Life

 

MICHAEL JACKSON  1958-2009

RIP

Another day has gone
I’m still all alone
How could this be
You’re not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

–>

Time flies! All of the sudden, we realised that its the end of the year.. and to celebrate this festive season with all our staff, we have decided to bring everyone for a SEAFOOD DINNER.

So the 11 of us went to  the famous Top Spot seafood centre here in Kuching.. Love the crabs! the prawns, deliiiiciiouuuussss!!! The Fish, yummmmm…

Thereafter dinner, its not the end of  our programme…. we proceed to a karaoke session. Since we are all ‘professional’ singers, we decided to book a private room to sing our HEART OUT!!!

We had lots of fun that evening… and look forward to our next staff outing soon!

We would like to wish you all, joy and happiness in this festive season! Merry Christmas everyone!

Here’s some random images to share with you all..

From left, Daniela, Jessica, Sue and Vivian

Jess, the first one to start…

very helpful… everyone’s trying to help to serve… (shh.. we are all very hungry.. that’s why)

Someone’s trying to snatch Vivian’s crab away..

Carol exchanging gifts with Alan…

Gingerbreadman from Alan…

This shop serves very awesome crabs, prawns and fish….

It was Carlos first time seeing the Xmas decorations…

Chris’ first attempt to pose..

gifts that is hanging from the tree..

Caught Vivian in action, trying to steal from Santa..

some of the photographers and designers left us, these are all the ’singers’..

slowly warming up..

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE and HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

–>

I am so happy that I am now a Certified Master Photographer of the Master Photographers Association, UK. It was this memorable trip to Singapore last week and met a lot of nice fellow photographers around the region.

Jim, Zung, Patrick, Jason good to see you, and I will miss all the beer drinking session! Jason and Patrick, you are the 2 guys that whenever I see you, I will remember about the BEER TOWER, from THE PUMP Bistro and our drinking session till 4am! It was just awesome! And yes, the grilled sausages do go with the beer! It was nice right!!?? We will do it again soon in KL. Kid, you are always busy, good to see you again in Singapore, hope to catch up with you more! Agnes and Peter, you guys are just awesome! Thanks Peter for the BEER!

I also met some photographers from Singapore, Charlie, Mathew, Ukay, William, Damian Tan. Thank you for the hospitality! Charlie, I love the light painting you showed us in your studio.You are so talented! See you in Kuching soon! Mathew, thanks for showing your studio to us! William, your tips, excellent!

I will post more photos soon, just waiting for the photos from Jim, you are not going to charge me right Jim? haha!

–>

It was a cool Saturday morning, a lot of people would still tuck warmly in their bed! I reached Swinburne at 8am and my crews were busy setting up a mini studio there up on the stage.

The turnout was good, considering that, it was a rainy Saturday morning.

I love to share what I knew - my experience and my passion to people who are interested to know. As long as your love is in photography, we are all in the same boat..

Looking at all the students faces that morning gave me that joy that cannot be described in words!

Besides going straight into photography, I about shared about my experience in life and what brought me into photography. I can see and feel their enthusiasm… They have asked me a lot of questions and I am glad that I have managed to answer them all.

I also told them about a Photography Workshop which I am going to organise for the students. Overall, the event was so great. Shared some slideshows with them and also demostrate some studio shooting with them. Got some of the more advance listener to try! haha..

Thank you Ann and Annabelle for being my model that day. I will send to you some of your photos soon.

Here’s some photos to share with you all.

Serena is concentrating hard..

one of my video crew.. also my friend, Munan

Munan doing some angle shot.

Vivi, from Indonesia.. I like her expression, she is watching the slideshows..

Question time by Keen Chiek..

and this is Steven…

Jin Thai is smiling away.. what’s in your mind Jin?

Annabelle who was one of our model that day..

Our group photo session.. hip hip hoorah!

some of the participants were inside still munching away the nice sandwiches.. Thank you, yes its nice, I like it..

–>

Hey everyone, I will be in Miri from 19 - 21 April and then to Kuala Lumpur from 22 - 25 April. Let me know if you guys wanna meet up for coffee.. haha.. I know, I know, I have been MIA from my blog for a while now, I have been receiving emails and SMS’s on this issue.. so sorry, I will update very soon.

–>

I have just got back from all the trips for this month. In fact landed about 1.5 hour ago.. Kota Kinabalu is a very nice place! I had free time this afternoon, so we went to Manukan Island and did some snorkeling and jet skiing off Sutera Magellan Boat Club..

Time for bed.. Will post some photos soon!

–>

I remembered when I was young boy I read on the newspaper how a town called Simanggang has changed its name to Sri Aman. I remembered then, the man behind all these changes was Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub. ( ‘Tun’ is the highest title conferred by His Majesty the Yang Di Pertuan Agong) He was the The Chief Minister of Sarawak (1970-1981) and later he became the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak from the year 1981 to 1985.

That afternoon a few days before his 80th Birthday, I was commissioned to shoot the portrait of Tun at his residence. When I was there, my 3 crews were setting up the portable studio and lightings at his living room, I went to Tun’s library to look for his daughter and discussed on how the shot was going to take place.

In his living room, there were also reporters from Bernama waiting to interview him in conjunction of his 80th Birthday on the 3rd Jan 08. After all the setting up has been done, Tun came out and I got him to change into some blue coloured shirt in order to match the backdrop.

After the shoot, we were invited to a short afternoon tea with the yummy ‘durian’ cake and tea. All my crews and I, enjoyed that afternoon, and we exchanged short conversations with Tun before we left his residence.

Will post more shots of the birthday event held at The Hilton Grand Ballroom.

–>

Hey everyone!!

Happy New Year to you all!!!

Wishing you all, PEACE in your HEART, Health in your BODY, Wealth in your CAREER, Joy in your HOME, Commitment and Love in your RELATIONSHIPS, Fulfilment in your ENDEAVOURS, a Rainbow after each STORM, and Contentment in LIFE.

May all always be blessed with these priceless intangible treasures. Blessed a Fruitful and Meaningful New Year in 2008!

Alvin Leong
Sent via BlackBerry® wireless device from Maxis Mobile.

–>

Last weekend, I was commissioned to shoot the lighting of Christmas Trees and fireworks at the Hilton in Kuching. It’s the time of the year that most people around the world are slowing down and spend more time with their families and love ones.. This is also the time of the year that we bid farewell to 2007 and welcome 2008! I haven’t had the time yet to look back and see what have I achieved this year. I want to spend some time during the holiday season to work on this.. as it’s a very important part of my life in achieving my goals but.. all these come back into taking action..

Questions on how to strive to be a better person and what can I contribute to the society and the world remains a constant struggle!

Shots that were captured to mark the festive season 2007 for Hilton Kuching.

–>

I have been using BlackBerry for a while now and everyday is a learning process for me!!

2 weeks ago I learned on how to post from my BB and it’s so much fun! I can post almost anywhere I want.. and share on almost anything that inspire me there and then!

Thanks to Alex, STM who shared with me on the usage of free BB messenger.. All files regardless of its size can be transferred in BB messenger for free! And of course CHAT for free!

And with the comments in my blog - Keep them rolling in! I love reading your comments, its sent directly into my BlackBerry.. So anywhere I go, I get to read your inspiring comments!! Thank you all!

Today, I found out again, from STM that I can install Facebook in my BB!! This is indeed great! Without much delay, I got it in, and immediately, I am able to receive messages, write on the wall, poke, shoot photo on my BB then post it, invite friends, view status of friends, view albums and all alerts- notifications delivered in my BB!

This wonderful! Can’t help it now, more reasons to spend more time on my BB!
Sent via BlackBerry® wireless device from Maxis.

–>

I have been missing in action from the gym for nearly 2 years now, and
everytime I want to go, there will bound to have 101 reasons stopping me from going.

So this morning before going to work, I made my determination to go… I
told myself nothing can stop me! I have been feeling so unhealthy and unfit!

So after 25 mins of workout at the treadmill and some weights, I really sweat!  I was in there for 1 hour and
35 mins. Yeah! I am so proud of myself..and I know I feel so good after the
exercise! YES!

I will make it a point to go every morning! Get my healthy lifestyle back!

–>

Yes, got this mobile phone a few weeks ago and I want to fully utilise it’s function so I am testing to write a post for my blog from my BlackBerry Curve to see if it works! Hopefully it will..after all the settings are done on the server.

Take care everyone and to all my Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Dan Batin!

Alvin Leong

Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis.

–>

Woke up at 11am. and went for “Yum Cha” at Northbridge. After the brunch, we went to Fremantle. It’s public holiday on the 1st Oct - Queen’s Birthday. Fremantle is a port city situated approximately 20 kms south west of Perth. The City is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere with strong Italian influences! If you love nice food, good cappucino this is the place!

Its a must to visit when you visit Western Australia.

Some photos to share with you all.

Sidewalk cafe..

(ALL SHOTS WERE TAKEN FROM MY MOBILE PHONE)

The famous Fremantle Market..

Indian Ocean taken from Fremantle..

This is not Fremantle. Its some wild flowers at the road side in King’s Park.

I like this. Kid’s bungee..

–>

I arrived in Perth, the capital of Western Australia at 9.05 pm on the 28th Sept. After browsing through the duty free shop in the Airport in Perth, I bought, 2 bottles of Rum, and a bottle of Gin. Was very quick through the custom and quarantine as I have nothing to declare!

Woke up at 8.30am the next day and went to City to drop my brother off work in West Perth. He is with the travel agent, selling outbound air ticket, and holiday packages..

* Shot were taken with my BlackBerry 8300 Curve

Then, I took the car and drove to visit my James and Carol who stayed in Drakes Apartments in Mill Point Road in South Perth. After visiting them, I went to Hungry Jacks, (known as Burger King anywhere else except Australia) and got myself a whopper meal. Took away the whopper meal and drove the car to the Swan River at Mill Point Road and had my breakfast! This is what I missed a lot when I was in Malaysia. Also when I was a student here, I used to eat by the river, meat pie, yum yum! sausage rolls!

The temperature is so mild, approx. 14 degrees and munching my whopper while enjoying the scenery of City.

* Shot were taken with my BlackBerry 8300 Curve

While, sitting there having my breakfast and enjoying the beautiful view of the city, 2 sea gulls came to me, I dislike them! They are waiting to be fed which I refused! If you gonna give, be prepared for the whole group of 30 birds surrounding you! haha!

And was walking back to the car and saw this nice wild flowers on the roadside, I thought to myself, yea! its spring now..

Sorry for the soft image as it was taken from my phone.. BlackBerry 8300

It was nice driving around Perth that day, and I saw an accident, which I think its pretty bad as there were fire trucks, police and ambulance.

These were on the way one of the Highways. I just hope and pray that he or she will be ok…

I passed by a fish and tackle shop, and took this photo, while I stopped at the red light! I want to take up deep sea fishing soon.. it might be a good idea to have a look at the rods and reels.. Emm.. Will start this hobby probably next year..

Later in the evening, I was invited by James and Carol for dinner with their family and friends in Capriccio Italian Restaurant. Its a little cossy Italian Restaurant in Northbridge. The food there is yummy and of course its authentic! We had Supreme Pizza, Spagetti Marinara, Spagetti Cabonara, Salads, wines and the lot!

Got back about 9.04pm as my parking ticket expires by then. Most of their guesses also leave by then. I will have an early start for Carol and James’ Wedding the next day! 30 Sept.

*** all the shots here are taken from my BlackBerry 8300 Curve

–>

Malaysia Airlines is bloody amazing! Delayed again.. I suppose to depart Kuching at 11.10am flight from Kuching on the 28th Sept, and arrive in Singapore at 12.40pm for my connecting flight to Perth, Australia at 3.50pm the same day. Initially I thought of booking Air Asia to Johor, and my travel agent advised me not to as she is worried that Air Asia might be delayed and its risky for my connecting flight to Australia.

Listened to them, I paid 4 times more for my flight from Kuching direct to Singapore and used MAS instead. All I can say is I am very very dissapointed in Malaysia Airlines!!! Guys if you all have the chance, don’t use Malaysia Airlines! Upon checking in for my 11.10am flight, the agent in the airport told me that your aircraft has been “retime” to 12 noon. I was annoyed, telling her that its not “retime” its delayed! They wanted it to sound better,  but its still late!

I was a bit worried for my connecting flight, which will be leaving at 15.50 hrs that afternoon. But working out of the timing, departing at 12noon and  arriving in Singapore at 1.30pm which is not too bad, I still have time for a stroll at Changi Airport.

I was at the departure lounge at 11.20am and saw the aircraft arrive at 11.30pm. I thought to myself. Good, it should be on time then.. should be able to leave at 12 noon! yay!

Waiting, waiting and finally they made the call for boarding.. at 12noon.. which is not too bad.. seated in the plane at 12.10pm, buckle my seat belt. Waited again, and at 12.30pm the aircraft, still not moving.. and finally at 12.45pm, the Captain made an annoucement, “This is Captain Chew Speaking, on behalf of Malaysia Airlines, we apologise for the delay in the late arrival of this aircraft from Kota Kinabalu” ok I thought, now get it moving!!! as I am dead worry that I will miss my connecting flight! He continued, “At the moment, the aircraft is experiencing some problem with the External Power, and our Engineering team is working on it, we apologise for the inconvenience caused!” he continued, “we will be leaving as soon as they solve the problem”

My goodness, there is no commitment on the departing time from here.. and its was 12.55pm. In my mind, I was working the on the time, if the aircraft were to leave at 1 pm, then we shall arrive in Singapore at 2.30pm its will be very very rush for my connecting flight.. at 3.50pm, need to take the luggage, and check out, pass the custom and check in again, (as this is different airlines I am using)

After the cold sweat and heart attacks! finally the captain announced, “Cabin crew, cross check all doors” Phew! Sigh! it was 1.10pm and the aircraft took off at 1.15pm and landed in Singapore at 2.45pm. I have 1 hour to, take my luggage from the conveyor belt, go through the custom in Singapore, rush to the next terminal, check in, and board the plane, all in less than ONE HOUR. This is again very subjective, it depends on whether the next airline’s gate is still open for me!

I ran and reached the other terminal at 3pm, check in, and board the aircraft at 3.20pm, the moment I step into the aircraft, the Cabin Crew, closed the aircraft door and the plane reverse! I hate this very much! I am always on time, and I missed all the stroll that I love so much in Changi Airport, all I knew was,  running across these nice outlets of shops! Again, Malaysia Airlines, a lot of people have been complaining on your punctuality, why can’t the Senior Management act on it! Its so so common these days!

Met my group of friends in the aircraft, already seated in the plane, asked me Alvin, why so late, “I thought you were taking MAS, ( they took Air Asia to JB) I told them the bloody MAS delayed again! They said, “Phew! luckily Air Asia is on time!” and they joke with me, “Haha! you paid so much more and this is happening!!??, asked you to take Air Asia with us, and you refused “

I arrived in Perth around 9.05pm from my flight via Singapore. The flight from Singapore to Perth is on time. No doubt about it, that is why you see the Airlines in Singapore is progressing on the upward trend, well, the airlines started together as a company - MSA, they splited and one company is making its mark above most airlines in the world, went through all the extra miles, well, MAS, is still struggling! Look at the difference! I suppose it’s run by idiots! Wake up and act on it! All my trips with MAS- 95% of it has been delayed! This is a genuine customer feedback!

For my trip back to Kuching, I am booked on Silk Air, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. Will see how is the service!

–>

Our flight from Kuching scheduled to take off at 9pm but was delayed till 9.45pm. Guess what, this is Malaysia Airlines.. and talking about on time, Air Asia nowadays perform much better than MAS.

Arrived here at 10.30pm and now in the hotel, we are staying in Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu. Didn’t have time for dinner in Kuching, after checking in, we head straight to the coffeehouse for some light stuff. Went through the menu, there is nothing light, so I ordered “Char Kuey Tiau” and my assistant Christopher, ordered Fried noodle.

This is the cafe….

(shots were captured by my mac book pro)

and this is Chris, nice hardworking guy..

we will start our commercial assignment tomorrow morning at 10am..

We have been keeping ourselves busy the whole day editing and printing all the shots for Swinburne University graduation. Meanwhile while waiting for our printer to ‘rip’ the images, managed to have a short chat with my friend from Bintulu. She is a student doctor and will be doing her final year next year. I have always admired doctors, they are very kind people and talking about working hours, they spend very long hours in the hospital. What caught my attention about this doctor is that, I was following her blog and reading her life as a student doctor. It reminded me about my student days when I was in Australia.

Ok, time for bed now, and will update soon..

–>

Every year Sarawak Children Cancer Society (SCCS) will organize a food fair to raise fund for the children cancer patient. This year, it will be tomorrow, 5 Aug 07, at Kuching Civic Centre, starting at 8.30am. till noon. Anyone who wish to support to raise fund for the beautiful children, please go to the fair tomorrow! We are appointed by SCCS to assist in covering the event. Thank you to Mr Ho Khoon Beng Vice President and Mr Raymond Tong President of SCCS for giving us the opportunity to be part of this wonderful cause! Hope this food fair will raise some awareness to the public! Will post some images here.. soon.

2 weekends ago, SCCS teamed with Hilton Kuching to raise fund for the children, they organized a “3 legged fancy dress Charity Run” around Kuching City. It was a beautify sunday morning, more than 100 people took part in the fancy dress run. It was grace open by a prominent business person, Dtk Hajjah Raziah Mahmud. They managed to raise RM 37K+ from this run. I am sure the children will be happy.. thank you to everyone who participate in the effort…

It seems that I have a lot to write and I am composing my thoughts to blog it here.. so I do not know where to start.. will definitely start somewhere. Will keep you all posted.

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