All my bags were packed and I'm ready to go. I was already anticipating this trip for a month! 

To where, you ask? Thanks to Papulex Asia, I was off for a weekend retreat back to nature and tranquility in the lush outbacks of Malacca.

Waking up early on a Saturday morning for this roadtrip

After two hours on the road, we arrived our destination – The Philea Resort & Spa, Melaka – at noon.

It was a enormous and superbly furnished eco-resort which boasted authentic pine-log architecture and rustic interior design.

Here are some photos I shot of The Philea's interor :

Lobby/waiting area/drinks area

Bar/Lounge Area

Outdoor concourse

There was a water feature fringing the resort with the MOST amount of Koi fish I've ever seen

These fishes respond to vibration and sound very attentively, as it was their cue to feeding time.

We teased the fishes and tapped the glass walls at different spots so as to confuse them teehee!

Me standing by the pond. You can hardly see the Koi but the school of fishes came in massive numbers.

Jessicat wears : Leopard print laced-back tank by TopShop | Denim shorts by Forever 21 |

Cap in nude by Hard Rock Cafe | Accessories from a bazaar in Bangkok |

Tote Bag from a bazaar in Singapore | High Top Sneakers in white by Converse

It was time to begin our day in Malacca with an ice-breaking and introductory session.

A light brunch was provided before Papulex Asia started the ball rolling.

So happy there was a wide array of Lipton tea!

I'm such a tea fag I almost wanted to take all the sachets to drink later 

A picture with the girls, Shazwani and Ivy during the ice-breaking session

After the introductory session, we were all required to play a game which involved teamwork.

That ever-popular form the longest line with everything and everything you have on you.

My team mate QuaChee and I forming our line

My other team mate Hafiz and I continuing our line!

Being one to be competitive, I removed all my bangles, rings, earrings, parts of my clothes and more LOL

Here are some of the items from our team and the other team

Lining them all up!
 

When it was all over and done with – well almost, as nobody wanted to strip their clothing off haha! – the longest line was measured and our team won!! Hurrah! 

We did well; I'm so proud. The three of us hit it off well in pushing for the longest line. Think EVERYTHING : cellphones, belts, socks, and yes, even shoelaces haha!

With my team mates QuaChee and Hafiz posing by our line of items

Fun times had to come to an end. It was now time for the more serious part of this session.

The sharing session, the experience, the history and our past with regards to this campaign and more.

My essentials for the mini seminar provided by The Philea 

Me sharing a little bit more about myself, my point of view and the battles I fought against acne

All of us Papulex Truthseekers – Team Malaysia!

Once that was over, it was already mid afternoon and our tummies were growling.

Lunchtime was at one of the restaurants in the hotel, with a continental concept – Cravo Cravo

Hafiz and I goofing around while walking over to lunch

Spotted this giant wooden throne with a ship steering helm at the entrance of Cravo Cravo!

Couldn't resist a photo with it.

The continental and Asian fare in Cravo Cravo left me spoilt for choice.

It was amazing how endless the selection can get. Here are some of the dishes from the buffet :

Bite-sized goodness

Carved roast beef

Desserts

Here are some of the stuff I took for myself

I didn't bother taking photos of the main meals as I was already hungry and couldn't wait to dig in

Lunchtime at the long table saw us catching up with each other and talking about everything under the sun.

Before we knew it, it was time to check into our rooms.

Got our room key-card and guest booklet!

The Philea sent us a chauffeur to take us to our rooms which was located at another zone of the resort.

We occupied two buggies to be driven off further into nature!

Bye! We were about to adjourn!

As the buggy drove deeper and deeper into what felt like a secluded bay of pristine forest giants with waterfalls cascading along stone walls and gigantic, lush greeneries engulfing me, I knew this weekend would be the most serene and tranquil one I've had so far this year.

Here are some photos of the short journey to my room:

Along the cobblestone walkway towards the chalets

Beautiful pine-log cabins fringed the gravel path

Roaring waterfalls at the bridge and swimming area

Steps leading towards the bridge

An aerial view of the swimming area (adult and children)

Weather-worn, wooden fence posts covered by damp moss from the morning drizzle

Approaching my cabin shortly!

What I'd typically do the moment I arrived

Wow looks like they know me pretty well, putting a giant convex mirror in front of my cabin

Haha kidding! It's obviously a security measure to allow buggies to see each other lest they collide at one of the many bends in this nature resort. 

Quite coincidentally, my cabin was right in front of the gym and the spa. Can they read my mind or what?

My home in the woods for the weekend!

I climbed the wooden staircase; they didn't creak as I had expected it to, and no gnomes were in sight.

Okay, I think I get taken away by fairy tales sometimes.

The moment I stepped into my cabin, my jaw hung with astoundment and I knew for a fact that my eyes were gleaming in delight. Was this really where I was going to be put up for the next two days? 

Here, be amazed for yourself!

My king-sized bed!

My desk!

My bathroom! (It had a  giant bath too, so you can be sure that I had a hot bubble-bath thereafter)

I jumped on the bed, stretched like a yawning cat on my comfy bed and watched some telly

What am I doing? I don't even watch telly. At all.

Perhaps its the holiday mindset that's doing this to me. Haha!

We were required to gather at the outdoor concourse for a treasure hunt game.

Being briefed on the rules before we set-off on our hunt

Here's my task!

I was brimming with energy and adrenalin caught me on a choke-hold the moment I read it.

Always up for a good game, I had one goal in mind – to win this challenge! 

The fastest, most alert and smartest player will win. I hope it'll be me.

(Okay, I didn't know this is how I look when I run. So unglam LOL)

My closest rival was QuaChee.

We always found the next clues at the same time and as a fellow fitness buff, he was pretty darn quick too

We raced to the finish line and sprinted all the way! In the end, he won the challenge.

Great job! Good game, mate 

Perspiring heavily and sapped off our energy levels,

I reckon we were looking like zombie grub by the end of the afternoon

Game over. That was a good exercise. It gave me exactly the rush I needed.

I think I pretty much crashed on the bed by the time I trudged all the way back to my cabin.

But I recharged quickly and dressed down for an evening dip at the giant swimming pool!

It's time to work the cardio in the swimming pool today!

The swimming pool was mine and mine to dominate!

Waddling in the pool like a duck, swimming like a puppy and

lying on my back floating allowing the world to pass me by

Hey, it isn't everyday I just take a weekend away from the busy city to do absolutely nothing but relax.

The team behind Papulex Asia are amazing. Knowing that stress, tension and dirty/dusty city environment does contribute to acne and pimples, this weekend getaway to be one with nature was perfectly what we needed.

QuaChee and I in the pool

Walked back to my cabin after that fulfilling swim and had a long, hot bubble-bath.

I think I fell asleep at some point. Aromatherapy and relaxation does that to me.

We set off for dinner at another one of The Philea's restaurants – Bayu Cabana by the scenic river front and pool side. We had a warm and scrumptious steamboat meal altogether!

All of us!

The desserts stole my heart 

All of us enjoyed the dinner which seemed to keep coming and coming!

The chef kept refilling our steamboat pot and even helped me break open my crab. Yeah, I fail on all levels peeling crabs and prawns. How sad, I know. But he was nice enough to offer!

What's a weekend without good music and a few drinks? I had my favourite

White Russian at Chiillout Bar with some of the rest who was up for sprucing up their Saturday night

I headed back to my cabin a little after midnight.

Spent some me-time writing a few blog posts and surfing all my social media channels before I said goodnight to my fluffy pillows and crisp white sheets. I had the bed all to myself!

Had a good sleep, I must say, as I woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

For once, it felt different to wake up to the sweet melody of the birds in the morning, chirping of crickets and opening your windows to the smell of fresh, moist dew instead of being rudely awaken by cars blaring their honks or clanging from a nearby construction site.

Breakfast at another one of their restaurants – Nusantara!
 

Their fare presented an impressive choice of both international and Asian cuisines.

There were so much to choose from and I had breakfast like a King!

My breakfast! I couldn't finish it all 

We gathered at the al-fresco lounge and waited for the session with Dr. Hew Yin Keat, a professional skin specialist.

He's also the owner and Medical Director of M.A.C – Malaysian Aesthetic Clinic.

His clinic in Bangsar Shopping Center offers medical aesthetic procedures, corrective skincare and rejuvenation treatments without surgery, fusing science and aesthetics together!  So you know where to go now, aight? 

That's M.A.C (Malaysian Aesthetic Clinic) for you. Call for appointments : 03-20936136

The Question & Answer session was so enlightening!

Dr. Hew was patient, informative, explained so well in layman's terms and had a great sense of humour too

It went on with a rather intense discussion and sharing-learning session from Dr. Hew

Apart from the basic causes of acne, he also imparted us the knowledge of different types of acne, ways to prevent it and how to treat the infection if it spreads out of control.

Dr. Hew also showed us samples of procedures and their before & after results

Why we look so solemn and serious in the photo, is beyond me. Most likely he's showing us one of the most horrible skin conditions he has treated before and our minds were like "OH MY GOSH THAT'S SO DREADFUL".

After the sharing session, they held a quiz for us to test how much we know and have learnt about this entire campaign so far. Then it was time to check out and leave The Philea. I don't wanna go! I'll be fine living here forever LOL

We all headed to Malacca town to do a little bit of shopping and food hunt

I had a wonderful time being a Papulex Truthseeker. It was one heck of a ride!

View my previous blog posts here :

——> Part One

——> Part Two

——> Part Three

…and you're reading Part Four now! 

All of us! Team Malaysia consisting of us bloggers and the Papulex Asia representatives

From knowing and understanding the history of my skin condition, the true root causes of acne, spreading the truth and busting myths about acne, propagating confidence to other acne-ridden people, and introducing Papulex to our readers, of newfound friendship, good food and a fun weekend getaway, I would do this all over again, if I could.

Thank you, Papulex Asia! 

Think of Christmas, think of snow,

Think of sleigh bells off you go!

So this was it. When I was extended an invite to Peter Pan : The Musical Gala, I couldn't be any more ecstatic as the Disney girl in me insisted I attend this!

The last time I ever watched Peter Pan was when I was… say, 6 years old or so?

And now, 15 years down the road, I am watching an adaptation of the early 1900 piece, 'Peter Pan – The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up', in a full-blown stage musical!

I arrived early at Sunway to avoid the massive jam! Had myself a cuppa double shot expresso mocha at the adjacent Starbucks while watching the cars roll in 🙂

Entering the vicinity of Sunway Lagoon, we were given an option of whether to jump aboard the buggy or take a 5 minute stroll to the Amphitheater itself. Clearly from the pictures above, no prizes for guessing which choice I made!

Heck, if I were wearing my trainers or flats I would choose the latter.

But since I was in heels, laziness got the better of me 😛 😛

 In the buggy! 🙂

Which was pretty fun and windy ride that reminds me of my Tioman Island trip

(zomg just remembered I haven't blogged about it yet!)

Arriving the entrance of Sunway Lagoon Amphitheater!

 You can see the amphitheater seats in the background!

Was kinda early so the crowd hasn't begun rolling in yet

Was ushered to my seat, yay for front rows! 🙂 The red zone.

Here's the very pretty set-up all ready for the show to kickstart at 8PM

Lights, camera, action!

Oh, and is that London's famous Big Ben clock tower? 🙂

By golly, it is!

Soon, more and more people began filling up the seats.

Spotted some of the usual faces coming in and also ushered to the same zone as I was 🙂

 Saved a seat for buddy Anis right beside me!

Bok was waiting beside me too before Serge took up the seat

Hmmm.. okay, waited quite long la actually. Heh 😛

It said 8PM on the ticket but that actually means 9PM acording to Malaysian timing LOL

 A sweaty and lethargic girl camwhoring while waiting. Faster begin already!! 😀 😀

Key brass chain-necklace by Soak Republic

Finally the whole amphitheater was fullhouse!

Okay, that was a whole lot of people. O__o

Chris Colby, the director of the entire production, then came forward to introduce himself and this musical to us.

Chris was really comical when he read out the formalities of "Datuk-datuk" and "Datin-datin" (titles to adress the local bigshots) and tried pronouncing other Malay words like "Majlis Bandaraya Subang" "Majlis Bandaraya Sri Petaling" (city councils) and the like.

Very good try nonetheless!!

 The man himself whose brainchild we were about to watch, Chris Colby!!

And it began with a blast!!

Ice blast, more of. It started snowing foam down the stage as a bunch of delightful dancers and main talents began their performance.

I vowed that when I set foot in the United Kingdom next year, Imma spend my first ever White Christmas there!

The musical got the ball rolling with a very popular Christmas song, 'Sleigh Ride'.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing~
Ring ting tingle-ing too~
Come on, it's lovely weather~
For a sleigh ride together with you~

Outside the snow is falling~
And friends are calling "You Hoo"~
Come on, it's lovely weather~
For a sleigh ride together with you!

That's one of my fave Christmas songs ever 🙂

Wendy Darling, the co-star looked really beautiful and chirpy on stage!

 Just like how she was portrayed in Disney's version of Wendy 🙂

If I recall correctly, there were altogether more than 10 songs sang and danced to!

The famous London West End theater professional actors and actresses did a fabulous job dancing, twirling, hopping, skipping and singing to the music! Trust me, I know exactly how tiring it is.

I've been in a theater production several years back myself and hell yes, all the rehearsing and practice sessions drained the life of me 🙁

Wendy was having fun immersed in her colourful imagination of music, laughter and joy when Mr. Darling knocked on the door.

Oh no! It's father!

Mr. Darling was portrayed as the strict and stern father figure, taking no nonsense from Wendy as she tells her stories of fairies, the Lost Boys and a boy who never grew up

He brushed her account of seeing a boy standing by her window as a figment of an imagination and tucked her into bed.

Wendy even showed her father Peter Pan's shadow much to his disbelief

On a side note: Poor thing! Like SERIOUSLY? Which father won't be alarmed when there is a MALE standing at his DAUGHTER'S window AT NIGHT?

Ya know, if my dad ever did that to me in real life I'd probably ask him, aren't you worried that this boy will kidnap and rape me or something? Pfftt.

Ok reality check over 😛 Back to Neverland please!

So the sad Wendy obviously not being able to sleep, still harboured wishful thinking about Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.

She talked to her dog, Nana – of which was also portrayed excellently!

Walt Disney's image of Nana

It was also pretty hilarious to think that there was actually a person inside a furry St. Bernard costume!

The recorded barking sound was played in sync with the person inside acting all frisky and replicated any doggy-antics 🙂

Hi Nana!! 🙂 🙂

Peter Pan then came into the scene, standing by Wendy's window ledge with his hands on his hips.

He was looking for his shadow that he left behind; which I find rather strange, to have a shadow detached from a person. 😀

Well, it has been this way since the 1915 version!

Wendy then reattaches Peter Pan's shadow by sewing it back on his body (!!!!)

As shown from the ancient illustration below

After Wendy finished putting it all back, the very eggcited Peter Pan calls out his signature cock-a-doodle-doo!

Peter then begins to adjourn home and asks Wendy to come along with him.

But.. how?

FLY, OF COURSE!

All it takes is faith and trust, and just a little bit of pixie dust 🙂

But… where does Peter Pan live? Where on earth is Neverland?

You don't need no GPS nor Google Maps because…

… "it's just the 2nd star to the right, and straight on 'till morning!" 🙂 🙂

How nice if I were to tell my friends where I live and easily go "It's just the 2nd house to the right and straight on 'till you see a 7-11!"

*envisions self pointing to a far distance*

So what are you waiting for, Wendy?

Won't you fly with me? 🙂

Up up up they go to Neverland!

Question is, what happened to Wendy's 2 other brothers, John and Michael?

Maybe they just dissolved into thin air or disintegrated into pixie dust for unknown reasons. Hmm… Just kidding!

We can fly! We can fly! We can fly!

Yes you can fly. Now, here's a video 🙂

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eioff6yz_VI

Thanks to Anis for lending me her camera! xoxo

Random shot of the cocky and mischievous Peter Pan amongst the giant mushrooms 🙂

This is Mr. Smee! 🙂 Captain Hook's pirate sidekick

He went "HIYA FELLAS!" and we all had to go "HIYA SMEEEEEE!!"

Smee steering Hook's ship!

Another dance session and a pretty cool pirate-ish song played 🙂

 So now we have all the pirates…

…but where's Captain Hook himself?

I wonder. Come on out, Hook! Arrrrr!!!!

Suddenly, a loud thunderous cackle reverberated through the amphitheater and spotlights were on Captain Hook at the very same entrance we used to come in! The crowd applauded with excitement.

This sinister character was bellowing his dramatic, evil laughter upon his appearance.

Oooh. I'm so scared.. but could I borrow your hook to hang my laundry? 😛 😛

He was pretty gung-ho, cruel and nasty.

Very much what I remember of Captain Hook from my younger days!

He hears of this Wendy person Peter Pan brought to Neverland, and hatched this diabolical plan to kidnap her and make her their mother instead of Pan's.

But why would you need to kidnap young girls and make her your mother, Hook? You should be ashamed!

Take a look at yourself, you fully grown man! *wags accusing finger* 😛 😛

But regardless of whatever logic there is, his minions agreed in unison with his plan.

Hurrah!!! We're gonna kidnap Wendy!

And they did.

Oh but wait, take a close look at Captain Hook's facial expression!!!

Bwahahaha. I couldn't stop laughing. 😛 😛

So he went on and on threatening Wendy but OH NO!

Hold it just a sec – what's that sound I hear?

Ticking? Tick tock tick tock goes the clock

The frightened Hook was so alarmed that he summoned Smee to be on the lookout for the crocodile.

Why is Hook so afraid of crocs?

If you didn't know, you sure don't know your Disney well! 😛 😛 Go find out! 😀

Hellllooooo crocodile!

There was also a person inside the croc outfit which I presume *could* be the same person playing Nana? Hehe. And I don't know if it's of any coincidence but Crocs Malaysia happens to be one of the sponsors of this musical! 🙂 🙂

It was also pretty silly and hilarious watching a crocodile standing and walking on 2 feet, shaking hands with Tiger Lily and her red Indian clan!

I remember laughing so hard at the crocodile's antics! 😀 hahaaha

Yay Wendy is rescued!!

*claps*

Wendy kinda has this crush on Peter which is fairly obvious in Disney's cartoon as also in this musical adaptation.

Hey woman, take it from me. He just wants you to babysit him and the Lost Boys so don't get your infatuation nor hopes too high up! 😛

After all, he's the boy that never grows up…

and is a carefree and free-spirited soul.

What will happen when you're all old, wrinkly and menopausal when he's still swiftly flying around?

Ain't gonna work out.

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys! 🙂

I love how they were frolicking with each other telling each other bedtime stories and jokes

Oh, and if any of you were wondering where Tinkerbell was….

She was there! She was there with us during the musical too!

Just… well.. in a form of a bright ray of yellow/green light and her signature tinker-sounds. Because obviously, no one was small enough to play her – not even a child. Look, she's only slightly bigger than a keyhole!

But! Something bad happened to her. Tinkerbell was dying and the only way to save her was to believe in fairies (!!!) O_o

Come on! We need everybody! Even the moms and dads out there!

You have to believe! Clap your hands so she can hear you!

So yeah, we all clapped as hard as we could.

And she was alive again! Yay. Heh. Actually, I watched this scene in Disney's version too where Tinkerbell's life was coming to an end because people didn't believe her existence. LOL. No comments 😛

There was a scene where the malicious Captain Hook kidnapped Tiger Lily too!

Good lord, can you stop kidnapping young girls already? hahaaha 😛

He tied her to a rock

and Peter Pan our hero for the night, came to her rescue!!! 🙂

They engaged in a swashbuckling swordfight.

Tiger Lily was saved and everyone lived happily ever after. The end.

*Narrator takes a sip of water*

All's well, ends well! 🙂 🙂

Bye everybody!

More and more Christmas songs filled the amphitheater as the entire cast came forward for their last song and dance.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpCl4gjq1xA

And guess what!? It was snowing again! 🙂 🙂

This time, it was a blizzard! 😀

It snowed not just onstage but ALL OVER US TOO!

Then it got rather chilly and all of us had "snow" foam on our heads and bodies

Don't know why you can't see it on me but there… look at the picture below!

The man sitting in fronta me had mega-dandruff on his head! 😛

LOL I jest! It was the "snow" foam. Lots and lots of them on his shoulders too

I must say, that I had a fantastic time.

Not many people would know how to appreciate musicals but if you happen to be a fan of stageplay or were to be (or have been) in the theatrical scene, you would be able to judge this abridged version as a splendid one.

All I can say is, loosen up, sit back, relax and enjoy the magic of this show.

Peter Pan : The Musical Gala will be shown every single day (except Tuesday) from the 26th November 2010 until the 2nd January 2011.

5.30PM on weekdays + Sunday and an extra 8PM one on Fridays and Saturdays!

Adult tickets range from RM60-Rm140 while tickets for children range from RM40-RM100.

To purchase your ticket, call 03-5639000 or visit www.sunwaylagoon.com for more

Trust me, it will leave you enchanted 🙂

Here's the whole cast posing for a group photograph! 🙂

I was kinda heartbroken when Adrian Soo -CEO of Sunway Lagoon- initially announced that only the children were allowed to take photos with them. Like… WHAAAIII???? I thought we were children too, somewhere deep down inside!

What happened to never growing up in Neverland?

I was so sad that I thought this was the closest I could ever get to them in a photo

But I was wrong!! After the stampede of children had subsided, Adrian then invited the media up onstage for a very own up-close-and-personal session with the whole cast, crew, producers and directors 🙂

Thank goodness I didn't leave yet!

Wendy is so beautiful in real life and was indeed a darling! 🙂

The guy with the amazing voice plays the adorable Peter Pan!

He was so gracious, very sweet and informative too when I asked him a few questions 🙂

Also, I got to take pictures with the Director and the Dance Choreographer themselves!

The men you see flanking me are the masterminds of this superb musical! 🙂

Great job

Had a lil chat session with them and I was told that this entire musical took a total of only 3 weeks at most to be rehearsed. Long days and long nights, but it was sure worth it! 🙂

They also shared with me that the main cast had been working with them for many stageplays already and that auditions were held right here in Sunway Lagoon itself for the rest of the cast, especially the dancers!

Took some time camwhoring with the stage props and setting too 😛

Yes I'm getting ready for Christmas already… presents anyone? 😀 😀

The overgrown child with the overgrown mushrooms 😛

More overgrown children!

Girls just love to have fun, no? 😀 😀

Just think of a wonderful thought, any merry little thought… and we'll be able to fly, right?

Well at least that's what Peter Pan told us!