Spring Festival Concert: Raving Dance of the Golden Serpent

The evening after my adventure at Escape park, I was at the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (Penang PAC), Stage 1, Straits Quay for a Chinese orchestra concert. Yup, a Chinese orchestra concert with traditional musical instruments. There were a few modern instruments, such as the cymbals, the cello and the double bass. The rest of it were pretty foreign to me, I’ve only seen them in movies.

The entrance

A mini cafeteria

A group of Koreans

It was my first time stepping into Penang PAC, I’ve heard of the place before but no opportunity to visit the place. My colleague who plays the Erhu in the orchestra invited me to watch them perform. I am a big fan of live music but Chinese orchestra is a new thing for me. 99% of their announcements and speeches were in Mandarin but I could understand. I am proud to say that I’ve mastered the basics on Mandarin. Lol.

Upstairs

Walking towards the hall

I will try to descrie a scene for the pieces that were played that night. Try to imagine it with me. =) It started with:-

In the hall (ps. Taking photos are strictly prohibited)

Ensemble – Raving Dance of The Golden Serpent

Opening act of the night, the first 8 bars gave me chills in my skin. They were good, the sound was perfect, who would imagine traditional music instruments could be so electrifying. I was smiling on the way. Imagine, a group of people celebrating some kinda festival in a busy town, where everyone is smiling away.

Erhu Unision – Festive Gongs

I always thought Erhu can only be played in a sad and solemn scene but this piece was quite light and easy. Picture, you sitting on top of the hill enjoying the sunset and the sea breeze with your dog beside you and its tongue is out.

Yangqin Quintet – Tidings of Joy

This instrument is impossible to play! It’s like playing drums but you have to accurately hit the correct string. And I was told that there is about 100 over notes in that instrument. This wan le, imagine horses running and playing around, sipping water from the river with crystal clear water.

Not actual pic of the night, but this one, crazy hardcore to play.

Zheng Solo – Spring on Xiang River

Doing anything solo requires a high level of skills, confidence and talent. This beautiful young lady walked up to her Zheng, strut a very graceful pose and pluck the strings like a person drawing calligraphy in ancient times. The sound of that instrument was heavenly; it’s like a warrior playing with his sword, making his movement smooth yet ready to kill. Beautifully crafted and played. Love it!

String Ensemble – A Pleasant Eve

Can’t remember d. ><

Percussion Ensemble – Gongs and Drums of Celebration

This piece…er…hahaha…one thing came to my mind when they started playing. Prangin Mall ‘ding ding’ shop where you hit those drums when the green line reaches the bottom of the screen. It was a bit dry and empty because there was only one big drum and one mini drum. Can’t feel the dynamic of the percussions. If they had 20 drums, I would be banging my head with it.

Ding Ding

Erhu Solo – Joyful Spring

The conductor, Madam Lim Soon Lay presented this piece with full of elegance and confidence, you can see it in her expression. She was enjoying every single note. Imagine a mother doing sewing in her ‘attap’ house, then her son wakes up and asked his mother to sew him a toy. A light and happy tune.

Yangqin Solo – Spring on Qing River

Another solo act, this time but a young handsome guy. Picture a couple, in the era where the guys have hair as long as the girls. Both wearing white, hair nicely and neatly tied up, like a bun. There are chasing and fooling around in a head length barley field. The sun is about to set, and the field is slowly turning into gold colour. A romantic and warmth melody.

Something like that but without the 3 guys. Imagine a couple flirting with one another =P

String Quintet – A Joyful Night

Can’t remember also.

Ensemble – Chinese New Year pieces

This one power! Got cny mood. The orchestra played CNY hit songs that we are all familiar with and it was really good. We were also given a mandarin orange each. Once they finished their last piece, the crowd chanted, “Encore, encore, encore.” The emcee asked the conductor if they are willing to play another piece. She frowned and showed a bitter face. She then took out an angpow and waves it in the air. If there is anyone in the crowd who is willing to give an angpow, she would continue. 10 Seconds passed, no one, 20 seconds passed, everyone looked at one another. Then a young guy ran down with a huge ang pow. Probably the size of a Pizza Hut’s menu and pass it to the conductor. She pulled out a RM100 note and smiled happily. It was all a drama. It isn’t as traditional as I thought it would be.

The Ochestra

I enjoyed the concert very much. I notice that most of the musicians head would shake like those movies where the scholar starts reading poetry. That kinda shake. It was pretty cute to see, and it almost made me follow them.

Photo taken by one of the member. I think his hands must be shaking. Two photos also this blur =/

Four Escapees @ Escape, Escaping

Escape - the latest must visit place in Penang which is located at Teluk Bahang. After hearing stories of how challenging and dangerous the place is, I've finally tasted it myself. It is quite challenging and it is quite dangerous but it's worth the money and risk. =)

The Escapees

The entrance fee is RM48 for Malaysians and RM60 for expatriates. I think the price is acceptable considering the amount of capital invested in this project but I'm pretty sure they will recover and break even pretty soon. There are also currently developing the other piece of land which is situated just opposite the adventure park. Hotels, water parks and other entertainments will be completed by 4th quarter of 2014 (info from one of their staff). Looking forward to that!

Adventure Time!

Despite seeing a big group of people at the entrance last Saturday, the waiting time was quite minimal. The most we waited was about 15 minutes max. There are a couple of stand alone challenges, and 3 levels of Monkey business.

We started off with the Gecko Tower. A challenge where two person will compete against one another to clock the fastest time by hitting the stop button at the top of the tower. This challenge comprises of 4 levels.

Nic owning Jason

Next was the real deal, the Monkey Business, an obstacle course which comprises of flying fox, climbing, powering through ropes, etc. Some are really challenging and your hand might hurt from the thick rough ropes. We skipped Level 1 and went straight to Level 2, which wasn't a wise move, unless if you have been briefed by someone who has been there before. Jason Chew, our tour guide of the day, failed to brief us on how to end the flying fox properly. The thing about this is, you have to catch the safety nets when you end, failure to do so, will make you bounce back. This would require their staff to bring you back. I manage to catch it but Nicholes failed to do so. And the staff was complaining and murmuring non stop. Yes has the right to do so, but it's a bit rude if you do that to your customer. We just ignore him and move on to our next obstacles.

Did Level 3, which is a little more tough and definitely higher. If you are afraid of heights, you might have a hard time doing this because there is no one to push you. You are out there alone and once you look down, there is nothing (no safety net, etc) but the ground and the spectacular view from above. It took me a while to gain courage but after a few "jumps", everything will get easier eventually.

Took a break and ordered 100plus which cost RM4, Nic and Jason ordered coconut which was RM5. They said you can't bring in water but when we got in, no one really checked our begs. Food and beverage prices are way above market price but what do you expect? We're in a tourist spot.

After our light refreshment, we tried the Tubby Racer, a ride where you are required to carry your own 'Tyre'. It is quite heavy and the slope is pretty steep. Fortunately I have Nic behind me who helped kicked the 'Tyre' up. Hehehe. You can choose to go down by yourself or in a group of 3 max. We opt the second options, as it will be faster and you won't spin so much. It's like a mini roller coaster ride.

Shirley and Jason leading the way

At the Top with Nic

 We moved on to the back of the park which uses less modern equipments. Just ropes, safety harness, trees and a pole. We did Balance Beam, Tarzan's Rope and a Tree Climb there. Something that I learn from the Balance Beam, sometimes we take things and life for granted because we know we have a "safety harness" preventing us from falling. When I did that obstacle, the objective was the get to the other side of the pole without losing our balance but I felled, many times. Without the safety harness, I would have suffered broken legs, hands and skull. Same in life, sometimes we don't plan our steps carefully, we don't take our time to think of the consequences, we don't take our time to finish what we started.

Jason trying to keep his balance

Nic trying his best to stay on top

Nic chilling before the challenging tree climb

Big Foot in action

Shirley making the climb look easy =) One of the toughest girl I've ever met

Jane Swinging

Tarzan Swinging

That is why I enjoy experiential learning, it makes you reflect about things you just did and relate it to life.

At about 1pm, we almost finished everything at Escape and it was time to say good bye. I will definitely come back again because it is like a workout in a fun way and it's nice to challenge yourself and hang out with friends once in a while. It's an entertaining place for the entire family. Highly recommended. =)

Nic strutting his stuff. Oppa nic style!

It's nice to know that someone is waiting for you back home. Everyday I can't wait to go home, get all the love, licks and bites from.....

Cheeky Shadow <3 br="">

Pre Mount KK Training

After weeks of talking and planning about it, we've finally secure our bookings to climb the majestic mount KK. It has been my dream to conquer that mountain since 2004. That was my first trip to KK for a mission trip and one of the most frequent talked topic was Mount KK. Fast forward 9 years, with a more stable pocket and work flexibility period, this trip is on and we're gonna rock this mountain.

Unfortunately all guys from 'Son of Twelve' weren't able to make it except Sam, so it's gonna be like a brokeback mountain vacation/adventure for us. I told some of my friends, Sam and I have to really avoid quarreling because if you watch the movie, they started making out because they were fighting with one another and they all got turn on, started making out and xxx. errrrrrr....ok....

Since we have a public holiday on a Thursday, we thought we should do some hiking, just to get the feel of it. I can't remember when was the last time I went hiking but definitely not in the past 5 years. Nic was able to join us and since he just got back from Sydney, he was really eager to burn off those aussie ribs. The plan was to meet at 3pm in front of the main gate of botanical gardens. Hike up, dip ourselves in the ice cool water and hike back down.

Well, our plan worked except we started at 4pm because I overslept! Zzz. But fortunately the guys were full with grace and mercy. Phewwwww.

Started our journey with Sam leading. I thought it was gonna me trail type road to go up but it was all stairs. With my weak knee, going up and down stairs is a big thing for me. It hurts sometimes because of the weak and under-develop muscles. I walked up slowly and carefully because it was a little wet and slippery. Nic was panting for long after we started, we could see the effect of his long vacation visiting his sweetheart. Sam and I encouraged him to keep moving after a short break.

Up up up

Taking a short break and Sam decides to seduce Nic

Nic and myself

After 25 minutes, we arrived at our destination. Sam walked straight into the 'Kawasan Larangan', I was reluctant because there was a big signboard asking us to keep out. Since Sam and Nic were already half way in, I just followed hoping there is no prohibited/foreign act in that area. If you know what I mean. I've seen 'live show' in this kinda secluded area before. Beach, jungles, you name it. They are there.

Nic trespassing

The big old signboard

Sam leading the way

Nic decides to add more pattern

Finally, we arrived at the mini waterfall. I went there with my high school friends when we were 17. The place still looks the same, nostalgic memories of them started flowing in my head. Sam and Nic was the first to get in the water. It was freezing! We stayed in the water and talk a little about life.

The mini mini waterfall

Sam enjoying the cool clean water

Me chilling and Sam acting gay again

Once we got out from the hill, my legs were shaking and vibrating. Hiking is not as easy as it seem, maybe its because my body is not use to this activity. We shall have more training sessions, next time longer route, etc.

This time, Nic decides to act gay

Satisfied feeling after our hike =)

Penang Run 2013

I was riding my scooter to my friend's house and as I stopped at the junction near Farlim, a banner caught my attention. Not the 'Home + Care' of course... but the 'listen listen listen'. It has nothing to do with this overly repeated words but what was in the content below. It's a statement asking the organizers to stop Penang Run which will be held on the same day as Thaipusam. Besides this issue, this run was also featured on The Star cover page over a controversy issue on using the word 'Penang'. I may give my opinion on the above issues but I rather stick to real deal, the race. =)

The banner at Farlim

Zoom in

 This is my first run for the year 2013. I did asked a few friends to sign up this race with me and as usual I get disappointing replies. In fact, I do many races alone which is not a good thing because you may feel like pulling out on race day. This happened a few times to me before. =/ Since Jason missed his 10k at the PBIM last year. I asked him to try out the fun run which was only 4k. He agreed and voila, I have a friend with me for this race. Mine starts at 6am and his at 6.30am.

We collected our race bibs right after our Ipoh trip.

My Running bib

Jason stayed over at my apt the night before the race. I told him we have to leave my apt by 5.30am latest. I set my alarm at 4.50am. But we failed to stick to the plan. We left my place at 6am! The reason why we were late is not because I couldn't wake up but I didn't want to wake up. I actually woke up at 5am, I could feel the soreness on both my legs due to Innebandy!Co's physical training at Bukit Dumbar on Saturday morning. Besides adding 3 additional laps, we had 5 uphill sprints. My muscles couldn't recover in time. On top of that, I cycled and went hiking on Thursday. I was pushing my body to the edge.

I started procrastinating in my mind. I told myself to just sleep in and pretend my alarm died on me, since Jason is still asleep. I can blame him when he wakes up. Haha! I tried to sleep but I couldn't, my mind was already up and active. My mind is ready to race but my body is not. At 5.50am, I went over to my parent's room, woke Jason up and start scolding him and rushing him to get ready. There are times your body just don't feel like doing something, that is when your mind comes in and knock some sense into it. You just don't spent RM40 and missed the race. You get out there and start running you lazy bump!

I don't have the best preparation before race. I had no breakfast, no gels, no drinks, nothing. I just put on my shoes and go. Jason rode his bike and I directed him to USM. As we reached the stadium around 6.15am, I don't see anyone. I quickly hopped off his bike, ran to the track to activate the timing chip and started running on my own. It was really lonely when I hit the roads. It was dark without any wind and I never study the route earlier on, so I don't know what road I'll be running on.

10minutes later, I caught on to same of the runners. Not many but a handful of them. I caught them as I turn right into the road heading to INTI. It was hilly. I remembered doing a bike ride there before and it was hardcore but now I had to run up there. I was thirsty by then and it was only 15minutes into the run. I was really tempted to ask water from fellow runners but I just hanged on. Not long after, I reached a water station, I grabbed the whole bottle as I needed water. I needed it to not only quench my thirst but to wet my hair and make it look good. I had a wake up hair do, it's really bad. You can tell I just woke up by the look of it.

The hilly course

Continued picking up pace and I overtook one by one. In fact, I overtook runners till the end of the line which was always my ultimate goal. Based on my last 21k, I knew I had to be discipline with my pace and be consistent. When I see runners sprinting pass through me or overtaking me, I have the urge to follow them as I could pace them but I knew I won't have the legs to follow them till the end. But most of this runners will sprint and walk, so in no time I will be in front of them again. I ran and stayed strong. My breathing was calm and cool, that was a good sign as I did not struggled like my last run.

As I reached the last 5k mark, the race got harder. I started to struggle a little bit. When we passed Tesco, I could picture the route to USM. I knew there was one long slope because we used that road to get to USM that morning. As I approached the last hill, a lady ran beside me, we didn't say a word to one another but I was expecting us to finish strong together. Her pace was strong and consistent, that kinda gave me a last boost to finish it. We climbed together, and our speed maintained, but it wasn't for long till she fall off. I was alone again, I dug deep. I continue meditating. The chinese drums were banging and rolling at the peak of the climb. Alas, downhill and flats till the finishing line.

I was really glad that I did not stop running throughout the entire 17k. It was hilly and it was tough. Unofficial time of 1.46. I targeted 1.40 but I did not factor in the hills. So I guess it's a pretty good timing. One thing I have to add is, if it wasn't because of the physical training we did at Bukit Dumbar, I wouldn't have felt so strong at the climbs. I guess the investment paid off really well. I don't think I would wanna run the Penang Run again. That's my body talking but my mind is still the boss. hehehe.

Jason completing his first 4k

With his certificate of achivement

A 'kiam chai' cert

Yours truly, Jason, Eong Peow & Eong Yet

17K finisher's medal

A comment from a friend who ran that race

I was really glad to met the Lim's brothers. I've got to know this great guys from my club. They are currently playing for team Livestrong and I'm really happy to have committed players like them joining us. Eong Yet who finished the 17k gruesome run, yet still came for training, played his hearts out at out friendly against St.Paul and showed no sign of fatigue Respect! I know I'm not that young anymore. ><

Photo found from a blogger. Running towards the finishing line

Project Scott Speester S60

I’ve been consistently inviting few close friends to join me cycle for the past year, unfortunately there weren’t any positive response until recently. Jason has gotten a green light from his ‘CFO’ and so the hunt begun.

2.12.2012  

2.00pm - searched for affordable XS size road bike at www.bicyclebuysell.com

2.20pm – shortlisted about 8 roadies for my review and comment

2.21pm – Jason fell asleep

2.22pm – still asleep, so I am

2.30pm – zzz, laptop was on and running

2.40pm – woke up, shit late for training. I told him I would check it out tonight

9.00pm – got home, went through his shortlisted roadies

9.10pm – sent out mass SMS to all potential sellers

9.15pm – no reply

3.12.2012

10am – a handful replied, but mostly sold

4.12.2012

4.35pm – received a SMS stated, “Ada bang..”

4.50pm – negotiation begun via voice call

4.55pm – agreement reached between both parties

5.06pm – texted me his home address which was at Simpang Pulai, Ipoh

Scott and Mad Dog

 6.12.2012

3.00pm – Jason started his journey to Butterworth

4.45pm – Arrived at meeting point

5.10pm – Met him there and picked him up

6.49pm – Seller texted, “Bro dekat mana dah?”

7.30pm – Arrived at destination. Met the seller, chat a little, test the bike, pass him the cash and head back home

10.00pm – Back in Penang

Jason enjoying the view

As of today, we have ridden twice together totaling a humble distance of 100km. He has also shown significant improvement from his last ride. Was it worth it to travel 400km within 4hours to look for a bike? Yes it was because I finally have a cycling buddy who I’m close with. Cycling with the ‘semi-pros’ in Penang is really challenging and fun in its own ways, but cycling with close friends despite the slower cruising speed, makes the ride sweeter. Of course, to improve, I still have to practice independent culture. 

Jason and his Scott

Now we have eeleen, calvin, darien, benson, Jason, etc. Maybe we should form our own cycling club.