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  • The Science Behind Sweat: How Half-Time Shapes the Outcome of the Second Half

    For many football fans, half-time is seen as a short break between two halves of a match. However, from a sports performance perspective, those 15 minutes represent one of the most crucial moments for athletes to restore energy, replace lost fluids and prepare their bodies for the intensity of the second half.

    During a football match, players can lose significant amounts of fluid through sweat, especially when competing in hot and humid conditions such as those commonly experienced in Malaysia. Research shows that athletes can lose between one to three litres of sweat per hour during training or competition, and a loss of just 2% of body weight due to dehydration can already affect performance. This can result in slower sprinting, reduced reaction speed, impaired decision-making and increased physical strain.

    Dr Krissy Ladner, Director of Sports Performance and Nutrition Education, Herbalife.

    According to Dr. Krissy Ladner, Director of Sports Performance and Nutrition Education at Herbalife, sweat is more than just water loss. Sweat contains essential electrolytes, including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which each play important roles in maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, nerve communication and overall physical performance.

    Among these electrolytes, sodium plays a particularly important role in hydration as it helps the body retain fluids and supports the movement of water into cells. While drinking plain water can replace lost fluids, it does not replenish the sodium and electrolytes lost through sweat. For intense activities lasting more than an hour, a properly formulated sports drink can help provide carbohydrates for energy, sodium for hydration and electrolytes to support athletic performance.

    Elite football players like Cristiano Ronaldo can lose significant amounts of fluid through sweat during a match, making hydration a key factor in performance.

    For elite football players, the half-time recovery strategy focuses on three key areas: carbohydrates, electrolytes and fluid intake. Dr. Ladner explained that consuming around 30 to 60 grams of easily digestible carbohydrates during the break can help replenish muscle glycogen stores, fuel the brain and improve focus during the second half. Options may include sports drinks, bananas, carbohydrate gels or energy chews.

    The hydration strategies used by elite football players can also benefit recreational athletes and active individuals.

    Hydration during half-time is equally important. Athletes are recommended to consume approximately 355 to 710 millilitres of fluids during the 15-minute break, while maintaining regular fluid intake throughout the match. This approach helps minimise dehydration, regulate body temperature and maintain physical performance without causing discomfort to the stomach.

    Proper hydration during half-time can help football players stay focused and energised for the remainder of the match.

    The importance of proper hydration and fuelling is not limited to professional athletes. Weekend football players, runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts can also benefit from applying the same principles. Dr. Ladner advises that anyone exercising for more than 60 minutes or sweating heavily should consider replacing electrolytes and carbohydrates rather than relying solely on plain water.

    Simple methods can also help individuals understand their hydration needs. Checking body weight before and after long workouts can indicate fluid loss, while monitoring urine colour can provide a quick guide to hydration status. However, individuals who are uncomfortable with weighing themselves can seek support from coaches or training staff to monitor hydration without focusing on weight measurements.

    As modern sports continue to emphasise performance science, half-time is no longer just a pause in the game. It is a critical recovery window where proper nutrition and hydration can influence the outcome of the second half. Whether on the professional pitch or during a weekend match, every sip and every fuel choice can make a difference when athletes return to the field.

  • Jobstreet by SEEK Enhances Verified Credentials with SEEK Pass to Help Malaysians Thrive in the AI-Driven Job Market

    KUALA LUMPUR, 12 June 2026 — As recruitment continues to evolve through digitalisation and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), trust and authenticity have become increasingly important factors in the hiring process. With AI-generated applications becoming more common, employers face greater challenges in verifying candidates’ qualifications and skills, while jobseekers must find new ways to stand out in an increasingly competitive talent market.

    To strengthen trust and transparency in recruitment, Jobstreet by SEEK continues to expand SEEK Pass, its trusted digital credential passport that allows jobseekers to securely verify and share their professional credentials with employers. The platform enables verification of key career information, including identity, work rights, employment history, education qualifications and professional licences.

    The latest enhancement to SEEK Pass allows jobseekers with IELTS and Pearson Test of English (PTE) qualifications to verify and display their English proficiency credentials directly on their Jobstreet profiles. Through partnerships with IELTS and Pearson, the feature is now available across eight markets in the Asia Pacific region, helping candidates showcase their verified language skills to potential employers.

    In Malaysia, English proficiency remains a highly valued skill across various industries, particularly for roles involving international collaboration, customer engagement and communication. By displaying verified IELTS and PTE credentials through SEEK Pass, jobseekers can provide employers with a trusted indication of their language capabilities, while companies can make more informed hiring decisions with greater confidence.

    Recent SEEK research highlights the increasing importance of verified credentials in today’s employment landscape. Nearly eight in 10 candidates believe that a verified profile improves their credibility with employers, while 67% say the rise of AI has made it more challenging to prove authenticity during the job search process. Additionally, 75% of candidates value the confidence that comes with having a verified profile, and 77% recognise the importance of protection against identity fraud when applying for jobs.

    Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia, said the country’s competitive labour market has encouraged candidates to strengthen their career prospects through professional certifications and language skills. At the same time, employers are managing higher volumes of applications and require stronger indicators to identify suitable talent more efficiently. Verified credentials, he added, will play an increasingly important role in bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers.

    Since its launch in Asia in late 2024, SEEK Pass has continued to gain adoption among Jobstreet and Jobsdb users who are looking to strengthen their profiles and improve their visibility to employers. The platform has already helped more than five million people across Asia Pacific verify their credentials, with verified applicants shown to have higher chances of being shortlisted in markets such as Australia and New Zealand.

    Beyond building trust, credential verification also delivers practical benefits for jobseekers. SEEK research found that 74% of candidates believe verification can lead to more employer responses, while seven in 10 believe it can help speed up the recruitment process. Meanwhile, 69% agree that verified credentials help them stand out in a competitive job market.

    The collaboration with IELTS and Pearson further expands SEEK Pass’s capabilities by helping candidates demonstrate their English proficiency in a simpler and more accessible way. For employers, the initiative provides a reliable method to verify language skills and support fairer, faster hiring decisions.

    As AI and digital recruitment continue to reshape the future of work, verified credentials are becoming an essential tool for building confidence between employers and candidates. Through SEEK Pass, Jobstreet by SEEK aims to empower jobseekers to showcase their verified skills while enabling employers to identify qualified talent more effectively in an evolving employment landscape.

  • 118 Mall Bakal Menjadi Lokasi Cawangan Premium Pertama Decathlon di Malaysia

    Dato’ Ir. Ts. Izwan Hasli Mohd Ibrahim, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif PNB Merdeka Ventures, menyampaikan ucapan alu-aluan kepada delegasi Decathlon APAC sambil berkongsi perkembangan serta visi pembangunan presint Merdeka 118 sempena lawatan rasmi mereka.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Jun 2026 — Menjelang pembukaannya yang dinanti-nantikan tahun ini, 118 Mall terus mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai destinasi gaya hidup baharu di tengah ibu negara dengan mengumumkan kehadiran cawangan premium pertama Decathlon di Malaysia. Terletak di presint ikonik Merdeka 118, pembukaan gedung ini dijangka menjadi antara tarikan utama pusat beli-belah tersebut, sekali gus menawarkan pengalaman membeli-belah sukan yang lebih moden, interaktif dan eksklusif kepada pengunjung.

    Bagi menandakan perkembangan penting ini, 118 Mall baru-baru ini menerima kunjungan khas delegasi Decathlon dari seluruh rantau Asia Pasifik (APAC). Lawatan yang menghimpunkan wakil dari Thailand, Kemboja, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jepun, Korea, Malaysia, Filipina, Singapura, Taiwan dan Vietnam itu memberi peluang kepada mereka meninjau sendiri pembangunan 118 Mall serta lokasi cawangan utama Decathlon yang bakal beroperasi di pusat beli-belah berkenaan.

    Foto berkumpulan delegasi Decathlon APAC bersama wakil PNB Merdeka Ventures dan pasukan 118 Mall sempena lawatan rasmi serta sesi tinjauan di sekitar 118 Mall.

    Cawangan baharu seluas 22,000 kaki persegi yang terletak di Aras 2 itu akan menjadi projek premium pertama seumpamanya bagi Decathlon Malaysia serta berfungsi sebagai gedung legasi jenama tersebut. Konsep yang diperkenalkan menggabungkan elemen sukan, gaya hidup dan komuniti dalam satu ruang yang direka untuk memberikan pengalaman membeli-belah lebih menyeluruh kepada pelanggan.

    Menariknya, reka bentuk cawangan ini turut mengetengahkan identiti Malaysia menerusi inspirasi motif Songket pada ruang dalaman, dipadankan dengan fasad moden yang memberikan suasana premium. Selain menawarkan pelbagai kelengkapan sukan, pelanggan juga boleh menikmati perkhidmatan nilai tambah seperti cetakan dan ukiran khas serta pemasangan tali raket bagi badminton, tenis dan sukan lain.

    (Kanan) Dato’ Ir. Ts. Izwan Hasli Mohd Ibrahim, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif PNB Merdeka Ventures, bersama Frederic Bichet, Ketua Decathlon APAC, ketika sesi tinjauan di 118 Mall.

    Lebih daripada sekadar gedung peralatan sukan, cawangan ini diwujudkan bagi menggalakkan gaya hidup aktif serta memperkukuh hubungan komuniti melalui pelbagai pengalaman interaktif. Pada masa sama, ia mengintegrasikan keupayaan omnichannel Decathlon, membolehkan pelanggan mengakses rangkaian produk dan perkhidmatan yang lebih luas, sama ada di premis fizikal mahupun secara dalam talian.

    Pengarah Keahlian dan Peneraju Projek Cawangan 118 Mall, Decathlon Malaysia, Adlyna Azmi berkata pembukaan cawangan premium itu melambangkan evolusi baharu jenama berkenaan di Malaysia dengan menggabungkan inovasi, identiti tempatan dan pengalaman sukan yang lebih menarik. Beliau turut menyifatkan pembukaan cawangan ke-37 Decathlon di negara ini sebagai satu pencapaian penting, selain berbangga menjadi sebahagian daripada pembangunan ikonik Merdeka 118.

    Delegasi Decathlon APAC ketika sesi tinjauan di 118 Mall.

    Sementara itu, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad, Dato’ Ir. Ts. Izwan Ibrahim menyifatkan kehadiran Decathlon sebagai antara penyewa utama yang bakal memperkayakan pengalaman pengunjung di 118 Mall. Menurut beliau, pusat beli-belah tersebut bukan sahaja menawarkan pengalaman membeli-belah, malah menjadi destinasi yang menggabungkan elemen gaya hidup, budaya dan komuniti dalam suasana yang unik serta berbeza daripada pusat beli-belah lain di Kuala Lumpur.

    Dengan kerja-kerja pengubahsuaian premis oleh para penyewa kini sedang giat dijalankan, 118 Mall semakin menghampiri fasa pembukaannya kepada orang ramai. Kehadiran jenama-jenama terkemuka seperti Decathlon dijangka mengukuhkan lagi status 118 Mall sebagai destinasi gaya hidup bertaraf dunia yang menawarkan pengalaman membeli-belah, rekreasi dan komuniti dalam satu lokasi ikonik di Malaysia.

  • Walk Your Way to 126,000 Steps and Stand a Chance to Win RM200 with Samsung Health!

    KUALA LUMPUR, 3 June 2026 – Samsung Malaysia is encouraging Malaysians to embrace a more active lifestyle through its ‘Step Up Challenge Malaysia’ campaign in celebration of World Running Day. Running from 3 to 21 June 2026, the campaign invites participants to walk, jog, run or simply stay active by completing a total of 126,000 steps during the contest period.

    Designed to inspire healthier daily habits, the challenge also offers an attractive incentive. Participants who successfully complete the 126,000-step target will stand a chance to receive a RM200 voucher, redeemable across Samsung’s ecosystem. The voucher can be used towards the purchase of selected Samsung products, including wearable devices such as the Galaxy Ring and Samsung Galaxy Watch.

    Joining the challenge is simple through the Samsung Health app. Users only need to ensure the app is installed and that they are signed in with their Samsung Account before enrolling via the Promotions section or the campaign banner on the app’s home page. Throughout the campaign, participants’ progress will be automatically tracked under the Together section, with those reaching the milestone recognised as Finishers.

    Once participants earn Finisher status, they can claim their RM200 reward through the Samsung Members app. The voucher redemption period runs from 3 June to 21 July 2026, and it can be used either online at participating Samsung stores or in physical outlets by presenting the voucher code to the cashier.

    To ensure fair participation, Samsung has limited voucher redemption to a maximum of two eligible products per participant—one purchased online and one purchased in-store. The initiative offers consumers added flexibility while rewarding them for making healthier lifestyle choices.

    By combining fitness, technology and exclusive rewards, Samsung Malaysia aims to motivate more people to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines. Whether it’s a leisurely walk, a morning jog or an evening run, every step brings participants closer to both improved well-being and exciting Samsung rewards.

    Those interested in joining the ‘Step Up Challenge Malaysia’ can find more information and register through the Samsung Health app. With the campaign running throughout June, Samsung hopes to inspire Malaysians to stay active while enjoying the opportunity to earn rewards for their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

  • ‘Good Boys Go To Heaven’ gabung suspens dan trauma, lakonan berkesan Beto Kusyairy dan Zahirah MacWilson

    ‘Good Boys Go To Heaven’ gabung suspens dan trauma, lakonan berkesan Beto Kusyairy dan Zahirah MacWilson

    Astro menerusi jenama Astro Originals terus memperkukuhkan komitmennya dalam menghasilkan kandungan premium merentasi pelbagai genre yang mampu memikat hati peminat dan penonton Malaysia dengan karya terbaharu berjudul ‘Good Boys Go To Heaven’. Siri terbitan Astro Shaw ini dijadualkan menemui penonton bermula 8 Mei 2026, setiap hari Jumaat, sama ada pada jam 12.00 tengah malam secara On Demand atau jam 9.00 malam di Astro Ria (Saluran 104) dan Astro Citra (Saluran 108).

    Seiring usaha memperluaskan genre thriller psikologi, ‘Good Boys Go To Heaven’ diterajui oleh penulis skrip terkemuka dan pemenang Anugerah Festival Filem Malaysia, Mira Mustaffa, yang juga merupakan bakat kreatif Astro Shaw serta bertindak sebagai showrunner bagi siri ini. Kisahnya berpusat kepada Yasser, seorang bapa yang berdepan mimpi ngeri setiap ibu bapa apabila anak lelakinya, Ahyan, dilaporkan hilang sebelum ditemui dalam keadaan tragis selepas dibunuh dengan kejam. Naratif ini turut mengangkat isu trauma yang menyentuh emosi, sambil menyorot bagaimana kesannya bukan sahaja dirasai individu, malah mempengaruhi orang di sekeliling mereka.

  • Bella Astillah Semarakkan Aidilfitri Dengan “Ya Raya” Bersama Fipper

    Bella Astillah Semarakkan Aidilfitri Dengan “Ya Raya” Bersama Fipper

    Penyanyi dan pelakon terkenal, Bella Astillah, menyemarakkan lagi suasana Aidilfitri tahun ini dengan pelancaran single Raya terbaharu berjudul “Ya Raya”. Lagu ini ditulis oleh Rudeen, dikompos oleh Rudeen dan Exactesy serta diterbitkan oleh Exactesy, menampilkan susunan muzik yang menggabungkan elemen moden dan tradisional dalam satu gabungan segar tanpa menghilangkan jiwa muzik Raya yang dekat di hati pendengar. Sarat dengan keceriaan, kesyukuran dan semangat kebersamaan, “Ya Raya” hadir sebagai runut bunyi yang meraikan momen indah bersama insan tersayang.

    Menurut Bella, hubungan emosinya dengan lagu ini terjalin sejak pertama kali mendengar demo. Beliau merasakan “Ya Raya” sangat positif dan menggambarkan suasana perayaan yang sering dilalui setiap tahun, sama ada di kampung mahupun di bandar. Lagu ini disifatkan sebagai ringan, penuh kesyukuran dan meraikan masa bersama keluarga serta rakan-rakan, dengan elemen ceria yang mampu membuatkan pendengar tersenyum dan benar-benar menepati mood Raya.

    Walaupun kedengaran bertenaga dan ceria, proses rakaman lagu ini mempunyai cabarannya tersendiri apabila Bella kurang sihat dan demam ketika sesi rakaman berlangsung. Cabaran utama adalah untuk mengekalkan tenaga dan keceriaan dalam vokal agar tidak kedengaran dibuat-buat. Namun begitu, bahagian korus yang catchy menjadi momen paling menyeronokkan apabila suasana studio turut sama meriah dengan semua yang hadir menyanyi bersama.

    Keistimewaan “Ya Raya” terletak pada keseimbangan antara bunyi klasik Raya dan sentuhan kontemporari yang segar. Lagu ini mengekalkan rasa Raya yang dikenali ramai, tetapi dengan susunan muzik yang lebih moden dan sesuai dengan citarasa pendengar masa kini. Pendekatannya lebih menumpukan kepada meraikan momen kecil bersama orang tersayang, bukan sekadar kemeriahan besar perayaan semata-mata.

  • Buakaw Tewaskan Menggofeng dalam Pertarungan Epik

    Buakaw Tewaskan Menggofeng dalam Pertarungan Epik

    Penganjuran T-Fight All Star 2026 di Stadium Titiwangsa berlangsung dengan penuh meriah apabila menghimpunkan lapan pertarungan sengit yang menampilkan barisan pejuang tempatan dan antarabangsa. Sejak awal acara, setiap pertarungan menyajikan aksi bertenaga dan disiplin tinggi, namun kemuncak malam sudah pasti terarah kepada perlawanan utama yang dinanti-nantikan penonton. Sorakan bergema memenuhi stadium sebaik sesi walkout berlangsung, sekali gus menambah debaran sebelum aksi kemuncak bermula. Dalam pertembungan tersebut, Buakaw berjaya menewaskan Menggofeng menerusi keputusan mata selepas aksi yang cukup kompetitif dan seimbang, dengan beliau dilihat lebih konsisten dari segi serangan dan kawalan gelanggang sehingga memikat hati juri untuk memberinya kemenangan mutlak pada penghujung pertarungan.

    Dalam pada itu, perhatian turut terarah kepada legenda Muay Thai dunia, Buakaw Banchamek yang sekali lagi membuktikan kehebatannya masih berbisa walaupun sudah berusia 43 tahun. Berhadapan lawan yang jauh lebih muda, Menggofeng yang berusia 29 tahun, Buakaw tetap mempamerkan ketahanan fizikal, pengalaman serta taktikal yang tinggi, sekali gus menunjukkan bahawa usia bukan penghalang untuk terus bersaing di peringkat tertinggi. Aksi yang dipamerkan mengukuhkan lagi statusnya sebagai legenda sejati dan ikon yang terus menjadi inspirasi dalam dunia Muay Thai.

    Menurut pengasas T-Fight, pihaknya turut merancang untuk membawa masuk nama besar Muay Thai dunia seperti Rodtang Jitmuangnon bagi edisi akan datang, namun perkara tersebut masih di peringkat perancangan dan belum dimuktamadkan. Secara keseluruhan, T-Fight All Star 2026 berjaya mencipta malam penuh aksi, dramatik dan berprestij, sekali gus mengangkat martabat sukan tempur di Malaysia ke tahap yang lebih tinggi. Terima kasih.

  • The Soundstage Jadi Game Changer, AJL40 Lebih Epik Tahun Ini!

    The Soundstage Jadi Game Changer, AJL40 Lebih Epik Tahun Ini!

    Bahang Anugerah Juara Lagu ke-40 semakin terasa selepas pengumuman rasmi Top 10 finalis yang mencuri perhatian ramai. Dalam usaha memeriahkan lagi perjalanan menuju malam kemuncak, sebuah konsert khas bertajuk The Soundstage diperkenalkan sebagai pemanas suasana. Pengumuman mengenai penjualan tiket telah dibuat melalui program MBuzz, sekali gus mengundang keterujaan dalam kalangan peminat muzik tanah air.

    Bertempat di Zepp Kuala Lumpur pada 12 Jun 2026, konsert ini akan bermula pada jam 8.30 malam dengan konsep yang cukup istimewa. Penonton bakal menikmati perjalanan muzik yang merentas masa, mengimbau kembali evolusi AJL selama 40 tahun. Empat penyanyi terkenal iaitu Ernie Zakri, Khai Bahar, Haqiem Rusli dan Siti Nordiana akan berganding di pentas yang sama untuk menghidupkan semula karya-karya popular.

    Persembahan yang disusun akan menampilkan gabungan lagu-lagu klasik dan moden, termasuk karya yang pernah memenangi trofi AJL. Setiap artis akan memberikan interpretasi tersendiri, menjadikan setiap lagu tampil dengan nafas baharu. Ini sekali gus mencerminkan kepelbagaian dan perkembangan muzik tempatan yang terus berkembang dari satu generasi ke generasi lain.

    The Soundstage bukan sekadar konsert, tetapi satu pengalaman yang membawa penonton lebih dekat dengan memori dan emosi yang pernah tercipta melalui lagu. Tiket boleh dibeli secara dalam talian di WOWTix dengan harga yang berbeza mengikut kategori tempat duduk. Peminat juga boleh menantikan pelbagai aktiviti sampingan menarik yang akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi.

  • C-Pop Sensation LBI: First Malaysia Show May 17. Tickets Live April 13

    C-Pop Sensation LBI: First Malaysia Show May 17. Tickets Live April 13

    The long wait for Malaysian fans is officially over. Viral C-pop singer-songwriter LBI, whose chart-topping hit “Jumping Machine” (Tiao Lou Ji) has captured the hearts of billions worldwide, is set to make his Malaysian debut. The LBI 2026 “Blades Drawn” World Tour in Malaysia will take place on 17th May (Sunday) at 6:00 PM at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.

    Organized by Starry Live and managed by The Wonderland, this highly anticipated show follows a series of sold-out performances across major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. For his first appearance on Malaysian shores, LBI has curated a specialized experience tailored for his international audience, featuring a brand-new concept that spans fresh setlists, bespoke visuals, and exclusive stage outfits.

    LBI’s rise to superstardom is a testament to his musical versatility. Starting his career as a mixing engineer and producer, he initially worked behind the scenes before his soulful vocals went viral on Douyin (Chinese TikTok) in 2021. Since then, he has released a string of mainstream hits such as “Small Town Summer” (Xiao Cheng Xia Tian) and “Maybe” (Huo Xu). His fame reached new heights with the release of “Jumping Machine,” which has amassed over ten billion plays globally, dominating music charts across several continents.

  • THE RAYHAN: Vokal Ikonik Nazrey Johani Kembali Bersatu, Bakal Gegar MAEPS Menerusi Konsert Syukur 26

    THE RAYHAN: Vokal Ikonik Nazrey Johani Kembali Bersatu, Bakal Gegar MAEPS Menerusi Konsert Syukur 26

    Kumpulan nasyid legenda yang kini tampil dengan identiti baharu, The Rayhan, secara rasminya mengumumkan penganjuran ‘Konsert The Rayhan Syukur 2026’ yang dijadualkan berlangsung di Hall A, MAEPS, Serdang pada 15 Ogos 2026. Pengumuman eksklusif ini telah dibuat melalui satu sidang media khas yang berlangsung semalam, 22 April 2026, bertempat di Top G Coffee & Cafe, Publika.

    Konsert anjuran Bintang Batu Event dan Magnificent G Ventures ini merupakan satu bentuk penghargaan tulus buat para peminat yang telah setia menyokong perjalanan seni mereka sejak penghujung tahun 90-an sehingga kini. Kemunculan semula ini menyaksikan penyatuan semula bekas vokalis utama kumpulan nasyid tersohor Raihan, Nazrey Johani, bersama dua rakan seperjuangannya, Amran Ibrahim dan Afad Ahmad.

    Nazrey percaya bahawa penjenamaan semula sebagai The Rayhan mampu memberikan nafas baharu kepada irama nasyid kontemporari agar kekal segar dan relevan buat generasi masa kini tanpa mengabaikan identiti asal yang telah membina legasi mereka selama ini. Konsert Syukur 26 bukan sekadar persembahan muzik biasa, malah ia dijanjikan sebagai sebuah pengalaman spiritual yang penuh nostalgia.