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Get animated with Cartoon Network in Singapore

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The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, Adventure Time and Ben 10 come to life with giant inflatables, carnival games and workshops

Animate Your Life @ Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

26 May – 10 June 2018; Prices start from RM37.50++

Animate your Life LogoLooking for something to do with the entire family? Cartoon Network invites you to enter a world of animation at the Animate Your Life festival in Singapore – a 16-day celebration of fans, fun and fans of fun!

From Saturday 26 May to Sunday 10 June, Cartoon Network Animate Your Life will transform Gardens by the Bay’s Bayfront Plaza into a thriving world of cartoons. Bringing characters from hit shows – The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, Adventure Time and Ben 10 to life – the festival will offer a fairground of fun inflatable obstacle courses, carnival games and creative workshops.

Guests can look forward to the following activities:

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Enter the famous city of Townsville and soar with Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup on a giant trampoline ride! Also make sure to check out the Cartoon Network art gallery, where a series of international artworks will be displayed in celebration of The Powerpuff Girls’ 20th anniversary.

Looking to get creative? Cartoon Network has also partnered with local artist group, Band of Doodlers to create a special Powerpuff Girls tribute. The live installation will be unveiled on Sunday, 27 May from 4pm; and everyone is invited to leave their mark!

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Take a trip to the Land of Ooo and get lost in a maze with best buds Finn and Jake! Then, step into a magical Candy Kingdom with your favourite Adventure Time characters; Marceline, Princess Bubblegum and Lumpy Space Princess!

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The bear bros are in the house and ready for fun! Splash-down the log-ride inflatable slide into a colourful ball-pit. Match-up and stack-up with a giant Bear Stack, or just snap a selfie in the cave that Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear call home.

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It’s Hero Time! Ben Tennyson has harnessed the power of the Omnitrix and wants to put it in your hands! Join the Ben 10 Boot Camp and navigate through a series of exciting obstacles courses. Then, get a group photo with Ben and his aliens in front of a cool trick-mirror.

If that isn’t enough to get you to make your way down to Singapore, Cartoon Network Animate Your Life will also offer a mix of fun activities including:

  1. An interactive Animate Yourself booth where you can create your own likeness as your favourite character and print it on a t-shirt.
  2. A mix of exciting carnival games testing your agility, accuracy and skill.
  3. A chance to learn more about Cartoon Network’s first branded cruise liner – Cartoon Network Wave. Designed for everyone who’s young at heart, Cartoon Network Wave presents an immersive fun zone, giving you a glimpse of adventures on-board the world’s first toon vacation at sea.
  4. A line-up of weekend workshops hosted by leading figures from the animation world primed to spark your creativity. Conducted every Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm; the workshops will teach you how to draw some of Cartoon Network’s most loved characters, offer voice-over challenges and give you a chance to participate in making a stop-animation video. [For more information about each workshop session, refer to Annex A below]

Cartoon Network Animate Your Life will open from Monday to Thursday 3-9pm and from Friday to Sunday from 3-11pm. Games, mascot appearances and show screenings are also scheduled throughout the day.

Visit Animate.CartoonNetworkAsia.com for more details and hashtag #CartoonNetwork and #CNAnimateYourLife to share the fun. 

Cartoon Network Animate Your Life is co-presented by Prudential Singapore and Cartoon Network Wave, the soon-to-launch, fully-branded cruise liner. The event is also supported by Singapore Tourism Board’s Leisure Events Fund, Official Radio Partner CLASS 95 and Supporting Radio Partner 987, and Official Multimedia Partner Singtel.

Admission details

Visitors can purchase same-day tickets at the site entrance, or pre-order online at http://www.apactix.com/events/detail/CN-animate-your-life. Ticket prices and special bundle prices as listed below:

Adult Ticket (Age 18+) RM 54 + GST
Child Ticket (Age 2-12) RM 37.50 + GST
Student Ticket (up to Tertiary with student card) RM 45 + GST
Family Pack (2 Adults + 2 Kids) RM 150 + GST (18% discount)
Friends Pack (4 Students up to Tertiary with student card) RM 144 + GST (20% discount)

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Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Watch Outlander

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(Picture source: Starz.com)

If you are obsessed with Game of Thrones (GoT), then you would love Outlander. Based on a book series by Diana Gabaldon, we follow the story of a WW2 combat nurse who, through the magic of some time portal stones in the Scottish countryside, finds herself transported back in time to Scotland in 1743.

From its story line, cinematography and characters, here are the top 10 reasons why you should watch Outlander.

 

1. Claire Fraser

Claire Fraser played by Caitriona Balfe (Picture source: Starz.com)

Claire Fraser (played by the flawless Caitriona Balfe) is definitely Kajo girl-material.

As one of the main protagonist in the series, she is a combat nurse from 1940s England.

As a woman ahead of her own time, she fiercely values her own independence and freedom.

Even in tough times, she stubbornly refuses to be part of any patriarchal social system or take orders blindly without questioning them.

However, there are a few times in the series where her need to make a stand (usually at the wrong time) can make you grab your hair in frustration because it usually gets her in trouble.

2. Jamie Fraser

Jamie Fraser played by Sam Hueghan (Picture source: Starz.com)

Just watching Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan)  is enough to turn anybody into a fictiophilia.

If you’re wondering how to pronounce Sam’s last name, in a 2013 Facebook post where Outlander author Diana Gabaldon first announces Heughan as Jamie Fraser, she relates how she asked him to pronounce his last name: “HEW-an is good or if you can, insert the Scottish throat clearing/spitting sound in the middle… HewCH-an. Hard to get right first time without spraying close friends with saliva.”

3. Time traveling factor

Claire travel back in time to the 1700s Scotland (Picture source: Starz.com)

While on a second-honeymoon in Scotland with her husband Frank Randall (played by honey-voiced Tobias Menzies), Claire accidentally time travels to the 1700s through a circle of standing stones.

In her confusion, there she first bumps into Jonathan ‘Jack Black’ Randall, a mirror-image of her husband Frank. (If you’ve been paying attention from the beginning of the episode, you’ll find out how they’re related.) Eventually, she will bump into Jamie Fraser’s clan, and she will eventually learn of the Highlander struggle for Scottish independence from the English.

If you think that Outlander is going to be one of those typical time travel stories where either one of them has to follow the other to the future or stay back in the past, you’re almost right.

4. The unnecessarily attractive cast of Outlander

Is it necessary that they all have to be attractive?

Apart from our favourite couple Jamie and Claire, the cast of Outlander look more like runway models.

While most of them might be covered in dirt, blood, sweat and tears, they are still insanely gorgeous at the same time.

It is also unfair that Jamie and Claire have an unnecessarily attractive daughter as well (oops….spoiler alert).

5. The many Vogue-worthy moments (mainly Claire’s wardrobe)

While the clothes from the 1700s in Europe look suffocating and heavy, that does not mean they have to be unfashionable.

From season 1, Claire’s outfits have been eyecatching and praise-worthy. However, the stakes in fashion really got an upgrade in Outlander when they moved to France.

6. The books by Diana Gabaldon are still ongoing!

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The Outlander series has eight books (Picture source: Pixabay)

Outlander is the same as GoT in that the series is based on a series of books.

First started by Diana Gabaldon as a personal project on what it took to write a novel, today the Outlander series have spanned  eight books… and two decades. The first one was published in 1991, and the latest, Written in my own heart’s blood, in 2014.

Like GoT, the series is yet to be completed, with the ninth one – Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone – forthcoming and fans are dying to know what happens next.

7. Scotland: A holiday-mode destination

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Scotland (Picture source: Pixabay)

Taking place in historical Scotland, the series were shot in numerous places such as the Doune Castle, Stirling; East Linton, East Lothian, Newtonmre in the Scottish Highland, Rothiemurchus Forest; Bathgate; West Lothian and Aberfoyle, Stirling.

While watching Outlander, one can’t resist but think of it as a traveling channel as you might find yourself unintentionally planning an imaginary vacation to Scotland.

8. Stay for the history

Jamie and Jack Randall during the Battle of Culloden (Picture source: Starz.com)

While the characters may be fictional, some of the plot lines in the series are based on real events and sometimes refer to real people throughout history.

In the final episode of Season 2, the storyline is set in the time of the Battle of Culloden which took place in April 16th, 1746.

9. Plenty of time to catch up

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Something to binge-watch (Picture source: Pixabay)

As of now, Outlander has produced three seasons with 16 episodes in Season 1 and 13 episodes for both Season 2 and 3 respectively.

So if you are planning to watch the latest season, you have plenty of time to catch up.

Apart from that, the straightforward and uncomplicated plot line makes it easy for fans to process and digest.

10. Outlander has been renewed for two more seasons!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzQcnVVhDAg

According to some reports, Outlander has been given a two-season renewal, taking the series into six seasons.

Season 4 of Outlander is set to air sometime in November this year.  The latest season is said to be based on Diana Gabaldon’s fourth book, Drums of Autumn.

To know more, click here.

 

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Asian female ghosts who made it to the big screen

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Some say anything men can do, women can do better, which is probably applicable in the case of haunting people as well.

Asia being the Earth’s largest continent, is rich with legends, folktales, myths and of course ghost stories.

And the main characters of these haunting stories are mainly women. (The idea of a woman with long unruly hair appearing out of nowhere in the middle of the night does seem scarier than a short-haired man with a potbelly.)

Asian female ghosts have always been the central plot in many famous movies including Japanese film The Ring (1998) and Thai flick Nang Nak (1999).

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Here are just some of the Asian female ghosts who are the subject matters of many horror movies:

1.Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Thailand)

Mae Nak Phra Khanong or Mae Nak is one of the most famous Thai female ghost. According to local legend, her story took place during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868).

Nak was a young woman married to Mak. When Mak was sent to war, Nak and their child died in childbirth. When Mak returns home, however, he finds her there with their child waiting for him.

Those who dare to warn Mak that he is living with a ghost are all killed.

Mae Nak appears in a long list of films from the 1950s including Nang Nak (1999), Ghost of Mae Nak (2005), Pee Mak (2013) and Make Me Shudder 2 (2014).

2.Krasue (Thailand)

Krasue is a young and beautiful female ghost with her internal organs dangling down from the neck (perhaps not so beautiful after all).

She has been making movie appearances since the 70s with film like Krasue Sao (1973) where she fights with a fellow krasue.

Showing her versatility, she also appears in erotic movies like Wan Krasue Sao (2013) and Krasue Rak Krasue Sawat (2014).

3.Nang Tani (Thailand)

Nang Tani is of the few Asian female ghosts who happens to be a tree-hugger.

She haunts wild banana trees and only becomes visible during the full moon.

Men who have wronged women, beware! They usually become her victims. But most of the time, she is reportedly benevolent.

Nang Tani’s earliest appearanceon the big screen is in Thai classic Nang Phrai Tani (1967).

4.Nang Ta-khian (Thailand)

Just like Nang Tani, Nang Ta-khian is another tree-hugger.

Her choice of wood is the Ta-khian tree or Hopea odorata.

She usually appears in reddish or brownish traditional Thai attire.

This spirit was featured in self-titled films, Ta-khian (2003) and Nang Ta-khian (2010).

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Nang Ta-khian is believed to always haunt Ta-Khian trees. Credit: Pixabay.
5.Pop (Thailand)

Here comes a more malevolent female ghost. Pop is a cannibalistic spirit in Thai folklore who has a distinct taste for human viscera, or their internal organs.

There are plenty of movie appearances of Pop. One movie worth mentioning is Krasue Fat Pop (1999) where she had a girl fight with Krasue.

6.Pontianak (Malaysia)

If you are in Malaysia and you see a female ghost with long hair, chances are high it is a pontianak.

Similar to the Indonesian kuntilanak, she is a spirit of a woman who died while pregnant.

The most famous pontianak film in Malaysia is none other than Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam (2004).

Directed and written by Shuhaimi Baba, the film was a major box office success in Malaysia.

7.Sundel Bolong (Indonesia)

Another ill-fated female ghost, Sundel Bolong is the soul of a woman who died when she was pregnant but against all odds gave birth in her grave.

Some said she died during childbirth and curiously the baby came out from her back.

Legend has it she does not handle rejection gracefully. If a man rejects her, she castrates him.

Sundel Bolong appeared in her self-titled 1981 adult horror film and Legenda Sundel Bolong (2007).

8.Wewe Gombel (Indonesia)

This female ghost embraces the body-positivity movement. Clearly in need of a nip-tuck, Wewe Gombel has long, hanging breasts and kidnaps children.

Wewe Gombel was once a barren wife who caught her husband cheating on her. When she killed her adulterous husband,  the villagers went after her.

She eventually committed suicide but her spirit lingers on.

Wewe Gombel kidnaps mistreated or neglected children and takes care of them.

In movies, she has appeared in Wewe Gombel (1988) and Legenda Wewe Gombel (2012).

9.Kuchisake-onna (Japan)

After being mutilated by her husband for an alleged affair with a samurai, Kuchisake-onna (which means ‘slit-mouth woman’) like many Asian female ghosts, returns as a vengeful spirit.

She is known to give trick questions to her victims. According to modern legend, if she asks a potential victim, “Am I pretty?” and the answer is “no”, she kills them with a pair of scissors.

If the potential victim answers “Yes”, she takes off her mask revealing her husband’s handiwork and then asks again, “How about now?”

A no will lead you to be cut in half, a yes will leave you with a slit mouth like hers. It seems like a no-win situation, but local lore suggests that there is a method to elude her which is asking her back whether you are pretty, or answering ‘so-so’ which will make her stop and think, thus giving you time to escape.

In Japan, she has appeared in movies such as Slit Mouth Woman in LA (2014) and even in manga and anime.

10.Manananggal (Philippines)

Manananggal is a hideous, blood-sucking female vampire or monster which can split from her lower torso before flying into the night looking for victim.

Her choice of victims are sleeping, pregnant women (or simply those who are asleep… comforting thought, isn’t it?).

She spearheaded the Filipino horror movie industry with her silent movie aptly named Manananggal (1927).

Besides that, she also appears in Shake, Rattle & Roll (1984), Impaktita (1989) and Manananggal in Manila (1997).

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Asian horror movies based on real haunted places

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Art imitates life, even in Asian horror movies, which shows how movie-makers draw their inspirations from their surroundings when making a film. And what more inspiration for a horror movie other than an actual haunted place?

Here are some Asian horror movies inspired by places with supernatural and unexplained histories:

1.Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

The Movie: The crew of a horror web series go to an abandoned asylum for a live broadcast. In true horror flick fashion, the whole trip becomes their worst nightmare.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted Place: This South Korean movie is based on one of the freakiest places on the planet according to CNN.

Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital in Gwangju was once a fully operational medical centre when suddenly, according to local legend, patients started dying mysteriously.

Now, it is an abandoned building filled with urban legends and ghost stories.

Urban legends vary, some claim there was a mad doctor who tormented patients and one of the more famous versions is that the owner himself was insane. He was said to be keeping his patients incarcerated until he fled to the US in 1996.

The hospital was forced to close seemingly in hurry because medical records, patients’ private possessions were still there.

A less exciting, yet equally grisly explanation for the condition of Gonjiam Psychiatric hospital is that it closed due to unsanitary living conditions along with a malfunctioning sewage disposal system and that its owner just fled the country instead.

2. Lawang Sewu: Dendam Kuntilanak (2007)

The Movie: A group of high school students from Jakarta are trapped in Lawang Sewu in Semarang, Indonesia. After one of them urinates in the complex but does not reappear, the rest come to look for her. One of them also happens to be menstruating when she enters the complex, which incurs the additional wrath of the ghosts and spirits within Lawang Sewu.

To their horror, they are haunted by several ghosts and angry spirits which include that of a Dutch woman, a man who had a ball and chain wrapped around his leg, and of course a Kuntilanak (an Indonesian version of a vampire).

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted Place: According to urban legend, a Dutch woman is believed to have committed suicide in Lawang Sewu. On top of that, when the Japanese invaded in the 1940s during World War II, they used part of the building as a prison where apparently some executions took place. Five employees working there and Indonesian fighters also died when Dutch forces attempted to retake Semarang by sneaking back into the city through the building’s tunnel systems.

So if you’re the superstitious type, there’s a lot of potentially unsettled spirits in this building.

Despite its haunted reputation, Lawang Sewu is actually an intricate, colonial era building. Lawang Sewu itself means ‘thousand doors’ in Javanese which derived from the building’s numerous doors and about 600 large windows.

Construction started in 1904 and was used by the first Dutch East Indies railway company Nederlandsch-Indische Maatshappij in the Dutch East Indies in 1907.

Although renovations over the years have not returned the building to its full glory, the Semarang city government is still working on shedding Lawang Sewu’s supernatural reputation by repurposing it into an active social space.

3. Highland Tower (2013)

The Movie: Highland Tower (2013) is a Malay-language film directed by Pierre Andre. It follows a TV host named Shima working on a documentary based on the 1993 Highland Towers collapse.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted Place: The Highland Towers were three similar 13-storey apartment buildings in Ulu Klang, in Selangor, Malaysia.

Sadly on Dec 11, 1993, Block 1 of the Highland Towers collapsed resulting in the deaths of 48 people. The remaining two blocks were evacuated due to safety reasons.

This led to the two remaining buildings becoming a hideout for criminals and drug addicts.

4.Villa Nabila (2015)

The Movie: The film starts with a disappearance of a teenager at an abandoned house called Villa Nabila in Johor.

It is presented in documentary style in which a few people who claim to experience the supernatural were interviewed.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted place: Villa Nabila is an abandoned house in Johor Bahru, Malaysia overlooking the Straits of Johor.

According to local legend, there was once a wealthy Caucasian family that lived there. Tragically, somebody murdered the whole family.

Another tale shares a story of wealthy parents who died leaving a daughter named Nabila.

Allegedly, the maid killed Nabila and cemented her body in one of the walls of the house.

5.Karak (2011)

The Movie: Asian horror movies love to revolve around horrified students just like those in Karak (2011).

This film tells the story of four students heading back to their college in Kuantan after a night out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

They encounter a massive traffic jam on the Karak highway and decide to use an alternative route.

And that is when the horror begins.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted Place: Karak Highway was built in 1970 and was opened to the public in 1977. One of the famous tragedies that took place there was a road accident in 1990 which saw 17 people killed.

The death toll includes 11 Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) police personnel during a collision involving more than 10 vehicles.

This 60km highway also carries a number of other ghost stories such as a yellow Volkswagen which disrupts road users and a wandering school boy looking for his mother.

6.Haunted Changi (2010)

The Movie: Asian horror movies, like their western counterparts, like to explore the terrifying experience of fimmakers or TV crew with behind-the-scenes or found footage concepts.

This is what you’ll find with Singaporean movie Haunted Changi (2010) which follows a group of local filmmakers investigating Old Changi Hospital.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted Place: The British government built this hospital in 1935. It was used as a military hospital during Japanese occupation in World War II.

Unsurprisingly, some said the souls of Japanese occupation victims roam this site.

Moreover, there have been reported sightings of homeless ghosts, patients who died in the hospital and a nurse carrying a baby.

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5 viral dance moves which took Malaysia by storm

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Nothing brings people together better than viral dance moves. Generally Malaysians have accepted viral dance moves with open arms and sometimes with a lot of sense of humour.

But of course, some of the viral dance moves that came were not without controversy. That being said, here are five viral dance moves which took Malaysia by storm over the past couple of decades:

1. Panama

2018 became the year for the Panama Dance Challenge. “Panama” is a catchy 2013 Romanian pop song by Matteo.

The basic moves include drawing a ‘Z’ in the air, doing the hula twice and then a twerk. (Can you tell I’ve tried it?)

Various Malaysian agencies created their own videos including Perlis Road Transport Department, Selayang Hospital and Hulu Selangor Health Department, showing a lighthearted side to these government departments.

Some religious leaders came out against the dance, however, citing the mixing between the sexes and the dance moves were against Islamic teachings.

2.Harlem Shake

Harlem Shake is more of an Internet move rather than a dance move.

The remakes of Harlem Shake videos usually consist of costumed people dancing to Baauer’s “Harlem Shake”.

The original Harlem Shake dance comes from Harlem, New York in the 1980s involving a street and hip hop dance.

As for this viral Harlem Shake, it starts with one costumed person dancing alone to the obliviousness of a whole room full of people. When the bass drops, the entire group starts shaking throughout the rest of the video.

In Malaysia, NuffNang group, Hong Leong Bank, the hitz.fm teams all posted their own versions back in 2013.

3.Gangnam Style

The horse dance of “Gangnam Style” by Psy took the world by storm back in 2012.

This viral dance move even had world leaders such as the former British Prime Minister David Cameron, US President Barack Obama and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon jumping on their feet.

Jumping on the bandwagon, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak even invited Psy to perform in Penang back in February 2013.

4.Asereje

Before there was Despacito, the most famous Spanish song in Malaysia was “The Ketchup Song” or “Asereje” (2002).

Who can forget the signature dance move which consisted of waving your hand over the other, then tossing the thumb over the shoulder?

After the dance went viral, the song became controversial with rumours stating it had references to Satanism.

5.Macarena

The trailblazer of all famous Spanish songs in Malaysia is none other than “Macarena” (1993) by Los del Rio. (And this is without the help of the Internet.)

If you have lived through the 90s, your body will automatically remember this dance move which involves alot of criss-crossing of arms from your head to your hips, ending with a hip shake and a “Hey” before you turn to face another direction. It’s easy, and the steps are slow enough for people of all ages to learn and follow.

“Macarena” is the name of a woman, which in Spanish means ‘Mother of God’. The song itself describes how Macarena was heartbroken when her boyfriend left to join the army. So in retaliation she went out to dance with other soldiers, which is why everybody in the song is dancing.

Cover photo: “Gangnam Style” literally put this district on the map for the global audience. You’ll find this statue at the East Gate of Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam, Seoul. Not only that, when you stand below the hands, “Gangnam Style” will be played. -Photo credit Gangnam Tourist Information Center 

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Your Rainforest World Music Festival Practical Guide

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The 21st Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is coming this July 13 to 15!

It is a music festival like no other with world musicians from around the globe under one roof.

The festival is formulated to have interactive workshops in the afternoon and mind-blowing performances in the evening.

With Sarawak Cultural Village as its venue and Mount Santubong in the background, RWMF is an epitome of how indigenous music should be shared and appreciated.

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 9
Have you bought your tickets yet to Rainforest World Music Festival 2018?

If you are planning to go, here is KajoMag’s practical guide to enjoying the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) :

1. Be there early.

Avoid the long queue at the entrance by coming early to the venue. Don’t forget to print your personal copy of your tickets or download it to your devices.

2. Don’t bring sharp items

There will be a security check at the entrance so do not bring sharp items to RWMF. And of course, no drugs are permitted.

3. No outside food and drink

Security will also check your bags for food and drink at the entrance. Even little things like your favourite mints or chewing gum are not allowed to RWMF. Don’t worry, food and drink are available at the venue.

4.You can bring your mats

Make yourself comfortable and bring your lawn chairs or mats. Some sellers at the craft bazaar do sell the traditional woven mats but stocks can be limited or they might be too big.

If you don’t want to take any chances, bring your own lawn chairs or mats.

Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival 4
You can always plop yourself on a mat if you want to.
5.Protect yourself from UV rays!

RWMF is held in Kuching, Malaysia which is obviously located in a tropical country. Men might not care about this tip, but girls, do protect your skin by slapping on those sunscreen.

6. And a raincoat!

Even though the monsoon, or landas season, isn’t until December to March, there have been times when Kuching has been deluged by rain during RWMF.

A raincoat is a saviour for when you want to continue to dance in the rain. You might not able to save your slippers while dancing in the mud but at least you can protect your body.

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If it raining at night, you might need to dance in the rain so bring a raincoat!
7.Stuff them all in a dry bag

Speaking of raining during RWMF, a dry bag is very handy during RWMF. You can put all your important stuff like your wallet, camera and handphone in your dry bag. The festival venue, Sarawak Cultural Village, is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, so you’ll be able to enjoy the sun, surf and sand in before, after or between the music.

8. Shoo away those insects!

If you do not want to be distracted by mosquitoes or sand flies, spray on some insect repellent.

9. Bring along that power bank

One of RWMF’s most practical guidelines is to bring along your power bank. A proper power source to charge your handphones during RWMF is usually hard to find.

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This fellow might not be there to provide you with a fully charged power bank this year.
10. Have fun!
Your Practical Guides to Rainforest World Music Festival
Participate in at least one of the dance workshops!

In the afternoon, there are so many workshops to choose from. Pick at least one dance workshop to participate in. Nobody will judge you for having two left feet at RWMF. Be respectful toward other festival-goers and keep an open mind on learning about other people’s culturse.

Last but not least do not forget to have fun, fun, fun!

We hope that you find these Rainforest World Music Festival practical guidelines useful!

 

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KajoPicks: Top Korean Drama Series With Deeper Messages

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(Picture source: Pixabay)

We all love Korean drama series for their fantastic plots and characters.

While some might love them because of their favourite actors or actresses, other might be into them because of their gripping plots.

Since there are too many Korean drama series out there, we thought you might need some recommendations on which series to binge watch in one weekend.

This Kajo-list features some of the series that not only have great plots but deliver deeper messages through its stories.

  1. Cross (16 episodes)

The medical scene has never looked darker than in this Korean drama series.

It tells the story of a young doctor plotting revenge against an illegal organ trader who murdered his father. This is because his father has a rare blood type thus making his organs valuable for organ transplants.

However, things are not as simple as tracking the bad guy down, injecting him with some dangerous medicine and leaving him to die. He soon finds out that the illegal organ trading business goes deeper, involving people that he did not expect.

While the revenge plot and near-death scenes are enough to leave you hyperventilating, Cross highlights illegal organ trading among the poverty ridden people.

  1. Misty (16 episodes)

Misty is a combination of Scandal and Sherlock Holmes. This drama series features a strong, intelligent anchor woman thrown into a murder scandal involving her ex-boyfriend/lover. Having been charged with murder, her still-in-love-with-yet-distant lawyer husband defends her.

It has a brilliant plot that weaves in the main character’s scandalous affair with her work as a media person.

Superficially, Misty looks like a story of rekindling lost love. But it highlights the restriction on media freedom in uncovering stories to reveal the truth.

  1. Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me (20 episodes)

In Korean culture, a ‘black knight’ means a guy who takes a shot of alcohol on your behalf. But if you expect this series to be about binge-drinking, think again.

Black Knight is about a businessman (who seems to have way too much money to spend) reconciling with his childhood crush, a travel agent. Their love story spans over 200 years as they were also lovers in their past lives.

He set out to save a town from the brink of being destroyed to be developed into high-end apartments and stores with her help.

Set in modern Korea, this drama series takes on the issue of conserving old traditional buildings to preserve culture.

  1. Mother (16 episodes)

I challenge anyone to watch this Korean drama series without shedding any tears!

Mother is an adaptation from a Japanese series of the same name. This Korean drama series tells how ornithologist Kang Soo Jin rescued a girl, Kim Hye Na, who was being abused by her mother and boyfriend. To cover her identity, she posed as the child’s mother.

While the story may be tear-jerking, it highlights the issue of domestic abuse against children. Hye Na’s on-point portrayal as an abused child captures the emotion of a defenseless child secretly pleading for help while at the same time putting up a brave front as she faces daily abuse from her mother and her boyfriend.

As a stranger, Soo Jin’s ability to recognise child abuse and take action is what society should do for abused children.

  1. Bad Guys 2: City of Evil (16 episodes)

The real reason why I get hooked on this series was because I really liked the first Bad Guy series.  (cough Park Hae Jin)

So, naturally, I thought the second one should be as good, if not better.

With a team of originally seven people (then three), Bad Guys 2 explores the corruption of those in power. Among those involved are prosecutors, politicians, the police force, chaboels and gangsters.

Filled with well-choreographed fight scenes, this series is the definition of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

  1. Revolutionary Love (16 episodes)

Don’t be deceived by the title. Revolutionary Love might sound like your typical sappy love story, but it actually explores the theme of employees and labour rights.

It features a sheltered chabeol heir who falls in love with a poor girl who has too many part-time jobs.

Through her and his reluctant – also poor -best friend, he soon realises his father’s unjust treatment of the employees. Soon, he begins to fight for the employees rights.

Anybody who has experience working for a company with bad policies and bosses can relate.

  1. Witch’s Court (16 episodes)

Witch’s Court is a Korean drama series that I truly appreciate – it does not feature the typical optimistic and cheerful female lead.

The lead character is unique because she is the anti-hero type. Known to be devious, she eventually learns to be compassionate as she helps sexual victims.

It highlights victims of sexual crimes and how often they go unnoticed.

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Marvel Cinematic Universe: Where art thou Soul Stone?

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If you are following the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) closely, then you know that the final Infinity Stone, the Soul Stone has yet to show up.

Fans are racking their brains trying to figure out where – or when – the Soul Stone might appear. Even the directors of Avengers: Infinity War, Anthony and Joe Russo are trolling fans with this tweet:

And of course, the brothers are not answering their own question.

Nonetheless, here is a list of theories fans have come up with so far on the Soul Stone’s location:

It may not be a stone at all, but a planet?

This sixth and final Infinity stone gives users power to control souls.

On top of that, it is able to send them to another dimension called ‘Soul World’. So is the orange planet the Soul World?

Screen Rant theorised that the orange planet is the Soul Stone, or at least a manifestation of it as the first trailer of Avengers: Infinity War starts with a shot of an orange planet while the Soul Stone in Guardians of the Galaxy to be orange.

However, some said this theory has been debunked. The orange planet is actually Titan, Thanos’ home. But what if the stone had been with Thanos all this time?

The Soul Stone is in Wakanda?

Both trailers show an epic battle happening in an African country, most probably in Wakanda. Could the final Infinity Stone be kept at the home of Black Panther?

Some fans believed vibranium is not the only secret Wakanda is keeping, but also the Soul Stone’s location.

It is with Iron-Man

The theory of Tony Stark having the Soul Stone came after the promo art of Avengers: Infinity War was published.

The art shows where each of Infinity Stones first debuted in MCU.

For example, the Space Stone (Tesseract) was in Captain America: The First Avengers while the Power Stone was in Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Reality Stone (Aether) was in Thor: The Dark World; Vision has the Mind Stone in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Doctor Strange was holding the Time Stone aka the Eye of Agamotto without realising it.

And there is an illustration of the Soul Stone with Iron-Man. Does this mean it has been with Tony all this while?

Another reason to back up this theory is, in Iron Man 3, Tony tosses the arc reactor in his chest into the ocean but in Avengers: Infinity War, he has a new arc reactor.

Thus, fans are claiming the new arc reactor might be the Soul Stone.

Infinity Stone Promo Art. from r/marvelstudios


It lies within Heimdall

This is seems a bit far-stretched but some fans are speculating the Soul Stone is with Heimdall. This explains why he can see ‘every soul’ across the Nine Realms.

All we fans can do for now, other than theorising, is to wait for Avengers: Infinity War to premiere on April 2018.

Watch the trailer here.

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Subway, the most famous sandwich in Korean drama-land

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Subway is one of the most famous product placement (PPLs) brands in Korean dramas.

You’ll see everybody eating it, whether they’re on a date, saving a life or taking a break.

No matter how many times they feature the sandwiches being elegantly devoured by flawless Korean actors and actresses though, the American sandwich still seems out of place.

As a viewer, I perfectly understand PPLs are important to generate income for dramas, but having a Subway sandwich turn up in almost every corner of an episode seems to be pushing it.

For example, how would you comfort a guy who attempted to commit suicide? Do you recommend he gets counselling or do you hand him a Subway sandwich like Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo) did in Goblin (2017)?

My point is, the PPLs can get a tad ridiculous.

Nonetheless, I have to give credit to the writers for managing to insert an honest observation of the sandwich.

When Kim Shin tells Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) that she should have some while he himself is enjoying one, Ji replies “It’s expensive. How can we buy two?” Bingo!

Subway promotes itself in Korean dramas as the meal to have while on a break. You’ll see the Grim Reaper in Goblin eating alone at a Subway outlet after a long day at work.

What better way to end your day sending the dead to the afterlife by having an American sandwich right?

Who ate the most Subway sandwiches in Korean dramas?

Perhaps the people from a specific profession which had the most Subway sandwiches during their breaks in Korean drama-land are the doctors.

In Descendants of the Sun (2016), Dr Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye Kyo) had a few subtle scenes enjoying the sandwich while Good Doctor (2013), Dr Cha Yoon Seo (Moon Chae Yeon) is seen having a sandwich break with her colleagues at Subway.

Meanwhile, Dr Jung Yoon Do (Yoon Kyun Sang), Dr Jin Seo Woo (Lee Sung Kyung) and a few other colleagues also had their piece of sandwich action (keep it clean, people!) in Doctors (2016).

On top of being a quick grab for lunch, Subway sandwiches are also being advertised as the perfect food for a picnic date.

Of course when you are as beautiful as Yoona and your date is as hot as Ji Chang Wook like in K2 (2016), even the grass looks enticing to eat.

Subway also starred in Prime Ministers and I (2013), Defendant (2017) and Big Man (2014).

The product placement seems to be working well for Subway though. A quick glance at their website revealed that there were 313 stores in South Korea alone, while Malaysia has 220 outlets. (The latter might be debatable though, as there are only 52 locations posted on the website.)

Do you agree this American franchise is overdoing it when it comes to PPL in Korean dramas? Or does their marketing strategy work and make you crave for a Subway while you’re watching a K-drama? Let us know in the comment box!

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KajoPicks: 8 films about Mount Everest you must watch

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Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain, standing at its  official height of 8,848m.

While the rest of the world calls it Everest, the mountain is called Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet.

The name Everest was actually given by the Royal Geographical Society as suggested by the British Surveyor General of India, Andrew Waugh in 1865.

Waugh named it after his predecessor, Sir George Everest.

Even though more than 4,000 people have reached its peak since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953, hundreds  have died doing it, which is why its no surprise that Everest always make it into popular culture.

There are plenty of books, movies and documentaries out there telling tales of courageous humans pushing their limits to conquer Everest.

Here, we narrowed down eight films from all over the world on Mount Everest to watch:

1.Everest (2015)

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On May 10 to 11, 1996, eight people died while caught in a blizzard on Mount Everest.

This movie starring Jason Clarke and Jake Gyllenhaal, is based on that 1996 disaster.

A real tearjerker, the film focuses on the two expedition groups led by Rob Hall (Clarke) and Scot Fischer (Gyllenhall).

Overall, the film was a commercial blockbuster and received positive reviews from critics.

However, journalist Jon Krakauer who was on assignment from Outside magazine and part of Hall’s expedition team was not happy with the movie.

Krakauer thinks that some of its details were fabricated and defamatory.

The storyline for Everest (2015) is mostly adapted from Beck Weathers’ book Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest.

2. Into Thin Air: Death on Everest (1997)

p19867_d_v8_aaThis TV movie is according to Krakauer’s account of what happened during the 1996 Mount Everest tragedy.

It is based on Krakauer’s memoir Into Thin Air which received considerable amount of criticism.

For those with curious minds, they could watch both Everest (2015) and Into Thin Air: Death on Everest (1997) and compare the storylines.

3.The Himalayas (2015)

The_Himalayas_(film)_posterThe Himalayas (2015) is based on South Korean climber Um Hong Gil’s life.

It focuses on his mentorship of two other climbers Park Moo Taek and Park Jeong Bok.

Sadly, Moo Taek died during an expedition on Mount Everest and his body was left in the Himalayas.

The movie is based on real-life event of Um, set aside concerns over his leg injury to lead a team to find Moo Taek’s body.

4. Poorna: Courage Has No Limit (2017)

220px-Poorna_-_PosterMalavath Poorna conquered the summit of Mount Everest at the age of 13 years and 11 months earning the title as the youngest girl in the world to do so.

The movie follows her journey in preparation for her climb.

Keeping true to Poorna’s tribe, they speak in the native Telugu language.

Poorna: Courage Has No Limit (2017) was shot in Poorna’s home village in Pakala over a period of 11 days.

It was highly praised in the media including The Hindustan Times which stated “Poorna shows you that incredible stories can be told simply. Bollywood can learn from that.”

5. Beyond the Edge (2013)

Beyond-Final-Poster-BThis New Zealand docudrama is about Norgay and Hillary’s historical ascent of Everest in 1953.

The film features original footage and photographs from the expedition, lending the movie some authenticity.

There is also an audio interview with Hillary and narration by the expedition leader John Hunt.

6. Blindsight (2006)

p178743_p_v8_aa The climbers in this documentary do not climb Mount Everest but the 23,000 foot Lhakpa Ri mountain in the shadow of the Himalaya.

Blindsight follows the story of six blind Tibetan teenagers on their journey to climb Lhakpa Ri mountain.

The group had some help for their challenge, a blind German social worker Sabriye Tenberkan and famous blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer.

7. Everest (1998)

1789-everest-1998-poster-a-crop-203-286This 45-minute documentary focus on a team led by mountaineer Ed Viesturs.

He is the only American to have climbed all 14 of the world’s mountain peaks.

Some of his team members are Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of Tenzing Norgay and Spanish climber Araceli Segarra, the first Spanish woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.

It also features a description of the training required in order to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.

And the plus point for this documentary? Liam Neeson narrated this film.

8. Beyond the Heights (2015)

Beyond_the_HeightsAward-winning Pakistani cinematographer Jawad Sharif directed this inspiring 2015 documentary.

It follows the then 21-year old Samina Baig who became first Pakistani woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2013.

Samina was accompanied by her brother Miza Ali Baig. Miza was  the youngest Pakistani man to conquer Everest at the age of 29.

Apart from Everest, Samina also the first and only Pakistani woman to climb all seven summits on seven continents.

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