MAY VOTE COUNTS & SOME MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Can you believe that it's May already. We are almost half way through 2013. Time is moving incredibly fast it is crazy! I remember last year was really a drag! So this month, there are three main events to look forward to.

The Malaysian General Elections, the ONE Fighting Championship Summit and also the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts Semi-Finals.

I am very excited about the GE this year because I am excited about a change. I really hope that this could be the year where we achieve a breakthrough! Many people are tired of the way things are - what not, with corruption and injustice at so many different levels. It is time to start fresh and eliminate those corrupted idiots who are obstructing the development of the country. When I say development, it really ain't just about economical development (because that is given and has to be done by the Government, regardless of which party), but more importantly I feel is the social development of the Rakyat. We need our next generation to be given a fair chance to quality education so that their minds can be developed into mature levels to continue building a strong country.

I am not into politics really and I do not visit enough independent media sites to actually understand each parties' manifesto and plans for the country. Did I mention that I also hate the propagandas and banners (which I really think is a waste of money and paper)?

But I guess what I want to see (and I believe I speak for many urban dwellers of my age) is a better nation led by real leaders who will bring us to better standards of living and quality of life; and we want to stay in a country that practice fairness and equality.

So I did my tiny rounds of study before casting my vote, really because I just want to make sure, whoever I vote for, deserves it - whether it is the opposition or the current ruling party. Whatever it is, I am excited to play my part for my country and exercise my rights. This is my first time voting and I really hope it makes a difference.

I really love my country and whatever it is that I complain about, at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with Malaysia. It is the people who make it or break it.

Time for some not so serious stuff.

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. Yes, I do not blog enough about it. I realised that the thing I love most about doing this job is not just the awesome people I get to meet, but it is also how it gets me motivated to work out and be healthier. I still eat whatever I like to eat, but I have learned to care a bit more.

And I like that it is a growing sport, with so many people learning about it and getting into it. I admit that I do not know much about the sport and therefore, I am still a bit shy talking to the industry experts, really. So for those of you who think that I am "snobbish", "cool" or doesn't talk much, that's just because I am super intimidated! Haha.

But the part that I most enjoy about this job is learning together with the journalists who are new to the sport. I love it when we discuss about the fighters and their techniques; and these journalists who have done their researches would always share with me their thoughts, opinions and knowledge. I learn so much talking to them (and of course, going on Facebook).

I think getting into fights for the sake of fighting is not cool, but I think learning how to defend yourself and manoeuvring out of tricky situations is interesting (trust me, it is not about the blood and injury).

So the ONE Fighting Championship Summit which will end tomorrow is the first highlight of the month. Going to pen something about that soon (when I get the motivation).

The Summit saw over 500 delegates and leaders of the MMA industry convening for the biggest MMA conference in Asia to discuss various topics on MMA. There were so many people that I know by name only (from Facebook), but I finally got to see them in person. People like Will Chope, Roger Huerta, Danial Fletcher etc. Although they don't know me, I still think it is awesome!

Personally I learn a few new things from the summit with regards to PR, especially in regards to pitching stories and attracting readers.

The Semi-Finals for the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA) powered by Tune Talk is also rocking Paradigm Mall on May 18 and there are so much more to expect this round as the fights have gone one notch higher. The ring girls search is also happening this month and this is especially for the guys out there!

So yes, May looks super promising and awesome so far. Hopefully, it will live up to expectations. More importantly, I am so looking forward to a change! Time to vote vote vote!