Michael — a familiar face in our beach volleyball section, and, if I remember correctly, the person I first met there. Since then, we’ve crossed paths on countless courts, with sand between our toes, sun in our eyes, and a hint of panic every time the ball just slips out of reach. So it seemed like the perfect moment to discover what lies behind Michael’s strategic play, his sharp spikes, and that almost unnatural concentration of his.
Michael’s favourite “film” is actually more of a series: The Witcher, Naruto, and Arcane. So if you ever see him vanish for an evening binge, know that it’s not just lazing about — it’s a serious expedition into worlds full of monsters, magic, and ninjas. And just like our taste in music, this is something we clearly have in common. I even binged the new season of The Witcher in a single day.
Does Michael still read? A little. His favourite book tells a story of transformation: back in the day it was Calculus — when maths was exciting and numbers were a challenge rather than a source of stress. These days he’s had enough of numbers and prefers stories like The Alchemist, or manga, because sometimes reality needs to step aside for a bit of the fantastical.
When it comes to food, we’re clearly on the same page. I can honestly call Michael a true culinary adventurer: anything with rich flavours can captivate him. From hand-pulled noodles with coriander and spiced soups, to a crisp schiacciata stuffed with Italian ingredients, or the classic sweet-and-savoury combo of chicken & waffles — invite him to a meal and it’s a mini world tour for the taste buds.
And drinks? He likes them smoky and spicy: margaritas with mezcal, salt, and chilli flakes are currently his favourite companion after a day of heroic volleyball feats.
His favourite games? Two, actually: poker and Final Fantasy. Poker once had such a grip on him that he even quit studying to attend tournaments and receive coaching. Final Fantasy began on the first PlayStation, and since then he’s played parts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 — currently he’s tackling part 16. Patience, strategy, and perseverance clearly aren’t just strengths on the sand.
Naturally, I also asked about his favourite country, and that’s Malaysia: family, culture, food, buildings, people — it all comes together in a vibrant mix that speaks to him. And what does he take on his travels? His phone, of course — handy for practical matters and always ready for a bit of entertainment.
In short, Michael is a combination of adventurous taste buds, strategic thinking, imaginative escapes, and a slight obsession with games. A teammate who brings just that little bit extra, both on the court and at the post-match drinks.
