Still all about the paradise

Was really hoping to blog alot more but I must admit , things got quite busy out here and I have had an amazing time throughout . Life is still all about the island , it's been a while since I saw a car and I move around in boats everyday . It is a big change in scene but most definitely , a very pretty sight daily

Heading home in my RIDE

To summarise a few , couple of weeks ago , we had a wonderful oppurtunity of working with the students from Alice Smith International School from Kuala Lumpur . We had a bunch of 10 who were out here doing their part with conservation and community development as well as completing their respective dive courses .

Winning the hearts and minds

It all started off with a presentation and briefing at Tuna Bay Resort which went awesome as we had the attention of almost the entire resort at dinner time . The message was quite clear and people did get pretty shocked with some of the statistics we laid out in front of them regarding the decline of turtles in Malaysia and around the world

The walk of fame

While the students were at it , we did a massive beach clean up at one of the most visited beaches on the island . The beach is called KK Beach in Perhentian Besar and many corporate companies use this beach for teambuilding and weekend events

Getting right to heart of it all

One thing they fail to hold up to is the fact that this beach is fuckin' dirty thanks to litters from the hundreds who turn up every week . How disappointing ..
It was however brilliant to see the campers watch us pick up their litter . They must have felt a little bit of guilt right there . Epic !

The gorgeous sunset with the Ecoteer team

It's amazing how people throw away something in our beautiful beaches and expect it to disappear magically , wake up and smell the shit people !

The TEAM

The final part of the event with Alice Smith ended with a bang when they donated funds that was then channeled towards making up a classroom into a marine theme .



The boys cleaning off the walls

This was a great day out for the students , the volunteers as well as the local kids as we worked together in making this a success . Part of the funds will also go towards our Turtle Needs Trees Club held at the school every Friday as well as improving the village in many ways . 

The artists at work watched on by curious kids

It did take alot of work to make this an awesome event but the end result was great . Nothing could beat the smile the kids displayed as they walked in the next morning . 

The class started taking a turn

It's amazing how we have so much interest from great people from abroad . It however does make me think of the level of contribution we as locals sometime pump back into the system . We can't blame politics for every shit that happens in our life and perhaps we can start pointing a finger back at ourselves this once and ask yourself when was the last time we thought of others ? More can be done for the little communities that surround us here in Malaysia , what we need is a layout .. a follow through and implementation .
However , please be warned of fuckin' big corporations that claim to be charity based . They use more than half of the charity to pay off their staff wages . If you wanna get something done , get some people together and DO IT YOURSELF !

A very happy group . Well done !

We may be behind some western countries but there is no point floating around in the present as we are indeed a growing community . Make a difference by being the first to lead the rest . You don't need to be a follower for life . Start off by lending a helping hand to another that needs it . We will achieve unity by hook or fuckin' crook :)

 

Life on the islands

An eye opener , simplicity and amazing sincerity . These are the 3 main things I have come in terms with since my arrival here at the village . I have been able to mingle with the locals pretty much the way I'd like to and they are beginning to open up to me 

A photo taken during my evening dip

I am starting to adopt myself to the relaxed and mellow way of life . Although slightly difficult in the beginning as you start getting restless at times , you will gradually get used to being one with nature and living at ease thus being happy with what you have

I have done a bit of work with my new house , organising the things as well as repairing leaks and holes around the place . It is really starting to look good , I reckon in times to come , this house is gonna stand out !

BEFORE

My workspace AFTER

To those who are in a daze about what I am going on about . I am working with an International Conservation company called Ecoteer . I am currently positioned on an island in the middle of the South China Sea , approximately 60 km's from the South of Thailand . My mission is to mingle with the local villagers ( 1000 inhabitants ) , working closely with the kids of the village spreading messages of conservation as well as finding ways in improving the living standards and the local economy for the people .

Well , that just sounded so formal but life in the end of the day is all about doing what you love and enjoy what you are doing . The last week has been pretty awesome , I could boldly say that I know most of the people here and the sense of satisfaction I get from this internship is nothing but amazing .
Ecoteer , founded in Plymouth , UK and making a difference in the deep corners of our country . When are we gonna grow up and learn to take control of our actions ? It is indeed time to watch , observe , learn and imitate .

This reminds me of a song .. The chorus of Knife Party at the Niko when Chino sings :
I can float here forever ...

Regards x

Pack and Paddle

Months of the normal city life later , I decided to pack my bags and head out in search of a new scene . I have left in order to seek something more in life , I must admit I got sick of the fuckin' routine that we all obey and commit to . Someplace where you can make a difference and share whatever it is that you are good at .



The view from the classroom . Seriously !

It was rather hard saying goodbye to my family as it is not a norm for us to find time to be together very so often . Saying goodbye to my friends was a little easier as I know they may just well pack up and hunt me down !

As we fled through the purity of mother nature

My journey took 9 hours by bus .. I was not anticipating this as I hate being in one small confined space for too long . Plus , you gotta be really vary about not wanting to pee too much or running them loose as I learnt the hard way - never drink beer before a bus journey as the passengers won't be too amused when you make the driver stop for you too many times . Burp !

My new home far away from the world

I arrived at my destination quite early and I had decided in advance that I was gonna hitch hike my way to the next place . To my delight , the bus I needed to catch was just on the other side of the road . It was a pretty smooth journey I must say .. there was this girl who sat next to me , offered to share her peanuts with me and played lovey dovey Malay tunes on her mobile almost throughout the entire journey . It was amusing cause it really made me smile :)


Dan doing some measurements

 Got to the island after an hour boat ride and met up with my mate Daniel Quilter ( founder of Ecoteer ) who then proceded to show me around the fishing village and my new found home . It was a completely different world altogether .. people seemed much more relaxed and they were smiling almost everywhere we went . The surroundings are beautiful .. a much needed fix for someone like me . The water is sooo clear and you could literally see the fishes feeding right next to the jetty .

There is also an awesome hill standing right behind my house screaming come on Pavin .. Yeah , made plans to summit the hill this coming weekend with Mike , a researcher from Portsmouth , UK with whom I will be living with for the next months to come . It is all falling in place .. The house we currently stay in , is more than a luxury to me . It has everything a house will need and I have already mind mapped a list of things I wanna do to make this place even more of a haven ..

This one was taken to TEASE you

 Went for a dip at a secluded spot yesterday and had one of the best swims ever . Nothing beats jumping in crystal clear waters after a long long journey . Floating like a feather amongst the green hills and the blue blue sea . At that moment - I could not think about nothing but Amirthan , Shanty and my bru Robo being there with me , you guys would have fuckin' DIED in awe !



Let the snap speak for itself

Our humble home is situated quite strategically so we get quite alot of kids coming around and playing board games or just swinging on the hammock in our home . It feels awesome how well behaved and respectful these kids are .. Made a short visit to the local school and to sum it all up , it was all just awesome . There is so much we can give to the community out here and I think we have got the right people for the job . Let's get in action guys .. let's fuckin' do this !


Mike learning the local card game

There is a list of things that need doing this week with the local school , the house and also got some wikid activities planned for the kids . Will keep you guys posted . Laters x

Shark Finning

I know it is despicable , but I have an confession to make ..

Chinese Cuisine - Shark Fin Soup

 Just like millions of other Malaysians and Earth Siblings around the world , I was ignorant enough to make the Shark Fin Soup part of our lifestyle when I was younger . Being abroad and having being exposed to some wonderful information and people - my awareness soon took over my emotions and I have been clean and have reviled this dish for the last 6-7 years .

It still bothers me to the fact that Shark Fin Soup is still widely being served in renowned restaurants and hotels , why must we act ? If that is the question that’s running through ya’ head , that’s the reason why I am writing this post .

What it MEANS !

Shark finning refers to the removal and retention of shark fins and the discarding of the rest of the fish . Shark finning takes place at sea so the fishermen only have to transport the fins 

Please click on the link below ( Graphic Content )




Here are some vital information you need to know about sharks
These are nothing but FACTS !

Fins on display

•  Sharks kill fewer than 5 humans a year while humans kill 73 million sharks annually ( That's 11,400 sharks per hour )
• You are more likely to be killed by a bee sting , lightning strike or a falling coconut compared to being attacked by a shark
• Shark finning means catching the shark , slicing off it's fins and dumping the live shark back into the ocean . Fuckin' inhumane !
• Shark fins are actually tasteless and contains high levels of toxic methyl-mercury 

The bloodshed

 What we all fail to realise is the fact that the ocean plays THE biggest contribution towards our ecosystem whereby the containing life that absorbs most of the carbon dioxide and converting them into the 70% oxygen that we breathe 

Like an angel without wings

 Destroying the shark population will only contribute to a further devastation of our ( already in the proccess of getting fucked mother nature )  

Sometimes it is rather disgraceful how selfish we get in order to get pleasures in our lifes . The important thing about it all for me simply gets laid down to what you are gonna do rather than what the fuck you have done in the past ! If you wanna make a difference , the time is now and the word has to be spread !

A total shameful act

I am proud to announce that I came across a wonderful group in Malaysia that has started their campaign against these mass killings of sharks . Let our voice be heard in a very forceful way , may there be awareness in this 21st century .

An event - Save our Sharks from a Bowl of Soup campaign is being held at the Malaysia International Dive Expo at PWTC early July 2011 !

The information

You can click the link below to check out their youtube promotional video !



This post was dedicated to two of my wonderful friends who make such an awesome effort with conservation and awareness in Malaysia - Paul Henry and Azimi Azmin

So guys , to end the note - the next time you are served this devilish dish
THINK AGAIN
AND SAY NO TO THIS SELFISH ACT

Thanks for your time !

Superbad

Ever had too much to drink the night before and then waking up the next day with a million thoughts rumbling through ya' head ? Yeah , fuckin' happens to me all the time . I often wake up to a little bit of guilt of having smoked too much or having sent an SMS to someone I didn't really wanna be in touch with . But the greatness of it all is I found a way to make myself feel better ..

I go to the beach ! It even feels like I am washed off all my sins everytime I sink myself in there ! So words of wisdom .. drink hard and party hard , the beach will cleanse and bless ya' :)

We biked around 40 km to reach this tranquil spot

 Please don't even start to ask about me wanting to lose weight .. I have a good excuse , my brother is getting married next week so we had to test the liquor at another brother's place . Well , yeah .. it didn't have to be the entire bottle nor did it have to end up in a pub somewhere but hey , the man is getting married :) That's my stand . A dear friend of mine just came up with a brilliant idea .. Make a list of the things I consume for 3 days consecutively and I will get a general idea on what I am really made of .. Fuckin' scary dude . I fear I will start hating myself !

It's only quarter to 2 and I have started to dream about an excellent steak , medium rare accompanied by a kick ass Long Island Tea for freshers . I know how the day is gonna end up but I don't have much time left on the mainland . I need to make the best of it while it lasts .. My day has been excuses today , I also acknowledge the fact that this post is rather confusing . Well fuck that - Have a nice day !

The cake that stole my heart

As I had promised in the past , I was not gonna use this blog to advertise for occasions / events or products just because someone intends to pay me for it . But recently , I came across one of my friend who had freshly launched her new unique from home assortments of cakes line called ‘Jo’s Piece of Cake’

I am a fan of cakes , especially chocolate fudged ones and used to think that Secret Recipe was like the only place where we could pick up some decent cakes here in Malaysia . But after a while , especially in my case - having thousands of friends , we have run out of options and the cakes soon lost it’s personality . Secret Recipe – You no longer are on my inventory !

Jo Cyee , company founder and designer of Jo’s Piece of Cake is a long term and dear friend of mine . The company is based on individuality and it is mesmerising to find that each cake / cupcake or cookie is made by hand perfectly designed based on the sensuality of an occasion . At least I know , that item was made specifically for me and impressive enough to generate a wow factor to anyone who views them . Anyway , fuck with the details .. time for some pictures !

Feeling pretty pink

If I was a kid - I'd be very very happy with this , wouldn't you ?

One of my favourites !

 I like the effort and time engaged in making these cakes .. I like the fact that it is not mass produced and most importantly I like the feeling of them being special

Here are some of the other designs for your pleasurable viewing 

( Remember you can click the photos for a bigger and clearer image )

Dazzling in red

Loving the little petals

Love it !!

Love it even more ( wink )

Some hot sensual cookies

 Jo Cyee - awesome job you guys did at the Sekolah Semangat Maju and the Association for the Disabled . I am sure the kids there enjoyed the treats just as much as we do . It's nice to know that you kept in mind some people that we often fail to appreciate 

Photo with some of the kids from school

 This blog was only posted because I find what Jo Cee does very gorgeous and fascinating . I wish I could bake cakes like these - I'd be able to impress many girls for sure , haha !

If you are interested to view or cater for any of your needs , join the team on facebook by clicking on the link below ! 

Jo's Piece of Cake 

Lastly but surely - the lady behind the beautiful fabrications ..

Just kidding ...

Jo Cyee - You rock !

All snapshots presented on this post of 'Trippy and Twisted' are Copyrights of Jo's Piece of Cake Ltd .

Do not attempt to copy or make them yourselves cause it won't look or taste the same ! Haha :)

Don't even ask !

Paranoia ! Shit ! I got a big lump of fat surrounding me . My movements are limited and I feel like I got a Goodyear tyre wrapped around me body . When I wanna do something , I feel like I move much slower and climbing the fuckin’ walls these days seems like a mission .

My golf swing looks terrible . My beach attire is non existent . One of those days when you remove the shirt and run in the ocean . God dammit , I am so fuckin’ lazy and even knowing all the facts I have stated above , I still fuckin’ eat like a champ and drink like a chump .

Pavin surfing the tube in Hawaii @Billabong 2012

The good news is , although I am getting bigger , I have started to look into opportunities of becoming a personal bodyguard as I think I fuckin’ qualify for that shit . You need to be fat , right ? Fuck you . I blame my country for having the best food in the world and at the same time , blame all my friends for taking me to the best restaurants and showing me the best meals in town . Fuck you .

Times like these , I miss being in London . I hardly think about food cause there weren’t too much to choose from besides fish /chicken and chips and my ex girlfriends sandwiches . But lets face the facts and I am gonna lay it straight .

Dear Pavin ,

You are one fat mother fucker and you are getting round by the day . I don’t think you’d be able to surf anymore waves as you’d be barred from the fuckin’ beach for being FAT . Do something about your lifestyle or face the consequences . Final piece of advice , stay away from the beer . I know it’d be hard and at the same time I know you can’t do it .. Hahaha ! So .. get fat , drink more beer and eat at odd hours . We’ll see you on the otherside you fat mofo ! Join us , we await ya’ mate !

With love ,

John Boogieman

President of the The Fatty’s

I ain’t scared , just worried ..

Next year this time , I will prolly be double my size and be everyone’s best friend just because I am bigger than the rest . I rest my case . I am off for an afternoon snack !