Remember the whole New Year, New Me routine, and how we’re just not able to go through with it? Well, how about picking up something that might actually let you stick with your New Year’s resolution?
Here are some interests that will be trending in 2017 to keep you occupied.
1. Table-Top Role Playing
Source: The Stranger’s Bookshelf
No no, not that kinda role playing.
Personally, this never came to mind until I recently ventured to KotakCon 2016 and had the pleasure to experience it first-hand. If you love to tell stories (and not the gossip kind) or be immersed in one, then give role playing a shot. RPing is not just limited to intricate table-tops like Dungeons & Dragons, there are plenty of other cool adventures to explore such as World of Darkness, Call of Cthulhu, and more.
Not to mention, them cool dice!
Source: Blogspot @ Me Want Play Now
To get started, you can check out communities that host, talk and discuss about these adventures such as RPGMY.
2. Board Games
Though the trend of playing board games started picking up about two to three years ago, the trend still continues to grow even till today. Aside from the conventional board games like Monopoly, Risk and Cluedo, newer board games are starting to gain appeal amongst board gamers. There are many types of game that appeal to almost any crowd, such as the card game Cards Against Humanity that will surely liven up any party, or if you’re in a mood to put your deduction skills to the test, pick up Coup, The Resistance, or even Shadow Hunters.
Source: Bonus XP
You could easily find these board games online or visit a board game cafe like Meeples and All Aboard. Just be sure that regardless of who wins, don’t play play with your friendship ya!
3. Theatre & Musicals
Source: Vanessa Aranegui
Have you always felt the need to break out in song and/or dance? Then theatre might be your calling. Theatre and musicals let you combat all the dreariness of reality by spending time expressing your emotions in an artistic way. And guys, ladies dig guys that can sing and dance, not just sado kay! So give it a go and let your emotions flow.
If you think theatres are all just displays of flamboyance, perhaps Avenue Q or even The Book of Mormon might change your mind. Check out a snippet of Avenue Q in the video below (warning: strong language):
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ALzUGZsOQ” align=”center” maxwidth=”500″/]
Be it as part of the act, or part of the audience, give Monday Show Entertainment, PJ Live Arts, or The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre a visit!
4. Open Mics
Are you usually the one that leaves your friends short of breath from laughing? Have you ever thought about being a comedian but needed to test the waters? Well here’s a solution: open mic sessions. Aside from dishing out comedy in the form of jokes, you can also display your singing prowess, or unleash the inner poet in you. The world’s your stage! All forms of art are welcome, thus it’s called an open mic session.
Source: openmicmalaysia.org
Several eateries and outlets are known for open mic sessions, such as The Bee, Merdekarya, or even Barlai.
5. Language(s)
Picking up a new language will never go out of style. Not to mention, the countless benefits of being multilingual. A personal interest for any polyglots, picking up a new language can open doors, be it to discover the intricacies and beauty of another language, or just to help you pick up chicks too.
Oh ho ho. Oui, mademoiselle
Not to mention, the amount of time you could totally pass off an insult in someone’s face without them knowing, hehe. Professionally, being multilingual will give you an edge in almost any situation. Got placed in an out station job in a different country? A foreigner needs help with directions? Presto, you’re there to save the day!
Wanna start picking up a new language? You can look up ICLS, The Language House, or International House to put you on your linguistic journey.
6. Rock Climbing
With how Malaysians suddenly being conscious about their well-being, picking up any rigorous activity seem to be a trend, and rock climbing is slowly becoming the in-thing these days. This activity comes in two flavours; actually scaling the rocky edges of mountain to reach the top, or indoor ones. Among the physical appeal, it’s also a great way to get away from the musings of every day life by focusing on the goal: to get to the top.
Source: Men’s Fitness
If you’re thinking about trying out the indoor versions first, you could do so at Camp5, Extreme Park, or Bolder Ventures.
7. Volunteering
While this isn’t something new, but it could be for you! There’s nothing like the feeling of doing something good for someone else, and volunteering is that gift that keeps on giving. The best part about volunteering is that there are plenty of organisations and initiatives. Say for example, you love food and would like to join a cause, you could start by helping those in need to deliver food to the needy and homeless. One such example is Meals for All.
Source: Meals for All
After all, the world could do with more acts of kindness.
Think we’d missed something, or know of an upcoming trend that’ll catch on this year? Share with us on our Facebook page!
