Meeting up old friend and new friends in Seoul,Korea

Ola... I just got back from my business trip Seoul, Korea. Wow...Can't imagine that I went to Seoul, Korea. Seoul is a nice place t go, very neat, tidy, systematic and the infrastructure was so efficient. I wonder when Malaysia can be so efficient in terms of the Public Transportation. There's only one small little challenge for foreign tourist to Korea if they want to travel on their own, which is the bus stops and train stations got no English writting. Other than that...only one word to describe. great!!!

The journey to Seoul, Korea is approximately 7 hours of flight, I flew by Korean Air Lines. Overall of the services is good and the Korea Airport is very organised and spacious too.

The weather was great - Sunny Day. Except the 1st day raining. Temperature is about 13'c to 15'c during the day time, 5'c to 7'c during the night time.

Contente is a Capoeirista from Grupo Bantus Capoeira. He used to treinar with us in Malaysia for more than 5 months. He is a cool person and very friendly. Currently he is teaching English in a Elementary School in Korea. I meet up with him and Jinkyung, his girlfriend in Korea. They both travelled all the way to my place which took them about 1hr + to reach Renaissance Seoul.

They both took me for a Korean BBQ restaurant and Jinkyung teaches me how to eat the condiments with the leaves and lettuce. I think everyone knows about 'Kimchi" hehehehe... yea.. "kimchi" was totally different from the "Kimchi" in Malaysia.

On the way home, we passed by a hawker stall that sells "HoDo". "Hodo" is a kind of pastry filled with walnut cream and chopped walnuts. It's very tasty and nutty...yum yum... =)

My trip was very fruitful except on my work part. I get to meet up with an old friend which is Contente and at the same time, I get to meet new friends in Korea. Contente asked me to train with him and 2 of his friends Capoeira. We travelled from my hotel to the small little studio was about 1hr +..and it was cold at night. It was fun and I get to "Jogar de Capoeira" with Contente.

After the short training session, we walk to a near by Japanese restaurat for a very late dinner and we chat and drink. Everyone was happy and had fun. I'm quite bad with names, I will check with Contente for the names of all the peepsin the below picture =) I'm sorry ... I really had fun with you all back in Korea that night, really appreciate for everything you guys had done for me.

Thank you very much for the lovely gift from Jinkyung and Contente from Korea. Looking forward to meet up with all of you all either in Korea or in Malaysia.

"The Spirit of Brasil" art exhibition & photography competition

Get your creative juices rolling and stand a chance to have your art piece displayed. In conjunction with Brasil Fest '08, we are holding an art exhibition at Cloth n' Clef and a photography competition at Pavilion. The theme is 'Spirit of Brasil'. Capture the spirit of Brasil, be it food, people, landscape, infrastructure, fashion, lifestyle, attitude. It’s your take on Brasil.

Art exhibition opens on
Monday 27th October and
will be displayed till mid-November.

Photography exhibition will start on
Monday 3rd November until
Sunday 16th November.

Art exhibition steps to follow:
1. Discuss your idea with Marissa by Tuesday 14th October.
2. Final piece to be submitted by Friday 24th October.

Photography competition steps to follow:
1. Photos to be submitted via email in jpeg format, no bigger than
2MB to mailto:tophotos@bantus.com.my by Friday 24th October.
2. When submitting photo(s) please send full name, contact number, address and title of the
picture.
3. One person is entitled to more than one entry. Limited to five entries per person.
4. Those chosen for display will be notified by Tuesday 28th October and must submit their
entry in printed format. Size will be determined upon confirmation. Picture is to be mounted
on either black/white art card. Final picture must be submitted by Saturday 1st November.
5. Winners will be selected on Sunday 16th November.

Judges:
Yee I-Lann (Malaysian Artist),
Adeline Ooi (Valentine Willie Fine Art)
Representative from Pavilion.

** Photography Competition - Prizes as follows:
1st Prize - 6 months Capoeira membership + Abada & T-Shirt
2nd Prize - 3 months Capoeira membership + T-shirt
3rd Prize - 1 month Capoeira membership + T-shirt

for more info, log on to www.bantus.com.my

Academia of Bantus Capoeira Malaysia

Academia of Bantus Capoeira Malaysia is located at Damansara Jaya opposite Atria Shopping Mall. Academia is a home to all Capoeiristas no matter where you are from.

This is where our instructors coach classes and students gather around for Music Class, Samba Percussion, Samba Dance, Forro Dance, practice/rehearsal for performances, Workshops, Parties/Celebration and etc.

Take a look of our academia in a panaroma view and then i will keep you peeps updated regarding the upcoming Brasil Fest 08' and our Bantus Capoeira Annual Festival information...

Stanley's Birthday - Fine Wine & Dine

Im late to update my blog as usual...

I've just attended a Fine Wine & Dine at Fernanda's place for Stanley's birthday celebration... the whole apartment was properly decorate and the ambience was cozy and comfortable... the lights were deemed...and soft Brazilian Music were played and everyone just sit at the couch with their Champagne and Wine, chatting with each others...

The crowd was just nice, we have Fernanda, Santiago, Lynn, Stanley, Valerie M, Kennedy, Jeanette, Marissa, Denise, Quek, Shidah and Me. Stanley was dressed up with calflings and suits..wow..!!! Lynn was awesome that night... never seen her dressed up like that before but yea...it's a Compliment from me and Shidah... I was underdressed cos i totally did not follow the dress code of Black and White...i was with white top and jeans... =) hehheeh...but thanks to Jeanette for the save up line towards Stanley.... cos i'm always in my formal attire and that night was special that's why i wear something different. hahhaahaha.....

Everyone looks great that night... and the whole place was smell of Lilies... I really had a great time there and that night , the whole setting reminds me of my old time working in the restaurant and kitchen.... preparing the food and serving the food and wine to the guests.... i feel good that night... the dinner was AWESOME!!!!! i like the fish and the potatoes..and not to mention about the "beefy role"....i will look into the right spelling for that... the wine was quite light that night but is really good... the salad was great..but unfortunately i dont take much of Cheese... During the dinner everyone was busy chatting and eating.... the conversation was full of jokes and some disgusting topic as well... but is good that everyone is being themselves and not holding back...

After the dinner, everyone was sitting down at the living area..for Shisha and Chocolate Fondue...and Kennedy and Stanley start playing the guitar and start singing... Denise playing the frog (music instrument and it sound like the frog "krok krok krok")... Everyone enjoyed their night with fabulous food & wine, and ambience and entertainment... hahahaha... we will be having this more often...

Capoeira and Samba Classes at Bom Brazil Churrascaria

For anyone out there, who are currently working in KL the following information is specially for you all. Come and feel and experience the whole excitement of Brasil in KL.

We have had many requests to start teaching classes in KL and finally we are proud to announce that Bantus Capoeira is now officially in Kuala Lumpur!

# Capoeira Class:
Contact Quek at 0122887908 to register
Every Monday @ 8:10pm to 9:10pm
Every Friday @ 7pm to 8pm

# Samba Class:
Contact Fernanda, our resident Brazilian sambista, at 0123546500 to register
Every Monday @ 7pm to 8pm
Every Friday @ 8:10pm to 9:10pm

# Fees:
Drop in class: RM40.00
12 class package: RM360.00
24 class package: RM600.00

Adidas - King of the Road 10km

I had never participated in any form of running competition until I met a bunch of friends that are very into fitness and outdoor activities. They are really challenging themselves to the limits.

These people are not ordinary people...hahaha.. they are fighters (Combat Fighters)... from Celebrity Fitness One Utama.

Before the run, I can't join them for morning running session cos I'm working on Saturdays... Eventhough I train Capoeira during the weekdays, but I have a very bad stamina due to I do not have a good control in breathing.

This run is very challenging why? Because we have to wake up at 4.00am cos we are meeting up at Jasima (Mamak shop) at One U. We move out from there at 5.30am to Shah Alam. Our category is F and G, we start at 7.05am. Qualifying run time is 55mins for 10km. I ran with Wong and I did not stop for 5km. I was surprised that I can jog quite consistently... and my breathing is at the same pace as my footstep.

The whole run was quite challenging to me, especially my mentally. We will intend to give up easily but the environment change my thoughts. People around me are running and over cutting me, no matter how tired they are. That is the determination and the drive that keep everyone running. I'm not too sure anyone of you out there agree on my statement: -

Jogging is all about focus and determination".

The overall feeling was totally awesome, eventhough my time was 64mins. The end results are not the most important thing, it is the experience that counts. At least in life for now, I've achieved something.

CONGRATULATIONS to all who've participated!!!

Anyone who is doubting whether to join or not to join any run, just go for it... Maybe start of with 7km or less. Main thing is...must have fun =)

Upcoming events:-

Genting Trail Blazer 2008 - 2nd November 2008

http://www.gentingtrailblazer.com/2008/main.htm

Mizuno Wave Run 2008 - 19th October 2008. http://www.pacesetters.com.my/events/mizuno/2008/mizuno.htm

Movies Weekends...

Wow... I can't believe that eventually me and my friends are really on a movie outing most of the weeks. What I meant was, every Saturday or Sunday we will be watching a movie in TGV One Utama. I've watched 'Wanted', 'Hancock', 'Hellboy', 'The Dark Knight', 'Red Cliff', 'X-Files', 'The Mummy Returns', and etc... This weekend most probably will be going for 'Star Wars - The Clone Wars', then followed by 'Zohan', and etc...

Some people may say that we have no life. I don't know about others, but for me I am a movie 'addict'... hehehehe... so no matter what I'll still go for movies... but of course I'll choose what to watch. Certain movies will be better just to watch in DVD's...

There are alot of movies coming up to be shown, 'James Bond 007', 'Thunder Cats', 'Ice Age 3', 'Dragon Ballz', and lots more... Cineplexes are really making lots of money out of everyone of us... buying pop corns and drinks...

TGV should offer us a kind of loyalty programme... to accummulate points and use the points to redeem free tickets or snacks... hahahahaaha....

Nyway, this activity will still be going on until I don't know when will we stop doing it... hahahaha...

Skytrex in Shah Alam

Last weekend which is on the 6th July 08', I joined Jamie, Olive, Kent, Ivy, Andrew and a few more friends which I don't know them yet for Sky-trekking. First when I hear Skytrex, I really don't know what is it all about, until when they say Sky-trekking I'm still guessing it must be air activities.

Then I got more details from Wong but the details he gave were enough to scare the shit out of me. Simple words, all activities are done on air and is in the rainforest. Basically we are all walking/trekking on top of trees and there are obstacles to challenge. There are more than 10 obstacle stations to go through. All the trails are "One Way Ticket"=) because once you climbed up the first station, there will be no turning back.

Safety equipments (harness, carabiners, and 'pully') are provided and safety breifing are provided as well. The safety lesson will be conducted by their instructors and everyone got to try the "bunny-trial circuit" something similar to a dummy trails for you to practice before you enter the actual height and challenging trails.

The feeling of being up on a tree of 17 metres above the ground... 1st time definitely will be panicing and shivering but that is the whole idea of it for you to face your fear and to overcome and enjoy the scenery. This activity is not all about physical strength but also your mentally strength as well. You have to adapt yourself to cross more than 10 different trails. You will end everything with a Flying Fox and after that, you will non-stop playing the Flying fox over and over and over again.....hehehehe... Why?? some people will use that as a compliment to themselves that they've accomplished everything.

The feeling is DAMN GOOD! Whoever need to know more about it, you can click on the title cos I've linked the website of Sky Trex to this blog. Or, you peeps can contact me.

Cheers!

Gua Batu Maloi

Yo folks....sowie...i'm late for all the updates !!!

Last weekend (a month ago) was out for a caving trip... REMBAU is the place we venture to and Ah Wong called it the Operasi Kelawar (Gua Batu Maloi).... It's not a normal cave like Gua Tempurung... It actually 90% water and we have to crawl, walk, duck walk, dive, and etc to move around in the cave...

Gua Batu Maloi is a Granite Cave some say Rock Formation... we were consider well equiped to walk in the cave. We are all equiped with KAMPUNG ADDIDAS shoe supplied by Ah Wong. Kampung Addidas is a shoe whereby is made by 1 piece of 100% rubber and a very reasonable price shoe, is only MYR6.00. This shoe can go on any climate and surface... this shoe is recommended to go KK (Mount Kinabalu) for Hiking...

Inside the cave is really pitch dark and the water is DAMN cold... i was shivering when im in the water...and was quite windy as well. The tour guide told us that, if lucky there will be snakes, and other lizards and amphibians =) Definitely there are BATS in the cave cos is called OPERASI KELAWAR...hehhehee...

I'm not really good in writting so, please let the photos explain the experience of the trip. See the actions and the beauty of nature....

Fun, Crazy, Relaxed Saturday night...

Last week Saturday night we had fun at Santiago's place... Bro, you have a really nice and chilling place... Everyone there was chilling out and enjoying themselves... There are nice food i.e. Lynn cooked pastas, Marissa's mum made apple strudles and muffins, someone cooked the fried rice and etc...

Drinking session as usual... Fernanda brought her I-Pod... and the samba party begun... all of us have to dance with her cause we are her samba students. It was FUN but I got problem to coordinate my legs... hahhahaaha... One of the best performance of that night was Rafael singing Tamil song while Santiago plays the drums... The video is with Lynn... Later Fernanda and Param starts the Forro... and I recal all the moves from the last year's workshop... Forro is a nice dance and it's similar to Salsa...

The other side of the living room, we were learning Brasilian Portugese with Sodaldo... instructor from Escola Brasileira de Capoeira. We were having fun by cracking jokes from different excent from different state of Brasil, and it turn out something bad. hehehheehe...

After the whole thing, me, Kennedy and 'Balet-rina' Stanley.... we went for the Cancer Charity Relay @ Bukit Jalil Stadium. We were there around 2am and we walked for 9 laps which took us 35-40mins. The most hilarious part was, we were basically injected with alchohol and we are there to do the walk.... i was quarterly drunk and tired.... still walking with them... they both are really sober... respect man...!!!

i ended up tired and sleepy, i cant even sit still at the mamak. Was just sleeping at the mamak and then stanley drove me home. I slept from 4.30am-4.25pm. Whoa...that's my weekend... It has never been that happening after college life...

Back On-Line

Yo!!! Peeps I am back online… I’m back to Academia for all my Capoeira training and all the taking up all the workshops for the preparation for our upcoming event in November 08’. I will keep everyone updated regarding the dates and venue. This year will be a FUN year for everyone… woohoo… can see all the great people flying around in the air… need to train harder in order to play with all the Bantulinos from abroad… Yahoo!!!

Claudinho came to Kuala Lumpur last week and it was fun… He taught us lots of stuff and is nice to train with different instructors…even though the movements are the same but the techniques are different… Everyone of us have our own style… Rafael will organize more workshops for us and instructors will be brought in from abroad… Heard that he may be bringing in Instructor Grao… He got the POWER & EXPLOSIVE Moves like a C4…=) It’s fun to have visitors around. Get to exchange and learn new stuff from them… and I can say “crazy” stuff…

Last week after the workshops, there’s a public roda in front of Maybank at Jalan Bukit Bintang… more than 5 instructors were playing, everyone that night was having lots of fun and the RODA was tight and with strong Axé (energy). Escola Brasileira de Capoeira Malaysia joined us for the public roda… I’ve played with Sodaldo he’s cool but tricky… hehehe.. all the Malacia (sneakiness)…just flows through their brain…

Yo! Capoeiristas in town… please join in the roda to create more energy, fun, naughtiness of ur innerself, trickeries…and etc. Lets make Capoeira famous in KL…

Listen up… there are lots to come the following months…
Till then Valeu é Axé… treinar é jogar muito capoeira…

The above video is something amazing. The energia/Axe is really good... Everybody can jogar (play) Capoeira. Give youself a chance to get to know what is Capoeira all about and have fun with it. Treinar e jogar muito Capoeira e jogo Bonito... Axe...!!!

Having my own car...

I got my own car about a month ago... the feeling was great ! Now that i can drive around anywhere i want. But, 1 problem... I don't know the roads in KL... my job requires me to travel around in KL for Sales Calls... So far travelling in KL still consider ok, but i haven't travel to PJ area yet... and those place there might be a big challenge for me... not even to mention about cyberjaya, putrajaya, puchong, shah alam, and klang.... =)

Is fun to drive my own car cos I need not to squeeze in the train until i can't breathe... hehhehe..
end of the day, when i'm out of the train, im totally soaked wet... and stinky !!! Driving around is fun but parking is a problem, especially at my condo... need to pay MYR100 just for the parking lot... arrrggghh....

Guys, is it that every new car will get a scratch for no reason?? I've parked my car at the open space parking next to my office, the next thing i know is there's a long scratch on the left side of my car. That moment i was @#$&*#@!%#$....

Anyway, that's all about it for now....

Dance Quake Competition - LA Bummers

Last 2 weeks were very hectic to me. I was involved in a dance competition and it was choreographed by Teresa Chian - Art Director of Living Arts Studio, a very energetic friend of mine. It was so sudden that I've made that choice. What makes me make that choice was, i think it will be a great experience and no harm trying new things.

At the same time getting to know more friends and the process was damn tough and everyone was struggling through the training part. We only get to train at night starting from 8.30pm / 9pm onwards until 12am. continously everyday except Wednesday. this is similar to a dance camp, dancing is not that simple as it looks like. We need to coordinate our body with all kinds of movements and directions. Not only that, dancing is not about counting steps... it is all about dancing from the heart with feelings and style.

Our team was so called named as "LA Bummers"... Our group was mixture of the following elements of choreography i.e. Contem dance, Breakdance, Capoeira, Club Style, and etc. There are some humour part and cute part of the whole dance sequence. LA Bummers are formed by 6 dancers; Freida, Valerie Chian, Yvonne, Malcolm, Sky, and Kevin.














We've done our very best during the competition and I did some mistakes and i am as usual nervous. In conclusion, I danced and i like the feel of it. People out there who had never dance before, you people should give it a try. This is the way you express yourself, freely....

Pre-Birthday Activities...

This year my birthday is very different from the normal birthday plans or activities. My friends from the Living Arts, the main Master Mind Teresa Chian will come up with crazy and exciting plans and surprises... They've planned to kidnap me and not telling where we are going. The best part is that I have to pay for my own ransome (fill up the tank with petrol).

This time, Terry is the driver and there are 3 other people as the assistant for Teresa, i.e. Catatao, Yuki, and Woan Sheu. The car use for the kidnap is Perodua MYVI, the unique part of it is that this car can fit 6 people.

I was brought to a Hot Spring located at Hulu Langat, that is where the 1st drop off point.

Then followed by a day trip all the way to Malacca. They only send me back to KL at 0000hrs of 24th March 2008.

We travel in Malacca like tourists, we eat, snap photos, shopping and then went for a 3rd Annual National Chinese Cultural Dance Semi Final Competition.

The Gula Malacca for the Cendol was so thick and WOW!!! SOoo.......Ssswweeeeeeet............!!!

After the trip, we all went back to Living Arts to pick up our stuff and there 's another surprise from Teresa and gang... They've prepared a loaf of fruit cake and Guess What?!! They use the magic candle on the cake. No matter how I blow it, it will never go off. Lastly, I've decided to just use my finger to put it off. Ouch...heheehehe...

After that, then they release me from the Kidnap... Thank you Guys !!!

My Jakarta Trip with Reizo - Primero Batizado & Workshops of Association of Capoeira Argola de Ouro Jakarta, 22nd -24th February 08'