The hunt for a Fitness Center - The End

Last Stop : Fitness First
In short:-

• I reviewed The Curve and Uptown 5.
• 10 clubs in Malaysia
• Operation hours - 6.30 AM - 10 PM. I heard from the lady starting January extending to 11 PM.
• Parking: Varies according to location. Uptown - MPPJ parking and private car park. The curve its about RM 1 per entry i think.

Reviews:-

• I do agree with some of you that FF has the worst customer service. Celebrity Fitness had much more better tour guide and explanation given. Well, they can afford to be snobbish since they have 10 clubs around Malaysia.
• Facility wise, Uptown 5 is in an aging state. The other branches have better, newer equipments and bigger space area. I like the The Curve free weight area, alot of benches to use. After looking at the rest of the spanking new gyms - Uptown is such a sad place to work out.
• Free flow of drinks and VCD rentals.
• Tissue and plastic bag provided - very useful for me!
• Exercise machines, OK lah.... I am more to free weights anyway.
• The shower room in The Curve is smaller than Uptown 5. But no curtain! Glass doors - hooray!
• Locker room -don't need to bring your own padlock.
• Standard classes - body pump, body combat, yadda yadda.... no Capoeira though. :(

Price:-

Home
Joining Fee - RM 500 (Can bargain)
Admin Fee - RM 95
Monthly - RM 147 per month

Passport
Joining Fee - RM 500 (Can bargain)
Admin Fee - RM 95
Monthly - RM 175

FF fees are pretty standard. I checked out about 3 different location. Just a note, don't expect the sales ppl to negotiate terms/bargain with you or throw is further discounts to intice, if you don't like it, you can "belah"! Ohh well.........

Final Review:-
I decided to signup with FF because

1. Its the nearest to my office. Much practical for a lazy me. No parking hassle.
2. It has about 10 branches I can hop around. Somehow I kindda regret taking passport... sigh.
3. Free flow of drinks.
4. Most of my friends are in FF.

So thats it folks. I have decided to contract myself to FF for the next 12 months. Yes, I can hear you ppl crying aloud - "NOOOOOOOO!!", but I kindda used to FF and I don't really have much of a choice in terms of location. So wish me luck!

For those folks who ain't as lazy as me, you should really give Celebrity Fitness a try. Looks cool.

The hunt for a Fitness Center

As for every new year, there is a new new year resolution to be made. This year, for me, there is one

START LOSING WEIGHT AND BULK UP YOU FAT MORON!

I have been a Fitness First member for few years now and my shape has stayed pretty much the same. In fact I am about 3 months pregnant now... and I ain't no female. To cut the long story short, I am in a freaking bad shape and I have terminated my FF account.

So, the quest for a Fitness Centre begins! For full comparison of fitness center, please click to http://xfile007.blogspot.com. He has done a fantastic job on trying out all the gyms in Malaysia and I do not want to recreate the wheel. I just wish to complement his reviews.

The reviews on the gyms in my blog are purely for my own record keeping and I guess it might help a few of you to decide.

First Stop : Celebrity Fitness (24th December 2005)

In Short:-

• Location : 1-Utama (Petaling Jaya)
• Parking : RM 1 for first 6 hours, subsequent hours is RM 2. It kindda difficult to get parking during weekends and public holidays.
• Operation hours : 6 AM - 12 AM.
• Other branches : Indonesia, Subang Parade and Gurney Plaza (Penang).
  

Reviews:-

• Upon filling up a survey form, a sales lady brought my wife and me around for a tour.
• The place is huge, kindda have a disco feel to it. Pictures? please refer to http://xfile007.blogspot.com/2005/09/free-trial-at-celebrity-fitness.html .
• Changing room is spacious but the shower room is small than the one I was used to. Bring your own padlock.
• Upon coming in you get 2 towels! I think it was the gym and shower towels.
• Plenty of cardio equipments.
• Can't remember whether there is free flow of drinks.
• No VCD rental, who uses it anyway?
• A huge place for classes. They have one interesting classes - Capoeira!
• Free weight area - Kindda disappointing - the lowest dumbbell they had is 17.5 kg. Arghh..! They have about 5 benches, 2 Smith machines, I think 1 bench press and few other stuffs. I felt the area could use a bigger space.
• Alots of exercise machine, the lady claims that all machine are customed for Asian.

PRICE:-

Home
RM 199 - Joining Fee
RM 99 - Processing Fee
RM 149 - Monthly Fee
3 years contract - RM 26XX. This translate to no joining fee and processing fee, and the monthly comes up to RM 70-75 per month.

Passport
RM 199 - Joining Fee
RM 99 - Processing Fee
RM 188 - Monthly Fee
3 years contract - RM 3141. This translate to no joining fee and processing fee, and the monthly comes up to RM 80-90 per month.

The promotion ends 31th December 2005. I guess you can cut the fees here and there, depends on your negotiation skills.

Final Review
The place looks good, clean and nice. The only thing troubling me is the location from my work and home, the parking and also the pricing. The free weight area looks abit off and there is where I will be most of the time. Kindda worried about the shower since your door is an unlock curtain. I like the operation hours and classes.

Next review - Fitness First. (Since Mun almost got sued, I guess I have to keep it either very positive or used the word "Censored").

Maybank Bill Payment Blunder Part 3

Its finally solved. My payment has been updated. I gotta thank TMNET for their help in solving my problem.

I am quite sad to say that Maybank E-channel did very little to help. They did call me to inform that all transaction to Telekom on 8-11 October had problems. Either than that, they can't confirm when they can solve my issue. At least finally its done and over with. The whole fiasco took about 2 weeks to solve after much harassment.

Adjustment done!

My next war is with Courts Mammoth. I have purchased a funiture for Raya, guess what till todate no delivery. Will blog further.

Maybank Bill Payment Blunder Part 2

I need to address this to all. Your online Maybank2u.com receipt is USELESS. It is not a proof of receipt.

As you know that I had problem with TMNET bill update (http://ganee.blogspot.com/2005/11/maybank2u-bill-payment-blunder.html), TMNET emailed me today asking me to FAX my BANK STATEMENT to verify my payment! Isn't my bank statement is confidential? Why can't they accept my Maybank2u.com receipt?

What is Maybank E-channel has to say to this? I called them on 24th November 2005 at 9.50 PM. The customer service lady (Zaleha, she was very polite) said that the report has been assigned to the officer but its still under investigation. However she will file another report. How many reports do I need to make before someone do their job?

How can anyone promote online transactions if a simple bill payment can get lost? How about providing quality customer support?

Sigh..... Malaysia Boleh!

A1 Grand Prix

I got a free ticket to A1 Grand Prix yesterday. Being a typical Malaysian, a group of us ended up late to the event. We showed up around 12 ++. There was a crowd but definately not as huge as F1. Parking was easy to find.

F1 entrance

I was a first timer in Sepang F1 Circuit. One note, prepare to walk alot. The race started according to time. 1.30 pm. First thing you will notice is the sound. Its very noisy. You can go deaf with this kindda prolong exposure.

Race begins...

By 3 PM, I was bored. Racing isn't my cup of tea. All you get to do is, watch the cars go by and wait for few minutes, and the cycle repeats again.

Crowds... yellow t-shirts are given free

Malaysian won 5th placing at the Main Race. The crowd was very supportive of Alex Yoong. I had my experience, it was nice but not my taste.

Alex Yoong.. Malaysia Boleh!

Maybank2u Bill Payment Blunder

I have been one of the earliest Maybank2u.com registrant. Have been using this system for more than few years now. I never had problem with their bill payment till now.

Blunder number #1

• I have made payment to 2 ASTRO bill. Each of them separate accounts. What happened? One bill have 2 payment credited and the second bill had zero payment. I have checked my payment receipt. 2 payment, 2 different account number. How did the payment end up into a single bill?

Blunder number #2

• I have made payment to TMNET bill for the amount RM 88 on 8 October 2005. Today is 18th November 2005. No payment is reflected and TMNET is saying I owe them money.
• I have called Maybank2u customer support to logged a report on 7th November 2005. Each time they promised their E-Channel support will get back to me. No such luck. Each time I had to call them to follow up and the customer support will call back saying they have launched a report, forwarded to TMNET and now its TMNET turn to update the system.
• Maybank2u.com has washed their hands. Now its my turn to chase TMNET to update the system. How convenient?. Maybank2u.com gets commission out of me and when there is an error, I need to spend money calling all this jokers?

Paid on 8th October.

Where is it?

Building a trusted brand is tough, its even worse when its an online brand. Thats its from me. No more paying via Maybank2u.com. Its back to the conventional way. Its a hassle, but my bills get paid.

gstockphoto.com

I have launched a new website called gstockphoto.com . This is a high res royalty free stock photo which focus mainly on asian photos. For the time being its focus on Malaysian pictures. All pictures are priced between USD $ 1 - 2 only.

Payment can be made via paypal or maybank2u.com . All the pictures in this blog are available at gstockphoto or email me for more info.

gstockphoto.com

Raya in Penang

This is my second time celabrating Raya up north in Penang. Penang is the usual boring, jam packed and choke with tourists. Raya this year must be one of my most boring Raya, I am been kept mostly in my room reading up the "Da Vince Code", sleeping or dreaming. Luckily some of my friends are around. I am able to access internet here, thanks for to my neighbour "free" wireless service.

I went around taking alot of photos in Penang. Here is some....

Finally in Penang...

Jam and a queue cutter

Jam Jam Penang drivers are mad fellows..

This is the famous Penang Bridge.

All this photo are available at gstockphoto.com. Drop me an email if you need any of this photo in high res.

Dumb Lady Driver!

I left from KL after a meeting around 4.30 PM. Massive jam from KLCC all the way to PJ. I was practically in gear 1 all the way. Near the traffic light to Jalan Semarak, there was this stupid moron lady driver was inching her way so close to my car.

I saw a big P sign on her car. I tried my best to go away from her but the jam did not offer me much space. The more I tried to move away, the closer this lady came. I almost came out of the car to scream at her when the traffic started moving and then I heard a thud sound. Damn fu**king lady! She banged my car. It was her lucky day that I passed over the yellow box and she was left behind. I thought I was a minor scratch and it was raining, so I didn't came out. Guess was the "minor" scratch was about.... WHY? WHY? Arggghh! Lady drivers!!

A long scratch

Close up.. sakit hati!

Followed

Today I was followed by 2 Chinese guys in a car from my workplace in DU until Kelana Jaya. I was very sure they followed me since this guys can be featured in the stupidest criminal show.

First, when I noticed them following me, I accelerated forward. Then they were trying to catch up. They were so dumb that they nearly collided with another car. The funny part is, as I switch lane from right to left and back to right, they followed the same sequence. Whats more hysterical here is I made a U-turn and another U-turn, and you guessed it, they followed. At one point, they were so close that they were just behind me. Is this how you follow someone? Dumb.

Then I got into a congested area (Hey, I lived in KJ for 20 years, this is my area, who this ppl think I am?) and I think I lost them in the crowd of cars. I parked my car in-front of Kelana Jaya police station, hoping to catch them but they never appeared. I guess they FINALLY figured I caught them following me. Sad part I didn't bring my camera or have a camera phone.

Most probably they were after my laptop as I saw the crime took place at my workplace before. The big fat guy, looks like the suspect. I think.

Description:

• Brown/Gold Proton Wira - WHD 5625 (I think, can't remember, anyway should be false plat number), plastic rim cover. Model looks old, probably 1990-1995 year.
• 1 skinny and tall Chinese guy with gold rim glasses
• 1 fat probably 70-80kg, Chinese guy.

If this is the same guy who stole the laptop before, they were driving a black Proton Perdana then. Plat number starts with B (I couldn't catch the rest).

Modus Operandi :
They pick a target and wait for you. They know you probably hid the laptop in the bonnet. Follow you until you park your car somewhere and wait for you to leave. The moment you leave, they have this masterkey to open your bonnet, and puff there goes your laptop. All this under 30 seconds.

LOST

4 8 15 16 23 42

What the heck the above numbers mean? - LOST!

LOST - Gotta be a favourite show for this year. I had a chance of watching season 1 of Lost on DVD and since then I got hooked on it. I can't just wait for the season 2. The curiosity is killing me. They have a small movie clips running on ABC website. So far 4 episodes as been showed. I know I could probably downloaded it off from somewhere, drop me a link if you know any.

As promised some picture of the Pasar Ramadhan here. Unfortunately I chickened out trying to take more pictures. I wanted a better view, view of crowd, people buying, close ups of people, but I just couldn't do it. Times like this I wish I had those tiny point and shoot cameras.

Me, hiding behind a tree and this was the best view I got.

Left view from the tree

Right view from the tree.... nice trees huh? I know, I know...

My previous blog comment :

November 3, 2003
"Like I said previously, fasting is not only for your stomach but your soul. You have to control your eyes, ears, mouth and your emotions. I noticed that whenever I go to this "Pasar Ramadhan" I don't look at stalls to buy food, I end up looking at girls. I didn't know my area had so many beautiful girls..... arghhh! "Kurang pahala"... its just me. This one month is really a challenge. You wanna give a shot for a day?"

October 17, 2004
"As usual, the fasting month will spruce up many pasar Ramadan. Its a challenge to go and buy food, since I am faced with many good looking girls in tight fitting clothes. "Oooi.. Cik Minah ooi, moden tu moden, tapi tak kan tak cukup kain kot?, orang lain pun nak puasa". As a Muslim, one should obey and respect the month of Ramadan. "Puasa itu bukan saja tahan lapar, yang lain pun kena tahan". "

October 6, 2005
Its amazing that I have been blooging so long that it has become an online dairy that I can refer to.
Its more amazing that things doesn't change. I have the same problem as 2 years ago. Girls are getting too beautiful and too sexy. Ramadhan is about taking care of your ears, mouth, eyes and heart. Ears, mouth and heart no problem.. eyes... this is a tough one. Planning to take picture soon, keep a look out.

Selamat Berpuasa! Today marks the start of Ramadhan. A month of fasting, prayers and remembering that we are all just slave to Allah. This is a joyous month where one must make full use of the month to recite prayers, perform sedekah, conduct prayers and etc as there is so much benefit to reap from this holy month.

unfortunately as I was rushing back for Terawih prayers from work, I notice so much Muslim have such a lackluster attitude towards Ramadhan. They are treating it as if, its just another day. If they just knew how holy is this month..... such a pity.

Btw, I have open a short-term photo gallery. Have a look!

After 2 years, I am finally blogging back at bloggers.com. I was previously and still is blogging at crimbsonblog.com. After getting my digital camera, I need a blog that supports pictures. I am still trying to figure out which is a good photoblog. Below is my first blog after 2 years.

I wanted to blog about my working place for a long time now, here it goes.

Below are images shots of the infamous Damansara Uptown after 12 AM. The whole place changes into a market bazaar. If you park anyway in DU, you better move your car out before 11.30 AM, else your car will turn into a mobile store.

Picture taken around 11 AM. Right now you can start to hear all the clanking sound of tables opening for business.

Bazaar going at full blown. I have no idea why all this people shows up? Don't they have to work or something tomorrow?

Closing time now... look at the mess and garbage they people leave around. Mind you, this mess occurs daily. Around 6-7 AM, you can see the poor Alam Flora cleaners cleaning up the street before the morning rush comes to work.

I only managed to capture quater of the rusbbish here. There is alot more than this. Plastics, bottles, food you name it. Its no wonder the rats here are so fat! Seriously, if it grows anymore, it will look like your average domestic cat.