Nature's Mystery

Nature is a very interesting and confusing topic. Not only is it broad but it is also very mysterious that even the gifted geniuses cannot figure it out. For me, I do not really try to figure it out. It’s just nice to bask in its beauty and stare in amazement as it unfolds. Now, I’m in my moon-addicted phase. I love staring at the sky at night so much with the moon shining and the stars, too.

It is very therapeutic, especially if you are in a quiet place with the wind whipping or waves crashing. Another amazing thing to witness is a chick struggling to get out from its shell. I once saw this when I had the chance to visit a place with incubators for ducks and chickens. It was a very humbling experience, though the process was long, I was not tired watching the little bird make its way out to the big world.

What about the opening of Dama de Noche at night? Or the birth of a baby? Have you experienced this little wonders? If not, then maybe it’s time to go out and experience these things because they are priceless and there would come a time that it may be too late to experience them.

World Press Photo 11

Janet Speaks is honored to be invited to the World Press Photo 11 Official Opening Event. I had to leave work 20 minutes earlier because the media arrival would start at 4:15 and we had to drive all the way to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to catch the opening of the event.

The event was opened by a Press Conference attended by the media, sponsors and organizers of the event. After the press conference, there was a guided tour to see the winning photos of the World Press Photo 11.

Photos above were taken by my husband.

My photos (below) of Dato' Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen during the guided tour (using my nifty fifty mm lens)

Basing on the the Minister's expressions, the photos has been heart-breaking...

However, there are inspiring photos as well that made her smile...

Images below were taken by my husband. I think we're the ones brave enough to ask if we could have a photo together with the minister. I am just so blessed.

A photo with the World Press Photo Project Manager, Miss Tessa Hetharia.

World Press Photo 11 is hosted by the Netherlands Embassy headed by His Excellency Mr Paul Bekkers, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia, who also did the welcome speech.

The opening of the World Press Photo 11 Exhibition was attended by the press from different publications, newspapers, magazines, and yes, blogs. Ms Thessa Hetharia, Project Manager of World Press Photo gave a very good introduction of what the WPP was all about.

The speech by the guest of honour, Y.B Dato' Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, the Minister of Tourism, Malaysia was truly remarkable and impressive. I remember one thing she said, as a comment on the winning photo:

Women in Malaysia are more fortunate in the sense that the government truly protects women's right. Indeed, it's true.

Also, I was curious as to why there's not Malaysian photographer that was included in the winning team.

There were two assumptions:

1. Not a lot of Malaysians participated due to lack of information.

2. You won't get those kind of photos in Malaysia as Malaysia doesn't really experience the ups and downs of life and natural calamities. Please note that almost all the photos are about violence, natural calamities, poverty... or just plain getty images.

But then again, there are many categories that a photographer could participate in... So maybe, the correct answer would be: lack of information. But now that the event was brought to Malaysia, we still have a chance to join and submit our photos. If we could just meet the requirements according to the different categories, why not, right?

The event was truly well organized, thanks to Gocomms (Liza, Elya, Choo, Winx, and others) for organizing such an inspiring event.

If you have time, the World Press Photo 11 will be in:

1. Klang Valley at KLCC Convention Centre until 12 February, 2012

2. Melaka at Balai Seni Lukis Melaka from 14 February until 23 February 2012

3. Kota Kinabalu at 1 Borneo Shopping Complex from 27 February to 8 March 2012

4. Penang at Penang Town Hall on 11 March to 19 March 2012.

The world has been brought to us.. why not take time to go and see heart-touching (some inspiring), winning photos of the Annual Press Photography Contest by the World Press Photo?

And what is a press launch without food? Hubby and I truly enjoyed the cocktail dinner served after the program.

Mango Jeans - Claudia

Finally, a new pair of jeans have made it into my wardrobe. It has always been a challenge for me to find a pair of jeans that would suit my figure. Most of the sizes in Malaysia are size 0 and below! I tell you, they cater to skinny people - most of the time.

The last pair I bought - which was probably half a decade ago - was from Marks and Spencer Sunway Pyramid. It was a bit too much, price-wise, so it took me a long time to decide to get a new pair.

Today, after cashing in my -ehem- first salary after more than 48 years, I decided to shop for some tops. Mango Sunway Pyramid was on sale. And so, I wanted to browse through their tops. But I found something else... a pair of jeans that I thought would fit me nicely.

After trying a few sizes, I finally settled into one. But the jeans needed to be altered. Mango does the alteration service. And so I decided to let them do it. I trust they would do well in altering the length of the jeans.

Since Mango is still on clearance sale, I got this for just 169RM. That's just around 56US$! Worth buying, right? I just thank God I finally found the right cut for me. That's priceless.

After our shopping spree, we had a
movie purchase since it's Saturday and I can stay up later than usual.

Now I know how it feels like when it's a weekend. LOL.

Angelina Jolie - The Epitome of Elegance

I love Angelina Jolie's fashion sense. She always exudes elegance in everything she wears. She always have a way to pull off a dress/gown or any clothes.I especially love her white Versace shoes that goes along perfectly with her dramatic white Atelier Versace gown.

And for the Gold Globes Awards Best Dressed, I vote for her as the best dressed of all of them.

 Angelina Jolie.

Isn't she just the epitome of beauty and elegance?