Creative Shots pt.3

Here's Creative Shots pt.3...

During the final meeting before the FEI WEC 2008 Gala Dinner. Just happen to snap him pointing too! (Shows i fiddle with the camera ALOT. =/)

The chain which raises the monkey bars (the flickering lights during concerts).

My ol' faithful, 512 Pendrive. Got it at RM125 3 yrs ago. Now a 512 pendrive costs only RM50 and below. Sigh.

Some of the flowers displays that were 'looted' after the Gala Dinner. =P

This one looks like a Poppy plant, doesn't it? LoL

And this is my favorite shot of all...

PURPLE ROSES!!!

It doesn't get better than that...! XD

Creative Shots pt.2

This is Creative Shots pt.2...

The unofficial after concert where people thronged the field after the Agong departed from the stadium. I 'looted' those glow in the dark tubes from a goodie bag left behind at the VIP area. Haaha!

Spotted this orange Crocs just after sending off all the artiste from their holding room. Poor kid who left it behind. =)

This was a lamp post at the Riyaz Resort where we had our celebratory dinner supper.

My favorite shot!! Guess what it is... :-D

Back at the hotel -- my trying-my-best-to-do-the-Karen Cheng Pose shot. Haha. How would you rate it? :-P

Oh, have you guess what was photo #4?
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The ash tray part of a metal dustbin at the Riyaz Resort. :-D

Coming up (soon), Creative Shots pt.3... =P

Creative Shots pt.1

Hey. Sorry for the long intervals of posting. I know.. I'm sick of me too! =/

But never the matter, here's some creative shots that i managed to take while i was in Terengganu for the FEI World Endurance Championship, just recently. I'm glad it turned out all. ALL the pics are RAW -- original from the camera, no Photoshop-ing. Kudos to the camera (man)! LoL

Mostly macro shots... i LOVE macro shots! XD

The macro shot of my boarding pass taken at AirAsia info counter. ;-D

Here's one of my shades... i *hearts* my shades!!

The MC's mic. Dato' Mahadzir is in cyan.

Another shot while crouching down and out of Dato' sight. =P

Flower. This was taken IN A MOVING CAR know! Took me just two tries to get it! *bows* :-D

The superb fireworks display on the FEI WEC 2008 Opening Night. Ngam ngam ho (just in time) got it! XD

Up next: Creative Shots pt.2. Stay tuned! =D

The Flight Back...

There were no seats on flights out of Terengganu the day after the Gala Dinner, because planes were fully booked by foreign participants of the FEI WEC 2008. We had to take then next best thing:

WE CHARTERED A WHOLE FIREFLY FOCKER!!
Its been a while since i last walked to the plane. Dam syiok! Haha.

You see, BEST, no?

Well actually, No.

Because it gets better. Since the WHOLE focker was ours, we had a few artistes and big shots flying with us too! One of them was Macy Gray and gang, along with Datuk Sharifah Aini, as well as Dato' Zul and other bosses in the FEI WEC 2008.

Ladies and gentleman... MACY GRAY!!

I thought she was abit reserved. Oh, well... the stars. :S

Tuan Megat Mizan, Datin and Dato' Zul, with a friend.

Inside the Firefly Focker:

I was the happy shutter bug who just kept clicking away.
Hee~! I'll have another post up on the creative shots ive taken throughout the trip.

Just you know, i flew to Terengganu by MAS, and flew back to KL by Firefly. I've been on AirAsia a few years back. I must say, Firefly is quite good too! From service to the aircraft itself, very nice lar.. Seating, is 2-2, compared to AirAsia's 2-3, plus with the leather seats, AirAsia is rather cramp compared to Firefly. Since i've never been a Focker, take off was like a roller coaster ride -- literally.

FireFly even served nice, moist cupcakes! MAS only had packets of salted peanuts. Ayo. Ah.. the orange juice.. Firefly's better. Sweeter and less sharp! LoL

Since i've never been a Focker, the take off was like a roller coaster ride -- literally. When it swerved, everybody felt like they were in a racing car. And when turbulence hit, we could feel our backsides fall off -- just like in a roller coaster! Datuk Sharifah Aini and myself went, "Ooooo!" everytime the plane went up-down-shake-shake. haha.

Me and Mustaffa, Dato' Mahadzir's nephew. He was tagging along since he's on semester break. He pun panic city during turbulence. hehe.

And since Macy Gray has never been on them Fockers with propellers before (maklumlah, big stars all fly with engine planes, only here in Malaysia, they fly by propellers because, MALAYSIA BOLEH!), heaven knows what ran through her mind when turbulence hit. XD

Wafa, Kak Morne, and Dato' Dale.

The entire flight was pleasant, except for the slight turbulence. In 25 minutes, we were already at Subang airport. :)

My bag was squached! XD


Me with the Diva, in person; Datuk Sharifah Aini. She's a very nice lady, polite and easy going -- something i didn't know about her, if i hadn't met her. Oh, superb English too, btw. Huhu.

And finally....

All smiles!

Actualy only Abang Zainal and Kak Morne's picture, Mustaffa and i menyibuk jer....! haha.

*Love my shades*

Gala Dinner of the FEI WEC 2008

The FEI WEC 2008 Gala Dinner was held on the 9th of November 2008 at the Sultan Mizan Indoor Stadium, Terengganu. It was a much anticipated event to officially mark the end of the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008.

The final meeting before the dinner. T__T Dato' Dale doing what he does best.

I was put in charge, to create the floor map of the whole dinner. Not an easy feat. I started off with this in Photoshop. It was alright at first, UNTIL i had to add in the table numbers and rename the figures. OMG. i was at it like ALL NIGHT. And the laptop kept hanging on me too!! ^%#%^@#$!!!

I then found out from Abang Zainal, that the smarter thing that i should have attempted was to create the floor plan in Illustrator instead. All because Illustrator deals with vector graphics while Photoshop renders images and pixels. So THAT'S WHY LAH the computer hung. Too much pixels to handle and it just wasn't able to perform! (i'm so embarrassed, i could almost strangle myself).

Meanwhile, the Concord boys were diligently setting up the F&B.

Then we were rushing to confirm the number of participants from each country (not our job actually, but we had to do to make sure the show goes on...), print the flag, AND complete the final floor plan to be printed and pasted.

7.30 pm, the guests started to arrive and we were STILL printing flags, finalizing the floor plan, and tagging the tables. That was the MOST panicking 20 minutes of my life where i panik-ed until my hands trembled! What not? Guests are arriving and the floor plan STILL isn't up! The guests duno where to go!!

As a result, we had a jam of people at the entrance. Finally when the floor plan was pasted up (not without mistakes, mind you), i and a few others quickly ushered the guests who by now, were already standing AROUND the tables, not knowing which table is theirs. More continue to arrive as we were seating them. OMG. Panic city!

This has got to be the BEST moment of all - seating the French, Kiwis aka New Zealanders, and a bunch of FEI officials. The dinner began, despite the fact that MANY guests were standing AROUND tables, rather than actually sit on them. Then, a group of about 20 odd French people, most of them hawt, sexy looking ladies, arrived. Referring to the floor plan, the marched into the hall to their tables, as designated on the plan.

There, they find 6 Kiwis already on one table and a bunch of FEI officials on the other. They were infuriated! As i happened to pass that area, after seating the Australians, they summoned me. One guy, apparently the head of delegation, was so angry he demanded to see my manager. I almost fainted. But i politely excused myself to get back up. XD

Part of the Australian delegation whom i sat.

But alas! No back up! Everyone else was either too stressed up to talk or have gone into hiding! Serious. So i sucked up all the guts i had inside and went to meet the French guy. This time, before i could approach the delegation head, another French guy in white shirt pulled me aside. And he started yelling French into my right ear! And the best thing was -- i nodded and looked like i actually UNDERSTOOD what ever it was that he was saying!

Soon i realized it was a bad idea because he just went on and on and on and... XD Then i said, "Ok. Sorry sir, i understand. Let me check it out. Would out please excuse me?" *scurries away before he continues to lambast me in French!*

I looked around and saw a table with only 5 Austrians. I went to enquire if they would like to share tables; they agreed. Austrians are such lovely people; they reminded me of the Viennese Ball and Mr. Reinhard Polt!! haha. So i hurried back and spoke to the Kiwis.

Before i could open my mouth, this Kiwi guy angrily told me, "We are not moving -- unless you move them from our table" (referring to the other people who were on the New Zealand table) "If you move us, you have to move them, and if you move them, then you practically have to move everyone in here", he continued almost agitatedly. But he had a point.

So i said, "Sir, would you mind sharing tables then? There's a table availabe just behind here". He replied, "Just as long as ALL 6 of us are together". (Now suddenly, he became nice oredy =_=")

*YAY* Kiwis shared with the Austrians, with one extra chair added. One down, one more to go. By the time i had seated the Kiwis and returned to the French, the white shirt guy was already at the other French table and kicking up a fuss with the FEI officials there. This time i thought, DIE. SURE DIE wan. XD

Step by step i approached them and said, "Excuse me sir, how my i help?" That was the worst thing i could have done! He started again in French, and there was no end. Arrrggh...!!!

You see, if i had actually understood French, no problem. But it was like chicken and cow talk. It was THAT bad. Now kneeling down on one knee in front of a lady FEI official, listening to the white shirt guy fire away, i desperately said to the lady, "I'm sorry, i don't understand French. Please translate. I can't speak French either!" =_="

Speak. Translate. Speak. Translate. Explain. Officials understand that they are on the wrong table, and they gladly moved to another just vacant table -- the Malaysian contingent's. Apparently, the national team left the dinner because they were angry no table were allocated for them and they had to sit at a vacated table.

They think they so smart, their brain so big. -- quote from the Gungan Chief, Star Wars Ep. 1.

Betul lar. Even FEI officials and other countries who had to share tables and we re not allocated tables (due to unforeseen circumstances) were sporting and just roughed it out and enjoyed the evening. The Malaysian team's tabiat (attitude) very the bad, sorry to say. Bad example to the country. How to prosper like that? Ego so high? Oh well. Sigh.

The French finally got their tables. It was like winning a war for them. Luckily USA and UK table quite far away; otherwise, WAR. We all know how much the French hates the English, don't we? Haha. Now pulak, they signaled me and requested for fresh cutlery, glasses, and souvenirs. I was caught between a stone and a hard place.

That time, the banquet people, courtesy of Concord Shah Alam, were all on stand by to serve dinner. So no man power. OMG. How to explain that to the French? So... I did the most doable thing at the time -- go into hiding. Haha. But of course i alerted the banquet staff too. And when the French were happily dining away, i discreetly brought them their souvenirs.

They enjoyed the evening; the white shirt guy, now my good friend, even ask me for a bottle of champagne sumore. Oh owh.. that time, i said, "Ok sir, let me see what i can do..." and i made a home run and was NEVER seen by the French guy again. XD

Okay. Enough deramah for one night. The rest of the night went rather well, i must say. I even had the chance to SIT AND EAT. Honestly, the food wasn't anything to scream about.

During dinner, the guests we entertained by Istana Budaya dancers, Datuk Sharifah Aini, and Macy Gray -- who is here on The Raja Permaisuri Agong's request. She's Macy's biggest fann! Wow kan? LoL.

And there was also a surprise car give away: a Polo GTI, courtesy of Volkswagen and Autostadt (M). It was awarded to the Champion of the race -- the Spaniard from Spain. *clap clap*

During Macy's performance, which was insanely loud and irritating at the beginning, most of the foreign guests escaped out side for a smoke or to take photos. It cost us a bomb to bring her in to Malaysia know... but apparently,even they didn't like Macy Gray. =_="

Why? Perhaps her song? Or was it the fact that she performed in a TING TONG condition that night? Ting tong is code name for drunk. She and gang requested for wine and alcohol to be served in their waiting room. See her:

Squatting?!! In front of Their Majesties? alamakzz!!

I just happened to wander among the guests and i managed to snap this:
You'll get the idea that foreigners will find anything in Malaysia, fascinating, and therefore have to be taken back -- although, it was part of the table dressing. OMG can? Haha.

Macy's back up singer, who thought it was a good idea to wear the local pyjamas on stage. It got the locals musing when she came on stage. "Eh, dia tuh nak nyanyi ker, nak tido?" Haha... She didn't know that, of course. It was just amusing. XD

But towards the end, Macy sang more soothing songs and people gradually came back in. She ended with her famous song, "I Try"; which was also the Raja Permaisuri's fave. Presented flowers to the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Their Majesties left the dinner and guests left with a smile on their faces.

After the dinner was over, Dato' Zul brought a Secret Recipi cake to celebrate Abang Zainal's birthday! As we sang, Abang Zainal and Kak Morne cut the cake.

Secret Recipi cake taw...! I only got to bantai the cake the next morning. XD

Then it was looting time! See, that's the OTHER good thing of working with DLA. After a hard days work, we get to loot certain things from the event! I was there to work, so i grabbed flowers, candles, and other grab-able stuff, all at Dato' Mahadzir's instructions. Other Dato's and Datins also join in the funn. The more the merrier.

This is the result when you boss loves flowers and you get to loot on his behalf. Sometimes, if we're lucky, we even get to take home the glass vases.

Oh, in all events graced by the Agong, decors must be fresh flowers, nothing less. So yea, now you know why so many flowers. I personally think its expensive and a waste (because the Agong doesn't even touch them), but good for people like us la, better things to loot anyway! XD

Before the night was over, i had a good time doing the little little things that makes a simple boy like me happy beyond the horizon...

Cam-hoed with these two waitresses, who were damn chomel! :-D

Oh, i guess i forgot to mention that Tun Mahathir and Tun siti Hasmah were present too!
The King looks zonked out because of the endurance race, but doesn't the Queen look elegant? Many say she is the simpliest Queen in the history of Malaysia's monarchy because she is super the down to earth and easy going. Like Malaysia's Lady Di. ps. not many know this, but the Quess was a commoner like you and me and does not come form a Royal bloodline. :-D

And guess what i found during dinner? This.

And it was just behind the Royal Table sumore know. Must be a practical joke lar. Cause all the tables surrounding the Royal Table was taken by the state government officials. Or were they really drinking? @_@ Haa...

Before i end, i just wana affirm a superb man whom ive had the plesure and honor to work with during FEI WEC 2008. This man is no other En. Hassan.

I call him En. Hassan, but he really is the Malaysian McGyver! who hails from Johore! No kidding. He landed via AirAsia 20 minutes after i had and he was there to make sure everything that was thought of, happened. Well, almost everything, at least. Haha. When ever Abang Zainal thought of an idea, he mentioned it to En. Hassan, and it is done! Like WoW!

For example, below. Abang Zainal's idea of guest navigation. Brilliant idea, but lack of time for a perfect execution. I was there when it happened. The day before, Abang Zainal told En. Hassan to build these stands, made of metal as you can see... a few more specifications to which En. Hassan nodded and the next day, walla..!

Dam chun looking props for guest navigation. He event got the plactic boards all cut and ready to paste the flags on. Besides that, Mr. McGyver here also managed the whole stadium during the Opening Ceremony as well as the Gala Dinner. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave... En. Hassan, wa caya sama lu!

BEST SHOT OF THE DAY:
Dato' Mahadzir Lokman: after a long days work.
He just loves flowers! You must see his house! :-D
ps. those are real, exotic flowers, imported wan kno!

Next up, the Flight Back...

Death Race chun melecun!

Call me slow-mo or behind time or pre-historic -- call me anything you want -- but i just watched Death Race and i thought it was the most superb movie i've seen since Vantage Point!! (these are the movies which are in my hard drive yah.. not the cinema ones... if cinema means, its Eagle Eye!!! haha)

I think i just gave a too much info on my viewing preferences. :-P

Anyhow, Death Race was DA DOMB! Incidentally, the movie also featured armored cars with guns and the baddie got blown to smithereens by the very bomb she made in the end. Ironic, eh? Haha

I just thought the movie was smart in its original idea, story line and execution. Had a few alot of nail biting scenes which constantly kept me on the edge of my chair. I was literally hands-to-mouth every time a driver died a sudden death, or just died, anyway. :-)

This scene was super awesome! It was when the "Dread-ngog", or at least that's what i heard was said, was released. It is some super truck-cum-war-machine that spits fank lames; have razor sharp blades on its wheels; packed with heavy duty machine guns, AND has a tank turret mounted on the back! Like Wow kan...? XD

But the best part was how both the drivers worked together to outrun and outsmart that thing. Kena a taste of its own medicine. You MUST WATCH. :-D

The line of cast was great too! Jason Statham did a great job as the coolest driver in the movie. Looking tough and rugged, he is a man with a vengeance towards his wife's killer and on a quest for freedom. Kinda reminded me of Michael Scofield of Prison Break. Haha.

I first watched him in Crank (2006), where i thought he was excellent too! You MUST WATCH. :-D (this case, Crank and Death Race)

Can you seeing the body? Wait till you see his moves. ^___^

The baddie, the prison warden Hennessey, played by Joan Allen, was super-the-biatchy -- so different from her tactful FBI Agent role in the Bourne Trilogy.

She looks as fierce as she is in this pic in the movie, just with and extra B-factor added. Haha. Best expression? The moment when she realizes the bomb is right in front of her. You MUST WATCH to see her "Wakenabeb face". OMG. HAHA.

And then, there's this hawtt chic, Elizibeth Case, played by Natalie Martinez. She must be a latino or something.. so very the hawtt wan! Haha.

Huiyoh... in prison oso get to wear so hawtt ah? Happening! XD

Everything was hawwt about her lar... the way she got off the prison bus; the way she released the napalm canister; the way she everything lar!! Haha. You MUST WATCH! :-D

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I'll leave you with this eye candy :)

Isn't she just hawttt!?!? XD

My Rating: A++ @ 8.5/10
ps. i suddenly have blogging fever when i have stimulating stuff like this to write about.. woohoo!! XD

(13/11/08)