Tattoo Flash-day Fundraiser!

Waddup peeps!

It has been two weeks since Sabah was hit by an earthquake. Thus, Mount Kinabalu is temporarily closed until further notice. It means that mountain guides (malim) will be out of job too.

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So Bobby a friend of mine who is a tattoo artist came up with an idea. Fundraising for the mountain guides! It is called "Tattoo Flashday Fundraiser". So how does it work? 10 or more tattoo artists from Sabah will predesign tattoo designs which will be available for this event.

Bobby said, "There are 250 guides and 50 porters registered under the Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association. As the mountain is closed until further notice, it also means that these 300 are out of job for now. It would indeed be extremely hard to support themselves and their families until things return to normal at Mount Kinabalu.".

Each tattoo costs RM100 (USD28) and ALL the money made will be given to the Mount Kinabalu Guides Association. I've got the chance to meet up with all the artists. If you think they look scary just because they covered with tats, no they're not. They're the most humble, down to earth and friendly people. 

Bobby allowed me to make a video of the event. That's an offer I can't resist. If you've watched most of my videos on my Youtube channel, most of my videos are vlogging style. No heavy or fancy equipment. I'll embed the video below. Be sure to check and share it out on Facebook! I met a few first timers too. If you're in the video, yay! I'll be uploading more videos soon so be sure to subscribe to my channel.

I wouldn't wanna miss the chance to put a new tattoo on my body so I got myself one and it was tattooed by Gary. Cheers dude! Most of my tattoos were done by most of the tattoo artists who attended the event. Anyway, check out their Facebook pages and give em a thumbs up.

Bobby St. James of St. James Tattoo, Ronny Taptoe of Passion of Ink, Jim Losaria of Black Ink Industry Tattoo, Cassidy Kiddy of Deadlights Tattoo, Taco Joe of Lost At Sea Tattoo, Oyohk of E66 Tattoo, Luther Motoyou of Jesselton Tattoo, Eric Bintoh of Black Ink Industry Tattoo, Shiong Chan of Peace Of Ink Tattoo, Gary Jones of Deadlights Tattoo, Ray Rray, Sabah Tattoo Association.

A big shoutout to Sabah Tattoo Association and whoever that is involve in this event.

Follow my blog, like my Facebook page and subscribe to my Youtube channel. Thank you very much for your support.

As always, be nasty stay happy people!

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Hanging out with CrackoArtGroup! #crackoartgroup

Sup peeps!

You may have knew that Sabah was hit by an earthquake recently. I uploaded a post about it a few weeks ago. Click here to check out that post.

Kota Kinabalu is approximately an hour and a half away from Ranau (where the epicentre was). Sadly, there were casualties. So a contemporary art group known as CrackoArtGroup painted a huge mural on an unused building known as the "heritage" located opposite of the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. They did it out of respect for the victims as well as Sabah's unsung heroes.

Cover Photo : Photo by Nofie

Apparently, it became popular in a couple of hours. Sabahans came to light up candles and lay flowers as a tribute. Not hundreds but thousands of Sabahans showed up. They came regardless of skin colours, races, sizes, ages, and religions as one. #CrackoArtGroup was then widely known.

So, I managed to get in touch with the group and hung out with them. I threw questions at them and got to know them a lot better. They're just fun, outgoing, creative and humble individuals. I met up with Cracko, Anddy, Egn, Nofie and Mark. I did a video (vlog style) of our meet up.

As you may know, I don't bring around heavy and fancy camera equipment around. All I had with me was a GoPro and a compact camera. Short said, check out the embedded video below! You can also check out my Youtube channel.

To CrackoArtGroup, sorry for the late post. Either way, you're all awesome! Thanks a million for giving me the opportunity to hangout with you guys. So if you don't know who these individuals are, be sure to check out the video. Get in touch with them!

CrackoArtGroup's Facebook page : crackoart
CrackoArtGroup's E-mail : crackoartgroup@gmail.com
CrackoArtGroup's Site : artcracko.blogspot.com & crackoartgroup.blogspot.com

Photo by CrackoArtGroup

Photo by CrackoArtGroup

Photo by CrackoArtGroup

Oh! Also, 7 days after they painted the mural, they repainted the whole wall with white paint. They followed the tradition. Besides, they have their reasons. Anyway, check some of their artworks, talented indeed.

Photo by Nofie

Photo by Nofie

Thank you so much for supporting guys! Don't forget to like CrackoArtGroup's Facebook page! If you like the video, give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel. I'll be uploading more videos soon.

As always, be nasty stay happy!

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Net Fishing!

Hey there guys!

Damn, it has been 10 days since I last uploaded a blog post. I'm got way caught up with my work loads. Oh, have you heard? Sabah was hit by an Earthquake recently. If you haven't check it out, do check out my previous blog post about the Earthquake.

Back to the main topic, I went back to my home town Labuan Island a few weeks ago. As most of you may know, the island is pretty small and there are nothing much for me to do. So, I came up with an adventurous idea. Net Fishing! It basically means fishing with nets. It gets interesting, in a drain! The drain is located somewhere near to where I live.

Cover Photo

Packed my cameras, flash light and tadaaaaa! Yes, it was dark. Do check out my the video I made for this post. Also, subscribe to my Youtube channel! By the way, I know this isn't something I should be bragging about but hey! I've reached a thousand views on my channel! It's not much but thanks a lot guys! What a milestone it is for me.

The fishes we caught aren't as big as you think. I don't know what are their names but it is locally known as "sapat". They're more likely to be used as fishing baits to fish bigger fishes. We also caught a long "snaky" fish known as the snake head. There are like tons of baby snake heads in the drain.

However, I think the biggest prize was the tortoise we caught. Most of you may know, I'm a reptile lover. It was a catch and release.

Anyway, be sure to check out the video, like our Facebook page and follow our blog. Thanks for supporting! You're awesome. Stay tuned for our upcoming videos and blog posts. I had the opportunity to interview CrackoArtGroup (video will be uploaded soon) and also, I will be heading to Brunei and do some reviews/guides.

As always, be nasty, stay happy!

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Earthquake in Sabah!

Hello,

I woke up yesterday morning at 6.45AM and was watching videos on Youtube at 7AM. 15 minutes past 7AM, my kitchen door started rattling like mad as if someone tried to break in. Then every doors in my house started rattling too. I got the shock of my life when my ceiling fan started swinging from left to right and right to left. I looked on the opposite block of my apartment and EVERY windows of the whole block was shaking. That's when I know it was an Earthquake.

Never in a thousand years I would expect an earthquake would struck Sabah. It was only for 5 seconds. I had chills running down my spine. My phone went crazy, texts and phone calls. I'm glad to say that I'm fine. Nothing happened then. 

If you have been following the news, Sabah was hit by some say 5.9 and 6.0 scale richter and the epicentre was in Ranau. Mount Kinabalu is situated in Kundasang. The real source has yet to be identified but as far as I'm concerned, our history books told us that the long ago active volcanic mountain is now stable and inactive. The tremor was so strong that I can feel it 150 miles away. Imagine those who are closer to the epicentre. History needs to be rewrite.

Cover Photo : I was here exactly 2 months ago

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Hundreds of mountain climbers were stranded on Mount Kinabalu's peak as most of the paths had been destroyed caused by the quake. Unfortunately, there are casualties, mostly those who were on their way to the peak from Via Ferrata. A mountain guide Robbi Sapinggi lost his life during the tragedy. He was hit by a falling rock and passed due to loss of blood. It was said that he told his team to get themselves to safety and not wait for him. His loyalty and dedication will be remembered forever. He left behind his 6 months old child and his Irish wife.

A Singaporean student also lost her life. There are pictures shared and posted in social media of them but I refuse to post it here out of respect for the deceased. As of now, there are more than 10 casualties. My deepest condolences goes to their families. 

Also, Mount Kinabalu is a sacred place to us Sabahans. Less than a week before this tragedy, a group of foreigners did something what we Sabahans were taught never to do in sacred places such as using vulgarities, taking a pee in random areas, indecent actions and more. The foreigners apparently reached the peak and got themselves naked and took group photos. Mountain guides (known as malim) had warned them but they teased and foul mouthed the guides instead. Some said that the actions triggered the anger of Aki Nabalu superstitiously. It may not be real but we have to respect the beliefs of others. Better safe than sorry. 

Stranded climbers

Some suffered Hypothermia 

Nudists, the culprits

Trails destroyed

UNSUNG HEROES

Around 30 local mountain guides were sent up to bring stranded climbers to safety. Here's an idea of who they are. They are people who can carry things more than half their weight uphill and very very experienced route seekers and climbers. Here are some pictures of them bringing victims to safety. They created new and safe routes so stranded climbers can go downhill to safety. Without a doubt, these malims did what we normal humans need decades of training to do.

I put my head down being respectful and thankful for their bravery and actions. Thank you.

A mountain guide carrying an injured victim on his back

Ridwan a mountain guide carrying an injured victim

Mountain Guides taking less than 10 minutes break to fill themselves up

Extraordinary

AUTHORITIES

Even a blind man can see the defects and inefficiency of the authorities. There are multiple videos showing inexperienced so called "rescue team" throwing off survival packages from a helicopter to stranded climbers and missed. The dropped packages was far beyond sights or reach. 

Some stranded victims also said that the skies were clear and the condition there was safe to land but excuses were given by the authorities not to land. Thus, malim did what no "helicopter" can do. 

Apparently, in local media such as newspapers and news stations, all the credit goes to the authorities. WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR MOUNTAIN GUIDES? They did 99% of the job and no credits were given! Absurd as it is, it doesn't take a grown man to notice it.

To those who are still there, be safe. Those who lost their family members, I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope that missing climbers will be found and brought to safety. Once again, a million thanks to the unsung heroes.

We should all learn more about earthquake survival. As for me, I will prepare myself. I am still traumatised by what I saw from the kitchen window. Be safe.

**All the photos in here doesn't belong to me. Contact me if the picture belongs to you and I will take it down. I only own the cover photo.

#prayforsabah 

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Taichung, Taiwan!

HELLO FELLOW HUMANS!

First of all, I'm sorry for not updating my blog recently. Just so you know, I blog every once a week. I may be late but I usually compensate. Let's get started then!

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I was in Taiwan last month and I've posted about my trip to Tao Yuan. Have you seen it yet? No? Then please do :)  This blog post will be about my trip in Taichung. Just so you know, I was in Taiwan for a work trip but nevertheless I made some effort to make it an enjoyable one. I hopped on a bullet train from Tao Yuan to Taichung which is approximately a 45 minutes ride. No no no, you can't really feel the G force but it is fast that's for sure! Also, the food they serve in here, TASTYLICIOUS. The train ride cost RM35 (USD 10).

I'm very very very active in Youtube, that includes making my own videos too. So, I did a video of my trip in Taichung just like I did with Tao Yuan. So here's the video! Be sure to check it out and subscribe to my channel too!

I met up with a guy called Andy. He looked snobbish at first but damn we got along very very well and he's the best buddy I have in Taiwan. Yea, we still keep in close touch. Taiwanese loves coffee as much as they love "Boba" / bubble tea. Andy brought me to an awesome coffee house, Jim Studio. This coffee house is famously known for the owner's speciality which he can draw a portrait of basically ANYONE on a cup of coffee. Sat down with Jim, had a little chat and yes, he knows Sabah as he went to Sabah to conquer Mount Kinabalu before.

You know what else is famous in Taiwan? Scooters! Also known as mopeds. Probably it is a convenient way to navigate. Another reason is because the price of petrol or gasoline in Taiwan is utterly expensive. Here are some pictures of girls on scooters. Oh! Also, one with a dog too! That's right, a dog on a scooter. How adorable :) 

I didn't really get to go sightseeing as my schedules were very tight. However, I did took a stroll along the streets somewhere near to my hotel. I was staying in a famous chain hotel in Taiwan called the Holiday Inn. Wherever you go in Taiwan, Holiday Inn is in every district/states. I highly recommend this hotel because their hospitality, facilities, cleanliness. and services are off the charts! 10/10 indeed. Mind you, it is a hotel, not a resort.

Ooops, this was the one in Tao Yuan. Didn't get to take a picture of the one in Taichung :/

Not forgetting about the tea. I love Taiwanese tea! They're delicious and full of taste. Genuine Taiwanese tea will definitely stimulate your taste buds. Besides brewed tea, I got to taste the Oolong Tea in a bottle I got from a vending machine. A gulp is all I need for ultimate freshness. in Taiwan and Biji Pinang in Malaysia. 

Last but not least, Betel nuts. Have you heard of it? It is known as Pinang Xi Shi (槟榔西施) in Taiwan and Biji Pinang in Malaysia. Some called it as the Taiwan Bubble Gum. If you're driving in Taiwan, you'll notice that there are huts by the roadside illuminated with colourful lights and is taken care by gorgeous and sexy dressed girls. Fear or shock not as it is famous in Taiwan. Drivers would drop by to get Betel nuts or cigarettes from the huts. If you're looking for a chance to get down and dirty with the girls, you'll have to negotiate. Well, here's a documentary someone did on Youtube about Betel Nuts in Taiwan. It is thorough and well explained especially about the history of Betel Nuts. Taiwan Chewing Gum (Betel Nuts) Documentary.

I went to a famous night market in Taichung but I was too exhausted for anything. As for me, I would definitely find my way back to Taiwan to have a proper stay and vacation. I love the culture and people there. Loyal, respectful, disciplines, and hard working. The only thing I don't like is the fact that I'm not staying there which I wish I could. I'll probably go back to Taiwan by end of this year hopefully.

I hope you enjoy this post, let me know what you think about Taiwan in the comment section below. Also, let me know what you're looking forward to see me post in my blog. Don't forget to check out my Youtube channel and subscribe. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook too! 

Thank you so much for supporting, as always, be nasty stay happy! Much love, Nath,

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