Kinabalu number two

After much patience shown for my late delivery of the second post on the Kinabalu trip (by my father :p)....

here's no.2 as we move along from the seaside sunset view location of Sutera Harbour to dinner!

KK (Kota Kinabalu) is one of the most famous places for fresh, scrumptious, cheap

seafood after Kuching.

I'm just kidding bout my hometown but back in KK, the seafood goes to the extreme in guaranteeing of freshness and quality that customers get to choose their seafood alive from rolls and rolls of aquariums line up to be hand-picked to serve on their dining table.

"sorry, i'm booked"

Well, dinner was real great. I got to eat most of everything because my folks are conscious about blood cholesterol. *grins. haha. It is definitely recommended that you go to "AsiaWorld" to enjoy the ambiance of having 4 huge restaurants combined under a roof with customers scrambling all over the place choosing their dish to be executed for dinner. (not advisable for the weak-hearted...i'm just kidding)

We packed the night at a nearby hotel. Hotel rates are very reasonable depending on what you prefer. With normal breakfast for two towels and an extra pillow. But of course, being in KK means nothing much if y0u don't ride on the hilly road up to the World Heritage of Mount Kinabalu. That, which is what we were heading to early the next morning.

Old town coffee shop, KK-style.

pumpkin buns, and they're yellow :D

It was a more or less 2 hours drive so we stopped here and there to take a breathe or loosen our muscles. The amazing thing was for every drive of 5 minutes, you see a church with its name printed in huge bold fonts on the signboard, all the way till the top. gosh there must be hundreds of churches along the road.

Revival!!!!

The journey up to the mount area was a blast in itself. I'm glad mum and dad finally entrusted the driving to me :P Apparently i'm better than they thought. haha. I wasn't sure whether an auto car was the best deal for climbing mountains but what i knew was, i enjoyed the driving :)

Oh, and there was something called *inserts signboard. Due to the appropriateness of showing the food which might offend some, it shall remind anonymous :P but heck it was surprisingly delicious!

It took extra long for us to reach the top because there were too many reasons for us to stop and look around.

flower :)

Mum going gaga... no actually i requested that.

There's an amazing skill that i've yet to learn from my dad...

He is so able in talking to strangers and sound as if they knew each other for years. I've grown up seeing him "demonstrating" his urge to talk to the next table or a middle age man sitting alone, and you have absolutely no idea how a stranger loves a good chat despite the ice or even total ignorance before coming into contact. Yea man, i want to be able to, its suppose to be in my genes. ish...

*i believe i can fly*

can u see the heart shape? :)

pouting***

like the tagline :

" Take nothing but photographs, Leave nothing but footprints" ^^

As known, Kinabalu has one of the most top-notch tourism services in its own individual taste. There were many resorts along the mountain each with its own distinct way of differentiating itself from another.

This is the Pine Resort, as of its name we would know what to expect.

Pine Trees!!!! =D

^ Yellow flowers ^

*coffee area*

mountain view straight out from one of the chalet.

Yep yep i would bring you here again mum..

nice! :) should be shooting wedding photos soon. jk

Flip Flop You Don't Stop

Catching the mountain in its fullest view is actually not as easy. For the full whole day, it was hiding itself amongst the clouds where dad would start telling stories about how long other photographers would wait just to catch the perfect photo.

and so we drove around to find the best view...

and we waited...

and wait....

HUA LA!!!! haha. Actually the photo does no justice to the mount. It was truly a view that one needs to take time to digest its bold majestic beauty. Now to use beauty would even 'feminise' its strong aura, although there were tales concerning the mountains that it was form from a maiden that was waiting for her husband for thousands of years.

A hill, is very different from a mountain. A hill, is a crest of uneven ground, where jack and jill rolled down. But a mountain, is a totally different geographic architecture. If any jack and jill where to roll down from a mountain, first of all it would take maybe days. Secondly, they would probably not be able to live for us to tell kids about their riddle :p

The location for the view was a resort maintained by the government. The location was really relaxing with a blend of euro garden with the authentic mountain environment.

Twilight

**teng teng!!**

*ss =.=*

True enough Mount Kinabalu attract many nature lovers as well as photographers. Most of them (through dad's voluntary conversation) were from West Malaysia. They claim coming to KK is a great choice because it doesn't require much hassle, just click a few buttons on airasia.com and the next thing you know you're in front of this mountain with your camera squeeze against your eyes while your fingers snap wildly on the shuttle :)

we stayed there till the sun started to set and the weather turned chilly. Gosh it was ironic when friends from KL called and complained bout the hot weather, ( which i do too) cause similar to Cameron's, Mount Kinabalu is as chilly as Forks in Twilight. haha, i know i'm lame :p

the view was magnified in its mystery as the cold weather sips into our every breathe

loves*

There's one thing that i notice about the place as well as the picture. It was nature in its purest form, without the interference or invading of civilization. very nice :)
It was amazing to sea the sun sets amongst the mountains while the sky gave way to God's preference of colors which was painted through the different heights of the uneven mountains.

And till then, that was how the second night in KK ended. Colorful, cold, breezy, satisfied :)

better view of Mount Kinabalu in the next post!

(sorry to be rushing through this post. Am actually in the airport trying to finish it before flying to Melbourne. I promise for a better post for the last one, God bless you guys :)hope you guys enjoy the photos.

I'm Overwhelmed :)

To all those that wrote on facebook,

text messages,

called and even sang!

and wished me face to face,

and also those that have yet to come!

My heart knows no boundaries of joy to see your wishes. Every one of it! I know facebook is a good facilitator in reminding and helping each other drop a birthday wish, but above the convenience, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart. 20, great indeed! :)

I just wanna let you know, that i am truly grateful to have every single one of you in my life! I don't know how to thank you all but i hope you see my heart, which is now flooded with gratitute :) Regardless of how many of the 20 years that you've been a part of, even months or days or even a brush through the shoulder, my life ain't gonna be the same without you.

Thank you, for making this year's birthday simple, yet very very satisfied :)

Mum and dad, me being 20 means your first born child has grown from an annoying and naughty child into a, still tend to be annoying, but grown up man, let me thank you in every way i can for all the years of patience, kindness, giving and most of all, your precious love. Love you guys!

And of course to my Almighty God, i know my past, present and future are all in Your hands, Your loving, gentle, encouraging, mighty hands. Thank you for Your grace that has saved a wretch like me, and provided so much abundance! I pray i would learn day by day to love you even more and to comprehend Your love more and more!

haha, ugly photo...

Gosh i've been on Earth for 2 decades, no more teenage years. Its hard to accept the fact of growing up at first though ironically every child wanted to grow up fast. But i have no worries, no anxiety of not being able to be myself, the kid in me, and live life to its fullest!

May the decades to come be more and more great, to see souls save, broken life's transform, community change, life's change, oh its exciting to grow up!

Future, i'm ready! Are you?

Time

Time, is independent, intangible.

As if a wild stallion, it is uncontrollable.

Time, bears the fruit of results,

The same way, results are seen through time.

Time despite the level of contentment,

creates histories that are unchangeable.

Time, is neither sensitive nor cold-blooded,

It just isn't its nature to even bother.

People since then have wished to have dominance over it.

Why, would it be too much to wish so too?

If and only if it was true,

that time was for a price,

Would you then make an offer?

Thanks, for Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, also known as "the land below the wind". I have only heard too much about this legendary mythical land, of its enchanted mountain myths, gorgeous seafood, the colorful population and the beach sceneries that looks exactly like postcard photos. Not trying to exaggerate here but the recount of people that either been there or are from there itself actually sum up their perception of Sabah into just that one simple word- beautiful.

Lucky enough, with a spice of spontaneity and the two nature-loving couple that rarely goes for vacation, i was flying to KK on a rare chance on different flights to start a weekend at the so called beautiful Kota Kinabalu.

And indeed with due expectations, it was beautiful! We arrive KK International Airport near evening. After bargaining with the rental for a Proton Saga, we drove around the city for tea before settling the sunset location at Sutera Harbour Resort. The day light was slowly shying away as the sun descend from the sky. Perfect timing and sight seeing spot for the first evening :)

Yep, my lovely parents

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother.. :)

There were boats from all countries "parked" silently side by side the bay. Its almost as if they had just finished a rough tiring day and are resting on the seacoast treating themselves for a good days work.

I bet it would be a satisfying experience to have owned one of those when i grow old :)

The coastal waters were so calm that the sky, collaborated with the setting sun, was able to paint skillfully, the brilliant colors of a sunset evening over the canvas of the still water.

I guess i was truly blessed to have the chance of witnessing the sun melting away into the ocean along with the splendid trickles of colors over the sea and sky.

And all that happened in less than 5 minutes. Makes you wonder how real the Earth is spinning even though we don't feel it :)

Despite nature's beauty, KK is also renowned as a tourist spot. And therefore, facilities and services are all in top-notch condition. With such world-class tourism quality blended with the natural advantage of sceneries and ambiance, you decide how enjoyable a stay in Kota Kinabalu can be :)

Surprisingly the sky wasn't as vibrant when the sun was still up. I'm guessing the "pixies of colors" would only dare to shatter their creativity on the sky for that few moments after the old Sun has left to the other side of the World.

From the smile on the face, what else needs to be say :D Mum had been to KK multiple times on company trips with on-the-house luxury, but i guess nothing beats the unspeakable time of being with the family ae?

Dad seemed familiar with KK as well, we didn't even need the map while going about places. But the best thing about going vacation with my dad is, he doesn't mind spending that much more for a priceless experience of having an expensive coffee or a tequila sunrise in hand, savoring the the view while experiencing the enjoyment of the present moment.

And hence, we had plenty of drinks throughout the weekend that cost way more than necessary, not so much about quenching a thirst, but more to enlight that moment of time, to bring it that much closer to perfection :)

Mum said the first drink that dad bought her, was the "Tequila Sunrise", which is a cocktail that has this wonderful balance between the rough edginess of alcohol and the smooth sweety taste of orange juice. Looking forward to buy 'you' a drink, whoever 'you' may be :)

As this family sipped their drinks on the coast, enjoying the classy rich experience that was never suppose to be, the sky leisurely turns from vibrant to a single color, and that was the first day of the holiday in the beautiful land of Kota Kinabalu.

説謊

我没有説謊 我何必説謊 你懂我的 我對你从來就不會假裝

我哪有説謊 請别以為你有多難忘 笑是真的不是我逞強

说谎， 是伦理上的的贬义词， 是孩子们最当然的教养。但有时，谎言也有善意的一面。有些人认为，这只是理智斗理智后觉得贬义也可以褒义化，让良心上有个台面下的借口，称之“善意的谎言”。但， 当谎言的目的不再是为了自己，而是为了“除了自己”的人， 哪刚说的理论就不成立了吧？

我没有説謊 我何必説謊 冷静沉默 就是代表我真的无大恙

我哪有説謊 不管别人说我多难堪 反正流泪治不了悲伤

为什么，说了谎的人比被“欺骗”的人还要难受。说出来的总总不切实际的谎话都得一句一句的硬吞回去。好似吞下不刺人的碎片，保在氧气里吞下去。氧气吸收了，才感觉到哪谎言在体内的刺痛。对啊傻孩子，妈妈不是从小就告诉我们别说谎了吗？

没关系吧...
我又不脆弱 何况那算什麽傷 反正愛情不就都這樣

改制于林宥嘉的-说谎

Absolutely Insane Resolution

Serenade: verb- to sing or play for someone

Let me :)

Thank You for the great night!

goodnight :)

Life's great, with-the-right G

I have urges of blogging all the time, from small thoughts to self proclaimed philosophies. But at the end of the day when i reach my room after dinner at the most odd hours, i find those written thoughts unworthy as compared to a goodnight sleep. However, even though tomorrow's gonna be a huge day for me and im utterly tired, i find this worth typing.


It has been nearly half a year since Encore started.(wow didn't see that coming) Its brain storming and laying of ideas started all the way back when we were still caught up with sbs night. I was reluctant to join back then till i was truly guitly for letting the annual event die away from my responsibilities. And hence, there i was with the team and the theme which initiated by a thought of a stage built of buildings made from boxes. Urban, just a simple term which spilled out of my lips without registering thoroughly, became the theme and goal of the event behind a 40plus committee.

To cut things short, the planning started long ago while the stage building started this monday right after i touched down from LCCT terminal. It has been a great experience through the week as the progress slowly matures into a presentable structure as well as the bonds and the gatherings of volunteers that i'm truly thankful too.

I told myself that it was worth blogging before the event, to record the mind picture and perspective of the process, because the final night has never been the true picture of an event. But reaching my room every night with my whole day's energy run out on the stage, the writing never came.

Wow i just wrote so much unrelated stuff. Ok, so here goes. Tomorrow is gonna be a truly great day. I know it, i just do. At least for me, it will really be. There would be a lot of life changing experience to add on and many many firsts in life ready to be written on the pages of my life.

But even though there would be great achievement be it successful or the other ways, i just really really wanna give God all the praises! Yes tomorrow's a Sunday and i wouldn't be able to make it for church. But the praising of our Lord does not stop in church, the worship onto Him is not only through songs in church. I might sound like i'm making a comforting excuse to ease myself off guilt but no, really.

Life experience can be very rewarding, to self satisfaction and outward recognition, but above it all, i realized that through my own ability and talent, i would never be able to attain and experience all that i'm given. My desires and dreams are being taken care of so dearly that it becomes more than what i can even expect myself. Being in that state of shock, my heart am no longer captivated by the dreams and desires itself, nor the achievements or results that might or might not come to pass. Instead, my heart is captivated by That someOne, that truly took all the effort and time and patience to teach and give and bless me with more than what i could even imagine myself asking.

I really know, really, that i am uncapable, untalented and unskilled, but because of Him, i can. This amazing experience of being already in the high speed zone when you know you're not even capable of reaching there is just wonderful.

And all this happenned because He is truly taking care of me, and the experience of His love and blessings teaches me even more about Him, that He created the Heavens and the Earth and hence, His blessings and love for us knows no boundaries!


Thank You!!!

i'm actually more excited about conducting the gathering (prayer) for Christian committee and finalists of Encore than anything else :) Use us oh Lord, and let us experience You more than we could ever imagine! :)

Goodnight!

13/3/2010

Current Location

Stunning land below the wind, Sabah

With killing scenery and scrumptious food!

Mount Kinabalu, World's Heritage. It really does live up to its name. Didn't climb it this time, but definitely in the future. Anyone wanna join? :)

Flying back in the morning to get back to work. Encore stage, im flying back to you!

May i, love you

Love, an element, that seems to be such essential to human beings. No one in this whole wide world would not desire it, unless their perception of love is truly torn. Such a wonderful necessity, yet funny how it is so difficult to understand.

Many, grasped love from the romantic movies, scenes and books, of affection and compassion, Romeo and Juliet, of a man and a woman. I wasn't the outcast. Why not? That's how the world teaches us of love. I love you my beloved, i know i do because you give me the tingles and my heart skipped when i see you. Or is it love? This love bores many wonderful things, happiness, memories, gifts, joy, satisfaction, sex. And since when love became a synonym to sex?

Some, found love from parental love. Of how parents laid down everything they have to provide every necessity or need their loved ones desire. The willingness to sacrifice, to be able to give everything and anything just to put a smile on the face of who their hearts kept.

How about the love for a situation, a condition or a place. Where these things brings magical feelings that tingles every part of our veins and secretes unspeakable joy out of us. I love merry-go-rounds, starbucks, John Mayer and the guitar. I really do, they make me happy.

Love, has so many forms, and it definitely has a meaning way greater than a mere emotion. Some people may think they really understand love, defining it as "receiving someone as a whole", or "the deep emotion and feelings for someone". But what really is love? Such a wonderful necessity, yet so difficult to understand.

I believe, that no one can truly and thoroughly be done with the learning of this simple yet complex topic of, love. The more you understand, the more you realize how vast love can be and how little we know of love.

Think of how corrupted the love that the world teaches us, for a guy would be unable to say "I love you" to his guy friend, without igniting suspicious thoughts of his sexuality. Blasphemy!

Love. How can i ever understand, that one can lay down everything to love all out, yet really in their mind and soul expect nothing back in return. How? How can one endure all the hardship, pain and sadness from the result of loving someone that could only break your heart, and yet be silent about it and love back even more? No, no man will be able to love with such capacity, without its limit.

Oh Lord, i tried to think from your point of view. To create a living race to enjoy this great element with, to have a love relationship with, to not just give everything, but more than that, to Love all out! And yet, the very thing that you created to savor these deep fellowship with sinned against you, like how one's most dearest betrayed against them, and chose to stand for sin, the very thing that you hated. Facing all these, yet you still love them, these undeserving ones, slowly they departed from this relationship built on love, and even go to the extend to survive completely without you, forgetting you, accused you, hate you.

And yet, you still Love them, so ever dearly, never-changing. My words are incapable of describing such immense love! How can we find such compassion!

Your love did not stop there, you sent your one and only Son, to the world, to save your dear creations from continuing in their indulgence in sinful, painful, hurtful works. You know their pain, you know what they need, and you gave without asking in return. You gave it all, through your son's death, EVERYTHING was given along it, and all they needed to do was to repent and come back to you, your love.

From my human view, you should be very very joyful, when your dearest creation came back to you, they repented their ways, and believe throughly of your love. Oh the Joy! Finally! They understood How Much you loved them, all this while. But yet, the ones that came back to you, that made you so happy, would depart you AGAIN, choosing to sin, and hurt your heart once more, and another time more, and again, and again...

For a human to understand that, how impossible. Would anyone be able to accept the betrayal of their love ones countless times? We would be too heart broken to even dare to love. And yet Your love never-change. "So that gives us allowance to keep sinning?", one may say. How foolish of them! Isn't that an act of taking advantage on someone that gave their most precious gift, and tore it violently and stab it brutally on it? And yet You never tore down your love, and was ever willing to be taken advantage on, because His Love is of such ampleness!

Thanks Lord, for teaching how amazing your LOVE is, and how this great love can flow through me to others. No matter how painful the nights maybe tearing over the hurts that the world gave, it is incomparable to what you have endured. Being able to know this, i understand how much more love can mean, and how little of love that i have truly understand.

Thank You!