Jakarta in Order

Went back home for the weekend. It was fast paced and there was a wedding. But lets just start off with it treat by treat.

ORDER 1

BUDDHA BAR @ MENTENG

Buddha bar is the ultimate bachelor pad to dress-up for. The whole local Indonesian scene belongs there. The place is filled with exotic beauties, celebs, models. It's just truly pleasurable for expats and locals. Although it is practically a club, you can still manage the relaxation. Really. There's something about the place, it gives really great sexy-sensual-silly vibes. Reminds me of those fancy cigar bars where everyones dolled up in suits and gowns busy blowing their Monte Cristo's as they make heavy conversation.The interior is Asian meets western. You got the hanging chandeliers and a very woody atmosphere gives it that mysterious effect. It's like you're clubbing in a temple (no offense to the religious ones). I know, what seems wrong always feels right. Well not like they took over a temple or anything, more of a colonial building. That makes it super cool. They did receive major complaints from their buddhist neighbors, but oh well the "Buddha" head symbol is infact universal. It sells, it gives off the eclectic effect. Expats dig it, which is why Buddha Bar is doing very well for Jakarta. It's the perfect late-night venture, the crowd's interesting, the place is unique, and the balance is there. Went there two nights in a row and did not regret it, music was good. DJ Ravin was spinning his buddha bar beats and i swear it was marvellous.Grungy-classy is the new way to go peeps. And to you neighbors, i suggest you hop on the buggy and spy your ass off.
They have a buggy service to take you from the carpark to the lobby of Buddha bar. And vice versa. Can u imagine how pampering that is? It is helpful for girls with nine inch nails though.





Crimson red-heads



Different types of Buddha heads, as u can see








Yeah we danced. Just like them dusty times.



Krispycake and I. haha I didn't take pics of our short "thriller" moments.


Check out the resto. Pardon the darkness..they didn't shine the light on Buddha. But yeah thats the fine dining bit, right above the Buddha Bar below. Its magnificent man.









If i loved cigars, i'd puff up here and feel like the King of the world. With my tea of course. Cigarettes just don't slice it.




In the buggy of course. hehe.

Then there's my worn down room that Klaud has conquered. We're planning to hack down the walls so it will appear bigger. Dont know if it will affect the weight or what not.







ORDER 2

THE STREET FOOD. MENTENG MANIA.



Don and Putput







ORDER 3

THE WEDDING BIT
on a beautiful SUNDAY. Teddy and Sinda's afternoon reception in their backyard.








The traditional bride



Me.Abu.Dono






me.saskia.krispycake



Bride and Groom say hello




By the way, just for adders. I bought a chalk board and i am loving it.
Gonna get one more for the kitchen. write my recipes and shit. :p



And it's a wrap.

the confused line-up

I realized this blog always vents out anger. For a change. I should lessen down on the self-whining and proceed to personal enlightenment. Atleast when i re-scroll, my writing won't be too heavy-bitchy on me.

After a few years of getting to know KL city. Im starting to feel more at home actually. I am after all Malaysian. Ic semua ada. I never really bothered to decorate, paint, or do any major do-ups for my bedroom. But if u check out my room in Jakarta, it is filled with magazine cut ups, Esquire mag covers, favorite brands. Looks like a messy fashion hall of fame. Not to mention my Tim Burton goodies. When nightmare before xmas came out, i went insane, i put it on my xmas list of "i wants" to my friends. Forgot who bought it for me. Its one of my fava gifts. Anyways,that room gives me memories. And now when i go home, my sisters made it hers and stuffed it with her cool new bed. I dont even know where my old bed is. Plus my closets filled with crap too. Lots of old clothes, sheets, bags, and perhaps DUSTmites by now? Recently, I've been trying to make myself feel at home. So i started small. And since im renting a middle-room with the jakartans here in KL, it is quite a fitting size. not too spacious or tight either. Just nice for me. :) They can take the master, god knows what they do in it. Nice balkon juga, ihh. Rabbits!

The little doowops here.




My Buddha Shrine.




Close up of Buddha head and Magnolia bottle. Got the mag-bot from Ampang mall, Sunday = Market day. They have antiques and goodies. Some made-up some authentic.



I call this my 'HANGMAN'. Keeps things organized. easy to find. practical. Space saver too.


ABSOLUTELY ABSOLUTE VODKA @ ZETA BAR, HILTON

An old event update. I'm writing about this cuz the ABSOLUTE VODKA party to me was amazing. I was busy self-servicing myself, didn't wanna leave the twilights and vodka-filled martini glasses. Just wanted to sit around, puff around, and take shots on an empty tum. But I went there with workmates and I didn't really talk much or bother, just wanted to shoot some absolutes solo style. :)


Lights, oh lights.


VODKA line up. Absolutely.


cold, fresh..u name it


The SPOON man, the SPOOOON. awesomeness.
Too bad I didn't steal it. It was worth the rob.

First check out the Esquire mag cover this month.
Brilliant ya think?



Haha, i just realized I don't put many pics up. Cuz im a big time bummer. But today, it will be up. 'RECENT' pics can mean months ago. for peeps like me. hehe. I have a camera, but I barely take shots. I should force myself to...make full use of it too. Nextime tho, here's a line up.



6th Newman Anniversary
Me. Celeste. Elya. The night ended well.



Barsonic Night out a few weeks back. Here's a row of em..haha I'm just so disorganized.



I am part Babboon part Malaysian. :D



Purr or roar you say Rach? I say neither neither.











Alright lunch break folks. TATA.

weekend doodle

A MUST DO
TRIBUTE TO MJ
before weekend doodle.

Yeah you heard me, the talented freak show who so happens to be the King of our time. The bugger that E! channel has been criticizing for nearly a decade because it generates income and it makes people laugh (including myself). Plus he takes up the top-half of E’s 101 most shocking stories. He usually is the icing of that show too.
One episode about MJ dangling his newborn over the balcony, the other about his heartbreaking plastic nose, his hair blowing up in flames during one of his performances, and his paedophilic intentions of throwing slumber parties in Neverland. After laughing so hard, so much, till it nearly gave me abs by the way, his death really did take a toll on my perception. Not just me, I’m sure.

Everyone’s hogging the radio with lines like “tragic, tragic, really.” And before this they were all like “wtf is up with his nose man, what a freak” or “I ain’t letting my kids near that paedo.” It’s amazing how hypocritical everyone is, I blame it on E! mostly and other forms of media. Because I fell for it too.
The highlight of all E stories is our King of Pop Michael Jackson. Who passed away on Thursday at the age of 50. Apparently he collapsed in his pad, was sent to UCLA medical centre due to a cardiac arrest hence gave in to a coma, and stopped breathing. It’s confirmed alright. But I do think he will be back to give us some “black or white” action. Like the rise of MJ in the year 3000.

WHY OUR CONDOLENCES?

1.Face it, he is the King of Pop. He has moonwalked his popularity all over the world and his songs are inspirational.

2. It takes quite a set of balls to dye yourself WHITE! (although it also means super dupa major low self-esteem issues, but oh well, we feel sorry dont we?)

3. That guys been yelled at, screamed at, abused mentally and physically

4. He looks like he hasn't eaten for years

5. He lost his nose years ago

6. He takes up E! Channel's 101

7. Has his bodyguard to umbrella him under the hot sun (incase he melts)

8. Didn't have the chance to make his major comeback

9. Without MJ, you can forget about 'THRILLER, EARTH SONG, BILLIE JEAN, BEAT IT, DO YOU REMEMBER THE TIME, SMOOTH CRIMINAL' (there's lots more)

Another tribute to Farah. And it's not tap water 'faucet' peeps.
ps: Here's to Farah Fawcett. She was one of the Charlie's angels. Indeed she was the curly-haired glamour but she was way before my time, but she did represent an era of golden curls, twiggy legs, big smiles, and the all American woman. So may she rest properly and go to heaven. She is an angel after all. :)


WEEKEND 26-28 june

Went to Singapore to check out the great sale with MAMMIO. Figured it wasn't so great, bought something 10% off. And they were STEVE MADDEN sandals. Still a lil pricey but if i bought it anywhere else, it's gonna cost a tsunami. Yeah, thats all i bought. And i was looking for beef stix but they didn't have it. Boo hoo to that.

The highlight of the trip was going back to JB. I miss Jb. Absolutely love how the town makes me feel. Notorious as it may seem, ghetto, dodgy too but always my Mother's hometown. So technically, its my hometown too. I have a lot of childhood memories planted there. In the past, we used to visit Gramps and Grans at the Kebunteh house and go out for family dinners at LUCKY restaurant in Tebrau. Then all the cousins would just gamble with the cards or play badminton outside the garden.There was a routine, thats why I liked visiting. Foods great too, I know Penang is popular with the dishes, but JB does have its awesome food.

I can't wait to go home. I miss my friends, the cafe hopping, the cheap cigs, the clubs, the music, the family, the shoppang.

Of all the things in the world, my mums been bugging me to buy MARMITE back home. I'm just like heh? MARMITE? thats all? And you're pestering me on it like I have to sign some papers. Marmite it is then. I LOVE MARMITE TOO. hehe :D BOVRIL blows. VEGEMITE so-so. boleh-boleh. So lets leave it at that. There are pics but i need to upload em first. too malesh.

Laters.

This weeks a total downer..well so far.

Cramp de la cramp is back to give me some bad moodswings.

I haven't been writing for quite a while now. It's been a tough week for me, moving here and there, feeling sick and having to deal with many annoying faces around my face is not exactly the easiest task in the world.

I thought about my life. How I always make time for my friends and how most of them take advantage of that, thinking that I'll always be there for them.And the one day I can't make it, they act as though I've missed out on some special occasion. Puhlease.
And the worst thing is when i get to the core of their problem, they start whining even more and more. That fuckin drives me nuts. Everyones self-centered, but hey sometimes I keep my worries in and try not to care about my own issues too much. I get sick talking about my troubles, worries, regrets, stress. What's the point talking so much about yourself? You already know everything there is to know about yourself.

This is how the conversations go with most of em (in general).


Me: Hey are you alright, wutts up?
Anonymous: Oh..um nothing really.
Me: Aite.
Anonymous: I've been damn stressed out yknow bel, boss and clients killing me to the maximum core! I can't take it, i wanna go die. (this happens nearly everyday. The 'i wanna die' part. Then you got the big wavy gestures of hands, constipated expressions. yada yada)
Me: Dude, just chill out man...what do you expect. You're in the line of work. And you like it too.
Anonymous: I love my job, I just hate it though.
Me: uhuh.
Anonymous: Anyways enough about me, how about you? Life good?
Me:Well um...yeahh...holding on to the pole
Anonymous: And you know that day, they kept bitching in the office. I really wanna go and fuck em till they die. Hate those stupid clients. Ahhhhh!
Me: Yep
Anonymous: (goes on from square one to square one)

Then you got the self-praisers (these are the biggest losers of them all)

Anonymous: Hey bel you gonna go for the event?
Me: No i wasn't invited.
Anonymous: Howcome? They dont know you? Well, they know me cuz i'm special (and she means it..pfft..)
Me: Aite whatevs
Anonymous: So how you want the invite or not? I just ask and i'll get it for sure. But you'll be with the regulars. Im in VIP.
Me: sure thing, as long as i get to chill im cool.
Anonymous: But you wont get to enjoy the VIP privileges. You'll be squashed down there with all of em. haha..You know one of the owners dig me, so they just give me passes whenever. He kept trying to get into my pants and i told him NO. I mean, he was so fuckin ugly to begin with and besides..i only go for hot guys. I won't even settle for OKAY-LOOKING.
Me: yeah yeah (wondering if she's ever mirrored herself, she ain't that great either)

Even if you were awesome looking, it's such a super duper turn-off to say such things. That's more rotten than spoilt. It's just a roll-on-the-floor omfagging lord.


Then you got the one-liners.

Me: So hey what did you do today?
Anonymous: Nothing much. You?
Me: Oh work. lunch. dinner with u right now.
Anonymous: Oh ok. cool.
(silence for a very long time in fact)
Me: So umm...whats up with life, hows it going for ya?
Anonymous. Good. You?
Me: Great, I learned how to make pizza today. Got slashed on drinks in barsonic lastnight too. You been there?
Anonymous: Sometimes i go. Sometimes i don't.
(silence AGAIN for a very long time, its not even awkward anymore)
Me: So what did you eat? (ran out of questions to string)
Anonymous: Oh just a chicken pie (utters and keeps silent again)
Me: (I think fuck this shit, i ain't wasting my time. I'm going home.)

And before i forget, the emo-beggars (I call em emo-beggars because they indirectly beg for sympathy, recognition, the whole bag of goodies they dont deserve. And it ain't trick or treat, u aint gonna get shit.)

Me: Hey wat is up?
Anonymous: I'm not feeling too good man
Me: Cmon lighten up, its just a phony issue
Anonymous: No its not bel, u dont understand. I gave her my all. I did everything I could.
Me: Yeah so chill out, ur obviously not in the wrong.
Anonymous: You dont get it. Im pissed off.
Me: Pissed off? Over small shit like that? its not a big deal
Anonymous: Cuz you dont know what im feeling inside
Me: Okay tell me then. (holy shit, wtf)
Anonymous: I deserve better than this bel, really do. I gave my all to all my friends, they treat me like dirt. I even protect them, bash up the boys if i could. I used to be gangster..dont be fooled..better watch out before i get violent.
Me: (lost in translation) sorry?
Anonymous: Ah nevermind. I just need to get laid la.
Me: who with?
Anonymous: If i wanna get laid, i dont have a problem la. You see my phonebook? Its loaded with hot chicks that would lay me. All i need to do is give em a ring and they'll be there.
Me: Then why are you here with me?
Anonymous: Cuz i dont feel like getting laid with the hotties.
Me: But you just said you wanted to.
Anonymous: Ahh..intro me to some hotties dude.
Me: Let ur phonebook do the intro man. since ur all pro and shit.
Anonymous: That's right, but just not today. tired la.
Me: Uhuh seriously whatever man
Anonymous:you just don't know what i've been through bel, u have no clue.
Me: whaaa??? (you have no brain, thats that)

You see that? It's unbelievable. That guys truly an ass with no brains. I mean I dig assholes and cocky guys. But thats different, thats just plain dumb.

There are actually people like that. The ones who waste your time in different ways. Not worth the listen. Not worth the thought actually.

I used to be cool watching friends self-fuck themselves. Now, it's growing a little mundane and I keep thinking about watching Travel & Living to find out whats cooking with Anthony Bourdain. Honestly, that's much more entertaining? I don't feel like making time for people anytime, anywhere, whenever, wherever? I used to be that easy to get into hang-outs. I really wanna slow down so I can like chill out, scrub my feet or what not.

The only time i'll truly hang out is if I truly FEEL like hanging out.
Man I think its time to cut my hair before I go all hobo on myself. The split-ends are making its way, the chipped nails, the eye rings, the bad diet, the sun. I feel like a gondrong master.

This week has had plenty of bad moments. One was last night as I was tuned into 'Confessions of a Shopaholic'. It is by far the worst chick flick I have laid eyes on. THe direction was so tacky, the clothes worn were so 'AUNTY', and I found the entire movie a big flop. The only solid idea was the talking/moving mannequins. Yeah that was pretty much creative. But all in all, bad. sour. bitter. boring. I didn't really like 'Devil Wears Prada' either, but after having suffered through this one...i gotta hand it to devil wears prada for doing a good job.

Cheers peeps. Im off for lunch.

It's all about them triple 'M's aint it?

MUSIC. MIRI. MOJITOS.











The Miri Jazz festival took place on the 8-9th May, 2009 and you bet that long weekend of work paid my happy ass off.

It was an awesome weekend of booze, buzz, and blabbering. Just sitting by the day and not bothering about tick-tocks was seventh heaven for me, as compared to having my ass glued in a cube and scrolling through the occasional google, fb, and google all over again, yes this was an absolute twist.

Despite the sun burn i brought back from pulau perhentian, I was happily surviving the heat out in Miri. The beach wasn't to die for but if you just look at it for what it was aligned with pretty palm trees, you're already escaping from the usual city life. So nothing to complain about there. But it was funny how Pascal was telling me that in France they take their beaches real seriously and even offer awards for the cleanest ones around. And then I thought to myself, just look at our bloody government. If there's barely any hope for the people, what more for a space of sand and waves? Ok, lets just scratch that.

Anyhoos the trip itself was very cultural and different for me. I am Malaysian, but I've never been to East Malaysia before and I personally rate it as a magnificent getaway. There's some sort of steady-relaxing-air about it. In the past, it was not cuz I never bothered to pay or book, it's just that the people in my circle prefer to get out of the country. When really, they just missed out on the word AWESOME right there. And here's a bitchy smile to them peeps who never bothered to go :)

Anyways,the chirpy bunch got their handicrafts and special Sarawakian souvenirs. I, on the other hand, bought dream weavers (pua kumbu) for Joe and Mur to help them ward off the bad aura, spirits, and to design sponge their L.A pad. I love getting ornaments and handicrafts for the house. And everywhere I go, a purchase must be made. Think of it as a stain on my time line.



this is how you pack Miri into a suitcase...

I absolutely enjoyed the city tour, making stops to the temple and watching Richard pay his religious dues for WESAK day was so interesting. Richard, is by far the biggest social whore in Malaysia. And I'll bet my ass on it that he ain't just a social magnet in KL, i'm sure he's a Global social whore. It's as if he's got all the continents behind his back there. And Richard, if you're reading this, it's actually a good thing. I am not one to backbitch. By the by, where are all those pics of you camwhoring? I didn't camwhore, i just followed your lead. And my oh my im sure they turned out to be slutty-slutty huh. :D




The temple was cool. They had like oriental tea tables out in the open, perfect for my regular Sunday brunches.

ANYHOOOOSSSS....

I can't help but relate to Joe's I double quote " " SINGAPOREAN" " joke. It was simple but it really had me there. I tested it on my city pals here and oh boy how they went crazy like a bunch of bitchslaps.

Here goes:

Where? Alfresco Cafe
When? The First night

Joe: Bel, what is the best beer in the world?
Me: Hmm...Heineken? (since i'm holding one)
Joe: Nope!
Me: Tiger beer? (because it's the best to me)
Joe: Close but nope. (impatient to burst out the answer already)
Me: Hoegarden? (already giving up on Joe's joke)
Joe: Nope, close but nope.
Me: Okay dude, i seriously give up man. (waiting for the sadness)
Joe: Its.......(suspense, drums rollin..)..FREE BEER!
Me: (gobsmacked in silence)

And as I was enjoying the first night of the fiesta with my yummy Mojito's, he threw the joke in again.

Joe: Bel, what's the best drink in the world?
Me:Um...mojito? (enjoying my mojito)
Joe: Nope
Me:Iced lemon tea?
Joe:haha nope... free drinks!
Me: whatevs.

I didn't learn.


As it narrowed down to the first day of the Jazz Fest, I just felt really light-headed. Like I just wanted to let the breeze take control, let the music define the night, and of course let the several cups of MOJITO poison my night away. It did. It was a graceful event filled with talented people who really REALLY can't see how brilliant they are on stage. It would be cool to be musically inclined like the band boys. Too bad though cuz I enjoy being a part of the audience too much. :P
Damn, and the second day was just another great night of goodbyes. The last taste you'll ever have of spectacular Jazz and yummy mojitos. Thoughts of going home to the city was one helluva frown. I definitely did not take this journey for granted, I granted it fully instead. :D



the mojito line


The MIRI cup!

Game: French Dites vs Australian alamodes
Score: 3-1








Alamode wins and takes back the invisible trophy. Dites34? Well, they looked happy. :P


Now i'm back here, missing the Miri air. Wishing I got the chance to renew this feeling. And i'm not sure if i'll be attending rainforest fest, seems like the accommodations are pancaked on the list. I think i'm just going to sit back this time. Get myself on track, still feeling a lil too relaxed. Yeah, right now I am airheaded.

Anyways, I will try to concoct my very own mojito mix too with the help of some guinea pigs around town perhaps? Yes, yes.

Cheers to Mojito's peeps, like to real good Mojito's.

Love, MRS.MOJITO