Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run 2013 | I was Zumba-fied!

by Daniel Chiam

The 13th Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run 2013 took place last Saturday on the 21 September 2013, is an annual fun run with its main purpose is to raise funds for the selected beneficiaries. This year, the beneficiaries for the charity goes to the Sabah Thalassaemia Society and Special Olympics Sabah.

I guess this is the fun run that everyone can't wait to be apart of since the amount of people turnout on that day was massive! Big, small, young, old, black, white, Sabahan and non-Sabahan are just there to support the charity event. The huge turnout was greatly appreciated by the organizer.

Photo Source: Sutera Harbour Facebook Page

Previoulsy during BIM2013, it was my first time witnessing Zumba upclose and personal but the Zumba performances after the 7K run was my first time being Zumba-fied! The crowd was cheering, shouting and everyone was so hype up and it got me all excited to shoot the whole atmosphere as well.

Hats off to the ZFS Zumba team who worked really hard that day and I believe they were called for an encore for a few times because of how much the crowd love them. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the video that I have made for the event:

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Here's Some Library Etiquette

by Daniel Chiam

I am writing this post from inside the library of University Malaysia Sabah. Initially I was doing my work, when all of a sudden this group of student sitting two table away from me starting to talk loudly when some of their friends joined them.

This group of students talks loudly in the library of University Malaysia Sabah

I don't know about you but library etiquette was something that was taught or made known to me at a very young age. Unless you NEVER visited any library before, you will not know what the rules are then, but I believe even before you step into a library, there will be a few signs that will let you know how to behave inside a library.

Apparently these bunch of students are either being ignorance or just plain inconsiderate. So because of that, I will be sharing with you some of the basic library etiquette that you MUST remember when in a library.

01. KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN

It's a freakin' library and not a night market for you to hard sell some of your cheap stuff. If you want to share your life stories with your friends or have a group discussion then I suggest you find another place where you can freely and audibly express yourself. In a library keep your voice at 0, and 1 when talking.

02. PLACE BACK THE BOOK(S) THAT YOU TOOK

Just DON'T BE LAZY! If you took a book to be use, please please please put it back to where you found the book at first. Someone might be looking for the same book and because of your laziness, they can't find that book at it's section. Don't make it hard for others, be considerate.

03. DO NOT EAT or DRINK

Mainly for cleanliness purposes, please don't create the opportunity for the place to be dirty and also the books to be stained by your food and drink. I don't wish to have any ants or cockroaches to run around while I'm trying to get my work done or reading a book that smells like freakin' KFC.

Those are the very basic library etiquette that you must know when using the library. Just remember that the library is not your personal room or a private lounge for you and your friends to hangout. There are many others who are using the library for the peace and quite that it provides to get some work done. So please, be a considerate user and don't be a distraction to others.

Do you have any experience where some bugger(s) is just so annoying in the library? What did you do when bugger(s) like that is around? Share it down at the comment box below.

Photo source 1, 2

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Do I Really Need It or I Just Want It Badly?

by Anwarul Amirah Bt Zulkifli

Whenever we pass the toys or candies aisle, we would probably see a kid throwing a tantrum because they want something from the shelf. May it be a new cool toy being constantly advertised on tv or just a colorful-eye-catching-wrapped candy.  Don’t deny it. We were once that kid once upon a time and hey- may still be like that deep in our conscience. How is that, you may ask? Well.. Just like our child-self, we have a blurry and vague concept of what we want and need.

We justify the things we purchase as something we dying-ly need. Like that new-in-fashion tops or shoes. We’ll say things like, “I REALLY need this” when in actual fact, we have tons of clothes in our closet. Or another scenario, suddenly feeling this relenting guilt after buying something. Does that sound familiar?

What we need to do first when we face this ‘wants vs needs’ situation is ask ourselves, ‘Is it something I need?’ or ‘Is it something I would like to have?’. When you have that answered, further ask yourself, ‘What is the purpose of it?’, ‘Is it really necessary?’ and ‘Can I afford it?’. For instance, you need your own transport to commute to work. You have a choice of a fuel sufficient car with a low monthly commitment and another smokin’ hot car which probably will hurt your wallet. What you need would be the first choice and what you want would be the latter. This goes for almost everything. 

Always jot down the pros and cons of each choice. Measure what is the best option, then, wallah!, there’s your answer! Although, I’m not saying that wanting to have what you want is a crime. But it won’t hurt to be more alert of what you purchase and for what reasons. Not only that, save a few bucks for those rainy days you may encounter some time down the road. I do advise you to reward yourself by getting something you want once a month or so for being such a good spender.

Image source: 1

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Dumb Down for Love

by Aemy Nadira 

"No Malaysian men wants to date or marry someone who's smarter than them."

- Anonymous, 2012

Wow, seriously? Is it really a case of beauty over brains when it comes to love? Oh no. Blame it on Hollywood and what it does to men and women nowadays. With stars like Brooklyn Decker and Scarlett Johansson becoming a huge sensation in the media for their attractiveness, women are led to believe in order to attract men, it won't do them any good to quote Shakespeare's. So these women got the idea to hide their intelligence and play with their hair and giggle like a schoolgirl instead.

I've asked a male friend whether he prefers a girlfriend who is smarter or one who is a bimbo. He said he wants more than just a pretty girlfriend. A bimbo would suffice for a short-term thing only. But for a long-term relationship, he'd want someone who's smarter than him in some aspects. I couldn't agree more. 

Sadly, women are easily influenced by movies where the dumb blonde cheerleader gets all attentions while the Math genius gets none at all. They fear that the more they accomplished, the more they may have to sacrifice. So better dumb than lonely, huh? Maybe it's a case of low self-esteem, or a case of not wanting to be an outcast of marriage story. Whatever it is, many women are willing to drop their standards and date someone who doesn't value intelligence. 

In a way, being too intelligent could be a buster though. I myself find it tough dealing with a friend who's smarter at everything. I have to shut her up by saying "that's what I meant" whenever she points out my mistakes. Correcting me is good but in a way, it's annoying when a simple thing becomes complicated. And she's still single.

Still, playing dumb is not the key for a relationship. There's no chance of you playing the dumb game for a long time. Yeah there are guys who need hot chic to just stand by them, which serves no purpose. Trust me, there are also guys that are really looking for a life partner, not a Barbie doll. 

At the end of the day, it's all about being yourself. You deserve someone who appreciates your intelligence and loves you for who you really are. Honesty and sincerity go a long way. :)

Photo source: 1, 2

Checkout Aemy at emynadira.com for more of her updates!



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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My Breast Cancer Story: Just Suntin

by Just Suntin from Just 2 Story


It’s the month for Breast Cancer Awareness! It's the month of pink!

Here I am, proudly declaring that I am one of the breast cancer survivor, who has just completed the whole required treatments 3 months ago.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 2B just a year ago exactly on this date (25 October)! How could I forget? It was me and my husband's 8th year Anniversary as a couple and we were supposed to celebrate it happily with our pre-ordered cake. 

I first found out about the unusual lumps on my right breast two weeks earlier. I managed to stay calm yet worried at the same time. Then I went for an ultrasound and mammogram at the hospital, and thereafter I proceed with a biopsy.

I burst into tears when the doctor break the news to me! It broke my heart even more when the doctor suggested that I should go with mastectomy (removal of whole breast). I know its not the end of the world yet, but it was not easy to accept what's happening at that time. I was only 32 years old back then!

That night all of us (my husband and my mom) was sadden by the news. Somehow, my husband and I still manage to cut our 8th Anniversary cake.

Eventually, I didn't proceed with mastectomy. I went for a second opinion and was glad that Dr. Patricia Gomez, a Breast Cancer Specialist from Hospital Pantai KL (Bangsar) advised me to proceed with lumpectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the lump) instead of mastectomy.

So I went with the lumpectomy surgery.

Still can smile couple hours after the surgery! Not bad huh!

I was asked to rest for a month after the lumpectomy surgery before I get to start with the scariest treatment – chemotherapy. I Googled on others experiences to prepare myself and at least, I know what to expect. I was concern about losing all my hair. Experiencing hair falls and being bald is the last thing that every woman want in their life!

Then again, I was blessed when I was found negative for HER2 receptor, a much more aggressive type of breast cancer if compared with the rest.

I started my first cycle of chemotherapy on 3rd of December 2011. I had to go through 2 parts of chemotherapy. Part 1 consists of 4 cycles of chemotherapy and Part 2 consists of 12 cycles of chemotherapy. A standard cycle is 6! 

The chemotherapy

Even though Part 1 was quite tough, I am glad that I don’t really experience all the side-effect such as nausea, vomit, constipation, sleeping problems, extreme lack of appetite, etc. The strong dosage of drugs only made me feel fatigue for couple of days after each cycle. Other than that, I hate it when I was infected with flu and cough. That was when I feel very ill cause it will takes 2-3 weeks for me to recover.

Balding

My hair started to fall tremendously 2 weeks after the 1st cycle. To my surprise, for the first time in my life, I can’t wait to be bald! Well, it was actually better than seeing your hair on your pillow every time when you wake up in the morning. Wait till you see all the hairs on the bathroom’s floor! 

Being bald and enjoy at the same time! Positive!!

My kids were asking why am I bald. So, we explained that mommy is not well. Mommy is sick and I am really glad to have them around because they are my source of strength to fight this decease positively!

Covering baldness! 

Guess what? Hubby and I even made it to Universal Studio Singapore when I was still on my chemotherapy treatments. The flight tickets was purchased months before and we were already excited for the 1-night trip. So yeah... why not!

Radiotherapy

Upon the completion of my chemotherapy, I started my 25+8 daily sessions of radiotherapy in June. It didn't really cause me any problems. It was a very quick 3-minutes-laying-down-process with minor side effects.  

Today, it has been 3 months since I completed all my treatments. I feel really good and my hair is growing back too! Yay!! 

I just want to the opportunity here to thank my company for taking care of my medical bills. In fact, I was on paid MC for 9 months! 

Me, myself and I! Photo taken on 21/10/2012

It was a long journey yet I am so bless to have great people around me especially my husband, my mom and my lovely kids.  You all had helped me to get through a very difficult time in my life.

Last but not least, my advice to all woman, please perform BSE (Breast Self-Examination) regularly and do go for ultrasound or mammogram if you are already above 40. Breast cancer can happen to anyone regardless of their age, and early detection is always better.

Do visit Just's blog to read all her cancer story in details.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Shopping Tips: Why You Should Spend More Sometimes

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com

Photo source: Très Bien Shop

A few years ago when I was still new to the working world, I did a major shopping spree to prepare myself for my first real job. One of the plan was to get a few decent dress shirts. As a freshman, my instinct naturally let price tag triumphed over quality and my preferences.

My mindset was very simple: If you pay lesser for each piece, you can buy a lot more!

So there was a Brand X dress shirt at RM80, and then a Brand Y at RM 130. Obviously, I took Brand X, thinking that I've made a wise decision even thought I wanted Y, and I actually could afford it.

So barely after 4 months, reality called and my Brand X shirt started to looked very washed out, fabric's pilling, and honestly I didn't feel comfortable in it cause it wasn't that breathable. Thinking that it was normal, I bought the same shirt from Brand X again, which later also lasted around 4 months.

Eventually I bought Brand Y. And guess what? It lasted a year, plus better comfort.

Come to think of it: I actually spent more with Brand X even though it was the cheaper option in the first place.

Does this sound familiar to you?

I've been through many times of the same situations but on different things, before I finally made up my mind to only spend on items that I fall head over heels. If I can't afford it now, I'll just wait until I can afford it later.

That saved me some money in the long run, and it also brings unexpected benefits:

You'll be Happier

Getting the thing you really like is different from settling for an alternative. You'd naturally be happier if you got what you desired. Knowing my favourite shirt fits well and look good, I'd also appear more confident and at ease.

Re-evaluate Your Need

When you decided to save money for your dreamed item, you actually give yourself some time to think about your decision again. "Should I buy it? Do I need it? Is there something else that I should spend on first?" It might help you save your money and make a wiser decision.

Create Less Waste

Sometimes when you settle for less, you might end up leaving the items unused. For example, the Brand X shirt mentioned. I might have just leave it in my closet after wearing it 2 times and buy new shirts from other brands that are more comfortable and similar to Brand Y. It will take up space in my closet and eventually I'll run out of idea where to store them when new shirts come in.

My experience tells me that I'm more likely to wear what I actually like more often.

This useful idea helped me to understand how the other fashion bloggers can afford more clothes (not all fashion bloggers have silver-spoon). It also can apply to almost anything from purchasing car to buying a new house. It's all about buying the right things.

It's shopping season now and I hope this will help you.

All the best!

Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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What Is "Chic"?

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com

"Chic" – not the word "Chick" or a word in any way related to girls or young women – is an important fashion element that influences a person's appearance and personal style.

Black, Simple and Chic

In Malaysia, you may be more familiar with terms like Street Style, Punk, Lala / Ah-Beng-style, Gothic, Preppy, Casual, Trendy etc when describing a person's style, but hardly the word "chic". We're never really know about "chic", as it's not a Malaysian value in our local culture.

"Chic" is a word borrowed from French, which means Elegant, Stylish & Fashionable (from the Dictionary). Being chic is different from being trendy, as being chic simply focuses on what suits you and flatters you, rather than wearing the most popular style out there today. French people are experts in being chic and that explains why "Parisian Chic" is so well-received among the fashionista and Francophiles.

"Parisian Chich" by Ines de la Fressange

While people may interpret "what is chic" differently, but here's a list of the common traits displayed by chic styles according from my point of view:

1. Always look dressed-up (even a little)

Being chic means you look elegant & stylish, even when you just rolled out of bed and rushing to work, or when you're just dropping by the nearby kopitiam. You can be cincai (sloppy), but don't overly cincai. At least shows up in a nice t-shirt & styled hair.

2. Simple & Subtle

They are always simple in overall coordination and subtle in colors. Maybe a black pants and a white shirt, and a pop of color, but never complicated. It's about quality, not quantity.

Most of the times, you can always spots staples like basic white shirt, dark blue jeans, navy blazer, nautical stripes etc repeating.

Accessories are good to have but keep it to minimal, or just wear 1 or 2 pieces of bold accessories. For men, you may consider investing in at least a signature timepiece.

3. Well-fitted

Fitting is important, and ill-fitted attire make you looks sluggish. Size matters.

Just like other types of skill or art, being chic requires learning (as what I've been doing) it is an art that you can practice regardless of your location and settings. When you can be effortlessly chic, you've certainly mastered one of the most valued skill in the fashion & life.

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a chic day. Share your thoughts here! :)

Photos sources: Pinterest and YesStyle

Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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The Blessed Month of Ramadan

by Aemy Nadira 

Finally, it's here; the blessed month of Ramadan! As a time to purify the soul, Ramadan is so much bigger than just the absence of food and drink throughout the day. It's time to make peace with people, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and break the bad habits. Muslims are excited and already setting goals for their Ramadan this year.  

However, to reach the goals of fasting, we go through some difficulties in Ramadan. We may have the same challenge on a normal days, but in Ramadan, those challenges are taken up a notch or two. Glancing at the clock becomes the typical thing to do all day during Ramadan. It doesn't only teach us to have enough willpower to turned away from temptations, but also teaches us how to manage our time wisely. It would be a waste of time if we spend the whole day sleeping in without getting the benefits of fasting.

There are many ways to prevent from the void of fasting. Try to take some time out for a little walk instead of lazing away. Go out and be charitable, like; giving donations to the poors and feed the orphans. A man's wealth is never diminished by charity.

In Ramadan, moderation is the key. Islam is a way of life and it reflects the need of balance in everything. It’s the month of control, anyways. No, it doesn’t mean you starve all day, all night. Just make a little extra food and pass it on to a neighbor, or someone needy you might come across on the road. A little good deed goes a long way, especially in Ramadan.

Don't just solely focus on the food. Read the holy book of al-Quran. Read stories about Prophets and share them with the younger ones, enlighten them about the importance of Ramadan.

Let's treat this month as if it's the last Ramadan that we have because time won't wait. In fact, Muslims and non-Muslims alike can benefit because we should all learn not to let the clock beat us and steal our holiest times. Time is a beast that doesn’t wait, and this life’s virtues are not always obvious. So let's grab every chance we have and make the best out of it.

Happy Ramadan, everyone!

Photos source: Google image

Checkout Aemy at emynadira.com for more of her updates!



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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February 13: Desperation Day

by Daniel Chiam

Barney Stinson the Guru of Awesomeness

I've come to know 'Desperation Day' from Barney Stinson in HIMYM. It's logic, make sense and that's why I'm sharing it here in room8five today :D

February 14 is Valentine's Day, where all the couples are out there having romantic dinner and intimate time with each other. As for some of the singles ladies (and men), they felt the need of going out for a date on Valentine's Day also.

They have the sense that it is not normal to go through Valentine's Day alone and without a date. So, when Vday is approaching and there is none yet to be going out on a date with them, they starts to become desperate for one, and will be willing to settle with whoever that asked them out for a date. 

Thus February 13 is known as Desperation Day (for the singles)!

I know it may sound silly for some, but you can't ignore the fact that there will be people who is desperate for a date on Vday. So if you still have some of the oranges from Chap Goh Mei, why not try to give the person a call and see if they wanted to go out for a date on Valentine's Day with you or not, haha (provided if you are looking for a date also), if they are desperate, chances are they will say "yes".

PS: Try at your own risk. No success rate is guaranteed as this is something I learned from a tv series xD

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Happy Chap Goh Mei 2012

Happy Chap Goh Mei to everyone! Now its time to really start the better and greater year of 2012, haha.

Chap Goh Mei is the 15th day of Chinese New Year which mark the last day of the celebration also. After the 15th day, everyone will be going back to their routine again, and business will be open as usual. 

Chap Goh Mei is also the Chinese version of Valentine's Day. Unmarried girls will throw out oranges with their personal information into the lake, sea, river and et cetera, hoping that the right guy will come and pick up their oranges.

Well, single guys out there, hopefully tonight you will come back with some oranges. Don't hesitate to call, text or email them, haha. Who knows that she is the one for you :D

Have a great celebration people! =)

Expensive Informations

Most of you are very familiar with Lok Lok, a steamboat meal on wheels. I would never purposely went to Lok Lok just to eat, because its darn expensive and not worth the money... not until yesterday night. Yes I broke my own rule and I ate. Let's do more workout!

I was just emotional, sick, lonely and hungry. Staying inside the room alone with nothing to do is just so depressing. So I went out to take a fresh air and decided to eat Lok Lok that has been ages parked nearby my condo and I have never once visited it.

Being the normal me, I am very approachable, easy to talk with and basically I'm just friendly. I ended up chatting with the guy who is taking care of the Lok Lok. Apparently he's also from Sabah, has been here for almost 8 years now, an ACCA graduate and is getting married next year. 

Only through our conversation, I get to know that this Lok Lok business is actually a product, a franchise and those people that drive around the vehicle are only the sales person. Lok Lok is an organization, and all this while I thought its an individual business.

According to the guy, their basic salary for a day is RM10 but their monthly income plus commission can reach up to RM7K - RM10K plus! The money is tempting, and with my current situation I do feel like becoming a Lok Lok sales person. Then again, I really don't see myself as one. Nothing  is wrong with the occupation, but it's just not me!

Until next time, see you around my friend =)