Once upon a couch-potato time. You are watching your fave sappy soapy opera or docu-over-the-top-real-life-drama on tv.What do you do when commercial break? Surfing the neighboring channel might be okay but please take the most of 5 minutes hiatus and be full alert to view what’s going on (Note : you gotta be open and release the knowledge in order to come to a higher understanding of reality).
Commercial reigns! May the infectious message they want to convey get into your state of mind. Countless product screaming in fashionably, creatively, out-of-the-box manner: “Notice Me”; I’m better than others”; “Using me and you’ll be drop dead georgeous”...begging and nagging your attention. Brand has a soul–so does the ambassador that becomes the spoke person for the good cause of that product she/he endorses.
Unfortunately, we sense and see a dismay distortion since observing the mismatch personality blends – between the brand and the ambassador - and keeps repeatedly over and over. 1. No offense to Sonia Wibisono – she’s a femme fatale, dress to kill and naturally born to 
defend the likes of Tatler and highly doses of socialite publication – not the generic, available-everywhere medicine, cheapo rice cooker – you name and count the product she fervently hard sells. 2. Queen of domestic kitchen, Farah Quinn; please slow your pace a while. Mom and 
housewife desperately want to look like you. Male watchers are keen and have sinful-delightful-indulgence watching your show. Try to carefully select the various product that being offered to you. Nough said before you are too soo overly-exposed. 3. Young at heart heroine Agnes Monica also rules the kingdom of commercial. Snack, biscuit,
phone operator, liquid cleaner, washing detergent, cloth softener, handphone are well...her major concentration and yeahh... predictable boring. Make a dramatic move Agnezmo! Exchange and explore different option – anybody could suggest a better, distinct role for Ms.A? 4. Have you ever noticed, her famous, catchy-signature line “Good job, I like it” made 
newly-weds Rianti Cartwright utilizes the sentence for assorted products she signs on? C’mon brand director be a lil’ smart --- it’s a big yes for one, same person using it – repeating it – chanting it exclusively for your solely product only and not others. 5. Everybody loves Baim! The boy wonder who steal our heart away with his chubby cheek, 
reddish lips and that big cutey eyes. From one “sinetron” to countless commercials. At first it was okay, but when one cellular provider using him as an endorser (and slightly outshine their previous ambassador, Yuni Shara’s boy-toy) it becomes...eerrk! It’s a little bit desperate to me. Using child as the main talent for non-child product? Like Baim’s famous line of praying “Ya Allah...tolong brand kami biar kelihatan banyak duit, mampu bayar seleb mana aja yang lagi ngehits dan bikin provider lain ngiri ya, Allah”
6. The Diva of falling in-out of love, Titi DJ, is one of the lucky celebrities. Her numerous 
romance with public figures not once shatterd her image. We all still love and adore her performance. Her vibrant personality can light up the room. You could have all night long girl’s talk over Margarita and chick-flick marathon. But not over washing clothes and talk about dirty laundry (in litteral meaning). I know she’s a mom of four but her image never been a “Bree Hodge” type of mom. She’s more like the “Gabrielle Solis”, well-polish and we didn’t care a bit how she did the laundry with that Jimmy Choo’s heels!7. Former member of Club 80’s , Desta is a firecracker! Typical class-clown, always 
entertaining and burst the whole class with laughter. Even rolling on the floor, laughing of course. When one private bank contract him as it ambassador, we’re not laughing. Yet, we kinda question the bank’s credibility. Perhaps they want to portray “a friendly, young, casual image” but it went far too light and we end up not buying it. Come on Desta! You could sell us a bag of potato chips full of MSG but don’t preaching about saving and interest. That’s why we have Safir Senduk and Ligwina Hananto.
Men from Mars, women from Venus. Women can’t read map, men hate asking for direction. Myths. Cliché. And all the gender classic theory. Most of it proven to be true. But in some one in million cases they are exceptions. Just like us.
Here some of the samples:
1. Man and woman CAN be friend. Just friend. No benefits.
Yes we can! Maybe it’s the sagittarians-bounding that keep the romance things away. We only share shitty things about work, gossiping other people (guilty pleasure), our passion for getaway…almost never talk about love relationship and all the catastrophe. I think that’s what make us stay in the line of friendship.
2. Fashionably inform. Socially exist.
Who said girls know more about fashion? Who said guys more advance on social media thing? If it wasn’t for Mr. Frapu I wouldn’t know who the hell Anna Wintour is. Meanwhile, if it wasn’t for me, Mr. Frapu probably think Twitter is just something what birds do.
3. Confession of a “minyak wangi junkie”There’s always something engaging and intriguing about pleasant smell that somehow Ms. Mocca dubbed me as “minyak wangi junkie”. For me the fragrances represent “a poetry in a liquid form”, an elixir...a labor of love... that epitomizes distinctive sophistication. I always evolved and experimented when it comes to scent but again “the basic” is forever scent-ationale and timeless! Choosing the right fragrance, one must put a little work into it. Because the smallest of touches left the biggest impressions. A lingering scent-sational cologne is a perfect complementary that could take you far among the society, indeed! A man's scent of choice should smell like his personality. Cologne can be more than just a way to smell nice. It can be an olfactory scrapbook carried around your neck, each element reminding you of some aspect of who you are, what you've been through, or how you feel about. So don't choose a cologne because it's what you want to smell like. Choose it because it smells like you. Trust me. Citrusy-orange-lemony scent is pivotant and you gotta have at least one! It’s like a little black dress for women...perfectly wearable night and day! Inspired by the healing and relaxing properties of orange, citrusy zesty scent interprets an immediate sensation of well being and relaxation. Categorized under Fresh... this scent-ational smell is always an understated classic for the men (not for the boys).
Music is my morning mood’s saviour. I’m not a sun-shinny person in the morning but with the right tunes (and the right amount of caffeine) I become sunnier than little miss sunshine.
I’m slightly a music whore, never stick to one genre. I sing along to every song that caught in my ear and stuck in my head. Sometimes a song gives you chill, sometimes it’s like a pill that you need to take on everyday, over and over again. Stunned with the lyrics as if it was the story of your life. Tune in for more beats that always play on my mind1. Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette 
She got my heart in her pocket and I don’t think it’s ironic. Broken heart sometimes push your creative limit beyond your expectations. Almost every lyrics of her song in this album screamed like a wounded eagle. To all heartbroken, play “You oughta know” while burning your ex’s photo. Your aura will be healed ;)
2. Marvin’ the Album – Frente! 
Aww…aww…aww…awesome! This album is like the definition of walking on sunshine. Every tunes lift your mood to a brighter level. “Accidently Kelly Street” and a bowl of “bubur kacang ijo” will do wonders to your manic Mondays.
3. OST 3 Hari untuk Selamanya – Float 
Do you remember that family road trip to Puncak, back when you were young and innocent. Sitting at the back of your daddy’s car, looking at “pohon cemara” while singing “Naik-naik ke Puncak Gunung” and eating “jagung bakar?” That’s exactly how I feel about this album. Every melodies take you somewhere, walking down to memory lane. My favorites are definitely “Pulang” and “Sementara”. (Note: Stay away from sharp objects while listening to “Sementara”. Sip that hot cocoa instead and hold your pillow tight).
4. Centralismo – Sore
I’m a laid-back person who enjoy nothing but “leyeh-leyeh” and “ngopi-ngopi”. And this super cool band named Sore put a tune into it. Their music, just like their name, so soothe and comforting. Grouchy morning, hectic day...then come Sore to the rescue. A cup of hot pepermint tea never taste so delightful with the accompany “No Fruits for Today”.
5. The Boy Who Knew Too Much – Mika 
Cotton candy, giant lollipop, strawberry milkshake, fluffy pinky stuffs, rainbow and all the technicolor things. That’s what I “see” whenever I listen to this wonder boy of Mika. Trapped in endless deadline? Friday night’s overtime? Bottleneck traffic? Try a tune or two…wonderland that you’ll be…eating cotton candy on mary-go-round. “No giving up when you’re young and you want some!”6. OST Glee
As a fan of musical movies, of course I’ve got to have one of the soundtrack on my list! Glee is on the top my mind right now cause I constantly put it on my playlist. You know the songs already so it’s easy to sing along. Sometimes I enjoy the cover version better than the original one. Rihanna should bow to Rachel Berry for her whole-hearted’s rendition of “Take a Bow”.
7. Absolution – Muse
I rock sometimes, although not too loud. Muse comes with the right dose. I find out the best time listening to this hard-rocking brit is during cardio sessions. “Time is running out” the best anthem to make all that calories running away!
8. Alright, Still - Lily Allen 
Dear oh dear, if you want to cursed in most sweet-sarcastic-polite-melodious way…learn from miss Allen. You’ll learn how to handle those girls who dress like a cunt at the club on “Friday Night”, “Smile” to your ex’s bad luck, eating those spaghetti bolognese and stil looks like Kate Moss and “Everything’s Just Wonderful”. Allright, Lily!!
9. Kamar Gelap - Efek Rumah Kaca
If you sick with those "alay" band with their melancholy-cheesy-"menye2" songs, this band of three it's the right choice. They sing about things you don't really care but you enjoy it anyway. They don't make a lot of love songs but I'm falling deeply in love with their simple-yet-provoking lyrics.
I always believe in this tested-and-true formula: Good times = good friends + good food + good music.
Best buddy. Check.
Foodie. Well-stocked.
Then if you lack the latter or ain’t got no clue to play your selection from illegally download of tunes du jour... Please note: handpick and select great movie soundtrack instead! (Add two non movie titles for pumping up the scene) Because badly mix melody can ruin the whole event! Please ... don’t depend entirely on your iPod Genius Mix either. Don’t mind to share my “fascinating rhythm” list for a fun-filled soire...
1. 2046 Soundtrack 
Shigeru Umebayashi Rumba Version of 2046 main theme impress, seduce and always give a heartfelt, superb enjoyment. Thanks to Wong Kar Wai, he also opens the door for me to appreciate and embrace Xavier Cugat repertoire. Siboney, Sway and Xmas Song are forever treasures in the CD! This is one of those soundtrack albums that can comfortably stand on its own feet. A talented mixture of ethereal, dramatic and nostalgic music. (PS: Too bad, what a shame....a local movie titled “Berbagi Suami” was totally inspired by the whole contents and its soundtrack yielded same tone and manner sound).
2. Kissing Jessica Stein Soundtrack 
Immaculately flawless and demurely laid back are the essence of this urbanely jazz selection. In fact, this is the premiere CD that I obliged to get a long-lustful affair with Verve Jazz Diva namely Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Blossom Dearie, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Anita O Day, Carmen Mc Rae, Shirley Horn and the contemporary muse, Diana Krall. (PS: A lime + minty mojito would be a perfect match...guaranteed)
3. Women on Top Soundtrack
I thank this CD as it re-introduces me to fall (deeply) in love with Bossanova. I also now include Portuguese as one of the sexy language ... Pleasant sound, easy listening and this is the kind of music you’d play for relaxing or romantic evening. (PS: Don’t forget spicy salsa and tapas assortment, fajitas…anyone? Plus a big jug of frozen margarita)
4. What Women Want Soundtrack
An interesting mix of old and new compilation, emphasizing on big band swing era. Three cuts from Frank Sinatra (arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle) and entries from Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Wilson, and Tony Bennett sew up the soulful crooning of the velvet age. Lou Rawls and the Temptations replace their modern soul grooves with lush orchestrations. Skip track 5 and 10 and it just perfectly fit the mood. Classy! (PS: A sinful smoked ham, mushroom, onion omellete + crunchy french fries + mouth-watering sausage + potato salad came to mind whilst I listen the CD... A mis-match or ideal combo? Don’t care)
5. Hollywood, Mon Amour 
Famous 80’s movie songs reinvented and rearranged by Marc Collins of Nouvelle Vague. Perfect for hang over or Sunday late lazy brunch – the track revisits a genre, a period, retaining only the basic skeleton (melody and lyrics) to demonstrate that by arranging them differently they can take on a new life while still respecting the original. This is not history revisited but a part of musical history rewritten. The guest vocalists gently transport us to the retro 80’s and present the sultry cum silky version of A View to a Kill / Call Me / Footloose / What a Feeling / When Doves Cry / Eye of the Tiger / Together in Electric Dreams and many 80’s smash hits. (PS : Pancake, waffle, maple syrup, blueberry sauce, organic honey, hash brown, caesar salad, lightly toasted full grain wheat bread + bitter marmalade, no sugar orange juice, verbena tea, coffee au lait, ice Milo, Horlicks .... are compulsory)
6. Big Band Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones 
Another fabulous feel good nostalgia recording that makes you want to throw a cocktail party! It’s just like a time travel escapade to the suburban set and penthouse parties circa ultra chic 50’s and 60’s in Manhattan whilst Rock Hudson, Julie London, Doris Day, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Kirk Douglas, Grace Kelly, Shirley MacLaine and Audrey Hepburn were the guest of honors. Soul Bossa Nova takes a special position mostly because it has been used in so many occasion and played in the coolest venue, the trendiest Lounge bars and most conservative country clubs! A must have collection. (PS: It’s cocktail party time! Shaken. Stirred. Sip the martini and let’s dance)
7. Verve Remixed part 1-4 
Verve Remixed has been in the planning stages for years, with in-house producers inviting an international cast of remix artists and dee jays to select songs from the label's vaults. The results are tremendously successful and emerged the new breed called electro, chill, or nu jazz. True gem. Highly recommended for dinner parties, evening high tea, pre club warm up or simply watch the sun sets from the beach house veranda. Sexy and hip. Pretty impossible to put down. (PS: Inter-continental canape and cold cuts, bubbly champagne and ice rose wine are necessary)
They say books are the windows of the world. To escape from my real life I choose novel or fiction to peek and enter the realm of fantasy and innocently indulge in a make-believe characters and stories. There are pages, words, plots, that stay longer on my mind cos it’s so damn superb mind blowing. Not that it changed my life 180 degrees, but it gave me new perspective, new hope, justification or sometimes tickled my writer’s instinct.
No need to read between the lines, here are my list of 5 memorable books in alphabetical order:
1. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert 
I read this last year on my trip to Bangkok and Hanoi. When I told my dad I’m going to have that trip he was kinda against it. Furthermore, daddy commented that traveling was such a waste of money and time. Then come this book. It was like my validation for taking this trip on the first place. We are entitled to getaway, seeing new things, new world, learning new stuffs, get out of our comfort zone. If it makes us happy, do it!
2. Harry Potter book 1 by JK Rowling 
“Alohomara!” “Wingardium laviosa!” “Reparo!” I gasped on every pages of Harry Potter’s first series. Who is this JK Rowling? How did she come up with all the names, the spells, quiddicth cup and so forth. I didn’t know imagination could go that wild. I never thought witches and wizardy world is spellboundly amusing. Ah! Wish we had sorting hat and Dumbledore on this muggle world.
3. Laskar Pelangi by Andrea Hirata 
“Saat itu aku menyadari bahwa kami sesungguhnya adalah perkumpulan persaudaraan cahaya dan api... Kami adalah lapisan-lapisan pelangi terindah yang pernah diciptakan Tuhan.” I have never felt so much in love with Bahasa Indonesia when I red this moving childhood tale of Andrea Hirata. He describes things, people, situation with a bit of exaggeration but it’s still sound poetic to me. After all, he’s a melayu man, they tend to do that. Remember pantun?
4. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
This is the first novel I successfully read for the first time! I remember how my sister so caught up reading novel and I couldn’t understand why. It’s just story about romantic, menye-menye things that I was too young to dig it. Then one day, she brought Mr. Grisham home. I knew this one was different just by the look of the cover (it the same as the movie poster). And I was right! For the first time I learn chasing “scene” on books turn out to be much much more interesting in words than in visual (have you seen the movie? Despite Denzel’s performance, it was just “eh!”) 5. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom 
“Aku tidak ingin meninggalkan dunia ini dalam cengkeraman rasa takut. Aku ingin mengetahui semua yang terjadi, menerimanya, merasakan kedamaian, baru pergi.”
A beautiful beautiful story of life. The fact that it’s a true story making it so even more heart-warming. How come someone so ill could maintain his optimism? Not blaming god, not becoming a grumpy old person. As far I remember, this must be the first book that made me shed a tear. And yes, I read the Indonesia version.
To inspire and be inspired ... book never goes wrong!
Whenever the mind needs some thoughtful recharge, book would be the ideal “Energizer”. Whenever I read a good book, it feels like receiving a long letter from an old friend. Whenever the constant rush and due date task intimidates my view point of life... books are the relief that magically counteracts.
I salute the titles below ‘cos they give me a true enlightment.
1. Being Happy - Andrew Matthews 
This book is amazing, it about understands yourself, being able to laugh at yourself, becoming more prosperous and being able to forgive yourself. It also discusses understanding nature’s laws so we can better deal with our own natures. What I like in the book as well as the information is the comics in the book, they are entertaining and very humorous.
2. Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom 
What makes this true story special is Morrie Scwartz - one-of-a-kind professor- manages to teach us all about living robustly and fully even on his deathbed. It does not have to be a teacher, dean or professor, a mentor in life can be anybody… a friend, a co-worker, a stranger, perhaps. Treasure and cherish your mentor in life.
3. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. It is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two.
Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coelho introduces Santiago, an Andalusia shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream. Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it's full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams. The cumulative effect is like hearing a wonderful bedtime story from an inspirational psychiatrist!
4. Letters to Sam - Daniel Gottlieb 
When his grandson was born, Daniel Gottlieb began to write a series of heartfelt letters that he hoped Sam would read later in life. He planned to cover all the important topics—dealing with your parents, handling bullies, falling in love, coping with death—and what motivated him was the fear that he might not live long enough to see Sam reach adulthood. You see, Daniel Gottlieb is a quadriplegic—the result of a near-fatal automobile accident that occurred two decades ago—and he knows enough not to take anything for granted.
Then, when Sam was only 14 months old, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Develop-mental Disability, a form of autism, and suddenly everything changed. Now the grandfather and grandson were bound by something more: a disability—and Daniel Gottlieb’s special understanding of what that means became invaluable. This lovingly written, emotionally gripping book offers unique—and universal—insights into what it means to be human. Upon reading his personal letter to Sam.. I wish I could have a “Pop” like Daniel. His paralysis taught him to sit still, keep his ears and heart open and listen…
5. Warrior of Light - Paulo Coelho
A manual of “how-to-cope” modern life with tales and parables that have a specific spiritual source-Lao Tzu, Gandhi, Jesus and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, among others. Some of these passages are original, Coelho provides general spiritual inspiration, but he also offers guidance in more mundane matters, explaining the specific motivations behind childish, immature behavior, cowardly moments, feelings of spiritual emptiness and the reluctance to change.
