Sunday, April 20, 2014

HOGWARTS IS HERE

Harry Potter - a young orphan boy destined for greatness in the wizardry world of Hogwarts. 
The popularity of JK Rowling's tales of Harry Potter's perilous adventures captured 
the hearts of people all over the world. 
So much so that now there's a fan-made online wizardry school called 
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. 

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

Thanks to the Wizengamot, the British and American Ministry of Magics and 
a handful of tech-friendly professors from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry 
a Hogwarts education has now become available online to all aspiring witches and wizards.

Anyone can enrol at Hogwarts to begin a 9-week online courses; 
this online Hogwarts experience and education is entirely FREE!. 
It is made possible with lots of passion from fans with extraordinary creativity. 

There's a Facebook called HiH by fans for fans (Hogwarts is Here).  
HiH is Hogwarts is Here and is a fan-made online Hogwarts experience for fans. 
Their mission is to connect Harry Potter fans from around the world who know 
the series more than just books and films.
Fans of Harry Potter can enroll at this wizardry school 
Yes! the school's website link; with academic information, enrollment process, 
student life, community career and FAQ. 

Hogwarts School; just like in the Harry Potter's movie - student will be assigned to each house - 
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.


 The coolest things about this online school is that you will also get a personalized acceptance letter on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry' stationary with the school's seal. 
Now just wait for the ride on the train to Hogwarts for an adventurous journey of wizardry education! 



Saturday, April 19, 2014

SINBAD The Musical

Sinbad - one of my favorite childhood tale from Arabian Nights!

The 2014 world premiere at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is produced and presented by the Actors Studio. The show runs from April 11 to 27; after that it's at the
Performing Arts Centre in Penang from May 2-11. 

Everyone loves a hero in Sinbad and even more with one that's tall, dark, 
handsome and can sing! 

It will be an evening of unforgettable music and dance, spectacular sets, 
amazing theatrical effects and glamorous costume. 

Audience will be drawn into an exciting world full of adventure, valor and romance.

Synopsis of Story 
Sinbad arrives in the city to find it under the spell of an evil vizier (or evil wizard) who has imprisoned the true king and enslaved his beautiful daughter Princess Yasmin. 

 Sinbad the master of prankster with his crew upon arrival into a new city and already in trouble.


Street urchin and orphan, Hajji is the leader of the kids that steals in the city. New in the city, 
Sinbad is an easy target for Hajji in the busy market place. 
Not to be fooled, Sinbad caught the thief and accidentally uncovered 
Hajji's true identity as a girl. 
In desperation to free herself, Hajji shared with Sinbad her sad tale of how she became an orphan and homeless roaming the streets as a result of the evil wizard's cruelty.

The magical Fatimah; believes Sinbad will fulfill the prophecy as the saviour of the city. 
She hypnotize Sinbad into believing that he must save her beloved city and of course, 
to fall in love with the beautiful Princess Yasmin. But does her magic works, 
humorously some of her followers were skeptical especially her own mother!
Princess Yasmin, the beautiful daughter of the Caliph; 
is beloved of the people and  small furry animals (reminds of Snow White). 
She is as delicate as a rose with the strength of a willow. 
The Princess loves to visit the market place and enjoys to be with her people as her way of showing that she cares for them. As 'fated' (or more of a pre-arranged meeting); 
she and Sinbad meets and falls in love (at first sight).
Meanwhile, the evil wizard is up to his many dirty tricks. 
By now, he heard of the arrival of Sinbad and plans to trap Sinbad 
by imprisoning him into a magic mirror.  
The wicked and malicious Vizier cast a spell on Princess Yasmin; 
turning the beautiful princess into one of the ugliest one. 
An ugly pig's snout grew out of her once beautiful face. 
The princess heart-broken and sad at her predicament. 

Caliph, the deposed King of the city are in a constant state of depression; 
and appears to be suicidal at one time. 
Ezra, the Minder of Princess Yasmin is wise and caring. 
She fears for her Princess and vows to keep her safe. 
Fatimah also runs the local Kasbah; a very happening place which is also 
the secret place for underground revolution. 
Ex-General of the Caliphe's Army, Suliman has been kept a prisoner 
in the dungeon under heavy guard. 
Suliman is not a man that can be kept behind bars; he is planning and
waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Sinbad with Hajji's help breaks into the dungeon to free the General and his crew; 
all have been imprisoned by the evil vizier.






Back at the Kasbah, Fatimah unveiled the magical weapon that can defeat the evil vizier and to save Princess Yasmin. The amazing magic carpet but the only problem is 
no one knows the magic word that will make it fly. 
Sinbad whispered to the magic carpet, "Fly carpet fly"; 
but it didn't fly to everyone's disappointment.
Sinbad and his crew defeated the evil vizier and freed the Genie, trapped in the magic mirror by the evil vizier. The wicked vizier in his haste to cast the magic spell on Sinbad; 
had turned the spells upon himself. 
Free at last; the King, his general and beloved Princess Yasmin 
as they rejoices with the people in the city.

A very happy ending as in all fairy-tale.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Thaipusam Celebration at Batu Caves


In Malaysia, the Thaipusam Festival is celebrated on the 17th January 2014, a day of the full moon. So what is really the meaning of Thaipusam. A quick search revealed that Thaipusam is an important festival observed by the Hindus of southern India during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February).



Thaipusam is a day of celebration dedicated to the Hindu God Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. It was believed that Goddess Parvati presented a golden spear to Lord Murugan to vanquish the demon army of Tarakasura and combat their evil deeds.  So Thaipusam is actually a celebration of the victory of good over evil.


The attraction of this traditional festival has drawn in visitors both local and abroad. The photography community in Malaysia has been fascinated with this festival for many years. 



Each year, we see a growing numbers of photographers from professionals, amateurs and newbies to this fascinating event. And of course, not forgetting that it is also a major tourist attraction. 


For this year, it's another exciting year to capture the bustling activities of this religious congregation of devotees. Though the preparation of the festival began more than a month ago, it all culminate on this day of the full moon where the blessing from Lord Murugan is at it's peak.



So to mark this day of penance and thanksgivings, Hindu devotees will pierce their body with metal skewers and carry pots of milk on their heads as offering to Lord Murugan.  During the ceremonial worship, some devotees will carry Kavadi that is decorated with flowers and peacock feathers.  In preparation for the procession, devotees will shave their head bald and began a cleansing ritual or bath in the nearby river.  Thereafter, the devotees will make their way to the Temple Cave and climb the 272-step stairway up to the temple.


The Kavadi is a form of ceremonial offering that emphasizes on the devotees’ debt bondage.   So generally, Hindus take a vow to offer kavadi as a purpose of tiding over a great calamity.


The simplest kavadi is a semi-circular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders to the temple.


There are devotees that go to the extreme as to torture their bodies to appease the Lord. Therefore, the major attraction of Thaipusam is body piercing with hooks, skewers and small spears called 'vel'. Some will pull chariots with hooks stuck to their back and spear piercing through their tongue and cheek which prevent him from speaking and gives him great power of endurance.


Devotees will enter into a trance during such piercing rituals due to the incessant drumming and chanting of 'vel vel shakti vel' . They are blessed by the priests and there are no blood during these piercing rituals.




Wednesday, January 8, 2014

THROWBACK to 2011 Graduation Ceremony at Curtin University in Singapore


Still in the early week of January 2014, I decided to do some past event posting 
which I missed out, especially the one in Singapore.


Let's go back to the year 2011 and specifically on Friday, 21st October.



It was the day where we proudly witness the graduation ceremony 
for all the amazing and brilliant students of Curtin University.



The Graduation Ceremony for the graduates of Curtin University 
was held at the Singapore Hall. 

It was indeed a happy moment for all at this grand event.