Travel

The quote says it all.

So much has changed after the recent vacation I took with my family.

The wanderlust in me grew even stronger.

As we all know, the world is such a beautiful place. The culture, people, food, history and the idea that there is a certain mystical quality in each and every part of the world intrigue me. Each country, each city or even town, holds a sort of beauty of its own that sets it apart from the others.

And cruising? The thought of waking up in a different port each day is just so damn fascinating. I absolutely adore meeting different people from all over the world who, be it by fate or coincidence or God's hand, all decided to get on the same vessel, nearly all sharing the same love for the high seas.

Besides, romance on the high seas isn't impossible -wink wink-

I can't wait to travel and explore even more in the future. With every single thing you learn about a new place, you uncover something about yourself as well and I think that's absolutely fascinating.

With the experience I had in the Mediterranean, one of the new things I've understood without guilt is that it's alright to want a good life. It's alright to adore nice things. I have been criticised as being materialistic and someone who fancies the 'high life'. If it means I get to cruise and travel the world, why not? If it gives me motivation to work hard so I can afford the luxuries of life and travelling, why not?

Obviously not everyone likes travelling, but I am beyond positive that travelling is something I want to be doing with each opportunity I get. If you don't fancy travelling, don't tell someone who loves it that they should "just be happy where you are". Happiness is subjective and it's good to either keep an open mind or to keep one's mouth shut if one has nothing positive to say.

"Opposites attract" I was told but I am definitely more drawn to people who have more or less the same outlook and genuine interest as I do in travelling.

I can't wait to do this with my lover.

Absolutely.

Three Months Flashed By?

Three months flashed by, just like that.

College has been pretty good. A2 is a step closer to the future and I'm excited for what God has in store for me. Assignments have been piling on but that's life. All my friends are doing well, both in UK and back home. My teachers, what can I say, they are the bomb honestly.

University application season has just passed for me, leaving me waiting anxiously for offers and interview invitations. I'm nervous and excited at the same time, I can't wait for the university years! And freshers, ayyyy. In Jean's words, " we gonna get para!"

Camille's 18th birthday debu just passed, it was pretty amazing. I adore the Fillipino culture and a part of me wishes I could have had a special birthday ball with my loved ones around. The best part was the 18 candles and 18 roses. I then went on to muse about having a 21st debu with 21 candles and 21 roses. When I mentioned it to my mum, she laughed and said "i wonder how you're going to find the 21 male figures in your life for the 21 roses event!"

I had the best vacation ever with my family last month. There shall be a separate blog post in a bit, but it was three weeks of bonding and love. It started off with 5 nights in Wales, followed by 2 nights in London, 3 nights in Barcelona and 1 week on the Allure of the Seas! I met a number of really cool friends on the ship, it resulted in karaoke-ing, dancing in the club and just chilling till the wee hours in the morning. It was enchanting to meet them and I have absolutely no regrets. Those magical memories will remain with me for a very, very long time and I'm beyond glad we're still in contact. My fingers and nose are crossed tightly, hoping that we'd continue being in each other's lives. The Mediterranean cruise was amazing and I'd love to do it all over again! My extended family were there on the ship as well and let's say it was the best feeling ever to have your loved ones with you after a whole year.

Hashtag: Infinitely blessed

Unfortunately, a part of me felt a bit empty after we said goodbye and parted ways at the terminal. Reality hit me, reminding me that physically we won't be with each other for the next year and it stirred up an odd feeling in me. Ya know that feeling where you grew used to not having your family around and then you see them and you're filled with a magical sort of hope and finally that hope is ripped away when reality hits and you're back to being alone. Sigh, it's alright, it's only about 7-8 more months to go from now!

Stoked!

Till the next post.

Compromising Compromises.

There's a reason I did what I did.

I can't fully justify it but I had no choice.

Then Skylar Grey's 'I know you' came on my iTunes playlist and it was the first time I listened to the lyrics. 

It hit me. It was like a sharp slap across my face.

"I have been patient, but slowly I'm losing faith"

Maybe it's the truth. I have been patient for far too long and there was little progress. In fact, the entire thing deteriorated into a certain dark depth I can't explain and can't tolerate. 

For anything in life to work between two parties, there has to be compromise- business agreements, parties, relationships, arrangements and even basic negotiation. However, there is a limit and the final straw that bends with abuse of the idea of compromise. It eventually breaks.

I've been lying to myself, saying it'll work out, to compromise and learn to accept it all. I can accept flaws and imperfection but there actually has to be light at the end of the tunnel and not just darkness.

I don't recognise myself or the person I turned to, to just give in to everything so easily. 

I've finally woken up. 

I've been compromising too much. 

Fortunately, I've always been the type of person who puts family and friends and God first. At least I know deep down that God, family and friends? 

They are forever. 

EDC UK 2015

Yes, i am finally doing a post on EDC UK 2015. Saturday, 11th July 2015.

It was sick.

They say you remember your firsts. Your first kiss, your first love, your first dance, your first car. I remember the first moment I fell in love with EDM. That is why I am so honoured to have EDC UK 2015 listed as my first EDM festival. What's more is that the Kinetic Cathedral was brought all the way from Vegas to UK for its first year debut here! So blessed I swear!

We don't need to pop to get on the same high.

Of course, the line up was incredible. Four stages in total for the whole day and Bernie & I were at the main KineticField- Kinetic Cathedral stage 90% of the time. It was really tiring though, the crowd, the people, the heat. It was tiring but it was so worth it. There were so many DJs playing but then we chose a few to stay in the middle of the floor during the entire set and we rested and refuel-ed for the next set. I didn't go for the alcohol, or for the sake of going to a festival just to say I've been to one, or to get high and completely wasted or to torture my body with laughing gas or pills. I actually went because I loved the line up. My favourite people were going to be playing all in one day and it was pretty affordable and it didn't go on for three days and the timing was great. I didn't need to put any crap into my body to have a good time.

Hardwell. Steve Aoki. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and of course the king himself, Tiesto.

They slayed it, one after another. Without even trying. Hardwell pulled out all the stops, he killed it omg. Steve Aoki got the crowd wild. It was so good! When he did a tribute to Disney I was smiling from ear to ear. From Lion King to Madagascar to big hits like Wonderwall and Holy Grail. Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, what else can I say? Tremor was literally a crowd pleaser, as expected. To be honest I was hoping that Martin Garrix would appear as their special guest on the set and do Tremor with them. I was disappointed but oh well, next time! They spun their new track too, Higher Place, it was a collaboration with Ne-Yo. When it was 9:30pm, the crowd was chanting for Tiesto. Literally. Chanting. His name. Before he even appeared and even after he ended the festival at 11pm. When Tiesto did Red Lights I felt emotionally high i swear! It was so so good, as always! Honestly, it's a whole different experience being at a live festival where you could feel the bass bouncing and vibrating off the grounds and going through your body and watch the effects take place. Now I can't blast their tracks in my room or through earpods without the thought that it isn't anything as amazing as being at a live festival.

The crowd was pretty amazing as well. There were a lot of Americans. And Asians. Tons of Asians. I was surprised. Needless to say, a few of them had the resting bitch faces then they gave me the famous Asian bitchy up-down glares. Typical *sigh*.

One of the most amazing things is that -> patriotism to one's country was evident. People from different nationalities gathered in a group in different parts of the crowd and raised and waved the flag of their country. It was a sign of unity. I thought it was so beautiful, that the world in a way came together as one at an epic music festival, regardless of their beliefs or political situation or even race or color and just enjoyed the music. It would have been perfect with Calvin Harris, Zedd, Martin Garrix, Alesso and Markus Schulz too but then it's alright, there's always next time!

When we arrived at the hostel after the festival at 3 in the morning, my sneakers were completely filthy. We could tell, because they were brand new and were black in the morning. The next two days, my voice was gone and my entire body ached like crazy - truly the aftermath of an amazing time. It was a reminder of the incredible time and experience at EDC UK 2015.

Repost : Tiesto.

If you say "EDC UK 2015" to Bernie or I, you'll see a smile creep up. It was truly amazing. I wish I could do it all over again, without the queuing. Who wouldn't though? Looking at this photograph above, professionally taken of the Kinetic Cathedral, I can't help but smile and just reminisce the good times. I still can't believe I was there.


BIG DREAM OF MINE
A group of us should go together and raise the Malaysian or Filipino flag. 
Like a huge group, at least 10. I'll pretend to be Filipino if I have to, honestly. 

My instagram was filled with videos and clips and magic after the 11th of July. Check out @pokerfaceeeyyy for the videos! 

University Open Days

This post will be about *drumrolls* University Open Days - this is as obvious as it gets!

As you know, I'm on my summer break now and I'll be back in college for A2 in September. Regarding university? I'll be applying for the 2016 intake and I'll start applying for it in a few months. Many people told me that it is important to visit the universities I'm interested in mainly to get a feeling of the place and bask in the vibe it gives out. True enough, i get why they told me to do so after I visited Bristol University and University of Reading.

It isn't enough to do a ton of research on the university. It also isn't good enough to take someone's word for it. If that someone is respectable, has good knowledge or legitimate ties to the city or university then great! However, if that isn't the case.. then don't. Especially if it's a younger, inexperienced wannabe who voluntarily throws advice at you.

Lesson here : DO go to open days. Or at least visit the university grounds.

Bristol. Absolutely beautiful, lively, colorful and hot! Seriously, it was hot and sunny. I have a hideously ridiculous tan line where my leggings ended and mocs started. Bristol University is a city university- as in 3 in 5 buildings you walk by in the city belong to the university. Literally, the Wills Memorial Building, the beautiful tower in the third picture below is just ONE of many other buildings owned by the university. In a way, the students are exposed to the "Real world". The city itself is darling. The art and graffiti would usually be considered vandalism but somehow it fits in with the city and contributes to the urban, artsy and edgy vibe. It is also home to a famous political street artist/graffiti artist Banksy.

The course I was looking into was just as great as expected. It didn't really take me by surprise. Maybe it's because of the fact that Bristol University is one of the Russell Group Universities. The Student Union got me beyond excited. In addition to the ridiculously high number of clubs and societies they have, they are involved with the environment, charity work and student life. They also have a Cheese Club!

However, one thing that honestly bugged me was the crowd and the traffic. I know they're all about going green but hun, the gridlock did not help at all. Part of me felt like I was back in KL when I was stuck in a traffic jam for about 30 minutes. Another thing is the fact that being a city university/campus, random people or tourists or beggars or unsavoury characters could wander around, loitering even and you can't say anything about it. It is a free country after all. It's probably me being paranoid and probably because I'm so used to North Wales. I just can't imagine the fact that it is too exposed and free that you could be living in the heart of the city, going to classes and your home surrounded by not only students but strangers as well. Literal strangers. It isn't a big deal, but the idea just irks me.

Reading is the opposite of Bristol. It's a campus university where everything is in a specific area. The university has its own lake and that is pretty cool. They have nature trails and clearings where one can sit, be close to Mother Nature and watch the ducks and swans. That. Is. Pretty. Amazing.

I love the fact that the student union in Reading is pretty amazing too, they have their own night club and student hangout spots and club nights. Yes I know I shouldn't be checking out the party life, but I can't help it, it's a bonus. Most importantly, I love the structure of the law course. Honestly, I'm impressed with Bristol but the law course in Reading offers so many different options and has great depth. I love how they approach it at another angle, and how the professor is so direct and honest about the course. In addition to that, the law building (picture below) used to belong to either Oxford or Cambridge, according to Nathalie, my guide around the campus who was really nice. The building - so gorgeous. The red brick walls do not actually make me miserable but it feels homely and "Harry Potter-ish".

I didn't take that many pictures when I was at Reading because we were in a rush. With the support of Christine and Diane, I got through the day. Thank God. After that, we went for an early dinner. We ate in an adorable pub in a quaint little town nearby. Posh, gorgeous and peaceful Henley on Thames. Yes, like the river.

Overall, it was a really good couple of days. Shopping at Cabot Circus after the Bristol open day and a short drive around beautiful Henley on Thames after Reading Open day. I've only been to two open days and I already feel conflicted.

Dear God, help me.

19.

21st June 1996, at 7:36pm Malaysian time, my mum gave the final push and out i popped.

"And thus a legend was born"- in Giovanni's words.

Thank you mummy! Thank you Dad! Happy Father's Day to you and all the superheroes out there. Thank you both for raising me for 19 years. I thank God for absolutely everything, I am truly infinitely blessed.

Happy Father's Day to my Superhero !

I am officially 19 and it was truly an amazing day. I slept around 2:45am after birthday calls from le Ghee Ko & Sharon and then Yenn & Foong. So touched i swear! I woke up after hearing soft, gentle knocks on my door at 8:30am. Yes it sounded creepy because when i called out groggily "who is it?", there was no reply but the knock came again.

I got up and stumbled over to the door, eyes squinting - asian eyes evident first thing in the morning. It was Jane with presents from the family and Gill and an epic card in her hands! Jon was at the back laughing at the half asleep state i was in. She said "I know it's 8:30 and this is really mean, but Happy Birthday!" I was like "Awww thank youuuuu guys!" Hashtag most epic host parents ever! Long story short, after skyping with my parents, we had a double celebration lunch, Uncle Hiep made special Vietnamese pancakes which were the bomb! The whole family came over and it was so nice! Then the chocolate birthday cake, i was and still am so touched i swear! Alex gave me about 7 hugs today and kisses too! Yes he is so adorable and he turns my heart into goey fudge. HASHTAG LOTSOFLOVE.

#infinitelyblessed

What topped my 19th birthday on the Summer Solstice with strawberries, sprinkles, chocolate, fudge, and magic dust on top of the already perfectly iced cake? It was the birthday wishes, calls and cards and most importantly, the LOVE from both family and friends in Malaysia and UK. I'd like to thank everyone for the warm wishes, calls, gifts, cards and the love.

 I really thank God for absolutely everything as I'm honestly infinitely blessed. I am going to start using the hashtag #infinitelyblessed.

Till the next post!

Countdown to Summer 2015!

Summer is right around the corner.

You know summer is coming when..

Red arrows show in Llandudno kicks off the season?

Barbecues take place.

You can sit on the shore enjoying the sea breeze. Llandudno.

Your summer clothes are out. Llandrillo College.

You can have sunny afternoons by the sea. Rhos on Sea.

It means in the UK, we have longer hours of daylight, which can both be good and bad. For example, the sun is actually up- shining in my face, annoying the hell out of me at 5 in the morning. On the other hand, it gets dark only around 10-ish at night. This i admit, can be pretty cool.

You know summer is around the corner when ^this^ is 9:30pm.

I'm technically unofficially on holiday. Summer break officially begins after the 19th of June. My birthday falls on the 21st of June. It marks the start of a beautiful summer, my first of many summers to come in UK. To make it even more interesting, it is the "longest day" of the year - something about the sun and rotation of the earth on its axis! I have more hours of sunlight on my birthday!

I have tons planned for Summer 2015 and I can't wait to enjoy every single moment of every single day because life is too beautiful to be down, miserable or depressed. Oh, one of my goals this summer is to blog more. And yes, i shall be instagram-ing my experiences *wink wink*

All in all, life has been amazing.

I swear. Amazing.

I have God to thank for everything, for my family and friends, for my life in UK and this opportunity.

Till the next post x

Life after AS.

It's been a few months since I last blogged. Well, a lot has happened since my last post but there are no drastic changes whatsoever. My college lecturers have been amazing, as usual.

It's pretty nice to think that I have no hatred or resentment to any one of them as opposed to the ones back home. I still remember how I had at least two teachers i disliked with a burning passion each year in high school. Some people are just so hard to like. However, there are a number of teachers I've kept in contact with until today. It's fascinating, in fact, I honestly think it's magical that they became more than just teachers throughout the years.

AS just ended a couple days ago. To celebrate, I went for lunch at Hickory's with the group before going to the park and the beach. It was amazing.

Life after AS. It's only been a few days and for now, i can say that..

It's amazing.

It's a breath of fresh air.

It's a countdown to Summer 2015 for me and I'm really looking forward to it.

The best is yet to come.

Sodomy? What.

I just have to get this off my chest.

I don't get how someone can be actually charged or attempted to be charged with sodomy. Not pointing fingers or stating names but I actually pity people who came up with the frightfully bright idea of having sodomy as an offence of some sort. It just shows how uncreative, lousy at their job and desperate they are. I get that it may actually be illegal in the eyes of certain people due to religion etc. Talking about sodomy in this context, I'm excluding the reference to "beastiality" by the way. I understand that it might even be legibly written in the law as a crime but I think what happens behind closed bedroom doors supposedly behind prying eyes between lovers (or a plus one) is no business of the world. Just because homophobic bigots frown upon same-sex relationships and sex between same-sex couples, doesn't mean its a crime.

Everybody deserves a chance to be happy.

Yes, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or religion. Just because someone finds happiness with a person of the opposite sex, it doesn't mean it should be a fact exploited and used against them in the eyes of the law. But then again manipulation and pathetic, weak lies are the only thing some people can resort to isn't it?

I probably should stop typing now, I might be the one charged with another ridiculous offence of some sort for some idiotic reason.

It's common knowledge that the voices of the next generation will only be heard.. if it is what certain people want to hear. 

Quality trumps Quantity.

People who are matured enough to understand this completely are the best type of people.

Quality trumps quantity any time.

Door closing on 2014 & opening to 2015!

2014 was an absolutely amazing year filled with a smashin' amount of highlights.

Most of the important things I've learnt revolves around family, friendship, faith, myself and love.

I'm pretty proud to say I grew up a lot in a year. Thank God for that. I saw the world through a different pair of eyes. I saw what I wanted to be, what I didn't want to be; I saw through lies and plastic, love & be loved, learnt through pain and hurting. Whatever it was that I went through, I came out stronger and that's what counts.

As nearly 3 quarters of 2014 had been about waiting for my September intake in college, I used those amazing months to learn more about the world and myself. Yes, I played more music and i picked up cooking too if you're wondering. There had been people who implied in conversations that I was wasting 8 months of my life doing nothing. I totally disagree because I think those 8 months were probably the most relaxing time of my life. Those 8 amazing months were spent exploring myself. Literally, learning more about myself. I had not as much external pressure, my parents were amazing, they don't push or pressure me because they know I don't need to be pushed and pressure. One of the best blessed thing is that my parents have never pushed or pressured me to chase someone elses' dreams but to pursue mine and I am so blessed to have them. I know some other parents do that to their kids and honestly that isn't cool because at the end of the day, it is the child that will work that particular "9-5" job and there is nothing worse than going to a place to do a job and have a career you didn't want every single day.

I did an IELTs class at British Council KL & then my IELTs test. It was pretty cool meeting people from around the world and all. Loved it!

I enjoyed my part time job at Kidzania KL for a few months where it definitely strengthened me. One of the sad things I learnt there is that "the customer is always right". I swear i used to think Gandhi or whoever was kidding, until I had to apologise sincerely through gritted teeth with a genuinely fake smile for things that were beyond my control on a number of different occasions. Sigh, it's true, the customer is always right even if they're wrong. Of course there had been work politics as well, racially and politically but as I said, it strengthened me.

I read. I read a lot. Even more. I read tons of books I didn't get the chance to in high school. I'm glad I did because even though I come off as a bookworm, I love the knowledge and wisdom of the ages and nothing could take that away.

I hung for a week in Singapore with my aunt and that was where I realised I need to ensure I land an extremely high-paying job. This is because of my expensive taste in accommodation, food, labels, confectionary-you name it!

I joined the 97s on their trip to Malacca as well and that was pretty amazing. Bonding with the juniors had been cool. That was where I learnt that Malacca is a creepy place.

Oh, and of course there was chaperoning the juniors in their debate and helping them out just a wee bit here and there. That made me realise that most people are small-minded-overly-conservative bigots because apparently my skirt was "too short". As i had to dress professionally, I wore a pencil-skirt lookalike (which was under the office-clothing section in M&Spencer) and a white and light pink spotted button up along with a blazer and heels. Apparently, my skirt was inappropriate regardless to the universal fact that it was an office apparel. Sighhh.

I also took an epic trip to Penang with the gang and stayed on to see my extended family towards the last few months. We went for a very, very nice dinner (wink-wink*) Oh, that trip opened my heart to appreciate cars more since public transport in Penang, especially the bus was unreliable. Ghee and Sharon had me over and we hung out and it was amaze-balls. Then I bunked @ Chimpo's. She's the best grand-aunt who's not even that old. I swear she doesn't look her age! I wish i will age gracefully like her when i'm 60. Then of course there's my E, Koo & dear Kong. They are the bomb. Gawd, I'm pretty sure I put on weight during that trip.

Of course, even though I'm out of the academic scene for about 8 months, I still had a ridiculous amount of teenage drama. Half of that drama was caused by young adults, adults, old people. I admit I was pretty upset about it but then again it all made me stronger. So, one of my New year resolutions is to stop being nice to those who don't appreciate it. Looking back, I only have myself to blame for the bitches who've been so nasty to me, I gave them an open door to be mean and step on me by being submissive and being too nice. I am now only going to be nice to those who deserve it. Lesson learnt.

Let's not forget all the birthday parties, house parties and surprise parties-and oh- the hangouts, movie days, joyrides, late night snacking, sleepovers, midnight meals, excessive shopping & bitching! Each and every single one of the get-togethers meant a lot to me. My friends have been absolutely amazing. They're such a blessing in my life. I have no time to list every single person out but if I've told you that you meant alot to me, or if I've hugged you and didn't let go, or if I've said "love ya, love you long time" or insulted you playfully, or told you I missed you, consider yourself in my heart. It's not easy to find friends that have the same interests or views and it's even harder to find friends with the same frequency, chemistry and bromance. I love you guys tons.

Oh, brightest highlight of the year so far was 26th August 2014. The flight that marked a new beginning of another chapter in my life. Life in UK is absolutely amazing. I'm so happy with everything! The fresh air, lifestyle and scenery are all doing me good. I met tons of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Racist, non-racist, friendly, hostile, bitchy for no reason, users, liars, sweethearts, you name it! I also spent October break & New Year's Eve in London with Aunty Li & Swee. It was so amazing! Love them tons!

I get people asking me If I miss my parents and my friends, of course I miss them but we Skype and talk a lot. A LOT. So yes I miss them but I'll survive. It's not a matter where *SOBS* I MISS MY PARENTS *CRIES*. It's a normal missing them, where you can survive. And oh, i'm not homesick. HEE. Thank God. My host family here are absolutely the best. I regret to inform those who claim that they have the best host family that they are wrong. Mine are just THE best. I also had tons of firsts in UK. For example, I had an actual picnic on the Great Orme overlooking the town, it was really fun. I had my first Halloween @ Im's where i went as a Vampire. I also had my first proper Christmas and saw how the magic worked, it's honestly a Parent's love and determination that makes it work. I had my first ever Boxing day celebration with ice-snow outside which was amazing. Oh, plus I actually study in the school's library. Seriously, don't laugh. It's an actual library with books. Honestly, I don't care that I come off as a nerd at times. Work hard, play hard. Play big or go home.

My extended and immediate family have been well amazing. My parents have been the best. They are so loving and supportive. Most parents would freak that their kid is halfway around the globe, they didn't. They allowed me to spread my wings and fly. Thank God, for absolutely everything. I never thought I'd be in UK for my A-levels. I honestly never thought it would have been possible. As i said, thank God.

Of course, let's not forget that special person that taught me to love again. That special person that makes me a better person inside out. That special person that accepts me for me, my flaws and imperfections. Thank you, for being such a blessing in my life.

That was my 2014 in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to an even better 2015 and what God has in store for me!

Cheers, Ace.