No, not what I heard of. That was my reply after 2 dives with them… Until today. Well, one sardine doesn’t make any noise, but when a school of them move in ultra speed in perfect synchrony, the sound is as mesmerizing as a turbo charged engine whirring. And the driver? A school of Jack fish. It went on and on during our 70 minutes under water.

Last week, during a impromptu drinking session, Nick asked if I want to join him for a short diving trip to get away from work. I quickly agreed, but pointed out that I wanted to check out the ‘poor man’s sardine run’. The actual sardine run in Africa is a dream for most divers, but the cost and travel can be quite a pain. Less than 4 hours from Singapore, we have Moalboal in Cebu, Philippines. It’s not exactly a sardine run like the ones in Africa, but it’s as close as you get to one around the region. There were no whales, no dolphins, no sharks nor seals. But if like me, sardines is all you care for now, this is perfect.

Millions of them, stretching approximately 100-200m and 50m wide stays permanently along the shores of Moalboal. They are literally 10m away from the shore. You don’t even need to dive to see them. The performance began the moment we dropped into the water. Millions of them moving in unison, somewhat orchestrated by our presence and bubbles we produce. Slow at times, but at some point, you feel tension, literally by watching them. Moving quickly in synchrony, as if something happened. Then we realized, predators were round the corner. Within seconds, a school of 30-40 Jacks came close. They were swimming right at us and started their attack on the sardines. The Symphony of sardines seem to kick into high gear and they moved in speeds so fast that we could hear the swishing sounds. They came in again and again. But unlike those scenes you see on National Geographic, they were not as efficient hunters as dolphins or sharks. It was still an electrifying performance.

Well, the bad part was, my mini dome port flooded again. So I had to leave my camera on the boat. Surprisingly, I didn’t even miss shooting it. It was just great to witness it. Now, let’s hope they will put up a good show again tomorrow.

Alright, off for my next dive now. Another adventure awaits.

It’s a very unique wedding, and a first for me and the couple (I’ll explain that in awhile). My first Malay wedding.  After the formalities in the beautiful Sultan mosque, they requested for a short portraiture session. So I thought, why not just do it in the mosque. Found a spot and we started shooting. Then I noticed their parents and some relatives are watching us. So I went up to them and asked if they are comfortable with people around, they said ok. “How about a kiss then?” “Oh wait… do you think it’s allowed here?” “don’t know, but I think it’s ok.” “Alright, let’s do it then.”

Honestly, it’s the slowest kiss I’ve ever seen. The feeling was totally different, I don’t know why. But I was sweating like mad. Amine’s dad was shouting behind “more! more! more!” It was really funny. I went up to the couple and said “nice, I like it”. Then Amine said, “it’s our first kiss”. “You mean the first in the mosque or the first after you got married?” “No, no… really the first EVER.”

My head suddenly felt light, alot of things going through my mind like it’s almost going to burst. When I finally got a grip of myself, I checked the images… good thing I got it… and more than one:D

It was a beautiful experience. Something that I will remember for a long long time. How does it feel to be kissed the first time? I can’t remember. But I’m sure they will.

I haven’t been writing since the passing of 2008, which brought back some really good memories. But that’s not the reason why I didn’t post anything. I just felt, resolution-less. I am like, “fly by feeling”. It just feels good, that’s it!:D

Anyway, here’s an update on what’s in, what’s out.

1. We’re moving! Yes, we are (me and the 3 dogs). Not too far, just 3 minutes walk away. Estimated, a few feet nearer to the foreign dormitary. But trust me, you guys won’t get lost again (I’ll explain when we meet).
2. The feldberyl website is going to be revamped! Works are underway, but due to the current workload and moving, it’s gonna wait a little while. Preferably, before the Lunar New Year. If you have comments on how you think the current website can be improved, do let me know. Your feedback is very much appreciated:)
3. I will have 2 Canon 5D up for sale soon (no I’m not quitting, I’m just upgrading). If you are interested, do let me know.
4. I wish everyone a Happy New Year!:D Stay happy, stay healthy and make the best out of 2009.

That’s all folks. Thank you for 2008 and look forward to seeing you in 2009.

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Love this retro stuff!!:) I don’t know what happened over the past 15 years, but chinese used to be coooooooooool!:D I’m want a moustache!! 

 

 

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Test message 123…

feldberyl, we have contact…

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I guess I’m really in the retro mood today. This song just appeared from nowhere… I think I’m screwed.

 

*drum rolls*

 

“开封有个包青天…”

 

Here’s the video, in case you haven’t heard it before. Did I mention I am super cheena? This is my version of CSI:P

 

 

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… after god know how many years. Ok lah, abit 夸张, but how about record time, I was there for more than 2 hours today:) Don’t play play ok, 2 hours in a shopping mall!! unless I lose my way!!:P Finished a shoot at Ritz and decided it’s about time I KIV something to replace my aging wardrobe (when was the last time I bought a shirt…?) after Christmas. And I had some nice cream puffs and churros… yum… sinful… but I like:D I think I’m starting to have cravings for sweet stuff. Those colourful cupcake toppings… grrrrrrr…

 

Parking in town is also super duper the expensive. Last week, I spent 13 bucks parking at Wheelock place for about 3 hours. Today, I spent about 20+ dollars for parking and ERP in total. I think I’ll take a train next time round. Not because I’m stingy… erm… I’m thinking of the reducing carbon footprint… (yah riiiiiiiiiiight!):)

 

 

Just a couple of days back, I attended a wedding, yes, as a guest. Can’t remember when was the last time I attended one. The feeling seem so strange. The moment I walked into the hotel, I knew I lost it… everything seemed to be on autopilot mode:P

 

1) I asked for parking tickets at the reception

2) I asked, “what’s the room number? where’s the bride?”

3) I asked to go to the bridal suite… yes I did.

4) I took a drink and stood near to the couple, waiting for the next piece of action.

5) I forgot about the ang pows (well, eventually I remembered:P)

6) I walked into the ballroom, checking the setup and complained that the lighting’s too dark!

7) I almost went to the photographer and told him “during the march in, I’ll take the left, you take the right…” (and the only camera with me was my mobile phone)

8) I attempted to follow the couple up for change of evening gown.

9) After the 2nd dish, I stopped eating.

10) I stayed till the last guest left…

 

Anyway, during the wedding dinner, I found this waiter who’s serving our table really funny. It all started when my friend asked for a glass of red wine.

 

friend: Can I have a glass of wine?

waiter: yes, would you like red or white?

friend: red please.

me: you have white wine? I’d like a glass please.

*left the table and came back with a glass of red wine*

waiter: I’m sorry sir, we only have red wine.

me: *bewildered* ok, it’s alrite. (then why the hell did he ask if we wanted red or white?)

Anyway, that’s not all. Gradually, the table was filled with other guests. So they decided to ask for a round of drinks as well… the same waiter came…

guest: Can we have 5 beers and 5 wines?

waiter: would you like red or white wine?

guest: red thank you.

*waiter left…*

So we shared what happened earlier and everyone had a good laugh, so we decided to test him again. When he came back with the drinks…

guest: *pointing at me* Can you get him a glass of white wine?

waiter: Sorry, we don’t serve white wine…

 

I was thinking… what the hell, you don’t like me is it?!?

 

 

“Dear Nephew, I know it’s probably pretty comfy in there, but if you are still not coming out, I’m leaving. C’mon, be more cooperative, tonight or tomorrow?”

 

Looks like I may have to extend my stay for another 2 days (max) just for this kid. Just like me, (almost) never punctual:P My sis’s father-in-law joked, “better stay till the baby is out to make sure it’s not a hoax!” (I felt like a witness:P) And when my sis called home to update the situation, my dad said “Ask your brother to come back, the baby’s not coming out when he’s around…” That bad huh?

 

Weather’s good today. Strange that weather turned for the better once APEC is over. Heading for a little walk in Blue Mountains.