‘GEGO’: More Than Just Good Vibes

Entry by Yuet Lin

I have a confession to make.

Before the Arts Festival, I’d never thought of JB as somewhere ‘interesting’ to be. Granted, I only officially moved here in February from Singapore (having lived in KL almost all my life) – and what little taste I had of this place was limited to the yummy Nasi Ambang/Beef Noodles/Bak Kut Teh on weekend trips over the past 2 years. Beyond that, I only saw a sleepy town with nothing else going for it except a RM15-taxi ride across the causeway for entertainment.

(Photo credit: http://jbfoodclub.com)

Thankfully, meeting the cool folks from JOHO has changed my mind completely! Today, I see promise and potential in a thriving environment for the promotion of arts and culture – as was evident at the GEGO event at Bukit Timbalan a few weeks ago.


With the imposing Sultan Ibrahim Building as a beautifully lit backdrop against a black velvet sky, youths of all backgrounds mingled in the cool night air as fixies crossed paths, skateboards whizzed by, cameras clicked and flashed while talented artistes fed their music to a hungry crowd, shining like stars on-stage.


The carnival-like atmosphere was, to me, an encouraging indication of things to come. For the local creative community, GEGO @ the Arts Festival was not only an outlet of expression but the chance for them to connect, showcase and share what else was stirring beneath the surface of JB’s artscape, if only one was willing to explore.


So well done, JOHO, for taking steps to truly shake the scene and in the process, wake me up to the other side of JB that I never really knew – and is more than just ‘interesting’.

What's with JOHO

Entry by Zade

Have you guys heard of JOHO? Well, I heard it for the first time from carlsamsudin.blogspot.com on a certain JB Anthology Workshop, which I eventually attended. JOHO is not an association, nor is it an organisation. The name 'JOHO' is not an abbreviation of any sort...it's just "joho". Why? They rationalise that when people pronounce the state of Johor (in Malay)...it's pronounce with a silent 'R'. So it becomes 'Joho' instead of 'Johor' with an 'R'. Simple...huh?

Whats with JOHO anyway? I've yet to fully understand what's it all about but I think by the side now I got the picture. JOHO is a community set-up by a bunch of young guys...with the objective to promote the talents of young Johoreans in all sorts of art - expressionists, artists, photographers, film-makers, copywriters...etc. And I am amazed at what they have done so far. It's a community that moves on its own...which is great, because it's not influenced by any 'parties' that have hidden agenda. And I hope that it will stay that way. The one thing that I like most, is that this community provides a platform for the youngs to express themselves. That'll pull them out from the streets and hopefully this would reduce the effects of social-ills among the youngs. Kudos to the brains that started it in the first place.

I'm not a Johorean and I'm not a youngster anymore (though I wish...he he). But I'd support this community in any way that I could. You see, when I first heard of Johor and someone proposed that I move down here to work, I said "Oh, no. Johor is the last state that I would go to work to". You know why? Because when I was in college, I met a few Johorean friends and they didn't give me the impression that Johoreans are humble beings. Later on, I heard that the cost of living in Johor is quite high.

But fate has it that I moved down here in 2000 due to a broken heart ("membawa hati yang lara"). And I've been here since...married a Johorean, even. Hmmm... The first thing that caught me back was to find that the people are indeed very friendly and accommodating. Then I had the 'culture shock'...which was the food. Where on earth in Malaysia would you find 'laksa' (white mee) made of spaghetti? And the Yong Tau Foo is made in soup...instead of the dark gravy. Then I got confused between Mee Bandung and Mee Jawa, which I was familiar with, in the Klang Valley. To top it all, the first time I ever saw a real Duku tree...was in Kg. Tiram Duku...a village very close to the port that I was working in. Duku is my favourite fruit...but I've never seen the tree. Peghak... Finally I got hooked on Soto...with Mihun.

As years went by, I have to acknowledge that Johor is a state full of ancestorial memories. There are still centuries-old houses and buildings scattered around the main town JB...but sadly, not so much emphasis was made to preserve these. Especially the old houses. Johor is full of culture too. Aside from the main three, there are also Javanees, Banjarians, Bugists; who have their own dialects, food and 'adat'. Then there's the music - ghazal, zapin and others. Oh! And I got to watch the real Kuda Kepang...some time ago. It was eerie indeed.

So I wish that JOHO could promote these as well in their activities, apart from the modern-age arts. Yeah...check these guys out. They are based in a 'house' just in front of Selat Tebrau...called The Lost Malaya.

Anak Pahang,

ZADE

A trip to JOHO: GEGO

Entry by Bazil Bolia

After 4 days of orientation, finally I could spread my wings free. The orientation was a blast. Although we didn't get enough rest, (during the orientation, we can only sleep for about 2-4 hours a day and doing activities non-stop) but the memories gathered from the orientation always remains.

Straight after the orientation, my friends and I decided to travel to JOHOR. The road to Johor wasn't easy and cheap as it looks, but it was worth it. One hour from Alor Gajah to Melaka Central and from MC to Johor took another 3 hours. (Costs me RM45.60 for the whole trip).

"Naqie doing what he does best"

Staying at my friends house, Najhan, our first priority for the trip was watching the live show organized by JOHO, a social and creative arts community.

"JOHO! :D"

The whole event was held at Bukit Timbalan, JB. Me and my friends arrived as early as 3pm and I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the event- photographers, bikers, skaters, entrepreneurs and music everywhere.

You can never see these kind of things at Sarawak, I think. =p.

"You could see bikes everywhere during the festival."

To my pleasant surprise, it was my first time that I saw people playing futsal with their bikes. Nak try gak lah kat Sarawak, =p.

"I did tried kicking the ball. It was hard as shit."

We walked around the area for hours. We saw a lot of t-shirts and pants for sale; most of them are bundle where it could costs as cheap as RM5. Plus, they also sell some old school photo's of marilyn monroe, those big CD's that were uses during our dad's rock and roll era and not forgetting those vintage buttons, too.

"Junk Sale! Kuala Nerang boleh dapat RM2 la bro.."

After spending hours shopping at the junk sale, my friends and I went out to see some live open show at the entrance of Bukit Timbalan. The performance pulled out from the guys and girls are entertaining. Especially the girl with the "small" guitar; she rocks my pants!

"The next OIAM"

The thing that caught my attention during the open show was this big vuvuzela that I saw. It's big. 5 times bigger than the normal one and sounds like one too. The sound of some swarming bee's.

"Bzzzzz!"

As the time ticks on to 9.30pm, we went to the stage where the concert would be held. But before that, we were introduced with some cultural dances from all over Malaysia.

"Usual stuff."

10.30pm was the moment that we have been waiting for. Local bands from Johor were going to perform live with us here at Bukit Timbalan; one of the bands that I was hoping to see was Plague Of Happiness and I was not disappointed and was thrilled by all the bands performing; Dewata, Radio Antic and Redemption. (First time watching people moshing was really one hell of experience..I saw this guy who jumped kick someone during the mosh.)

"Redemption pulling out some notes.. reggae style!"

When Plague Of Happiness arrives at the stage, everyone jumped and screamed the name of the band. Music from Plaque Of Happiness really gave the live show a very vibrant mood. Everyone was jumping around, dancing and skanking with all the spectators. (Even the Mat Salleh was hopping around like mad). Photographers were clicking the shutters at every second non stop; too bad that I didn't bring some of my lenses and flashes along =(

"Plague Of Happiness rockssss!"

Each and everyone of us had so much fun during the event. It was truly an enjoyable experience to see such performance by these bands. Thank You JOHO for organizing the event, it was truly a blast! Me and my friends are craving for more events from JOHO! Although I'm a Sarawakian myself, but JOHO did really gave me an insight of a new way of creative social ways of interacting and enjoying with people and friends.

"The event was freaking awesomeeeeeee!"

Again, Thank You JOHO!

Featured: Toy Story 3

Post credits to kluxorious


I have waited 11 years for this to come out. Finally the wait is over and oh boy it was worth it. Despite being slightly unwell, I went to see the movie because that's the kind of person I am when it comes to something I absolutely love.

I have always been a fan of Toy Story. The first one has been my favorite for a long time until Finding Nemo debuted. Wall-E came close to steal the spot but now I am more than happy to announce that with Toy Story 3, Finding Nemo is no longer in the number 1 spot on my favorite movie list (under animation category). You have absolutely no idea how does that makes me feels inside *grins happily*

I should have seen this coming. In a summer full of half-assed sequals (Ironman 2, Shrek 4), uninspired drivels (The A-Team, Killers, etc) and downright shit (MacGruber, Marmaduke, wtf?), leave it to Disney/Pixar to remind us exactly why I go to the movies in the first place.

Stories like Finding Nemo and Toy Story set apart the work between Disney/Pixar and Dreamworks. Few weeks ago, I paid RM18 to watch Shrek 4 in 3D. It was a waste of my fucking money. When the show was over, I felt like I wanted my money back. I didn't pay that much money to see crap. Sure it has few funny moments but it was far in between. Shrek 2 was good (though nothing like Wall-E) and they should have stopped there.

Dreamworks (or other animation production studios) lack a lot of things compared to Pixar's animation. The stories of Pixar are far more enriching, both to one's soul and mind. You'll leave the cinema fulfilled. In term of animation itself, Pixar is far beyond its competitor. Just look at Ratatouille, Wall-E, A Bug's Life and Up as well as Toy Story 1 and 2 to understand what I'm talking about.

In Toy Story 3, Pixar has proven once again how to do it right. They perfectly mix art and storytelling into a ridiculously entertaining, visually stunning masterpiece. From the outrageously funny, action-packed open to the deeply moving, awe-inspiring and tear-inducing conclusion, Toy Story 3 shows that Pixar will always go to infinity and beyond. Yes, you read it right. I cried. I'm sure you will too. The movie relies on the themes of friendship, just as the first two did, but this time it makes use of the human emotion built up in fear of separation, all of which was done so masterfully, you can't help but be touched by it.

An emotional rollercoaster filled with tears and laughter, Toy Story 3 is one of the best films in years. I am still mesmerized by the storytelling on display and the beauty of genius filmmaking. Toy Story 3 is an absolute triumph. It caps off one of the best trilogies of all time, it's the best movie of the summer and, as of right now, it's the best picture of the year. Thank you to everyone involved at Pixar for putting in their all to make sure Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang got the best possible send off and for reminding all those disillusioned by these troubled times about the magic of the cinema.

I'm going to miss Andy's toys just as much as I will miss Andy himself.


I dare you to NOT agree with me after you've seen this movie.

This film easily gets 5 out of 5 with triple stars to accompany it :)

Ali Cafe, Bukit Indah

Entry and photos by Hentak Belipat
Edited by JOHO

Dengan perasaan gembira I pun melangkah masuk ke Ali Cafe. Tingkat bawah macam hampir nak buat I tak excited sebab macam ala-ala kopitiam yang dah banyak bersepah kat serata pelusuk Malaysia ni so I pergi tingkat atas, terus macam kagum. WOW! Siap ada 4 atau 5 MAC pc untuk customer, boleh digunakan untuk online.

ni pulak port main Wii game..style tak?

Ok pastu dah duduk kat meja makan sekali ada 3 benda jarang dijumpai di meja makan! tutup botol (ceper), batu seremban dan lidi-lidian (betul tak kosa kata ni?). Semuanya adalah permainan tradisional yang kita selalu main masa kecik-kecik dulu.

ada 2 sebab dia letak barang mainan ni:
1: untuk menarik customer supaya datang lagi ke Ali Cafe

2: owner cafe ni tahu diorang akan serve makanan lambat so customer akan leka main

Selain daripada game ni, mereka juga ada sediakan suratkhabar so bagi yang suka membaca bolehlah leka dengan hobi masing-masing.

Harga makanan dan minuman standard cafe la and for food I think it is quite expensive kot sebab patutnya boleh murah sikit. Tapi diorang compensate dengan environment yang memang chill.

beef burger and cintan bolognese ~ it shoud be less than rm5 sebab guna maggie cintan but the good side is sedap weh! serious..first time makan maggie kenyang gila!

pekerja-pekerja balance~chinese and malay... tapi still tak boleh 1 malaysia sebab takda indian

Setelah berborak dengan pekerja-pekerja dia, sahlah cafe ni adalah hak milik Power Root... apa lagi? Jom singgah cafe ni. Rasailah kenikmatan local food kita.

Ali Cafe ini terletak berhampiran Giant dan Tesco, betul-betul di simpang empat traffic light menuju ke Aeon Bukit Indah.

Alfian Mohamed at Siren's nite

entry by Alfian Mohamed

Firstly I wanna thank JOHO and Starbucks for creating such a wonderful event specially for JOHO lovers, photographers and local act supporters who has made this event a success and make the people of Johor keep asking for more.

On March 26, 2010, JOHO has organized an event with the outing+photography exhibition+local bands as the concept. The event was GREAT! The atmosphere was superb and the crowd were totaly AWESOME!!

Because this was my first time going to this kind of event where you can enjoy your coffee with an acoustics shows, all I can simply said was what more shall you asked for from this Xtravaganza event!

I arrived just nice when I saw a lot of people outside the Starbucks, without wasting any time we (my lil' bro and I) went inside to get the JOHO limited editon Siren's Nite buttons and some coffees. After that I met my ex-primary school classmate. I never thought we would meet at the event.

The show officially started at 8pm where Statik kicked off with their unforgettable melancholy lullaby. At that time the event was on a slow acoustic mode where everyone sat down and relaxed while enjoying Statik who took the stage in full swing!

Highlight

8.05pm - Statik started the show with CHERITA KITA and everyone started to sing along with the tune, it was an unforgettable experience, surely.

8.15pm - Statik performed their latest song GELAP and the song as expected is gonna be a hit on Xfm (I'll bet!!!) I like~~~

8.25pm - Statik final song was NIKMAT SEMENTARA and it eventually brought more people to Starbucks including all the pedestrian outside the cafe. They totally ROCK in acoustic mode. Who denied that must be a wacko who doesn't appreciate music at all

8.28pm - they announced the first lucky draw winner and it turn out to be a American/European/Australian (I wasn't sure) man and he wasn't expected it either.

8.30pm - The Bluebirds took the stage, at that time I was looking for my coffee I placed somewhere else. When I was came back for my seat (on the floor) it started to get more interesting and more people were in front. I lose my seat but my lil' bro still holding his ground and watched the Bluebirds at the stage

8.40pm - It was the the last songs by the bluebirds called ROCKSTAR, I was at the back of the crowd and can actually saw a glimpse of Reza Mohamedand his band on the stage

8.50pm - I managed to get back my seat and while waiting for Plague of Happiness to rock out, they announced the second lucky draw winner.

9.00pm - Mr. Zac's turn to the stage and we all applause for him because without him and the JOHO crew, there will be no Siren's Nite. Terima kasih Mr. Zac for the wonderful event!


9.10pm - Plague of Happiness came up to the stage and rocked out with a ska song that turned the acoustic show that nite to a powerful ska nite and everyone was on their feet and sing along to a very peaceful ska song making the nite even more wonderful.

9.15pm - They sang KONSPIRASI "konspirasi ini dijadikan institusi, semat ke dalam jiwa dijulang tinggi" (sing along!!!). The song was a tribute to their tour in Indonesia to bring peace between Malaysia and Indonesia with lyric "mengapa kita tetap berpecah lagi? buanglah semua perasaan benci, jangan engkau ikut desakan hati". Great song by a great JOHO band. Yeah bring peace not hatred :)

Story of Siren's Nite

entry by Qusyaire Ezwan


JOHO once again organized a very great event on March 26, 2010. Cooperation between Starbucks and JOHO was a success when many JOHO lovers who attended the Siren’s Nite singing praises to JOHO for the awesome event.

Hundreds of JOHO lovers gathered in crowd at Starbucks, The Zone to liven up the Siren's Nite. The event started at 8:15 pm with a performance from Statik, a group from Skudai. Statik perform three songs for the crowd that night.

After the performance of Statik, we had the first lucky draw which was won by Mr. Martin.

Bluebirds continued to enliven the Siren's Nite with their performance. They also performed three songs that night. A very interesting presentation specially for JOHO lovers. After the presentation, we had the lucky draw for the second time and this time it was won by a cute girl.

Siren's Nite became livelier when Wandi as the MC for the night invited Plague Of Happiness to perform. JOHO lovers who attended that night gathered and stood up to enjoy the performances from POH. For the first time in my life, I stood on the chair of Starbuck. Initially, the POH was only to perform three songs, but the fans kept asking POH to continue with their performance. Finally POH presented six songs that night.

Lastly, we had a lucky draw for the third time and was won by a pair of beloved. Siren's Nite ended after that but those who attended did not directly go back home as their stayed, took pictures and also having a chat with fellow friends from JOHO.

There is nothing that can be expressed about the party last night except that it was superb. I hope JOHO will continue to advance in the future.

Congratulations to JOHO!

Review JOHO

JOHO - Fenomena luar biasa yang sedang hangat diperkatakan oleh rakyat negeri Johor Darul Takzim membuka mata banyak pihak terutama golongan remaja. JOHO adalah sebuah organisasi berdaftar membuka sebuah kumpulan (Group) sacara rasminya pada Oktober 2009 menggunakan platform laman sosial Facebook. Tanpa diduga, kemunculan organisasi yang menarik minat muda-mudi di selatan tanah air ini berkembang pesat dengan pantas dan sehingga saat ini, JOHO menarik minat seramai 1811 orang ahli dalam kumpulannya. Diterajui oleh Azrafe Zaky dan rakan-rakannya yang lain, JOHO juga dapat menarik minat remaja yang berada di luar negeri Johor.

JOHO telah mengadakan pelancaran lembut (soft launch) pada 1 Januari 2010 bertempat di Roost Bistro, The Zone. Malam yang penuh dengan kesenian itu diberi nama SPAM (Southern Project of Arts Movement) dan dikunjungi ratusan ahli JOHO yang mahu melihat atau bersama-sama merasai kehebatan kumpulan JOHO ini. Tidak disangkal lagi, selepas pelancaran lembut ini, JOHO terus berkembang manambat hati para remaja.

JOHO bukanlah satu organisasi yang tertumpu kepada hiburan sahaja, malah JOHO juga adalah sebuah kumpulan yang menjana minat seni kepada ahlinya dari pelbagai sudut contohnya seni muzik, seni fotografi, seni sastera, seni videografi dan pelbagai lagi. Dari kepelbagaian itu, ramai ahlinya yang cenderung dalam pelbagai corong seni dapat menonjolkan bakat mereka sekaligus melahirkan lebih ramai anak seni kelahiran bumi selatan ini.

Bagi mereka, JOHO adalah sebuah organisasi di mana anak-anak JOHO dapat berkumpul, berkongsi idea, berkongsi informasi contohnya JOHO membuka ruang perbincangan (thread discussion) di dalam kumpulan mereka dan membincangkan tempat-tempat menarik untuk di lawati malah tempat yang menyediakan teh tarik terbaik di sekitar negeri JOHO.

Salah satu yang menjadi keunikan kumpulan JOHO adalah plate JOHO. Plate JOHO sudah menjadi benda wajib bagi ahlinya untuk dibawa ke mana-mana destinasi yang ditujui mereka. Mereka akan bergambar bersama plate JOHO lalu dimuat naik (upload) ke laman sosial Facebook. Inilah yang menjadi salah satu kebanggaan JOHO kerana mempunyai ahli yang "sporting".

Baru-baru ini, JOHO telah melancarkan edisi terhad t-shirt JOHO siri satu dan bakal menjumpai para ahlinya pada hari Rabu, 24 Feb di Rebirth, Plaza Seni, Johor Bahru. T-shirt edisi terhad ini bakal membuka mata ramai pihak untuk menjadikan JOHO sebuah organisasi yang lebih efisyen dan berkesan di selatan tanah air.

Seharusnya, para remaja di luar sana mengambil kesempatan malah menggunakan teknologi masa kini untuk memupuk minat dalam aktiviti-aktiviti dan menyertai kumpulan hebat sebegini kerana ini adalah salah satu proses pembelajaran dan pengenalan. Setiap bakat yang disemai di dalam diri tidak harus dipersiakan, kumpulan JOHO contohnya adalah sebuah kumpulan yang layak mendapat pengiktirafan dalam membangunkan generasi muda masa kini.

credit to qusyairezwan
http://mynameisqe.blogspot.com

Kereta JOHO

One of our member, illehyana, has displayed the JOHO plate in her car. Kinda smart don't you think? But doing this WILL NOT give you permission to exceed the speed limit. So don't speed and be safe on your journey during the holidays. Just a kinda reminder from JOHO :)

Dari Skudai ke Kluang

ini la kami. berhenti seketika di tepi highway untuk merakamkan kenangan bersama ke Kluang. terbaik!

Coffee shop yang terletak di stesen kretapi Kluang terkenal dengan keenakan hainanese coffee dan roti bakar. Coffeeshop ini mula beroperasi sejak tahun 1938 sehingga sekarang (3rd generation of the Lim Family). Cucu kepada Lim, Mr JJ Phun telah membuka cawangan pertama Kluang Station di One Utama Shoping Centre pada tahun 2005.

best of da best. (gemok seiyh aku).

JOHO di Kluang Station.

JOHO again.

harga-harga makanan dekat Kluang Station ni. murah tak? murah kan. sebab tu kitorang makan bagai nak gila. murah dan sedap. terbaik dari ladang.

waktu operasi kepda siapa-siapa yang ingin datang nanti.

pulut panggang dan karipap yang best!

ini merupakan kopi yang terbaik skali!! addicted kot.

view meja makan!

landasan kretapi Kluang. siapa-siapa nak singah sini naik kretapi lagi best. pengalaman yang menarik!

Kluang Station baru. harga dia mahal sikit la. sebab kene sewa kedai kan. dekat sini ada aircond. so sejuk sikit la. makanan ade tambhan-tambhan sikit dari Kluang Station lama. mee kari etc.

view dari dalam Kluang Station Baru. just 3 min dari Kluang Station lama. but still ramai orang.

brownies icecream. sedap-sedap.!

aku tak faham la maksud signboard ni. boleh jeleskan?

semangat. perkataan yang ada dalam diri kitorang masa pergi ni. bayangkan la just nak pergi Kluang semata-mata nak breakfast dekat Kluang Station yg original. huhu. bangun seawal 630 pagi. call-call member gerakkan bangun. mandi-mandi. wangi-wangi. dan ambil sorang-sorang dekat block masing-masing. isi minyak dekat shell dengan perut sorang-sorang kelaparan. bergerak ke arah KLUANG pada jam 715 pagi!! ayuh!!

aku. hampir dilanggar lori.

bersama 5 rakan aku yang lebih tut-tut dari aku. maaf rakan2. lima jari dihulurkan. ini di hadapan Kluang Station. belakang tu boleh nampak keretapi lalu (takda pon~).

di sekeliling meja Kluang Station. sangat ramai orang. terpaksa blah awal sebab orang berpusu-pusu nak masuk. so tak boleh nak lepak lama-lama seperti selalu. min 1 jam. haha.

Gadis-gadis berpose sebelum makanan sampai. sorang-sorang kelaparan.

tiba masanya para jejaka ingin kembali ke zaman nostalgia masing-masing. macam cerita arwah yasmin ahmad. terbaik!

antara babak yang terbaik la. sampai kene sound "baring je atas rumput tu la woi". tapi you all hati kental. pedulikan kritikan. tetap semangat berpose!

"siapa yang pegang plate joho?".. "dia!" jerit meraka beramai-ramai.

bersama signboard lama Kluang Station. nostalgia.

JOHO di Kluang Station.

harap satu hari nanti kitorang akan bersarapan di tempat-tempat lain pulak!

Entry by Carl Samsudin
http://carlsamsudin.blogspot.com/