Untitled.. Part 10..

If you track my blog closely.. late last month.. i have intended to leave the world of "unta bengong".. & supposedly this week wld be my last week... yup.. it was a very serious intention.. i mean very SERIOUS.. i was having a serious headache.. thinking about my decision & my plan in future.. after careful thought & thorough deliberation.. i feel that "unta bengong" still needs me.. though aku dh naik muak dgn keegoan.. ketamakan.. segala mcm perangai Pak Arab yg menyakitkan jiwa.. but i guess lets stay until end of the year.. hope i still have enuff courage to stay on...  argghhh..

.. i wld probably face another round of headache.. house rental going to be increased next month.. not double.. but triple than I'm paying now.. due to summer season.. seriously i don't understand.. the owner can simply increase the price as they like.. there's no ceiling on that.. if u're not lucky you may end up paying more than 50% from ur salary... & the best part... the government just keep quite.. let this greedy guys enjoying free money from these "poor" peoples.. nak wat camne.. layan jelah.. 

.. put aside that stuffs.. malas nak pening kepala... lets talk about the"topic of the week".. is none other than.. the epic ending of English Premier League.. which has shown the new champion... Man City.. 3 things i hv learned from this interesting season: (1) don't get so over confidence - how Man U blew their chance by letting Man City won the title after 8 points led with 6 games left; (2) never say die - how Man C came back from behind on the last epic game with QPR (they may lost the title if they lose or draw); (3) bola itu bulat - so anything can happen - i am referring to u Liverfool.. what a disappointing season..

.. so next one.. is my 2 favourite TV series.. Survivor came to the end last week.. with another predictable winner.. Kim, as expected won the sole survivor plus USD 1 million cash.. on American Idol lak.. also approaching the finale next week.. 2 of the most exciting performers will hit the stage & will be crowned as the new season winner.. its between Jessica & Phillip.. its kind of predictable finale as well.. so i'm going to make another round of Nujum Pak Belalang later before the finale this Tuesday (US time).. overall.. this season packed with full of talents... so i'm making my tribute with the 7 most memorable performances of the season (of coz it based on my preference...)

1) Volcano (Phil Phillips): Some peoples may argue with my choice here (blame me as I am a true fan of indie artiste).. prior to his performance.. i've never heard this song & or even the original singer.. the good thing abt Philip.. he manages to transform the obscure songs turned into hit... the whole performance was amazing.. from the setting, the direction... the background singer, the cello & even Philip's raspy voice.. simply exploded with emotion.. gorgeous, meaningful & subtle.. all combined into one of the most memorable AI performance ever.. the judges love his "Bob Seger" version.. but for me this easily the best performance from him.. hands down..  as Steven rightly pointed out "this is the song that you can listen over Ipod over & over again)..

2) Its Man Man Man World (Joshua Ledet): ..  i may not be a big fan of Joshua.. but seriously this kid is an amazing singer.. he interprets the song brilliantly with his vocal's ability.. Phil is good story teller.. that's differentiate between this performance & Phil's performance .. you may be able to hit the high notes & belted the song like crazy.. but what more important is the impact to the audience emotionally... & u might say "WOW"... 

 

3) Whole Lot a Love (Elise Testone) : another favorite AI contestant of mine.. this wld be one of her best performance for the season.. she rocks the stage with the band & her powerful vocal as well.. the best part its Led Zep's song... my favourite...

4) You Got It Bad (Phil Phillips): another Philip's collection.. sorry.. called me biased.. but this performance showcased the creativity and versatility side of Phillip.. turned Usher's R & B's hit into bluesy & jazzy performance made this performance memorable..

5) Stop Draggin' My Feet Around (Elise & Phillip): again.. blame me as I'm a big fan of rock songs.. this duet captured my attention because the voice of Elise & Philip.. blend well together.. so much of characters.. how I wish these 2 competing in the finale..

 

6) I Will Always Love You (Jessica Sanchez): some peoples said.. Jessica's performance was clearly the best of the season.. but for me.. she peaked at the wrong time.. i do agree that she has the wonderful voice among the bunch.. has good technical skills for such a young age... but what's lacking with this performance is .. the emotion.. it such a lovely song.. singing without evoking an emotion.. then it just purely a great version of karaoke...

    

7) Phillip's audition: this is where Americans started fell in love with this humble & gifted kid.. cruising thru' to the Hollywood round with his version on Stevie's song.. Superstitious.. & swoon us with his guitar skills for Thriller.. immediately after the audition.. the bookmakers put him as the likely candidate to win the whole things..

Untitled... Part 9..

Probably.. this could be my last post prior to my departure from the land of "unta bengong". though at this moment.. i'm not fully prepared to say good bye.. i need more time i guess... but the frustration on handling with some of 'unproductive" issues coupled with numerous restrictions.. had really push my decision.. i assume enuff for the last 1 and half years.. let me explore something that can excite me on ... in terms of experience... & at this stage.. most importantly.. i need to think abt my plan in future..  Insya Allah.. perhaps that can be discussed in the next post.. to prepare for this.. yesterday.. i have surrendered the love letter to my boss.. & in returned i was having almost one hour "long lecture" which indirectly may sway my decision... i dunno.. perhaps i need my weekend to think it over...

.. so what have i done for the past one week after come back from short break in Malaysia.. another eat, pray watch entry.. haha.. seriously that was i did.. of coz... watching few movies.. (side note: Bunohan is a brilliant movie.. kind of different from what u have seen in Malaysian movie.. kind of confusing tho' but its worth to watch if you are someone that like heavy drama.. perhaps.. The Hunger Games.. may offer something that can entertain you.. just love the story which something that really close to my heart... i mean reality TV.. but not on killing part..

.. talking about reality TVs.. yup.. how can I miss the recap about my 2 favourite TV series... so whats the update then??... lets go first with Survivor.. drama... drama .. & drama.. i kind of love this show.. the producer knows how to keep the momentum of the show.. despite surprise dismissal of Colton (drama queen).. the drama continues.. i hope the girl wins again this time.. as the guys are such bunch of losers.. btw.. i am expecting Kim, Chelsea, Sabrina & Kat are the final four.. they are running the show & "kill" the guys one by one....

... on another note.. as usual AI also progress with surprisingly interesting story as well.. 2 of my favorite Phillip & Elise seems unstoppable.. i'm just hoping them at least for the Top 3. coz they are the most deserving hopefuls among the bunch & love their vibes & style of music... (tho' i kind of worried with Elise.. btw.. she was voted out last night... leaving  Philip as my only hopeful..)... they know what kind of artist that they wanted to be.. thats more important.. coz life after the competition is very much more important than in the competition.... again.. after the shocker elimination of Colton (what a coincidence... same name.. btw im not shocked to see him the exit door... as i don't like him at all..).. its anyone game now.. just hope my dream finale will come true...

.. nway.. i just need to have strong courage now.. definitely coming back from my short leave in Malaysia.. would be the most hardest part living abroad especially in this world... then it makes me think once again.. about my earlier intention... yup.. life goes on...

Footnote: Just love the duet of Elise & Phillip on the AI show.. the song from legendary Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks.. besides the Gotye song..

That is Life...

a friend of mine has posted vry interesting question abt my humble blog.. why the contents were very much centered on entertainment.. tho' I can write lots of stuffs other than music & movies... i have then responded without hesitation.. "thats my passion & interest.. thats how i make my life interesting.."..?????.. haha.. what a lame & boring excuse ha??? btw..  i just love to write something that make myself feel good abt it coz dat is part of my interest.. tho' i love music & movie.. i never put aside the serious & boring stuffs, i.e. financial, sport & politics.. but that will never work out in my blog.. tho' some people may like politics due to the elements of drama behind those stories.. but i don't want to be caught in the position of putting wild allegations on certain peoples or parties.. or perhaps talking abt the incoming general election (hint: potentially on the 3rd June)... it might be interesting call but i assume will never happen..

nway.. let me tell u macam mane i terjebak dgn benda nie... another side of  story of my life... another flash back.... soon after I've got my SPM results.. i have applied 2 further my studies in one of the university.. my parent encourage me to further in domestic university & doing in finance related course due to the bright prospects soon after i've graduated (especially my mom).. she painted me with a lot of bad things abt those peoples who studied overseas.. influenced by bad cultures.. takut tak jadi orang katanya.. (btw .. i love u mom.. u never know.. how i much i love u & thanked you so much for ur kind advise & guidance...).. so.. sbg anak yg baik.. i just follow her "order".. but at the same time.. without her knowledge.. i have applied Mass Comm course.. because all i wanted is to be as a journalist.. perhaps that would be the first thing that i need to do.. get the right course.. then achieve my dream.. i was then surprised to received letter from  ITM that my application has been successful.. i was very excited at first.. still hoping that my application to one of the local U rejected.. apparently.. a week after that.. my mom surrendered a letter to me that i've got the offer from one of the local university.. she was very excited & i can see her face glowing and she kept saying all the things that I need to bring on my first day registration.. i was torn.. everyday.. she keeps herself busy by preparing the stuffs for me.. at certain point.. i was not happy with her excitement & reminders.. i don't know.. perhaps i was not happy that I have no room or choice to make my decision.. until certain time.. i was looking at her.. & i was so touched with all her efforts & excitement.. then i realize that i should listen to her.. its time for me to repay what she has done for me... after graduated.. i've got the offer from one of the big bank and that's how my career started.. after a year working with the bank.. i was surprised to receive a call to attend an interview with one of the largest press agecy in town.. process was very tedious & thorough .. & apparently i've got a call to join the team.. wow.. at that point of time.. i don't know what i should do.. i was torn..  between the banking career or the career that i love the most..  nonetheless.. i have decided to pursue my career in banking then.. thats probably blessing in disguise.. everything happens with a reason.. u never know until it happened.. overall.. the morale of the story is.. life is all about choices & never stop pursuing your dreams....

in addition to the above note.. yesterday marked my 1 year 6 months di bumi Jeddah.. what  an exploration.. some peoples might say... pejam celik.. pejam celik.. dah nak masuk 2 tahun.. but honestly.. the 540 days was an eventful of adventure.. last 2 years i would never imagine myself be in this "strange" world.. layan Pak Arab nie. performing my hajj.. be in the holy cities that make me feel so peaceful & grateful....  it was a fast ride indeed.. tho' it was not an easy one.. i never tho' that my choice accepting the offer working in Arab be rewarded with this "handsome" return.. it was not easy adapting myself with a new world with different culture, language and peoples.. the world which is very strange & alien for many newcomers.. with numerous restrictive rules & regulations.. & the worst part is sometime they treat us like a commodities to be exploited..

dats make me realize about my earlier concern raised... life if all about choices & making decision.. sometime its not against your favour.. & sometime its risky.. & sometime u never know what would be the consequences & the results.. that is life.. i was not only caught on making decision about career.. but some personal things as well.. i was supposed to get married at early age.. 23.. but i wasn't ready at that point of time (the first love is always the thing that u remember the most)... throughout the period of life over the past 10 years.. i have made so many decisions.. not only personal but in career as well.. sometime it was very critical.. that may change the life as a whole.. Alhamdulillah.. life is all about experience.. though i fumble sometime.. but it make me wiser as a person.. i take it as part of the learning process and hikmah atas segalanya.. just because u never know how it will turn up.. what u need to do is pray.. n put an efforts on it.. everything u leave it to Allah.. coz He knows what is the best for all of us... and before i conclude.. once again.. another decision that I need to make.. im at the cross roads now.. i leave it to Him.. i just do my best.. that is LIFE...

Footnote: one of my favourite track from Bruce Springsteen.. just got inspired with the music & lyric.. tho' it may not related to me since I was born in Malaysia.. always proud to be Malaysian... haha.. 

Eat, Pray, Work, Watch.. Part 3

Another weekend gone.. as usual spent my weekend mostly at home.. watching few movies and the new season of my favourite reality TV series.. Survivor & American Idol.. & on Friday.. went to Mecca for my Friday prayer.. thats how i spent my weekend.. pretty dam bored.. but dat is what happening for the last one and half years.. I'm not sure when would be the next round of my trip back to Malaysia.. hopefully early of April.. im still figuring out about my future here.. seriously I'm clueless.. just leave it to Allah.... planning to ada.. cuma not sure the direction nye.. hopefully it goes as per the plan.. Insya Allah..

.. btw.. put aside the boring part.. now talk about the exciting parts.. the 2 most watchable reality TV series in the world.. Survivor & American Idol.. Survivor came with its 24th installment.. they call it One World.. of which unlike previous seasons where tribes lived at separate camp sites, the two tribes will be living at the same camp together... interesting to watch.. more interesting to watch when the 2 tribes divided by gender.. finally i like the idea of this season compared to the last 2 seasons.. baru masuk episode 3 dah filled with dramas & blindsides.. Survivor is always about unpredictable results.. hope the dramas & blindsides will continue until the end of the season... my early favourites... mostly the woman.. haha.. Kat is my favourite (coz she is beautiful 2 watch..double ha ha).. tho she almost got booted in the 2nd episode.. Sabrina maybe the most fit amongst the woman.. but she needs to tone down a bit.. or else her days maybe gone too soon.. Christina another favourite simply becoz she's an Asian girl.. and seems smart.. again she needs to stay quiet to ensure she can progress further.. lelaki camp lak.. boring.. takde drama.. tho' i like Colton (because he is so drama queen) that makes u wanted to watch the episode every week.. but i kind of worry on his attitude during the progress of the game.. the likely contender maybe Jonas.. quiet and just follow the flow.. further his comfortable position may put him in favour to win..

American Idol laks.. just unveiled the Top 13 for its 11 season.. kind of interesting to watch only for certain star hopefuls.. and some of them maybe the same as per the previous seasons.. typical big voices but kind of irrelevant for this current music industry (yup im talking abt u Joshua) .. no star power quality.... last year I have accurately predicted 4 out of 5 in the Top 5 spots.. so this year I am going to do the same.. with my predicament solely based on my personal favorites & their relevant to the music industry nowadays.. tho' its hard to predict the votes from American these days..
out of the 13.. i personally like Phillip Philips.. this guy has serious talent & I'm rooting for him for this season.. perhaps the music that he brought into the competition.. or perhaps i've been waiting for sooooo long someone that can bring the music or voice like Dave Matthews, Nickleback, 3 Doors Down or even Eddie Vadder.. he infuses  the contemporary & element of rock/ pop/ soul into his own mix...raw talent with unique raspy voice that may propel him through far in this competition... he has the ability to make the old songs current.. & compose on his own without jeopardizing the original version.. who would though Chris Issak  (Hollywood Round) & Usher songs (Las Vegas Round) & Thriller (audition day)..or even On the Air Tonight (Top 24.. my favorite track from Phil Collins).. cool to hear... I have wish list songs for you sir.. try to play 3 Doors Down, Radiohead, Coldplay songs in the competition.. or even Dave Matthews Band song.. Crash Into Me.. or perhaps any songs from Journey (my favorite 80's rock band) seems you have Joe Cocker kind of voice...but on the flip side.. his impersonation of "Dave Matthews" charisma may hurt him in the competition... as some voters may not like it.. & even his creativity to convert the songs to make it on his own also may not favour for certain Americans (check out DMB blog.. http://davematthewsblog.com ... u may know why) .. on another note his limited voice range would only applicable for certain genre.. not sure if he can turns country or even R & B songs on his own version (if any).. but i'm sure he has the skill to do that.. if you know what i mean .. just google You Tube for his version of mash up songs by Framing Hanley, Eminem & DJ Khaled).. combined into one song.... that was during his jamming session prior to this AI.. i assume.. seriously .. it was.. brilliant.. fresh, unique & unpredictable.. bro.. just stay humble & focus and you may succeed....
Elise Testone... the Lady Gaga look-alike.. is another personal favourite.. she has the raspy & bluessy voice that you would love to hear... she is the reminiscent of Haley of Season 10 & Crystal of Season 9... so she can go far..
Erika Van Pelt.. another rocker chick that i adore much on her voice.. i like her since audition days & even more during the Hollywood round (especially when she brought the house down with Pink's song).. but im not really sure abt her journey throughout the competition.. being the wild card pick.. it may kill her early than she thought it would be.. unless she steps her game up.. she may has the biggest competition with Elise since both are more or less have similar type of voice... 
Hollie Cavanagh.. tiny girl with big voice.. i watch this girl since last season as she almost got thru' last season.. & she bounced back this year & luckily put her through as the finalists.. her rendition of Christina's song "Reflection" really open American eyes on how talented this kid is.. again.. she may be not in the Top 5 favourite.. since she lacks personality.. she needs to be more liveable (should get tips from Heejun Han).. not solely base on her voice alone.. coz thats how the AI game is..

that is my personal favourites.. I may assume only 2 will advance to the Top 5... Phillip & Elise.. Elise reminds us on how Haley's journey of the last season.. hope she can keeps up the momentum.. Phillip has the charisma with his humble attitude & the guitar skills.. the other 3 that maybe in the Top 5 would probably Colton, Skylar and Jessica.. Colton may have the biggest fan base because of his looks (sorry i'm not buy into this..) & the music that he brings in the competition.. he is current & contemporary.. personally im not favour with this guy.. vocally he is among the weakest.. what make him stood out probably his stage presence.. & his fan base will carry him through.. just compare him with Chris Rene from The X factor.. not strong in vocal department but has the charm to succeed.. Skylar.. has the country fan base that can support her through.. look what happened last year.. further.. she is the only finalist with the country music.. whilst Jessica plak.. she is someone similar like Melanie Amaro from The X Factor.. big voice and can belted difficult songs easily.. but voice alone does not necessary can carry u through.. u need to infuse some elements of personality.. or else your time will come off early than you thought.. learn from Pia's mistake last year..

Sepetang di Corniche..

Tmrw is an Oscar day.. this year seriously mcm malas nak buat my "ritual" Nujum Pak Belalang... i dunno.. of late.. the mood really swings.... i think partly due to the huge pile of work loads & the "stress" of handling so many "unpredictable" situations at the office... btw.. back to Oscar.. i assume it's an open race for certain categories.. save and except for acting in supporting roles.. Octavia Spencer & Chris Plummers are definitely the lock for the titles.. the rest 2 probably its 2 or 3 ways fight.. Best Picture wld probably between The Help & The Artist.. whilst for acting in leading roles.. its between the legendary Meryl or Viola for actress... & George Clooney & the french actor from The Artist fight for the coveted prizes.. 

Nway.. talking about movies.. nak gak put credit to one of Malay movie that i hv watched last week.. Songlap.. its brilliant.... its bold.. its grim.. its honest... its well-acted and... its well-directed... the gloomy atmosphere throughout the movie scene reflects the whole situation behind this movie.. simple story about the prostitution and jual babies.. but its well crafted and filled with suspense, dramatic & even scene sedih on the last part.. bravo to the directors & the actors..
 
ok...put aside the entertainment story.. last weekend gak ... aku bermalas - malasan dkt Corniche.. Corniche nie femes for Saudis peoples nak melepak2 tepi laut.. diorang nie takde tempat mcm dkt Malaysia nak mandi2 .. nak melepak2.. takde cinema nak tgk movie.. so past times.. diorang g shopping & ddk beborak kosong dgn family or friends tepi laut.. for me.. i have 3 objectives melepak dkt Corniche. (1) cuci mata sambil merehatkan mata & kepala otak (2) tangkap gambar.. especially the sunset... (3) refresh my memories.. as the last time aku melepak dkt sini masa mula2 sampai dulu..
.. as expected Corniche crowded with peoples.. almost every corner penuh dgn mamat & minah pakai jubah.. but sometime seronok gak tgok perangai Pak & Minah Arab nie.. kelakar gak bila tgok diorang main skateboard pakai jubah.. try to snap photo tapi.. takut kena tegur.. sini nak amik gambar kena be careful .. as some peoples may not prefer capture their photo.. or even up to the extent they will call the police.. so I was end up.. taking the following photos jerk.. courtesy from Canon 600D... 

 

Tribute to Legend...

What a week for music industry.. i was about to post an entry in regards with my usual "Nujum Pak Belalang" for Grammy yesterday.. a day before this prestigious event.. but it turned out a "silence" day.. as a remembrance for the passing of the music giant, Whitney Houston.. the all time favourite singer by the current young generation.. that inspire most youngsters to be a singer (in a good way)..
nway.. Grammy is predictable & Adele scored the full marks.. won all of the categories that she was nominated... 21 will be remembered as one of the best album that ever produced for this decade.. personally.. i have bought the album.. (not sure when was the last time I bought full CD... thanks to torrent..)... nway.. back to Whitney story.. due to her passing.. i am posting here an entry tribute to the immense talent of this musical legend.. with 3 of her most moving & powerful performance ever (of coz... personal favourites).. just watch the video & you will know.. why she will be remembered as one of the best voices ever.. and plus one of my favourite track from 21 CD.. beside "Set The Fire to The Rain"...

The One With The "Merapu"...

... Let me just start this by saying that.. this 'unta world" really drive me "crazy"... there is nothing easy about moving abroad, regardless of how old you are...  You leave behind your friends, family, familiarity — basically your entire support system and everything you believe to be true... to move to a place where you likely don’t know anyone and the social & cultural norms are very different from what you’re used to... seriously tho' dah masuk setahun setengah pun.. i still admittedly figuring it out... especially being here alone.. thats make my life more difficult.... It was absolutely stressful...  perhaps the "world" that i choose kot.. entahlah.. for the past 2 weekend.. the only place that make me feel "belonging" is Mecca..

Nway.. dats how it works kan... you eventually settle in and make ur life occupied... cuma the best part moving here is.. brought me closer to Mecca & Madinah.. Alhamdullillah... thats the only thing i have here... blessing from Allah... Insya Allah..