Blog de Donovan Tan

Choice. Is something that cannot be taken away from you.

One can force you into making a tough decision but choice will always be in your hands.

For example if somebody points a gun at you demanding your wallet, you can choose to try to snatch the gun away, you can choose to fake faint, you can choose to cry, to do nothing or to give up your thing. Even at such situations, you still have a choice.

It is such a shame and it saddens me when I see some of my friends let others decide important life decisions. Some simply fall into the demands of the society which isn't always a good thing.

Peer pressure can easily affect certain people. But at the end of the day, we choose our friends don't we? I'm not asking people to be stubborn. I think listening to suggestions are important but make sure you are the one ultimately making the decision.

Some people like to tell you to do things. Some like to coach you how to do things. But don't forget at the end of the day, you are the one who are responsible for your actions, not them.

I found a disc by accident which contained a photo album of my vacation back in 2007/08.

Looking through it reminded me of the friendship I used to share with these people. Most of them are still close with me despite having commitments in different places, but some have broken off the group.

What disappoints me the most is how these friendships had to end over petty reasons. I lost two people who I used to see as my best friends.

One felt mistreated by others and 'bans' them from being friends,for life. I was caught in a middle of a crossfire and both sides decided to point finger at me and made me guilty party. I had little defense as both rather listen to each other who back stabbed themselves. However, judgement was made by only one.
Judge says: having looked at the facts from my perspective, Donovan Tan is found to be . . . GUILTY ! And therefore sentenced to a lifetime ban from being friends.

The other has a growing ego and feels that she is far more superior and expects other friends to obey her. I disobeyed by

Not going to a club with her during my exam period.
Refusing to join her for a re-scheduled clubbing session.I pleaded my innocence : 'I don't want to see somebody who shows me a sour face for no apparent reason. I had no reason to spend money on her in a club. Lastly, to spend so much money on a long face and then go back early during the 'peak' hours of the party all because of her is ridiculous.'Judgement : Donovan Tan,is found to be . . . GUILTY !

And I lost two friends.

This is copied from the internet. It is one of my favorite jokes I've ever read on the internet. Sharing is caring right? so here it is.

HUSBAND SHOPPING CENTRE
Recently a "Husband Shopping Centre" opened in Dallas, where women could go to choose a husband from among many men. It was laid out in five floors, with the men increasing in positive attributes as you ascended. The only rule was, once you opened the door to any floor, you HAD to choose a man from that floor; If you went up a floor, you couldn't go back down except to leave the place, never to return.

A couple of girlfriends went to the shopping centre to find some husbands... First floor The door had a sign saying, "These men have jobs and love kids. "The women read the sign and said, "Well, that's better than not having a job, or not loving kids, but I wonder what's further up?" So up they went.

Second floor
The sign read, "These men have high paying jobs, love kids, and are extremely good looking." Hmmm, said the ladies. But, I wonder what's further up?

Third floor
This sign read, "These men have high paying jobs, are extremely good looking, love kids and help with the housework." Wow! Said the women. Very tempting, BUT, there's more further up! And up they went.

Fourth floor
This door had a sign saying "These men have high paying jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak." Oh, mercy me. But just think! What must be awaiting us further on!
So up to the fifth floor they went.

Fifth floor
The sign on that door said, "This floor is empty and exists only to prove that women are impossible to please.

hehehehehe. true ? or not true? I say yes. it is true

Have you ever sit in your room alone quietly as you try to focus on your work and suddenly as you try to maintain that concentration, random thoughts just keep invading into your mind ?

It doesn't necessarily happen during your work time. When you try to initiate sleep, it happens also.(It has been happening to me a lot lately during this agonizing, exam period.

It disturbs my focus and also sleep. Both of which are essential to have a good preparation for an examination.

So here is my question. What do you do to sleep well in desperate times ?

The Shanghai tower is taller than our Petronas Twin Tower. The Japanese cars are much better built than ours. Singapore's development is at a rate much faster than ours. Thailand is a more attractive holiday destination than our country. And the list goes on... Do you have any more to add on to that? I think YES, for most people but here is the thing.

DO YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE COMPARING YOUR COUNTRY TO THE WHOLE WORLD ???

I mean, there are quite a lot of things that we can be proud of. Our twin tower is still the tallest twin tower in the world. Our football team is the current Suzuki Cup champion, our Datuk Lee has been world no:1 for a long time. Datuk Nicol David single-handedly dominated squash for so long she made it look boring. Datuk Tony Fernandes is an internationally famous entrepreneur. Our food tastes one of the world's best. etc... etc...
Even our women is on demand. Don't believe me?ask Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau.

It is true that our country is not perfect but then, which country is ? Be proud to be a Malaysian. Be patriotic. This is your country. Never 'spit' on your own flag. Please, don't pick up the habit of saying every bad here is simply because it is 'made in Malaysia'. Show some love for your country. BOLEH ??? =)

I used to think that people give themselves English names so that people can catch it easier. I put one for myself since most people can't hear my name right for the first 2 or 3 times I say it. Even the introduction phrase of Hi I'm DONOVAN got people saying WHAT? COME AGAIN? So Donovan didn't fully solve the problem lah I suppose.

Only some people who watch football can catch my name at the first attempt. In case you are wondering, NO. I didn't name myself Donovan because of this guy. Although I do like him as a footballer.

SO, HERE IS MY QUESTION: WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST/FUNKIEST/MOST NEVER-HEARD-BEFORE ENGLISH NAMES THAT YOU HEARD?

I realized I put a name not so common in our community but there are people who pushed it further than me. For example Chrono or Crono. *duno how to spell*even google don't know such names.

There are more that I've heard such as Dominance and Clifford but that Chrono name tops the list. Where did they get these names from I wonder. I put an English name at the front because my name Aik Bu was hard to catch. No sure why they name themselves like that. At least now I can feel better about my own name. hehehehe

I was reading Kenny Sia's recent post titled 'Don't Go To University For The Sake Of It' and I fully agree with what he said. But I have a something to add on to it.

I used to think that my job here in UTAR is to study, get that piece of paper that says 'Bachelor in ... (hons)' and start working. However, after attending a talk recently I found something interest. The instructor told us : If you are here just because of that piece of paper, QUIT NOW !

I was a bit surprised until I was told the reason why. Many people including myself found it hard to adapt to university life mainly due to the demands that is put on us students (assignments, tests, etc). Many universities especially public ones are in rural areas, far away from town which makes life a bit harder, add that to other challenges and many people wind up doing not-so-good and constantly whining about how boring life is in universities.

What I really wanna say is this- GOING TO A UNI FOR THE SAKE OF GETTING THAT PAPER IS NOT A GOOD REASON FOR YOU TO GO TO UNI. How people should see it is like this : I'm here for the experience of being a uni student. Which means you are there for everything that comes with it. The lectures, the co curriculum, the presentations,the assignments,the girls, the freedom... the entire learning experience to help you with your future career. IT IS ALL ABOUT PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE.

Still not quite sure? Let me explain. When you are given an assignment there will be a dateline. Firstly, you have to learn to work in a group. Most of the universities have a flexible system which means you work with different people every semester. You learn how to work with various types of people and how to handle them. Secondly, the dateline. You will learn how to manage your time for assignments. While most of us still resort to last minute effort, at least when you go to work you will know that is a struggle. Thirdly, if you still don't know what happens when you don't submit your work in time, try it while at uni. Then you'll know.

So you see there is more to it than just classes, books and exam. Preparing for final exam is also a bit like preparing for some important project. I mean even relationships are part of it. You learn about your gf as time goes by and then you decide whether she is the one or not. right ?

I used to complain about how boring life is and all over here but now at least I know I have more reasons to be here. I hope this post will at least reducing people from whining about how bad life is at uni and try to make the most of it. =)

Sorry for being away so long. Was too carried away by other things and to be honest, the last 2 months or so wasn't the happiest days of my life so there are quite a few things I need to work on.

Any way, I got a few new posts lined up so there will be more frequent updates from now. Liverpool Asia Tour, something about assignment groups, etc.

Got to study for my mid term now. BYE~

Dear friends, blog readers. I'm in a photography competition called 'Beauties On Wheelz'. My photo entry was chosen as the Top 20 and now I need your kind support to stand a chance to win it.

This is the photo.
You'll have to Like the Juru Auto City Page FIRST.
Here is the link on facebook. You'll have to Like the Juru Auto City Page FIRST.

I have got almost all of my friends to LIKE it but then it is not enough. I also need my friends to further support me by getting their friends click as well. And that can make a big difference.

For example if I can count on 50 friends to get 3 people to like, that would be another 150 votes for my photo which is a lot.

The prize for the 1st place photo is a hamper with the usual stuff in it and a video camera which is cool.

I sincerely thank you all for all the support you have given me for my photo. I just want to say I appreciate it. Currently I'm still second about 20 votes behind the first place photo, and I hope that with your help, that photo can stand out from the rest because I really do think that is a unique shot compared to the rest.

Last semester before my exam I said to myself if I fail in the exam I will not continue any further. It is not worth all the money, the effort and also staying in a place I don't want to be at.

I passed the exam which means I can continue. However, now that I have spent a year in Kampar and I have another two years to go (minus 3 months for internship), I'm not sure if I want to continue.

I've seen friends of mine who tried and decided that it was too hard. To repeat a subject again costs around Rm750 which is a big sum. That is not what worries me the most. I believe that if those around me can do it, I can do it.

What really made me have doubts is the place. After one year and it didn't change a thing. Going back home every week is possible but it costs quite a sum. From a place with so much happening to a place where there is pretty much nothing.

Don't even bother about comparing other place like UUM or even some poor nations in Africa. It is not relevant. What is relevant is where one person is from, and where he is now.

If I were to quit UTAR I will still continue pursuing a degree. Only somewhere else. This is not something I take lightly. If I want out, I better get out from there sooner than later.

About a year ago I enrolled into UTAR Kampar for my degree course. I was quite happy that after the struggles I had while doing my diploma, finally I'm here. Some of my friends who are already there were telling me the university admin has some issues and Kampar is not a place Penangites would like but none of them actually did any thing to stop me from coming. One year after that, I wish they did. I never knew leaving Penang was going to be so difficult especially to a place like Kampar.

During the first semester I was struggling to get used to the place and also the higher demands needed to excel in UTAR. I took things way too easily and ended up paying the price for it.

The same amount of effort will only result in poor results. I had to do more.

2nd semester, I looked at reasons why I failed try made some changes which were not enough. Only 2 subjects taken for the short semester and I failed one of them which resulted in termination of my student status. I had plenty to think about how to do better.While there is a very good chance for the appeal to be successful, I was having the darkest hour of my life. I didn't have a timetable, I couldn't register for a parking sticker and worse of all during the appeal, looking at everybody at the queue thinking how lousy of a student people are. And then I realized I'm one of them.

It was like going to jail, looking at all the criminal faces, thinking of what terrible things they have done only to find out you are one of them now. I had to wait until week4 to start attending classes again and that gave me some problem. I had to join assignment groups that are already formed and met the worst assignment group members in my life.By the time I'm done with assignments I'm already feeling very frustrated by how hard things can be here. I took short vacations with my friends and often went back home during weekends. I skipped lots of classes like I never did before. The only positive note from the 3rd semester was my acting during a drama which gained a round of applause. =) Still, I felt like doing any thing but study for the final exam.

It was until the final weeks when I managed to find the strength to do what I have to do for my exam. I'm quite convinced that I have put in a reasonable amount of effort to score at least get a pass. If it is not, then I will quit UTAR and study somewhere else.

Exactly one year ago during Labour Day, with my mother's support I bought my first ever Digital SLR. My photography journey started on the 1st of May 2010. Today marks the end of the first year and the beginning of the second.

So much have happened throughout the year, there were good and bad moments with my camera. And I have also changed quite a bit during the course of the year.

The clicks were reducing, most emphasis is paid to quality rather than quantity. More thought is put into when taking a photo. Comparing the photos of the first months and the ones I took recently I think I have improved to another level but with plenty still to learn.

There were good moments when people liked my photos on facebook. Some even made it their profile picture. I also managed to capture some happy moments during a wedding event. It is also very satisfying for me when the photos I took put smiles on people's face. At the same time I makes me very happy as well.

However, its not all smooth road during this journey. There are times when I just ran out of ideas of how to take a good shot during crucial moments. Sometimes when the golden opportunity came and I got the settings wrong. Some slight reliability issue also caused some nervous moments. I even deleted about 70% of the photos I took during a macro shoot. Very frustrating indeed but it was a good lesson. It also hurts when some people just go 'DELETE ! DELETE ! DELETE !' even when I thought the shots were good.

Overall it has been quite an interesting experience. And I look forward to do more research on this subject and also meet more people of the same hobby. Also I'm looking to buy my 2nd lens which is quite a difficult choice due to financial reasons. Do I buy a cheaper lens to hold on or do I wait and save so that I don't have to sell the cheaper lens in a cut-price deal?

I hope to have more honest comments on my photos,more 'likes' and less 'DELETE !' and 'I look fat !'

hehehe ! Happy Anniversary my Sony Alpha A550+18-250 lens. MAKE.BELIEVE

***This is strictly written based on personal opinion and is not aimed at any body in particular***

There are many people who owns a DSLR today. While some are photographers, some are people with an expensive camera.

In this post I'm going to group all the DSLR-owners I've came across and put them into categories based on their camera knowledge, usage, and equipment.

THE NECKLACEThey have just about no clue about photography. They have the perception that by using a DSLR they will be able to produce good photos. Camera usage is mainly for show and photography purposes are minimal. In the Uni campus, at mamak stalls, in the library and even in the bus ! They have their cameras hanging on their neck all the time. Typically, their equipment is a beginner-level camera with a kit lens. What is best for them is not a entry-level DSLR. What is best is a "semi-SLR". Smaller cameras with higher-than-compact-camera imagine quality like the Sony NEX, Olympus PEN or Canon G-series.

THE OCCASIONALThey have some basic knowledge but they normally do not pay attention to the tiny details such as the settings like exposure mode. They don't hang their big cameras on their necks and walk around with it. In fact they hardly use it except for special occasions. Like a party, or a holiday. Most of them have at least an external flash along with their kit lens and an 'original' bag which comes together with the camera.

THE ENTHUSIASTThese people have at least some of advance technique and they are always willing to attend workshops to learn more. Constantly looking for events or photography outings to sharpen their skills. Some have big sling bags, some have back packs full of camera tools. How much or how good are their equipment depends on how passionate they are for photography and also how much their pocket allow them to spend on their hobby. Some of them are part-time photographers and some might turn pro.

THE PROSPeople who are so good at it they can rely on their photography skills and use it as a full time job. Cameras to them are like computers for IT people. Like football to footballers. They possess the most and the best equipments from the most expensive lenses to the most complex lighting tools. Some own a studio. RESPECT !

Still no progress after weeks of talking. 11 days left to the final with little preparations done. At the rate things are going I will fail again and if I do, I will withdraw. I'm still in the same situation where I rather be doing any thing other than study. Somebody help me !

But there is still time to study as I took only a few subjects this term. But the problem is I cannot find the willingness or the motivation to get started. I'm happy when I get things done properly and for the past few months I clearly haven't done so.

Is it a punishment that I need or is it a reward ? Maybe what I need is just a little guidance on how to start and then I can carry on from there.

Whatever it is, I should be finding the solution get back to work now. To all fellow UTARians, best of luck for your exams.

From the train station in Port Klang, take a boat ride for about 40 minutes and you'll reach this place. Its callled 'Crab Island' directly translated but there weren't a lot of crabs.

It took me less than 2 hours to explore the whole island and when asked if I will go visit the place again? NO. Confirm ! Don't get me wrong. It is a unique place. You rarely see a place soooo 'kampung' and a temple with a crab on it. The whole island, doesn't have a fueling station so there is no car, or bikes. In fact any vehicle with engines are not allowed beyond the jetty. Which means the only transport with an engine tat is allowed is a boat !

The only transport you have there, is bicycles ! Even the cops there ride bicycle. It is one of the few places in Malaysia where you get to see a place like this. But unfortunately, that is just about all you can explore.

The food was normal and have a normal price. The temples are small and not very attractive. The most advanced machine on the island is the Maybank ATM. It was a special experience but once is enough.

Next holiday destination in mind : Langkawi (again).
I just went there during christmas last year. It was good but the time was just too short to really explore everything there and I came back more tired. This time, I'm gonna take my sweet time, explore as many places as possible, then I'll come back SATISFIED ! =)

I'm feeling a bit homesick. Studying and living away from Penang in Kampar was never going to make me happy. Because I left arguably the best place to live in Malaysia. It is also Yahoo!'s top 10 islands to explore ! (mainly because of the variety of things you can find from Penang.)The Pearl of the Orient has everything ! In contrast, Kampar has a few nice food to choose from, some snooker center for you to crumple your forehead skin, plenty of mamak stalls for you to hang out, a huge sports complex,a pretty scenery at Westlake which is a static beauty, possibly the best cyber cafes in Malaysia and that is about it.

Penang, on the other hand, has everything you could possibly want. There are beaches if you like the sound of waves, the sea breeze, and faces of people having fun along the coast line. A jungle, or a hill if you like mother nature. If you happen to be a photography enthusiast like me, there are plenty of places where you can capture those beautiful sceneries from the hill top, the beach, the town and many other places ! If you are a very urbanized person like some of those from KL, there is George Town, a very busy town yet the jams are not quite as bad as the nation's capital. There are also so many shopping malls nowadays the numbers are quite ridiculous. Besides that, there are also clubs at UPR, where you can go in, get drunk and hope you'll get lucky.

But the best of all, is the food. Penang-the Malaysian Capital of Food. Here's a video that explains. Whether you are at the mainland or island, good food is everywhere.So having lived my life in Penang both on the mainland and on the island, it is very difficult to adapt to a place not even half as fun as my home state. Yes, there is Ipoh, which has the food, and some interesting places but never quite as fun as Penang. Go south and you'll find KL, a place where you spend a quarter of your life in traffic jams and working overtime everyday because you are forced to spend more.

Penang then, is my ideal choice of place to live. And once I'm done with my studies in Kampar I'll go back there for good. There one and only possibly there could drag me out of that place, is a job. We'll see how it goes by then.

Inspired by this article

Already the situation is bad enough but I don't quite have the heart to work harder yet. It will be mid-semester by tomorrow and I have to say, other than the English subject, I'm quite behind schedule for the rest.

Start attending classes at week 4 due to some complication made things from bad to worse. Getting into assignment groups is a pain in the butt. Some members are missing thanks to the flexible intake which let student change classes.

While the assignments group are giving me enough sleepless nights, the distance to class from the gate makes it quite discouraging to attend classes. Under the extremely hot weather, I go to classes looking like I did a marathon there. It is not just normal warm, it is so hot you actually feel the pain. Can't do much about this.

I still go workout often, I look for photo opportunities, I joined the photography society, I hang out with friends, I go watch football at mamak stalls... I just feel like I rather be doing any thing else than work on my studies, somehow.

This is bad...

Celebrations are not over yet as it is now 2am of the 3rd day of CNY. But something is bothering me.

You see, I was looking through all the photos taken during the past few days and I noticed there are lots of happy faces, some nice fireworks, some cute toddler shots and so on.

Most of the photos taken were portraits of my cousins and relatives. But one face was missing... and a rather important one.

This person has spend the past month preparing, trying to get the place as comfortable as it could be for all her kids and grandchildren.

My grandmother, I found out, was never really taking part in the new year celebration. While everybody else was busying enjoying the food, having some fun gambling and catching up with long-time-no-see relatives, she was in the house but hardly noticeable. She spend most of the time in the kitchen making sure all the food was sufficient and properly cooked.

I saw her walking around, seeing everybody having a good time. Some with cards on their hands, some in front of their lap top. Everybody had their moments except for her.

She is the main reason why all her kids are still visiting the 'abandoned' house. With all her children around, all her grandchildren will meet as well.

Yes, she gave ang pows to all but that is just a traditional thing to do. As her grandchildren, I feel very bad to sort of leave her out of all the fun. I should have at least shown her some appreciation for all the work she has done rather than just a 'gong xi fa cai, thank you' for her ang pow.

I hope I can do something to compensate for that. So I better start thinking how to do that.

I was reading a note written by my friend on facebook. He was trying to put out a message which I've summarized.

-Life is short-life everyday like its your last.
From young we are taught to work hard for our future. Ever crossed your mind WHAT IF something happens to you in between? an accident happens before you reach your goal and all your effort comes down to nothing ???

How ready are you to face the end of your life ?
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While some are nodding their heads, I thought about it. He did make a point but still, I have to disagree.

Firstly with 'I would live my life everyday as if it is my last'

Can you actually do that ? If you can, how? Spend all your money? Eat all the food you can? Drink and smoke until you pass out?

You can do all those but what if there is a tomorrow for you? You will lose your wealth and health. And that, is a disaster one person can bring upon himself.

Second, the more important point

WHERE THE WHOLE IDEA OF THAT NOTE WENT WRONG.

The note is written based on uncontrollable events. Things like the weather, the earth rotation, the inevitable death of a human being.

Which is the same as complaining about sunburn while you can apply sunblock. Whining about the rain while you can prepare an umbrella. As for death, you'll never know when. So how can any one prepare for it?

Instead...FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO

Road accident can happen any time, so do your part. Drive safely, fix an air-bag and all the car strengthening bars. That would give you a better chance of living in case of accidents. If the worst still happen then it is purely misfortune since you did your part.

Illness/disease are not limited only to the elderly. Any body can contract diseases we can still do our part by living a healthy lifestyle and decrease the chances of getting sick.

It is really unfortunate for those who lived a healthy lifestyle and still contracted diseases. However,that is NOT an excuse for you to eat whatever you want and say whatever will be will be. That is a reason why you should do your part and live life sensibly. Do your part, and you'll have no regrets.

There is no stopping a person from enjoying his/her life.
We all want to enjoy every single day we have. Just don't do any thing that will ruin tomorrow. Living to the fullest is getting the most out of your day without jeopardizing tomorrow. Live everyday like your last is self-destruct.

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 !

Highlights of 2010
1. Bought my first DSLR and started this photography journey which has been wonderful so far.

2. Lost a good friend. It is a pity but I think we might not be talking to each other again.

3. Graduated from TAR College. It was a great moment for me and my family. I hope I did my parents proud.

4. Struggled since day 1 in UTAR. Degree was difficult. But I believe there is always a way out of it as long as I believe there is.

5. Moved to Kampar. In other words, I moved from the places I love most to the place where everybody is complaining about. Sounds ridiculous but I did it.

6. Enjoyed a holiday at a place I've wanted to go for a long time. Langkawi. although it was too short and rather tiring but still I enjoyed it.

7. Had the most expensive meal of my life. At Jogoya, having paid 101 bucks for the food I almost paid my health to try to eat as much as I could.

8. A close friend of mine has turned into a 'self-destruct' mode. I can't see this person stop doing it in the near future.

9. Michael Schumacher is back in F1. And It got me even more enthusiastic about this motor racing sport.

10. Completed my first ever marathon under the rain ! Not much problem during the run but I never felt more tired after it.

Ups and downs as usual in life.
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Last Year I set 5 resolutions for myself. I tried to keep it as realistic as possible. No point having too many.

So how did I do?
1.Graduate - YES
2.Buy a DSLR - YES. Mainly thanks to my mother for lending me the funds.
3.Burn off belly fat - Fail.
4.Go holiday at Langkawi and Genting - Went to Langkawi only. Enjoyed it.
5.Create a reading habit - I creating a facebook reading habit instead.

(2.5)/5. Average.

2011 Resolutions
1.Study better. Seriously, I'm struggling in UTAR.
2.Win a trophy in football/futsal. its been a while since I last won something.
3.Get fit. same resolution for the past 2 years but I have a strong feeling its happening.
4.Go holiday with my family. I can't remember when was the last time.
5.Learn Chinese. I can speak,read and write since primary and I even took Bahasa Cina for my SPM but now its getting rusty.