See You in 2011!

I Mama Rock would like to wish everyone or anyone who stumble upon this lame blog of mine a Happy, Funky & Great New Year 2011! Hope you can achieve all your goals next year...for me I'll try my very best to do so!



Take care, have fun and love ya. See you in 2011!

My Christmas wishes

It's Christmas eve today...my favourite day! Ya...guess what, it's my BIRTHDAY - I turned 34 today. I feel so old but I don't have a choice becoming older every year..haha!

Anyways...Happy Birthday to me - hope all my dreams and wishes will come true (kids normally says that) and would like to wish all of 'Mama Rock' blog readers - Do have a Great and Fun Christmas and New Year 2011 with a blast!!!

LOVE YOU'ALL TOO!!!

Urang Sabah mimang buli bah!

Here's SO COOL cover of one of my fav Stevie Wonder song 'Lately' by Terry Peter, another of Sabahan's great local talent. Terry is an acquaintances of mine (through my sister, Deb) I met years ago and then recently met up with him again at a wedding. And while I was listening to our popular radio channel, Suria FM today - they played one of Terry's song 'Pretty Young Girls' from his 2008 debut album 'Melting Pot' - I like! Read more here. You can also check him out in Youtube - also love his Kadazan ballad song.



To Terry - bila ko mau bagi saya copy album ko..sia tagih ni. Suara ko mimang hebat lah - ko mimang buli. Urang Sabah mimang buli bah!

Bah keep it up!

Korean drama fever continues....

My fever over Korean dramas are still not so over...I think I could never get enough of them. I just love their language and I could already understand and speak a few words quite well...Sa-rang-hae-yo! After 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal'drama, there was another Korean drama blues over 'Cruel Love' (or aka Bad Love), a twisted but interesting love story that could make you cry. Unbelievably, even my husband watched it, joining me & my sister, Debbie every night from Mon - Thurs. We family are so into Korean dramas or even their food for that matter (talking about kimchi & bimbimbap) nowadays. But the drama ended it's last epi last week and again...why Koreans can't do any better & satisfying ending for their dramas (geez)? Anyways, the ending was just ok - the couple did end up together but in an un-romantic way (sigh!).

Here's a brief synopsis of the drama:

Na In Jung (played by Lee Yo-won) struggles with her love between the rather cold and rebellious Yong Ki (by Kwon Sang-woo) and a successful businessman, Soo Hwan (by Kim Seong-soo). Kang Yong Ki is a pop culture artist. He was separated from his first love, Jo Ann, and still carries the wound that he suffered from their relationship. His half sister is Joo Ran who is married to Soo Hwan. Soo Hwan begins an affair with In Jung but he only has ambition for the CEO position of Yong Ki's father's company. Soon after he discovers that his ambition does not fill the emptiness that he has inside and realizes he needs In Jung. But In Jung and Yong Ki have already fallen in love with each other. Will In Jung go back to her first love or stay with Yong Ki?

They say there is nothing else you could wish for as long as you are in love. But people tend to expect quite a lot from those they love. They say pride does not matter when you are in love, but many lovers break up because their self-esteem is hurt. They say love alone will do when you are in love, but we eventually keep turning our eyes to the demands of reality. They say love has no reasons, but people always love for a reason. Maybe that's why God bestowed love to humans as the biggest punishment for their greed. A bad and wicked love...

Here's one of the music soundtrack from the drama - and again, Koreans are SO good in doing ballads and I particularly love this one:

In a mood for X'mas...

I'm already in the mood for Christmas spirit and I love whenever December comes...who doesnt?! It's the time of the year again, for lots of happy things to happen around us - family gatherings, christmas shopping, gifts, christmas tree, children smiling, my birthday (wink), singing carols, christmas day itself & bla bla bla.

I've been singing the tunes to this lovely x'mas song all week now...so my fav! I might wanna try to record a video of me singing this song soon - we'll see, just wait.

Right now...here's to share Glee's version of 'Merry Christmas Darling' - just love Leah's (Glee's Rachel) voice too! Glee's music soundtracks are in my collection as well. Let's sing along and enjoy this song as much as I do.



Merry Christmas Darling

Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you

Merry Christmas darling
We're apart that's true
But I can dream and in my dreams
I'm Christmas-ing with you

Holidays are joyful
There's always something new
But every day's a holiday
When I'm near to you
The lights on my tree
I wish you could see
I wish it every day
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say

That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you

Instrumental Interlude

Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
I've just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you

(Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas - Darling)

Can't wait to buy me-self a birthday/x'mas gift soon...and I'll keep aiming to make my dreams come true:)

The month of I Do's

The wedding couple with some of the many talented musicians involved/performed at their wedding - thumbs up to the music coordinator, Adsone Gabu. (Photo courtesy of Romeo Bangkuai)

There's been lots of wedding ceremonies of friends or people I know this December month. It's the time of year again - weddings & singing & x'mas mood! And last Sunday, I was invited by a childhood friend, Carol Stella to sing at her wedding. I was again requested to sing Lea Salonga's 'Two Words' but this time with a violin accompaniment by Kyunghwan Hwang, a Korean. Hwang is a volunteer teacher at our mission school in Tamparuli and he's really good with the violin and singing with his accompaniment was really lovely. Reminds me of my violinist cousins, Sherwin & Miclen Thia.

I'm not sure if I sang well but go ahead and check out the video here which was uploaded by Pammie. (To Pammie - thanks again for this video, you are the best!) Will post more pictures later....

Quote for the weekend #2

Weekend is here again...how time flies huh! I've nothing much to say for now but share a latest picture of my two precious people (Carmen & Chardon) appreciating each others company and two lovely quotes I liked..here goes:

"Never ignore a person who loves you, and cares for you. One day you may wake up from your sleep and realize that you've lost the moon while counting the stars"

- Unknown

"If a little dreaming is dangerous, the cure for it is not to dream less but to dream more, to dream all the time." - Marcel Proust

So happy weekend again people - enjoy it with a blast!

I heart this song!

I totally HEART this song like crazy - the melody, the rhythm, the beat and the vocal of BRUNO MARS is just SO cool and he's a cutie too! I'm learnin to sing this song...it keeps spining in my head and I can't stop singing the chorus anytime & anywhere at home or the office. That's what I mean - this song makes me crazy!

Ok..let's sing and dance to the tune together...mmm? (ha!)

Click here if you can't watch the video in here.

Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day

Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are(yeah)

Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day

Oh, you know, you know, you know, I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same
So, don't even bother asking if you look ok
You know I'll say

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are
The way you are, the way you are
Girl you're amazing, just the way you are

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Cause girl you're amazing, just the way you are. Yeah

Just The Way You Are lyrics found at elyricsworld.com

I've listen to "Billionaire" too many times...another famous song featuring Bruno but I haven't bought his 'Doo-Wops & Hooligans' album yet...but I will pretty soon and I think he'll make one of a great entertainer these days.

Quote for the weekend #1

Happy weekend ya'all!

Disappointing ending of SKKS

This will be my 2nd & last post of the Korean drama 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' (SKKS), for I've finally watched the ending of it via online this week. Guess what...I'm quite disappointed of how it ends cos my so-called hero Moon Jae Shin did not end up with Kim Yoon Hee, in other words he didn't get the girl and that leaves him with a broken heart. I know..I know I'm acting like a teenager all over again..idolising stuffs like this (ha!). Since the genre of the drama is romantic comedy and so it ended funny - me not satisfied at all. Most Korean dramas I've watched & liked never really had a pretty ending (e.g. Autumn in my heart & Winter Sonata)

Now..like I said in my previous SKKS post...this killer smile of Yoo Ah In (who played Moon Jae Shin) just melt my heart away (husby...sorry again) - don't you think he's such a hottie? He has such a charming & adorable expression - and these are my fav smiles of him:

Anyways..if you don't mind, here's to share (again) my fav videos by Swodds (great editing Swodds - keep it up!). Just loved the music...besides Philipinos, Korean does beautiful ballads and has lots of western influences in their music. In fact, at this moment and this week...because of SKKS had me listening to Korean music non-stop in the office...nothing but Korean, till my boss and colleague says I'm Korean crazy! (It's ok - being crazy makes me more interesting..hehehe)

With just plain music instrumental but love their chemistry

Love this Korean song to death...it rings in my head all the time

The video that shows the love triangle of Lee Sun Joon, Kim Yoon Hee & Moon Jae Shin. Love the music too.

If you haven't watch it yet...here's another cool site (click here) to watch this drama - enjoy watching!

More later from crazy Mama Rock

Something I don't see everyday

This is something I don't see everyday...seeing this nature creature simply made my morning bright. It was such an unusual encounter to come face to face with the 'praying mantis' as it was sort of dancing in front of my car window - it seems to be a friendly one.

Well, people....LOVE NATURE!

Love your breast - Think Pink!

Hi people (especially to all ladies), hope you'll not get offended when I just said 'LOVE YOUR BREAST'....please have an open mind because the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign month just ended (in October). Yesterday, I attended a Breast Cancer Awareness Public Forum "Dream Beyond Cancer" organised by the The Rotary Club of Kinabalu Sutera & The Inner Wheel Club of Kota Kinabalu and they invited speakers - Dato' Dr Suseela Nair, Senior Consultant Breast Surgeon & Dr Ravi Mandalam, Consultant Radiologist to speak..of course to talk on none other than Breast Cancer, which 99% of sufferers are women and 1% are men (ya..men can get breast cancer too). The talk was very interesting and it really made me want to take care and love my breast more by knowing the signs of breast cancer and screen my breast regularly by breast self examination.

These items of the Pink Ribbon was my purchase that day as my contribution to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, and my money will go to the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA). So I don't mind spending cos it's pretty pinky stuffs too.

One of my aunt died of breast cancer and I'm not sure if it runs in my family....so I need to be aware!

So to all women (and perhaps men too..just FYI), never be afraid to examine your breasts or to have them examined. Finding out that you do not have breast cancer is more important than the time and effort required for an examination, or any discomfort you may feel. Protect yourself through early detection. You will have better treatment options and a better chance of recovery. More info on breast cancer, you may login to http://www.breastcancer.org.my/ and Think Pink Foundation.

I'm now proudly supporting women with breast cancer!

Korean drama fever over 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal'

Sungkyunkwan Scandal (courtesy of MySoju.com)

Ya..ya..I know and I'm gonna say it again that it's been a while since my last post. Remember? I was tightly busy with the Sabah International Expo 2010 (SIE2010), one of my company's major event that was just held on 15 - 19 Oct at 1Borneo Hypermall. And now it's all over and we just organised a Budget Forum on 22 Oct and that's over as well....and I'm starting to get a lil lazy at work after all that.

Anyway, back to the subject...this started during the SIE actually, while my friend Dev and I was resting at our hotel room @ Novotel when we turned the tv channel to KBS World (Korean channel) and we watched this Korean drama called 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal'. (you can click on the title to watch it - you could get addicted!) I'ts a romantic comedy drama and read that it's one of Korea's latest hit drama. After watching like 2 episodes of it, I instantly fell in love with the storyline which is so cool & charming because I favoured movies/drama that has a girl pretends to be a boy and there's love triangle kind of thingy going on - just makes my heart melt! I got so into it that we watch the next and next epis online. It's so charming that I could just keep smiling everytime I think about it and I've already requested a record store to make me the DVD of the whole drama - crazy huh! I'm having 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' fever!

Okay let me share you something about this drama:

Synopsis: This drama is set in Sungkyunkwan University during the Joseon era, revolving around the exploits and love stories of four youths. When her younger brother falls ill, Kim Yoon Hee enters the school in his place disguised as a boy in her desperation to find a way to support him, and becomes friends with Lee Sun Joon, extremely rich and the brains of the gang, playboy Goo Yong Ha and the rebellious Moon Jae Shin.

Check out the trailer here: Sungkyunkwan Scandal

The four main characters L-R: Lee Sun Joon (Micky Yoochun), Kim Yoon Hee/Kim Yung Shik (Park Min Young), Moon Jae Shin ((Yoo Ah In - my fav & he's hot) and Goo Yong Ha (Song Joong Ki)

I'm madly in love with his character - Yoo Ah In starred as 'Moon Jae Shin'. I drools over his sexy lips and killer smiles...haha (sorry husby). For more of him check out this lovely videos here and here and here again and oh here's another one which is my fav (courtesy of Joy13wall & Swoddss - beautiful soundtracks and I love the chemistry of him and the heroine. I so wish they would end up together!) Don't you think he is SO CHARMING with his smile? And he's extremely a good actor too!

Before I end this post (because I might continue on talking about SKKS if I don't stop) I'll leave you with the best part - here's a video that shows the love triangle between Lee Sun Joon, Kim Yoon Hee & Moon Jae Shin. (And to swoddss - your videos are great!)

I'm smiling now...again (thinking how charming Moon Jae Shin/Yoo Ah In is..hehehehe...naughty mama)

Brighten up and smile (on Mondays and rainy days)

Most people always says Monday sucks but actually it does'nt have to always be that bad. Here's something to rid the monday blues...listen to some pretty tunes from the radio or your fav cd's in the car. Just to share...here's one to listen to, just to start off your Monday bright and smilling.....

This guy is really good & just awesome-ly talented! And I love his lovely rendition of 'Amos Lee's' Sweet Pea. He's Gabe Bondoc, another cool Philippino talent, and a popular indie pop/acoustic artist based in San Mateo, California. I googled, and read that he rose to fame with his One Take Sessions of famous songs and his own compositions in Youtube. (Hi Gabe, I'm a fan of your voice!) For more of Gabe and his music - check him out in here.

Now I want to play the guitar like him so badly...unfortunately my old but classic guitar (quite a vintage one actually) broke into half unintentionally by Danny, my younger bro, a few years ago. Plan to buy a new one sometime soon.



Let's sing along....

Sweet pea Apple of my eye

Don't know when and I don't know why

You're the only reason I keep on coming home

Sweet pea What's all this about

Don't get your way all you do is fuss and pout

You're the only reason I keep on coming home

I like the Rock of Gibraltar I always seem to falter

And the words just get in the way

Oh I know I'm gonna crumble

I'm trying to stay humble

But I never think before I say

Sweet pea Keeper of my soul

I know sometimes I'm out of control

You're the only reason I keep on coming

You're the only reason I keep on coming

yeah You're the only reason I keep on coming home

Anyways, happy monday people....I'm gonna be so busy this two weeks....and I'm not sure if I'll have time to update my blog...keep checking me up:)

Final Preparation for the SIE2010

Next week will be a super duper busy week for me and my colleagues (from MICCI Sabah, FSM & SIE Secretariat). Although I did manage to update my blog today (to de-stress my mind) but work in the office was actually non-stopping and overloading but it's fun to be that busy - so used to it. I'm glad I'm able to cope with work stress just fine. My office (MICCI) seems to look like a paper factory these days....there's just papers & files everywhere. We are actually tightly busy with our final preparation for the Sabah International Business Conference 2010 (SIBC2010 - which MICCI Sabah is chairing again this time round) and the Sabah International Expo 2010 (SIE2010 - chaired by FSM). We'll be moving to the SIE Secretariat at 1Borneo Hypermall, where the SIE will be held, starting this coming Monday, 11 Oct. The SIBC will be held on 15 Oct (Theme: Growing Money from Trees), whereby the SIE will start from 15 - 19 Oct. There will be about 400 booths (both local & international participation). There will also be visiting diplomats and we're expecting about 20 countries participating in the SIE. SIE is one of our company's major event held bi-annually (it was last held in 2008) and we jointly organise it with FSM and the Sabah State Government. This will be my 5th SIE as part of the working committee.

So people - do go and visit the SIE2010 on 15 - 19 Oct at the 1Borneo Hypermall (exhibition site is located in the basement/car park area). It will be fun & interesting!

I'm sure next week we'll be working like hell...rushing to have everything organised, just be prepared to look like pandas (ha...I mean we might have baggy eyes for having less sleep). But at the same time it will be lots of fun...you know meeting people and getting free stuffs from the exhibitors ( I hope). So looking forward to it but still can't wait to get it over and done with!

Eat Pray Love

Went to watch this movie with friends, Melissa & Raz - Julia Robert's latest film 'Eat Pray Love' a few days ago. It was very inspirational and I liked the fact that the movie was based on a true story/a life memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert, also author of the book with the same title. And I also bought the book 'Eat Pray Love' just recently - good read, really! My next buy will be 'Committed' (more on marriages or being committed to love) also by Elizabeth Gilbert and probably could be the next sequel to the movie (who knows). I love the music soundtrack in the movie - will go buy the CD as soon as it's out. A movie worth watching - go watch! It's about letting yourself go......

Since the movie is based on real life....I would love to meet this so called 'medicine man' from Bali named Ketut Liyer - he really does exist, how interesting will that be, I wonder...Ketut reading my palm??:)

Let me share something about this movie (click info from website here - cool site!)

Storyline: Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) had everything a modern woman is supposed to dream of having - a husband, a house, a successful career - yet like so many others, she found herself lost, confused, and searching for what she really wanted in life. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Gilbert steps out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life, embarking on a journey around the world that becomes a quest for self-discovery. In her travels, she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali. Based upon the bestselling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love proves that there really is more than one way to let yourself go and see the world.

Movie Trailer:


Anyway, weekend is here again.....enjoy people!

Another singing invitation...

Another friend invited me to sing for his cousin's wedding come this December. He actually has a special request if I could sing this broadway song 'Someone Like You' from Jekyll & Hyde (great - it's one of my fav song) and will be accompanied by a strings orchestra - cool! I told him I shall try my best and will go learn the song first. I heard Barbara Streisand sang this song (I have her CD of her best hits in my collection) but I particularly like Lea Salonga version (see video below) - I'm just totally in love with her voice!



Singing makes me happy!

Art & Ghost

I drooled like a fool when I stumbled on this awesome blog ' Art & Ghosts' by Louise Robinson via decor8. I really heart her works - her art prints is one of the cutest ever! And I loved how different, eccentric, cool and SO creative she is - she's like the modern day Salvador Dali that her arts has some forms of surrealism touch. I really liked how she described herself - so unique! (Hi Ms Louise, I hope you don't mind me blogging about you & your beautiful works in here - I'm your biggest fan!).

If ever I want to write a children story book, I would love her to be my illustrator. My propose titles for my children book will be like 'The little girl who's afraid of the moon' and 'The girl and the mannequin' - sounds a lil weird too huh (?) and it's related to my lil girl, Carmen. Well, this is just a dream away.

Her lovely working space - I liked!

Two of her many cutest prints that I adores:

Just looked at what she reads - interesting books (see her reading list here)....no wonder her works of arts is different, so one-of-a-kind, strange & mysterious, beautiful, etc (I could go on and on just praising her works).

Lady Gaga's Alejandro

I often listen to this song 'Alejandro' by Lady Gaga in the radio and from her 'Fame Monster' album CD that I bought not long time ago but I never really care or notice what's the meaning behind it until I watched her 'Alejandro' video, which actually caused quite a stir & has contraversial imagery effects. But I think (or everyone knows that) Lady Gaga is one of the most daring, unique, amazingly strange especially in her sense of fashion, creative genius, too different and the coolest artiste there is after MJ. And I liked how eccentric she is both as an artiste and individual - a new legend is born. Did you know that she's also quite an accomplished pianist? My lovely beastie, Melissa also explained to me what the names - Alejandro, Fernando, Roberto and Hot Like Mexico in the song signifies about...read here:

Alejandro = man's defender and protector (GOD)

Fernando = ardent for peace (JESUS)

Roberto = bright or shining fame (HOLY SPIRIT)

Hot like Mexico = HELL

Try to incorporate this into the lyrics: "Don't call my name, Alejandro (God)", "I'm not your babe (child), Fernando (Jesus)", "Don't call my name, Roberto (Holy Spirit)", "You know that I love you boy, Hot like Mexico (Hell)".

The lyrics to this song really interest me and I salute the songwriters (Stefani Germanotta or aka Lady Gaga herself, Khayat & Nadir) for their creativeness. Reminds of another song with meaning behind it - the infamous old time rock song 'Hotel California'. To know/read the full meaning of the 'Alejandro' song - check here for 'The Occult Meaning'.

Lyrics to Alejandro:

I know that we are young. And I know you may love me

But I just can't be with you like this anymore. Alejandro

She's got both hands in her pocket. And she won't look at you, Won't look at you

She hides true love En su bolsillo. She's got a halo 'round her finger. Around you

You know that I love you boy, Hot like Mexico, rejoice.

At this point I gotta choose, nothing to loose

Don't call my name. Don't call my name, Alejandro.

I'm not your babe. I'm not your babe, Fernando

Don't wanna kiss, don't wanna touch. Just smoke one cigarette and hush.

Don't call my name. Don't call my name, Roberto

Alejandro, Alejandro, Ale-ale-jandro, Ale-ale-jandro

(Just stop. Please. Just let me go. Alejandro. Just let me go.)

She's not broken, She's just a baby. But her boyfriend's like a dad, just like a dad

And all those flames that burned before him

Now he's gonna fight your fight, gonna cool the bad

You know that I love you boy, Hot like Mexico, rejoice

At this point I gotta choose, nothing to loose

Don't call my name, Don't call my name, Alejandro

I'm not your babe. I'm not your babe, Fernando

Don't wanna kiss, don't wanna touch. Just smoke my cigarette and hush

Don't call my name. Don't call my name, Roberto

Alejandro, Alejandro, Ale-ale-jandro.Ale-ale-jandro

By the way, Melissa (Angus) will be my colleague once again for about a month...we are starting to get busy in organising the Sabah International Business Conference 2010 and Sabah International Expo 2010 (SIE) come this 15 - 19 Oct @ 1Borneo Hypermall. We used to work together since 2001 but now she's free-lancing as an event coordinator. This will be our 5th SIE together as part of the Working Committee. It's gonna be fun around the office - she's as bubbly as I am. I'll talk more about her in here later.

The Purpose of Life

After watching these documentary videos - '10 Questions for the Dalai Lama' and 'Red Flag Over Tibet' and hearing my sister, Debbie's experiences from her recent visit to Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, India and her close encounter with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama that I really got inspired with the teachings of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism. I'm that kind of person that is SO easily inspired with anything that interest me...let it be the arts, music, fascinating people & etc. And I would love to visit Mcleod Ganj (also known as Little Lhasa) one day - if I could I would love to live there. It's where the 14th Dalai Lama lives and the Tibetan Government in exile is - cool! I also remembered watching 2 interesting movies about the Dalai Lama - 'Seven Years In Tibet' and 'Kundun' in the late 90s but I wasn't really fascinated about him at that time. Finding enlightenment in life & having good karma is always a cool thing to do!

Here are some inspiring sayings, quotes or mantra from the Dalai Lama that I liked on peace and happiness that I would like to share:

"There are many people who have wealth and power who remain unhappy, due to which their health declines, and they are always taking medicines. On the other hand, we find people who live like beggars but who always remain peaceful and happy. Therefore, in our daily life a certain way of thinking makes us happy, and a certain way of thinking makes us unhappy. In other words, there are certain states of mind which bring us problems, and they can be removed; we need to make an effort in that direction. Likewise, there are certain states of mind that bring us peace and happiness, and we need to cultivate and enhance them". - In here, I learned that when you have little, you have little things to worry about.

"It is very important to generate good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come".

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions".

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion".

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

What song to sing?

A friend of mine will be getting married this weekend and she requested me to sing at her wedding ceremony. It's been quite a while since I last sang at a wedding or at church...I was still pregnant then. Even during my maternity period, I was invited by a friend to sing at his wedding but have to turned his invitation down. Last night I went through all my wedding song books/files and I still don't know what song to sing. I'm bored singing the other wedding songs I used to sing for people's wedding. Anyway, I came across this song 'With You I'm Born Again' - I thought why don't I try singing this song as a solo, but I love how John Legend and Mariah Carey sang their duet version of this song. I've not been practising my vocal lately (well, except singing in the bathroom) and I hope my vocal range could suite this song well although it's pretty simple & easy - if yes then this could be the perfect song for my friend's wedding.

Wish me luck - I could still change my mind though.

Notebooks from India

My sister, Debbie just got back from her India Trip yesterday and I think she will brag about it very soon in her blog. She actually asked me to blog about her trip on her behalf while she was still in India and gave me permission to use her pictures from FB but I didn't have the time to post about it in here yet. But I liked the fact that she got the chance of lifetime to meet HH The Dalai Lama, who is living in exile in Dharamsala, India and is one of the world's most influential religious figure - and I'm a lil bit jeolous (hehe)! Deb is so kind to buy me a few souvenirs from India such as this pretty unique notebooks - thanks Deb! We both love to collect notebooks. By the way (just for your info) we are fraternal twins. I bought 2 pretty notebooks recently as well - will show those addition later in here.

Well, here's to share some of her photos from her trip.....just love those creative art & craft stuffs and the Himalayan mountain range (to Deb, thanks again for allowing me to use your lovely photos):

More later from Mama Rock:-)

Have a Cozy Weekend!

Weekend is here again - time flies! Not sure how my weekend will turn out this time. There's a camping activities going on at Dantai Beach, Kota Belud, Sabah and my husband is gonna be quite involve because it's a teachers camping retreat...but I don't think me & the children are coming along with him - scared of getting sick with 'Chikungunya' (lots of mosquitoes there).

So I might plan something to do like - do scrapbooking of the Twilight Saga & about my children; redecorate a plain notebook into something funky; update my blog; draft 1 or 2 short children stories or whatever. Not sure if I can ever start doing anything of these activities during this weekend but I shall try - but only when baby Chardon has dozed off:P

Wish to have a cozy weekend like this puppy - hope you too!

Black Swan

I think lots of women out there (me one of them) adores the beauty of Natalie Portman...who doesn't? - she is so simple but so beautiful (reminds me of Audrey Hepburn). Anyway, I'm looking forward to watch her upcoming movie the 'Black Swan' this December. I read that she did hours of extreme training of both ballet and crosstraining with swimming starting a year ahead of time to prepare herself for the film - wow that's really full of commitment & I'm sure she could be in the oscar's nomination list next year.

Synopsis: Nina (Portman) is a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her obsessive former ballerina mother Erica (Hershey) who exerts a suffocating control over her. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side - a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

Could be very interesting (although it's a psycho-thriller movie)!

'Orang Tua Kecil'

My baby son, Chardon Tristan has just turned 4 months old but my Indon maid called him 'orang tua kecil' (little old man) because he looks like a 'big boy' already - probably because of his hair (my husby was a lil mad at me cos I gave Chardon a haircut - his 1st haircut & quite a bad one I guess)...in KadazanDusun we called him 'pindik-pindik tagap' (haha). As his mommy - I think he's the cutest & the most adorable 'orang tua kecil'. Loved him too much!

'Merdeka' Spirit

It's gonna be a long weekend for me...thought of taking leave come this Mon, 30 Aug - I had to bring Chardon for his clinic appointment and the next day, 31 Aug is our Malaysia's Independence Day (Merdeka Day) which is a public holiday for Malaysian. So right now I'm feeling kinda of patriotic already...I know I'm so late in having this so called 'Merdeka Spirit' that I didn't even kibar a single Malaysia & Sabah flag earlier - what a shame huh?

Well...I'll be spending time with my family (as usual at all weekends). Will go buy a new box of watercolours for Carmen for her to do some painting at the weekend (love to encourage my children with creative activities) and will listen to the music of Mozart with Chardon as well. That's how simple my weekend is. Or I thought of also visiting my grandma & sister at our village home at Kampung Rani, Tenghilan - we'll see:)

Anyway, happy weekend to you people. Guess who's that guy in the cool picture? See you next week...

Go Pixie?

I had a haircut about two weeks ago...but nope not this Emma Watson's (pic above) pixie cut. I got fed up with my hair which was too long...so I had a shoulder length-layered trim. I still have those curly locks though but it's okay - good to give volume to my hair. One day soon - I really would want to go for this Emma Watson (she's the actress who starred as Hermoine in Harry Potter) new pixie do...don't you think she looks lovely with this hair? Perhaps I should slim down a little bit first then this pixie cut will look good on me - ha...we'll just have to wait & see then!

Shucks, if I knew about a public non-profit organization called 'Locks of Love', which I just came across from the net, I would donate my hair to this organisation. (Locks Of Love is an organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the US and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses they provide would help to restore these children's self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.) I will support and donate my hair there one of these days after/if I had a haircut.


Anyway, it's nearly 4 months now since I gave birth to my baby son, Chardon and I'm going through some hormonal change...that is right now my hair has started to fall - lots of hair cos Chardon is also losing lots of his baby birth hair which is actually normal. And I guess I didn't consumed enough calcium during my pregnancy that I didn't lose a tooth but broke a tooth (half of it) which used to be my wisdom tooth - gosh that is so ugly!

The Treasure of True Friendship

The greatest treasures are not gold

Nor jewels, nor work of art

They cannot be held in your hands

They're held within your heart

For worldly things will fade away

As seasons come & go

But the treasure of true friendship

Will never lose its glow

I took this words from the 'Tinkerbell & The Lost Treasure' movie. My Carmen is a huge fan of Tinkerbell and she watched the movie (1st & 2nd part) a few times and she wanted me to watch together with her (me too liked 'Tink'...hehe) - that's when I got this cool little poem!

Well people, weekend is here again - so have a cool weekend ya!

Good Luck Hanky

I've been using this hanky for awhile - before & after giving birth to my 2nd child last April 2010. It's called Inu-hariko (which means papier-mache dog) & I bought it for only RM5 at Daiso Japan store. I liked the description stated on it's plastic cover - it says "Inu-hariko is the charm for protection. A charm believed to offer protection for a safe birth & good luck for babies". Nice eh? And it's a cute & good gift for a baby shower. And I did have a safe birth & want to believe/see what good luck will bring upon my baby Chardon. There are a few other similar good luck hankies but I particularly want to keep this in my bag wherever I go.

Charice's Debut Album

Charice Pempengco's debut album is finally out...which I have anticipated & looking forward to buy for awhile. No doubt her voice is a power house. One song I liked most from this album is 'Note to God', inspired me to learn this song and maybe one day I could try to sing it...(if I'm invited to) at a special function, at church (maybe, if appropriate) or a wedding reception or something. Just love her kind of vocal - great tone, soulful and strong.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to post up her official music video of 'Pyramid', a duet with Iyaz here, for the videos from youtube was recently blocked under copyright grounds - sorry!

Anyway, have a pretty day today:)

'Something New In My Life' by Sarah Geronimo

I will not have the time to blog at the weekend, so I'll post something here for you to enjoy - one of my fav music video from Sarah Geronimo with 'Something New In My Life'. Her music videos are getting more matured & richer quality. Anyway, this week you see I've not been blogging much about my personal life but plain entertainment. At least something to update in here right?

I guess I wanted something new in my life
A new key to fit a new door
To wake and see a different view in my life
The one I've been waiting for

Dreams like everyone I’ve had a few in my life
Who knew that this one would come true in my life
I knew the moment when you touched me
You touched me

You’re like a sudden breeze that blew in my life
A new face, a new smile, new song
And now I know I wanted you in my life all along

I guess, I must have saved an empty place in my heart
For you to come and fill this space in my heart
That long before I said I loved you
I love you

Whatever happens this is true in my life
When all the springs have come and gone
Whatever dance I made or do in my life
Whatever else that I may do in my life

You’ll always be something new in my life
From now on

I know there always will be you in my life
From now on…

Totally heart this song - so sweet and melodious!

By the way, it's Friday the 13 today (gosh!)...hope & pray nothing of a bad luck will happen (although I'm not that superstitious). Last week was quite a pretty bad week for my family, my two children caught the cold bug and my husband got sick with Chikungunya - an insect-borne virus , that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes Mosquitoes & causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever & which is an outbreak in my neighbourhood just recently. However, both my babies & husband has recuperated. But just last night, I started to have a bad sore throat and lil feverish - my only remedy was to drink lots of honey and lemon.

Well, hope to have a healthy weekend with lots of rest..which I may doubt having enough.

Cheerios!

Breeding 'Tokay' Geckos

Sometime ago, my husband, Zorab learned about the medicinal purpose & financial value of the Tokay geckos...and he decided to hunt for them at our garage. He found a little Tokay but didn't manage to catch it. However, he did find their eggs and try if he can keep or breed them inside this container (of course he punched holes on it). It's been more than 3 weeks now but I still can't see them hatching anytime.

I read from my brother's blog about it recently...on how one can become wealthy by just selling them - 200gm - 300gm gecko can fetch up to RM8000 to RM100,000. But then again I heard it's financial value has gone down due to many suppliers in the market selling these tokays.

Company's Annual Luncheon 2010

Last 27 July, our company/chamber had our Branch Annual Luncheon held at the Magellan Sutera's (Sutera Harbour Resort) Grand Ballroom. I got back to work on 1st July (from my 2 months maternity leave) and only had like a month to organise this event. The luncheon was attended by about 370 people including the Chief Minister of Sabah as our Guest of Honour and other VVIP guests (sorry can't post pics of them).

We had western set menu. I missed out the food tasting session in June, so I thought the menu was just okay this time...not up to my likings though. Pictures here that tells....

The Appetizer - Grilled Vegetables Antipasto with Grissini Stick & Balsamic Vinaigrette:
The Main Course - Herbs Crusted Reff Fish Fillet with Tomato Butter Stuffed Chicken Supreme with Harisa Sauce Young Garden Vegetables & Pesto Mash Potato:

The Dessert - Chocolate Jaffa Volcano:

With my collegues from the Sabah International Expo 2010 (SIE2010) Secretariat - Sonia and Christy:

With guests from KFC (Sabah) Sdn Bhd - Regina (a friend of my friend (Dolly) and Datin Anna Au:

After the event - over and done with:

It was a rushing thing to do but at the end it was well organised - over and done with. So I'm quite satisfied with myself (ha!).

A must-see movie: SALT

Angelina Jolie at the recent movie premier of SALT in the US - just LOVED her black dress!

If you like a woman power-action movie or Angelina Jolie for that matter, you'll like this movie. I was boss-less today and I thought I could catch a movie and it's my chance to go watch 'Salt' - again to the cinema alone. I totally heart Angelina and all her type of action movies like these (e.g. Wanted, Lara Croft The Tomb Raider, etc). Never doubt she's a great & versatile actress! And a cool mom too - my inspiration!

Read that this movie was originally written for a male protagonist and that character was offered to Tom Cruise to cast as Edward Salt but he turned it down and they remake the part for Angelina as the woman spy 'Evelyn Salt'. And for that - thanks to Tom Cruise. The movie is a big hit with remarkable storyline & had large impact on me. Will go buy the DVD later for my 'Angie Movies' collection.

Synopsis: As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?"

Gotcha

Gotcha - no screwing Bella after all and this is the real picture. Gosh! Kristen is one lucky girl.

Anyway, I watched 'Vampires Sucks', a movie based on the Twilight Saga but in a humorous & very silly way...and they support Team Jacob!

More from Mama Rock later....

Screw Bella

For now...I still have nothing much to say...except this - Yes! Screw you Bella....but not this way guys (haha). Cute but outrageous!

Anyways, have a cool weekend...do something funky...mine will be spending quality time with my two munchkins, CJ & Chardon (both are having cold - sigh, blamed it on the weather)

'You Are For Me' by Kari Jobe

I've not been blogging for awhile, been really busy since I started work in July (after my maternity leave)...been rushing like hell in organising my company's annual luncheon held on 27 July...hosting about 350 people including the Sabah's Chief Minister as our Guest of Honour & some other VVIP guests and I only have a month to organise it . I'll find some time later to blog about it.

Anyway, just a short visit & quick post here, I saw this video of Kari Jobe, a young contemporary christian singer, I thought this music and lyrics of hers is simply sweet and touching. Enjoy!

You Are For Me by Kari Jobe

So faithful. So constant.
So loving and so true.
So powerful in all You do.

You fill me. You see me.
You know my every move
and You love for me to sing to You.

I know that You are for me.
I know that You are for me.
I know that You will never,
forsake me in my weaknesses
I know that You have come now,
even if to write upon my heart.
To remind me who You are.

So patient, So gracious,
So merciful and true…
So wonderful in all You do.
You know me. You see me.
You know my every move.
You love for me to sing to You

Lord, I know that You are for me.
I know that You are for me.
I know that You will never,
forsake me in my weaknesses.
I know that You have come now,
even if to write upon my heart.
To remind me that I know that You are for me.

I know that You are for me.
I know that You will never,
forsake me in my weaknesses.
I know that You have come now,
even if to write upon my heart.
To remind me who You are.

More updates from me soon ya....

Twilight Saga fever with 'Eclipse'

The World Cup is now over but the Twilight Saga fever still continues on, especially when it's 3rd installment 'Eclipse' has just started showing on cinema. Twi-hard fan like me certainly would'nt miss watching it too - ya, watched it yesterday during lunch hour at Growball Cinema...alone but next to me was a young pregnant lady who was a lone ranger too so it was okay. The hall was not even half full but the audience were fun and everyone clapped when Bella admitted her love for Jacob and asked him to kiss her. So I guess most of them are on Team Jacob. And this time for this 3rd part - I'm on Team Jacob! And he is hotter than Edward..hehe (remember Jacob's corny lines?). And it's the best 'Twilight' film so far - it's more action-packed, cute but still a lil chessy and charmingly romantic. I still can't stand Kristen's acting though. There's some cool accessories featured in the film but I particularly liked these ones:

Bella's engagement ring from EdwardI'm not sure if this is the bracelet that Edward gave Bella but it looks something like it

Jacob's bracelet for Bella - this one I SO LIKED!

The vampire-werewolf war / love triangle begin - again....it's getting more and more interesting and can't wait for the next one 'Breaking Dawn'.