2025, a year of collection and journaling in review... This year, I have moderated both my collection and journaling habits. Collection-wise, I have stopped buying a pen just because the price was right. Instead, my pen purchases were more on what I really like as long as the prices were reasonable enough for my budget. From January to December, I had added three Sailor King of Pens (KOP) to my collection. These are two Pro Gear KOP limited editions ; the Sailor X Satelite Crayon Project Eleuthera Island and Teatime Around the World "Matcha" as well as a 1911 (a.k.a. Pro Fit) regular edition. I bought all three of these KOPs at discounted prices and really enjoyed using them. SAILOR King of Pens (KOP) Pro Gear X SATELLITE CRAYON PROJECT, Fountain Pen of the Seas, Eleuthera Island, 10-9691-448, (21K), M Nib A Platinum 3776 Century Kanazawa Gold Leaf "Matsu-Tora" with fine nib and a Platinum 3776 Century "Hong Kong - 香港限定" special edition with medium nib...
This was only my second time attending a pen show. And because it was the inaugural Malaysia International Pen Show and it was also held in a venue relatively close to my home city, I decided to travel to attend the show; also taking the opportunity to meet up with friends whom I have not met for some time. The Malaysia International Pen Show (MIPS) was held in Petaling Jaya , next to bustling Kuala Lumpur on the weekend of 27th and 28th of September 2025 at the One World Hotel which is adjacent to the One Utama Mall. On the first day of the show, I arrived at the One World Hotel around 10.30am. However, I was unable to find the event space that MIPS was held. This despite enquiring with then hotel staff. Eventually, I mamboed to locate MIPS after searching around with some locals who were also attending the event. Presenting the pre-purchased entry tickets' QR codes for my friends and myself, we were each given a goodie bag and allowed to enter the venue. This process was...