50, and Melaka wows...

" Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time " - Jean Paul Richter

Being 50 is equivalent to living half a decade in this planet, in this life. It could be synonymous to have achieved a goal. It's a success. Senior citizen, my uncle have just turned 50 and he threw a celebration. My family and i were all ready to head down south to Melaka, the historical city, to join in the historical event!


By noon, Friday the 23rd, we prepared ourselves down south. The journey to Melaka wasn't a long one. Minus the traffic and by abiding to the speed limit, at least 2 hours we could be in Melaka. We reached the Melaka Raya in the evening and went to my aunt's house. I was hungry. And after merging together with my cousins and uncle, we were off to dinner.

We headed to a 'chap chap' place and ate plates of 'wan tan mee', 'satay babi', 'lobak' and 'popiah', all ala-Melaka. Yummy! We filled full our stomach before going to Jonker's Street.

How lucky were we? It was a Friday, which means there was a 'pasar malam' (night market) going on. We strolled along the street, looking and experiencing the atmosphere. I recalled, i have seldom ( or never) been to the 'pasar malam'. It was great. Lots of food stalls along the way. Also, plenty of girl accessories up for sale. Unfortunately, i didn't take any photographs there as it was crowded and i dare not risk losing 'it'. So, words will do. We were hooked up by a 'solo' performance/dance near the stage. Since he did not have any partner to dance with, he must have dared himself to dance alone. It was hilarious! And i bow down to him, i won't do such a thing...

We later drove to my mum's uncle's house ,we call 'suah teng' (kampung) since young. The next day held the eventful occasion.

The restaurant. We had to get there early to beat the traffic. The restaurant is located near a Sikh temple and on that day too, there was a Sikh celebration going on.

Halfway dining through the delicious food, we were put to a halt and rested our stomach. My Tuah Yee gave a toast to my Ah Ku who turned 50.

Princesses of the night, my cousins/bloggers Sue Yin and Sue Ann stood and gave a heart-warming toast, 'baba' style, to their father.

Yuuuuuuum Seng! Yuuuuuuuuuum Seng! Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum Seng! And then we sat to continue our dinner.

Cake time.

Happy Birthday Ah Ku!

The dinner ended, but not the night. We diverted to Dataran Pahlawan for quick shopping. I love to pass by that stretch- from the red Stadhuys building, to the clock tower, to the Ship Museum, to Dataran Pahlawan on the left and Mahkota Parade on the right. The place has evolved.

One of the new attractions, the Taming Sari Tower. With a height of 110 meters, tourist can experience the ride and at the same time enjoy the panoramic view of the city. We didn't sit it though. Uploading and downloading passengers.

Up, up, up...

And the peak!

Shifted our attention to the brightly- lit buildings in front of us. I liked it there at night, and i recalled, it was my first time being there at night after it has evolved.

Melaka is a place rich in history and culture, and it is surely capable of becoming one of the top states to visit in Malaysia. If i'm a tourist visiting Malaysia, i would want to visit Melaka. Not to mention, the extremely good food too! Window shopped at Dataran Pahlawan and came home empty-handed. Wonderfully completed night!

Before heading back to KL, we reserved our stomach to eat the ever tasty 'wu kiau' noodles. We named the place 'bawah pokok' (under a tree). After a 3 day 2 night stay in Melaka, we were back home in KL. Miss the food!

wc08, is in holiday mood, and Melaka kicked off the holiday atmosphere just too good! Happy Bithday Ah Ku once again!

* Thank you all for voting- Shannon Noll. 'He's good' topped the score with an astonishingly 106 votes. Wow! I'm grateful for your votes. I couldn't agree more with all of you! Do keep updated ok... and i am a Malaysian!

The American Idol Season 7 is David Cook!

" Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way "

David Roland Cook!!! DC is now in line with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks! And he absolutely deserved the title. With a 12 million vote margin, David C was crowned the next American Idol, and no doubt why many still remained loyal to him and voted for him despite receiving less 'good' comments from Simon Cowell who said it was a knockout by David A. Lucky, Simon apologized before Ryan announced the results. To me, he won the night over David A, and David A would be proud to be the finalist. With many strong weeks ago, he expanded his fan-base with songs like Billie Jeans, Always Be My Baby, Hello and I Don't Want To Miss A Thing. He proved once again that he is consistent, versatile and nice. David Cook, i truly look up upon you as an Idol...

The final was a three round battle, and they made the show as if it was a boxing match- quite funny but creative. Round One was Clive Davis's choice. And David Cook opened the night with a blast and a rock solid performance!


Simon ended Round One with giving Round One to David A. To me, it was equally good, and none still had the edge. Round Two was the contestant's new song choice. David C presented Dream Big, which might be his winning song, and to me, it was another powerful performance by David C.


Simon ended Round Two with again giving it to David A. I beg to differ. I respect his opinion, but Round Two goes to David C. David A's song was a little on the verge of being too common, nothing near David C's unique and new song. Dream Big would be an excellent winning song as it was uncommon, and not a ballad! The final round, the most vital in a 'boxing' match, was the contestant's song choice. David C belted out The World I Know, and he sang it with full of emotions. Paula rewarded him with a standing ovation. A STANDING OVATION in the final! But Simon thought it was the wrong song choice. Huh?


He was close to tears at the end of the song. What more can i compliment him? He proves versatility, unlike David A who could usually belt out ballad. After David A belted Imagine, which was undeniably fantastic, Simon called it a knockout. He was wrong.

Being crowned the winner this season, David C continued to sing his winning song, but it wasn't Dream Big. Be it it or not, he sang the winning song incredibly fantastic- Time Of My Life. He deserved the title and more good things to come Mr Cook! Eager to hear from your, and more anxious to listen to your album. You rocked the final and the result show!!!




wc08 was delighted when David C was crowned the Idol title. And he now has to wait for January 2009 for the next season to kick off!

For Aslan!!! For NARNIA!

" A new age has begun"

" Everything you know is about to change forever"
- the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

The sequel to the magical Narnia : the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is here! The highly anticipated movie of 2008 proves that it can, once again, shine and sparkle like any diamond. There is surely a comparison going on between the first and the second installment, but hands down, i personally favour the second. Since the first was rewarded great reviews, what more can i say about the second?


I was invited by my friend, Sashdev, to tag along with him to Berjaya Times Square. It wasn't convenient for me to get there, but somehow, i got there. The easiest way would be to use the Putra-line LRT, then get down at Dang Wangi, walk to Monorail Bukit Nanas and finally exit the Imbi station and BTS is right there waiting. Sashdev invited other friends along, friends i had not met, and we headed to fill our stomach.

3.30pm. Show time!

The story began... The kings and queens of Narnia with Prince Caspian the 10th.

The story evolved. Strike when it's the perfect time. And the war hadn't begun yet...

And the exciting part... prepare for war!

The war has begun...

Aslan? Hmm... And there goes the climax. I'll not dent your interest. Watch it yourself.

About 2 hours and 25 minutes later, we got up, stretched our legs and straighten our backbones, and exited the hall. Wow... Undeniably, Narnia is a world of fantasy, imagination and magic. And what's better is that the imagination seemed real, the world of fantasy becomes reality and magic... wow! I'm blown away. With super cool visual and CGI effects, i wow-ed almost throughout the end part of the show. The set is beautiful, the story developed well (but it takes some time), the casts are great and the moral in it is abundant. Definitely better than the first and an A-grade movie! Although there are many movies coming out, Narnia should be in the spotlight and be given the chance to cast their spell all over. Roooaaarrrr!

I went back the same way i came. Surprisingly, my transportation fare is more expensive than my movie ticket! Priced at RM 7.00, i enjoyed myself in the cinema. To and fro, i paid RM 7.20 just for transport! I think i'll begin to think twice before going to BTS. KLCC is much nearer.

I caught something meaningful on the tv lately. National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) is organizing a program called Relay for Life. This program will be held on the 31st of May until the 1st of June. To find out more about it, click here.

If it's to be Narnia versus Iron Man, wc08, will take his stand, and stand with the Narnians! For NARNIA!

Hidden gem Down Under = Shannon Noll

" Taught me to walk, now i run " - Now I Run, Shannon Noll

Call me old-fashion or outdated, it is still better late than never. Thanks to NST's Sunday People, i discovered Shannon Noll and his songs immediately caught my interest- my cup of tea! His songs are inspiring and meaningful. In addition to that, his voice is unique and has an edgy tune to it. The newspaper wrote about his Now I Run single as the song is dedicated to his late father. Without any second thought, i downloaded it and i continued to surf the net to dig more about him. Many may heard of him from his Shine single few years back. He was the runner up in the Australian Idol, second to Guy Sebastian. Personally, i prefer him to Guy. And he sang Angels Brought Me Here with lots more thrill and umph...


His third Top 2 performance in the Australian Idol.

Born on the 16th September 1975, this rock/pop singer-songwriter has gone on to release two number one, multi-platinum albums,That's What I'm Talking About and Lift and numerous top 5 singles including three number one debuts and an additional 7 single releases reaching the top 10.


A great singer with A-grade songs. This Lift single is a must listen!

"Lift"

I know you're hurting
Feels like you're learning
'Bout life the hard way
And it ain't working

Seems like forever
That you've been falling
It's time to move on
You're life is calling, yeah

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

[CHORUS]
Cause I know how hard it can get
But you gotta lift
You gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But I know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You gotta lift
You gotta lift

When you can feel your
Whole body's aching
What's left of your heart
It won't stop breaking
You gotta let go
You took a hit
Time to pick up now
Move on from this

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

[CHORUS]
Cause I know how hard it can get
But you gotta lift
You gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But I know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You gotta

Lift yourself up above all the hurt
Don't give it
Wipe your eyes and remember
You're better than this
Let them know
That they took their best shot
And missed
C'mon and lift

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

[CHORUS]
Cause I know how hard it can get
But you gotta lift
You gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But I know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You gotta lift
You gotta lift

His new song, Tomorrow, even proves further that he is a singer to be reckoned with. To hear, click here.

To find out more about him, check out his official website here.

To cut short, i conclude that he'll be my favourite male singer present. His other songs are What About Me (really good), Lonely, Loud, Don't Give Up, In Pieces and the rest are for you to discover yourself. Trust me, he will not let you down!

wc08 can't wait to hear more from him, and hope you will be on the same page with him.

Ain't just the third III...

" The Earth we live in is like a time bomb, ticking and ticking, and ticking until the right time, and we will not know when is it "

When knowing less is better, i doubted it, in this case, myself and was eager to search deeper into these current and devastating issues. I couldn't help but feel sorry and sympathetic. The urgency for me to know more far outweighs the laziness for me to lay back, be unaware and let these issues slip out. Having said that, this post will be about the cyclone that hit Myanmar (Burma) and the earthquake that shook the ground of the southwest of China. I surfed through the world wide web to gather more information on these issues, and i would like to share them with you along with some of my personal, heartfelt comments to it. The information and pictures below are obtained from the Internet (as to the time of this post).

Cyclone Nargis was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the deadliest natural disaster in Burma's recorded history. The name 'Nargis' is a Persian word meaning daffodil. Early on April 29, the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) estimated Nargis reached winds of160km/h and at the same time the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified the system as a very severe cyclonic storm. Initially, the cyclone was forecast to strike Bangladesh or southeastern India. On May 1, after turning nearly due eastward, Cyclone Nargis began rapidly intensifying, due to greatly improved outflow in an association with an approaching upper-level trough and early May 2, the JTWC estimated the cyclone reached peak winds of 215 km/h as it approached the coast of Burma.

The satellite view of Cyclone Nargis striking Burma.

An innocent kid will be traumatised for life after experiencing this devastating disaster that devoured his home.

Beside lives, others became victims to this cyclone too.

To date, there were at least 22 464 fatalities with a further 41 000 people still missing!

Destroyed. Catastrophic destruction. But life still progresses.

On May 6, the Burma government representation in New York formally asked the United Nation for help. But in other ways, it remains resistant to the most basic assistance. 7 May 2008, the Burmese junta permitted Italian flights containing relief supplies from the United Nations, and twenty five tonnes of consumable goods to land in Myanmar. The biggest challenge at present is obtaining visas for entry into the country. Malaysia is to channel US$ 1 million in financial assistance and RM 500 000 in humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Humanitarian aid will be transported by Hercules C130. Mercy Malaysia will look into areas such as shelter, clean water, sanitation and emergency medical treatment.

Aid to help.

Donation to help ease their pain is the least we can do. I wish to help them in any sort. After facing ugly memories from this, it's a challenge to get back to their feet and start all over again. Seeing children in tears in the newspapers saddens me, seeing mothers finding for their lost child even saddens me more. The feeling is beyond imaginable.

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake is yet another devastating natural disaster. This catastrophe occured on the 12 May 2008 which a magnitude of 7.8 according to the State Seismological Bureau of China and 7.9 according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake was felt as far as to Shanghai and Beijing, and even Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Recently confirmed 11 921 deaths so far.

It was the deadliest and strongest earthquake to hit China since the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.

An injured person being saved.

The official believe some were buried alive under the collapsed buildings.

School students squatted under their desks and may be not even knowing what was going on.

Both these natural disasters put myself in a place where i want to feel safe and secure. Although natural disasters are inevitable, efforts to alarm beforehand should be done to minimise and reduce loss of objects and most importantly, life. Preparation can be made, and at least, we try. Just by looking at the pictures, i could feel the pain, the fear and the sadness faced by the victims. In many ways, i'm here feeling grateful to be alive. I'm alive, but many out there aren't. The numbers keep on increasing. I wasn't at the scene, and neither would i want to be there or experiencing it. To be alive here, is one i should be thankful of.

wc08 is saddened by the stories, and the earthquake and the cyclone victims must not give up in life!

What a weekend, and to be a new week II...

" A mother is God's love in action. She looks with her heart and feels with her eyes. A mother is the bank where her children deposits all their worries and hurt. A mother is the cement that keeps her family together and her love lasts a lifetime. " - sms

" A woman has strengths that amaze men. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when she feels like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional. There is only one thing wrong with her, she sometimes forget what she is worth. " - sms

***** Happy Mother's Day *****

While window shopping in a shopping complex, i was drawn by my heart to see something thoughtful, something meaningful and something special for mums around the world! Age doesn't matter, it doesn't count, and all it needs is the heart to do it.

I browsed through some of the photo frames with catchy yet touching words on it.

While passing through the many shops, this shop caught my attention. A mother's day dedication filled the heart with love.

To all mothers, i personally would like to wish you all, Happy Mother's DAY!

***** Monkey Tmn TAR *****

Monkeys

Monkeys

And more monkeys. This walk poses danger to joggers, or walkers, if suddenly being attacked.

***** Free Health Check-up, UKRC *****

11th May, UKRC had a free blood pressure and glucose level check-up.

Queued up for our turn.

Mum doing the blood pressure check-up.

Dad in action at the glucose level booth.

Fortunately, at that time, our 'big' shot arrived. I shook hands with him!

The event on the run.

I didn't do the check-up anyways.

***** Man U again *****

Congrats to Manchester United! Again, you get to keep the Cup. My all-time favourite Man U player, Ryan Giggs, scored the last goal before Man U walked away with their heads high up once more. Deserving team. Picture taken from NST.

wc08 is in celebration-mood with lots more events to be taken place. While dining in Nando's Ampang Point, i came across this catchy, too obvious to ignore picture in the toilet. I wonder, what does it means when it writes 'size does matter'? Hmm...

I just continued wondering...

Ain't just the Third II...

" There is so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all " - Robert Orben

Although Earth Day has past, it absolutely doesn't mean that we have the rights to cross the line drawn, exceed the limit bars and break the boundaries set. This means going back to 'old' habits and unfavourable routines. Again, i would like to scrutinize and highlight the action of open burning. It is a sleazy act, one done by people who ignores the pleas to save and safeguard this planet. My neighbour, unfortunately, failed to carry out his responsibilities once more.

Immediately, when our smell receptors detect the smoke 'fragrance', we shut the windows.

Spotlight on the smoke.

How i wish the smoke wouldn't be blown to other houses but theirs!

They forgot that they are actually harming others. Look, the smoke 'visits' from house to house. Mine was on the 'visiting'-house-list too!

To avoid from being it an obvious selfish and irresponsible act, they even did during night-time (how cunning!). Well, too obvious to ignore.

My intention here is noble, neither to call the police and throw them to jail, nor smacking them with a fine in their butt (a bit of exaggeration). Having said that, they should, and must open their eyes to see that they are endangering others. I don't mind if they plan to suffocate with the choking smoke, but i surely wouldn't want to die that way! Realise people, and don't burn in the open, it is erroneous!

wc08 is disappointed to witness a selfish act and ashamed to have seen it. Hopefully, this issue- open burning, will be the last as there are others to focus on. The Earth is shared amongst us, don't be greedy, don't be selfish.

*****

Tagged by SueannLim.

1) What is the most important thing in your life?

To have life itself!

2) Will you consider a sexual relationship before marriage?
Not at all! If it is done before marriage, what is there to look forward to after marriage. Hmm... PS : i don't mean that marriage is just about 'it'.

3) Do you smoke?
Again, not at all!

4) What is the latest gadget that you own?
My k810i, and grateful to have it.

5) Who did you mostly text yesterday?
Other to-be-Form-6 students for more info.

6) How old are you & are you a virgin?
17 and yeah!

7) What is the last thing that you bought with your own money?
Iron Man movie tickets as present.

8) Where do you wish to get married?
I'd write an essay on this. Not where, but how. And i'm proud to say it is...

9) How old do you think you will be permanently owned by your love?

Let time tell :)

10) How many kids do you want?
Too far ahead. Erm...

11) Are you in love?

Nope, and i wish to stay that way for now.

12) Where was the last restaurant you had dinner?

Dinner? Don't remember but i think it's by the roadside :) (where you can find good food in Malaysia)

13) Name the lastest book that you bought?
Bought the Art of War.

14) What is your full name?

What is this!? Kan Wai Choong

15) Do you believe in GOD?

I do.

16) Name a person that you really wish to meet in real life for the first time.

I got close to Celine Dion, but not close enough. Wanna see her in person! For the first time, too many names popping.

17) Christina or Britney?
Christina .

18) Do you do your own laundry?

Hmm... at times.

19) The most exciting place you want to go?

Beijing's the Great Wall of China!

21) Hugs or kisses?

I'll have both please...

22) Single or attached?

Single.

23) Point out 5 things about the person who tagged you.

happy-go-lucky, pretty, nice, photograhy enthusiast & my cousin.

8 things i say too often :
Yes!
Nooooo....
Yeah
Woww
Haha
Keep in touch
by the way
Aiya..

8 things i'm passionate about :
Too many popping...

8 books i've read recently :
To Kill A Mockingbird
The Art of War
The Righteous Men
Being the Best
Stillriver
... newspapers, magazines counted?

8 songs I could listen to over and over again:

4 minutes to save the world - madonna feat justin timberlake
Taking chances - celine dion
I'm yours - jason mraz
How to save a life - the fray
When you look me in your eyes - jonas brothers
Bleeding love - leona lewis
One - U2 feat mary j blige

8 things i learned last year :
don't take the people around you for granted
be more patient with things
to depend on God
do my best
that success comes in more than just hard work
holidays are precious
friends are priceless
live with no regrets

8 people to tag :
jimi
joonhong
joshua
sueyin
nara
sookmun
anyone who reads this tag...

-End-

Iron Man Stuns!

" It is that only by experiencing darkness do we appreciate the light " - The Righteous Men, Sam Bourne

May the first isn't just a holiday, it is also my aunt's birthday- how lucky to have a birthday to fall on a public holiday every year! She planned a surprise lunch for us instead of the 'other way'. We were all playing the guessing game, trying to figure out the place before she reveals the secret. When we arrived at her house, she was in a stunning turquoise blouse all ready to head the place. Imperial China Rest, there we go!

We were upgraded to a private room and filled our stomach with mouth watering dishes accompanied by a glass of red wine. View SueAnn's blog for the pictures for your hungry eyes to feast on. I loved the interior decor of that room and overall, the design and the set up of the restaurant looks impressive and attractive. Spiced up with the food, i simply enjoyed the lunch- it all came in one complete package! Headed to my aunt's house next for Cake Cutting Ceremony.

Peace! Happy birthday Ah Yee. May you have lots of fun and happiness in the future!

Now for my cousins, before we devoured the lovely cake on the coffee table!

On that Saturday, it was another occasion. Due to 'exam time' factor, i fast forwarded my brother's birthday and mother's day to this day. So, indeed, it was a combined celebration in the new hotspot in town, the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Found a perfect parking lot before excitedly descended the car- WaiMin didn't know we were actually watching a movie as it was a surprise from me for him!

Food paradise near ground floor- lots of food to pamper your stomach!

Pity the fried chicken!

As for Mother's Day- ain't it something different?

Priced at RM 38.00 per person for 30 minutes at the Fish Spa, it is an experience one should try. Dr Fish, the 'doctor' who will greet you at the entrance and entertain you at the spa, truly and naturally will nibble the dead and diseased skin of bathers- you'll know who. Using one of the breed of Dr Fish called Garra Rufa, this breed could be found in some Eastern Europe countries. These fish's unique dietary habits were discovered in the waters of a hot spring near Kanai, Turkey. Having said these, it's a treat from the kids to mothers, as we did, and it'll be a completely and unique gift for her!

'Geli' ( Ticklish) was what they said at first but after a while, they got used to it. After rinsing their legs, immersed them in the water-filled-with-fish, and removing them for a wipe, their legs smoothen. Based on the leaflet i took from the place, it also makes your pore unobstructed to promote blood circulation of the skin. All in all, it was an experience! Why didn't i take any photos there was because i had some other things to do- like heading to GSC for a movie- IRON MAN!

Since i made a phone reservation, i cut queue!

Iron Man was out 3 days before and we got the THX auditorium.

I'm going to stop here for Iron Man as i'm not going to spill the beans and spoil your interest if you are to watch this show. Honestly, this show is a must-watch! It is really good. Very seldom do i come out from a cinema with the feeling of complete satisfaction and joy. Like Transformers, this show proves effects that are mind-blowing and you will 'wow' in the cinema itself! Perfect blend with some humorous moments in this show, this show too has moments that makes it sparkles and shines as one of the best to watch this year! Cheers!

Meet Tony Stark in his suit, aiming at you!

Meet Tony Stark in the air!

Meet Tony Stark real life, Robert Downey Jr and the stars of this remarkable blockbuster movie, Iron Man!

wc08, all's well ends well, is being blown away by the bombs and blasts of Iron Man, the speed of the Dr Fish swimming in the waters and the strength of my aunt's single blow!