WITHIN TEMPTATION - ANGELS

I think I'm in love with a new band called "Within Temptation". Check out this video! Oh my gosh, her voice is lovely and the strong music is heart-felt.

So, now that Evanescence is already old news, Within Temptation is in... for me la.

DESIDERIA & THE REBEL PRINCE

I watched this movie when I was a kid, on TV2. That time, this Italian film was dubbed into English. Basically, it's the tale of a princess who defies her cruel warlord-father and sets free a rebel prince. She falls in love with him and runs to his kingdom when her father decrees she marry a black-hearted knight.

When she does arrive at his kingdom, the people there recognize her as the enemy-king's precious daughter and bring her to the rebel prince. But the prince remembers her kindness when he was a prisoner and has grown to love her.

Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. In comes Desideria's sister (adopted sister, actually. The evil-king found her among wolves and thought, "this child must be strong & powerful to live among wolves!")

Raised by wolves, this sister is a sinister, scheming witch. She steals the rebel prince away from Desideria by casting a enchantment, that led the rebel prince to fight in a tournament for the evil sis' hand in marriage.

Desideria now has to disguise herself as a red knight, and ends up fighting the rebel prince in the tournament. She wins but is unable to kill her beloved. She runs away, ashamed. Meanwhile, the rebel prince (still under the enchantment) takes the evil sister to the altar and they almost get hitched... when Desideria marches in and stop the unholy union.

The evil sis is so mad, she brings a strom into the building. But in the end, her pride becomes her self-destruction and as she lies at the brink of death, she asks for Desideria's forgiveness. After all, they did grow up as sisters.

With her death, the rebel prince is free from the enchanment and he sees how much Desideria has done for the love of him. Feeling unworthy, he walks away to find himself. Later, he walks back to Desideria's arms, despite knowing he will face death because he is still in the evil king's kingdom.

It all ends happily ever after though. The evil king sees the error of his ways (only in movies!) and offers the rebel prince the unity of both kingdoms, and his daughter in marriage. As cliche as this story goes, I still love the storyline! I'd give anything to watch this movie again.

FYI, this movie was made from the same people that brought about those Fantaghiro movies a.k.a The Cave Of The Golden Rose.

MUSINGS

Allegorie de soie by Salvador Dali

The Tree of Life - Stoclet Frieze by Gustav Klimt

FASTING LAMENTS

I used to hate the fasting season... the month of Ramadhan, that is. Everysince Standard One, kids use to tease me, "Eeeeee... Tak Puasa!!". Last year was probably the worst!

"Cik, kami nak tengok IC dulu!" I HATE these annoying discriminating remarks! Sure, it's not such a big deal... but after years of one person standing against ten, I have had ENOUGH.

Yeah, just because my looks closely resembles a Malay. Malays are (stereotypically-thought) inevitably Muslims.

So, one look at me and people think I'm a Muslim. One spoken word would make them think twice, though. My spoken Malay does not flow naturally. I think before I speak. And I speak the words taught at school... those flowery phrases etc. Not the natural fast-accent.

I can't eat when I want to during the day... and I have to eat in a close environment, when I do. It's like, to eat is to harbour a dark deep secret!

Oooooo scary!

And then there's those daily news reports on people who don't fast that get caught by the Jabatan Islam authorities. It's like not fasting is a serious crime!!

Seriously! The people who get caught were running helter-skelter into the bushes, like drug addicts! Off course, I think they were drug addicts.

And talking about eating, everyday there's HUGE promotions of buffet, buffet and hotel buffet. Crap! Just thinking about this is making me hungry. Anyway, how's a girl suppose to watch what she eat when she watching the buffet promos every single day of Ramadhan?!

But like I said, I used to hate the fasting season.

Ever since I begin working, the close-knit environment of diverse cultures has taught me a lot of things. Things like patience, peserverance, tolaration, respect, when and when not to suck up to, back-stabers, and real genuine friends.

As colleagues, my Muslim friends especially the elder ones, has shown me how fasting is a discipline. A real discipline of staying strong, no complains and remain calm. Sure, they get tired at the end of the day, but they don't complain.

They invite me to break fast with them. We enjoy the night with stories, humours and family tides. They give thanks for the day, enjoy the simple night's feast, and prepare for another day of fasting. It's people like these that makes religion an awesome admirable inspiration.

So, this Ramadhan I get to be in charge of scouting... where shall we dine?

Selamat Berpuasa, saudara-saudari Muslimin. Dua minggu lagi Raya!!

LIP-SINGING : LESSON 2

My two favourite lip-singers are back, to show us how it's done. Enjoy!

NIGHT AT A CONCERTO

Decided to do something "cultured" for a change. So, I decided to watch the Prague Simfonia Orchestra, playing on Sept 8th at the Plenenary Hall, KL Convention Centre.

For those very-kedekut-ticket, I got the atas sekali! seat... but comfortable la! But even though the Charity-Benefit Concert was attended by HRH The Agung and Queen... the turn out was actually poor. I'm guessing it was due to the poor publicity.

Picture quality from handphone camera is REALLY bad!

So, after the intermission, everyone on the top floor were welcomed to seat at those expensive seats!! Oh my gosh, it was so worth it! First, you get to listen to a world-class symphony orchestra. Next, you get your seats upgraded! AND you listen to your favourite Aria - O Mio Babbino sung so beautifully!

In the middle, can take video recording, some more! My view was wayyyy better than this.

The two-hour event was mesmerizing and exciting. I especially loved the blend of so many musical instruments... that when combined, made heart-gripping melodies! It's pure wonder!!

But towards the end, I was almost falling asleep. The music was alluring and I felt like a baby, being put to slumber with the violins playing... just for me. I couldn't help feeling tired; that morning, I travelled to Seremban and back to help at the Parish's Children's Drama Club. And that same evening, I attended Mass in KL. It was a whole day of travel, sights and sounds.

Straight from KLCC, took the cab home. Thank God, it was an honest cabby! And thank God for the eventful day!

FIREWORKS

There's nothing more stunning than a fireworks display on a clear night. These were taken at the recent International Fireworks Competition at Putrajaya. I hope they have these competitions every year! Then, one day, I'll go watch it live and sit on the grass by the lake, under the showers of sparks.

Thanks to Danny, for the photos (you're still annoying!)

GONE YET IMMORTAL

The world has lost a great voice today. Internationally-renowned tenor, Signor Luciano Pavarotti passed away at the age of 71. He will be missed, but his voice will always stay immortalised.

Nessun Dorma

Rest in peace, big fella. There will be none like you.

MERRY GO ROUND

I'm dreaming of a Merry-Go-Round... like little children used to play.

My mind must be bored.

I FINALLY get free time during office hours, and yet... I'm bored. What a dilemma! Yeah, right!