PROTON DEALERS PRESS RELEASE

Kuala Lumpur. "Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) extend our network's support to DRB-HICOM  and congratulate the conglomerate for winning the bid to acquire Khazanah Nasional's 42.7% stake in PROTON Holdings", said President Armin Baniaz Pahamin

The dealer's network look forward to working closer with the new owner and understand the need for PROTON to have fresh capital injection to be competitive especially nearing the liberalization of auto market. Unlike our rival, whose vehicle make and model has achieved its economics of scale in its homeland abroad before being introduced in Malaysia, PROTON's bread-winner is in our homeland Malaysia. PROTON's volume with its own-born model in Malaysia's small population could not attained a sizable economies of scale.

1. DRB_HICOM as a new owner with a stronger cashflow would enable PROTON to introduce newer models more regularly and to be more aggressive in export. PROTON current financial capability can only allow one model to be introduced annually and once introduced, the model stayed in the market longer than that of the competitor to re-gained its return on investment.

2012 RUNNING CALENDER

After endless of interviews and conversation with fellow COBC bootcampers, except for a few but most recruits do not have a solid New Year Resolutions. As such and as an injection of motivation and aspiration towards a better training and target for the year, we have decided to draw the 2012 New Year Resolutions for you. We noticed there are 4 types of communities within our fraternity.. the top being Runners.. Secondly, Mountain Climbers. Third, Diving and fourth, Triathletes (swim, run, cycle) and dualthon (run, cycle, run).

For now, let us list down the list of Running Events for the year 2012 (we may add more runs to the list in due course) but for those season runners, at least six 10kms, four 21kms and one 42kms. For beginners, at least four 10kms and two 21kms races. We shall bring some celebrity and season runners into our group to further motivate our recruits while run-training and may organised some running clinics. Stay Tuned for events organised for the Divers, Mountain Climbers and triathletes/Dualtheles. Birds of a feather flock together. HOOYAH!!

BEING FINGERED BY 5 FINGERS

Barely a month ago, the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) was appointed the authorised re-seller for Vibram Five Finger and we received our first containers of Vibrams sent via courier. The Vibram Five Finger was hailed the biggest shoe trend of the year 2011. Hollywood beauties favored the Vibram Five Fingers (V5F) above all other shoes. For more information click HERE. Alike the Hollywood, the COBC socialites too have all been fingered by V5F!

One can only dream

One can only dream. I do not think Noel Maniraj Chelliah from the transformation camp is actually referring to the Chief's Original Bootcamp but I could not help but to post his new Daily Muscle logo & transformation camp tagline that reads: "Better than Bootcamp" which in advertisement-psychology signaled that Bootcamp is actually better.. Otherwise, why the need to even quote and compare? 

So.. you judge for yourself... and be careful from being an advertising victim. HOOYAH!!

MIZUNO WAVE RUN, MALAYSIA

15th January 2012, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang. Completed yet another race in a striking yellow Vibram although the initial plan was to run in the brown leather Vibram. I had fixed the Running Chip on the leather Vibram but end up running in the Yellow Striking Vibram instead. As a result, my running time was not recorded but that was not my priority.

We underestimated the distance from our house to Serdang and waited for Subuh prayer before leaving at 6:15am for our first run in 2012 (err.. first run for me it was) and arrived 10 minutes before the flag-off time. We went and search for others from the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) and found a bunch of COBC-Lady-Runners. There were Rienna Choo, Freda Liu, Maslina Ahmad Ismail, Viki Lim, Lilian Lee, Nawal Aini Zulkifli, Bahariah Bahadom and Rose Emini Pahamin.

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIEKH HISHAM & MICAELA SOYZA

Being surrounded by people that loves to workout is one thing but loving to eat is another but that two characteristics are mostly synonyms with my circle for friends.  If you ever need to find a good outing place to eat.. you can always count on them. So I learn this new Thai restaurant that sounded abit weird but the food was gorgeous! Its the My Elephant Thai Restaurant at Sri Hartamas... For more detail, click HERE.  Its a birthday dinner for Sheikh Hisham and Micaela Soyza, two big names at the DH Zulu platoons that was organised by DH Zulu group of Otaiis (old timers) namely Stephanie Choong, Ryan Wong, Recently-retired-from-work Angela Loo, OBC-Australia 8 Week Finalist Kym Wishnowski, Stella Baake, DH Zulu Platoon Challenge Captain Sheikh Imran, Cobra-Rugby-team Azhar Jamal, Bank-Manager Caleb Lian Yoong Law, DH Zulu Lead Instructor Nawal Aini and of course the celebrated birthday guy and gal Sheikh Hisham and Very-Good-Chef Micaela Soyza.

SMOKING JAZZY ROARING TWENTIES..

Why the 1920s as a theme? ...err why not? To commemorate the 20s theme, we invited those retired mafiaso.. Al Capone, Mussolini, Charlie Chaplin and kunta kinte. We were also lucky we managed to trace back and bring along with us cowboy Doc Holiday but failed to find billy the kid. Okay.. they were older than the 20s but historic enough.

In search for the correct wardrobe for the event, the original idea was to dress up as Al Capone, the most famous personality in the 20s.. which should not be so hard but after various attempt, I ended up looking as Al Capoot. The venue for the historic gathering was at the Taps, opposite Istana Hotel. The Taps is owned by Viki Lim's family and naturally, we would of course support those within our circle. We arrived at 6:30pm sharp and was happily thinking that we were the earliest but Corporal (COBC) (P) Wan beat us to it. He was earlier! darn...

Upon arrival, I was smitten by Corrine Griffith (picture on right).. though her hair was longer than that during her prime time in the 20s but she still look gorgeous.. after almost 100 years, she does not seemed to age but according to rumours, she had changed her name to.. err... Nawal Aini Zulkifli ?? (sorry ar.. collect point sikit). A few minutes later.. Doc Holiday arrived!! without the famous thick mustache... clean shaven.

There was also a rumor that the 1920s Jazz King Louise Armstrong will be coming around.. and also Hitler was rumored to make a presence. Who does not want to be there especially for the most talked about COBC Hotbods Party!! The Chief's Original Bootcamp celebrated its 19th Graduation party as the closing for the year 2011

PROTON EDAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (PEDA), 12th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

PROTON EDAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA 12th Annual General Meeting was held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on 6th January 2012.

Last year, PEDA's AGM was held at the One World Hotel immediately after the Dealer's convention. For details, click HERE. Most of details discussed at the 12th AGM are sensitive and confidential in nature, for PROTON dealers please log-in to www.PROTON-DEALERS.com for more information.

THE PROBLEMS WITH RESOLUTIONS: THE STAR PAPER 4 JANUARY 2012

The problem with resolutions

Posted: 3rd January 2012 by R.AGE in Stories
Tags: Achieving goals, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Bootcamp, Chief's Original Bootcamp, Effective resolutions, Goal-setting, Motivation, New Year resolutions, Resolutions, Sharmini Hensen

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We’ve all been there before – making our lists in January and telling ourselves that things will be different this year and that we’ll actually stick to our resolutions.

But sometimes it feels like the only sure-fire way to fulfill your New Year resolutions would be to resolve to NOT fulfill them.

What exactly is the deal with resolutions anyway, and why are they so darn hard to keep?

New Year resolutions - what's the deal with them?

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.

PHNOM PEHN TEAM MEMBERS

1 Day counting down to the new year and 6 days counting down to our big day. Thank you for a good 5 days of intensive meeting to end the year 2011 with a blast. To our teammates in Phnom Pehn, have a wonderful celebration and a good start for the New Year.

A short interview with most of the team mates revealed a surprising discovery. When asked, almost all of them shared only one New Year resolution..  "For the company to be successful in the new year and for them all to prosper well with the company". This value in any employees is hard to instil in most workforce but loyalty is a prominent attribute in Khmer's character.

Naturally, anything wont be complete without a camwhoring session.

LIVING LA VIDA LOCA

Year 2011 will end within less than 48 hours and let us flashback the year that passesby faster than Staff-Sarge Dann's 10km speedy timing. For a start, we have been in mud.. Obviously!!

and in water!!!!

LIFE WAS AS SIMPLE AS A BAGPACK FULL OF FRIENDS

I could not help but to ponder how much simpler life was during those childhood days. Those were the days when we can pack our friends into our bag pack to go to any places. I can smile stupidly all alone flashing back Aaraf's adorable words when he say "Dad, can I bring along my 10 friends to Penang? and showed me his friends nicely tucked into his backpack....

Hmm.. I wonder if I can tucked and fit all my ten friends Nawal Aini Zulkifli, Rose Emini Pahamin, Dr Malek Aziz, Farhanah Bamadhaj, Daing Daniel Fitri, Mohd Azhari, Cheah Boon Chong, Wan Hazriq, Suresh, Ridz and Moji into my luggage for a working oversea trip tomorrow.

YEAR 2012 COBC CALENDER (UPDATED)

VISION: 2012 COBC Primary Resolution- Convert more people to be a Bootcamper and get more people to be a health freak. How? By having a total 34 platoons at 7 locations with two pricing. For the hardcore, kiasu recruits with MC12 and those with a tighter budget and a busier schedule to workout with the MC8 program.

Program
MC12 program: RM299, Military Corps Training, 3x week, 12 sessions a month.
MC8 program: RM199, Military Corps Training, 2x a week, 8 sessions a month. For location & map, click www.cobc.biz

NOTE: Those highlighted in REDS are new platoons.

KUALA LUMPUR

I. AMPANG
1) Alpha: 0545-0645 (Mon, Wed, Fri) (MC12)
2) Bravo: 0700-0800 (Mon, Wed, Fri) (MC12)

3) Sierra: 0545-0645 (Mon, Wed) (MC8)

4) Oscar: 0700-0800 (Mon, Wed) (MC8)

II. DAMANSARA HEIGHTS
5) Charlie: 0545-0645 (Tue, Thu, Sat) (MC12)
6) Zulu: 1845-1945 (Mon, Wed, Fri) (MC12)

7) Tango: 0545-0645 (Tue, Thu) (MC8)

8) Yankee: 1845-1945 (Tue, Thu) (MC8)
 

NEW ASS ON THE BLOCK: COBC DECEMBER LAST SESSION

Nothing is more important than some surprises to juice and spice up our morning routine especially if we intend to maintain the momentum in climaxing at every alternate morning workout. A lot of time were spent to understand the needs of every recruit and alot of effort were invested to make sure everyone reach the point of no return at the end of every session.

To commemorate the end of December monthly workout in conjunction with the New Year, we brought to Malaysia the Alpha Strong Sandball (ASS) all the way from the United States of America especially for the use of recruits from the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC). The COBC is the first to import and use the ASS in Malaysia and Bandar Utama Alpha platoon was the first to break the ASS virgin. Ewww that sounds wrong.  The platoon was all excited to see the new Toys.. If there was the most voted feedback on our online feedback form at HERE.. then it must be the request for new toys!!  We hear ya... and now you have it!!

PENANG CHINGAY, LION AND DRAGON DANCE PARADE 2011

It was a sheer bonus for us to be in Penang to coincidentally discover the annual Penang Chingay, Lion and dragon dance parade that was held on 17 December 2011. We were there for food Penang CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) inaugural graduation beach party, COBC training at Padang Polo and for a meeting with the Penang Skill Development Centre. From a 3 in 1 visit, it became a .. err 5 in 1.. including the Makansutra!!

At the graduation party, the Chingay and Lion dance parade became the topic of conversation amongst the Penang'ites. During one of the group chat with Rohan from Korea, Jennifer, Phat Ling, Phaik San (did I miss anyone?) described Chingay as a 6 foot pole balancing art on the forehead which I initially mistaken it as Pole Dancing.. I mean.. the Chinese sort of pole dancing.. not so kinky eh.. aiiks. Chingay taken from Chinese dialect Hokkien, in pronunciation as Chin Yi means True Art. For more details on Chingay Parade, click HERE.

Chingay that was originated in China, was first performed in Penang in 1919 during deity processions. It is a street art where the performer balances a giant flag that ranges from 30 ft to 35 ft in height and about 60 pounds in weight. Over the years, the local Chinese had improvised the Chingay performance. From a basic giant flag balancing by a solo performer, Chingay became a team performance that consists of more than 15 persons in a troupe. 

PENANG ALPHA: A WORKOUT TOO GOOD

After completing 12 MakanSutra at various positions and locations in a day, we almost but did not miss the COBC training at Polo Alpha platoon. 9 of us from the 23 recruits and instructors from Central Region that attended Penang COBC Grad party stayed back purposely to eat attend Sarge (COBC) (P) Boon's alpha session. We planned to arrive late to give "KL-Grunts-Souvenir" for the Penang Platoon and thought of not coming in our COBC grey tee but we did not want to be cruel. So here we are.. all very early, in uniform but the Penang'ite gave us the Grunts-Souvenir instead by not wearing the grey Tshirt!! haiiih.. Thank you for the kind hospitality.

Having met with most islander during the Penang COBC Party at HERE, we can only conclude that they are really a shy bunch as compared to KL'ites. When the KL'ites party.. including the instructors.. they went all wild.

We hear rumours, penang'ites are a real camwhores.. so we stayed back after the alpha session, all sweaty, slutty and ready to camwhore... There were Dr Malek Aziz, Angela Loo, Lizza Abdul Rahim, Nawal Aini Zulkifli, Farhanah Bamadhaj, Maslina Ahmad Ismail, Rienna Choo and Ruzana Ibrahim but when the session ended.. everyone disappeared!! and only the nine stooges from KL were standing waiting to be photo-shoot.. oh shoot.

COBC PENANG HOTBODS PARTY: BANANA BOYS

One weekend down South and another up North and then again down South and up North.. Somehow, these domestic traveling seemed inevitable with little trip being made to the east coast, my own home town. Before the weekend, my cousin wati was married to ASP Hussein in Kelantan but I was engaged with PROTON annual convention and had to give it a miss. Otherwise, it would have been, down South, East Coast, up North and down South again.

It began with a good unprecedented move to bercanda di atas beca (moments on trishaw).. err actually it was to avoid Penang's impossible traffic. Traffic jam should be synonyms with KL'ites but traffic in Penang was near impossible! Traffic in KL would slowly flow bumper to bumper which was caused by a high number of vehicles on the road but traffic in Penang was a complete stopped and stalled, bumper to bumper with no movement at all due to the traffic light. If there is one thing that Penang needs, it must be in a city ring-road-fly-over or a bypass without the traffic light (take note Guan Eng).

The moments on trishaw was err.. mesmerizing until the picture appeared on Facebook and within seconds.. the first comment from the dozens, read out...

POST-PROTON CONVENTION 2011 DISCUSSION AT PROTON EDAR - PUTRAJAYA

There were so much to digest post-PROTON network convention 2011 but one significant difference this year, is in PROTON EDAR's focus in our Sales Advisors. In the history of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd (PESB) or formerly known as USPD, every Chief Executive Officer during every annual network convention would reprimand if not short of threatening the termination of dealers for non-performance except for this year. The message was clear. All 230 showrooms nationwide now will not be terminated.. although there is a small print that says "unless they cannot achieve the target" but the small print is less scary now with a clearer direction forward. The direction forward is in the appointment of competent Sales Advisors. The sales advisors are the actual bloodflow of the brand. With an average 3 cars-sold per sales advisor per month or a total of 4,000 sales advisors employed in the network on the backdrop of 160,000 units of PROTON car sales per year, the number of sales advisors must be reduced.. not by dealers but centrally by PROTON Edar.

(picture- left) Gathering of some of PROTON EDAR-Putrajaya sales advisors for a post-convention briefing and Q&A a day after convention.
All new appointment of Sales Advisors by either the dealers or the branches will be vetted through centrally by PROTON Edar and those that qualify will be appointed by PESB via the issuance of an Identity Number and all the Sales Advisor with any fraud or Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT) or those selling less than 5 cars a month, will be slowly phased-put from the system.

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".

PROTON NETWORK CONVENTION 2011

15 December 2011. Two weeks before the year ended, all PROTON Edar branches and authorized sales and service dealers nationwide gathered at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa for the annual PROTON Network Convention 2011 and it was the first gathering attended by less than a month old PROTON Edar Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Suhaimi Mohamed Anuar.

This year's convention was a bit unusual. It was held towards the year end compared to last year where the convention was held earlier in April 2010. PROTON Edar Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Suhaimi Mohamed Anuar was the first speaker. PEDA had a good and fruitful first meeting and discussion with Suhaimi last month in November. Suhaimi was sensitive and understood the predicament of the dealers which was very important to PEDA given that the dealers network dominated almost 80% of PROTON domestic car sales. PEDA outlined a series of historical issues that requires urgent attention and Suhaimi assured those issues will be addressed in due course. During the convention, Suhaimi reiterated the need for all sales advisors to be productive and for dealers to only maintain a minimal number of Sales Advisers. Soon all Sales Advisers must be vetted and approved by PESB before any recruitment by the dealer. This is important to ensure the network employed only the committed and dedicated Sales personnel.

DETOX MOCKTAIL

We hear ya on the online feedback. You asked for Supplements, we give you supplements! Now we have supplements in store just for you! But of course, we only choose the best!! but before we even start chatting on those supplements, I have also received various inquiries on detox and natural supplements too. I am not a nutritionist to elaborate in details on our body's nutritional requirement.. that is Mr Wong from iLife's department. My department..? Yes.. eating department and that includes testing various detox re-mix ala guinea pig. I can only speak on my own personal experience as well as the experience of my group of guinea pigs friends.

I am a sucker for detox and dieting. In November 2008, I went strict on Dr JD Adamo's blood type diet for over a year which I blogged about it at HERE. After the blood type diet, I went on an organic detox diet. Yes, no polygamy on dieting. One dietary regime then another. I was on fresh Bitter-gourd and lemon juice every morning and birds nest in the evening for a year. In September 2010, I participated in the inaugural COBC 8 Week Challenge and overshot my weight lost target and became all skins and bones. Looking abit haggard and old instead of meaty and healthy I went on a weight gain diet and overshot to become abit fluffy. 6 months ago, I went on Vegetable Juice mocktail! Every morning after COBC, I'll go bottom's up on 25 ounce of vegetable what does the morning juice includes? It comprised of 6 inch fat cucumber, 4 inch Ginger, 1 small Bitter Gourd, 6 long sticks of Celery, three Green Apples, half size big Beet Root, three Carrots and one grape fruit all blended into 25 ounce of juice mocktail and took it on an empty stomach every morning!!

COBC PAYMENT MADE EASY!

Yes, we hear ya!!! You want to pay via credit card? You got it! There are now 3 ways to make payment. However, please be reminded that this is only the payment process. You will have to register online too on a monthly basis at http://www.cobc.biz/#!register. Online registration is important to ensure your name is admitted at your preferred location and session. That can only be done with once you have completed a simple medical questionnaires.

1) DIRECT BANK-IN OR TRANSFER VIA BANKING ONLINE

You can direct bank in or transfer online to CIMB ACCOUNT: 1258-000 261 5059 (Account name: ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP). if you are banking-direct or transfer online, you will need to email me the payment details together with your full name, email add, location and time to me at armin@bootcampmalaysia.com


2) PAYMENT VIA FACEBOOK

First via Facebook!! Yes, you heard it right.. you can pay via facebook. To make a payment via Facebook, click HERE or follow the instructions below:

1) go to www.facebook.com/Chief.Malaysia
2) then click "My Site" at the left column (see picture below).
3) Then click on "Store" at the menu bar.

RAGS TO A CELEBRITY: SARAH TAN

Sarah Tan is an undergraduate studying Bachelor of Design in Fashion Marketing and have been a gym member for many years but struggles in her weight fluctuation and lack of continuous drive to workout. Sarah wanted to changed her workout routine to get a better result and coincidentally discovered the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) on Groupon. She first attended the COBC in Subang Jaya USJ1 in August and has been with COBC since. When COBC launched its annual 8 Weeks Challenge (8WC) in late-September earlier this year, Sarah Tan quickly enrolled herself in the 8WC that only cost AUD 29.95 (RM90.00 only). Her goal was to lose as much fat, to be more lean and have a better toned physique.

Sarah Tan wanted the extra push in her workout regime, she craved for support and motivation, and wanted to diet right for a better health which she found it all at the COBC. Sarah Tan's fat percentage when she joined COBC was 30.5%, her waist measures 70.5cm, hips 90cm, upper thigh 48.5cm and in barely less than 2 months, now her fat level had decreased to 19%. Sarah Tan had also improved in her fitness and stamina. When Sarah first joined the COBC, she completed her Benchmark Assessment 1 in 13.07 minutes and Benchmark 2 in 11:28. While undergoing the 8WC, her timing has improved to 9:36 minutes for Benchmark 1 and 9:29 for Benchmark 2. Sarah's fitness had progressed so well that she is now promoted to a Delta, the elite level group at COBC.

HOTBODS NOV COBC PARTY. CHAPTER 6: WET DREAMS

CHAPTER 5: WET DREAMS. "Psst psst.. Armin, can we request permission to throw Staff Sarge (COBC) (P) Dann into the pool?", whispered someone to me! I look at him with a huge grin and replied, "Err.. You can if you can catch him!! But I dont think you are able too unless, you ambush him!!". Then I added, "If he is going in, you mind as well get everyone inside the pool too!".

That was how it all started and before you knew it.. the dream bods became a wet dream!

No one was sparred!! First it was Lance Corporal (COBC) (P) Resh and when the six-footer instructor went down, he immediately targeted Lance Corporal (COBC) (P) Ridz~

HOTBODS NOV COBC PARTY: CHAPTER 5: THE TESTIMONY

CHAPTER 5: THE CONFESSION. Part of the Hotbods monthly party and gathering was also to share personal experiences in training, diet, physical achievements and as well as for networking. I have always been keen and enthusiastic in outdoor activities. During my younger days (err not that I am now old but...), I have always wanted to conquer some mountains. Aspired by some tale of a pretty mountain princess ala Puteri Gunung Ledang in the legendary tale of Hang Tuah, my imagination sometimes can astray really wild. Those were fantasies during pre-school. Sadly now, typically Aaraf, does not even know who is Hang Tuah?! Heck.. he does not even know who is Popeye!! Anyway.. It was not until I met this young 52 years old gentlemen Abu Lais Walli Mohamed that I found a partner to explore and experiment mountain climbing!!! Yes, he was there for a while at last night's Hotbods party but he disappeared before I could mention the man that first introduced me to Mountain Climbing!! It was also with him that I first attended the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) program at Padang Merbuk.. almost 3 years ago. Ironically, now Padang Merbuk (a sentimental place) is no longer part of the Chief's network.

One thing that I learn from my journey in life was the need to be surrounded by people that share similar belief, interest and passion to make any dream a reality. When I befriended Abu Lais, my love and passion for outdoor activities multifold.. exponentially!! When I met Dr Malek Aziz, we got founded the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP! That is what COBC is all about!! A huge family that share that same passion and enthusiasm. With a total of five hundred registered recruits in December, we have a huge family that want nothing else but to be gorgeous!!

HOTBODS NOV COBC PARTY: CHAPTER 2, 3 and 4: THE ACERS!!

CHAPTER 2: THE 100% ATTENDANCE, COMMITMENT AND EFFORT HALL OF ACHIEVERS.

Once upon a time, there were barely 5 or 6 recruits that ACE every month session. We totally understand the stress at work and the inevitable traveling for work and leisure but if we want to be fit, healthy and sexy.. trust me, we have to be committed. For that commitment and discipline to attend at least 12 sessions in a month, we are pleased to imprint your name in  COBC Hall of Achievers because this is the exemplary commitment that we want to instil in each and every recruit. Health and physique is a necessity in life which is more important than money and its what money cant buy.. With good health, we can work and earn better money. With beautiful body, we can marry money we have that confident to bring us very far in love, career and life. From only 5 recruits when we first started the ACE almost 3 years ago, today 65 recruits had ACE'd the November session!!! Those that ACE their session every month will be awarded with an ACE Certificate and have their name published in COBC Hall of Achievers at HERE.

Rashedah Ridwani

HOTBODS NOVEMBER PARTY CHAPTER 1: THE OFFICER AND THE GENTLEMENT

PREFACE: Its the monthly party again!! COBC celebrated its 18th Hotbods party (formerly known as Graduation party) and the theme for this November potluck party was 'Luau' inconjunction with the 8 Weeks Challenge that ended barely a month ago. Yes.. after a good hard workout, there is no better time than to show-off those improved hot bodies than at the end of every month. This will also be an inspiration for the newbies and others that a dream body is not a dream. At COBC, ordinary people do get extraordinary result. (Left, Armin Baniaz & Dr Malek with the hot macho instructors).

CHAPTER 1: THE OFFICER AND THE GENTLEMENT. The party was scheduled at 5am on Saturday.. why Saturday, you will soon find out! A war cry (Semboyan) was issued a week before hand to make sure everyone did NOT overeat for what is expected to be an extra-ordinary party!! Why...? Keep reading!! But even before that, many people have been sabotaging me with ..... DURIAN!!! Even on party day, 'someone' brought my along my biggest sin.. Durian pancake!! alamak...

GETTING THE RIGHT SPOUSE

In my running lifetime, I have busted er... more than 50 shoes? I have also busted both my knees and was forced to retire from running until I befriended Nike Free. With Nike Free, I ran the Melbourne 42.195km marathon last year in conjunction with the 2,500th marathon anniversary and although the knee pain recurred on the 23rd km but I managed to complete the marathon with a PB.

There are various good write-up on barefoot running if you were to google and read, so I wont dwell much on its benefit save except for my personal experience. Finding the right shoe is as important as finding the right spouse except you have the liberty to test drive any shoes but not with any potential spouse. After a good run on Nike Free, I went a step further and test driven the Vibram Five Fingers and needless to say... It was akin of love at first sight!

Somehow, I find wearing a highly padded shoe causes the small muscles in my feet to weaken and the tendons, ligaments and natural arches had stopped doing their job which in turn, had led to my knee problem. All the supportive shoe inserts, orthotics and extra cushioning creates a poor foot biomechanics. They're deceiving the body. Here's an explanation, based on our body's proprioceptive abilities.. that is, the way it can communicate up and down all pathways. When we run barefoot, the body precisely engages our vision, our brain, the soles of our feet, and all the muscles, bones, tendons, and supporting structures of our feet and legs... sort of using all of our body senses. They leap to red alert, and give us a high degree of protection from the varied pressures and forces of running.

ONE THOUSAND MILLION SMILES

Confession: When I was younger, I freak out every time I hear the word "Dentist"!! Scary!! My sister Melor Edina Pahamin.. now a mother of 4 beautiful child still bring my dad or mom every time she visit the dentist!! Fortunately, I outgrew that fear better than Melor Edina Pahamin!! Infact, my partners in crime is a dentist!! and a damn good one!! Extracting a wisdom tooth was as easy as 1 grunt... That was a testimony from Sarge (COBC) (P) Nawal at HERE!!

Yes We hear ya!! You want more benefits for being a COBC members!! What better benefit can we give but to turn that dentist nightmare into the sweetest dream!! How?

Yes.. extract a few teeth every month and get a maximum rebate of RM50 off your monthly RM299 COBC fees... Wait.. No!! we don't want you to be without any teeth so here's the deal..

Dental treatment is inevitable.. A visit to the dentist under any emergency would easily cost a bomb and if that bomb is more than RM350, you get RM50 off your RM299 monthly COBC fees. Alternatively, COBC secured a special discount of 20% on ALL types of dental treatment especially composite filling (tooth colored filling) which would cost rm120/filling would be now be rm95; Scaling & polishing would now cost rm60-70 depending on state of your oral condition.

ORDINARY PEOPLE WITH EXTRA-ORDINARY RESULT: 8 WC LOCAL CHAMPION- DIXON THUM

Dixon Thum Wai Khong was a nerd, a geek and an anti sports during his teens and was often teased by his schoolmates with various names from a Fei Chai (fat boy in Chinese), Thum-mytrim, Jelly and anything that relates to fat and plump. Dixon's nightmare at school was the physical education (PE) class and worst, if it was the Sports Day. The agony at school had forced Dixon to adopt running during his undergraduate studies and forced him to joined the local gym in his effort to lose the nickname fat boy along with the fat and weight. Unfortunately, the gym was not at all successful despite the hefty monthly commitment.

Dixon first heard of the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) online and was really tempted to join but could not afford the program at RM299 per month. However, in June 2011 when COBC launched the program "Now everybody can be hot & sexy" ala Airasia Now Everyone can fly, Dixon's dream came true.. Dixon was given the opportunity to try out the world oldest military-inspired, group outdoor personal training program at the COBC.

Prior to trying out the COBC, Dixon had tried all avenues to lost weight and to have a leaner physique with a 6 pack abdoments. Dixon experimented with various dietary program, gym, running, yoga, weight lifting but all attempts were futile without the dream result. At the COBC, Dixon discovered his inner loves for sports in contrast to his childhood nightmare. The enthusiasm in training had motivate Dixon to re-lived his life-time dream of having a 6 pack abs and a leaner physique. When COBC launched the annual 8 Weeks Challenge together with OBC, Australia, Dixon saw and was determined to at least come closer to his dream body. Armed with RM100 entrance fee for the 8 Week Challenge and a commitment of 8 weeks training with COBC, Dixon was ready to rebrand himself.

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE: ORDINARY PEOPLE GETTING EXTRAORDINARY RESULT (LICK HAU LOO)

There is nothing more inspiring than see my own comrade that sweat and scream with us in an ungodly morning hour, went through a major shift in life from over 100kg in weight living the hip boozing night life to now 83kg and living a healthy lifestyle. I went through similar paradigm shift in lifestyle too from a wild clubbing and party goer to a more tame and healthier lifestyle.

Lick Hau Loo first heard of the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) during my interview with the BFM 89.9 the Business station, Evening edition. For those that missed that radio interview, click HERE and hear Otaii John Chuah being interviewed by the sexiest voice Caroline on radio! Lick Hau coincidentally tuned-in to the BFM Radio, overheard the interview and decided to heed on my advice and surrendered to the program for 1 hour, 3x a week and he gave himself the best birthday gift barely a month ago in October. On his birthday, Lick Hau Loo presented his wife himself with almost 20kg of weight lost and a leaner physique. Lick Hau Loo is the General Manager and the third generation in the family business Sox World.

What is more important, Lick Hau resting heart rate was averaging at 80bpm before he began working out at the COBC. Now, his resting heart rate is at 45bpm which signified the cardio and vascular improvement that he gained from the program. The COBC program is scientifically design to get the best out of anyone. At COBC, the expert, a group of ex and still serving infantry soldier with more than 20 years of military-inspired bootcamp experience, designed the program for you. COBC merely deliver after customizing the program for Asian built and climax condition.