【COS】26052012 MOEPA II Workshop

MOEPA II Workshop organized by LGCC is the second workshop held. I was not able to attend last year as I am in the Sailormoon photoshoot. Overall, the flow of the workshop was quite organize, courses were good too. I personally like the props making workshop a lot. There were 4 basic courses included: wig trimming, cosplay makeup, props making and editing of photos. Basically these covered most of basic knowledge needed for cosplay. Hope that all attendees do have a good time and absorb the knowledge given, for sake of producing quality cosplay ^.~*.

Other than all the courses, there was also booths selling merchandises and some cosplay accessories, and also moepa maid cafe. Cakes and servings looked very nice indeed! Sadly I had to left earlier, missed out the chance for the refreshment ;A;. 

Since I decided to go Moepa in the very last minute, I was not prepared for that actually. I took up Tsu's offer to go for Barbie style in the end. 

Barbie is always the perfect woman image in the heart of most girls, and I actually felt pressured to do her. Somemore, I made the stupidest mistake that I shouldnt make in my whole life... I FORGOT TO BRING MY MAKEUP BAG!!!!!! Ended up with Tsu's and Molly's help, I managed to do all my makeup (love ya all =///3////=). This is full family photo, with Tsu beauty as Barbie, Molly handsome as Ken and me .... Kelly girl XDDDDD (I must had been adopted in this case.... )

I was trying to do makeup like Kota Koti's, but since I forgot my makeup bag and all my stuff that I spent my time preparing for that, the plan ended up in some trash bin..... I always envied people with deep facial features (like Tsu), which naturally looked like Caucasian. Somehow I always think that blonde doesn't suit me at all. But I like this wig alot though, thanks to Molly for borrowing it to me.   

photo thx Rin Snape

(one of the series that I edit in a very fast pace.... XDDDD)

【Trip】Australia Voyage ~ Part 1 ~ Late Autumn in Melbourne

18th April to 25th April, happiest time of the year, I had finally fulfilled one of the most desire dream I had ever wished for since I was 17 -- step foot on Australia, the land of all unique living furry adorable sweet animals that can only be found in Australia~ I had always dream of study abroad in Australia since my time in college, but somehow its not possible due to many circumstances like financial crisis and financial crisis and financial crisis..... Hence, I try to fulfill that unreachable dream through other ways, like holidays in Australia. A little bit different from what I plan to -- stay in that country for at least a long period of time to learn and explore the Australia lifestyle and the culture -- , still I am able to get what I want to get from the trip there. ^^ Thanks to Airasia for the cheap airticket promotion~ love ya though its better if I could lean the chair down abit (and yes, I planned it for a year already for that cheap air ticket =3=) ! Most importantly, I want to kiss my daddy for willing to sponsor half of the expenses I had spent through this trip, love ya Daddy > 3 <~~~~~

I and Min Min decided on going for this trip as we have coursemate that study abroad there and as a graduation trip for our college time. We had visited two places which is Melbourne and Adelaide. What I could conclude from this trip would be --- we are two very daring little girls.... wandering around unfamiliar places without having full preparation and second thought on the possible danger stuff we might encounter.... Thumbs up for our bravery and fortunate!!!
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Day 1 [18th Apr 2012]-Malaysia --> Melbourne
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Its a 8 hours flight from Malaysia to Melbourne, Aus. In-flight meal of Airasia tasted not bad, its kinda nice actually, nasi lemak with chicken rendang.

When we reached Tullamarine airport in Melbourne, it was around 11.30pm there. Only now that we realized how serious the condition were back there -- Australian are very healthy people... there is no flight after 11.00pm from the airport, which means most of the shops were closed by then--- that was the very first time I ever experienced a deserted airport --> the first culture shock!!!!!  Firstly, we did not booked any hotel for the night beforehand; secondly, we do not have any Australia phone card with us, which means we were almost stranded there in the airport ( yes,.. I felt a pinchy bit of fear there, just a pinchy bit ).

First meal in Australia--- Mc-D...... and .... culture shock.. (Y no sos chilli????!!!!!) Tasted quite ok..... 

Well we did manage to get a room in Melbourne city ( a big room for 4 people) which we did not have any choice but to take it. We took a skybus from airport towards Melbourne city and happen to meet Raoul, a Malaysian that work there as a cab driver. A very nice guy which gave us a lot of advises about how to travel in Melbourne, and the places of interest there, and offers his help to lead our tour around Melbourne. A very nice guy. ^^ He gave us a free ride to the hotel from bus station. Its kind of surprise to find people this nice nowadays. Hotel Formule 1 is a very nice hotel, located in the Elizabeth street (center of the city) very near to most of the places that is worth visiting in Melbourne. Thumbs up for the hotel, services is good, receptionist ( Mr.Aaron =3=) is very friendly and helpful, location wise is superb, bedroom is good, with a bathroom and toilet and is quite clean, price is very reasonable. Feel free to visit their website  www.hotelformule1.com . A good choice for accommodation for the stay in Melbourne.

#Self-pissed moment#
Something to mention here is that "WHY I NO BUY A WEEK EARLIER!!!!!!!!! I MISSED OUT MELBOURNE LARGEST ANIME FAIR (which was held a week before I went there)!!!!!!!!! " QAQ. #End of self-pissed moment #
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Day 2 [19th Apr 2012]-- Melbourne City
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We woke up a bit late this morning, as the long trip the night before almost killed both of us. A bright makeup to greet great Melbourne city~ (I think both of us looked most pretty that day XDDD *nose pointed high to the sky*)

I love the city of Melbourne a lot. The city is a mixture of olden and modern, old European buildings right next to a modern city buildings, only by then I felt like I was in a different place, a different country with different culture and background. I personally favored English-style buildings a lot. The Block Arcade is one of them that fancy me a lot. It located right opposite Formule 1 hotel. There is one shop there, The Hopetoun Tea Room, is one of the must-try cafe in Melbourne. Sadly I missed the chance to, it was crowded and with long queues when we were there the first time; onwards, we were not able to reach back before it closes. It was really a pity! Hence, we decided to go for another shop after that. 

We had our brunch in "Hardware Societe", a very nice caffe located in Hardware Lane, in Lonsdale St, two streets away from Formule 1. It's a busy time when we reached there, we waited around 10 mins for our turn to dine in. I order the Today's special menu -- Stitch Fillet, while Min ordered Pork Belly. Overall, they tasted good, not salty enough for me though XDD. But I like the hot chocolate a lot, its awesome!! Thick and satisfying. It was the best hot chocolate I ever tasted. Ya, another culture shock here would be the passion of Australian towards coffee and hot chocolate. I never had any other drinks (except plain water) other than this two drinks; + the serving of plain water in the bottle in every restaurant or cafe in Australian... I kind of missed them now....

  

We take a small stroll back to the hotel. On the way, I happened to found a bookstore that was doing sales, which offered aud 5 for every book. As a book lover myself, I was in so much of joy. I had grabbed a big evidence book of Sherlock Holmes for  $5 (which eventually becomes my sister's [TAT// ~NO!!!!]). 

We walked towards Flinder's St., which is where the train station is, and bought Met card for the tram. We went to Royal botanic garden and Shrine of memorial, took a few casual shoot and then back to the center of city. It was autumn when we were there. Most of the leaves turned yellow and reddish, as if it came out from paintings. Found one building covered with red leaves, which I dream of staying since I was small, awesomely beautiful!!!!

We took the tram until Exhibition St. and drop at the Theater Hall. They were having Comedy festivals when we were there in Melbourne. People comedians were promoting their shows in front of the hall. We planned to go for one of the show in the first place, but got a bit tired after that, hence back to hotel for nap.

We had our dinner in the Pie Face. Adorable shop which can be found all over Melbourne city. Food were nice and coffee taste good, a meal of my favorite croissant and latte! Min started to crave for rice after that XD.

We managed to meet up with an old friend there as well. We had hot chocolate (again =3=) together in Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, which is right next to QV center (shopping mall in Melbourne). Nice, but too sweet. Very glad that we could meet up with them again ( old course mate).

Went to Melbourne State Library afterthat (late night 9.30). Obviously the library is closed. I like the building alot though, my type of choice for houses. There is a lot of people in front of the library garden, which I was not sure of what their purpose is to be there at that hour of time, picnic or chatting I guess. But, these are Australian, they live a very relaxing life.. I guess....

Back to hotel and that's it for the day ~

Awesome buildings in Melbourne City^^

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Day 3 [20th Apr 2012] - Melbourne Healesville Sanctuary Day Trip

In most of the hotel, they provide day trip services to tourist. We checked out earlier that morning and have our luggage stored at the lockers available in the hotel. Since our main purpose to visit Australia is for the native Australian animals, we decide to go Healesville wildlife sanctuary. There are total three zoos in Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Zoo which is very near to city, the Healvesville wildlife sanctuary and the I am not sure where zoo... We chose Healesville as I was told that it has mostly Australian native animals and we were able to have close contact with the animals. Day trip package for this cost around 169 aud. There are shuttle bus that would pick tourist up near the hotel to the Federal Square Station which is where the stations of the day trip are.

We had a brief breakfast in one of the cafe in Federal Square ( another nice building there =////=) while waiting for the time to board. Its rainy season when we were there (I always thought that overseas country don't rain.................culture shock(?) again), quite heavily that morning. 

The flow of the day trip: Dandenong Ranges => Puffing Billy Tour => Fergusson's Winery => Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary=> Melbourne City.

It took an hour for us to reach the destination--> Dandenong Ranges.  I went through my first wild bird feeding experience and it was awesome!! When I brought in the plate of bird feed into the range, wild birds flew and sat on top of my shoulder and hands and the plate itself (for the food obviously). I even fed them with the food in my hand. Most of the birds are cockatoos, some parakeet (the green one I suppose)  and also some cute pinkish parrots... maybe.... I am not familiar with the parrots family. Something to be cautious here is that, they are still wild birds ( although fed by people), attempt to touch or pet them will get whacking back from the birds, which I experienced it myself XDD. I got a hard bite on my index finger (yes, it bleed), just because I wanna touch its feathers (snobbish, heng!  =3=). I still enjoy feeding them anyway. Min actually freak out as she has some ornithophobia issue, pity somehow. There is also jungle track around there, which might have to chance to meet wild wallabies somewhere there, according to our bus driver, Mr.Gordan (not sure if I spelled it correctly). He is a humor person, and a very nice tour guide.

Next spot would be Puffing Billy ride. It is a very classic old steam train with the "Bu-!bu--!!!!!!!!pffpfpfpfp!!!!!" thingy. Reminds me of Puffing Tom from One Piece XDDDD (Otaku-genes ON). I loved the train ride a lot, kind of pity that it was drizzling during the ride. Since we were allowed to sit on the window with out legs out of the train, most of my jeans were soaked wet. Still, it was fun! Saw a alpaca range along the road too, cute alpaca~~

We had our lunch in Fergusson's Winery, served with buffet lunch and wines. I always thought that grapes wine will taste sweet in Australia, apparently I was wrong about that. Different wine have different taste regardless of the location (I sounded so stupid here..... ), both the red and the white wine I tasted in Fergusson's were dry, very dry. I love alcoholic drinks a lot, but this is one of the least that I could not stand at all. I thought it was me at first until I went to other winery, then I only knew that it was the wine. I'll keep the review of other winery until I reached there. I was not satisfy with the lunch and wine here in Fergusson's. I actually asked beforehand about the lunch menu prior to take up the buffet lunch, I was told to have various kind of meat, and not only beef ( I don't take beef). It ended up with only beef menu eventually. I was kind of disappointed. 

Last stop of the day was Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. I always wanted to have a Koala as pet since I was small (inspired by Jackie Chan's movie). I was very excited at first when we reached Healesville. There was a tour guide for every group of tourist that will guide us through the whole sanctuary. There was bird show too on 2.30pm. Another disappointment here was that we were not given chances to touch or really have a close contact with the animals. There is some "special moment" thing that the zoo provides, but with time limitations, and with extra payment. We were told that the time for Koalas patting and photographing sessions was over, and we don't have enough time for the kangaroo's as well. Ended up looking at koalas and kangaroos over the cage. Was very disappointed at that time. Pov at that moment :we came all the way from Malaysia and WTF we are not allow to touch them!!!! We head back to Melbourne city around 4.30pm.  

Conclusion for the Day Trip was that, it was not worth of what we were paying. Frankly speaking, I was disappointed with the arrangement of the trip. No good food, or wine; no touching animals; was so heart-broken that day ;A;. But luckily, we have Adelaide!!! Our flight is 9 something on that day as well. After coming back from Healesville, we had simple dinner of Subway sandwiches (just below Formule 1) while waiting for the starbus ( provided by the hotel with payment) to go to airport. Took JetStar airline and reach Adelaide Airport at 11.30pm. And finally, met up with one of my most awesome best friend there!!!

....to be continue 

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Part 2 : http://mashimarocosplay.blogspot.com/2012/07/tripaustralia-voyage-part-2-suburb.html

【COS】25032012 PGCC Cosplay Competition

Things turned out to be good last Sunday, after almost the whole week of distressful condition. Sometimes, I find it hard to communicate with people of different level of thinking. I felt lonely when I can't see things on the same level as what others see, and it hurts somehow. Anyway, things do turn out to be fine but still awkward, and I still manage to get through it.

Last Sunday is the first event held by Penang Cosplay Club (PGCC) hosted by Gim and Reimaru in Little Penang Street. It's an intervene program held together with the cultural show in Little Penang Street. There was performances such as Indian traditional dance, Japanese song singing and some other performances. Cosplay is considered as the modern culture of Japan, hence this is where the program intervene with the event. PGCC held a Cosplay Costume Competition on that day.

This was the first time I ever participated in a cosplay competition and I was very nervous that day which I could feel my hands shaking when posing for the competition (= ="). The event was quite successful, which I felt comfortable with the flow of the competition and simple arrangement of rules. Obviously, we have to thanks PGCC for making this happened. Honestly, I felt surprised to be able to get 2nd runner up in the competition, since I know that how my hands shake when posing......

Total there were 11 competitors. The group photo below credit to Edmund Tan.
Well, not full group here though.....
 


Below are some of the photos during the competition (photos credit to Darren K Ong) Well.. I kind of feel that my yellow did not stand out in the black cloth... Might have to enhanced the color more......

Yesh... i like Tsu's expression here.... =/////= cute SeeU...

The character I was doing that day was Kagamine Len from the song Setsu Getsu Ka Vocaloid. Basically, its a triangular tragedy love story among Len Kaito and Gakupo (ehm ehm... my BL..... =//////=) and.... Len died in the end .......... This is the first song that I fall in love with, from Vocaloid series. Still I want to emphasize that I am not a huge fans of Vocaloid, but sometimes, the songs and story are just too awesome to ignore.^^''

Anyway, I am very happy that day~ Although the event ends quite early, I was very worn out that day and also the next day which I get almost half day resting and spent the night to midnight on my homework which had been canceled the next day(....trollface.jpg). I was with panda eyes and huge eye bag for the whole day.

Camwhoring with others is most important things to do. Photos credited to Molly and her Nokia (my Rabbito lost 99........)

Sadly I did not manage to get camwhoring with all the cosplayers on spot, like Shiori's Luka nurse, Tsu's SeeU, etc...

Madara @ Fuyu
Alois OVAIII @ Molly Eberwein
Kagamine Len @ Maro 

To be honest, I had planned for Setsu Getsu Ka for more than a year already. Still, many things happen and finally I manage to come out with the costume and went for the event ^^. I still need to improve much on the details though, to make it looks more glamorous. I have to refine on my makeup as well, and change the contact lenses. Maybe someday I'll make review on this :Bubble Lens =3= . The lens is awesome, and the color is just nice for Len, just that its not attractive enough. Might have to get another pairs.

The only photos I have for that day. The time is just too rush to go for photoshoot, but I manage to get Ren Ren to pick one up for me ^^

Kagamine Len @ Maro

photo thx Rin Snape
edit by me~~~~~

Well, do hope that I could get the group shoot done within this year. I am now burning with inspiration of the storyline and framework for this!!!!!

【Book】Mitch Albom- for one more day

Every family is a ghost story: time goes on during the time we are living through, when we are eating, walking, studying, sleeping and all those things we do in our life. However, what had passed is never going to come back. People dies in the end, but people with stories live in heart of those that remember them. There's a lot of memory between you and the family members, which eventually fades away through time. But, if there is a chance, wouldn't it be great just to go back to the time when everything seems to be perfect for one more day? Chick Benetto had got the chance, to do what most people wish for, to go back to the time when someone you love was still alive, to apologize for what you did, to express how you miss the one, to relieve the regrets that was never spoken. Cherish what you have at the moment, express your feelings without keeping them secret, live the life as it is the last day of the world, as time is like death that takes everything away without turning back. 

【Sneak Peek】Vocaloid - Musunde Hiraite Rasetsu to Mukuro

Although I would like to emphasize that I am not a big fan of Vocaloid. However,... for unknown reasons, my plans this year, one third of them... seems to be vocaloid.... and I wonder why...

<Musunde Hiraite Rasetsu to Mukuro > fitted my taste of songs quite perfectly, dark and sorrowful. According to the author Hachi, the song is trying to portraits the innocence of children can actually turn destructive and evil and also criticizing the general cold and indifferent attitude of the public. To Yuu and me, the songs seemed to bring out more on prostitution and abortion.

One sneak peek for the moment.

Hatsune Miku @ Maro
Kaito @ Kaien Yuu

photo thx Sam

special thx Fuyu and Molly

Since we decide to take the shoot early in the morning before the sun comes out, all of us sleepover in Yuu's house after celebrating her birthday on 17th night. I forgotten my charger in her house that day, I'll have the photos upload after I get it back : ).

 Rushing props and costume last minutes seems to be a trend for me. I can't recall any none last minute shoot in my history of cosplaying, a sad truth T^T. Things go on quite smoothly except I woke up late because my alarm is not working even with Yuu and Fuyu not sleeping the whole night and we missed the early morning dark thingy. The photos turn out to be good though. Thanks Molly and Fuyu for the help to smoke the place, and pose directing.

The complete post might be coming out quite fast.. because I am not the one doing the editing part.... XDDDDD I realized now that my pace of putting up photos is really slow...... even though I have all the photos with me already. I feel sorry.... especially to Yuu... and Fuyu...and Sam and Mazaki............. I'll tried my best... to .... maybe in a few weeks time........

   

【Music】Olivia Ong's Valentine's Concert "Are U Ready For Love?"

Last Saturday, 12022012 was a memorable day. If I would describe it with a color, that would be a pink day.

Olivia is always one of high ranking singer that I favor a lot. She has a voice that is soft yet powerful, beautiful and skillful, like that of what people, or I would imagine, an angel's voice. Her song's are always ear soothing, as breeze from the sea, like sunlight in the morning. 

This is the second concert I actually went. The first was in last year, Khalil Fong "Timeless" in Genting. Basically, both the concert are superb to the extend that the songs were as if they are out from the record. Olivia's voice has the kind of magical attractants that drags people into her world of music. This is the first time I actually heard a voice performance that is flawless, with every notes and tune to the perfect realm.

I especially love the performance of  "STEM". Songs in Olivia's album mostly brought out her sweet,soft and soothing voice. "STEM" however is the first time I heard power from her voice. "STEM" is originally written and sang by Shiina Ringo, a japanese song-writer and singer. The full name of the song is 莖（STEM)～大名遊び編～　Stem（STEM) At Play With a Feudal Lord ~, which was translated into English by Robbie Clark. I got the link below from youtube, hope that I could share my fascination of the song, it's a pity Olivia's version is not yet in the market, I like the way she portraits the song.

This is the Japanese version. Uploaded by SakaseteAgetaiNo (I do not own the video). 

Throughout 2 hours of the performance, I saw different sides of Olivia that is not shown in her songs in the albums. Kinda cute, a bit blurry, straighforward, a little bit crazy and sincere. That's what best of live concert, a better approach to the artist in live. 

The rubber bracelet was a present from Olivia to every fans that attend her concert. She phrase that as "It's all united together!!" (fans and her), as we shared something common among fans and Olivia.

Its very romantic in the end when Olivia ends her concert with "Let It Rain". I think this is a very good selection of song for her concert especially when the theme of the concert is on Valentine's Day. It soften the whole atmosphere and very romantically, most of the audience started to release the love balloons tied on the chairs, which catalysed the stage to a pinkish moment. But I kept mine though XDDD. Kinda regret not letting the balloon go =3=...

Songs that sang by Olivia in the concert:

A Love Theme
Sing

I Can't Go For That

Ready For Love

You & Me

我願意
Invisible Wings

如燕

STEM (by Shiina Ringo)

天涯歌女 (周旋）

I Start A Joke (BeeGees)

Unchained Melody

Banquet
浮躁+妹妹晚安+惡夢+生活+我只在乎你+恰似你的溫柔 (A combo dessert from Olivia)
要你管
Back To Life
邊走邊看邊想
海枯石爛
Let It Rain

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Since I don't have a choice, but to celebrate Valentine's earlier, I was brought to Delicious at Dua Residence. The restaurant is awesomely beautiful with lots of white bird cage and withered white trees. Very suitable for photoshooting, if they allowed us to XDD.

Price is considered above average, but quite worth it, since they taste really nice.

Upper corner is Cornish Duck Spaghetti, white lower is Spicy Fettuccine Spaghetti 

ButterScotch Milkshake and Ice Lemon Tea

Lastly desert Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Mostly they taste awesome~ The desert taste nice, sweet and sour, but abit bored in the end. Still with the Vanilla ice cream, they taste perfect.

Since today is Valentine's Day, Happy Valentine's Day~~~~

【COS】Thx 2011 + Vocaloid ONLY event

Finally finalized my cos on 2011~~ 2011 is the most memorable year of my life, met a lot of people, fulfilled a lot of dreams. Thanks to all of you that make this happen~ Cheers~~

Yesterday was Malaysia's first ONLY event, Vocaloid Only held by LGCC in Penang Timesquare. Although the event was not a very grand event, but I do enjoyed it a lot. Picked one of my favourite event photos here~

Kaito @ Molly Eberwein

Rin @ Maro 

photo thx Akihiko Michaelis

Rin @ Maro

photo thx Shng Sam

Wish everyone Happy 2012！！！ 

May your dreams be achieve before end of world~~