SELF RETREAT @ CRYSTAL CROWN HOTEL

ALONE @ ROOM 1213

ACCOMPANIED BY DIDIER DROGBA

NOT BAD FOR A 4 STAR HOTEL


FREE OF CHARGE

THE HOTEL FROM OUTSIDE VIEW

As an academician one of my responsibility is attending academic workshops and conferences. Last month I was asked to attend a 2 day conference in Petaling Jaya. Because my wife has other commitment and the kids are having extra classes, I've decided to go alone.

Indeed it was a really good getaway for me. Being alone ( although for 1 night) give opportunity for me to sit down and think about my plans for 2011. The hotel room which is really cozy do helps in energizing the brain to produce idea. No wonder song composers and novel writers do this frequently.

Looking forward to the next self retreat .....

RIZAL

PICNIC @ SHAH ALAM LAKE PARK

The famous Shah Alam mosque

Roller blading is allowed

The little one is enjoying the picnic (thanks IKEA for the blue bag)

The lake

Lake cruise is also provided

Enjoying the food

I'm a firm believer of family comes first ...and one of my favourite past time is family outing. So far one of the cheapest way is to utilize the public parks. It's free and complete with almost everything.

One of our best public park is the Shah Alam Lake Park located just 20 minutes drive from our house. The last that we have was a morning picnic (it was a last minute decision ...) . The first thing to do once we're there is to find the picnic spot. Picnic bench is provided and if it's full you can always go for the gazebos or even lay down on the picnic mat.

While enjoying the breakfast, the kids can have fun at the playground. Nothing beats a hot cup of coffee with "ROTI CANAI" while reading the morning newspaper and without the interference from the kids.

Looking forward to the next outing

RIZAL

2011 WISH LISTS (SPORT CATEGORY)

YANKEE TO WIN ALCS 2011 (WINNING THE WORLD SERIES WILL BE AN ADDED BONUS)


SELANGOR TO WIN THE MALAYSIAN CUP 2011


HEAT (WITH THE 3 KINGS) TO WIN NBA 2011

CHELSEA ...HMMMM ..I'M HOPING FOR AT LEAST FA CUP 2011


C'MON BLACKS ...A MUST WIN RUGBY WORLD CUP SITUATION

I've to admit when it comes to a decision between live football match and going out for dinner , I'll go for the first option. Anything as long as its qualify as a sport is OK with me. For 2011 apart from the usual sporting events (EPL,MLB,NBA, Liga Super) we will be having the World Cup for Rugby in New Zealand (it's once in a 4 year event) and as a former rugby player I'll definitely not going to miss this.

So for 2011 this is some of my wish list :

1) ALL BLACKS to win the Rugby World Cup

2) Miami Heat (Le Bron and company) to win the NBA final

3) New York Yankees to at least win the ALCS ( still hoping that they to surprise me before spring training...Felix Hernandez please ...)

4) SELANGOR to win the Malaysian Cup 2011

5) Chelsea to at least win the FA Cup (I'm being realistic her ..okay ...)

By the end of 2011 if I could get 3 out of 5 ..I'll be a very happy man ....

RIZAL

NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER (NSC)

WELCOME TO SCIENCE CENTER !!!!

IN THE SCIENCE LAB

VIEW FROM DOWN UNDER

TAKING A BREAK

IN THE COMPUTER LAB (CARTOON SOFTWARE W/SHOP)

DINOSAUR ATTACK !!!

TAKING ANOTHER BREAK

VIEW FROM THE ABOVE

SOME OF THE SCIENCE EXHIBITON

It's a must go trip every year. This time around the NSC was under construction ( I was not aware of that) but the Dinosaur Exhibition save my day. The mini scientific class was also very good. The kids was shown how to do a very simple science test.

Then there was also a computer graphic simulation. It shows how to create cartoon characters using simple computer application. Highlight of the day was definitely the Dinosaur Exhibition. The robotic dino was excellent and there was 30 of them.

I was told that this year (2011) NSC will open it's Scientific Park just outside of the NSC. It's another initiative to create awareness about science and technology to Malaysians especially children.

OPEN DAY @ SRK BUKIT KAPAR

FOOD STALLS WERE 90% OF THE STALL POPULATIONS

SILAT SHOW BY THE STUDENTS

GASING DEMONSTRATION

ICE-CREAM ALA MALAYSIA

SOME OF THE FIELD EVENTS

School Open Day is one of the many activities organized by my kids’ school. Since I was not able to be there last year I’ve decided to put it as one of the highest priority in the to do list this year. Food stalls were everywhere and it’s good since certain percentage of the sales profit will go to the school PTB (Parent Teacher Board).

Also it’s and opportunity to get to know other parents and in some cases sitting down discussing things related to schooling while enjoying the food (I’ve to admit the nasi lemak was really good…J). I’ve met few teachers and was able to have a very good discussion with them. It’s good to see that the teachers are having fun since most of them were manning the stalls on that day.

I was able to capture some of the moments through my EOS 1000D. Will put the 2011 event in my must go list for next year (while hoping for the nasi lemak ‘sedap’ to be available also).

RIZAL

HOME SWEET HOME .....

READING ROOM (FOR GUEST)

LIVING ROOM

DINING AREA

A LITTLE BIT OF DECOR

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE LIVING ROOM

FROM THE MAIN DOOR TO THE DINING AREA

ANOTHER SELF MADE DECOR

Our house was completed in 2004. It is a simple single storey house with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms completed with a separate store room, garage and gazebo. During the building process I’ve always insist on having a house that is spacious especially in the living room and also I’ve planned to have a mini library on my own (and also a reading room for guest).

Last 2 weeks with my DSLR I’ve decided to a photo shoot focusing on my house interior decoration. Some of the shot was taken using a ladder to get the best angle. Looking at the result , it is clear that it’s spacious (probably the white wall play its role)

After a long day at the office , it’s important to have a space where you could have a well deserve break and a comfortable house really helps.

RIZAL

EXPRESSION

It's time for DSLR shooting. Facial expression is very subjective and if look carefully it could tell millions of stories. No wonder most of the world celebrated photographer focus on expression.

IS IT OVER YET ?????

COFFEE AND CAMERA ......

MAY I HAVE YOUR ORDER SIR ....

YUM...YUM ....

ONE MALAYSIA (VOLUME 1)

3 FACES ..3 EXPRESSIONS ....

I WANT MY MOMMY ......PLEASEEEEE ...

ONE MALAYSIA (VOLUME 2)

LET'S DO IT .....

LONELY .....

Many would think that doing a photo shoot that focus on human faces is easy ...that is point and shoot but it's not the case. Getting the right subject is very important, then the angle not to forget lighting and others. This is some of the collection that focus on expression. Enjoy the photos...