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glow-ing Home for the Holidays • Four for All, And All for Four • Countdown to 2016 • Iran: The Forgotten Land Of Colours
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DECEMBER2015
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CONTENTS
FEATURES
22
Movie Feature
SINARAN GETS TO SHINE ONSCREEN
Lisa Surihani gives us the juicy deets on all things related to her upcoming silver screen musical Sinaran
36
Beauty Buzz
GLOW-ING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We give you three gorgeous makeup looks that are bound to turn heads this festive season
44
Feature
FOUR FOR ALL, AND ALL FOR FOUR
Four men, in 4X4s, across four countries. Find out all about the off-road expedition cum 8TV’s new travelogue show from these brave souls
50
He Says/She Says
LET IT GO OR LET IT GROW?
We pit a dude and a girl against each other, on a hairy subject
2
CAMPUS PLUS
26
COVER STORY
SEIZE LIFE: BUCKET LIST IT
We’re sure that everyone’s got that one (or two) must-cross-out item on their bucket lists. More so now that another year has passed us by. Have you achieved yours? This month, get your pen and paper ready as we explore the bucket list phenomenon
DECEMBER2015
campusplus.com.my
40
PARTY FEATURE
COUNTDOWN TO 2016
Bid adieu to 2015 in style – we give you some chic pointers on what to wear and how to behave across different party venues, just so you can greet the New Year with your creds intact
FEATURES
52
CONTENTS 50
REGULARS
Wired Up
PLUG INTO THE FUTURE OF TECH
Where all the latest gadgets reside
58
Chow Down
SCOOPS OF ICY GOODNESS
We give you the inside scoop on… Inside Scoop. It’ll be sweetly good, promise!
News ............................................. 08 Off the Shelf................................. 18 Music............................................. 20 Anime ........................................... 21 Movies....................................... ... 22
60
Wanderlust
IRAN: THE FORGOTTEN LAND OF COLOuRS
We guarantee you’ve never seen Iran like this before. Experience the breath-taking beauty and charm of the land right here
Campus Talk ................................. 30 Fashion Buzz................................ 32 Campus Couture........................... 34 Beauty Case.................................. 39 Weird Wacky World ..................... 46 Guys’ Stuff.................................... 48
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CAMPUS PLUS
SIGHTS & INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITOR
takenote
december 2015
FROM THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL
THE TEAM Mac Sivanesan
Publisher
MAC@CAMPUSPLUS.com.MY
Sub-Editor
Sonny Leong
Writers
Grace Chan
sonny@campusplus.com.my
grace@campusplus.com.my
Rachel Fong rachel@campusplus.com.my
Contributors
Ivy Chin Sherelyn Goh
General
Editorial
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Junior Graphic Designer
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Auld Lang Syne 2015….
D
amn, where did the year went? In a blink of an eye, we’ve gone through 12 months of life in Malaysia – from GST implementation, declining Ringgit, increase in the cost of living, exams, assignments, breakups & make ups, to countless political dramas and charades. If that sounded a tad too negative, you’re right and wrong. Only because life is ultimately how one chooses to see it. It is one big journey with its fair share or ups and downs, and what’s more, it’s pretty darn short too. Which is why it’s important to have a select list of things you must do (and if possible, redo) before one literally kicks the bucket. So it’s no surprise that year ends are coincidentally the time when bucket lists are created or existing ones re-evaluated. Read all about it in our cover story this month on pages 26 - 29. Aside from serious contemplation and taking stock of things, it’s also the time to party! We’ve come up with great tips and gorgeous getup and makeup looks for you to get your party groove on. Check them out in our Beauty Buzz (pages 36 – 38) and special Party Feature, from page 40. For those taking the opportunity to satisfy their wanderlust this holiday season, take a leaf from Grace Chan and put Iran down as your travel destination of choice (Wanderlust, pages 60 63). Better still, bucket list it. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of the land will change after you’ve read this feature. We promise! Before we sign off on this year’s final issue, we’d like to thank all of you for reading this mag. We’ve only come this far from the love and support you’ve shown us through the years. Keep it up and here’s to wishing our Christian readers a Merry Christmas and to everyone, a Happy New Year!
c
Ma
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CAMPUS PLUS
campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
DECEMBER 2015
Adventure Race-ing with Taylor’s One of the best clubs in Taylor’s University (as voted by the institution’s Student Development Hub), the Sky Adventure Club recently injected some thrilling action into the campus with the organisation of the second edition of the Adventure Race. Based on the wildly popular TV show ‘The Amazing Race’, nearly 100 participants signed up to traipse across three states, diving into all sorts of action-packed activities – all in pursuit of the grand prize of RM2,000. After three gruelling days in Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Selangor, the attractive cash prize and honorable title of Adventure 2015 Champions were clinched by Team InHaze.
Animated Memories at The One Academy The One Academy recently gave the public a chance to walk down memory lane through an exhibition that showcased works by famed production designer Hans Bacher, an animation veteran who has worked on childhood-defining movies like ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Lilo and Stitch’ and ‘Aladdin’. Titled ‘Dream Worlds: The Art of Animation Exhibition by Hans Bacher’, the exhibition puts iconic artwork from his most influential films on display, some of which were lovingly hand drawn and completely devoid of computer-generated imagery. During the launch, Bacher also gave a personal tour of the artwork, sharing never before heard stories behind each piece.
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campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
DECEMBER 2015
Fashion In Support of Breast Cancer Students from UTAR’s Corporate Communication programme showed their support for breast cancer survivors in a big way when they pulled off a charity event cum fashion show in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Held at the newly opened campus in Bandar Sungai Long, the event saw great reception, thanks to the presence of personalities like fashion designer Nila Palacios, Amber Chia Academy’s catwalk guru Benjamin Toong and MAKNA (Majlis Kanser Nasional) Head of Awareness Department Puan Nisha Sanita Binti Mohd Norha. In the place of conventional models were 10 cancer survivors, who strutted their stuff in casual wear and evening gowns by Nila Palacios herself.
Rewarding Alliance between Curtin Sarawak and ACCA In an effort to further boost students’ professional development and careers in accounting, business and finance, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Malaysia. The agreement facilitates the inclusion of Curtin Sarawak in the ACCA Accelerate Scheme which provides its students pursuing the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) courses access to ACCA professional qualifications before they graduate. With the sign off, students from Curtin Sarawak will now be exempted from nine ACCA professional papers with only a prerequisite of five papers in order to become professional chartered accountants. Additionally, ACCA is also dedicated towards rendering their full support to the students and the university in various areas from orientation sessions, information events, to meeting with ACCA members and providing access to ACCA’s online resources. 10
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Moving Forward with Big Data Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently hosted its own Big Data Week to raise awareness among students and staff about the application of Big Data Analytics in study and business domains. Various industry experts, such as MDeC, SAS, Microsoft and HTC Global Solutions made their presence felt at the event with workshops and talks that imparted valuable information on Big Data Analytics. During the event, it was also announced that APU will be Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first private university to offer the MSc in Data Science & Business Analytics. Future graduates of the programme will receive a joint certification from SAS itself.
campusnews
THE LATEST FROM YOUR CAMPUS
DECEMBER 2015
The Horror Land of Miniatures Stepping into the world of the goofy and the spooky, 16 Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD) students from UCSI University recently joined forces in crafting sculptures of various monsters from the famous children’s horror fiction, Goosebumps. The monster miniatures were showcased in an exhibition by Sony Pictures Malaysia in collaboration with UCSI University and had promptly charmed young shoppers at Sunway Pyramid as they were taken away by the creepy characters and exhilarating scares. The Goosebumps Figures Competition 2015 was also held concurrently, with Chuar Yweng Zhi, the mastermind behind a meticulously constructed Jack O’ Lantern (the humanoid killer pumpkin) emerging as the grand prize-winner. The first and second runners-up were Si Jie Ching with her Slappy figurine and Ng Li Shin with her uncanny Abominable Snowman. A stepping stone for budding artists to showcase their creative and artistic sides, the exhibition also gave students the opportunity to receive feedback from the public about their artwork.
KDU Rising Star Enters the Entertainment Scene When it comes to career choices, there’s little surprise that many students typically opt for what society dubs as “professional” choices but every now and then, there are some groups of talented individuals who believe in themselves to break the mold. Such is the case for Sheryl Chong Sher Yean, a Diploma in Entertainment student at KDU University College. An ambitious and poised lass, Sheryl was in the spotlight after successfully climbing her way into the Top 10 on the MY FM Be MY Star DJ competition. “The experience was surreal. The competition gave me a lot of exposure to how the industry works and of course, insights on being a DJ,” she quipped. Spending over a month vying for the top spot, she made some valuable connections and takes the experience gained in her brief stint within the industry as motivation towards pursuing her dream career. 12
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lifestylenews
THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD
DECEMBEr 2015
Eco and Animal-Friendly Beauty on Lazada When it comes to makeup criteria, Luxuria Cosmetics checks all the right boxes – eco-friendly, crueltyfree and effective. And now, it has been made available on mega online retail site Lazada, making it easy for makeup buffs to stock up on their favourite products. Founded by actress Diana Danielle and Harween Dhaliwal in 2012, Luxuria Cosmetics specialises in organic makeup, carrying items such as foundation, lipstick, crème blush and more. They also have the advantage of being free of chemicals and parabens, making them a good fit for those with sensitive skin. Prices start from RM60.
Hush Puppies’ Worldly Wardrobe For the festive season, apparel brand Hush Puppies is taking wearers around the world with its ‘World Bazaar’ themed collection. Inspired by various cultures around the globe, the clothes feature a myriad of prints, textures and colours, evoking images of Cabana stripes, flags and exotic food displays. Those going abroad during the year end will find plenty of vacation-worthy garb in the polo tees and skater dresses, which are decked out in colourful prints of flags and food. There are also garments for men and children, so the entire family can get into the holiday mood. Prices range from RM79.90 to RM269.90, and are now available at selected departmental stores in shopping malls nationwide.
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Messed Up Family Gets Mamee-fied Following the hit that was the Messed Up Family range of beverages, Société Family, the company behind cafes such as CoffeeSociété and Garage 51 have now taken it up a notch by joining forces with Mamee Group. With the collaboration, the Messed Up Family will be made available at all their existing cafes, so customers can get their fix anytime. One of the first beverages to be rolled out in conjunction with the Mamee Group was the limited edition Halloween Monster, a chocolate concoction that featured the Mamee Monster snack and which was available up until 19 November 2015. A new, more permanent family member is The Cousin, a Salted Caramel milkshake with two layers of moist brownies. Yum!
Groomed to Purr-fection Calling all paw fans, check out PetsMore’s recent “So You Think You Can Groom” workshop where fellow media and bloggers were presented with the platform to rediscover their friendship between pet owners and their fur kids. The brief workshop wrapped up an assortment of essential basics from understanding your pet, learning about their food and nutrition to the much-anticipated head-to-toe grooming training. Amidst the 60-minute workshop, Mr. Sean Saw, the chief operating officer (COO) of PetsMore also seized the opportunity to introduce Furfurry Academy – an academy dedicated exclusively to nurturing and educating new talents in the grooming field. He also highlighted the necessity for pets to be regularly groomed as part of the essential factors leading to their good health and well-being. As the grooming workshop concluded, media representatives also brought home with them a great deal of knowledge in how to maintain and groom their beloved pet.
CAMPUS PLUS |
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lifestylenews
THE LATEST FOR YOUR WORLD
DECEMBER 2015
Cutting Edge Designs of Stormtrooper As the most anticipated film of the year, Star Wars: The Force Awakens storms into cinemas this December, Disney took the opportunity to kick off its very own ‘Design Your Own Stormtrooper’ campaign recently in conjunction with the release of Star Wars Rebels Season 2 on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to customise a Stormtrooper helmet? Well, you can flex those creative muscles as the pristine white surface of the helmet is now a blank canvas just waiting for the deft touch of a true Star Wars fan. Along with exciting prizes up for grabs like a Grand Prize for two adults or family of four to the Star Wars Celebration in London in 2016, local talents across Southeast Asia were also invited to craft their own version of the iconic helmet. Afdlin Shauki, a Malaysian celebrity and avid Star Wars fan was spotted putting his galactic imagination to work as he came up with his pimped-out version of the Stormtrooper helmet.
Swanky Fashion Showcase Marking its inaugural anniversary, TRIUM CARD commemorated its first year of fashion initiative with an exclusive TRIUM CARD Anniversary collection. Following the significant milestone of its programme which has now garnered a whopping 120,000 members nationwide, the fashion showcase by nichii highlighted a myriad of popping colours and silhouettes. From the bohemian theme of amber, cream, olive shades with peeks of Aztec and paisley print to trendy colours like buttercup yellow and ultramarine blue, the line features a distinctive and contemporary vibe. Speaking on their latest fashion showcase, NFC Clothier’s Head of Marketing, Tan Ai Lee said, “Essentially a card-less programme, TRIUM CARD combines the best of the three brands – nichii, kitschen and dressingpaula. The response for it has been overwhelming and we are looking forward to further enhance the programme and its usability to bring more gratification to our members.” The TRIUM CARD Loyalty Programme was launched in August 2014 as a means to reward loyal shoppers of the company’s three main retail brands. 16
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offtheshelf
selection of New Products
december 2015
Bausch + Lomb Lacelle Jewel RM68
Coloured contact lenses are getting a new lease on life with the Lacelle Jewel series. Made to be worn monthly, the lenses’ main selling point is their unique and colourful jewel patterns which gives your eyes a larger and brighter appearance. If you’ve never felt comfortable in coloured lenses, that may change too as the lenses are thin and contain a high water content to keep your eyes from feeling dry and scratchy. It comes in seven colours, each with a personality all their own – Melanite Black, Topaz Brown, Crystal Gray, Amber Brown, Amethyst Violet, Sapphire Blue and Peridot Green. Available at all major optical dealers
Adidas Climacool Anti Perspirant Range From RM8.90 Adidas is back with a new anti-perspirant that handles your intense workout session in an innovative way. It contains advanced capsules that only get released when they are activated by friction, sweat and humidity – the three big players of rigorous exercise – and when they do, they break apart to release a burst of freshness. With that, you get to hit the weights harder and better and never have to worry about a nasty stench clouding your post-gym swagger. Available in all major pharmacies
Ambi Pur Toilet Fresh RM6.90 Without knowing it, many of us tend to grow increasingly insensitive to the odours surrounding us, especially if we ‘face’ them every day, which wouldn’t be a problem – unless it is actually hazardous to health. Ambi Pur’s new range of ‘Toilet Fresh’ air fresheners seeks to remedy this by delivering 100% pure scented oils into the air, using an innovative membrane. Afterwards, the only thing you are left with is a light, fresh scent. One may adjust the intensity of the scent to suit their preferences, and the freshener will last between 30 to 60 days. Available at all leading retail stores nationwide
Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Wash RM12.70
Nano White Fresh range From RM8.50 With a name like Nano White Fresh, it’s clear what the end goal here is. The four-product strong skincare routine is designed to get your complexion up to its fairest and freshest state, and is specially formulated for oily skin. The range consists of a foam cleanser, anti-dullness scrub, fresh mattifying moisturiser and dark spot corrector, and all of them are infused with Vitamin C, Sea Algae and Tea Tree Oil to brighten your skin tone, reduce dark spots and get rid of pimples – all while keeping skin firm and moisturised. Available in all major pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets
Many girls, especially teenagers dealing with their first bouts of acne, are likely more than familiar with Clean & Clear’s facial wash. Now, the skincare brand has rereleased their holy grail product with a new formula that is more effective than ever. It still does all that it is known for: preventing pimples, controlling oil and blackheads, and removing oil and dust – except now, it can also control oil for up to eight hours. With that, your skin will wind up exactly like the brand name: clean and clear. Available in all major pharmacies
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2015
music
RELEASES AND REVIEWS
december 2015
REVIEWS
Stuff Like That There
| Yo La Tengo
Currents
| Tame Impala
After being in the music industry for more than 30 years, this veteran indie rock band releases their 14th full-length album, where they revisit and reinterpret their original 1990 album, Fakebook with a mixture of cover songs. By digging into their own personal history and material, the ‘updated’ version of the songs sound tremendously different. Through this album, we can feel that their music conceptions have indeed changed over time. Stuff Like That There is elegantly adjusted, and ends up being fresh and exquisite reinterpretations of their past work.
Three years since their sophomore album, Lonerism, Tame Impala’s front man Kevin Parker decided to make their third album, Currents a tad more minimal by using what’s needed instead of throwing everything and the kitchen sink in. And the result is an album that’s not musically bloated as it adopts a different creative direction to the band’s previous releases. ‘Disciples’ and ‘Let It Happen’ would be our favourite tracks in the album as they remind us of the origins of Tame Impala. So pack your bags now and get ready for the ride. It’s one that’s well worth taking!
Momentary Masters
That’s The Spirit
| Albert Hammond Jr.
The Strokes might have just released an album two years ago, but it’s been seven years since their guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist, Albert Hammond Jr.’s last solo album. With the release of his latest solo effort, Momentary Masters, he eases us in with ‘Born Slippy’. It’s easily the strongest track in the album, thanks to his sweet vocals, bright guitar riffs and beautiful melodies. To us, Momentary Masters is like the work of a different person, one who is older and wiser. It shows how much Hammond has grown in the past years, both lyrically and as a person.
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| Bring Me The Horizon
That’s The Spirit marks a major evolution in the sound of the band. It shows how ambitious they’ve become. The album features a raw collection of tracks that boasts of heavier rock and punk elements. As for our favourite, ‘Follow You’, it’s a wildcard that’s different from the other songs in the album. It inspires real emotions that ultimately speak to your heart. It really takes a lot of guts to give up what they’ve built on in the past. That’s The Spirit might not be the Bring Me The Horizon you’re accustomed to, but you should probably give it a try!
The Unknown Path
december 2015
anime by ivy chin
? n a l P e h T s ’ t a Wh
’s the case, why changes. If that en se re fo un y ainst the o man the safeguard ag fraught with to s is It’ e l. lif al as at l g ve in ra un noth ill, take ans can quickly have a plan than or D. Or better st C to B, er an tt Pl be to s The best laid pl rt It’ ve u ask? hand? You can re plans at all, yo gs get way out of in bother making th if ! do ed u ct yo pe t what would handle the unex unexpected. Bu ow you how they sh ey th as e im e an a leaf from thes
GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakeri
It was supposed to be a normal day for everyone in Ginza, Tokyo. But a portal to a parallel world, known as the “Gate”, appeared out of the blue. An army of monsters and soldiers poured forth, turning the shopping district into a bloody inferno. Fortunately, the Japan Ground-Self Defence Force (JSDF) managed to push the bloodthirsty creatures back through the “Gate” and in so doing prevented the tragedy from worsening. The JSDF then made plans to go through the portal themselves to explore and gather intelligence on the other side, so that they can make more contingency plans to better prepare Japan from future attacks. Will their self-preservation plans succeed? Or would it boil down to Plan B – war and annihilation of the alien race?
Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (Rokka no Yuusha)
An ancient legend tells of a time when the Demon God would awaken from his slumber to transform the world into a living hell. Six brave heroes will then be selected and each of them would be granted powers to save the world. Strangely, when the heroes are summoned, seven appear, causing confusion and suspicions to arise as one of them is undoubtedly an enemy. Who is the imposter? What is his/her ultimate plan? Would the real heroes be able to find out in time to defeat the Demon God’s nefarious scheme?
Overlord
How would you feel if your favourite online game decided to shut down one day? Would you log into the game to spend those last cherished moments with your favourite character? That is exactly what Momonga did. When a game shuts down, normally what happens is that the player is automatically logged out from the game. However, the game did not log Momonga out and he realises that he is trapped within the game. As this game world continues to evolve, he soon discovers that the non-player characters are beginning to become sentient and feel emotion. With no friends, parents or place in this society, Momonga sets a plan in motion in which he would conquer this new world using his nonplayer characters’ servants.
JAN 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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movies by rachel fong
A Chat with Lisa Surihani
december 2015
Sinaran
Gets To Shine Onscreen
With three movies this year and the arrival of her firstborn with fellow thespian Yusry Abdul Halim, it’s safe to say that Lisa Surihani has had an eventful 2015. Now, with the impending release of her third silver screen baby, the Sheila Majid musical Sinaran, it appears that Lisa’s year still has one last hurrah left in it before it ends with a bang. For the uninitiated, Sinaran follows the story of Shila, an engineering student with a penchant for poetry – who just happens to go through challenges in love and life while singing and dancing along to the music of Sheila Majid. 22
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Campus Plus had the opportunity to interview the new mom and actress about working on the movie, which is a rare gem in a film industry that hardly, if ever, sees musicals come out of the fray. Here’s what she had to say:
CP: What attracted you to the script for Sinaran? LS: There were many factors. One of them was the director, Osman Ali, whom I’ve enjoyed working with before (on Ombak Rindu). It was also because of the international collaboration between us, Singapore and Indonesia. Plus, I’d never done a musical before. I’d grown up watching musicals, and the idea of doing one was something that I’d always wanted in my portfolio. Also, because we were going to film in Singapore, the idea of having a work holiday was appealing!
CP: Apart from the musical element, what is it about Sinaran that makes it special? LS: I think it’s the storyline. It’s a teenage chick flick, which isn’t a common theme in Malaysia’s movie genres. It also has that Grease kind of feel, and that’s what I liked about it.
CP: Share with us some of your most memorable experiences working on the movie. LS: One of them is that we had to really, really prepare beforehand for the movie. Although the story itself isn’t too heavy, I had to grasp the fluctuating emotions of my character (Shila), and so had a lot of acting classes with a coach from Singapore. There was training for dance as well, and basically a lot of homework to be done before we actually got on set. Another thing is that we were allowed to have our say, like in what we felt more comfortable saying, without altering too much of the original structure of the script. It felt like teamwork, not just being handed a character and asked to do your part. This was actually something we could contribute to, and
you really felt involved. If you had an afterthought, you could always go to the director and asked him what he thought about it, because he was open to it, and I loved that.
CP: What did you feel were the biggest challenges working on Sinaran, and how did you overcome them? LS: For my character, there were parts where I really had to cry. After a few takes, it can get to you, and it can get tiring especially when you’ve gone through a long day of shooting, sometimes almost 24 hours. As much as you would like to have great focus management, when you’re tired you don’t always perform. However, when you have determination and get to be a part of a group where everyone is putting their heart and soul into it, you go the extra mile and go ahead with it anyway. There was a scene that I had to do from the top for every shot. Usually when you have done your master shot, you do your cutaway shots, which you don’t need to start from the top, but we had this one where everything had to be taken from the top, which was quite challenging where putting in my emotions were concerned. I just hope the director’s happy with what I did.
CP: What was your favourite song to sing in Sinaran, and why? LS: ‘Sinaran’ and ‘Warna’; they’re very nostalgiclike. I also like the new rendition of ‘Sinaran’ that we sang in the movie; it’s very catchy and sedap (melodious).
CP: Do you think Sinaran can bring the songs of Sheila Majid to a new generation, and how?
LS: The new renditions of the songs are really catchy, and knowing how kids are nowadays, it’s very easy for them to get information. They could be watching the movie, then be told by their parents, kakak, adik, abang about the original version, and find it online right away out of curiosity. I have a friend who’s a big fan of Sheila Majid, and another who only knows ‘Sinaran’ by her. So, Sinaran and the song it’s based on could be a way to introduce viewers to other songs of hers as well.
CP: Tell us about your upcoming projects and what we can look forward to from you next. LS: I’ve actually been really looking forward for Sinaran to come out. We started shooting it last year in April, and I had such a great time. I worked really hard to ensure I lost weight for it and dyed my hair red for the first time. Having just entered motherhood a month ago, I’m currently putting other projects on hold, and hope I’ll get to work again in 2016. Whoever watches Sinaran, I hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed filming it, and I also hope the fun we had working on it is projected onscreen as well.
DEC 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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movies
THE LATEST CINEMA FLICKS
december 2015
PREVIEWS
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Point Break
STARRING: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker
STARRING: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Ray Winstone
RELEASE: 17th December 2015
RELEASE: 24th December 2015
Perhaps the most anticipated movie of the year, Episode VII is set 30 years after the events in Return Of The Jedi, which saw Darth Vader and his evil empire defeated. A new batch of young actors along with a mix of the original stars of the franchise will be featured, so you can look forward to new characters and storyline. May the Force be with them, and us too!
A young FBI agent, Johnny Utah (Bracey) infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes led by the charismatic Bodhi (Ramirez). Johnny suspects that the athletes are carrying out a spate of crimes in mind-blowingly unusual ways. He goes undercover to infiltrate the group and prove that they are the architects of the crimes.
Love The Coopers
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
STARRING: John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin, Marisa Tomei
STARRING: Jason Lee, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Christina Applegate, Anna Faris, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Bella Thorne, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Tony Hale
RELEASE: 10th December 2015
RELEASE: 31st December 2015
It’s Christmas and as usual, it’s tradition to gather and celebrate this time of the year as a family. In the Coopers’ household, four generations get together on Christmas Eve for what they think is the regular annual affair. Little do they expect the series of events, surprise visitors and shenanigans that await them. Needless to say, it’s a mess. But all’s well that ends well, and everyone learns the spirit of Christmas in the process. One for the family. Win!
Through a series of misunderstandings, the chipmunks, Alvin (Long), Simon (Gubler) and Theodore (McCartney) believe that their friend, Dave (Lee) will dump them after he proposes to his new girlfriend in New York City. In an attempt to stop him, they go to great (and comical) lengths, brave many dumb moves and a road trip of epic proportions.
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coverstory
by grace chan
before i die, i want to...
december 2015
Seize Life: Bucket List It Bucket List (noun): A list of experiences or achievements to cross out before one kicks the bucket.
A
doctor is seen striding into the sombre and dimly lit ward of patients Carter and Edward. In his hands is a much-dreaded report sheet – Edward’s treatment result. The news isn’t good. Edward has at most, six months to live. Despite the tragic revelation, Carter gathers up every remaining ounce of optimism and pulls out a yellow piece of paper… it is his ‘Bucket List’, which he intended to share with Edward. Before he could jot down anything, the doctor swiftly turns to Carter and broke the news. “You have at the most one year to live,” he utters monotonously. Carter crumples up the paper and throws it on the floor. A snippet from the film The Bucket List, that’s how two cancer ward roomies’ – one an irascible billionaire, the other a scholarly mechanic – paths crossed after they were dropped the bad news. They react by composing a bucket list – things to do before they kick the bucket – and headed off for the around-theworld adventure of their lives. The film quite successfully refocused people’s priority towards living and experiencing life to the fullest. Looking around, there is no end of websites for those wanting to compile and share their ambitions, with a whole industry having shaped around the notion of cramming in eye-popping, hedonic experiences before you die: skydiving, mountain climbing, partying in Tomorrowland Festival, swimming with dolphins and meeting rock stars. Such aspirations are also the basis of the best-selling books listing the 1,001 films you should watch, the 1,001 albums you should listen to and all the wonderful places in the world you should visit before falling off your perch.
Why a Bucket List? As the year draws to an end, we pass the remainder of the year’s days with adventurous dreams and carefully crafted outing plans, while nights roar on with endless laughter and mamak sessions. Yet somehow, we lose track of time and fail to notice the days slipping away, until one day we wake up and New Year’s Eve is upon us (say what?). We blinked and those previous weeks sailed by as our list of adventurous plans lie unfulfilled with scattered check marks. If we don’t live our days by clear personal goals and plans, chances are we would spend most of our days caught up in the mundane. Remember those times when you feel like the days were sliding by without any tangible output or successes to speak of? Followed by the petrifying moments when you realise that you are advancing in years with no major accomplishments. This is when the notion of bucket list enters the picture; it serves as a reminder to maximise every moment of our existence and live life to the fullest. Sure, goal setting may already be a staple activity, but it is typically framed within a social context and expectations (regardless of performance, career or health). On the contrary, a bucket list provides an avenue to set anything and everything we’ve ever wanted to do; be it big, small or random. Bungee jumping? Check. Power a Shelby Mustang around a racetrack? Check. Gaze at the Great Pyramid of Khufu? Check.
A List To Live/ Die For or Just A List of Banal, Wannabe stuff? Undoubtedly, The Bucket List wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the first film that tapped into the theme of mortality and what we do with the finite time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re given. Over the years, many films and books too have delved into this topic and make us ponder on the choices we pick in life. While many embrace the idea of bucket list along with its rad intentions, some unfortunately are merely hopping onto the bandwagon. Part of the setback is when people perceive the idea as carrying an innate air of competition; of striving to best others besides bettering themselves. In many ways, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that the trend has risen in popularity considering that we are in an era where self-branding is highly valued. Just think of how we utilise our Facebook page as a shop window for our achievement-rich lives. Rather than treating it as a commercialised cultural experience in which every potential expedition and every lofty goal is reduced to an item on a checklist to be ticked off, why not go the other way? Forget about referring to websites like bucketlist.org (where participants create their own list of aspirational antics and compare it to others) because in reality, the measure of a life well spent is always going to differ across every individual. At the end of the day, a bucket list is really not all about checking off grandiose goals. Items can also exist in the form of touchstones to be sought over and over again, with our understanding deepening as we draw nearer to the last rattler. 28
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What’s on Your Bucket List?
A Purposeful Bucket List On top of the mandatory must-travel destinations and perpetual pursuit of adrenaline-induced kicks, what if we also inject the adjective “meaningful” in addition to “thrilling” onto our list? Perhaps we can also offer ourselves – in place of thrills and spills – a series of emotional epiphanies that add up to a life we can look back on with pride. However, goals that are emotional, spiritual or intellectual in nature are demanding. They cannot be accomplished merely by arriving somewhere or performing something dangerous just long enough for a photo. Sure, eating bull testicles or driving an Aston Martin makes for a great Facebook post but have we also truly pondered on our finite existence, spent meditative time in wonder or told a friend just how much he or she has meant to us? Or what about writing your life story, going to a silent retreat or reconciling with a sibling? Certainly, you can achieve a good kick from knowing that at the age of 25 you jumped out of a plane with a parachute and a prayer, but that is not going to fix a broken relationship with an estranged father. A bucket list can and should also extend to simple things like recycling trash, making friends with somebody from a different country or passing down a skill to someone else.
It’s a question often bandied about – what are the things you’d really like to do before kicking the bucket? As we peek into the items in our peers’ carts, we also get their two cents on the essence of an ideal bucket list – what it should be comprised of as well as the driving force behind it. Scaling the mountains of small things, Valerie believes in a humble bucket list that comes with no bragging rights whatsoever. Resisting the need to control everything, doing something impressive without feeling the need to mention it, learning how to hang onto her good mood and adopting a dog are just some of the items in her bucket list. “It is certainly a less-costly list that entails achievements that will truly decorate the tapestry of my life,” reveals the 25-year-old architect. In time, Valerie also wishes to travel to third-world countries in order to experience life in less than fortunate conditions. For 24-year-old Faraz, it’s all about jotting down his goals on paper to make them real instead of leaving ideas in a cloud of nebulous thoughts. “The whole gesture actually solidifies that life is short and I better get to work,” states the business student. While he embraces the spirit of YOLO (you only live once) in the sense that everyone should think big, go everywhere and eat every weird thing under the sun, he advocates moderation and a good grasp of reality when it comes to expectations. Between skydiving and backpacking in Egypt, our lad evens it out with more substantial goals like adopting a child and mastering five foreign languages. Summing up, Cheryl likens a bucket list as being an element that defines a person as a whole. “Basically, it should be anything that a person desires, be it attainable or unattainable. Of course, it is not mandatory for me to accomplish all the items, however I believe as long as it’s chalked up at the back of my head, I will take some time to think about the means to achieve them from time to time,” expresses the 21-year-old media technology student. As for the items in her bucket list, they include touring Egypt, visiting the Louvre, purchasing her own studio apartment, volunteering at an animal shelter, producing a documentary, performing at No Black Tie and watching Dream Theatre live. What are the things that you believe would make your life feel more complete? Things you would love to do? Flying helicopters? Join a humanitarian trip to Africa? Walk on a tightrope over the Niagara Falls or try the world’s hottest curry? All it takes for those items to be checked off is the availability of time, money and will. On the flip side, there is also an extensive list of less conventional goals (though no less worthy) like acquiring new hobbies, skills, gestures or perspectives that can always make it into our bucket lists. After all, it boils down to whether we are truly living or merely existing – a simple philosophy that wraps up the appeal of the bucket list.
DEC 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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campustalk
What’s up for 2016?
december 2015
What are the things you hope to accomplish in 2016? As the year draws to an end with vacations kicking in and assignments slowing down, CP turns to students at Brickfields Asia College (BAC) to find out what your peers envision themselves accomplishing in the new year; from things to do and new resolutions to making a fresh start.
Chang Hui San, 19
Joshua Lawson Cowie, 18
Law UKT Degree
A-Levels
I’ll be sitting for my year one law examination and I want to ace all my papers. With that, I’ll be able to land better scholarships and hopefully that’ll rid my parents of the burden. I’m also looking forward to hit the gym more consistently (laughs).
I’ve always yearned to travel to Korea to learn dancing and explore the city on my own. I also hope to pick up more knowledge about the world in terms of politics, psychology and quantum physics. Oh, and probably be less lazy too!
Teh Zhuo Li, 19 Law UKT Degree
Lydia Ng Huey Mei, 19
I am hoping to get a good kick start for my new chapter in life since I’ll be transferring to the UK next year. I especially wish to build new friendships with people across different races and religions and ultimately become more knowledgeable about the world.
It would probably be getting to a university of my choice and pulling off good results. Apart from that, I’ve also shortlisted about three items I wish to accomplish by next year; conquer Mount Kinabalu so that I can frame up the certificate, get a diving license and spend more time with my family.
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Law UKT Degree
Keep ’Em guess holiday 2015
fashionbuzz
by rachel fong
DECEMBER 2015
N
ow that it’s finally time to plan your Christmas and New Year galas, you know you gotta have the fine threads to go with them. What’s a big entrance without a show-stopping outfit, right? Just in time for the festive season, Guess has unveiled its red hot Holiday ’15 campaign, which features new Guess girls Grace Elizabeth and Megan Williams draped in the brand’s latest looks. To cater to a wide range of sartorial styles, the collection features bold look-at-me dresses embellished generously with sequins, fringes and beading, as well as more casual fare in the form of basic separates in simple prints and flattering silhouettes. That means, you’ll have something waiting in your wardrobe whether you’re prepping for a glamorous soiree, or dressing down for an intimate family affair. We reckon you’re pretty strapped for time with all the Christmas invites headed your way already, so we’ve coordinated some looks for you based on your individual style. Even then, don’t be afraid to switch it up a bit! Go red, go seductive, go simple – it’s all on your terms.
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IT’S A DATE
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1. Gold Necklace Halter 2. Cold Shoulder Embellished Pullover 3. Halter Chain Neck Maxi Dress
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Queen Bee 1. Pleated Back Knit Jumpsuit 2. Leopard Sequin Coverup 3. Snake Ponte Mix Dress
Guess-ing 1
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Laidback Basics 1. Power Skinny Low Denim 2. Ferris Shirt 3. Deep V Rib Dress
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1. Ponte Mesh Peplum Top 2. Suede Moto Jacket 3. Mod Neck Romper
MARCH 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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campuscouture by rachel fong
Spotlight on SAITO KL
DECEMBER 2015
A First For Saito W
hile it may seem like Saito College has existed in the public’s consciousness for quite some time now, the higher learning institute recently celebrated a surprising distinction in what is only its first ever graduation fashion show for – you guessed it – its first batch of Fashion Design programme graduates. As a nod to Saito College’s Japanese roots, the event was christened ICHI, which means ‘1’ in Japanese. It also symbolised a solid beginning for the graduates who would be embarking on a new journey as professionals in the creative fashion design industry. All in all, 15 students with collections comprising five to six designs made their debut as full-fledged fashion pioneers that evening, capping off a two-year and eightmonth long path. Also in attendance were their greatest supporters, which meant family and friends, as well as the teaching staff of Saito College. As a stepping stone into the industry, various fashion brands and magazines were also invited to personally witness the talent of the students. Apart from the chance to see painstakinglydesigned outfits in the flesh, guests were also privy to a lookbook that consisted of beautifully shot photographs of each and every design, which were lensed by Aaron Lee of Lensworks Production. The photos were accompanied by short write-ups explaining the aesthetics of the collections, along with the designers’ contact details.
A male model leads the rest of the creations from the Achievement in Repetition collection by Leong Khai Soon 34
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A model wears a jumpsuit from the Heaven On Earth Meanders Fluidly collection by Elmira Mohammad Beigi
A tassled creation from the Connection collection by Fon Pei Shan
Models parading designs from the Connection collection by Fon Pei Shan Models in designs from the In The Eyes of the Beholder collection by Chow Chez Min
The Root Enshrines collection by Kheshwarren Parameswaran (pictured on far left)
A model in a creation from the Mutual Aspect collection by Jamico Lee Jia Yin
An outfit from the Heaven On Earth Meanders Fluidly Collection by Elmira Mohammad Beigi
A model walks the runway in a metallic hoodie dress by Katherine Chooi for her Einstein-Rosen Bridge collection.
beautybuzz by rachel fong
STUNNING CHRISTMAS MAKEUP LOOKS
DECEMBER 2015
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and it wouldn’t hurt to be dolled up either. After all, Christmas – fairy lights, pine trees and all – only swings by once a year, and it happens to be a time chock-full with parties and celebratory occasions where you know you just have to unleash your best game face. With that in mind, we’ve come up with three vastly different, yet equally gorgeous makeup looks that you can try for all types of Christmas invites. Going back to see the folks for the holiday? Make your skin look the best it’s ever been without looking like you slapped on everything in your vanity inventory, with the Natural Glow look. Or, are you about to go all out for a decadent dinner with a handsome date on your arm? Dazzle everyone in your path with the Holiday Glam look. And, if the opportunity for a fun night out in town with your girlfriends arises, look no further than the high wattage Party Animal look, which has the fun dial turned all the way up to 10! Without further ado, here are the steps to achieve each one of these stunning seasonal looks.
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Apply primer, foundation, concealer and translucent powder (in that order) to lessen any blemishes you may have and create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup. This is also the first step for the next two looks after this. Pick a shimmery light copper colour and spread it all over your eyelids. Draw a line and flick it out in the shape of a small wing. Use black eyeshadow to smoke the line out. Blend the eyeshadow into your lower lids as well and apply mascara. Blend a glittery gold eyeshadow into the outer corners of your top lid and bottom lid. Blend it in with the black eyeshadow. Dab a light amount of pink blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it in, and finish with a slick of rose pink lipstick on your pout.
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BH Cosmetics 120 Colour Eyeshadow Palette 1st Edition, RM99, available on Colour Cosmetics 3CE Super Slim Pen Eye Liner, RM42, available at all Sephora outlets nationwide Maybelline Hypercurl Waterproof Mascara in Black, RM31.65, available at all Watsons outlets nationwide Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in Lilas D’Or, RM42.30, available at all Watsons outlets nationwide Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Colour, Pinkerbell 968, RM16, available at all SaSa outlets nationwide
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Start off with a light glittery gold eyeshadow on the outer lids, before blending it in towards the middle. Add a hot pink shade into the middle of your top lid, and blend it in with the gold. Add a maroon shade on the outer corners of your lids and blend it out to get a smoky eye. Line your eyes with a longer, sharper wing for a more distinctive look. Apply some faux lashes for more defined eyes (this is optional). Apply some black eyeshadow on your bottom lid and blend it into the light gold eyeshadow. Dust some peach coloured blush onto your cheeks Lastly, swipe on a deep cinnamon-coloured lipstick.
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Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Eyelash, RM22.90, available in all Watsons outlets nationwide Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Captivating, RM117, available in all Sephora outlets nationwide IN2IT Lasting Lipstick in Cinwnamon, RM20.90, available in all Watsons outlets nationwide
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Choose a bright, light green eyeshadow to pat on the inner corners of your eyelid and blend it out halfway across the lid. Add a touch of emerald green and blend it into the centre of the lid where the first green eyeshadow is. Then, use a shimmery olive colour to blend out the edges and give it a smoky finish. Draw a dramatic winged eyeliner and apply faux lashes (once again optional). Apply a black eyeshadow from the lidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outer corner and blend it into the middle. Take a glittery silver colour and blend it from the inner corners into the black eyeshadow. Apply peach blush above your contoured cheekbones. Top it off with an emerald green lip colour.
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Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless, RM32.80, available in Watsons outlets nationwide Sleek Makeup Face Contour Kit, RM51.50, available on Luxola ColourPop Lippie Stix in Bunny, RM30, available on Colourpopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official website
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BEAUTY PICKS
beautycase
december 2015
compiled by rachel fong
Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London RM105 Style icon Olivia Palermo now brings her understated brand of chic to a fall collection for nail polish brand Ciaté London, rich autumnal tones and all. It is as much substance as it is flash – the polishes contain Dual Polymer Mesh Lock Technology, which makes for a durable yet super shiny manicure. It is also reinforced with Volcanic Glass, which helps to strengthen nails. The collection is available in wine red and dusky blue, and christened Napa Valley and New England Fall respectively. Available at Sephora outlets nationwide
3 Concept Eyes Duo Colour Face Blush RM81 Up your blusher game with this unique duo colour palette with shades that can be worn separately, or blended for a unique, flattering finish. Due to its high pigmentation, you will only need a small swipe for that subtle, just-worked-out flush. It will also provide you with a long-lasting glow that makes your skin look lit from inside out. They are now available in five combinations, namely Crème De Violette, Make Me Blush, Miss Flower, Peach Crush and Retro Drive. Available at Sephora outlets nationwide
Too Faced Cocoa Contour Kit RM140 The fine arts of contouring and highlighting are broken down into four nifty squares for Too Faced’s latest palette, which takes its name from its antioxidantrich Cocoa Complex formula. To sculpt your face, dip the accompanying Contour Buki Brush in either one of the dark cocoa shades. Once that’s done, you can move on to highlighting with either the matte cocoa shade or the shimmery one. As a bonus, you’ll get a little pick-me-up from its sweet smell of chocolate.
Luxuria Cosmetics Crème Blush RM73 True to its name, this bestselling blush from homegrown cosmetics brand Luxuria Cosmetics has a soft, creamy texture that enables easy blending and a natural wash of colour once applied. It is also highly water resistant and lasts throughout the day, so you won’t have to worry about reapplication. Despite its endurance, it never feels heavy on the skin due to its lightweight formula, which has the added benefit of smooth application. Those with sensitive skin will also appreciate the blusher’s lack of parabens. Available on Lazada.com.my
Available at Sephora outlets nationwide
Sephora Sleeping Beauty Masque Nuit RM52 Charming, compact-sized packaging aside, Sephora’s latest range of sleeping masks is also a potent fixer for all kinds of skin issues, as each type of mask is infused with a different active ingredient. Overall, they aim to relax the skin and help you achieve a brighter, more revitalised complexion by the morning. It also benefits from a thick, cream-gel texture that melts into skin for deeper penetration of the epidermal layers. Brings a whole new meaning to beauty sleep, doesn’t it? Available at Sephora outlets nationwide
feature by sherelyn goh and rachel fong
GET THE PARTY CULTURE ON!
DECEMBER 2015
get your party gear out in time to say goodbye to 2015!
S
Men’s
o the end of the year is upon us and like most people, you’re likely to be wondering what to do to end the year with a bang. Should you celebrate with friends, family or your other half? Or not contend with the crowds, just sit at home and watch TV? Well, don’t be a loner, we have some suggestions on where to have fun on the last night of the year. And don’t worry about traffic or anything like that, that’s what Uber is for.
Dinner party
Food at a hip joint in town with your beloved posse. What would be better? Just make your reservations early to avoid disappointment.
Where to go: There are so many new places to check out but it’s time for your disappointment-free, tried-and-tested faves. Or pick a place that you just know the food is bound to be good, based on food reviews or recommendations from friends. Some of CP’s suggestions: Ruyi & Lyn (modern Chinese), The Daily Grind (burgers), Stoked (grill), Torii (yakitori) and Pince & Pints (lobster). What to wear: An elegant printed dress in a feminine silhouette, such as this Drossa dress in Greyish Purple from Doublewoot (RM90), instantly makes you the belle of the ball, or in this case, dinner party. For the guys, it’s best to keep it smart casual, which is a look you can accomplish with a short-sleeved collar shirt and long, slim fit pants, preferably in contrasting colours. This Long Sleeve Allover Motif Shirt from Bershka (RM139.90) and Black Twill Stretch Skinny Chinos from Topman (RM216) pairing is a prime example.
Dos and don’ts: • • •
Do bring adequate cash with you. When the cheque comes around and everyone splits the bill, you want to have enough Don’t overeat. Stuffing your face and getting insanely full isn’t a good look. Everything in moderation. Then you’ll have room for dessert Don’t be a party pooper and complain about every little thing that happens to go wrong. Let loose a little, laugh at the inconveniences and enjoy the night out with your buds
s ’ n e wom
Men’s house party
A chance to hang with your crew in a more intimate setting (Cards Against Humanity, anyone?), besides getting to know new people. Yes, it’s time to get the swag on and start talking to that hottie in the corner!
What to bring: Food, if it’s a potluck party, or some snacks and drinks. Board games would be great too and if the host obliges, a great playlist with songs everyone will love. What to wear: Seeing as the setting’s likely to be casual, you’d be better off in something comfortable, yet not so drab that you look like you rolled right out of bed. To lower the risk of suffering a heatstroke, what with our country’s humidity and the packed atmosphere of the venue (we kid, we kid – kinda), a tastefully skin-baring top like this Sahara Off Shoulder Frill Top from Factorie (RM79.90) and shorts like the Fold Up Distress Denim Shorts from Something Borrowed (RM59) will do the trick. For the guys, slip into a T-shirt that’s comfy yet offers a glimpse into your personality, for example this edgy Zara Skull T-Shirt (RM119.90), and combine it with some shorts that are easy to move about in as you mingle with the crowd, like H.E. By Mango’s Medium Wash Denim Bermuda Shorts (RM169).
s ’ n e m o w
Dos and don’ts: •
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Do try and help the host where you can. We’re not talking about cleaning up after people but we mean be a gracious guest. Which means not spilling drinks and offering to get stuff for others Do start conversations with people whom you haven’t met before if the host has invited other friends who aren’t from your social circle. You just might meet your new brunch buddy Don’t thrash the place. Would you like to host a party and have your guests leave rubbish and food lying around or drink until they’re sick and throwing up on your couch? We think not Don’t be a sore loser if you’re joining friends in any party games. Have fun with it and accept your losses (and victories) graciously
JUNE 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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Men’s club
If dancing under flashing strobe lights and being seen in your hottest clubbing gear is your thing, then look no further than grooving the night away with the In crowd.
Where to go: The new Zouk KL (so many rooms to choose from!), Play at The Roof (one big dancing avenue), Lust KL (for some R&B and hip-hop tunes), Groove (if 80’s and 90’s music is your kind of thing).
What to wear: In a dimly lit environment like the club, the key is to stand out, and a bold printed top like Doublewoot’s Diorfe Top (RM69) commands its fair share of attention, even more so when you pair it with a skirt sporting a visually-arresting cut like the one on the Derlux Skirt, from Doublewoot (RM60). For the guys, you want to give off an approachable yet stylish vibe, which is where a smart long-sleeved collared shirt like this Navy Brown Broken Cross Jacquard Long Sleeve Casual Shirt from Topman (RM186) comes in. They will work well with a pair of regular fit jeans, like these 505 Regular Fit Jeans from Levi’s (RM199).
Dos and don’ts: •
Do bust out some moves even if you think you can’t. You’ll be surprised at how much rhythm you may unknowingly have Do have a light dinner before you head out. You need your energy to last until the wee hours of the morning and you don’t want to be pigging out on supper (unless that’s your intention) Don’t pick a fight with the bouncer if he won’t let an extra friend in. Or with the guy at the next table if he happens to be eyeing your girl. Just talk it out and move along with your night Don’t go so crazy on your drinks that you end up blacking out and not remembering your night. What’s the point then?
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women ’s
A bar or some place chilled out
Men’s
It’s some place pretty fancy, but minus the loud music and craziness you’d get with a packed club. And you’d get to enjoy your fancy cocktail or artisanal beer and chat with your friends without having to scream over the blaring music.
Where to go: Check out speakeasies like Hyde in Damansara Uptown, Tate at The Intermark and Omakase + Appreciate in Bangunan Ming Annexe in downtown Kuala Lumpur. There are also bars like Barlai in Pudu, The Bar in Empire. Damansara, Ril’s, WIP or La Bodega, which are all in Bangsar. Planning for a quieter night? Dessert places like IDC café in Damansara Kim and Every Sundae and Miru Dessert café in Damansara Uptown are bound to please the sweet-toothed.
What to wear: At the bar, you want to look sultry yet classy, so your best course of action would be something that’s figure flattering, but not overtly sexy. To create the illusion of a narrower waist and longer legs, a crop top like the Dovogue Top from Doublewoot (RM69) and high waisted formal trousers like Doublewoot’s Dletus Pants (RM89) will get the job done. For the guys, a jacket worn over a loose tee, or even worn on its own, like this Bomber Jacket With Faux Leather Sleeves from Zalora (RM111) looks extra sophisticated when coordinated with some fitted pants like these H&M Khaki Cuffed Pants (RM214). It’s not over the top formal, but dressy enough to blend in with the posh environment of an upscale bar.
s ’ n e m o w
Dos and don’ts: •
•
•
•
Do be a gentleman and buy the girl at the bar a drink or send a dessert her way if you think she’s cute. Conversation starter, right there! Do get adventurous and try a new concoction that is on the menu. Explore your options rather than stick to your favourite flavour or tipple. It’s the end of the year after all Don’t sit and sulk over how crappy you think your year has gone. Rather, think about all the good things that you can do in the new year. It’s time for a fresh start Don’t be constantly complaining about how fattening the desserts or the drinks are. Just order lighter options and enjoy them JUNE 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
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feature by rachel fong
8tv’s FOUR by four
DECEMBER 2015
I
n life, many of us will undertake all kinds of journeys, be it mental, physical or spiritual. For the four hosts of 8TV’s new travelogue show, Four by Four, all senses were put to the test when they took on an expedition of four countries in four-wheeled vehicles. For Josiah Hogan, Sufiz Allatif, Bryan Lim and Tajang Jinggut, the challenge of traversing the rough terrains of Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam over 45 days was certainly an unprecedented one. Far from being a relaxing vacation, the expedition was designed to test the hosts’ mettle by taking them to the most obscure locales, where they had to rely on their own wits, skills and teamwork to get by. For instance, there was a volleyball court in Krabi, Thailand which the men were put in charge of renovating. With shards of broken glass and thorns all over the place, it was not an easy start to the proceedings, especially given that the hosts were practically strangers prior to the show. In Cambodia, the foursome had a humbling experience of a different kind when they interacted with children at an orphanage, where they bought stationery and cooked nasi lemak for them. Those experiences don’t even begin to sum up the life-altering landscape of the show, which viewers now have front-row seats to every Wednesday at 9.30pm. Now, find out more about the men behind the wheels as they tell us about how the show has transformed their lives.
Sufiz Allatif, 31, Celebrity Chef On whether he is an avid traveler S: I would travel regularly every 3-6 months. I keep an open mind when I travel so I can find diversity in methods and ingredients that I can bring back to my own cooking.
On why he chose to embark on this exciting off-road expedition S: I figured this is something I would never do on my own. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Also, (it gives me) more stories to tell my grandchildren.
On what he learned about travelling after this trip S: Travel is a new bed every night. Just like learning the map of a new city, there’s always something new on your plate. Strange sounds in the night outside of your tent and wearing the same outfit for days. 44
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On Cambodia S: I could clearly see how spirituality was important to the locals. This also goes for heritage, especially when it comes to culinary secrets, which are passed down from one generation to the next to continue the legacy of a delicious family recipe.
Josiah Hogan, 29, Actor and Musician On his unique parentage J: I’m Mexican. Mom and dad have Mexican blood, but I was born in Texas. My stepfather is Malaysian, so I was brought up as a Muslim Malay and more as a ‘Kampong Boy’. But, my mom still cooks Mexican food and tells me not to forget where I come from.
On the three male hosts with whom he has never worked with before J: It feels like going to a new tuition centre or attending a seminar for a week of a team-building programme. (Laughs)
On bad habits people should know about when travelling with him J: I’m really pushy when I’m ready and really lazy when I’m tired. I may also offend some with stupid jokes, but I always hope that we’ll be very close friends in the end.
On Thailand We camped at Kaeng Krachan, and I’d not camped in years, so it reminded me of my high school years. We kayaked, snorkelled, went to lagoons, visited temples and explored the city of Bangkok.
Tajang Jinggut, 29, Ecologist On how he prepared himself for the adventure T: Some basic research on the places we were visiting, but nothing too in-depth, because I still wanted to be surprised. I also worked out in the gym to get fit for the trip.
On why he chose to join the Four By Four auditions T: I’m always looking for an adventure and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to explore Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in a 4 x 4. It was something that I’d always wanted to do and if I hadn’t gotten the part I would have probably planned my own trip (eventually).
On what he hopes to achieve after this trip T: Sometime in the future, I’d like to do a large cross boundary research project that spans the whole of Southeast Asia. No better (way) to learn about a country, or countries, than on-the-ground experiences meeting people and getting into trouble.
On what being on the show has taught him T: In the end, it’s all about the places you’ve been to and the people you’ve met. We left Malaysia as strangers, and came back home as friends.
Bryan Lim, 24, Fine Arts Photographer On what attracted him to photography B: I am self-taught, and attracted to photography because of the different perspectives I see. Everyone has a different interpretation which makes photography such a unique storytelling tool.
On what he wanted to capture during this trip as a photographer B: Lots of sceneries, the culture of the countries, the famous landmarks and anything that defines happiness.
On what made him embark on the off-road expedition B: It was something that I’d always wanted to do, and I’m quite the outdoor adventure type of person, so I thought it would be an amazing experience.
On Vietnam B: Vietnam has a strong culture in coffee consumption, and being a coffee lover, it was nice to experience their locally brewed coffee where people would just drink by the roadside.
DEC 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
45
www weirdwackyworld
our eccentric world
december 2015
wins T e l c a r i M rt a p A s y a Born 87 D
Dubbed as the “little miracles”, Maria Jones-Elliott and her husband, Chris Elliott welcomed their twin princesses, Amy and Katie who are remarkably 87 days apart. Maria initially went into labour four months prior to her due date, giving birth to Amy but shortly after, her contractions came to a halt and she remained in the hospital until Katie was ushered into the world – but only three months later. While Amy was placed in intensive care, Katie was still clinging dearly to existence in Maria’s womb. The babies’ survival immediately caught the attention of doctors everywhere who noted it as the “medical equivalent of a lottery win”.
fact: The incredible birth is now set to become a Guinness World Record as the “longest interval between the birth of twins”, beating the previous record of 84 days.
The Eiffel Tower Grows Taller Every Summer Six inches – that’s how much the tower grows during the summer. Yes, the majestic Iron Lady of France grows during hot weather and shrinks in the cold. So what‘s the secret behind the Eiffel Tower’s seasonal growth spurt? Being a solid iron structure, the tower faces a phenomenon called thermal expansion. During summer when the temperature is markedly higher, the tower absorbs heat through direct exposure to sunlight and subsequently transfers them to the material’s atoms. As the atoms become more frenzied, each atom begins taking up extra space causing the entire structure to expand. In other words, the only energy drink that the Eiffel Tower needs to sip on to become taller and stronger is sunlight. Fascinating, isn’t it? If only standing under the sun could expand us vertically!
fact: Although it is fairly hard to see with the naked eye, climbing the tower on foot would be a tad harder in the summer.
An Organ Made of Cats
Long before the divine existence of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), our furry felines and music have had a tense relationship bound by an infernal instrument – the Katzenklavier, or cat organ. Imagine a row of eight kitties tightly packed in individual cages, wedged along a keyboard. Their tails are pinned down and pulled taut and with a touch of a key, an evil mechanism slams a nail down into the cat’s tail (ouch!). Basically when a keyboardist plays a tune, the cats – which are arranged according to the pitches of their meows – yowl together in pain, crying out in what is seemingly a musical harmony.
fact: A German psychiatrist, Johann Christian Reil (who also coined the word “psychiatry”) trumpeted the Katzenklavier’s medical potential. He suggested the cat organ could help chronic daydreamers snap back to reality, believing that that the instrument was the only thing insane enough to grab the attention of dingbats. | CAMPUS PLUS
w
guysstuff by rachel fong
Snapbacks and Fitted Caps
december 2015
New Era Houston Texans Variant 59-Fifty Cap, RM60 New Era New York Yankees Basic Dark Blue and Red Visor 59-Fifty Cap, RM60
New Era Cleveland Indians Black on Black 59-Fifty Cap, RM60 New Era Pittsburgh Pirates Basic Black and Yellow Visor 59-Fifty Cap, RM60
Cap-tain of While there aren’t many accessories that guys would pair with their daily outfits, caps are one of the few that occupy a permanent – and respected – spot in modern menswear. Apart from being an easy way to jazz up your ensemble, caps are also 48
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a subtle way of putting your individualism out there. Showing some love for a sports team? There’s a snapback or fitted cap
New Era New York Yankees Basic Black 59-Fifty Cap, RM60 New Era New York Yankees Basic Black and Gold 59-Fifty Cap, RM60
New Era Oakland Athletics Basic Green 59-Fifty Cap, RM60 New Era San Francisco 49ers Oatmeal Camo 59-Fifty Cap, RM60
for that. At the very least, it can make a good conversation starter with a fellow bro – or chick – who’s a fellow supporter. This month, we’ve picked out a tidy selection of caps,
courtesy of MY Snapback Store just for you. If you’re stuck in a style rut, perhaps this headgear is just what’s needed to bust you out of it.
Visit MY Snapback Store at www.facebook.com/SnapbacksMalaysia or contact them at 016-5249896
Your Style
he says/ she says
A HAIRY POSER
O G T I T LE
DECEMBER 2015
T I T E L OR
? W O R G
We’ve now come out of no-shave Movember, and into decent December (yes, we totally made that up). Inspired by the past month’s events, we shot a few hairy questions to our friends at Hitz fm. So, put that razor down – for now – and read on. Alexis SueAnn Neither beard nor mustache but if I had to pick
Ryan De Alwis (fondly known as RD), one-third of the Hitz fm Morning Crew
one, it’d be full-on beard.
Full-on beard or mustache?
Male who grooms his eyebrows?
Full beard! A friend of mine said it makes you more…well, manly. I’m growing mine but so far no girl has ever approached me.
Full-on beard or mustache?
Definitely a plus point! Men who know how to groom themselves properly are always a bonus.
Male who grooms his eyebrows?
Should women grow out their armpit And dye it?
What?! Big no-no. It’s like you’re competing with the opposite sex on who’s got the better brow. (Laughs)
Never leave them unattended! It isn’t very hygienic and surely isn’t a turn on for guys! (Laughs) And, what’s the purpose of dyeing armpits?!
How much chest hair is too much chest hair? All depends. Some guys can pull it off.
Would you shave your ‘pits? Dye your armpit hair: yay or nay? If your hair starts waving at other people ‘cos it’s too long then shave! Otherwise just keep it neat! Nay for dying armpits! Keep it on the head!
Brazilian?
How much chest hair is too much chest hair?
Highly recommended! (Laughs)
If people use you as a flotation device you know you’ve got too much hair.
Brazilian? Never tried it but I’ve heard the screams and yelps. So yeah - ladies, you’re tough!
?
MEAT AND CANCER: WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE RISK? PROCESSED MEAT CAN CAUSE CANCER
1
RED MEAT MAY CAUSE CANCER
1
Beef, mutton, goat, lamb
Ham, cured/uncured sausages, bacon
HOW Contains nitrites and nitrates, which are carcinogenic.
Contains heme that: - can damage bowel cells, which can then grow to become tumours. - stimulates gut bacteria to produce carcinogens.
RISK1 Eating 100 grams per day (1 palm-size of meat)
Eating 50 grams per day (1 1/2 beef sausage )
Also increases risk of stomach cancer
STOMACH
.........................
Increases risk of colorectal cancer by 18%
COLON
.........................
............................. ....................... ................................
1 www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/iarcnews/pdf/Monographs-Q&A_Vol114.pdf
PANCREAS COLON
Also increases risk of pancreas and prostate cancer Increases risk of colorectal cancer by 18%
PROSTATE
RECOMMENDATION English breakfast
(Beef) pepperoni pizza
Spaghetti Bolognese
Beef/mutton rendang/curry
Beef/mutton satay
Two (2) sausages - 30g
One (1) slice - 10g
Minced beef - 60g
Four (4) pieces - 100g
Five (5) sticks - 60g
Avoid or cut down to one (1) sausage
Substitute with pizza with toppings that do not contain processed meat
Use less minced beef (20g) and add beans or vegetables or substitute with minced chicken
Substitute with chicken or cut down to two (2) pieces (50g) and add extra vegetables
Substitute with chicken satay or cut down to two sticks (24g)
Learn to prevent cancer through a healthy diet. Ask for our dietitian at 03-2698 7300. www.cancer.org.my
National Cancer Society Malaysia
NCSMalaysia
canceractionmy
wiredup
plug into the future of tech
december 2015
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 In this age of digital everything, it’s good to see that Fujifilm is still able to find an audience for its instant cameras. The Instax Mini 70 is the newest model to its bestselling ‘Instax Mini’ series, producing instant photography and printing them out in physical, credit-sized prints. Besides the colourful, compact and modern design, what makes the Instax Mini 70 even more appealing are two new features: the Auto Exposure Control function which captures both the main subject and background in natural brightness; and the new ‘Selfie’ mode which comes with a selfie mirror beside the lens for better framing. Coming in three new colours of Canary Yellow, Island Blue and Moon White, the Instax Mini 70 retails at RM598. www.fujifilm.com.my
ASUS LolliFlash A lollipop-shaped flash – now that’s not something you see every day. Cuteness aside, the LolliFlash is highly functional and fun to use. Just plug it into the smart device and it’s good to go, offering up to three hours of illumination with its internal battery. As it is a dual-colour LED flash, the true colours and skin tones of your images are dramatically improved when captured using the LolliFlash. Three brightness settings of 1.4 lux to 10 lux of luminance yield the perfect light balance for any conditions, aided by a wide projection angle of 70°. Retails at RM49. www.asus.com
Logitech X50 Mobile Wireless Speaker We’re inclined to think of it as hockey pucks/vibrant ashtrays, but the X50 wireless speaker does hold a certain playfulness. Colourful, lightweight and palm-fitting in proportion, you can either play your music on it through a 3.5mm jack or stream them Bluetooth-style. Either way, the sounds are booming and loud from this little one, and you can expect that level of play for up to five continuous hours via a built-in lithium rechargeable battery. Comes in five different colours combos and retails for RM109. www.logitech.com/en-my
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Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Get the edge with Samsung’s latest iteration of its class-leading Galaxy S6 smartphone. Living up to its namesake, the unique curved edge design sports the new ‘Apps edge’ for easy access to favourite apps by just swiping the edge display, and ‘People edge’ is enhanced for easier communications with preferred contacts. The phone also gets Samsung’s fast and wireless charging technology that is compatible with any wireless pad – it takes only 120 minutes to get fully charged. This octa-core beauty’s sleek lines encases an industry-leading 5.7-inch Quad HD Super Amoled display that provides vivid colours and sharp images. Available in two colour options – Gold Platinum and Black Sapphire at RM3,099. www.samsung.com/my
Plantronics Explorer 500 Your hands are too busy to be holding a smart device? Not a problem – just insert the Explorer 500 Bluetooth headset into your ear and control your phone while you embrace life with both hands. Wirelessly, too. GSMA-certified HD Voice, aided by signature noise and wind canceling tech provide for precise clarity, ensuring both you and the receiving end are heard clearly. A cool USB charging strap lets you connect and charge up the Explorer 500, and can be looped around bags or keyrings to keep your headset within reach. A single charge gives up to seven hours of talk time and 12 days standby time. Price: N/A www.plantronics.com/asia
Philips Fidelio M2L Experience the full joy of high resolution sound on your iOS device with this closed-back beauty. Sporting powerful 40mm neodymium drivers, it’s fitted with a Lightning connector which enables a pure digital signal to be sent directly to the headphones – improving on stereo separation and reducing crosstalk interference. What’s more, the digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) is built into the unit itself, so there’s no need to lug extra Hi-Fi gear around to enjoy hi-reso music. Encased in aluminum and finished with stitched fine leather for a premium look and feel, the M2L is classy in both the looks and sound department. Price: N/A www.gibsoninnovations.com
DEC 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
53
wiredup by stephen kheng
Philips SHQ7300OR
december 2015
Lyrical
Free Flow Philips SHQ7300OR
Effortlessly get the best out of your music and your active lifestyle with the Philips SHQ7300OR wireless in-ear headphones. Design Typical of Bluetooth sports earphones, the SHQ7300OR sports (pun intended) an arresting fluo orange hue, with similarly colored in-ear grips protruding right behind the earbuds. If fluo orange is not your shade of choice, the headphones also come in an attention-grabbing lime green color. Short, light and discreet, the SHQ7300OR is a mere 60cm in length from left-to-right earphone with an inline remote encasing an embedded microphone and volume rocker about three inches beneath the left earpiece.
Features Pairing the SHQ7300OR is an effortless affair, courtesy of its Bluetooth 3.0 support. It’s even more of a delight if your device has NFC, because the NFC-capable SHQ7300OR just needs to be touched between your smartphone’s NFC ‘sweet spot’ with the NFC spot behind the inline remote panel of the headphones and you’re good to go. On the right earpiece you’ll find a tiny LED light which flashes in different lights pulse rhythms of blue and white to indicate the unit’s different alerts and modes of operations. Just above this indicator is a tight rubber cover which when opened reveals a microUSB charging port. By our estimation, it took about
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an hour or so to fully charge when the unit is terminally low on juice. The icing on the cake and the feature which the SHQ7300OR stands out for has got to be its construction from IPX2 moisture-proof materials. It’s great for outdoor and sweatinducing activities as it negates sweat and moisture from entering the earpiece. We also liked the fact that the headphones come with additional earbuds, in-ear grips and a waterproof storage pouch.
Performance In the audio department, we ran some of our fave tunes through the headphones to gauge its quality. Bon Jovi’s rock anthem, ‘It’s My Life’ sounds crisp and inspired, particularly the monster drum beats and guitar solo; getting into the right flow and staying motivated during a workout or a jog has never been this effortless. The bass pulses out in an unremittingly good and solid stream on ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta), proving that the SHQ7300OR can handle some heavy thumping. Even when the volume is cranked up high, we were impressed with how the audio came out distortion-free. Audio aside, the SHQ7300OR scores high marks for comfort and fit – the earpieces are ergonomically designed and the different sized earbuds means you can fiddle around
GOLD
DECEMBER 2015
and find the perfect fitting one to achieve a vacuum-like seal that blocks out external noise while staying snug within your ears. And the DECEMBERwirelessly 2015 fact that the unit operates with only a short cable connecting the earpieces means it can be worn around the neck, ensuring great mobility and an unobtrusive workout session.
Conclusion As far as Bluetooth sports headphones go, we give the Philips SHQ7300OR two thumbs up. From thoughtful functionality, cool features to superior sound quality, this pair of headphones will make both your workout and accompanying tracks flow freely.
Specifications • 6mm drivers • Bluetooth 3.0+EDR • 16 Ohm impedance • 25mW maximum power output • 8 – 22,000Hz frequency response
Campus Life
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Social Network
A place to make new friends from different unis/colleges who are taking the same course as you. Ask for help, give help or just chat
Find new friends who share the same interest as you
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Looking for Part Time Work? This is the place. Just fill up your preference and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hook you up with the relevant part time work available
Selling something or just your old stuff? Just post it up here for FREE
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wiredup by stephen kheng
Canon PIXMA E480
december 2015
fine
Prints Canon PIXMA E480
Have a ton of assignments to print out and hand in? Or just looking to print out your favorite pictures? The Canon PIXMA E480 printer does it all, with aplomb. Design Design-wise, it’s not exactly slim and lightweight, but that’s because the E480 is meant to be an all-in-one printer for office/ SOHO application. However, it’s great for home use too. Utilitarian and no-frills practicality seem to be its design philosophy, because basically it’s just a rectangular box with the power button, numeric and function keypad and status screen located on the top left of the unit, and paper feed trays on the top and front. It is, however, compact enough to easily fit into smaller spaces or shelves.
Features Undoubtedly, the standout feature of the E480 is its wireless printing feature. Users just need to download the PIXMA Printing Solutions App, which is available for both the iOS and Android platforms, to their smartphone or tablet and voila, you can wirelessly print images or documents off of your device. And it works the other way too. Because the E480 comes with a scan feature, you can easily scan a document or photo directly to your smart device for storage or to be sent out.
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Which brings us to another cool feature – the PIXMA Cloud Link. The E480 is one of Canon’s cloud-ready printers, meaning you can view and print content directly from the Internet remotely from your smart device. Utilising the PIXMA Cloud Link, printing from popular online services such as Facebook, Dropbox or your personal cloud, as well as the sending of scanned data to storage sites like Google Drive or OneDrive has never been easier. The E480 comes with a smart power management feature which automatically turns off the printer after a specified period of non-usage. And if your usage requires it, there’s also a handy fax feature included.
Print Quality Excellent, for its price range. Canon claims the E480 is economical as it allows for lowcost printing of up to 400 pages using its high-capacity black ink cartridge. Its CL-57 color ink cartridge claims to be able to print up to 300 pages. Though we didn’t test that claim, we were very satisfied with the quality of the prints – coloured printouts were vivid and true, and blacks turned out crisp and
GOLD
DECEMBER 2015
clear. Print speeds are good too. Based on the ISO Standard print speed for A4-sized documents, the E480 churns out mono prints DECEMBER at 8.8-inches per minute2015 (ipm), while for colour it’s half that time at 4.4ipm. Borderless photos 4” x 6” in size take up to 70 seconds to print.
Conclusion Priced at RM406 (inclusive of GST), the Canon PIXMA E480 is a recommended companion for all your printing needs. The plethora of online connectivity features, wireless convenience and its print economy and quality all go towards making it a true wireless all-in-one printer.
Specifications • Max printing resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi • Print head: FINE Cartridge, 1,280 nozzles • Ink Tank: PG-47 (mono), CL-57 (colour) • Print speeds: 8.8ipm (mono), 4.4ipm (colour)
Logitech G29
decemBER 2015
wiredup by stephen kheng
Fast and
Furious Logitech G29
GOLD
DECEMBER 2015
Buckle up and start your engines, because we’re going racing with the Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel. DECEMBER 2015
To crank up the fun value of race simulation games (think Project Cars or DriveClub), and making the gaming experience as realistic as possible, is probably the reason why the G29 exists. It’s the replacement for Logitech’s previous-gen G27 game wheel, and works with the PS4, PS3 and PC.
Design & Build Quality Measuring 27cm in diameter, the wheel is built around a mostly metal frame and finished with hand-stitched leather. You’ve got Playstationspecific buttons and controls strategically arranged all over the steering column and brushed stainless steel paddle shifters nicely within reach behind the wheel. For the threepedal floor unit (pedalboard) below, stainless steel covers your clutch, brake and accelerator pedals, which are designed to look like racingstyle pedals you’d find on actual sports cars. We have to say that the overall build quality is solid, and the attention to detail, amazing.
Features Helical gearing with anti-backlash – that’s what Logitech calls its steering action feature. The helical gears that the G29 employ are modeled after gears used in real cars to reduce unwanted noise and vibration. Wheels and pedals are
kept tight and control maximized via the antibacklash feature. As for the pedalboard, each of the pedals sport different feedback levels; quite accurately replicating what you’d find in a real car. Especially for the nonlinear brake pedal – it mimics the performance of a pressure-sensitive brake system, giving a more responsive and accurate braking feel. The pedalboard’s base comes with rubber feet for holding on to hard surfaces, and a retractable grip system for keeping it anchored to carpeted surfaces. The G29 has a 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation, meaning you can turn the wheel two and a half times in either direction.
Performance The feel of the steering wheel in your hands is simply authentic. As far as sports steering wheels go, this is as close as one could get to the real thing. Grip is superb on the leather, and Logitech added the nice touch of incorporating a blue steering wheel stripe at the top, which acts as a visual positioning cue and enables orientation in the right direction. The paddle shifters had a nice tension to it when shifting gears, with nary a hint of it being ‘plasticky’. Turning action is smooth and precise, you feel in control of the action
and what’s more, the wheel handles sudden and hard inputs with ease. We liked the pedalboard as well, as the tension of the different pedals feel very life-like – there were times when we were so absorbed in the thrills and spills onscreen that we forgot we were driving and manipulating gears on a game console. And just like its steering wheel unit above, the pedalboard of the G29 is built tough so it can withstand formidable punishment aka hard racing.
Conclusion If you’re looking to recreate the classic arcade feel of racing games in your very own room, then the G29 comes highly recommended. Though not exactly cheap at RM1799, the G29 is worth every ringgit. The build quality is top notch and the experience of feeling every bump and ‘crash’ (in the safety of your home, of course) is irreplaceable.
Specifications •
System requirements: PS4, PS3 or Windows 7 and higher
•
Wheel: 900-degrees lock-to-lock, dual-motor force feedback, hall-effect steering sensor
•
Pedals: Nonlinear brake pedal, patented carpet grip system, self-calibrating
DEC 2015 | CAMPUS PLUS |
57
Inside Scoop
chowdown by rachel fong
DECEMBER 2015
Scoops OF Icy Goodness
When you just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the sweltering heat for a second longer, ice cream immediately rises to the top of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority list. And what about if you feel like treating yourself and taking it one step further by enjoying your sugary icy treat within a quaint and picturesque environment?
Charcoal Waffle with Pandan, Dragon Fruit Sorbet and Mango Lassi ice cream This is one for the fruit lovers out there. The Dragon Fruit Sorbet and Mango Lassi flavours provide the juicy, tart edge, while the Pandan rounds them out with its sweetness. The charcoal waffle is great for providing some crunch and texture to the overall dessert.
Buttermilk Waffle with Horlicks and Kopi Peng ice cream Now here’s a breakfast with a delectable twist! Imagine your favourite breakfast food converted into a creamy form, topped off with aromatic crispy waffles – that’s what this dessert is. The malty taste of Horlicks coupled with the milky yet caffeine-tinged Kopi Peng make a delicious alternative to those who prefer their ice cream a little more than just sweet.
Chocolate Cone with Durian ice cream Nursing a sweet tooth? Satiate it by sinking your teeth into this durian concoction, which is made with D24, a popular variety of durian that is beloved for its bittersweet taste. Then, get an extra cocoa punch with the chocolate cone right after.
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lenty of cafes have undoubtedly latched on to that trend, especially around Klang Valley, which explains the mushrooming of gourmet ice cream establishments over the past couple years. Some occupy entire shop lots, while others take up only a small corner of a collaborating café. The point remains: we are awfully spoilt for choice. One of the vanguards of this newly arisen ice cream storm is none other than Inside Scoop. Since its inception in 2013 in the F&B hub that is Bangsar Baru, it has expanded to four other locations throughout Selangor, namely Damansara Jaya, Subang Jaya, Cheras and Shah Alam. Their success is largely owed to the tireless innovation of flavours, menu items and presentation – and the photogenic décor goes a long way too. As of now, you can have your ice cream three different ways: ala carte, with waffles or in a cone. A saying popularly associated with the café is ‘Come for their ice cream, stay for their waffles’, so you know what not to miss. Should you wish to bring the Inside Scoop experience home with you, you’ll be happy to know that the flavours are all available in pint size. You can either opt for the 400ml selection, which lets you pick any two, or bring it up a notch with the 650ml, which gives you three flavours. One of a kind flavours are a mainstay at gourmet ice cream cafes, and Inside Scoop rises to the occasion with irresistible offerings such as Hojicha (Japanese green tea), Peanut Buttercup, Nutty Nutella and even local-tinged choices like Teh Tarik and Milo Dinosaur. All in all, there are twelve tempting flavours to choose from. Fun fact: the décor themes vary from branch to branch. For instance, the firstborn at Bangsar exudes a cozy vibe with dim lights and Polaroids on the wall, whereas the Damansara outlet brings visitors back to carefree days with beanbags and swings. As for the Subang Jaya branch that we visited, the atmosphere is fresh and fun, with an al fresco area where customers can enjoy their ice cream while people-watching.
Bangsar Baru branch: 9, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur. Tel.: 03-2202 0235 / www.facebook.com/MYinsidescoop
Valrhona Chocolate Chocolate ice cream is hard to resist for most of us, so imagine if it comprises dark French chocolate with 80% cocoa butter. This is one of those richly flavoured types that will have you coming back for scoop after scoop.
wanderlust by grace chan
Jewels of Iran
december 2015
IRAN: The Forgotten Land of Colors
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Forget the depiction of a primitive desert wasteland by the Western media as Grace Chan spills the beans about her two-week voyage across Tehran, Kashan and Isfahan.
ne of the most underrated travel spots on the planet, Iran is (unfortunately) a destination that seldom appears on anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bucket list. Now, if you are experiencing disorientation from differentiating between Iran and Iraq, noâ&#x20AC;Ś Iran is not a twin of Iraq. While Iran and Iraq are both located in the Middle East, they are in fact, two different countries with two distinctive cultures. Think of Iran as the intricate Persian carpet that we could never afford or the Persian furry feline that we all wish we could cuddle with. A forgotten region tainted with the heinous and terrifying images of flying bombs and
killing grounds, Iran is in reality, a beautifully harmless land shrouded in immense warmth and hospitality. Once home to the colossal Persian Empire of Cyrus the Great, the country itself is now a goldmine of ancient treasures with a rich history spanning back to 5000BC and architectures marked by its cosmic symbolism (read: trippy sites), inventiveness and geometrical balance. A digression from its carved image of arid desert plains, Iran also boasts of myriad picturesque locales that vary from snow-capped mountains to verdant forests, flower-strewn plains and a plethora of sights that would give our Botanical Garden in Putrajaya a run for its money.
Must-eat:
Local Iranian Cuisines
Iran yields a stunning variety of culinary delights. Between the familiar kebab and the undoubtedly eccentric grilled lamb’s testicles (Donbalan), there’s a cosmic spectrum of foods: premium caviar, pickles, falafel, samosas, walnut stew, noodle and bean soup as well as rose-scented ice cream, making it a heaven for ardent foodies. Throughout my stay, a few dishes particularly tickled my Malaysian taste buds and deserve a shout-out. First up, the Baghali Polo. A not-so-simple rice dish, its ingredients include a concoction of butter and saffron, herbs, vegetables, beans, nuts and dried fruit topped with tender chunks of lamb. Speaking of which, I simply couldn’t get enough of the
crackly good Tahdig – an Iranian way of cooking rice which results in crisped, flavourful and slightly charred bottom of the pot goodness, complemented with slices of potato and a touch of caramelised saffron. No Persian meal is complete without a dish of kebab. Kebabs are taken very seriously in Iran – so seriously the kebab menu alone may run a few pages and feature every style (seasoning of onion, pepper, lemon juice or basted with saffron and butter) and cut of grill–worthy meat imaginable. My favourite’s got to be the Kebab Koobideh, a heavenly serving of minced lamb garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon. Yum!
Must-munch:
Street Food
Many coveted ingredients are native to Iran and I am talking about mountains of pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts and literally every nut conceivable. Raw or roasted, they come in an array of sensepleasing flavours – salty, tangy or laced in lime, lemon or herbs – at a very affordable price and within easy reach as they pepper the streets. If you happen to pop into Iran during the summer when the temperature hovers over
a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius, I promise the extensive desserts will more than make up for every bead of sweat perspired. Between the old school Iranian sweet treat of Faloodeh (vermicelli noodles blended in a cold syrup of sugar and rose water) and Akbar Mashti (ice-cream of rose water, saffron, pistachios and chunks of frozen cream slapped between two crispy wafers), you are sure to find a cold treat that will satiate your sweet tooth.
Lavish Mansions and Swanky Palaces Must-snap:
In what was once the heart of Tehran lies a testament to the glorious and remarkable masterpiece of the Qajar era – the Golestan Palace. This grand monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s packed with several grand buildings set around a delicately manicured garden. Covering 17 palaces, museums and halls in total, this place with all its detailed ornaments, massive wind towers and golden cupolas epitomises the perfect fusion of earlier Persian architecture with Western influences. Inside, the pageantry is just incredible: spacious rooms, beautiful paintings, enormous wooden dining tables, mirrored walls from the brilliant display of prisms, marble-carvings, stucco, enamel, lattice windows, wood carvings and gold adornments adding pomp glitter everywhere. Be sure to juice up your snapping gadgets because every spot is literally Instagram-worthy! If you have upwards of two to three-hours to spare, take a spin down from Tehran to Kashan. You’ll encounter the mind-blowing experience
of setting foot in the home of 19 spectacular mansions – proof contrary to Iran’s portrait of rundown and shabby shacks. The largest and most impressive mansion in town, Khan-e Ameriha encompasses four villas (understatement) linked by a whopping seven grand courtyards which stretch over 9,000 square metres in total. Somewhere between the mirrored reception rooms, two gigantic bath houses and a mask room complete with a secret escape tunnel, I was visibly rattled as I almost couldn’t find my way out. A blessing in disguise, I later stumbled upon the majestic balcony with its intricate celling that resembles a Persian carpet – certainly a glorious feast for the eyes.
Must-cross:
Majestic Bridges
Bridges have always been close to the heart of Iranian identity. There’s Isfahan with its two spectacular bridges (Si-o-Seh Pol – Bridge of 33 Arches and the Khaju Bridge), with Tehran recently boasting of a new addition, the Tabiat (nature) bridge. From afar, one would easily spot this eye-catching and three-dimensional truss spanning over one of the capital’s major highways and links two public parks together – the Taleghani and Abo-Atash Parks. But wait, there’s a catch! Tabiat Bridge was never intended to merely connect two points to each other. Instead,
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the idea was to create multiple paths on each park that would lead people to linger around the bridge. Strolling through the first level of the bridge, I was welcomed with sights of fancy cafes and people sipping on their cups of joe while being suspended in midair. Moving on, the second level holds a passage for people to wander around, skate and even ride on horse carriages (yes, on a bridge!). The top level is my favourite – it’s an entire floor dedicated for visitors to get a kick out of the phenomenal and panoramic Tehran skyline.
Must pray:
Centuries-Old Sanctuaries
To the south of Kashan lies a city filled to the brim with some of the most spectacular shrines you’ve ever seen in your life. Once one of the largest cities in the world, Isfahan sits on a major intersection of the north-south and east-west routes crisscrossing Iran. I seemed to stumble on reminders of Isfahan’s past glory around every corner; from Iman Square that holds the most stunning assemblage of Islamic architecture (a UNESCO World Heritage Site too), tree-lined boulevards to the idyllic 33-arch bridge, palaces and mosques. It was like stepping into a historical novel, only so much better. Possibly the world’s best location to just lay back and stare in wonder, the 400-year-old Imam Mosque (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a large and complex structure glittering with a kaleidoscopic mosaic of tiles in seven vivid colours. Standing directly under the main dome of twirling vines and turquoise flowers, the acoustics were perfect. Fits of laughter and whispered echoes were amplified beneath the domed area and I have to say, it’s quite a trip to hear the sound bouncing around. For the most of it, I was surprised with the jovial atmosphere – quite unexpected inside a religious monument. There’s also the broad and colourful cupola of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the great Jameh Mosque that no visitor should miss. While Isfahan may be dominated by Islamic architecture, the city is also home to magnificent Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian
sites. If I were to pin down one site that has truly left me gawking, it has to be the breathtaking Vank Cathedral (a legacy from Armenians who settled in the country during the early 1600s). An unexpected and superlative union between Christian motives and classical Muslim decorative elements, the cathedral certainly gives way to a stunning combination of Persian tiles, Byzantine gold and Europeanstyle frescos. Iranians’ love for details are prominently showcased here through floral motifs, colourful murals depicting events from Biblical stories, gilded carvings and striking paintings – all grandiosely wrapped within its azure interior. As Iran is smack dab in the middle of Iraq and Afghanistan, I was initially skeptical on its lax visitor security (despite the generous assurances that I will return home in one piece). Nevertheless, Iran has proven me wrong. With its lingering romance of Persia, its poets, nightingales, paradise gardens and most of all, the overwhelmingly friendly and hospitable people, I forgot the downside of this seemingly schizophrenic destination known for its alcohol ban and rigorously enforced female hijab rules. A land that is brimming with surprises, Iran has showed me how to be friends without using a word, to hope without borders and to be free in love.
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