A Happy New Year!

2006 is indeed one of the best year I had in my life. I gain so much and I am glad I had overcome the obstacles. This is one of the best wrap-up of 2006, and a great kick-start of 2007.

Creative Revealed!

This is it. One of the highest peek of my career, as a project manager and creative director for the interactive showcase, for the upcoming Scientific Excellence in Islamic Civilization exhibition, in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, 8th of January 2007.


An interface sample of Fuat Sezgin showcase that I work on together with SpencerAzizul

Make yourself to this fantastic and inspiring exhibition, where you will learn how the Islamic scholars built Sundial, by the first Muslim to invent time, and Astrolabe, that explain how we get to know our kiblah according to the knowledge of science in astronomy.

The sorrow heart of mine


HDR: A recent shot of Jalan Hang Tuah Mosque, taken by Muid. (Click to see more)

Menjunjung kasih dan takziah buat sahabat blogger, Rizal @ Magnus yang telah kembali menemui yang Maha Esa. Al-fatiha. Moga Allah memberikan ketenangan dan moga dicucuri Rahmat.

Warkah Pertama di Tahun Tujuh

"Kita"

Aku sayu dikala awan tebal menyandar bahu dunia,
hatiku dihimpit kerinduan menikmati epilog kisah silam,
rasa disini, yang kutepuk selalu semakin indah,
kerana kaulah antara insan yang buat hidupku gah dimata dunia,

Ogos memberikan keperitan buat kau dan aku,
dibawa ombak kau berlalu pergi dan aku disandung bayu,
Kita terpisah kerna takdir dan hakikat kehidupan,
Dulunya kau memberikan aku cinta nan berbelah bagi,
Dan kini, kau masih mengubah corak hidupku,

Kita, cuba melupakan ’kita’, membuka babak baru membentuk cinta,
Walaupun pelbagai kerenah kekasih dihadapi, kita masih dirasuk memori yang getar,
Esok mungkin kita dihati, lusa mungkin kita memusuhi,

Cinta kau dan aku sudah lama hilang,
Apakah yang kita lakukan kini sesuatu yang dusta?
Apakah perasaan ini setiap kali kau berbicara sini?
adakah takdir menemukan aku dan kau setelah kita kerap berpisah?

Bahagia itu satu impian yang istimewa,
Tulus sekiranya kita ingin teruskan disini, dimata, dan disanubari.
Aku bagaikan jatuh didalam rinjisan embun samudera,
Aku kembali jatuh cinta dikala pagi yang tegar dan indah
Ia bukan lagi mimpi, ia sebuah hikayat yang perlu aku habiskan,
Agar kelak disampai waktu, ia menjadi sebuah inspirasi,
Bukan untuk mereka, untuk kita berdua.


_
I can't never delete you, because I love you, and you love me dearly.
I'm a different person, I'd turn my world around.
I see such a beautiful ribbons, in the skies, for both of us to share the view,
together again...

Not An Ordinary Designer

A Super Designer defines:

As a creative person that is able to generate ideas and produce few creative visual; such as interactive prototype for 2 hours or a 40 second corporate video in a working 16 hours (with client's changes and requests). Besides that, a super designer is not only to do art or creative direction, but also write project and creative briefs, proposals, site map, architect information (AI), wire frames, paperworks. A super designer surf more than 40 websites per day and communicates with his officemates, supervisor, technicians to potential future clients by read and reply almost 20-30 emails per day with 3 long paragraph of email replies. A super designer also attends creative presentation to clients to sell ideas and to convince clients that he and his team are able to provide solution to their products (clients) and have almost daily meetings, do photography, sketch few illustrations while waiting at the corridor for presentations or in LRT, and at the same time, work out at the gym in late evening, dinner with friends and 3-5 hours of sleep but being hyperactive and happy :) A super designer is able to fight the obstacles and create an extensive of self-help and motivation go become a better, stronger person, day by day.

A Journey of discovering an old friend, Red Kebaya

For more than one hour, I had kept my moderate-mode and become an extreme conservative audience, sitting in front of the silver screen in Cinema 7, TGV cinema on the 1st of December, watching Red Kebaya. There were only just two people inside the cinema, me and an old Malay man. He was busy answering phone call, as it seems like he’s running a big business or so. So, after the pre-screening I had earlier with the cast and crew like notable Ramli Ibrahim and Samantha Schubert. I was able to see them perform in this film. I’m quite glad to meet them. The movie is a good movie to watch. I don’t want to compare with others but I would wish there would be more scenes at the end of the movie. Well, it’s notable and great already. Although having said that, I want to share with all of you an incident I had after watching Red Kebaya. Remember the pakcik few seats from me? We accidentally got in the same lift. He start giving his comments about Red Kebaya, as a great movie. On our way out, he said

“Pakcik suka film-film macam ni. Pakcik suka tengok. (Bisik) Pakcik tokei VCD haram. Benda-benda macam ni kena tengok, baru bila kita jual, kita boleh cerita kat orang cerita cam ni best”

That time, I was amazed and pissed off at the same time. This is because I was extensively explaining the cinematography and the characters of the actors and actress in the film. Sadly, movies like this are going to be ‘copied’ to the black market for piracy release. But what I learn of the accident is that although these people are pirating our local movies, they themselves go to the cinema to enjoy the real thing. They want to see what they want to sell. So when they reach their consumer, they can convince that the movie is good.

Waulahhualam. I just realized that I was sitting next to the tauke of pirate VCD’s and DVD’s. Something rather look so sad to experience, however the moral are indeed in store in my mind but something that we all need to look upon ourselves.

CINTA, the movie
For those who still like to read my review on our local film, CINTA, kindly click here or scroll to my last post. Thanks to Sultan Muzaffar, and Grand Brilliance for inviting me to write the review and featured in their official, CintaTheMovie website.

Another interesting story of Muid Latif

Two days ago, I met my very dear old friend Nadiah. We had a great dinner at Starbucks, KLCC after I met my friend Teong Hin (Director of PGL) in the evening. Nadiah and I go way back, in UiTM days. We use to hang out, cracking out jokes and enjoy clubbing and do presentations together. Last time, she drove a cool classic red metallic Volkswagen Beetle while playing Portishead and Prodigy after class on our way back. It’s been so long since I hang out with the. The last time, we had a ‘small date’ at Chinoz KLCC. We suppose to go there but it was closed for renovation now. Anyway, meeting her was indeed a great opportunity even though I was dreadfully exhausted due to my multi-tasking work. I haven’t had enough sleep. Me and Perez also stay up until 5 am to finish a great teamwork of a creative video presentation for Pak Lah and the minister for the ICM Meeting that was held yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

So, back to Nadiah, we chat about our work and relationships, what we both gone through. It’s great to let things out. It eases the pressure on our head. We both came to a solution of our future relationship plans. I rather keep it to myself for time being. Nadiah send me back home to Bandar Tasik Selatan, because I park my car there. On our way back, she was asking me about my life and stuff, and there is this one moment, I got so sleepy and fell a sleep few sec.

She asks me about “What is the direction I will be heading towards my life?” and guess what I replied: “70% of vector illustration”.

After a few second, Nadiah went silence and I just realized that I actually given the inappropriate erroneous reply. Was I really that bad that I think of work all the time?!? Then I start laughing and told Nadiah and apologize to her. God, I just need to get some time off. Even to do so, I don’t find any chance to do that because all I kept on thinking is producing, hardworking; generate creativity, until I lost my essence of life. Surprisingly, work makes me happy. It’s the only thing I can hold on to, besides family. Not to say that I only live for my work, but getting myself busy makes me more productive and become more experience in terms of my skillets and experience. I never regretted for choosing to be a creative person because it’s fulfilling and contenting my life.

Work Updates: iworkforthemdotkom


Visit LMAF website which I had recently created!

I had recently design and develop a website for Labuan Mini Arts Festival. This website is presented in Flash with decorative illustration based on the studies of Malay wood carving. Last week on the 1st of December, me and my workmate, Kamal Baharin (MDeC) gave our creative talk on Animation & Interactivity for Creative Multimedia Initiative for the Malaysia 9th Plan (Organized by the Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia). The talk was presented to the students of Kolej Kementrian Belia dan Sukan Malaysia at Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi in Sepang. The topics includes Work In Progress of Saladin Animated Series and Generating Creativity in Interactivity. Thanks to all the students who had been keen enough to wait for us and listen to our talk.


Here is some of my photography from last month’s Dubai trip.

Discovery of Muid’s Design Process:

View the WIP of Dhu-bi-niti, upcoming illustration series by Muid Latif

Dhu-bi-niti is two set of illustrations inspired from my Trip to Dubai (in the plane on my way back to Kuala Lumpur) . I had created this illustration based on my findings and research when I was in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last month. I was able to learn and gather great exposure and knowledge on Islamic Heritage, plus to get to know the culture and people in Dubai. This work will be a vector base illustration that I will be doing for an interactive installation for early 2007. I’m setting up more focus on gaining more illustration skill sets and want to see more of my work in illustration. Now that I’m a part of Saladin team, I want to learn more experience with my teammates and also want them to be participate in future MekarMara magazine release. I will be revamping my portfolio, the moedlatif to volume five point five (5.5). I will engage an ActionScript consultant to help me with the portfolio presentation, plus to create more edgy and perspective feel into my site.

I am currently working on a new blog at Word Press, dedicated for any post of my design process, so I can help myself, and others to get them to understand about the process of my work, and to inspire them to keep on moving forward as a creative person. Anyway, I'm teaming up with RadioActive to create a series of oriental fascination in street wear. I'm pretty excited!


Don't forget about my great Flash guru appearance in Massive Territory happening this 13th of January.


I never met any baby as cute, creative and adorable as Aida's son, Aiman.

15-17 December is indeed one of my most historical date of my life and my old buddies. That weekend, we had our first ever reunion! Organized by Ismail and Haryany Mohammad, As. Director of the Museum of Arts, Penang, we had our fun weekend-out and get to know the life after the 'U'. I get to discovered almost all of my old friends are in the humble industry of education, and few more in creative industry. Suprisingly, my friend Ijan is now the head of youth of UMNO for Banting. How bizzare is that! from a fine arts graduate. Nahyycee!

More photos can be found here: http://www.moedlatif.com/misc/reunion1/

p/s: Seems the will be no Angkor Watt for me... since I so many things to finish on my plate. More and more work. But then again, I'm glad. It's healthy, in my point of view.
_
new emotions overflow…it’s called carefree.

Intro: What is CINTA?

Lately, I have been expressing my feelings towards relationship in this blog. It’s about how I felt, what I thought and how can I go along with it. Sometimes we can predict if a relationship going to work or not. If we believe the relationship that we have will turn out negative, it will turn out negative, but if you intend to put it as a positive influence and challenge in your life, it will definitely work. Others might run away from relationship because that person cannot admit their defeat, their lust and guilty for betraying someone they love and proclaim 'the one'.

Love is a profound feeling of tender affection for, or intense attraction to, another. People in love are often considered to have "good" interpersonal chemistry. Love is described as a deep, ineffable feeling shared in passionate or intimate interpersonal relationships. Love is an important factor in intimate relationships. An intimate relationship is an interpersonal relationship with a great deal of physical and/or emotional intimacy. So, where do you stand in your relationship? Who do you really love?

A Relationship tests our knowledge, our morality, about how to care, our faith and belief, our trust, our loyalty, our passion and our will. To some, they or a person would take affection for granted. They cannot solve the missing puzzle because at first, they don’t know what love really mean. Love isn't just about sacrifice. It’s about walking through the fire by understanding not just how we feel but to be able to take the risk towards loving others, how we worship someone, how to respect someone, how to value ourselves and how well we can fight the challenge that comes in our way with confidence and let confusion put aside. If we lost our foundation of love, we end up loosing our determination to believe that person truly for you and had help change your life and inspire, that move you in a special way. Instead, you will bound to make other options and another party to rely on (as a rebound 'friend', to use but hurt that person in silence.

For those who refuse to take control and didn’t take the guts to fight for it, they will always run away from their problem, blame and put anger to their loves one, ending up being narrow and became primitive. That person will be clouded by desire, ego and lust, and furthermore, too perfect to admit about themselves, and wouldn’t allow him or herself to have a change of principle of life. Why? Because they don’t really know what is beyond love. That person doesn’t realize that actually love is not expressed by word, but it’s how we think of someone. Is she or he important in your life or you wanting them to fulfill your selfish dreams of becoming a person who you are not meant to be?



CINTA, a movie by directed by Kabir Bhatia. This movie shows five (5) different perspective of love story, by different characters and situation in Kuala Lumpur, lead by talented, very talented Malaysian actor and actress. Now, I don’t want to talk about the depth of each character, nor the storyline, as it had explain in their website.


Pierre Andre, Me (Muid Latif), Ally Iskandar & Dhojee (Thanks SM!)

On the 10th of November, I got the privilege to watch the movie premier together with my sister, Nurol ‘Abby’ Latif among other bloggers from Malaysia. Now, Kabir Bhatia is not just a typical director to be look upon. Based on his impressive experience in film industry, this movie is really different from any other typical Malay movie I have seen. Every transition of the scene is very smooth. I have no more to say regarding their amazing cinematography. It might be too commercial but I really like it. It shows that the director is able to take the risk of taking an advert-based style of shot, adapt to this movie and move it forward. The result? It’s totally brilliant. There are some special scene I like, where Rashidi Ishak (the actor who plays Harris) was all by himself in his room at night, or when Pierre Andre was having trouble adjusting his place at his office. The casts delivered well in each of their role. 'Orked', as usual being herself. I find hard to accept that I like her sense of humor in that movie ;). I love the little girl who is the daughter of Harris, probably considered as Malaysian version of Dakota Fanning. Rashidi give a remarkable role. Que Haidar, wow!, Eizlan Yussof give most great facial expression while I’m surprised to see Baizura in that film, as I also had worked with her as an invited guest in an episode of Mamee Slyrup! Menjana Impian in TV9.

Besides seeing small tiny 'error' of some scene or frame frozen up (delayed, like webcam, i.e, barber shop scene), the ONLY thing that might disappoint me is the soundtrack. I would prefer not to see local artists singing covers of other bands/artists. As if some Malaysian music producers only good at taking samples of other works of different producers and claim to release ‘a new style’. Tapi itu tak mengapa, rezeki artist masing-masing. It’s nothing wrong rite fellas? If you watch Ellie Parker starring Naomi Watts, the movie offers such great soundtrack. If we were to put aside on our confidence on what we think that the music must contains mainstream artists in order to sell the movie, I think that if Kabir Bhatia or any of his crew read my views, perhaps we can try to make it more different, if we really want to make this movie very different. I got a bit sore when I heard some of the tracks, because it could have been better. Like ‘Janji Joni’, Gezz, the tracks are excellent. Very original! I would like to take this opportunity for you people out there, to experience a different perspective of Malaysian film industry and support them as much as possible. All the best to CINTA casts and crew to make this movie as success as possible because we surely need to see more of this, in the coming future.

Outro:
Someone told me I have to find the meaning of how to let go. There are things we can't force and expect someone to love us, however we can help them to change. But if it's hard to change, we must find other solution or try to take it positive, move forward and forgive them even though it may hard to forget.

- Written by Muid Latif


At Abby's convocation on the 12th of November. More pics here.

CINTA, the movie reviews / soon to be updated at the following:

1. Cosmicgirl Abby (My sister's blog)
2. Budiey's Blog
3. Sultan Muzaffar

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* the last dance ends here.

How far does brand-guide affect us, the designers?

Brand guide was created to give a solid composure in design creation, to allow a strict system in design. In programmer’s case, they had build Content Management System (CMS) to ensure smooth content management, where clients or user would not have to worry about how the content will look like, as they already program to appear in right places. However, for a designer, CMS had made us become less creative.



Now back to branding, some branding guide helps us, designer to work at ease, get more efficient and decidable on what content we are going to design and align. For instance, Hewlett Packard (HP) branding. As far as I experience working with HP few years back, I found HP had one of the most impressive brand guide that I can easily understand and follow. Although in terms of designing on the web, like product updates and web page maintenance, there’s always limitation. However, being a designer doesn’t mean that we have to follow exactly 100% what brand guide had set for us. We can always explore, to make a product sell and inspiring.



I had been observing HP’s campaign and I rather say HP knows what they are doing. Their product, promotion and campaigns extensively lead to success in sales. In terms of advertisement, there had been major force of design and ad houses who had achieve a great quality of design to help promote HP campaign. In my opinion, I like the 2004-05 campaign, where they had commission my all-time favorite design guru’s, Mike Young and Mike Cina of WeWorkForThem. Their design for HP had been an outstanding inspiration to reflect not only the freedom of brand identity, but to create a perspective of visual and understanding of the product that they had promoted.



But how far does that adoption would be able reflect in Malaysia creative scene?
Why do we have to keep on following what the clients want rather than we ourselves decide what is best for the clients?
Why can we give solution without expecting client to be creative?
Why we don’t want to take the risk to inspire them?
Why designers intend to hold-back and wait for their Art Directors or client to comment on their work, rather giving something extraordinary?

We definitely need to step forward. A good designer not only knows how to see, compare, and analyze, yet knows how to be smart, consistent and will be able to take the risk rather than just to play safe the entire time. Playing safe is not recommended if you doing it for your entire career. You need to grow, increase as much skill set, become more versatile, and believe that your creativity can set a benchmark and guide to others, to inspire and appreciate creativity. Besides empowering the creative awareness, there’s always a way we can make simple things looks brilliant, and amazing.

I kindly welcome your POV (Point of View) regarding this article.

Note: I might use the wrong terms of the word branding so do correct me if you found me using false terms.

Seasons Greetings!

I would still like to express my belated greetings to all my Muslim a happy Eid Mubarak and to my Hindi friends, a happy Deepavali celebration. May all fulfill with the best of love, wealth, passion and success in life. I know that today, Monday is a great start for fasting. I will start fasting this week.

What’s with Raya? It’s always good to see family gathering in large groups, helping each other out, preparing food and decorating houses. It’s always been nice. To me, when it comes to Raya, I’m always glad to spend most of my times with my family and relatives. It’s the only time I can see and talk together. Surprisingly, a guy at the age of 26, it's embarrassing to still receive ang paws although I am also giving angpau's to the kids (“,). I remember when we went Raya to Istana Raja Di-Hilir, we got a very nice amount of ang pau's there.



We went in Ipoh, Batu Gajah and my kampung Seluboh, Parit on 25th - 27th October. I like Ipoh very much. I’ve been really closed with my father's relative compared to my Kelantan relatives. I mean I really love Ipoh because it's the only place I can remember growing up. I've been to Cator Avenue in my primaries and Anderson during my junior high. Ipoh, gives such a great memories. A place where I first started scouting (scout boys), playing cricket, a place where I start my X-Men comics collections and start wearing bell bottom pants with sizes up to 22" inch and hang out at Yik Foong Plaza. Oh my, those days! Talk about X-Men, unexpectedly, I was so happy that my cousin brought us to two (2) Novelhut store in Ipoh. What I manage to find off the back-dated comic was the #1 issue of WILDC.A.T.S, #1 issue of Cyber Force, and 15 copies of X-Factor, X-Force & X-Men comics that features X-Cutioner's Song Saga. I even manage to get Generation X 97's annual. Have anyone got the chance to watch the upcoming NBC's HEROES? This show is freaking cool, it's almost like X-Men & Mutant X, only the plot is very dramatic, very great scriptwriting and of course, great cinematography. Now that I’m a big fan of Oldtown Kopitiam, when me, Abby and my cousin Ijan passed by some shops next to Ipoh Garden, there’s no way that we don’t want to miss that great white coffee. It’s nice. In fact, recently, in Cyberjaya, Oldtown also open up their café at the new food court opposite Dell building. You might want to see me regularly over there (“,)

Being Pisces

I found an interesting zodiac reading / astrology / sign for Pisces, which was given by a nice new friend who studied on product design, yesterday. Some of the reads are true, otherwise not. I will select what most fits my personality and character ;-)

He is very emotional and always allows himself to be very emotional. He can have a good night sleep and be in a good mood, and less than few hours at work he can be very moody. He does not understand things or try to understand things easily. If you notice him carefully, you will notice what kind of moods he is in.

He is a thinker and able to do well at work and always succeed. His normal gestures mean he always looks at other people faults, but he will not talk about it. He has the ability to know your thought and able to tell you what you are thinking about.

He can mostly memorize all his anger, his loves. They are his important secrets and he will keep them to himself and will never let you know.

He is kind and slightly lazy, but it is his cute character. He hates rules and regulations. He will never look down on people. He is a polite guy and can be very aggressive when he is mad. He loves to think that he lives in a beautiful world and surround by nice people, so if he finds his world is cruel and not what he expects, he will live in his world instead.

His other charm is that he is a funny guy, and it is his real weapon. He can tease you and yet make it looks like one of his joke. Even when he is sad, he still has that funny face, so you could hardly tell if he is mad or depress. He likes to hide his feeling and help other people especially those who need friend or lonely.

He will be everything that you want and everything you do not want. He has a chance to make it as much as a chance to fail. He can determine to make it work and can do it well, except he tends to lost his energy with other important things, that's how he miss many of his good opportunity.

He can be happy and content by himself. What he think is important is not "Love”, but firm status and stability. He has plenty of love for you.

He is a good speaker, as much as he is a good listener. When he is with you, he wants to be happy. He understands his partner's emotional. He likes to take a long rest and sometimes being alone. If he needs to be alone, try not to disturb him.

He is a sensitive, quiet, shy and easily hurt. He wants to feel worthy. He can be mad and noisy, but once he calm down, he will be that happy person again.

When he is lonely or feeling sad, be close to comfort him. He does not like to take advice, so if you want him to listen or to follow your advice; you have to act as a good sample for him first. If you treat him like he is your special person, then he will be that special person for you. He will trust you if he is in love but try not to over doing it and spoil him too much. You have to know yourself worth all the time too.

Postmortem: Lunch Date

I finally get to watch Open Season with my love. Although B watched it before, it would be more interesting to watch with the one u love. I think Open Season quite interesting, looking at the storyline, It’s not really too typical for an animation film. I like the scene in the jungle where the the bear start screw things up, but at the end, he decided to stay in the valley to learn about friendship and love. This movie, however, can’t beat Disney 3D animation, Monster House nor Shrek. I can give C+ for the cute bear. I can't wait to watch three other movies; The Fountain starring Hugh Jackman, long awaited 'Step Up', a cool dance inspirational movie like Center Stage and Honey, and last but not least, Happy Feet. With amazing voice overs by top Hollywood celebrities, I’m sure this movie is worth seeing. Of course, along others like Michael Bay’s Transformers, Spider man 3 & 300! Have anyone watched Science of Sleep? I couldn’t see any promo here in Malaysia.

Jane Doe asked me 'Muid, how do you want to achieve a good relationship?

I said; 'Like marriage, relationship helps to create a board of motivation in life. It will keep on showing how well we progress in life, and see how we can contribute to both positively. There will always be the ups and down. People will find happiness through analysis, comparing from past, learning the mistakes we did and give the best commitment as possible. Most important, in our heart, we must do anything we can to ensure our love, and give the best of secure in our relationship.

For the past two months, I learn a lot about relationship. I understand that as a person, we must clarify and know exactly what we want in a relationship, do whats best for both, try to acknowledge both sacrifices, try to take control of myself, my anger and my affection. I want to be loved and to love someone as much as I can, despite that, I forget about some of the things I do, that leave a heart hurt. I realized that I turn into a selfish person that wanted my lover to dedicate the love and relationship just for me, but I was wrong, so bloody wrong. I lead jealousy, fear and doubt clouded over my affection and wasn't able to think straight and I had realized I was wrong all the way. It's like both of us saw the light but I was stuck in a huge wave and fighting myself hard. It's so black and white that I couldn't see any colors reside with me. I want to paint it as beautiful as possible, so I can find ways to fix it, to repair it, although I know the cost will be dry and impossible. But I already know what must be done, because I can't afraid to of loosing my lover. I love my lover dearly and I still need to to learn and do a lot of things in this relationship. It's a long way ahead and I just started. As I can close my eyes and recall, I never found someone who can stood up for me, for a ten dollar note that had been rejected or times where my love lies on my shoulder. It was so purify, so genuine. The love I had experience right now, had definitely affected my life in general. It had made me realize what kind of person I am. I can see the most uglies side of person, and I have the privilege to learn what brings the best of my personality, trough my lovers eye. I have to deal not only problems that I encounter, but also my alter-ego. I must learn how to love myself in order for me to see my mistakes, and from there, I will start building my confident and positivity up. We can't get away with argument. There are no such things as perfect relationship because there will always be obstacle and it's up to us to choose to surrender, or fight to our death to push away to wave, rather than running away from problems and try to think we can move on cruelly. This far, I want to learn how to be strong, and control of my own feelings and emotions. I know now I don't need to run away from my problem, and face like a man to bring the best solution as possible. Some people said in relationship, it takes two to tango, therefore in a relationship, both must give the best of their affection, and try to be psychically together, hold each other, try to stay close, learn to know each other, forgive and forget and both treat with fair and respect.

I just want to tell the people here it's not easy, and its not perfect to build a good and strong relationship. Everyone makes mistake and both must forgive each other and forget in order to survive and work it out. I let all my hatred aside, to my ex who had hurt my heart over and over again, and forgive them and welcome them as friends, not enemies.

If both of us will continue to stay on, to fight shoulder to shoulder, stay strong with to one another, I know that in my heart and mind, it will work. Most important, we must not allow others to spoiled what we belief, because those people will always get in your way, to break a happy home, a happy relationship. If I am to become more wiser, I know that I must allow myself, my lover and others to give chances, commit and to try to understand each other, takes things not too personal and be steady to achieve a long-lasting relationship so to both of us lead into a happier, healthier positivity in our lives.

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Yamyum, can't stop thinking about you. I’m too silly and naive that I let my emotions clouded my affection towards you, but that is because I felt hurt seeing you abandon me. Sometimes, there are things we do we never know we hurt each other both. I am sorry for the cause, and I'm sorry that I can't be perfect and intelligent as u expected, I can't change as fast as u want me to be. I make mistakes we all do and I learn to change for the better, for me, and for you. If u think I don't love you, it's not true. I do anything for u. I will continue to learn and fix where ever and whenever I can and you know that I do.

Red Kebaya,: Creative Cinematography

Red Kebaya has a wonderful cinematography set in local various location and line of high-profile actor and actress. Each dedicate to deliver their role, I have no fear to say the potential and expectation for this film, because it’s going to be a great film after I few local movies I had watched (Hint: Yasmin Ahmad or any other creative filmmakers). After the short pre-screening of Red Kebaya, I hope local indie film industry will help us to inspire and motivate, to create more versatility in our work, plus, to gain recognition by the world’s eyes and mind.



Red Kebaya is something unique to watch because not like any other plot we’ve seen in typical local film; the storyline will bring the audience back through time. What more impress me is how this movie helps to promote local attractions and culture. Meeting the cast and crew was remarkable, because we talk a lot of things which not most typical producers, or actors and film-maker wanted. But for those who love to predict and judge a book by it's cover, I’m sure they will hate as hell because the fact that Red Kebaya really have ‘different’ 'team'. Well, just wait till this 23rd of November and see for yourself. My special credit goes out to Samantha Schubert for excellent role in that film, Ramli Hassan for the coolest facial expression and his style of acting, and Elaine Dally, for an unexpected role. I never thought she’s so talented. Pandai berlakon jadi watak irritating.

I would like to thank Isma Yusoof and Kate, for inviting me to the pre-screening. It has been a great pleasure to meet you guys again. Now, feel free to check out our photo gallery of the event below!


Click on the picture to visit the photo gallery

Above pic was shot by Muid, and the film reviews are prepared and written by local noted bloggers:

1. Nizam Zakaria
2. Sultan Muzaffar
3. Budiey
4. Kash ED
5. Mukeh
6. Wan Zul (Photographer)
   

I got a secret, and here in my heart:

You made my soul running so carefree,
You made me to know and understand how beautiful relationship
Even if our relationship is in the world’s suicidal cliff,
You and I take this chance to learn and let the love flows in us.

I never find the one that is true as much as you do,
Because all of my life, I’ve been waiting to long for this,
For you to come and bring me sunshine,
And a person who makes me happy,

I never felt so happy and joyful,
Because to be with you, was the best thing I had ever enjoyed,
And to hear you say I love you each moment when I look into your eyes,
There’s nothing more to say rather to feel blessed and thankful.

My love, would it be nice if I can make you breakfast? Would it be nice if we both buy our clothes and bed sheet together? Would it be nice if we carry our furniture and re-arrange the house? You know, all I want is to make things last as long as forever. You are all that matters to me and let me tell you this; I can't explain more that to tell you I want you more than any other things in my life (Not even in my wish list :P). You had encourage me to be a special person, to gain more how to love myself and to work as hard and smart as I can. I am not tangled anymore when I'm with you. I never love this way before, with every touch and with all my heart. Nothing is going to stop me from loving you. I want to make complicated things as simple it is. I will impress you everytime, and I want to miss you everyday, I want to travel with you and I want to see as much possibility to explore your mind and heart.


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i-love-you-and-i-can't-hide-the-feeling-inside-to-tell-u-i-love-u-and-so-the-world-will-know...

Malaysia: Technology Versus Civilization

When we care too much about technology, we care less about our civilization.

Most of the typical Malay is still strong at their stubborn mindset about the things around them. They never allow themselves to accept critism, they hate noted people revealing their mistake, and they even want to stay as far as they can when it comes to religion.

So what do the parents do on a Sunday evening? Dad would probably check on his car or hang out with their friends on how to modify parts and stuff, while mummy would sit with other housewives to back mouth their neighbors. Or both of them probably watch TV shows but neglect their responsibility to look after their kids. Or maybe some dad is too busy playing golf and let their sons and daughters went to clubs until late nights. What ever it is, today’s bumi culture had changed forever. We no longer see humble Malay in ourselves. They become more rude and full of attitude.

Case One:
One of the recent discussions I had with my father is when he came back from New York, is that he told us about how things work (culture) in United States compared to our Malay culture. In New York, people, especially youngsters wouldn’t hang out at malls starring at people. It’s even spotless to see teens with punk outfits on the streets. People move forward and people have no absolute time to hang-out (lepak) because all of them work for a living. They work to pay their rental and food. Otherwise, in Malaysia, teens and young adults would have no jobs, act like they have a job, hang out in front of shopping malls or coffee house, mocking and bad-mouth people passing by them, wasting time and ask money from their parents. They even fancy expensive gadget for the sake of brag and boast, showing off as much as they can, and to compare each other’s wealth. Why Malays like to waste so much time??!? Why can’t they be educated and at least have the courtesy to respect their religion or as a Muslim…As I mentioned earlier in my previous post, it was that obvious that the Malay had been so drift away with entertainment. All of them are chasing for popularity, glam life. So they would come to open-public restaurant, wearing such extravaganza outfit and sang out loud, songs that were inspired by the uneducated Mawi perhaps at 10 p.m. in Ramadan! God, how much education in Malaysia had ruin our civilization because we care so much for technology and such, but neglected our akli and nakli, our rohani and our morality as a human.

Case Two:
A friend of mine who drop by our place for Sahur, Elyna Shukri, had a discussion (last week) about how our society accepted things in a very negative way. The Malays would never have the big-heart to appreciate other people’s success or achievement. They were being too skeptical and obnoxious because they can’t allow others to be more educated and intellegent then they are because they felt threaten by competition. So they will start the hating game because they facts is that they were so envy of a person with full of life, motivation and success. The best part is that, they want to see more failure than to support, their OWN RACE. Even worst, they will spread rumors which aren’t true about that person because due to their envy and hatred towards a person’s success. It's sad to see such thing happen. Sebab itu Melayu suka hidup berpuak-puak, berkelompok. Bangsa lain ingin bersatu, bangsa bumi ingin berpecah-belah kerana masing-masing tamak pengaruh dan kuasa, maka ego, iri hati dan perasaan benci berjaya mengawal jiwa mereka.

Dialogue 1: ‘Muid, aku suka tengok work kau, best’. Keikhlasan ada disini.
Dialogue 2: ‘Your work okla’, which symbolized their silent ego.
Dialogue 3: 'Sapa dia? Lantak la, I don’t care who he is, as if he’s good'. Reflection of a very native mind.

'Oleh kerana mereka yang tidak mahu menghijrahkan pemikiran mereka, jiwa, rohani mereka, maka mereka hanyut, dan turut menghasut yang lain untuk membuat lebih banyak kejahatan berbanding kebaikan'- ML.

So how on God’s name can the Malay improve themselves if they keep hating each other?

Embrace Technology in a harmonious way

Solution One:
How often you buy a prepaid top-up to vote for your favorite contestant in Akademi Fantasia or Malaysian Idol? It’s impressive how technology such as mobile industry especially the entertainment line had taken the opportunity to gross many income and some even in their own pockets. We are looking at millions of Ringgit. And we are not helping poverty. We are helping them (broadcasting) to gain more wealth so they can spoil our civilazation and culture. Look on how TV station allows Wrestling, a show that is so violence that will create human attention to become more agressive and to promote 'gangsterism'. So we can have more mat rempit on the road, more young teens wearing tube to Sri Hartamas almost popping out their tits in front of everyone.

Question: who are the voters? They are students (who supposed to be educated), adult (who should have more brain) among others. Why not instead of sending tons of SMS, wasting money and channel your effort to charity and safe some money at least for your Raya or saving account? How about donating your money to Rising Above foundation? How about use online forum to gain people attention on how we can build a community to help each other and contribute more charity? Help us gain more of human civilization and increase moral value to do good things. You can do it now.

Act Now!
To donate by SMS, type RA3 or 7 or 10 and send it to 32728. The numbers 3,7,10 are value of your donation, for example 3 means RM3 Ringgit. For more info, you can visit www.risingabove.org.my

Solution Two:
Stop wasting time on online forums, shoutbox, MSN and Yahoo! Messenger chit chats. Try to ‘Google’ or ‘Wiki’ yourself with rich-content education and knowledge of history, geography, science and technology, arts and architecture, medicine and others. Try open CNN website, or at least bernama.com to gain the latest happening around the world.

Find more ways to rich our culture by understanding our culture. Search for 'Ukiran Kayu' (Malay Woodcarving), Wau bulan or Islamic geometrical patterns and designs for your upcoming Raya Greeting Cards design. Visit tourism website to gain info about your own place, the history of the country you’re born. Believe me, you will be inspired and you will understand and treasure, the beauty of culture of Malaysia, or other preferred countries.

Why not read articles about what is Asian civilization. Do some research and analysis on why our national monument looks the same like the one they have in United States. Study on why our flag is as close and similar to American flag. Do healthy arguments and debates as far as you can go. Don’t waste time surfing porn websites, forums, chit-chats, email forwarding, and many others to name. Use technology in a more prosperous way. Enlighten your heart, your mind and your soul.

p/s: try call your mum today and just say hi and how's her work.. she will feel much better, even more, you will feel good.

Disclaimer: This article post is not to bring down self-esteem of my own race, but to give the fact that most of our people in our race is sailing far apart in wonderland. It’s time for them to stick into the reality, to accept the fact that they, us, need to work harder and stronger, not stand in front of the monitor or television, become passive and not productive. We need to change our attitude, our culture-behavior and our sociology.

Work Updates:



I will write a review about Red Kebaya film soon, as I’m attending it’s premier tomorrow night. I can’t also wait to see our DMP showcase at Berlin, Germany. I am so lucky to team up with Perez because our work got picked as ‘Official Selection’ for Webcuts 2006, Berlin, Germany for it’s conjunction of the Short Film Festival. Perez had recently release our long-awaited UBU Graffiti Showcase, available on DVD. Those who are interested to purchase, may contact directly to Perez. The price for the DVD is RM15 including posting and handling.


I just recently shot my little sister, Afiqah. I think she looks lovely in the photos.

Heart (Part 1):
Sayang @ My Beloved 'B',

My heart had been smashed and broken by mindless and heartless so-called-lovers before. The day I felt there’s nothing else to do but to hate any relationship that came in my way. They always try to destroy my happiness because of what they fail to give me (truly commitment, understanding and passion without having a suspicious mind), but then, came you.

I never thought you clear the possibility I have towards affection. You know how I hate it because the fact that I’ve been in so much pain. But today, marked my love even more deep for me to cherish you entirely, because you love me for the way I am, how I express myself, how I love my job, and how much you understand. I’m proud to be by your side, walking next to you. I felt 10 feet tall with you, because you never compare me with anyone else. I never know loving you have completely change my confusion, and yet you guide me in a better person. The day we hug and love each other, were the best moment, and more, when you kissed me, I know you’re the one who I shall belong to and I will keep on loving you no matter what will happen.

Honey, the shirt you gave me fits well with the docker pants my dad bought me ;-). Now, how bout some fried chicken? Yum yum.


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I never felt regret, but i rather felt so proud you came to me, such a miracle.

Revealed!

Digital Malaya Project (DMP) MekarMara, Vol.1. Cover by Yazid, Organic leaves by Muid.

The journey of 15 Malaysian most outstanding talents starts with MekarMara! It has been way too long as I kept on delaying this magazine. The potential of this magazine is to expose the unknown creative to the most establish talents made in Malaysia.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the magazine and God knows the effort to call upon the talents, compiled all their works, and publish the magazine. It had been such a sleepless night and I do hope all the artist who had contributed can send me their reply ;-)

How far this magazine can go? We will have a paypal donation to help and support in some ways including my own pocket money to produce a A5 print out version. This magazine will be on retail of RM20-40 Ringgit (suggested price) and 40% of the collection will be donated to non-profit organization such as MERCY and AIDS Council, Malaysia.

Travelling without Moving



After Raya, I’m planning to go to Penang to shoot the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion as well to go shoot at Teluk Bahang, at sunset. I might be going to Kuching to visit the cultural village and might be hanging out at the Riverside and plus, I get the chance to visit my old school, St. Joseph. I hope I can go to Macau or Cambodia after February 2007 right after my birthday. It might not be easy because I will be traveling alone, and I know that my mission of traveling is to explore new culture in the South East Asia region plus, to enhance my photography skills.

Some might not know, Ramadan has been one of the most challenging months. I had to be a maid, besides my sister Abby. Since our maid is gone (why do they always lari one??), more task we have to do. Not complaining, but rather telling what I do. We have to wash dishes, do our own laundry, wake up for sahur, plus, since Abah went to New York, I have to put more eyes on the family and more security in the house. Financially, I have to prepare a K or two for open house. I’m excited for Raya because I really want to make it happen. I want to cook my own food and prepare to my friends, and want to see lots of friends come in my house. Raya lepas pun sikit je orang datang. Perhaps they also busy attending other open-houses. I know that mum will cook us nice lontong with nasi impit and sweet rendang. Plus, with the work and all, I’m in full 360 degree bogged. But that’s what it takes to work hard. I know in the future, I will find a way to redeem it.

My UiTM Days


Nony & Zamri can be located in the second picture, the one wearing kurung (yellow-purple) with short straight hair and Zamri, with all-white khakis pants. He now teach at IKIP, Pahang.

I just recently called up two of my best friends back in my study days, Nony and Abang Zamri. Both of them are most influencial students and was the most close friends I had. They know in and out about me and we keep in touch regularly. I miss them and just earlier, I had mentioned I'm going to Penang after Raya, so I'm so excited to see her and her Husband. I want them to take me to the my fav. Nasi Kandar near that Hotel, i think it's Price or Region Hotel. They had always been for me whenever I needed advices and when I'm feeling down. I love them dearly.

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To my dearest YumYum. I love u always and forever. You are my gravity when i'm drifting away, you're here to keep me safe. You are the reason that I grow strong and learn from my mistake, you help me see a better path. Please don't go away and punish me, because i will loose my soul. I will loose everything because you're the most important person in my life right now. I will wait no matter time passes by.

Mamee, Menjana Impian: I'm on TV!

Wait, working with Mawi? Gosh, it’s the most absolute unexpected outcome. (I actually prefer NOT to!). Working with passionate contestants who are chasing their dream to win 50gran for furthering their studies? Now that’s a reality show! I had the privilege to work with most top and high profile creative people from the advertising and media industry such as Ted Adnan, Riz Ainuddin, Josh Lim, among the Mamee ambassador such as the crazy-funny Felix, the attention-seeker Mawi, and the sporting yet sweet and adorable Amylea.



To find out more, don’t forget to watch me in action, helping the contestant to design a poster for their assignment. It was fun helping them, directing shot for the celebrities. I personally enjoy working with Amylea, she’s super-cool and supportive.

For Muslim friends who's having their breakfast ‘buka puasa’ around 7.10-20pm (depending on location), don’t forget to change to channel 9, 7.30p.m, next Wednesday, 4th of October!

By the way, just to confirm that DMP 'Recreate & Realign' had been successfully pick as 'Official Selection of Webcuts 2006, Germany'. This 12th of October, our works will be showcase in Cineplex in Berlin, Germany!

Apa Ada Dengan Ramadan?
Updated: 30th September 2006


HDR: Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson, by Muid Latif

I took KTM to Seremban today and went for a ‘shooting spree’ at Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson beach side. I know that my mission is to take as many shots as possible and learn to know more about how to control exposure, aperture and shutter speed with the DSLR camera I had recently purchased. I know that by doing more practice, I can increase my photography skillets. Gosh, just discovered the HDR technique is pretty amazing. Anyway, it’s always been so nice to come back to Port Dickson. A lot of stuff and places had changed in Port Dickson; surprisingly a lot of places become dull and unreceptive, such as the town and Marina Bay, as it turn out into a total mess. Only the good thing in Port Dickson is that they had improve their road system, however, I am sure that Port Dickson is not a convincing place to promote ‘Malaysia Tourism’ as the local state really need to push their people and create more awareness.


Potrait Shot: Mr. Valentine (Thanks for the great time and your courtesy to model for me :P)

Anyway, I went back to Kuala Lumpur around 10:45 pm. Here’s an interesting observation. Ramadan is supposed to be a good month, a holy month where people should be moderate, do more good things in life, and stop wasting time with redundant entertainment right? I don’t know what’s going on with the Malay community in Bandar Tasik Selatan. It seems that time, after all the pakcik and makcik finish their tarawikh, this ‘Melayu-tak-ada-adat’ and the one ‘tak-tau malu’ would gather at the famous place called Gossip Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT Restaurant (just next to the ERL/KTM/Star Tasik Selatan Station) and start ‘melalak’ (Karaoke) until midnight. I just couldn’t figure out where they put their pride as Muslim. I mean, I know that I’m not a religious person, but come on lah, please have some respect for Ramadan. Takkan bulan puasa pun nak memekak dengan ber’karaoke. See, this is what exactly happens when there is no control over broadcasting industry (entertainment). They encourage more Malaysian to be uninspiring idols. It's all about fame. Banyak sangat generasi sekarang termasuk those old folks yang tak sedar diri tergolek-golek, terjoget-joget, menyanyi melalak di bulan Ramadan. Puji je suara macam Mawi atau Broery Marantika, terus lupa akhirat, dibanjiri dengan pujian duniawi. Why most of the typical bumi's allllwaayss like to waste time? Why not they spend their time wisely by sitting at home with their family, teach children how to read, how to write, how to draw, let them understand deeper about Malay language or English language ka, literature, teach them about Science or Geography ka..? Why can’t we be more educated rather than being to entertainment-minded. I’m sure by 2010, semua generasi baru akan jadi penyanyi, entertainer, rather than contributing themselves to help Malaysia grow in the corporate world, ICT industry and what not. To the Malays out there who think entertainment is more important in their lives more than any other thing in the world, please think about what will happen in the future if you don’t encourage the young ones to learn to be more productive, more educated and more patriotic. It's time to wake up. Jangan tenggelam dengan hiburan sangat. It's not wrong to have some entertainment, but keep your head up to the sky.

How Does A Relationship Becomes A Reality?

Why?
I’m a very anti-affection person. I am so because I hate what the past did to me, how I loose my control over my love life and affection towards a person. Most of the time, I have to give, and give, and give. I tolerate and had been very patience. I don’t desperate to get married if I know in Klang Valley, all the 60% of Malay man having an affair with other woman, or vice versa. Marriage is to show off my pride and success of who I am, but neglecting what I want rather have to follow the customs and what people out there want for me. But I can’t go against because I want a son or a daughter. I can’t just simply get a woman and make ‘em balloon for 9 months and go. That’s not the way, I have a religion. I can’t imagine the pain on how a woman went through to give birth. ‘Bukan senang’. But, men still have privilege to get another wife right? So how far fair to a woman? Go figure.

One of the factor I try to avoid relationship is because it’s distracting, it’s emotionally distracting. It’s even tense when most of modern woman these days are too demanding and materialistic. During my last breakup, the last dialogue was ‘Muid, who are you to be with me, you just drive a kancil, even I drive a bigger car than you’. So, I swallow really hard to face the fact of how typical it can be. So where goes the affection and sincerity in us? Mutual respect dah takde because we choose not to. Because we felt glamorous to marry a king rather than a slave.

Anyway, this is not a part for me to say that the women out there all like that dan bukan alasan kenapa tak nak ber'relationship', only that the one I met semua a bit superficial, the more beautiful you are, the more attitude you get from them, seriously, yang opposite pulak, always have negative thinking, asyik blame 'emselves, shallow la.. tak de yin and yang. *sigh. I had a long discussion with one of my girl friend regarding this topic. I respect her views but somehow in relationship there have to be a space where you need to be 'selective' of your partner or lover, cause you never know who you going to sleep with (means, orangnya pembersih ke, tidur berdengkur ke, makan pinggan tak basuh, burb or gas-maniac ke).

Fantasy?
Sometimes, I dream and woke up, I'm still in a fantasy. Just another fantasy... do most of the people we love choose security (financial), material, hi-culture (where you have the privillage to travel, eat at expensive restaurants, etc). Would you choose relationship over a person who have the big bags or a middle-class person, who wants to enjoy life as happy as he or she can be?


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I have found the one..
Me: Sorry I'm late. Don't wait for me.
'B': No, I've been waiting you for all my life.

Poetry: What is natural affection?

I haven't been doing poetry for very long time. I thought I want to share with you my 'freestyle' poem that I wrote an hour ago. If you watch the movie 'Little Black Book' starring Brittiny Murphy or Anything Else, by Jason Briggs, I believe the story of mine goes something like that. So here goes:

There I watch those starry stars in the sky,
With hope of heaven to shine upon me,
To shine my love and my soul,
Why must I need love?

Long ago I’m afraid to love, I once loved,
I was born to give but never to take,
Like a butterfly trapped in a golden cage,
Set to be free, by someone who wants me to be free

All night I look upon the hill of sorrow,
Looking at the ray of light becomes dim and emotionally blurry,
If I do somehow found the love I had longed for,
Why the one I love have to keep on holding back?

Is there such natural affection in us?
Will love ever be harmful to my broken heart?
Why it’s a shame to admit the defeat of security in us?
What are you waiting and searching for?
Why does someone so close have to be so vulnerable?

What I want is to care and give my enduring love,
I want to build a moment to worship our understanding,
But somehow forever drift from this reality,
Because we weren’t bound to make it happen.

Though one day I will recreate and realign my love,
But until then, I understand I will never satisfy anyone,
Because all the things I thought there’s possibility,
Will be a space of time that I need to wait, and wait, and wait.

If I love you, I will love you dearly with all the love I have,
What do I do to keep you coming back to me?
What do I do to wait but let my heart in pain and grief?
I then only know that to waste your time and dreams.

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I can’t give everything you want except to share to fulfilling joy I have, what I can gain from my life will be as easy as a normal human can be, without having to counterfeit my affection. I'm afraid because I see dark path along the way, my heart tell me to stay, but my mind giving the possibility to accept the true nature in relationship. I got nothing to chase. And I know I got nothing more to give in terms of materialsm and the defination of hi-lifestyle. Again, I'm being obnoxious, paradoid and naive, because I don't want to be hurt over and over again, but then, I will always think of you and that I will love you forevermore, very dear as always. I'm sorry, I can't accept ambigious affection, I don't want to wait, I want dreams to come true. So I guess I will continue to spoil myself and be untamed, because I want to loose my faith in affection. I felt so down, and I got nothing.

I never felt so alive loving this way before, but my love is in your hands. I will make it worth if you want me to. I change myself if you want me too, but please don't tear my heart, not again. I beg u. I want you to know that I love you so much. Looking at your eyes gives me the butterflies, i never felt like this since my last break off, but I'm afraid to fail you.


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if you want me want to dance, how can I do it if it's water that I'm standing on...

Official Selection of Webcuts 2006 Germany

Yesterday, I got an email from Eckhard M. Jäger of the Webcuts2006 and informed us that our Digital Malaya Project's (DMP) submission of the video 'Rebirth & Realign' had been selected as 'Official Selection for Webcuts 2006' for Berlin Internet Film Festival. I immediately called up Perez and later he came to my house to send a higher resolution of the file to be sent to them. I am deeply excited to be a part of world's most revolution country for creative movement (Bauhaus). To be selected and shortlisted is enough for us for this prestigous recognition! Syukur Alhamdulillah.

p/s: Me and Perez was sitting down the living room and while watching Channel 9, we found out an ackward impression when we see Channel 9 TV intro, the animation looks soooooo familiar.

Visit Webcuts to check out entries from different year.

Light Room, Anyone?

I just got myself a Canon 350D slr camera (finally!). It was probably one of the difficult decision for me to choose which is suitable. I barely get myself Nikon D50, but a lot of friends recommended Canon (Yeah, I know the lens are expensive, but it's worth the shot). I know my favorite photographer, Emiliano suggested me to go for analog SRL however, I can't affort to go for higher maintenance. Well, I got a very good bargain with free 90-300mm (which everyone knows) and for a starter, it's cool. Plus, never bought such an expensive camera after my first camera I bought, which is SHARP viewcam and Sony. I just took few of my shot (as usual, vain) and I tried Adobe Lightroom, a very cool software which is similar to Apple Aperture or the well-known Picassa. What makes me buy the camera? Due to the influence of watching America's Next Top Model (watching Daniell Levitt on set is ammmmaaayyzing), Isma Yusoof (Who had been frequently 'poisoned'me with his work), and my close friends of flickr and csforum.



I've been introduced to Lightroom when I went to the Photoshop WorldAsia 2006 not long ago in KL Hilton together with my buddy, Vernon Fernandez, Koii, Fauzi (Madfozi) and Hanif Hashim. I just manage to download and try it out today and I'm telling you, this software is cool, although it's still under beta. I'm not sure how much the retail price when they release the official software, but if it's cheaper than Aperture (RM1,399), then I would go for Adobe.

Two Days Ago

It was a very calm, yet slow morning. I barely remember the last time I heard birds chirping outside my window, and hardly remember inhaling such a refreshing air. I was awake by a call from of my colleague while ‘Wonderful’ by India Arie playing on my computer. To tell you the truth, I woke up very late for the past few weeks, due to my insomnia and 3-4 hours of sleep, plus, usually my maid would give a wakeup call but now not anymore. I had my first ever six and a half hours of sleep yesterday. I never felt so good. Every morning, I would have to make my own bread and a cup of hot tea. Today is different than any other day. Since our maid ran off, most of us in the family had to do things the normal way; we cook our own food, make our own breakfast and prepare our own clothes. My grandma, Opah, was with us since yesterday. You know, having her around is different than having our Matuk (grandma on my mum’s side). Every morning, I would be able to see and hear her prayers and reciting the Quran. It’s nice and motivating. I had a chance to talk with her this morning for a very long. I never chat with her cause I would greet her and then left the house off to work.

Abby, my sister went out to send my sister, Afiqah to school. So, I have to wait for her especially when Opah is around. I don’t want my grandma to be left alone in the house. It always bothers me. In our conversation, she told me how happy and proud she is when she saw me in the newspaper. I felt very sincere flattered and touched. The smile on her face is so genuine, and she kept on saying ‘alhamdullilah’ (thankful). She mentioned to me about my responsibility when my dad is not around. I mean those things and stuff that I need to take care off when my father away, which I never bother. I used to remember hearing family fight over land issues and stuff, and I just don’t want to bother because I don’t want to jeopardize my relationship I have with my other brother and sisters. You know, normally the seniors or ‘orang-orang perak’ do have a lot of land and assets with them. Again, I don’t want to drag myself into this but I just realized that I do need to concern; I do need to care, because it’s the history and the appreciation need to be look at. My late grandpa had been working hard to get the land he now owns and pass it on to generation to generation. In the family, my dad gets the more of other family members, because my grandma loves my dad very, very much. Her love is very sincere and my dad is very, very protective with his mom. I know what it feels like to totally love someone. I know now that I love my dad and my mom, and I would promise myself to take care of them when they grow old. I want to work as hard as I can so I can manage a better life for them and make them happy.



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finally, i got my canon slr! more photography coming your way.

What A Week!

This week has been the most challenging week ever. I recently met a friend who had been helping me to figure out some of my problems and me therefore getting much closer to sanity and 'the light'.


This is my enhanced illustration which I suppose to do for Petrosains revamp website (This illustration was claimed by my art director, Mr. Simplicity as one of the not-so good illustration, but from public point of view, they like this cute boy. You’re so wide of the mark!)

I've been seeing a lot of people boasting what they have in their lives, unfortunately, it's getting nowhere if we kept on showing our ego because we are afraid of competition and felt defensive. I felt, even though I use to travel, stay for years in other people's country and exposed to new cultures, there is two places I never get a chance to visit, which is my heart and my think-tank. Extraordinary that I know, heart would be the best place to visit, because it allows us to be human, and to appreciate God's doing.

How a person practice bad ethics in life?

Relating to my previous post on my 'downfall of a friendship', I just realized that after my close friend cut-off my relationship with them, I try to look back at the past of how I spend time with them. Most of them would never accept new talents and will definitely disclaim someone as graffiti because to them, they felt they are the greatest, boasting with great ideas. The capability of what they have now, as suit to their portfolio, they will always try to make sure neither any artist and designers should have titled themselves as Graffiti artist, because we need to have a diploma or degree in arts in order to do that. I remember back when I was with them in Museum of Art, Singapore, they 'dis' off or had their negative remark on a collective called 'Wondermilk' and disclaim that 'Wondermilk' work is never to be claimed as Street Art. Well, in my heart, I would say 'Wow, since you are the greatest graffiti artist in Malaysia, you can tell who is or who is not a graffiti artist? That’s impressive!’ Act time we had conversation in our regular Saturday gathering (Well, not anymore), they would be 'bitching' about other graffiti artist and other designers (take for example, Stephen Lau) because they can't accept the fact that some people out there are better then they are. They might be an opportunist, or perhaps copycat some famous artist work such as Phunk Studio or whatsoever but what about you yourself? Who do you define originality at first place? Come on, those people also need to find their own bread and butter. They actually hate a lot of people and always carry such a bad aura in them. Let say that actually they are afraid of competition and trying hard to be as the number one up there without having the heart to encourage more youngsters and emerging talents to be better by trading their experience because they are not willing to share and educate others in first place. If you said I’m not willing to share my experience and my ideas, I disagree. There are few tutorials I did online, there’s talk we (Perez & Yadd of DMP Collective) presented in art collages (POLYTEC-MARA, The One Academy, etc), my .psd files are ready to be download for reference. You name it. I’m not giving my self-confident about my capability to show I’m better of then them, but the fact I want public to know, Out There, in this Malaysia Art & Design scene / community, there are people who can’t accept other talents, disrespect and WILL STOP other creative talents and people around them from doing what they believe it is art and what can be made as a part of their life.

My point is, in life, you cannot change people, but you can help other people to change. You can't expect people to change according to your like and your superficial demands. You can't expect a person who is fat to be as thin to your view, because it takes to be in that person's shoe before you can assume and make judgment on people. In your heart, you must understand their determination to try at their very best so you can push and motivate them to become better, not to drift them away, not have them around and let that person be your personal scapegoat and temper tantrum.

Tips menghalang kecurian seperti yang diberi oleh Polis DiRaja Malaysia.

I check on my email today and I found a very interesting email which my friend forward it to me. Well, unfortunately it's in Bahasa Melayu.

1. Jangan biarkan anak-anak tidur di ruang tamu seorang diri (Mereka mungkin menggunakan anak sebagai tebusan).
2. Kunci atau sorokkan semua pisau-pisau yang terdapat di dapur sebelum tidur (Kesemua kes kecurian di dapati pisau hilang dan menurut polis mereka akan mencari pisau dahulu sebelum mencuri bertujuan untuk melindungi diri mereka).
3. Sekiranya terdengar/terlihat paip air di luar rumah terbuka pada tengah malam (pukul 12 ke atas), jangan keluar rumah untuk menutup paip tersebut kerana ini adalah taktik terbaru mereka di mana mereka telah menunggu diluar pintu rumah untuk masuk (Kes terbaru berlaku di Dungun dan PJ).
4. Beritahu anak-anak sekiranya hendak ke tandas (jika tandas jauh) di waktu tengah malam, kejutkan ibubapa untuk bersama mereka.
5. Jangan simpan barang-barang kemas di dalam almari baju (Cara lama...).
6. Bawa alarm kereta bersama semasa tidur, in case terjaga tengah malam, cuba on and offkan balik untuk menakutkan pencuri (Menandakan kita sentiasa alert).
7. Tekan button merah alarm kereta anda jika anda suspect pencuri sudah masuk ke dalam rumah.
8. Sekiranya terlihat orang-orang yang agak aneh dan asing di kawasan rumah anda, sila dapatkan plet no motor/kereta mereka (Selalunya naik motor dan mereka ni biasanya berdua, setiap kali kita lalu depan mereka, mereka akan menundukkan kepala).
9. Pesan kepada jiran, sekiranya ada sesiapa yang datang ke rumah kita dan mengaku saudara kita bertujuan untuk mengambil barang-barang, jangan benarkan, beri nombor telefor pejabat anda kepada jiran supaya mereka boleh double check dengan kita.
10. Semasa tidur, pastikan handphone anda berada di sisi atau pastikan juga Cordless Phone anda berada di sisi anda ataupun sambungkan satu extension dalam kamar tidur anda. Ini memudahkan anda membuat panggilan kecemasan sekiranya anda terasa kehadiran pencuri di dalam rumah anda.
11. Adakan senarai nombor telefon kecemasan seperti polis, bomba , 991 atau sebagainya. Pastikan nombor-nombor ini disimpan dalam handphone anda.
12. Kalau boleh, hafalkan nombor tersebut. Ini memudahkan anda membuat panggilan telefon.
13. Kalau berkemampuan, pasangkan alat pengesan kecurian di rumah atau automatik alarm.
14. Lampu porch & lampu belakang rumah sepatutnya terpasang secara automatik bila malam, baik semasa kita ada di rumah atau pergi vacation.
15. Kalau cuti lama, pesan jiran kutip surat-surat dlm mail box. Mail box yg penuh membantu pencuri menghidu ketiadaan tuan rumah.
16. Kalau kawasan anda kerap berlaku kecurian, buat permohonan rasmi dari Balai Polis berdekatan supaya ada anggota polis buat rondaan yang kerap di kawasan anda.
17. Kereta Proton adalah paling mudah dicuri. Kalau kereta anda brand new, sekurang-kurangnya anda perlu lock gear & stering sebelum tidur (Sebenarnya masih boleh dicuri, tetapi akan berjaya melambatkan pencuri).
18. Kalau ada anak-anak perempuan, sebaik-baiknya pintu biliknya dikunci dari dalam (Sebab ada pencuri yg mengambil kesempatan seksual) dan anda perlu ada kunci pendua in case berlaku = kebakaran.
19. Sekurang-kurangnya simpan kayu hoki atau baseball di bawah katil anda buat mempertahankan diri dari pencuri yang ganas.
20. Jangan letak kunci bawah pasu bunga/mail box/alang pintu/tepi tingkap bila keluar (Pencuri dah lama tau taktik ni...). Lebih selamat beri pada jiran yang kita kenal rapat.
21. Kalau sewa rumah baru, pastikan anda tukar padlock baru, mana tau bekas-bekas penyewa lama simpan kunci pendua.
22. Kurangkan pendedahan dan pergaulan anda dengan pakerja asing.
    

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later!