Pole Stars 2013 – Sam Sam and Esther – Part 1

At the recent Malaysia Pole Championship 2013, some of the finest international practitioners presented jaw-dropping performances.

Swinging out of strip clubs into gyms, pole dancing evolved into an art-form combining acrobatics, gymnastics and modern dance. Whether performed as an exercise, for sports or for competition, it requires strength, stamina, agility and grace.

My favourite duo at the event was Sam Sam and Esther who presented a beautifully-choreographed routine incorporating mime on the floor and a very powerful, synchronised act up on the poles.

The special event at Black Box Theatre, MAP @ Publika was organised by Viva Vertical and Viva Circus.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 1600, f3.5, 1/320 sec.

Pole Stars 2013 - Sam Sam and Esther - Part 1

Rainforest Challenge – RFC 2010: The Twilight Zone

Page 1: All-Terrain | Page 2: South China Sea | Page 3: Twilight Zone | Page 4: Healing

After the Prologue Stage, I re-joined the RFC trail from Kluang in Johor. The road to the South China Sea took me through elephant country via Kahang. From Jemaluang, it was another long drive through the vast FELDA Tenggaroh settlements, before reaching the final stage of the RFC, in the area nicknamed the Twilight Zone. The participants camped at a very beautiful and remote beach north of Cape Leman… (see 22 pics over 4 pages)

Beautiful Malaysia

Beautiful Malaysia

Having missed the convoy, I was at first unsure if this lonesome path leads to the Twilight Zone. It turned out to be the most amazing journey, ever! Ended up driving on the longest deserted beach for twelve long kilometres, sandwiched by the fast rising tide of the South China Sea and impenetrable mangrove swamps.

Small Town Girl

Small Town Girl

Earlier, at the first stop after Kluang, little Kahang town is as small as it gets. As with every such town, there is a kopitiam tucked at a corner. Except now, it is called a cafe and the daughter is armed with pen and pad.

Apocalypse Not

Apocalypse Not

It is replanting time, and the landscape at the FELDA oil palm plantations appear surreal and eerie.

Lovers' Corner

Lovers’ Corner

I stumbled upon this shady corner where whispering couples shared fleeting, romantic moments. Maybe what the world needs is more love and less plantations…

Operasi Lalang

Operasi Lalang

After a long drive down a muddy road, I knew we were getting close to the sea when casuarina trees outnumbered the lalang grass.

Cool Sea

Cool Ocean

When we arrived at Base Camp 4, it was almost dark and already time to set up tents. The eastern horizon fades with a calming blueish green tint…

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All pictures captured with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 camera by TV Smith

Page 1: All-Terrain | Page 2: South China Sea | Page 3: Twilight Zone | Page 4: Healing

Rainforest Challenge – RFC 2010: Prologue Special Stage

From the Official Opening in Nusajaya, the RFC convoy traveled to Sutera Mall in Skudai. The RFC Prologue Stage is usually held at an accessible place to give the public a chance to view the action up-close.

For the competitors, it also serves as a preface to the challenges that lie ahead in the Johor rainforest. Like last year, the area around Sutera Mall takes on a carnival-like atmosphere as 4wd vehicles and their fans congregate…

Smooth Sailing, Metaphorically

Smooth sailing, metaphorically...

Losing Your Shirt, Literally

Losing your shirt, literally...

Indonesian Husband-Wife Team Overuled By The Marshall

Indonesian husband-wife team overruled by the Marshall

The Winch Man

The Winch Man and Navigator is the most important, operating outside the vehicle most of the time

Something Was Bubbling Underwater. A Triumphant Diver Emerges With A Lost Item

Something was bubbling under the mud (left) - A triumphant 'diver' emerges with a lost item (right)

Getting Out Of A Rut

Getting out of a rut

ATV Action

ATV Action. Motorbikes and ATVs compete in their own category

Family Outing

Family outing in a H3. There are several Hummers in JB including the original H1 (Hum-Vee) and H2

Previous: RFC 2010 Official Opening at Kota Iskandar

Jump to: The Twilight Zone SS by the South China Sea

See last year’s coverage: RFC 2009

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