KLPF 2016

Usually, the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival was held near my lace, at Mid Valley. It was the first time it moved and with the new place, I was sure the whole festival felt different. On personal note, obviously I preferred the old venue. A bit busier, and getting a parking spot could be tricky, but at least access was pretty OK. This venue - StarXpo - was located on the 15th floor and it has the worse lift service in town, even worse than SJMC on a Saturday morning!

More about that later.

The event was held over three days, and I went on a Saturday late morning, the second day right after I was done with my post-take round. Hence, I was a bit groggy when I got there, and parked on the 11th floor, I ended up using the stairs to reach the venue after tired of waiting.

The hall was massive - a grand setting with another couple of floors of balcony. The main hall was occupied by vendors seeking all things photography as well as tourism bureau and travel company who offered trip services for photography outings. Compared to the last few years, there were definitely a decline both in terms of quantity and quality of the vendors on display. But the same can’t be said about the exhibitions. There were plenty of great photos on display and the talks were engaging.

Sitting in at one of the talkSome of them had projection issuesThey were not blessed with that many vendors this time ....

I managed to sit in on a couple of talks, but unfortunately the third one was in Mandarin - the one I was looking forward too since it was about Mongolia. For proper food you would have to take the lifts to the lower floor - which was a drag. Toilet facilities were aplenty. The exhibit which caught my eyes was a series about Bangladeshi workers working in Malaysia. Fascinating to learn that they actually had a decent life back hope but with no prospect of extra income. Hence they travelled here and to the Middle East.

The only vendor I found worth visiting was the DJI. They showcased the OSMO Mobile, which I found interesting and cheaper than I thought. Oppo, the mobile phone vendor also had a good presence, showing their phones and also having exhibits on photos taken using their products. The there main brands - Canon, Sony and Fuji - did not have much presence as only their third-party vendors were there. Olympus surprisingly did not even turn up!

Looking towards town from the 15th floorFood? This was about it ....More exhibits on the main floorA quick panorama of the city using the iPhoneThe organiser would have to start to up their game to attract more vendors for next year’s chapter, otherwise the whole festival would start to lose its gloss. Maybe they should start thinking about going back to the old venue ….

Let's see how this one compares to 2011, 2012 and 2014.

A Sunday Outing

I had to take out my camera today. I used a different one during the the photowalk last weekend but that can’t compete with my favourite mechanical gear. I had the crave.

Just you and me ...For a good causeGotta catch them all ...They need some good coachingThe selfie generationAcross the roadLooking down ....Of construct ....Indoor lighting ....Blowing bubblesTurning backSince Anita needed some air, I decided to have dinner at Bukit Bintang and since I was early, I had enough town to walk around before we settled down to eat. The weather was rather overcast, threatening to rain, but the Pavilion area was buzzing with plenty of activities.

Considering it was a dull day, I did have a few shots. At least I could go back home happy …. for another week …..

Glorious Monday Morning

I must say that I was stunned when I was heading out to send Idlan off to his school bus this morning. Such a glorious sunrise, and in snapped this from my balcony.

I could almost make out Venus right in the Centre of the frame. After my shower and breakfast, the light just kept on getting better. I couldn't resist it but to start snapping around the apartment.

A great way to start the week I thought. The ward round could wait that just a bit longer ...

Projek Sambung Sekolah

It was indeed a pleasure. One of my colleague at Hospital Ampang found that barrier to getting treatment while patients were suffering from cancer came in many forms. Often the treatment took 6 months and although the actual treatment cost was free or next to nothing, there were other cost which the patients also faced. The cost of time and loss of income.

The Doctors could do only so much to lessen their burden with the help of the Social Services but their children’s needs usually took a back seat.

As the show was about to start ....

He devised a plan to support the children of cancer sufferers financially and morally to make sure that they do not miss school and miss out on their education.

As a money-raising event, the organiser, the Max Family sold tickets to attend a showing of Pete’s Dragon at CITTA Mall. I bought some and attended the showing this morning although sadly Anita and the boys couldn’t come. I went there straight after my ward rounds as it was only 10 minutes away from SJMC.

After some inspirational talks and experience-sharing we were off - plus free popcorns from the venue sponsors, MBO Cinemas. Unfortunately I could not watch the movie until the end as I was getting phone calls. Good movie actually, and with great soundtrack.

The event was for a good cause and I was glad that I could contribute. I would definitely jump in again to contribute the next time a fund-raising was needed.

More information on Max Family and the Projek Sambung Sekolah here.

Bukit Nanas Canopy Walk

We had been waiting for the canopy walk to be reopened for almost a couple of years now. We went through the old route a few month back and from a chance look, we found out that the canopy was opened.

So, off we went. Anita and I, and in must say that I was impressed.

The map of the routeCome through hereCome this wayThe cool breezy weather certainly helped but the walk was well-shaded anyway. We went through the wrong was since we parked out car at KL Tower. The canopy was at least 250m long and it was quite high if you're afraid of heights. Coming down the hill was a doddle but coming back up involved at least 5 flights of stairs.

Luckily there were plenty of benches to rest. No drinks station though. We had drinks later at KL Tower.

Definitely worth a visit and the canopy walk were children friendly - although I haven't tested them with Idlan and Irfan.

Reaching the other sideThe city stayed in the background for onceThere were plenty of space for facilities but could be utilised better. Even to get to a cafe you would need to head to Menara KL.For the thirst after the walkAnd some snackThe walk was opened daily from 10am to 6pm. Access was either from KL Tower or from the bottom at Jalan Raja Chulan.