Astro Star Quest 2011 Final!

The final of Astro Star Quest 2011 just ended a moment ago. If you do not know, it is an annual singing competition for the Malaysian Chinese aged between 18 to 25. I watched the competition every year, from around end of 90s, till the latest which ended on 16th July 2011 with the much anticipated final. This is the year I did not attend the final as it is held in Penang, not in Kuala Lumpur….and so I have to watch it from the live broadcast at Astro Wah Lai Toi.

The five finalists are Jie Ying, Licus, Miko, Kim, and Geraldine. It is already foreseen much earlier that the female finalists are much better, which is very obvious in previous auditions and semifinals before stepping till the end for the champion. The five finalists also had undergo transformation at Taiwan not long ago for better appearance with changes in hairstyle, make up and clothing. They really shined as superstars on the night’s final. They appeared to be performing as talented singers rather than competing as participants.

The five finalists would be also participating at the ‘Million Star’ competition organized at Taiwan, similar with our local singing competition, but is much more popular due to the extreme Mandarin music background of Taiwan. The competition has not ended and four of our five representatives excel to next round. While on the other hand, the top 3 finalists would be going for the TVB International New Talent Singing Championship at Hong Kong which usually occured at the end of the year.

Back to the concluded final just now; the final is really amazing. How I wish I could be in the stadium like previous years to get excited by the intense atmosphere in the venue, flooded with over thousand of people especially the fans. This year, it is held at PISA, at Penang which is far far away from Kuala Lumpur. There are five judges, and all are very common faces with the special one coming from Taiwan called Roger whom is previously in charge of the change of appearance of the finalists. Xiao Pang whom is also from Taiwan, one of the judges of ‘Million Star’ had also came for judging beginning from semi finals.

The final competition is further divided into four parts, each part representing the four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter. Part 1 and 2 focus more on the fast-paced and rock/dance-performed songs while Part 3 is concentrating on soft and love songs. The final part is up to the top three finalists in showing their best by selecting their most suitable song and performing a breakthrough out of it. Jie Ying did a very fantastic job at the last part when she choose to sing ‘Fao Kua’ by Eason Chan, which is very difficult to sing. However, she nailed it and performed the song full of emotion and expression.

Too bad, she did not perform that well in the first three rounds, as compared to the other two female finalists, Miko and Geraldine. Anyway, all the females advanced to the top 3 position while the males, Kim obtained the last place (5th) while Licus came in fourth, which the result at here is very much predicted from their singing skills. The part where the three invited guests are testing the singing skills of the top 3 finalists are mentioned to be not included into the judging, and so I find that part is wasting the time of the participants as well as inviting the guests for no point. Even the guests invited are not famous, with all three are locals, and two of them are just seniors of the singing competition back in many years ago.

The three-hours long final is added with performance by the three finalists from last year’s edition, as well as brilliant performance by the five young kids whom have had performed in semi final 3 before and are getting famous after their singing clips uploaded to YouTube are widely circulated through social networking sites like Facebook. They are so small and young, but are super talented with great voices that fascinate the audiences. The members from the previous Battleground competitions also participating by performing dances for the finalists in Part 2.

Finally, the results are revealed after difficult decisions from the judges. Miko obtained the second runner-up, and left Jie Ying and Geraldine in nervous situation as one of them would be the champion for the year. The marks are revealed, with Jie Ying scoring 175 and Geraldine whom had did much better in earlier accumulated rounds scored 184, a margin of only 9 points. (Note: the total points is 200). Besides that, Jie Ying also won the Most Favourite Finalist with most number of sms votings for her. Congratulation not only to the winner but also to all the five finalists whom had brought us a fantastic final of the competition which definitely raised the standard of the competition.

Geraldine had a great voice, and despite she lived in a very poor condition at Muar, after tonight, she would shine as a superstar and changes the fate of the family, as the champion of the Astro Star Quest 2011, the most outstanding Chinese singing competition in the region. She truly deserved the champion and I am totally satisfied with the result. Along with Miko and Jie Ying, they would be going for the TVB International New Talent Singing Championship at the end of the year in Hong Kong, which Malaysians are usually obtaining good result from there every year. Now, Astro Star Quest 2011 came to an official end, and if you want to join, a chance for you next year!

 

Souvenirs from the previous CNY trip

Actually, at first I didn’t think of opening up a new post on what I have bought from my recent trip to Italy (as well as Dubai, UAE and Lugano, Switzerland). As I have displayed all my souvenirs at the shelf right in front of my bed, and as I keep looking at it…ahh, it’s time for these to be shown in my blog here.

Nothing much actually…I didn’t have the ability to buy a lot of souvenirs due to the price which is not reasonable enough. A bit wasted that I did not buy any of those branded stuff (from LV, Gucci, Prada, etc) while every others in my family bought one. Anyway, I’m fine with it as I’m not that materialistic.haha…

I think you have guessed what I have bought if you know me well. Yes…it’s replica models of famous buildings not only in Italy but in Dubai as well. Don’t forget I have the chance to go shopping in Dubai airport during the time between flight transfer.

From Italy, I have bought three replica models of the famous structures in Italy, the Colosseum (one of the seven wonders of the world), St. Peter’s Basilica (world largest church) and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (all these costs over 26 euro, means over RM 100). These are quite heavy and in light brown colour. I also bought a glass model of the Leaning Tower of Pisa with light of changing colour at a price of 8 euro (means around RM32).

Besides that, from Italy, I bought a replica of gondola, famous in Venice at a price of 3 euro (around RM 12), a metal key chain of Rome with Italy flag (2.50 euro, RM 10 ), and a string of pinocchio (story of a animated character from Italy) at a price of 2 euro (RM 8).

Ahh, then from Dubai, I will not miss the chance of buying the glass model of Burj al Arab, the world first and only seven-star hotel, the icon of Dubai. That one without light already costs over RM 160. Expensive right. I can only find the glass cube (no glass model) of Burj Khalifa, the world tallest man made structure with the light of changing colour that costs over RM 300 something. Anyway, I still bought a small model of Burj Khalifa at a price of around RM 60.

Some other souvenirs I bought not found in the pictures here are the magnets of Rome, Italy and Dubai. I bought a white jacket at H&M, a brand not available in Malaysia. That’s a nice jacket that costs over RM 100. I also received a free souvenir gift at Switzerland, a small metal spoon from Bucherer. That’s it…if you count the number, it’s not much…but if you count the price, it’s A LOT! (estimated to be around RM 800).

There it is…all placed in a specific section of my shelf, right in front of me when I’m on my bed. Lovely…sorry my friends and relatives, I can’t find any souvenirs relevant or suitable for you guys…I tried my best, and everything is really expensive there. Their quality of living is much higher. Have to admit that I’m in the poor Malaysia. How good it would be if I’m living in Europe or somewhere better.

9 days 7 nights Italy 2011 CNY Trip

Ahha, I’m back to Malaysia yesterday night, arriving late at Kuala Lumpur International Airport due to flight delay for around one hour from Dubai. So, yesterday’s night is the time I’m going to settle all the stuff in my huge and heavy luggage which is now minor-damaged. Rest is the priority yesterday due to jet lag, and the huge time difference between Italy and Malaysia which is 7 hours!

Okay, today I’m back to normal (I guess), now online is my priority. Facebook first, check mail then, later browse through news, then download series, upload photos of the trip and now, start blogging on it here! This is going to take a lot of time and words, and also I’m trying to recall what I had been through for the past 9 days of this interesting trip! Actually for this trip, I have been to four countries (that’s a lot); Dubai (United Arab Emirates) for flight transfer, Lugano (Switzerland) the border between Switzerland and Italy, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Milan, Lake Como (Italy). Hence, the majority of the trip is in Italy.

2nd February 2011 (Wednesday)

Today marks the start of the long trip. Woke up very early and did last preparation for departure to Italy. Here again in KLIA, settling those check-in procedures, custom control, inspections, having breakfast before riding on bus (Rapid KL) that replaced the aerotrain (upgrade-in-process) to the terminal. We fly by Emirates Airlines to Dubai International Airport first. Then, flight transfer to our destination, Rome at Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Aiport. The interesting thing of the Emirates planes are that they are equipped with forward and downward cameras for passengers to view on, which are very cool indeed. From the Dubai airport, I am so happy that I can see the world tallest man made structure, Burj Khalifa from far.

It’s almost 7 hours of flight from KL to Dubai, and it’s another 6 hours of flight from Dubai to Rome. Total: over 13 hours, the longest ever attempted. Luckily, there is quite a lot of movies and games from the electronic device of the seat for me to enjoy, and I had watched 127 Hours from there. Finally reached Italy, and it’s still CNY eve night.

3rd February 2011 (Thursday)

The first visit of the day is the world largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the world smallest country with population of only around 1000. The plaza in front of the basilica is already impressive, surrounded by tall colonnades, with center of an obelisk presented by Egypt. Entering the basilica is not from the main entrance, but is from a sideway leading to the underground where tombs of previous Popes are located. Going through a narrow spiraling staircase, and when I looked up, I am moved, with the scale and beauty of the interior of the basilica. The dome is impressive, the sculptures are beautiful, the paintings are fantastic!

In the bus, we are given chance to take a look at some of the Rome’s famous historical buildings like the Castel San Angelo, Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, Circus Maximus, etc. Then, we in a tour group by Golden Travel Tour (GTT) proceed to visit the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Wow, finally I can check out how incredible is this structure built almost 2000 years ago. Next visit is the nearby Roman Forum, which is the former administrative and public center of Roman Empire. There are only some ruins left in this huge area of forum, hence nothing much to see actually. The last place of visit of the day is the Trevi’s Fountain, a very grand fountain with a beautiful backdrop, famous for the coin-throwing for wishes.

4th February 2011 (Friday)

Time to leave Rome, the capital of Italy to proceed to Pisa that took around 5 hours of journey in bus. Of course, the only reason to go to Pisa is to take a visit to the Piazza del Duomo, where a cathedral, a baptistry, a monumental cemetery and a freestanding bell tower which is the most famous of all, called as the Leaning Tower of Pisa stand. Restoration work is still in progress on the top part of the tower. I managed to take a look at the interior of the cathedral which is also beautiful with large paintings.

Huh…another few hours bus journey to Florence, another beautiful city which is the birthplace of Renaissance. After a long visit in a fashion-based commercial center, we went for a dinner at a very uniquely-designed restaurant, built like a water tank lifted above the ground few stories high.

5th February 2011 (Saturday)

It is much cooler walking on the streets in Florence. Ahh, we are heading to the famous domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, simply known as the Duomo too. (duomo means cathedral) It is this cathedral and a freestanding bell tower nearby highlighted the skyline of the city. Just in front of the cathedral is the baptistery, famous for its Gates of Paradise dubbed by Michelangelo.

Next, we walked through many historical streets, and even through the Golden Bridge, overlooking the river that divides the city. From there, a beautiful panoramic view is offered, and so, time for pictures! Next visit is the nearby Piazza della Signoria, where many sculptures (including the famous Sculpture of David) are the highlights of the square with a town hall called as Palazzo Vecchio (formerly a fortress palace). Before we leaved the city, we are given opportunity to walk along the waterfront of the city. Then, we off to the mainland Venice.

6th February 2011 (Sunday)

It’s time to visit the beautiful island of Venice, known as the City of Water, City of Bridges, Floating City, etc. Going there from the mainland took around 30 minutes by ferry. As soon as we reached there, we take a look at the Bridge of Sigh (where previously prisoners pass through between the palace and the jail and given chance to look at the outside world, the city of Venice and regret, and so they sighed). Then, we go to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), the central public square of Venice where a tall bell tower, a historical clock tower and a basilica (around 1000 years old) are located.

The main aim of the city tour is of course the gondola ride, through the narrow canals dividing over 100 islands of the region. It is comfortable sitting on the gondola on the clean water looking at bridges and old buildings. Then, here comes shopping time, checking out branded shops like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. I bought nothing from these shops as there is nothing interests me. There is also a short tour in the glass making factory and shop and we are thrilled by the glass making show by one of the workers there. Time to leave the city by late afternoon.

7th February 2011 (Monday)

Today we are going to Verona. The only purpose of visiting this city is to take a look at the Romeo and Juliet’s balcony. The story by William Shakespeare is the greatest love story of all time, and the setting of this masterpiece is at Verona. However, it’s really nothing much to see except a normal balcony, a sculpture of Juliet in the courtyard and walls of thousands of  love signs by couples. A short walk around the area with streets of shops before leaving the city to Brescia for a night stay.

Before going to Brescia, we dropped by Fidenza Village, an outdoor shopping street built like we are in Disneyland. However, we are given too much time in there just to visit a short street of shops. Very boring in there, mainly because I bought nothing from there too. Haha…finally, off to dinner before a night stay in Brescia after a tiring day mainly in bus. Anyway, we got a bit of entertainment after watching The Sniper and The Poker King (both Cantonese movies) in the bus.

8th February 2011 (Tuesday)

Time to proceed to the City of Fashion, Milan of Italy. There is nothing much of historical buildings to check out in this city which is mainly rebuilt after World War II. The city will also hosts the World Expo 2015. First trip of the city is to the Castello Sforzesco, a castle built not on hill, not along river, but on the center of the city. It is nothing much to check out in the castle, which is mainly of thick brick walls. Next, we proceed to the Piazza del Duomo, the public central square of the city surrounded by famous stuctures like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the world first shopping mall), Milan’s Cathedral and Royal Palace of Milan. We also get to look at the Milan Opera House.

Of course, the most striking feature is the cathedral, which is the world largest Gothic cathedral, with many spires striking up to the sky. This time, I am able to went into the church to have a look at the interior with those striking barrel vaults and colourful large windows. In Milan, shopping is the priority, not in the famous mall mentioned earlier, but along the streets nearby. Actually, mainly all the shops along the streets anywhere in the city are also fashion-based. I am fascinated by not the clothes, but the interior design of many shops there, some even themed-based. The owners are very willing to spend a lot on interior designs, unlike in Malaysia where all shops look alike. Huh…very tired after a day of long walk in the Milan’s city centre, full of those wires hanging everywhere in the city for street lighting and the trolley busses.

9th February 2011 (Wednesday)

Today we went to Lugano, Switzerland, near the border of Italy to have a look at the beautiful surrounding of the city. The lake is very beautiful with backdrop of hills of the Alps Mountains. Spectacular scenery from there, even more beautiful with those houses on the hills. Actually, there is nothing much to do there except looking at the picturesque surrounding. There is also a visit to Rolex shop there, as Switzerland is the world largest producer of watches.

Then, we are back to Italy as we went to the Lake Como at the border of Italy. It is very similar to Lugano just now. Time for walk along the waterfront, and enjoying the beautiful view of the city and the lake. Then, we proceed to Milano Malpensa Airport for our flight back home. The exterior of the airport is cool, but the interior is like you are in a huge factory. We are having problems queuing for checking-in due to the bad behaviour of many people cutting the line. Luckily, we got our own counter opened for us to do the check-in procedures. We also need to settle on those tax refund procedures of the branded bags and wallets we bought (none of them are mine).

10th February 2011 (Thursday)

We landed on Dubai International Airport. Now only I discovered that all the three terminals of the airport are connected and it is very long. I think it is the world longest airport. Need to walk very long just to reach our gate of departure to KL, and I even walked further to spend the excessive time in the airport before the next flight to KL. We are given free breakfast in the airport because we are passengers waiting for flight transfer for many hours. This time, the sky is more blurry and I can’t take a last look at the Burj Khalifa. Nevermind, I’m already satisfied with what I have seen last time eventhough I wished to see more.

Landed safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at night despite an hour long delay at Dubai International Airport. It’s the 8th day of Chinese New Year and that night marked the celebration of Bai Tien Kung for the Hokkien community. So, in our way home, we are welcomed home with a lot of bangs of fireworks all around KL. It’s a nice atmosphere out there. Finally, reached home and settled my own stuff before going to bed for a full rest. It’s the end of the trip.

This is the trip that I have been anticipating the most before it arrived. Now, the trip ended and finished, it’s over. I’m happy that I’m finally back home after the tiring trip, but I’m a bit sad that I can’t enjoy such days anymore of being a tourist, taking pictures, enjoying nights in hotels, walking around, shopping, etc as the trip ended. Anyway, it’s a fun and exciting trip, a very interesting one for me, a great opportunity for me to have a better look at the architecture, history and culture of Italy.

From the trip, I am able to tried on Italian espresso, spaghetti, pasta, pizza, bread, cooked turkey, and wine. I am also able to buy something for myself; a jacket, a key chain, a string of pinocchio, a gondola model, replica models of Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Peter’s Basilica, Burj al Arab (world only seven-star hotel) and Burj Khalifa. It’s my interest of keeping these models of famous buildings around the world. Now, my collection is increased. Ahha…now I started thinking of where should we go for next year, CNY 2012 trip.

For full photos of my trip, kindly go to my Facebook photo albums, there are three albums in total for the trip with around 600 pictures to share with you all.

Part 1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=284306&id=553754336&l=eb219146e0

Part 2

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=284323&id=553754336&l=79aa9201fc

Part 3 – Final

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=284328&id=553754336&l=8330229e2e

Thanks for reading this long post about my trip. All photos from this post are mine and not to be reproduced or copied without permission from the author.

A week to go…Italy 2011 trip!

It’s exactly a week to go before the most anticipating trip of the year, oversea trip to Italy, first time flying to the West. It’s also exactly a week to go before Chinese New Year Eve. Lanterns are hung up along some streets, some houses were decorated, supermarkets crowded with people buying new year goods.

I should start planning on what to bring for this longest trip I ever had…nine days seven nights…gonna need a lot of stuff; shirts, pants, jackets, stockings, travel kit, battery charger for phone and camera, and of course, passport! Just heard from my dad that Italy is among the countries with highest number of snatch thieves. Gonna be careful during the trip…of course, not wishing for anything lost throughout the trip…

So, I’m browsing internet, finding more information regarding Italy. I even checked on Google Earth to see how it looks from the air at the cities in Italy that I am going to visit. Here it is:

Rome

Can you spot Colosseum at the bottom right of the picture?

Vatican City, Rome

Can you spot St.Peter’s Basilica in the middle of the picture?

Florence

Can you spot Florence Cathedral at the middle top of this picture?

Milan

This time, can you spot Milan Cathedral in the middle of the picture?

Venice

And this is the island of Venice, already beautiful even from the sky above!

Pisa

Can you spot Leaning Tower of Pisa at the middle top of this picture? A bit hard…

From what you can see from the Google Earth pictures above, the arrangement of buildings are compact and quite dense. The roads seems to be the clear networks connecting all the structures and streets. Very standardized urban planning over Italy no matter in which cities you are in…unlike Kuala Lumpur, messed-up planning…haiz!

Hmm…by this time, 9.30pm next week, I would be already having my feet on the land of Rome, the capital of Italy. By the way, gonna check the time zone there which is way different from here in Malaysia.