full marathon again, PBIM 2013

Last year was the first time I ran full marathon and it was during the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2012, with a distance of 42.195km. It was a pain in the arse attempting to run that far without trainings at all! I couldn’t walk for days. I only managed to complete about 35km in the 7hrs qualifying time. But it was a great experience. All this while, I joined and completed 10km runs, then half marathon in 2011 until I koyak in full marathon last year.

About 5hrs from now, I’ll be standing at the starting point with tens of thousands runners in the same event and same category again. Crazy I know! I am stubborn but I am determined to finish the unaccomplished race. It’ll be an uphill task.

Yesterday I had diarrhea and nausea. Went to see doctor but stomach is still in pain.

How to even run later? Yes it crossed my mind to just pull out, use that lausai as an excuse. But damn! It’ll be so lame. Even a handicapped man ran last year! A sea of fear in me right now. Heart is thumping fast. I am so damn nervous right now.

I’ll wear a shoe later. I took my shoes in the middle of Penang Bridge while running back to the starting point. I’ve bought power gel and some chocolates too, to eat during the run. I get sleepy easily, lack of oxygen and sugar I guess. I'm not going to carry my DSLR and run later, as I did last year. 

I know I won’t be able to complete the run in 7hrs. But then it’s possible lah. I’ve made some calculation. If I can maintain running for at least 100.2meter in 1minute, I can finish the run on time. I’ve timed myself, I achieved 900meter in 5minute. But to continue running for 7hrs, dream on.

I believe mind conquers all. You can do it. Yes you can. Push yourselves to the limits. That’s how people emerged stronger. It’s all about your mind. Never give up! Many people will be skeptical and look down on you but it’s ok. You do it for yourselves.

My aim this year? To run. And to run further than my previous records during the stipulated time.

Run! I will run! Run until I can’t run anymore. This will be the race of the year, the one and only marathon I joined.

All the best to all runners. See ya! If you see me walking, ask me to run.

Go out early because it’ll be jam everywhere and many roads will be closed.

Since there’s still time, let’s take a nap and spend some precious time in the toilet. =p

Penang Bridge International Marathon, 17 November 2013. Full Marathon starts at 2am. 

reciting a poem again! deklamasi sajak yo!

Oh when was my last post? Last year?

Hahahaha. 

Later at 6pm, I'll be reciting a poem/mendeklamasi sajak as one of the performers for Local Democracy Festival Penang launch + busking event. It'll be at Esplanade, on the sidewalk between Medan Selera Renong and the War Memorial. I'll be reading a poem I wrote two years ago after the Bersih 2.0 rally, titled 'Pancutan Sperma Asid'. Hehehe. So damn nervous now. The last time I recited a poem was 8 yrs ago! And for human rights prog like this, Special Branch officers are everywhere. Fuh! Nvm this is the chance for me to express my creative writing. nyeh nyeh nyeh. So come and have fun! There'll be other performances and sales too. =p

YOU are quoted

"Be generous and you will be prosperous."

~ Cheong Jing Wen.
~ 18 June 2013

明天會更好

Tomorrow is the day – GE13

Tomorrow is the day – GE13

I can choose to be quiet but there are things that I fear if I don’t say it, I will live in regret for the rest of my life.

It hurts me so much knowing that so many dirty tactics happening in Penang, my beloved state. This could be the dirtiest elections ever with so many cash handouts, lucky draws, free food, free-flow beer and outdoor entertainment.

Dear relatives, unimates, classmates, coursemates, enemies, childhood friends, friends from near and far, tomorrow is the day where the rakyat will go out to cast their votes in this 13^th General Election.

Those of you who can vote, do it. Come out early.

Some people are too young to vote, but you can. You’ve lived at least 21 years in Malaysia’s soil. You know what have been happening. You know who’s doing well and who’s not. You know if media is censored. You know many things from the internet, although some are just plain rumours and fake. But you know that there’s really something shitty happeining to your country. You’ve seen, heard and experienced all of it yourselves from education, human rights, police treatment and so on. Are you going to be a bystander and take a so-called neutral stand? Stop this bullshit!

Feel helpless no more!! You can make a change! The power is in your hand now. You can change all these nonsense!

I don’t give a damn shit who you are voting tomorrow. But come out and vote! Each vote counts. Vote for the candidate and party which you think can bring harmony, peace and wealth to the rakyat and country.

If you are happy with the present system, vote them. If you feel there must be a change, so that life would be better, vote them! Nothing’s wrong to vote for new persons and parties in while you kick the badass out.

Voting is a privilege. And to vote for anyone or any party you prefer is your rights. No one can stop you from doing so.

The most awaited moment is just hours away. So do your part, will yea? Let’s make a difference. This is the time for you, Malaysians, do something for Malaysia, your country.

Let’s make tomorrow a day to be remembered.

No matter who wins, let it be peace and harmony. Don’t create troubles. Handle it with rationality and maturity. The elections results will determine our future.

As a first time voter, I am so excited and nervous. I wonder how it’s like to step into the polling station, getting the ballot papers and put an ‘X’ on it. Hahahahaaa. 

Malaysia milik kita. Milik kita semua, bukan puak puak yg kaya, extreme atau racist. 

Interesting night in Kepala Batas

Today is Thursday, 25 april 2013.

Which means it’s the sixth day of campaigning for this 13^th General Election.

It has been six days I’m staying in Kepala Batas, covering this whole parliament and the three state seats under it: Penaga, Bertam and Pinang Tunggal.

In this six days, my moustache has grown longer. My finger nails also long long already.

Kepala Batas is a slow place. Really. Nothing much at night. No entertainment, no traffic jam, not much of police presence. Paddy fields every where. Chinese and Indian eatery place are so less that you can count by hand. A lot of mamak restaurants and Thai style makan place. Original and authentic Malay food also none, as far as I know.

It’s damn hot here. But for three consecutive nights since Tuesday, it has been raining cats and dogs.

Anyway, tonight is an interesting night.

I just finished work at 1.30am.

Staying in a small town is not a bad thing. People here are really friendly and they watch each other’s back. You can feel the real human touch.

Went to interview some local political figure and he treated us aromatic Chinese tea.

For the first time, I visited a wake of a Chinese funeral in the midnight, plus, joined by an election candidate, plus, with a group of Muslims.

Fuyooo.

Funny thing is, before I enter my motel, my pixman and I washed our face and hands. For Chinese, it’s a must-do tradition after we attended a wake. But I didn’t know it’s the same for a Malay (or maybe Muslim?).

Then the air-con in our room is missing, under repair. Now we have to use a stand fan, a fan with no angin.

Both are half-naked and yet sweating.

I feel hot tonight. 

I can’t wait to go back to Penang (island). I miss my parents, my siblings and my girlfriend. =p

*it’s actually Friday already because it has passed 12am.*

3days thoughts

3days thoughts, not in order:

I can’t remember when was the last time I blog.

But I know it has been ages. Months. Too long. I stop blogging actively ever since I started working. Blogging for me is too personal. Blogging is a personal expression. And I don’t want the readers or public to link it with the company im working with. And I don’t want to be allegedly being a supporter to any political parties. And I’ll hate it if people accuse or label me as a bad employee from my postings.

Anyway today I have some thoughts to share.

1.       It has been a tiring week. So much things to settle, bt in a same amount of time. it feels like thr’s less than 24hrs a day.

2.       Preparing to leave the island. Will b away for mor than half a month in a land far away called Kepala Batas, alone. It’ll b interesting n challenging!

3.       Cant wait for a loooooong break.

4.       Dis is an important announcement dat my green scooter is goin to leave me. If u sat on the bike b4, say byebye. It has been loyal to me for yrs, bringing me around Penang n Perak, rain or shine. U stil hv time to take pics with it until tmr morn.

5.       Wen its smtg dey dun like, dey scold, ask y nvr consult dem. Wen we consult, scold again, ask y nid to spoonfeed us. Hahaha. This is part and parcel of a working life.

6.       If made mistakes, dun cplain wen u r corrected.

7.       To my colleagues who have been kind, helpful, n resourceful tq so much. I appreciate gud ppl n those who smile wil leave a mark in my heart.

8.       Count ur blessings than ur sorrow.

9.       Wil thr b a change of gov? if yes, wat will hppen?

10.   anyway wana meet up? I m free until Fri nite.

11.   Photos for display r up.

Madu Dan Racun - Bill & Brod

Engkau yang cantik

Engkau yang manis

Engkau yang manja

Selalu tersipu, rawan sikapmu

Di balik kemelutmu

Di remang kabutmu

Di tabir mega-megamu

Kumelihat dua tangan

Dibalik punggungmu

Madu di tangan kananmu

Racun di tangan kirimu

Aku tak tahu

Mana yang akan kau berikan padaku

Aku tak tahu

Mana yang akan kau berikan padaku 

Remember this song? Sounds familiar? It's a song from Indonesia actually but i duno why it was so popular among the Chinese community when i was a kid. I grown up listening and humming this song. I remember listening to it at that time and I still know the lyrics today. There's even a Hokkien version of this song. But I duno la the original version is which one. =p

QUOTE of the day

If you don't work hard to help yourself to excel, advance and develop, 

you will go nowhere even if you have a lot of people by your side to offer help and support. 

So yeah, you can happily stay inside your tempurung kelapa as we have nothing to lose.

List of main Chinese New Year (CNY) open houses and events in Penang

Feb 9 (CNY eve)
9pm to midnight: My Astro Ulala CNY Countdown (in front of the City Hall, Esplanade)

Feb 10 (CNY first day)

10.30am to 1pm: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng CNY open house (Penang International Sports Arena)

Feb 11 (CNY second day)
9.30am to 1pm: Penang Barisan Nasional CNY open house (Han Chiang High School field)

Feb 11 (CNY second day)
9am to 11.30am: Penang Chinese Town Hall CNY open house (Penang Chinese Town Hall, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling)

Feb 12 (CNY third day)
11am to 1pm: Penang DAP CNY open house (Penang Times Square, Jalan Datuk Keramat)

Feb 14 (CNY fifth day)
6.30pm to 10.30pm: Penang state government CNY open house (SJKC Keng Koon, Bukit Tambun)

Feb 15 (CNY sixth day)
4pm to midnight: Ban Ka Lan Snake Festival (Snake Temple, Bayan Lepas)

Feb 16 (CNY seventh day)
3pm to midnight: Penang CNY Cultural and Heritage Celebration (Armenian Street and its vicinity)

Feb 17 (CNY eight day)
9pm to midnight: Thni Kong Seh/Jade Emperor God’s birthday (Chew Jetty, Weld Quay and Thni Kong Tnua temple at Hill Railway Road, Ayer Itam)

Feb 23 (CNY 14th day)
7pm to 11pm: Penang Chinese Town Hall Chap Goh Meh celebration (Penang Chinese Town Hall, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling)

Feb 24 (CNY 15th day/last day)
6pm to 11pm: Penang state government Chap Goh Meh open house (Esplanade)

Feb 24 (CNY 15th day/last day)
11am to 1.30pm: Penang PPP CNY open house (YMCA building, Jalan Macalister)

Kenapa manusia malas?

Manusia jadi malas apabila mereka tahu mereka boleh bergantung kepada orang lain dan senang mendapat bantuan tanpa berusaha keras sendiri. 

Kebanyakan orang dulu, belajar sendiri. Keluarga takde duit, mana boleh p tuisyen. Nak berjaya kalau, usaha kuat sikit, jatuh bangun sendiri. Mak bapak sibuk kerja, nak cari duit, takde banyak time nak manja dengan anak. Tapi kalau tak kerja, mana ada duit, mana boleh beli nasi, nak beli buku, permainan, elecktrik dan air? Kenalah orang mcm kita bangun pagi otomatik, siap pakai baju minum Milo, jalan kaki pukul 6.30am p naik bas awam p sekolah. Budak sekarang, bertuah sangat, nak ini, ada ini, nak itu, ada itu. Nak answers, abang kakak bagitau. Hali hali duk FB, duk smartfon, duk TV!

Ini malam gua panas, mau letop sikit yooo!

Publicity stunt over the search of William Yau?

Very the funny and ironic! So many child have gone missing. So much crime victims have died. But suddenly one political party came out like it cares the most, launched campaign to look for the missing 6-year-old William Yau Zhen Zhong.

Why har? Why only now? Why at this time when General Election is about a month away? Why William? 

And I thought political parties now claimed they are across racial lines but isn't William a Chinese? Why I don't remember you asking your party members to look for other non-Chinese missing child? 

Am I being paranoid? OK maybe William's chubbiness caught your heart. You analyse yourselves lah. What I hope is this is not just a publicity stunt. I hope those appeared on the newspaper giving out flyers etc were not hypocrite and merely putting up a show. 

If you are sincere, launch a campaign to get back Satiskumar Tamilvanan, 5, and M. Jethendran, 16, too. What if one day, it's your kids who are kidnapped or gone missing? 

I do agree with some people that we should leave William's family alone, for now.. 

Put journalism business aside, this is about being humane and understanding. 

I apologise if my thoughts caused uneasiness to some quarters. 

Muay Thai tournament

The first Muay Thai tournament held in Penang, took place at Han Chiang Stadium on Sunday Jan 20, 2013.

QUOTE of the day

Stay positive. 

Take the risks. 

Be aggressive. 

Grab everything. 

Sorry and regrets out of the list.

Public bus and kiasu parents

My blog has been so super quiet for some time. Seriously I have lesser time to sit and write on my thoughts here. It can be tiring to write again after work, as researching, interviewing and writing are the things I do everyday. Since it’s an off day, let’s fill something in my blog. =p

It’s a lovely sight to see school kids converging the public bus stops again. If you are not aware, the schools have re-opened today. The public busses are packed with the students who either go to schools or to go back home. School busses are back on the streets too. 

I was one of them who used public transport to school. I remember waking up 6.30am the latest, then walked along the quiet long street just next to the graveyard to the nearest bus stop. Hahaha. Those were the days. 

My thought about this is these kids are independent. They do not have to count on their parents to send or pick them up from schools. Or maybe their parents do not have the time to do so. Most of these kids (if not all) are from the middle and lower income families. These type of families where got so much time to do the sending and picking up job? Time is spent with work to make ends meet. And these are not the kiasu parents I would say. Are the more than average families over protective? Or are they have no confidence in their kids and the public transport? Or is it because you know, they are scared to let their kids out on the street?  Scared their kids will be sweating over to the hot weather, got kidnapped or robbed, dirtied and so on? These kiasu kiasi parents are the main cause of the traffic congestion in the morning, afternoon and evening. Hey parents, education and social awareness start from you. And please don’t farking block the entire road just to send or fetch your price/princess. You cannot die if you park your car somewhere or park your car nicely in front of the school. Damn it! 

Perhaps this is a way to show their love to their kids, by sending and picking them up from the schools. Hmmm...

My sister enters secondary school today. It’s her first day in Form One and first time wearing the sky blue pinafore. She’s studying in Penang Chinese Girls' High School (PCGHS). As a brother and as someone who has endured hardship and challenges, I just want the best for her. She’s grown up so much. She starts to rebel and fight back. But I’m happy that she knows about what’s going on with the country. I hope one day she can render her service to the nation.