, manusia selalunya tamak - mahukan semua kepada dirinya sahaja. Ungkapan berkongsi, terutamanya kasih sayang atau cinta tidak ada di dalam kamus hidup kita. Semahunya, bila ada insan yang menyayangi dan disayangi, cinta dan sayang insan itu sepertinya hak milik kekal kita. Saya terpanggil untuk berfikir sejenak, jika inilah hakikat kehidupan, maka sayang dan cinta yang paling agung seseorang itu bukan untuk-Nya?

Saya menanti dengan penuh harapan bahawa satu hari nanti Allah akan pertemukan saya dengan jodoh yang telah ditetapkan-Nya. Seperti maut, maka tidak ada satu kepastian yang mampu saya, sebagai hamba-Nya, ramalkan. Adakah aku ditakdirkan untuk terus bersendirian atau adakah Dia menyayangiku dan sudah punya ketetapan jodohku tetapi masih belum tiba masanya untuk aku diketemukan dengan pasanganku? Persoalan yang tidak mampu dijawab oleh sesiapa

Sungguhpun penantian itu adalah satu kewajipanku, namun adalah satu kepastian yang mana tidak memberi sebab untuk saya untuk menanti dengan hanya berdiam diri. Dipinjamkan Dia kepadaku dunia ini, kehidupan ini, nyawa ini, kesenanganku ini, keluargaku ini, rakan-taulanku ini dan segenap manusia di muka bumi ini bukan sekadar untuk pandanganku. Segala yang dipinjamkan-Nya supaya aku dapat memenuhi tuntutan-Nya kepadaku selagi jasad bersatu dengan rohku. 

Sesungguhnya rasa amarah, iri hati dan cemburu itu milik Allah. Kita manusia hanyalah hamba kepada-Nya. Saya hairan kenapa mudah benar manusia menunjuk-nunjuk perasaan amarah, iri hati dan cemburu kepada sesama manusia? 

Saya insan yang punya banyak kekurangan. Amal ibadat masih sangat sedikit. Akur, saya bukanlah insan yang layak untuk mempersoal isi-kehidupan insan lain. Hati saya sangat tersentuh bila mana tiada kemampuan untuk mengelak dari menjadi victim kepada perasaan iri hati, cemburu dan amarah manusia lain. 

Segala yang berlaku pasti ada hikmah disebaliknya. Andai aku perlu menanti sepanjang kehidupanku, dek kerana itulah ketentuan-Nya, aku redha. Cuma, aku tidak mampu untuk berdiam diri dan hanya menanti. Kerana Allah telah berjanji untuk memberi nikmat dan rezeki pada hamba-Nya yang berusaha.

...and He promises to always love and blessed me, without bias. Insya-Allah, akan diketemukan jua aku kepada pasanganku, satu hari nanti.  

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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. 


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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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