2ND SUPER DANCE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL COMPETITION, ST PETERSBURGH, RUSSIA

The Girl Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM) and SRK Damansara Heights Primary School represented Malaysia and competed in the 2nd International Superdance Festival, from Folklore to modern at St Petersburg, Russia from 29 April to 1 May 2014. A total of 42 teams from 5 countries competed in various categories with a total of 74 dances.

These dance teams were formed as a result of GGAM `Imagine More' Creative Workshop (Performing Arts - Dance) which was carried out in December 2013 under the leadership of National Girl Guides Commissioner Chempaka Emalin Pahamin.  

Chempaka Emalin Pahamin together with artistic directors Sabrina Saw and Zaridah Abdul Malik led the three GGAM teams namely Jemari, Mystique and Silversteppers and returned home from Russia to a hero's welcome after winning three 1st placing, one 2nd and also the Best Dress Award:

Modern Choreography (Jazz, modern, neoclassical dance, free plastique) category - (9 - 12 years):
1st Prize: Mystique (Girl Guides Assocation Malaysia)

1. Kasih Iris Leona Azhar
2. Raina Edlyn Jasmine Mohammad Rhiza
3. Raiqa Hanim Jasmine Mohammad Rhiza
4. Ellya Keesha Zatif Ahmed Zaharani
5. Khadra Mohd Azrul
6. Nelysa Khadija Mohamed Nazrin
7. Marsya Jehana Mohd Jehan
8. Harissa Adlin Halim
9. Kadija Kamarulzaman

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

A few friends whispered on various occasions asking how does it feel to be married to a Thai. They said they have not seen me being so happy and all smiley. Actually, I have always been happy and living my life to the fullest (sometimes at the extreme) without any regrets. Every part of our life is a chapter in our life story and akin of a book, the story whichever way we want to write it, shall continues. If we do not write our life journey as how we wants it, our life may lead us to an unbeknown path that we may not like.

Having a Thai wife, I took almost every opportunity to learn more about Thai culture as another chapter in my book. The first being the Songkran festival. I have heard about the Songkran for many years but never had the interest to celebrate it. Last week, Aaraf and I did just that. Aaraf was on a two weeks school semester break holiday. We took a trip to Bangkok to learn and celebrate Thailand's most celebrated festival. Learning about other cultural has always been my interest. Contrary to my earlier understanding that Songkran was all about water fight and playing water, Songkran is actually to celebrated Thailand's new year. For those uninitiated like me, Thailand has its own solar calender and Songkran was the start of its calender year.

During the Songkran, Thais traditionally gathered with their family members to 'shower' the elders in practice, their parents. It is a humble celebration for Thais to remember their parents and family through the annual gathering. In the morning of the Songkran, they pour water on the elders' hand and shoulder to cool them down from the hot weather. The Songkran always fall during the hottest period of the year and showering the elders inculcates honour, respect, love and care towards their family members. Songkran was celebrated for 3 days although most offices and shops are closed for a week especially for the celebration. According to Anny, most Thai save their money for the whole year to be spent on the Songkran.

IT TAKES A FOREIGNER TO APPRECIATE MALAYSIAN PRODUCTS

It takes a foreigner to appreciate PROTON. Sadly, that is how Malaysians are. Well.. not all but most of those who are active on cyber. If we take the few thousands on my Facebook friend list as a sampling to represent Malaysia population, then it is safe to say more than the majority whom would be picking on every flaws of our beloved country.

Many years ago, I befriended a Korean student whom was dating my friend, lets call him Mr A. Mr A bought his girlfriend, this Korean Student the latest Nokia Handphone (during Nokia's prominent years) as a gift on her birthday having noticed the old almost kaput Samsung hp the student was using. The Korean student returned the Nokia Handphone back to her boyfriend saying she could not accept it and when my friend refused to take it back (maybe takut buruk siku as the old folk Malay belief), she gave it away. Although her handphone was old and almost non-functional, she would not use any made in other countries products.  I was dumbstruck.

I have another foreign friend from Iran whom is a student and residence in Malaysia. He spoke highly and praises Malaysia to all his friends at how Malaysia government build a whole new city (Putrajaya) with tax payers money because in his country and or other countries that he has been, he has never seen anything like this.

A NEW JOURNEY. LIFE BEGINS AT 40..

A HISTORIC DATE, 1 MARCH 2014. 25 YEARS POST-CML, 40 YEARS OLD AND RE-MARRIED.

It was not an easy journey for me to reach this age. In fact, it is a big achievement for me to be able to reach the age of 40 from once, expected to only live for 3 years. I have gone through various challenges with studies, health, businesses, friends and even marriage. When I was an undergraduate, I had to defer my graduation when I failed a subject having had a relapse of my leukemia during my final year university. Born in a family where there is nothing more important than education, the feeling of having to re-take a subject was almost similar to death.  But I graduated from Buckingham University before I turn 21 years old. Yes, I expedited my studies with intensive degree course because I wanted to start working and start making money but there is no way I can do that without a degree (force majeure by/but thanks to dad). 

My health first failed me and took half of my teens away being in hospital while all other teenagers were having a time of their life. My health failed me again during my final year university but from being bed-ridden, now I have ran 9 full marathons, 1 ultra marathons and countless less-than-a-marathon distance races. I have also climbed Mt Kinabalu thrice and many other one day trip peaks.

Before I turned 40, I have also graduated from the school of hard knocks having gone through 2 recessions as a businessman (which I sweat and cried blood) and many failed business ventures but now I am a proud owner of a few successful establishments. I have been betrayed by business partners and my right wing senior people, cheated by people I cared and taken for a ride by many but it gave more meaning to the few that are still around and is enough to replace them all. I have lived my life chasing dreams which had costs me my first marriage and I have learn to cook, mop the floor, raise a child, do own laundry and especially be a better person.... all this experience gained during the Duda-hood being a divorcee.

Everything in our life happens for a reason.

From the failed health, studies, business and marriage, I became that person that you befriend today. I would not have made it without the support, encouragement and understanding especially from my parents, sisters and brother (I cant stress enough the power of family supports). There is nothing more important than a strong family relationship. I have to say thank you too to Miss Kimi aka CML aka Chronic Myeloid Leukemia whom has taught me the essence of living and the importance of time. If I never went through that relationship with Kimi, I would never see life the way I do now but please don't come back, stay away from me.

JARI JEMARI 2014

Petaling Jaya, 15 February 2014. The Didance dance Academy held its first dance performance at the MAS training academy in Kelana Jaya. I was invited by my sisters Melor Edina Pahamin and upon learning all my nieces are participating, I could not resist but proudly came to view their performing. Since I did not have any other information on the event, I will just post up some of their pictures and videos. My nieces that performed were Kasih Leia Ixora, Kasih Iris Leona, Raina Rhiza and Raiqa Rhiza. Every members of Bustanu Pahamin were also present including our iBunda.

WHEN DEATH BIND US ALL TOGETHER

Corporal Azmir

Its the 3rd day into the new year and if you have not listed any resolution for the year, let me do that for you!! Pick a better health and fitness as your new year resolution!! How? Start exercising!! Where? Of course, at the Chief's Original Bootcamp. Why? Because the program was put together from 25 years of military-inspired, outdoor, group personal training experience by the founders of the COBCs, Chief Brabon and Gunny Hames. The keyword, is the 'program' and if you find yourself always falling off the bandwagon, COBC has the best and the most aspiring community to keep you on track and motivated!! The community and the program is the key to your success!! With great health and fitness, your bonus will be a sexier and a head turning physique!

COBC also have the most passionate team of instructors and admin. What binds these team together is Sickness... among others!! Almost every team member has either faced death or was terminally ill or has a close family member or their loved one suffered from cancer. Me and my partner Dr Malek Aziz for example was previously diagnosed with terminal cancer. I had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Dr Malek had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the intestines. Our most senior instructor Staff Sarge (COBC) Nawal had her thyroid removed when it was tested positive for cancer and she is also thalassemic. Corporal (COBC) Amir had Pleural Effusion and had to removed half his right lung while Corporal (COBC) Azmir's wife underwent major operation twice for Salivary Gland Cancer, a rare cancer. Not to mention our admin Farhanah bamadhaj with her spouse successfully battled cancer and Rose Emini Pahamin having a brother whom survived the leukaemia.

Please do not wait until you or your loved one is diagnosed with a terminal cancer before you take the first step to a better and healthier life. Take charge of your health now.

2014 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

It is really funny, when you asked an adult of their new year resolutions and they will go Err... Aaah.. Hmm.. Eh... aiya... they find it hard to list them down. More often, adult give up having any new year resolutions but if you ask your children, they usually know exactly what they want. Aaraf Armin listed his on his new blog at HERE. Unfortunately, Aaraf's previous blog was removed by google for being underage (Aaraf didnt know the meaning of white lies or tipu sunat then). He wrote more than a hundred blogs in his old blog. After publishing his new year resolution, Aaraf asked me... where is yours Dad? Alamak... so here I am, my new year resolution.

Not in order of priority, the followings are my resolutions.

1. To learn another language. You will know why later part of this year. I am envious of friends, the likes of Abu Lais whom is able to speak 4 languages. 

2. To Khatam Al Quran with Aaraf. I've khatam twice in my lifetime but the last time I actually read the Quran was during high school. 

3. To get back strong as a Delta at the Chief's Original Bootcamp Malaysia (COBC). At the COBC, it does not matter if you are the owner but if you do not clock your sessions or fitness, you will be demoted. 

4. To take up dancing!! haaa??!! I know that expression but I fell in love with Less Mills Body Jam and the recent launch of Jam 67 was the best!!! Gone were the clubbing disco years, now its Jamming!!
.

NEW YEAR EVE WITH SERAMBI EMAS AT KUALA LUMPUR TOWER

A last minute invitation from Serambi Emas, where my father is the Chairman landed us at the Kuala Lumpur tower for a corporate party to end the year 2013. Serambi Emas is a company principally involved in the trading of gold bars and gold bullion. While Azhar Sulaiman and the battalion from the 3rd infantry/generation awaits the midnight countdown at Bustanu Pahamin with various firework, we had a good dinner dining with a birds eye view of Kuala Lumpur. The plan was to be home before the new year.

Serambi Emas alike most of us, has its own New Year resolution and the KL Tower was chosen in line with its resolution to be at the top above everything else. We must have resolutions every year. Without it, every year will be just another year and a year that is lost, will be gone forever. We cannot turn back time but we can make the best of the future if we carefully plan with a resolution.

(Click on picture to enlarge).

MORNING VERSUS EVENING WORKOUT

Do we workout in the morning or evening to burn more fat is one of the most frequently asked question. It is good if you do have the luxury of time to choose but if you do not, then working out at any time of the day is a luxury that we all must target to achieve.

The flow of energy in our biological system implied no correlation on the time of the day whether morning or evening that determines how much and how fast we burn those unwanted fat but it is the level of intensity and the duration of our exercise that determines the speed and the amount of fat we burn to perform a given task. The exercise program is the key to either fat lost, athletic performance and/or improved health.

The exercise program determines the conversion of macro-nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and fats, into usable energy. This flow of energy from carbohydrate, protein or fat will determine our ability or capacity to perform a given exercise program to optimize performance or fat burning phase. This is termed as Bioenergetics that refers to the breakdown of chemical bonds in this macro-nutrients (carbo, protein and fat) to provide the energy necessary to perform biological work (such as an exercise program).

IGNORANCE WAS A BLISS

4 years ago, Anushia Siva Subramaniam introduced me to this military-inspired, group, outdoor personal training program in Padang Merbuk. Unbeknown of what it was, Anushia's introductory line was as simple as... "You don't asked so much, You don't think too much, you go and enroll online and just surrender yourself for just 1 hour, 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks!!" Then you will know what the bootcamp training is all about". My enthusiasm and deep passion to be healthy and fit got the better of me and I immediately enrolled and fell in love with everything about bootcamp akin of a love at first sight. I was obsessed with its training program. I do not know what got into me but I found some hidden massive energy that made me craved for more and more even now 4 years later.

I did not understand the how(s) and why(s) but what matters, whatever the program was, it worked!!

That sentence then became the tagline of COBC bootcamp workout testimonies year after year... "Just surrender yourself for 1 hour, 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks and you will be amazed to see the result". Most recruits stayed on with the program for years to come.

Like most of us, I was not bothered to know the science behind the Bootcamp program but the newly found strength, stamina and especially the leaner-meaner me was enough for me to keep wanting and coming for more.... month after month, year after year. Now, I took a step further to understand the whole science with what is happening inside and within our body. To satisfy this curious mind, I enrolled together with a platoon of Reds to study at the Fitness Innovation Malaysia (FIT) and a mile into the journey of learning, I was lost in a jungle full of jargons but quickly adapt to be able to relate what I learn with all readers.

WHEN MY PARTNER TURNS 60 YEARS OLD!!

Dr Malek Aziz, a Co-Licensee at the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) Malaysia turned 60 years old today on 14 June 2013. Dr Malek Aziz does not need any introduction to those within the bootcamp fraternity. The still-practicing dentist has been working out with the COBC program consistently for 4 years now and is still very hyper-active and would easily overtake, in speed and exercise form any younger recruits half his age when they all trained together.We would end up being call the Pakcik instead of him.

The Delta and a father of 5 great children has nothing but humility and humour when he socializes
with anyone from any age group and/or from any race and status. He can even become the 10 years old, Aaraf's best friend. Dr Malek is not only humble and funny but he is also a great listener. If anyone ever need a friend to talk, a shoulder to cry on or even a friend to rely and trust, he will always be there.

Dr Malek, like me.. survived terminal cancer and we workout primarily to maintain our health. Although we are both business men but at COBC, it was never about business and making money but its all about rejoicing a community that share similar passion for health and fitness.

STARVING FOR KNOWLEDGE

What happen when graduates and yuppies from various fields that ranges from Engineers, Auditors, Economics to Fine Arts and Hotel Management became an instructor having shared the same passion & vision? Whom then passionately delivers the 24 years old military-inspired program to train and transformed thousands of civilians in unleashing their best health, physique and fitness potential?

Yes.. first, they learn from the founder of the world oldest running military-inspired program Chief Brabon, to obtained the Military Fitness specialist level 1 Certificate, attended various short courses and being hungry or more like starving for more knowledge, they all registered and gathered every weekend for a scheduled training at the Fitness Innovations (M) Sdn Bhd (Commercially known as FIT), a member of Fitness Innovations (Thailand, India, Indonesia and Singapore) read more about FIT at HERE. After almost a year of talking and discussing, COBC finally collaborated with FIT to feed our every instructor's hunger for more knowledge.

There is one common trait that is shared by all trainers at the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC), they are all University graduates from various fields (including but not limited to Sports Science and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (cscs)). They were all once a recruit (at COBC) and an avid athlete but not necessarily born an athlete (for more information of COBC instructor, read HERE which is still being updated). This combination of mix background is important to understand the needs and fancies of COBC's recruits. No one can understand the pain of 'commoners' (which we refers to those couch potatoes whom had never, rarely or seldom exercise) better than those instructors whom can relate to the pain or the transformation process of getting fit and healthy (first hand experience from ground zero to their best potential).

Most professional athletes are born an athlete, polished and train to be the best but they do not undergo the same processes or pain of those commoners  to be able to experience and relate themselves of the 'transformation agony' having being born with the stamina and physically fit gene, except of course.. in theory.

The first class that we had yesterday was fun, havoc and very hyper-active mimicking the scenario while training especially when the Reds are now akin of a recruit.. a student starving for knowledge, progress and improvement. They are all salivating impatiently to learn and absorb the knowledge in class and improve themselves. We met the tall, huge (with his arm bigger than my thigh) friendly and funny, the first lecturer, Jerrican Tan whom is also the man responsible for the birth of Malaysia's first international standard educational fitness centre, the FIT.

AN HONEST MISTAKE!

"We all found that we really identified with it. After all, who has not make at least one big mistake in their lives that they have not regretted? Basically its being honest with ourselves and staying true to who we are, despite the mistakes we have made or the different life paths we have chosen..." that was how the name for the pop-punk with swirls of frenetic screamo band that launched its 2nd album at the Publica on 29 April 2012, was agreed and picked by Darren Teh and his band.

There were no mistake when we attended and had a funtabulous time experiencing so much energy on stage upon receiving personal invitation from its lead vocalist cum guitarist and a fellow comrade at the Chief's Original Bootcamp, Darren Teh. [Picture: Darren (on right)'s hair was red-der than my shirt and longer than Nawal's]

MUCH ADO ABOUT EVERYTHING

First it was the running and seriously, the runner's fraternity within the Chief's Original Bootcamp community is rapidly growing. Tomorrow, a few dozens will be running the Brooks run, then in about a month, a dozen of us will be running the Bali International Marathon which was organised by our Malaysian bank Maybank!!! Naturally, we support our local companies abroad.

Second, bunch by bunch of those within the Chief's Original Bootcamp Community successfully conquered the highest peak in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu. They are non-stoppable. Third, more and more recruits at the Chief's Original Bootcamp are turning into Divers!! The diving community within our community is also expanding and in April next month, they are going to Mabul/ Sipandan in Sabah.. that was after an orgasmic dive at Puerto Galera in Philippines!!!

Fourth, a new activity within our group would be the Triathlon!!! 

CONVENT GREEN LANE ALUMNI AND RE-UNION 2012

I was invited by the Organising Committee Chairman Dr Azlina Ahmad to grace and officiate SMK Convent Green Lane re-union and alumni that was held on 11 February 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel, Penang. I first befriended Dr Azlina Ahmad when she invited me to eat Daging Kuda (Horse Meat) many years ago!! The attempt was almost successful until I discovered that she wanted to feed me with daging KUDA PENCEN??!! too much information... Needless to say, it did not work out.

To make sure that this re-union function did not suffer the same fate without me, Dr Azlina Ahmad (BBA., MBA, PhD. International Marketing) whom is also a lecturer at the University Science Malaysia consistently reminded me of the event since November last year until my arrival at the Hotel this morning at 9:00am. I hereby award her to be the most persistent and consistent friend in circle.

The gorgeous invitation card were sent out to all CGL school leavers. Convent Green Lane School was established 51 years ago in 1961. SMK CGL celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2001 and in the same year, Pn Balkish Mohd Isa, the former headmistress bid the school farewell. Between the year 2002 to 2005, Pn Sharifah Hamidah bt Syed Mohd Al- Habshi was the school headmistress and Pn Patimah bt Othman in 2005 and retired shortly later 2006. Since then, Puan Lim Yen Lee, the then Penolong Kanan Ko-Kurikulum was promoted as the new principle of SMK CGL.

The theme for the re-union and alumni was Rock & Roll and because of the theme, Hard Rock Hotel was chosen. Especially for the night, I dug into my oldest wardrobe and chose my most Rock'est t'shirt and Jeans.

GONG XI FA CHAI WITH YUEN AND LC TAN

There is no other Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration that serves Japanese food but at the Yuen Choong Lai and LC Tan's Gong Xi Fa Chai open house. Last year it was at the Kin Shui Teh, Tropicana Golf and Country Club and this year the venue was changed to Nagomi at the Jaya 33. We befriended both Yuen and LC a few year s back when our sons are best friend since year 1 at the Garden International School GIS). Both Yuen and LC were recruits at the Chief's original Bootcamp but they retired when their fitness was at its prime....It was our first visit to the Nagomi. It was a different concept to the Kin Shui Teh and is a more weight-watcher diet friendly. Its shabu shabu base (aka steamboat base). Every year, Yuen and LC never fail to invite the parents of GIS for their CNY open house and every year, we never fail to err... over-eat our invitation.

How can we possibly behave when there were generous amount of food being served. Yuen, being the President for Hadrons Capital, a venture capitalist co-owned a fleet of fine-dining restaurants and we from the eating department performed our tasks beyond our KPI (Key Performance Index).. we simply bedal licin! But its okay to over-eat because most in the menu were vegetable in nature with a generous portion of lean beef.

GIS PINK DAY!!

31 January 2012 was Pink Day at the Garden International School (GIS) in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and everyone at GIS men, women and students were all in PINK!!! and so was I. The Pink T' shirt is on sale around school on 30th and 31st January 2012. The Pink Day was organised in conjunction with World Cancer Day on 4th February.

In support to the GIS Pink Day, Aaraf Armin, Nawal Aini and me was in the PINK Tee bearing the pink-day logo that was designed by GIS talented students for two consecutive days.

We will also wear the Pink Tee on 12th February 2012 at TTDI for the Pink Walk ‘Arielle’s Walk’. This walk is in memory of a member of the GIS community who sadly lost her fight with Breast Cancer last year. The walk will begin at 8:30am and everybody are invited to participate, be healthy and show your support at this family event (Stay Tuned for more details).

LAUGHING KAO KAO

I find a standup comedian as one of the most noble profession that anyone can have... I mean, which other job specializes in making people laugh... kao kao? Imagine the viral effect if everyone can make everyone laugh.. there would probably be no sorrow in this world but really, I salute you comedian.

After a long hard but productive day at work, I rewarded myself with an outing to the Comedy Kao Kao, Malaysia's latest Comedy Show although at first, it was just to accompany Nawal Aini... The outing to the Bee at Solaris Dutamas where it was held, was organised by Angela Loo which Nawal Aini Zulkifli booked and bought the ticket. The last comedy that I attended was the 1Kind Show by Allan Perera and Indi Nadarajah in 2009 and have not had any good laugh since except when Colin Chong and Ali Rahimi Ferdosinezhad were around.

2012: THE NEW BOOK

If there was a word that can describe the year 2011, then it must be a 'learning' year. Well, we learn new things everyday but the year 2011 has taught me some very important lesson in business, life, family and friendship. I spend the countdown for the new year with my family at Bustanu. Except for Dr Teratai Edithy Pahamin and Shazrul Assari, mum and all other siblings gather for a BBQ. I was the "Master Chef" barbeque'ing seafood, lamb, chicken and multi-task'ed for Quality Control. Hence, half of those food 'disappeared' before it reaches the plate. Azhar Sulaiman bought some serious firecrackers and began blasting them as early as 8pm.. err.. I think he was more excited with Mercun than the kids.

Needless to say, as in all previous years, 2011 ended with a big huge Hooyah !! Never once did any years passesby with a regret, for every year there was always a plan. Whether the plan works or fail is secondary but life without trying or experimenting is not worth living. Moving forward, this year ... is a new page, new chapter and a new book. The ending or conclusion of this book is for us to write. We determine how this year is going to end. To achieve every year's resolution, we must have the right focus. This reminded me of the "Walk on Fire" motivational talk by Anthony Robbin that I attended during my final year university way back in 1994 in Birmingham. I had to save portion of my scholarship for a year just to buy the very expensive ticket but it was well worth it. Since then, whenever I feel the need to re-energized, I will turn back to the book "Awaken the Giant Within". I read hundreds of other motivational books during those undergraduate studies and even now but somehow, my chemistry was best with Anthony Robbin.  To focus on achieving our new year resolution, please see the short video below.

ROCKY'S BRU

After the annual PROTON network convention that unveiled PROTON's 2012 plans and the latest baby, we bumped into Datuk Ahiruddin Attan or more popularly known as Rocky's Bru. If there is one man that I could idolise as my blogger idol, then it must be Rocky! Both Razak Aziz and me have been Rocky's blog follower since ..err forever. Naturally, when Razak Aziz or more popularly known as "Jak" called me to say that he was with Datuk Rocky.. and I was accompanying Dato Seri Syed Zainal addressing the PROTON Service and after sales network at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, I quickly sms Jak.. "Sh@#t, I cannot leave now. You keep him there! I must meet him".