Life Of Pi (Film)-Review

It's been quite awhile since I treated my mom to a movie. This show, Life of Pi was highly recommend by Top Critic to go see it. I went to this show with a open mind today, don't know what to expect. I certainly did not disappointed.

Back in the old days, people of all races in Malaysia would enjoy the latest Bollywood movie. This is something more special and bring out just like the good old days atmosphere.

Why something special? First of all the writer, a Canadian author,  starring mainly Indian Bollywood stars. The character Pi- played by Suraj Sharma, an unknown Indian teenage actor made his acting debut.  Director is Ang Lee is a Taiwanese-born American film director- needs no introduction to cinephiles.


"'Life of Pi" is based on the novel told from two alternating points of view, the main character Pi as he recounts his unbelievable adventure story. His 227-days journey on a lifeboat with a few of his zoo companions when his boat sinks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean during a voyage to North America.
The novel's author Yann Martel from this movie, played the writer interviewing middle-aged Pi, many years later want to write a biography book about Pi fascinating adventure.

Life of Pi is divided into three parts. In the first part the narrator, it starts off with Pi tells writer about his childhood growing up in Pondicherry, India.

He was named Piscine Molitor Patel after a famous swimming pool in France. When he embark secondary schooling he was often teased and mock by his classmates with the nickname "Pissing Patel". Subsequently he decided to shortens his name as “Pi”short for Piscine, nevertheless some of his classmates still not give up taunting him says, “Nice try, 'Pissing'”

His father owns a zoo in Pondicherry (former French Colonial India), providing Pi with a well education and affluent living but his father compelled to sell the Zoo after a row over a land dispute with the government. He intends to sell the animals to a zoo in Canada before migrating.

Pi is raised a Hindu, but drawn to 3 of the world's major religions, went to explores issues on spiritual practise. When he was a fourteen-year-old he is being attracted to Christianity and later Islam.
His father disapproved his way of accepting 3 religions at one time. One has to be faithful to only one God, just like a man should have only one wife. Pi intention is that he wants to learn from each religion to picks up the best of those religions.

Pi acquire some knowledge on animals behaviour at his father Zoo but was reprimand when he over confidently tries to hand feed meat to the zoo Bengal Tiger by the name of Richard Parker.
His father manages to stop him from foolish act at the nick of time.

Pi was forced to accept the fact of life, the simple fact that wild animals are meant to be wild nature, whether it is a zoo, a circus, a stage show or a sanctuary, it will always be untamed and unpredictable.

His father instruct a worker to tie a goat outside the tiger cage bars and let him see how the tiger maul a goat  in front of his two sons. This lesson is to teach them to never let their guard down with wild animals.

Santosh Patel: You think tiger is your friend, he is an animal, not a playmate.
Pi Patel: Animals have souls... I have seen it in their eyes.

Goofs: The scene where the tiger dragging the goat inside the cage is a little  unrealistic as it would have left behind some evidence of blood and flesh on the steel cage bar?


Why does his father name the tiger as Richard Parker? His actual name is Thirsty. He got Richard Parker, because his hunter (Richard Parker) filled a paperwork mix-up and the file clerk switched their names on the sheet. When the tiger arrived at the Pondicherry Zoo, Pi's father fond of the wrongly given name and from then on out it stuck.

Pi's father gives up the zoo, keeping some animals to sell when they arrive in Canada. Enthusiastically, he announced to his family members,

We are going to Canada, North America as Columbus did..

Pi: But Columbus was looking for India.

FYI :Christopher Columbus was actually looking for India rather than America. He has mistaken thought at first that he was in India, and therefore he called the natives where he landed 'Indians.'

In the second part of the story, Pi’s family boarded on a Japanese freighter to Canada along with Zoo animals. Pi now a young man (16 years old) was upset as he has to leaves his sweetheart behind but determined, one day to come home and marry her.

After a few days on the sea. While sailing through rough seas, during a night time storm, the ship hit by giant waves and capsizes in storm.
Pi is awakened by a noisy noise. He arises from his sleeping quarters, wanted to invite his brother to have a look but he ignored him.  Later Pi find out that the cargo ship is sinking.

He ran back and saw the level that his family quarters had water all filled up but unable to do anything. He was thrown overboard the escape boat by the ship crew and found himself regains consciousness in a small lifeboat, the next morning.

A query on how Pi got into the escape boat? 

The Chinese crew probably tossed Pi overboard because they thought they were saving Pi life or there is a more sinister reason. In order to save their own lives, because they knew what wild animals were escape on the boat, the crew were using Pi as bait which would allow them time to escape using the life boat.

After a shipwreck, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat in the company with a injured zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and Bengal tiger, all fighting for survival.

Just like Darwin’s theory of the natural selection, the phrase ‘survival of the fittest’ in which the strong thrive and the weak perish.

The tension mounts on Pi who strives to survive among his fellow animals companion. When feelings of hunger may begin to creep in, the hyena started attacking the zebra, followed by the orang-utan much to Pi’s anguish.

Pi out of anger wanted to revenge against the Hyena, not even considering the dangerous risk and consequences. A face off set up between Pi’s and hyena, suddenly the tiger hiding under the boat's tarp dash towards and  pounces on the hyena, killing and eating the hyena.

Now Pi was left with little option and has zero chances of survival if stays on the board with Richard Parker. In order to avoid being attack, he builds a raft using the available material gather from the boat such as oars, life jackets and rope.

Pi throws his raft overboard and watch it floats on. Using a rope tie to the boat, he kept a safety distance between, tethers it to the boat.

Richard Parker jumps into the water to chase a fish. He is swimming after Pi and he jumps onto the boat and is able to pull the raft on board. Richard Parker struggle to get onboard the boat. Pi could have left the tiger in the ocean but his conscience will prevent him from doing so, eventually helps the tiger get back into the boat.

He pondered the possibility that Richard Parker will likely swim to the raft and ate him should he gets hungry enough. Left by the uncertainty, he decided he should start fishing to feed the tiger from becoming his next meal. As Richard Parker stares at Pi direction, he replied, “Patience!”

Adult Pi Patel: Hunger can change everything you thought you knew yourself!

Hunger will change a person stance over time. Pi a Hindu, is vegetarian, but to survive he has to change his character of innocent and timid young man; especially if he's facing a life-threatening situation from a feline animal stranded on a lifeboat with him.

He kills a (three-foot-long dorado) fish for the first time,feel the remorse and cried when apologising saying,“I'm sorry”. Later he shares the raw fish and feed himself and Richard Parker.

He has come to terms with the necessity, he has to kill for food in order to stay alive.

By coincidence?
To stay alive, one had no choice but to eat the flesh of those that had died.

In 1884, a shipwreck were similar to those in his movie. After the sinking of their yacht Mignonette on the way to Australia, Captain Tom Dudley and three sailors were stranded in a small boat in the Pacific Ocean. In a desperate circumstances, they left with no choice but to eat one of the party to survive. The victim was a 17-year-old cabin boy named Richard Parker.

Taming Of Richard Parker

With no escape and no land in sight either, Pi must tame the tiger, if they can work out their ways for truce and co-existence in the deep ocean.

Here, kitty kitty

Pi tried behavioural conditioning, Pavlov used in the studies of Pavlov's dogs to associate the sound of a whistle with sea-sickness. In Pavlov classic conditioning experiment, he presented dogs with a ringing bell followed by food and after repeated bell-food pairings the bell associated caused the dogs to stimulate saliva at the sound of a bell.

He used Pavlov technique to conditioning Richard Parker not to threaten him by rocking the boat and to cause seasickness while blowing a whistle.

Next he tried to use urine territory marking, the way male tiger mark his territory. Pi by urinating or pissing on the boat in attempt to mark his own territory but backfire as the tiger response, sprays Pi with a urine blast of his own.

Face off, round 1 winner Richard Parker

(Goofs :For those who did not know this is not the way how a male tiger do their urinating, only female does this way)

One day, while a school of flying fish is jumping over the boat, Pi manages to catch a dorado, and faces off with Richard Parker over it, eventually Richard backs down. He is able to stare down the tiger, proving that he has actually tame the tiger in full.

What do you see Richard Parker? Tell me what do you see

Step back! The Dorado fish is Mine!

Eventually, Richard Parker accepted Pi's presence and they both live in the boat. See what happens if we can to tolerate each other, there will be no fighting in the world, so we all can live together in peace.

 Pi on the bio luminescent sea under the moonlight

A whale jumping out of the water and flying through the air 

If Pi able to talk to Richard Parker, this is where he can use the expression,

we must work together when we're in the same boat, any fighting will sink the  boat, we truly are all in the same boat. And that now matter what our differences, we sink or swim together.

Slowly, all their food supplies supplies start to dwindle. They are losing weight and becoming more and more dehydrated. The part on Pi  thinks they are both dying, he places the tiger's head on his lap and  cradles the tiger's head in his lap.

Ah, What a Touching Moment!

Chances of survival were dwindling down due to starvation or dehydration. Another storm appeared, he was close to given up, his life can’t last much longer in anguish, Pi shrieks leading him to question God's plan for him. “I've lost everything! I surrender! What more do you want?


While adrift, he encountered a mysterious floating island coming from nowhere, an island of carnivorous algae inhabited by thousands of meerkats.

 the island is home to a carnivorous algae

After he has recovered from dehydration, he refurbished  his food supplies with a plentiful supply of food from the surrounding and plenty of fresh water.


A nice moment of friendship, as before he left he yelled out, “Richard Parker!”, to inform it’s time to leave the island. Almost like a relationship between a man and dog. Just like Lassie, Richard Parker jump on board the boat.They have develop a special bond between them.

It is just me or my imagination as I remember the island when Pi departed was in the shape of a large human, who could be a Sleeping Buddha figure?
Somehow I found the island was strange looking but couldn’t pause like a DVD player to take a better look.

Like the beginning of the movie it started with this saying, “I have a story that will make you believe in God "was a very bold statement. The young man who has much faith in GOD was tested, he would not made it through the journey at sea should he is without a strong belief in GOD. I believe GOD provide a temporary shelter for Pi to recovered and continue his journey back home.

One thing bother me is unlike Cast Away, Tom Hanks hair and facial hair would be overgrown but this Indian version of Cast Away only required a haircut. Does the emergency survival kit in the life boat also provide a shaver?

Pi recollection memories of various events while adrift, including discovering an island of carnivorous algae inhabited by meerkats. After 227 days hardship on the high sea ordeal, the lifeboat washes up onto the coast of Mexico where Pi with the last effort of his strength pulls the boat lands in Mexico shore. Richard Parker jumps outboard to escapes into the nearby jungle, while villages take Pi to a hospital.

Gosh, Richard Parker did not turn around to say goodbye, unlike "Born Free lion". Kinda wish in the last scene, what a lovely lasting sweet moment to carry with Pi, if Richard does turn around, hiding in to peeked through the bushes and gives a loud roar? (Goodbye..)

Pi manages to survive with him for so long, but does, in the end, disappointed because he expects a human-like goodbye from the tiger.

The fact that without Richard Parker, he would not have survived, and this is very true, the tiger was basically Pi's “Wilson” while he was casted away adrift in the ocean. Pi need Richard like a mismatched buddies after losing his family to keep his sanity.

We shared Pi frustration when Richard Parker would not budge from turning his head to look behind. Arrrgh! 

Adult Pi Patel: All of life is an act of letting go but what hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.

Richard Parker in the end did not ever fully tame by Pi, after all he is still a wild animals and cannot changed his nature just alike story of the scorpion and the frog.

In the final part of the tale, two officials from the Japanese Ministry of Transport speak to Pi to find out how did the ship sink?
Naturally they find his true story a little hard to swallow, alternatively he tells them a story of cannibalism, in which Pi was adrift on a lifeboat together with others survivors ,his mother, a sailor with a broken leg, and the cook.

The Japanese officials understood Pi alternative story is the same storyline except the cast name being parallels replaced. The orangutan represents his mother, the zebra represents the sailor, the hyena represents the cook, and Richard Parker is Pi himself.

After providing all the necessary information, Pi asks which of the two stories they like. Since the officials unable to prove neither story provides relevant reasons behind the shipwreck. They stick with the story with the animals.

Pi thanks them and says, "and so it goes with God".

His spiritual journey of life is almost like a test of Faith given by God in which he was given several task. At the end of the movie, it leaves the audience feeling a bit doubt, whether he'd make up his entire the story and raises all manner of questions.

Life of Pi begins of the movie with an old man in Pondicherry who tells the narrator, "I have a story that will make you believe in God."


The question is not whether the audience believe God is real or not. God is real.
It exists in the minds of believers.

I have been through some worst experience of my lives and those will not believe my story if I tell them. I do believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.


One thing we know for sure is Life of Pi will be a strong contender in sweeping most of next year's Oscar Awards,

To say the least this brilliant movie has my vote for the best picture!

The Life of Pi is a movie that should not be missed, combining stunning film's cinematography,
 visual effects and packed with jaw-dropping CGI.
Watch this  in the big cinema screen experience to achieve maximum visual and audio effect.

 Hats off, bravo and well done to everyone involved in this
Ang Lee's masterpiece film!

Witness Insecurity(TV Drama) - Reviewed

Witness Insecurity, it’s a Chinese version of The Bodyguard where WPU- Witness Protection Unit Senior Inspector HUI Wai Sam (Bosco Wong), is being assigned to protect Kiu Chi Lam (Linda Chung) after her live in danger for witness an attempted assassination.

The Witness Protection Unit (WPU) set up in the police force for the protection of certain witnesses and persons protection of a threatened witness or any person involved in the justice system, including defendants and other clients, before, during and after a trial.

WPU was ordered to protect  Chi Lam, a key witness from hired killer due to her witnessing a failed assassination attempt on her uncle Kong Ho (Ram Tseung).


She depends very much emotionally and financially on her rich father, Kiu Kong San (played by Paul Chun). Not many people know she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder due to a childhood incident where she blames herself for causing the death of her older brother to whom she was very close. Before his death, her father has to go regularly on a business trip to mainland China. Her brother was expected to take care of her.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to experienced a traumatic event that results in psychological trauma.

Her sudden changes in personality or temperament gives the false impression to many people that she was a rich and arrogant spoilt brat. She was constantly diagnosed and treated by Kelly, a psychiatrist (played by Queenie Chu Wai Man) who was a close friend of the family.

This illness has caused her with few friends and almost no social life. From the list of hand phone contact number was probably her Dad, stepmother (played by Rachel Kan), uncle Kong Ho, Kelly, a few friends and latest addition -Sam and his cousin Lee Hau Yan/Jojo (played by Cilla Kung).

It was love at first sight but only way, one sided, she was smitten by the dashing inspector Hui Wai Sam. Sam still has not forgotten his deceased girlfriend therefore will not display any affection for Chi Lam.

Reminiscent of The Bodyguard, here we have Sam carrying Hailey in his arms after she had been shot

He does not have any confidence in wooing her especially she comes from a wealthy family.
How to buy her present when she's got everything money can buy?
The main reason why Sam has no courage to make the first step was because Chi Lam overprotective father would will look down on him. Chi Lam dad don't like her daughter's choice of partner, he thinks Sam not good enough for her daughter.

No green light from Hailey father to woo her daughter!

Some of the sweet moment remembered by Hailey

Chi Lam has a strong stubbornness character; she will not give up her targets so easily. She would behave normally, as if has given up on Sam but deep inside she has determined not to "throw in the towel."
When asked by Sam, she should forget him. She replies, she will never give up on him. If it takes 5 years to accept her, she’ll wait and if that’s not enough time then give another 10years.

What is love? My answers are what makes you can't eat, you can't sleep and can't think. You truly,madly turning psyco either you're in love or heartbroken!

One morning Chi Lam goes hiking alone. In an unexpected weather turns a drizzle rain into a HK typhoon warning Category 8.

As there is no phone reception in a hilly area, Chi Lam was unable to contact her father. Why can't she get a satellite phone, I'm sure sure can afford one?

This has cause Kiu Kong San very worried after getting his wife, Tina to call all her friends but no one know her whereabouts. In desperation Chi Lam uncle called Inspector Sam for help, he knows which hill she was hiking cause he did not turn up for the hill hiking appointment.

Despite he was quite familiar with the trails and  surrounding area, he was facing difficulty to locate her as it was dark and raining till early morning. When she was found, her body was facing downwards, apparently she has slipped and fallen off a cliff and fortunately landed on a big rock that save her from falling of a cliff.

Wake Up! Wake Up! Hailey

With only a minor scratch on her forehead and broken wrist, she seems to escape with minor injury. She did not remember who saves or found her as her last memory appearing as nothing more than a blurred image.


After recovering at the hospital, she wanted to personally thank the people who found her assuming it was the rescue team unit member.


Her father hesitate to inform her it was Sam who saves her. When being told reluctantly the actual person who rescued her is her dream lover, she was dumbstruck but also very happy. Prior to this, his father disapproved her relationship with Sam. He has come to term with accepting Sam as he is ready to let Hailey choose whoever she loves.

Kong San has realise it was fate that brought them together, no matter how hard he tried to keep them apart. So he decided, he will not stop her from seeing Sam.

A sudden appearance of wealthy Indonesian Sapura or LAI SHU-FUNG (Lee Kwok Lun) whom Kiu Kong San has not seen for over 30years has changed his mind.

Not every rich man was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Kong San and his brother was a poor person in the past before striking it rich with an ill-gotten gain. Together with Sapura, they have kidnapped a rich man before compelled to kill the victim due to fear being identified.

The reason of the killing was the blindfold cloth has loosened which enable him to see his kidnapper. After splitting the ransom money, Sapura has fled to Indonesia where he become a rich person till a business venture has gone wrong. The desperate Sapura forced to blackmail the Kong brothers into ‘loaning’ a substantial amount of money by investing in his business group holding.

After he has survived this turmoil, Sapura has been thinking what if the next time the Kong brothers used back the same technique of blackmailing him should they have the same business problems? To ensure that is not happening, he attempted to kill both of them to keep his secret safe.

Fortunately Kiu Kong San most trusted right hand man(played by Henry Lee) rescued him from Sapura, he shot Sapura on the chest before Sapura made his escape to an uninhabited island
where he was hunted down and shot dead.

Knowing his secret past is in his danger of being found out, Kong San gave Inspector Sam an ultimate decision to quit become a Police officer and became his son in law. This is to stopped him from investigating the killing of Sapura case. There's an easy way to say this, "Either you're with me or against me!"


Before leaving overseas, Hailey request "Hui Sir" to wear the blue motorcycle helmet brought from Germany to meet her, when comes the day he is ready to accept her love.

Wear this helmet to meet me when you're
ready to accept me

Sam chooses to ignore Hailey father warning by continuing with the case which annoyed Kong San into ordering the killing of Sam through his underworld connection.

He escape from being killed with the help of Shawn (played by Eric Li) who was some sort of adopted relative of the Kiu family. Kong San takes under his wing and regularly takes care of him due to both Kiu brothers feel guilty about killing his father although the killing was not part of the plan and was done by Sapura himself.

When Sam discovers a dark secret from Sapura and the Kiu brothers past, he was put in a dilemma. For righteousness and justice or for the love of Chi Lam.

After Shawn had another latest failed ventures, this time in Malaysia gambling business. He was abandoned by "Big Mr. Kiu" from getting any more help as he thinks he has already done what he can to repay his debt. Shawn being not the right frame of mind due to his drug addiction.(well acted like a drug addict)

He found out that he was deceived and finally he knows why Kiu brothers were so nice to him all this time even he is not blood related.Shawn started plotting a plan for revenge after he found out Kiu brothers were among the mastermind in the killing of his father.

Shawn the son of the deceased kidnapped millionaire

Kiu brothers planned their escape bid after realising the police has gathered enough evidence to arrest them. Shawn trailed Kong San around town till he finally drove his car to a private jetty.

Shawn informed Sam, who in turn relay the information to his former superior on Kiu brothers getaway intention.

When Kong San got down from his car, Shawn tried to killed him with a pocket knife.

In the nick of time, Inspector Sam managed to save Kong San from the vengeful Shawn. As a final word for Sam from Kong San is to request him to take good care of his precious daughter before his arrest.

Please Take Good Care Of My Daughter

I know this is the part which most viewers hate the ending scene.



Shawn has not give up on killing Kong San, he accelerated his car towards Kong San with the intention of killing him. For the second time, Sam was able to save Kong San by pushing him away from danger but this has put his life in danger as the car hit him. The impact flung him into the air before hard landing on the road.



Ouch! I prefer the one Sam saves was Hailey maybe a hit man sent by Fudi,
son of Sapura who seeking revenge for the death of his father.

A bit of illogical here as when he landed he seems no external injuries, only dazed! Worst still, Hui Sir still able to get up and rides on his bike to see Hailey. Somebody did not do their homework here. Hey man, you're talking about get knocked down by a car and not slipping on a banana peel!

It should be something more like a nose bleed first followed by a vomit of blood but this is to save for the later dramatic scene.

The Police arrived on the scene .Both of them ( Kong San and Shawn) were arrested. Before Kong San taken away by Police, he requested the officer for a phone call. He called his daughter for informing her he was sorry, he won't be back for dinner, take care of herself.. and Sam was on the way to their old house.

Sam hurried on the way to meet Chi Lam on his motorcycle wearing the blue helmet, a sign he is read to accept Hailey after getting the green light from her father but it was too little, too late.

He rode in an unstable zig-zag movement like a drunken motorist. Sam was able to managed to reach but before reaching to her he vomited blood all over the helmet visor due to the internal bleeding in the head from car impact.

A brain hemorrhage is a particularly dangerous type of stroke that can quickly lead to death,is caused by a blunt traumatic head injury when blood vessels within the brain become damaged, they are more likely to burst.


Sam vomiting blood or tomato ketchup?

My friend Yeo said this scene is so familiar and argh! ... Just remember it from the movie The Story of Ah-Long (1989) starring Chow Yun Fat.

In the tragic moment the song of “The Moon Represent My Heart” sang both by Linda and Bosco which will followed by the crashing of Bosco motorcycle at the final moment of the song.

His last word as he lay on her arms was “I am Sorry for being late,..."

“Hailey, Sorry i came late. Don’t cry, I’ll be Columba (天鸽座) to protect you always. “ 

Not only that, Sam you’re late for hiking date, late for showing affectionate towards her, late even for a hug and what about the most important 3 words? I love you?

I think the most remembering words before dying must be from the Titanic movie.
You must do me this honor, Rose. Promise me you'll survive. That you won't give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. Promise me now, Rose, and never let go of that promise.” – Jack 
classic words!

Casting review



Bosco Wong (Hui Wai Sam) - For some reason, I feels there is lack of chemistry and there is lack of spark going on between them. For example when she was lost in the hiking hill, he was still able to talk on the phone with a calm manner. I prefer something like, “OH God, she’s lost in hill all alone, I want to help find her……..” or when he found her says, “Please be alright, I’m sorry for ignoring you.. I love you”.

Sam sang badly the song of "The Moon Represent My Heart" but
Hailey was the only one in the KTV room that loves his singing

Funny thing was he was showing more concern on the death of his colleague.. Ba Da than Chi Lam.

Perhaps being a macho and dedicated police officer, do not allowed him to be mellow.

Linda Chung (Kiu Chi Lam/Hailey) – She was the helpless damsel in distress, whom in the beginning of the show has psychological problem due to past incident.

Gradually recover when befriended Sam, her temporary “bodyguard”.She can’t take no for an answer, after being rejected by Sam, time and time again.

She was hoping one day her prince will come to take her away in a white horse but in this case his prince will come wearing a blue helmet on a motorcycle.

This only happen in the movies, you won’t a rich girl doing this patiently waiting in the real world.

Playing the cello, caring for the flowers and reading books are the only hobbies she had.


Paul Chun (Kui Kong San) – Played a Jekyll and Hyde roles, as a father he was so dedicating in caring for her daughter but on the other hand a ruthless businessman.

Best part on Paul: The best time of their life is when he and his brother were poor, when having a fun time of their life in their childhood. (Swimming and playing on river, that’s all?)

Money can't buy happiness

Ram Tseung (Kiu Kong He) – He played a vital role in keeping this show interesting. You don’t call a bad guy, more of the Joker role.

He was kinder in heart than his brother, the only bad or dangerous thing he does was when he drank too much alcohol and he will start talking nonsense.

But everyone wants a happy ending. We would not want to see a sad ending like Rome and Juliet. We prefer to see ending from “Snow White”, with the last word of “And they live happily ever after”.

My imaginary happy ending of this show.



My version ending goes like this...

From the previous show episode, Hailey was sad and confused when every time Sam rejected her love, she would always go inside a church to seek peace and maybe a guidance from God.

Hailey given assurance by God ray of light

I love the way the gospel choir in the church and voice of angelic singer in the background in that show.

God has hear her plight through the angels and heard her cries for God's help. Eveytime there's a light  shinning through the church stained coloured glass panes in the church.

Gods Heard Her Prayer

 While in the funeral of Sam, God had appeared to return life back to Sam. Resuscitated back the life of Sam.

Everyone will sing the song "Moon Represent My Heart" in the church.

Sam living happily ever after with his beloved Hailey.

Or the ending should be otherwise it's left to your imagination. You can take the drama series years ago of Look Back in Anger which provoked a major controversy ending.

How would you interpret the ending of Looking Back in Anger? Who is the mysterious woman that walked into the church and left the note to Ah Kin(Wong Yat Wah)? What is the meaning of this note? Did Carina died or it was Felix's sister? Can anyone from TVB answer this?


I think they should have a contest on how this show should end. The best of the idea will be air in a special Chinese New Year special next year.


Tvb can make a sketch drama play on how another version ending of show should end. Just to satisfy the dissatisfy viewers!

Real life doesn't always have happy endings and doesn’t always go as plan. You might have a big romantic moment with someone, but then a few months later, you break up. Just like Justin.

A Day In the Dental Clinic

How regularly do you go to the dentist? By right we should visit the dentist twice yearly or every six month. Just like you're required to do a oil change every 3 months when you're using normal engine oil (3,000km),  you'll likely try to stretch your oil changes intervals by keep your car running longer more mileage.

I made a pledge to visit the dentist at least once a year, I'd try to avoid having a toothache especially during long festivals holiday where most of the clinic will be closed.


Most people who do not go for a regular check up think they can just walk in the dentist's office like a regular appointment at a GP doctor. No, it doesn't work that way. You need  to make an appointment with the dentist and state your purpose for visit.

This is to allow the dentist to plan patient appointment scheduling as most of day is already booked for the day.


Are you afraid of going to the dentist? Let's face it, no one will say "I just can't wait to go to the dentist!". When someone says "I like it" then he/she is not the right frame of mind.

While waiting for your turn, it's like waiting to go be executed! It can make grown men tremble, not me as I am used to it. When I was a kid, once a month I have to go the government run Penang dental training college. We're the guinea pig or white mice supplied to dental nurse training in exchange for free dental check up.

The Dentist also provide the services of dentures.
 She will fit you and then she sends out to a lab where they
make them up. Forgot to make an appointment for Mom.

Good look not only goes well with a beautiful natural smile but also need having a good set of teeth.

Naturally it is important to keep good oral hygiene not because of good look; equally important is for general health as well. Poor hygiene can easily lead to all sort of dental problem such as gum disease, infection, heart problems and others.

Dentist poster to keep gums and teeth healthy

Although we play our role on keeping our teeth clean by regularly brushing our teeth, it still required regular check up as dental cleaning  by dentist will ensure you’re maintaining a good oral health by close up visual examination and check your previous history dental check up.

Dental cavity or tooth decay refer to the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel  (the outer coating of the tooth) and dentin(the softer layer beneath the enamel) of the tooth.
Many bacteria live in the human mouth, they accumulate (along with saliva,food particles and other substances) on the surface called plaque.
Some of the bacteria in plaque turn into acid that will dissolve minerals from the surface of the tooth and over time cause cavity.


If diagnosed early, any gum disease may be treated and reversed before the gum has reached the advanced stage. The dentist will help your teeth back on the right path.


We’ve know gum disease is a major factor that leading to loss of tooth, what do we have to do to prevent gum disease?

1- Dental check up twice yearly.
2- Cleaning your tooth at least twice daily for 2 minutes.
3- Besides brushing, flossing and goggling with mouth wash.
4- Use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria/stain so helping to eliminate the bad breathe

Tongue Cleaner - Remove Bad Breath cause, not practised by many people 

5- Stop smoking, cut down on alcohol and avoid craving for high diet in carbohydrates sugary food (sugar and starch) which is irresistible. Mmm, tasty cake!
6- Ensure the water you brush your teeth and drink contains fluoridated water. Your water filter must  not remove fluoride from water.
7- Tooth brush need to replace regularly at least every 3 months to avoid germs in it. Do not put a cap on the toothbrush, the moisture that gets trapped under the cap will promotes the growth of bacteria.
8- To detect dental problem early, broken fillings, cavities and gum disease all in early stage so that it can be easily treated before surgery or removal of teeth is the last option treatment available.

Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth -- the dentin --
becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue

Sensodyne toothpaste is the #1 recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth,
free sample given by the clinic

Everyone knows how to brush their teeth they reckon but are they brushing the right way? When I was a kid, I was always reminded and demonstrated proper brushing method using a dental prop. The nurse will says, first you brush the outer layer of the teeth....

How to brush your teeth correctly poster

What you can do to ensure healthy gums

A Day in the Dental clinic

I make sure I had put if off long enough for a visit at a dentist clinic before I definitely must go for a yearly check up.

Before going to clinic I tried not to ate anything first. If I did I make sure I brush my teeth before my appointment with the dentist. It's a common courtesy.

My dentist is a female doctor. I prefer having a lady doctor as I assume they’re gentler, more observant and understanding. She would always asked me to relax myself as sometimes my tongue will feel stiff when I'm anxiety or stress. Furthermore she constantly remind me to let her know if I feel pain.

I went inside the office and sat in the dental patient chair.  I leaned back and let her look down into my mouth.
She would do a check signs of tooth decay by examining my tooth surface by using a dental instrument tool called an explorer and a mirror, to look for any cavities. Decayed enamel should feel softer when poked compared to healthy enamel.

The stages of periodontal disease

Upon completion of examination she will inform me the result and what treatment is suitable for me.
Good look not only goes well with a beautiful natural smile but also need having a good set of teeth.

Naturally it is important to keep good oral hygiene not because of good look as it is for general health as well. Poor hygiene can easily lead to dental problem such as gum disease, infection, heart problems and others.

Although we play our part in keeping our teeth by regular cleaning , it still required regular dental check up and professional teeth cleaning on all those hard to reach back teeth.

A normal dental cleaning is recommended even there's nothing wrong with your teeth. Only a professional cleaning by your dentist is capable of thoroughly clean up your teeth from plaque (a soft sticky bacteria film and food waste debris) that builds up on teeth.After 24 hours plaque hardens into calculus or better known as tartar. At this stage it does not come off with the brush anymore.

The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care

The dental hygienist or dentist uses specialised instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth.

What happens at a typical dental cleaning?

1 – Teeth Scaling is a treatment to remove plaque and tartar, the dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to provide deep cleaning above and below the gum line. The scaler tips are curved and rounded and are always movement motion around the teeth. They are by no means sharp tip since their purpose is to knock off tartar loose and will not to cut into the teeth.

It emits a high pitched humming sound, just like using an electric toothbrush in your mouth. With larger deposits that have hardened on, it may take a longer time to remove these, think of it like trying to remove with a scrubbing brush to a soiled pot, the dental tip has to get the areas clean and smooth with a longer time if the stain that has been left over a long time.

Just like when you eat something with a knife and fork, dentist uses scaler and dental mirror while cleaning your teeth. Dental mirrors are used by the dentist to view a mirror image of the teeth in locations of the mouth where visibility is difficult to have a look.


Some patient is absolutely terrified of the sound of ultrasonic high pitched humming while waiting for their turn. Can't they invent  a ultrasonic scaler minus the noise?

Thinking about that sound sends shivers down your spine! You'll imagine the patient in the office being  shackled by a chair like a POW currently being tortured by SS to gain Top Secret information.

2- Polishing — when your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, they are polished to remove stains on the smooth tooth surface. The polish contains an abrasive substance paste with fluoride, and is polished using a small rotating rubber cup or brush attached to the dental hand piece.

3- Flossing - Floss removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Dental floss may be made of either plastic (nylon, Teflon or polyethylene) or silk, and can be flavoured or unflavoured, and waxed or unwaxed.

It is safer to floss your teeth than use toothpicks as it leans between teeth and removes plaque without damaging your gums.

4- Last word of dentist - My dentist give some advice before I leave the office. Make sure I brush the hard to reach back teeth.


Ah, so nice after all the torturing treatment has finally ended. Thank you Doc, see you next year TarTar

Outdoor water filter

Back in the old days, there is no need of having a water filter in our house.

The water in the stream is so clear you can see fish swimming way down deep and so clean that you can swim in it.

Not many will have to go to market to buy fishes as they can easily set the traps at the river bank. The fish that caught is big enough for a meal.

All this was a long time ago, my friend Chai remember well before any factory industries began, after that I don’t think you would even want to wash your feet in polluted stream caused it will make you itch.

Either the world we live in has become more in advanced technology as more home have some sort of water filtering system or our water becoming increasing polluted.


Having water filter is necessary to ensure water safety and cleanliness; it’s no longer a 'rich man's' gadgets.

In the olden days, what we must do before drinking is simply to ensure we have boil the water but these days are not enough to be safe.



When water filter promotion first started it focus on water filtering for drinking purposes but then as water became even dirtier, manufacturer include the outdoor water filter.

We use the outdoor filter for utility water on household purposes such as washing clothes, car wash and bathing.

If you do some renovation work before shifting to your new house , make sure you have the contractor to provide you a pre-installed piping follow by a incoming water flexible hose get ready when you want to install your new outdoor water filter.

Most of the housing water holding tank is made of fibreglass tank and some house owner may have replaced it with stainless steel tank.


Before installing the new outdoor water filter, you might also need to check the water holding tank to be sure it’s clean. Most people often neglected to do a cleaning on water holding tank after a long period of time as we taking things for granted, thinking the water holding tank is clean. We did not have the chance to peek at what’s inside the tank.

Some of the things that will shock you, other than sludge are dead flies, wasps, cockroaches, to more extreme contamination can found mice, rats, birds and even human corpse found in those rare few cases.

Residential water storage tank normally in the old days are placed outdoor, on the floor of the concrete roof slabs but nowadays it’s hidden from the view when placed inside the roofing attic. (Why change the old way of placing which is so convenience for maintenance work?)

It's hot in the attic

Normal cleaning procedure on cleaning the household water holding storage:


Turn off the incoming public water system (JBA water) from the main water shut off valve.

Cleaning begin with draining the water down and NOT to disturb the sludge. Once all the water removed or drain out, you can remove the sludge by using a water jug to shovelling the sludge out and a container of pail to dispose it. Scrub with PVC broom (clean one - NOT the one used on the toilet) to remove the stubborn sludge.

Once all cleaning completed, refill the tank by turning the mains water valve back on.

Urgh, Look at those dirty water inside the water holding tank 

Remove the sludge by using a water jug to shovelling the sludge out and a container of pail to dispose it.

It will take some time for the tank to be full, depending on your area water pressure. Also there is a need to open the water taps to allow any air locks to clear out.


After cleaning the water holding tanks we wait for the tank to be fully refill before using, to allow the pressure to build up.  Normally it will take a couple of hours, at the meantime we have restraint from using the water taps that comes from the tank.

Something went wrong as the next day water is not coming out of my taps that comes from the water holding tank.

The first thing you should do is check for the common an airlock in the water pipe.

Now unless it's the draught season - no it's raining season and the water authority board has decided to cut off water supply at specific times during the day(only when comes to water rationing), there must definitely be a problem with my water system. It happens when an air bubble gets trapped inside your water pipes and then creates a blockage, preventing water from flowing smoothly in your water system.

You can try to drain the water system down. You will need to turn off the main water shut off valve supply to your house. Then open all taps until all water has been drained down. After that, you need to turn on each tap only a little bit, let the water flow for a little, then turn it a little bit more. Keep on opening each tap a little bit more until they are all fully function.


Ehh....fail



After searching extensively we found the brass float was the culprit. There was no air lock in the pipe after all. The brass float provided by housing contractor was not a quality one or maybe while cleaning the tank, some of the sludge may get into it. I would prefer to replace a new as it won't cost much for a branded one. The brass float failed to open to allow water into the tank. The brass float is used for control the water level in a tank.

No problem when the brass float has been replaced.

An increasing number of consumers are installing outdoor water filters at their houses in addition to the filters inside the home but not all outdoor water filters are suitable for you.

If the water supply in your area is very dirty than using outdoor filter that based on membrane and cloth filter technology will not be advice as the large sediment particles will easy clog very fast your outdoor filter. This also will cause your house water pressure low and you need to frequently clean your outdoor filter daily.

Water from municipal water (JBA) contains chlorine to disinfectant and fluoride to prevent tooth decay among children but most owners fails to understand this by installed filter that tend to remove these two elements.

Most municipal water provider has to ensure some residual chlorine acts as a shield to counter or prevent contamination. Without it, water stored in the tanks will not be protected against possible contamination.

Generally most household will need to have a outdoor water pre-filter to remove dirt , rust, sediment down to size of 10 micron and reduce excessive chlorine down to 80%, followed by a indoor filtering for drinking and cooking need to be fine down to 0.5 microns to remove the widest range of water contamination by using carbon block filter or numerous ceramic filters. More advance indoor water filter now use sophisticated technologies like RO and UV filtration.

No matter what brand of water filter we choose to buy, we need to ensure that we need to do self maintenance washing, outdoor sand filter requires backwashing cleaning every two weeks. 2 minutes for slow rinse followed by 2 minutes for fast rinse.

Don't forget sand filter is not everlasting, it may only require sand replacement every 5 to 10 years if it is not heavily used.

By using an outdoor water filter unit surely save a lot of changing indoor filter cartridges as the outdoor filter already capture all the larger sediment particles thus prevent any premature clogging and prolong the indoor filter cartridges lifespan.

When you do your house renovation, get the plumber to add another kitchen faucet for your new indoor water filter unit. The kitchen faucet is for point of used when required for drinking and cooking.

Indoor water filter is a water purification process to remove contaminants from raw water to water safe for human consumption. Substances that will be filter during this process included thoroughly removal of bacteria, silt, rust, algae, fungi and toxic minerals.



I further request the installation piping to include a bypass system.
 This is for safey measure only as any low pressure or faulty filter I will still be able to use.

Water is so precious and yet we are taking things for granted, the moment you turn on the tap water you assume water continue flow out.

If there is no more water, life can no longer sustains all life on earth.

We must respect the water by keeping it clean from rubbish dumping, chemical pollution and water wastage  through leaks of pipe and fixtures.

I hate it when those idiots who toss their garbage into streams or rivers because it's conveniently for them. Don't they know it's the same river the drinking water is obtained from.

This is not acceptable!


Remember This Well.

NO WATER, NO LIFE!

Moon Cake Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival ( 中秋節), also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival is well celebrated by Chinese people from all over the world.


This festival first appeared as a ritual some 3,000 years ago and only became well known during the Tang Dynasty. The festival is held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It's when the moon is at its roundest and brightest for the entire year, the Chinese celebrate "zhong qiu jie."

How does the Chinese people will normally celebrated this festival?

It’s customary for friends and family to have a gathering in the evening to appreciate the beauty of bright full moon. While having one tradition of getting together, it will not be complete without the mooncakes which goes well with drinking warm tea to wash down the sweetness of mooncake filling.

To get everyone in the mood for this day, it would be appropriate songs related to the moon will be played. One song that is stuck on my head is the evergreen song "The Moon Represents My Heart" by the late singer Teresa Teng.

This festival might be a good excuse for having a party at your house.

Another customary way to celebrate and decorate this day, is to light up the night with lanterns and candles. In my childhood days the lanterns usually in the shape of animals like dragons or horses but now more in the cartoon character like Angry Birds.

 My favourite childhood lantern was a dragon

Playing with candles are one time kids enjoy when mom allowed
 during the festival, nowadays it
even come with noisy music battery operated cartoon lanterns but
 Nothing Beats An Original when having fun with lanterns!

In Taiwan, floating sky lanterns will be release in the sky but we are concern this might be hazard to aircraft therefore are banned here. So far any planes at Taiwan being affected by the lanterns? Don't know for sure? How high can the sky lantern being flown? It can only flies for 5-10 min with approximately 200 - 500m.

Wow- pretty scenery to look but
Need to be environmental friendly which contain no metal parts and are 100%
biodegradable - Light up the sky without littering the ground and also when release into the sky
 for safety purpose
need to choose open space not near major roads nor nearby airports.

In the past before commercialization began, mooncake festival is known as Mid-Autumn festival from the ancient ceremony of Sacrificing to the Moon Goddess for the year's end harvest to give thanks for the good harvest season.

People offer sacrifices and pay homage to the moon.Offering from the harvest such as apples,grapes,melons and pomelos were common. Not to miss out on this festival is "tang yuen" which is sweet glutinous rice dumplings. 

It's significant due to the meaning of word 'yuen'. It meant round  'yuan man' (complete), cycles of seasons, for good luck and symbolize unity and harmony within the family.
Traditionally, mooncakes are filled with lien-yung(brownish lotus bean paste) and at the centre a yoke of a preserved duck's egg stuff in the middle. It will be cut into quarters and shared among friends and relatives. Other varieties there are tousha(black bean paste), tou-yung(yellow bean paste) and golden trotter(lotus seeds mixed with sweeten paste).

In this modern era for marketing purposes the mooncake pastry will be diversified into different flavour to suit the taste of customers.

Today, mooncakes may be filled with everything and  include green tea mooncakes, and ping pei or snowskin mooncakes.

The price of mooncake can be quite expensive. Unless you're planning to buy a gift for friend or relatives, I would rather wait till festival around the corner cause that's when you got the best discount price.

Mooncake price reduction as the festival night approaching

Mooncakes now comes in fruits, tea and others flavours

Mooncake Legends

1. Chang'e the Moon Goddess

Children in the past like me are quite gullible and naive as we believe what the elders inform us. Just like the western countries children believe there's a Santa Claus, Chinese children are told the story of the moon fairy living in a crystal palace, who comes out to dance on the moon's shadowed surface.

There are many story variants and different adaptations of the legend of Chang'e but basically goes like this

Once upon a time when ten suns appeared at the same time in the sky. The Emperor ordered a famous archer by the name of Houyi to shoot down the nine extra suns. After the mission was accomplished, Queen mother of Western Paradise-Hsi Wang Mu rewarded the archer with an elixir pill that would make him immortal. However, his wife - Chang'e stole and ate the pill. To evade being pursuit by the husband, she stays and fled to the moon till to this day.

Now, with modern age of science and technology and already being to the moon, I must say children will likely tell me to grow up if I tell the same story to them. There is a better chances of them believing there are ET in the moon then Chang'e.

2. The Hare - Jade Rabbit

This legend tell the story about Buddha transformed himself into a pitiful old man and approach three creatures for food- the toad, a baboon and a hare.
Both toad and fox could provide fruits and a carp for the old man. Since the hare could not provide any food to offer, the hare jumped into the fire to provide it's own flesh for the starving old man. In recognition of the hare ultimate sacrifice, Buddha was touched and let it live in the moon so where he became the "Jade Rabbit".




 3. Ming revolution

According to the legends,in the Yuan dynasty China under Mongol rule. 

The Chinese are living in hardship at that time became unhappy resenting the alien domination.

Group gathering were outlaw by the Mongols to prevent any chances of uprising. 

 Liu Bowen (劉伯溫), 

who circulated a false rumor that a deadly plague was spreading, and

                           to avoid the plague, the only way is to eat the mooncakes.   

                           Knowing the Mongolian will not eat any of the Chinese food,                                                         

                                     he plotted a plan to overthrow the Mongols.

 This allowed the quick distribution of mooncakes, which were used to hide a secret message coordinating the Han Chinese revolt on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It remind me of the Mission Impossible says 'this message will self destruct in 5 seconds' but the way done here was pieces of mooncake are then eaten to destroy the message.

On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government  facilitated by inserted secret messages in to the moon cakes.

Henceforth, the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated with mooncakes on a national level by most Chinese people.

4. Matchmaking and marriage month

The Chinese lunar 8th month is the most auspicious months for marriages. You will most likely find  the restaurants are fully booked for wedding dinners.

Yue Lao (月老),“the old man of the moonlight”, shares his birthday with Mid-Autumn Festival. This moon deity, an old greybeard is known as a matchmaker and his duty to ties couples with a magical invisible red thread which bind them. However, this cupid does not provide a warrant the possibility of happy-ever-after ending and is not responsible for any divorce. Marriage takes a lot of work to make it work, just don't blame Yue Lao if your marriage fails!

Matchmaking has been part of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the past.

In some parts of China, dances are held for young men and women to give an opportunity to find partners. Another is "One by one, young women are encouraged to throw their handkerchiefs to the crowd. The young man who catches and returns the handkerchief has a chance of romance." I'm sure those who stand in front has a better chances cause how far can the women throw?

It will work better the Western way, when a woman had her eye on the right target , she will dropped her handkerchief and expected the man might pick it up.

This method of using handkerchief is outdated.

Now you'll find method using online dating such as Face Book much more appealing and realistic but not all the the time Facebook user will reveal her or his true identity. Some people will try to dupe Facebook users using fake photo.

In the old fashioned way. If you're interested in someone, go directly and asked for her phone number or you could give her your number and says "Call me maybe?".  Nowadays that's another way which is people will use smartphone to scan bar codes linking users to their website on bracelet or t-shirts to find out about someone. I'm not sure this will be a good way to advertise your personal information.

Yue Lao the Chinese Cupid tied a invisible red string around the ankle of two soul mates, unlike
Cupid uses his arrow to strike the two people causing them to fall in love

5. Fire Dragon Dances.

There is a traditional and spectacular dance -the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance which has roots going back to the 19th Century.


For the three nights, visitor come to see a 67-metre-long 'fire dragon' that winds its way with much fanfare and smoke through a collection of streets located in Tai Hang, close to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

This started in 1880 when Tai Hang was a small Hakka village of farmers and fishermen on the waterfront of Causeway Bay.

According to local folklore, over a century ago, a few days before the Mid-Autumn Festival, the village was hit by a typhoon followed by a plague. As if that's not bad enough, a python turn up and ate their livestock. Some of the villager when in a fit of rage killed it.

One of old man villager believe the giant python was actually the son of the Sea Dragon King. He claim the King will seek vengeance for the death of his child.

He has an idea. Knowing the Sea Dragon King will be afraid of fire, the villagers made a huge dragon of straw and covered it with incense sticks, which they then lit.

This dance around the village will be supported by loud beating drummers and bursting firecrackers for three days and night until the plague is vanished.

Therefore, the Fire Dragon Dance tradition continue to hold today with the exception of the Japanese Occupation and during the 1967 disturbances.

Spectacular Fire Dragon Set The City Alight

The two 'pearl' forwarded by two men who twirl and
spin to make it like a shining pearl.
 It is actually pomelos inserted with sticks of incense.

中秋节（zhong qiu jie) night of rejoice, reunion, happiness and romance...umm