Category Archives: Friends

Friends, Weddings

The Chinese Wedding – Guan Han & Sok Kuan

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On a dewy morning, we were all forced to wake up before the sun appears. Ooppss…did I say force?? Hehe….Everyone of us got ready by 7am to reach Han’s house as early as we could. Han (the groom), marked 25th September 2011 as an important and memorable date – THE WEDDING DAY!

The well decorated bridal car together with a pair of wedding bear.

The ‘seluar pendek’ gang/heng tai/brothers are all ready to fetch the bride.

We were so punctual. Somehow, nobody dare to enter…. afraid? shy?…..

“Han : Guys…you all can go in oledi wan….” Despite been ‘ordered’ by the groom, yet no one bothers…hahaha….

Minutes later………

The girls (bride’s friends) were all ‘waiting’ at the front door. Prepared with all the tasks/’game’ for groom & his fellow heng tais. Those days, groom brings gifts of cash, wrapped in red packet, to give to his bride’s friends, in exchange for ‘letting her go’. These days, its getting tougher. The groom and his heng tais gotto complete all ‘wedding door games’ planned by the bride’s friend in order to get the green light to fetch the bride – so that the groom will appreciate the bride wor…..

Haha…looks like the guys were having big headache.

Jimmy, the best man was busy instructing the rest.

Started with the 1st task.

Hmm….1st task has to do with egg.

What are they doing?? They were told to get a partner, then roll the egg under the pant and you are not suppose to break the egg.

Hmm…looks like they were enjoying it…not torturing rite? =p

continued with 2nd task before these guys are allowed to enter the “1st door”.

Earlier we got egg…and now with bananas….a mini one..Wahahah…still ok la…not too disgusting

They were told to work in pair. Peel and eat your partner’s banana using mouth!

After some questionnaire and singing session…Han finally fetched his beautiful bride, Sok Kuan.

In Chinese wedding, tea set is a meaningful keepsake of the wedding. The bride will use it again when her own daughter gets married in the future. (Not many people will actually keep it for the next generation).

Lotus seeds and two red dates are used in the tea for two reasons. First, the words “lotus” and “year,” “seed” and “child,” and “date” and “early,” are homophones, i.e. they have the same sound but different meanings in Chinese. Secondly, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds produce children early in their marriage and every year, which would ensure many grandchildren for their parents. Also, the sweetness of the special tea is a wish for sweet relations between the bride and her new family.

Its a tradition that bride & groom serves tea to their beloved parents. In order to show their respect.

The people being served will sit in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel. For example, when the newlyweds serve tea to the groom’s parents, the bride would kneel in front of her father-in-law, while the groom would kneels in front of his mother.

The newlyweds serve tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.

In return, the newlyweds receive lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” which means “lucky”) stuffed with money or jewelry.

The younger ones get to serve tea to both bride & groom. In return, she will receive a red packet.

Fed each other with ‘tong yuen’. Eating ‘tong yuen’ during wedding meant to signify the start of a new wholesome, complete family.

A group photo with the heng tais…

Not forgetting myself too ^^

Bride leaving to groom’s house…shed with a red umbrella. Why uses a red umbrella? red umbrella over her head, meaning “raise the bark, spread the leaves.” While Other relatives will scatter rice, red bean and green bean on her. The red umbrella protects the bride from evil spirit, and the rice and beans are to attract the attention of the gold chicken.

A beautiful smile from the bride.

Off to Wedding Banquet……..

The beautifully decorated hall…

The joyous moment of a wedding couple is walking down the aisle.

Lets yum seng!!! A toast to the newly wed. Wish them a blissful marriage.

The common food served in a Chinese Wedding banquet, usually up to 8 or 9 dishes in total. Every dish has a good meaning. But for one thing, I noticed that wedding lunch/dinner in Batu Pahat, they don’t serve rice. Besides that, I was surprised that this is the first wedding lunch I had which do not serve ‘shark fins‘. Guess many restaurants are now trying to cut down the intake of shark fin, which I think its a good thing. Right?? 😉

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS to Guan Han & Sok Kuan. CHEERS!!!!!!!!!




Colmar Tropicale, Friends, MALAYSIA, Travel

Happy Moment We Had @ Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi

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Having thoughts of traveling together stuck in our mind every now and then. Perhaps it was because of the past memories we had in Taiwan 2010 which was indeed a memorable one. I can still remember how we made lame jokes, laughs, munching non-stop from one point to another. Was really fun and enjoying trip we traveled together. Though we do not meet nor speak to each other often, we made effort to meet occasionally. (few months once??)

This round, we decided to go for a short trip. A 2D/1N at Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills located at Bukit Tinggi. If you are traveling from KL, its just 45 minutes drive. We thought this could be a good choice since it do not require long hours journey. Moreover it would be a good experience to Yew Kong & Wanyi…ya…their 1st time there.

“Relish in century old Alsace charm at this French-themed resort, settled at 2,700 feet above sea-level amidst 80 acres of rainforests.”

We SO look forward to this trip. Wanyi who is now temporary residing in Singapore made the effort traveling back to KL and was happily waiting for the day to come. All 6 of us; Mel, Alex, Ashley, Andrew, Wanyi & Yew Kong checked in at 2pm.

Superior Suite

We booked the room from its website a month earlier in order to enjoy discount up to 25%. All rooms are quaintly French and fully equipped with modern facilities. We were surprised with the spacious, clean & comfy room.

Where is my Prince?? Ain’t it look like castle?

External Facade

I just don’t understand…we’ve climbed so high….yet I do not feel any breeze or cold at all ler….why ar??

The French Theme Village. I was quite impressed that they actually maintain the place well. This was my 3rd time there. My very first visit there was with Alex at year 2007.

Red Carriage…and where are the white horses?

After struggling up the winding and narrow road to the hill, we finally reached  the main entrance!

I climbed up to enjoy the full view. Ops..did I say climbed up? Nah…I’m just too lazy…just use the elevator!

Wanyi, Myself & Ashley

This was so funny! Wanyi said, looks like they were in a football match! Hahaha..

The Square – Facade at Night

Well, nothing much we can do at night. You may choose to watch the short stage performance, Foot reflexology(quite expensive), or game room. However we chose to have long hours dinner and talk rubbish at the same time ^^.

Other attractions includes Japanese Village & Rabbit Park

Japanese Tea House & Koi Pond

Ryo Zan Tei at Japanese Village

Cutie Rabbit at Rabbit Park…look just like soft toy! The fur is smooth & soft.

An entrance fee of RM3 is required upon entry.

The gorgeous yet arrogant peacock at Rabbit Park

huhuhu…Happy Moment has come to an end. Such a coincident that Friendship day falls on August 7…Therefore…I’m wishing you guy “HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY!!” Lets toast for our friendship….. 🙂

See you guys again…….

“If you do not wish to stay overnight, all you have to do is just pay an entrance fee of RM12. However, be prepare to spend on the food. That’s because the food & beverage here are quite pricey. A good place to relax and spending a night will be good enough. Other than sight seeing, nothing much you can do there.”

For complete set of photos; please CLICK HERE.

Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills – Malaysia
KM48, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak
28750 Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang
Malaysia
  • Tel : + 60 (9) 288 8888
  • Fax : + 60 (9) 288 3333

Website


Food, Friends, Japanese, Kuala Lumpur

Dinner @ Rakuzen, GTower

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After meeting the GALS on Saturday at Pavilion ; I head to GTower as Alex’s friends were waiting for us there for dinner. “Somebody” misses Japanese so much therefore we chose Rakuzen at GTower.  I admit that I love Japanese food also. Since we were there early, getting seats wouldn’t be any problem. Ya…we even gotten a private room too. Guessed the staff knew it much earlier that this group of people would be NOISY!  Hmm…I certainly agreed. **Kawan kawan sekalian, sila perlahankan suara anda…jangan ketawa kuat sangat**

Rakuzen offers quality & authentic Japanese food. I noticed the expanding Japanese food over places in KL. Rakuzen, Hokkaido Ichiba, Zen and Kura they are all under the same management (Super Dining) offering different range of Japanese food.

I like the interior. Bright and cosy. The menu is pretty impressive too. Offers an extensive selection from starter to appetizer and dessert.


The complementary Green Tea & Hot Towel

Shishamo – RM10 (3 pcs)

It may sound abit pricey. But you must try it to ensure the price is worth to pay. Because it taste different & much better compared to Sushi King’s.

Chawanmushi – RM10

The egg was very smooth. Extra credits to the crabstick, shitake mushroom, chicken meat and prawns hidden beneath.

Agedashi Tofu – RM12

Sorry, it was suppose to be 4 pieces. After eaten only I remember I forgotten to take a photo of it. For tofu lovers, you will like this. The tofu is very smooth with lightly crisp skin.

Nameko Soba – RM18

I wanted something light. Therefore I ordered this. The serving was so big that I couldn’t finish (dunno what’s wrong with my stomach that day). This wheat noodle was nicely cooked with flavorful soup.

Tenjyu – RM26

Japanese steamed rice topped with assorted tempura.

Sake Oyako Don – RM23

Japanese steamed rice topped with fresh salmon slices.

Teppanyaki Zen – RM38/set

Comes with a bowl of fragrant garlic fried rice, miso soup, steamed pumpkin, teppanyaki beef and some cut fruits.

Yakiniku Zen – RM36/set

Comes with a bowl steamed Japanese rice, miso soup, steamed pumpkin,  beef  slices and some cut fruits. The thinly sliced beef were nicely cook. The meat are tender and tasty!

Food : 8/10

Service : Good

Price : Affordable

Rakuzen @ G Tower
LG 05 & 06
G Tower
199, Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03 2161 4800

Opens Daily 12.00pm – 3.00 & 6.00pm – 11.00pm

Website

Map


Buffet, Dine With Coupon, Food, Friends, Halal, Hotels, Kuala Lumpur

Buffet @ The Mill, Grand Millennium KL

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With an irresistible deal offered by Everyday (a website that constantly offers great deals) for only RM39.90 we were able to enjoy an international buffet in a 5 Star Hotel. What a steal!! All thanks to Christine whom enlightened us about this deal!! Initially we wanted to use this as a reason to have a small gathering among the MB members. However within 2 days… with an overwhelming response…its SOLD OUT! They managed to sell about a thousand over coupons. Such a good deal, who doesn’t want wor…Me myself managed to grab few for my family.

It end up just myself, Ashley and Christine went for the buffet. A reservation was made few days before we were there. (advisable to do so to avoid disappointment). The Mill, Grand Millennium KL is strategically located next to Pavilion Shopping Centre and directly opposite Fahrenheit 88. The Mill served International Fusion cuisines with a comfy ambiance. I was quite impressed with the varieties of food they served.

Smoked Delicacies

Parmesan Cheese Wheel – To create an extra flavor to your salad.

Assorted Cheese

Christine claimed that the buns are very nice.

Mini buns with chicken floss & slices of cucumber

The Japanese Cuisine

The Japanese Cuisine : The freshly made sushi

The Japanese Cuisine :  The absolutely fresh sashimi. Salmon is my favorite!!

The Chinese Cuisine : Siew Mai & Mini Pao (The siew mai are very meaty & yummy)

Fried Rice & Fried Koay Teow (don’t look nice…but was surprised with the taste. Because taste yummy)

The Chinese Cuisine : Assorted condiments for porridge

Tauhu Sumbat

The yummylicous satay which I returned for more. By the way, the chicken satay taste better than the beef satay.

Pizzas with thin crust.

The Indian Cuisine: Nasi Briyani and Curry Massala

The Indian Cuisine:  Naan & Curry

Specially made Cheese Naan with Lamb Curry which were truly awesome.

Fresh Seafood : Mussels, Prawns, Scallops

Fresh Prawns, Oysters, Crabs. We noticed that they replenished the seafood continuously which is good.

Assorted Mini Cakes & Nyonya Kuihs

Chocolate Cakes

Pies & Cakes

Puddings & Jellies

Chocolate Fondue & Marshmallows are perfect match!

There were some other food which I may have missed out here. All 3 of us  happily filled our tummies with these yummy and quality food. Definitely we would revisit. Apparently this place was the best buffet I had so far.

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur 
160 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
MalaysiaT: +60 3 2117 4888
F: +60 3 2142 1441

Website


Food, Friends, Fusion, Halal, Seremban

PappaRich has arrived Seremban

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Papparich has now landed in Seremban town!! Something to glamor about lor…For the past whole month, its always crowded. Especially during peak hours. New stuff, new place, everyone will be buzzing there. I remembered there’s one night, I went there with my mom & brother at about 9pm. We need to wait to get a seat. Not only that, I wasn’t dare to order any food (worried I may need to wait long). Therefore all 3 of us only ordered drinks. Hence it took 30 minutes for the drinks to be served!! Quite pissed oso lar…Moreover they hired mostly foreign workers…it was like a hen talking to duck (kai tung arp kong). He don’t understand my question and I hardly understand his reply….. DUHHHHH

Last Saturday, Sin Wei and I met up for breakfast. As a token of appreciation, she offered to treat me breakfast at Papparich.  Ahh..that would be good enough.

You would much prefer to dine in the morning. We were there at 9am and there were only few tables of customers.

Dry Koay Teow with Prawns & Chicken Slices – RM9.90

Flat rice noodles served with tasty sweet sauce, prawns and chicken slices.

Teochew Chicken Siew Mai – RM5.80 (so so only)

Pappa Wholemeal Steam with Margarine & Kaya – RM4.20

Coffee – RM3.20

Milo Dinosaur – RM5.50 (recommended)

PappaRich Seremban 2
No. 339 & 340, Jalan 2 B8,
Seksyen B, Seremban 2
70100 Seremban
Tel: +606 6011 686
Website : PappaRich
Friends, Photography

Preview of Princess Alysha

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If you’ve been reading my blog, you will know that I was quite nervous few days ago. Due to an assignment which I have doubts on myself. Well…everything was quite fine on the actual day…. (hope I covers most of the important stuff)

I am now in the process of editing the photos. Here, I would like to show you a preview. Please enlighten me if the outcome and the way I am editing is fine. In a way that, the colors and so on…..will the colors look dull?

HAPPY FULLMOON TO PRINCESS ALYSHA!

Food, Friends, Langkawi

Dinner @ Sang Thai Seafood Restaurant, Langkawi

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Eat Drink Laugh…. Another feast before we fly back to KL the following day. Yet another Thai Restaurant located in Kuah Town. Probably because Langkawi is located quite near to Thailand. Therefore they are quite influenced by their culture. This restaurant is located just next to Lgk Yummy Yummy Seafood Restaurant   which we had our dinner on the 1st night. Aparently Wonderland Seafood Restaurant which is well recommended also located on the same row. Unfortunately we did not have a chance to try, as it was closed during our visit.

Lookin through the menu, the prices are more or less the same as Lgk Yummy Yummy Seafood.

The well-lit restaurant with a bright signboard good to attracts attention.

Assorted Seafood. Order and get them cook the way u preferred (choose the cooking method from menu).

The unhappy crabs. “Hey…you better get your hands off me…grrrr..kiap kiap…kiap”

Quite crowded too…

Stir Fry Bean Sprout with Salted Fish – RM16 (L)

Started off with a not so nice dish. I would prefer if more salted fish were added in. Here I may need a magnifying glass to find the pieces of salted fish.

Belacan Kangkung – RM16 (L)

This was good. I like the belacan fragrant along with the vege.

Claypot Tofu – RM20 (L)

Prawn Salad in Spicy, Salty & Sour Taste – RM60

Wow…so many types of flavors in a plate of prawns. Must be surprising huh. Its more like the Thai Kerabu taste. I like it too. Moreover the prawns are quite big and fresh. No wonder it cost RM60 just for this. *eyes open widely*

Steamed Seabass in Teochew style – RM45 (price varies depending on type of fish and weight)

I like this fish gravy very much. I treated it like a soup. It has sourish taste from the plum & hotness from the julienne ginger.

Fried Balitung – RM20

Thai Style Chicken – RM20 (L)

Food : 3.5 /5 (pork free)

Service : 3.5/5

Ambiance : 3/5

Sang Thai Seafood Restaurant

204 & 205, Jalan Kelana Mas,
07000 Kuah,
Langkawi.

Telephone Number : +6012-4762329

Opening Hours : 5.30PM – 3AM

Buffet, Food, Friends, Fusion, Halal, Hotels, Langkawi

Buffet Dinner @ Awana Porto Malai Langkawi

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After spending some time at Pantai Cenang in the evening, we then headed to Awana Porto Malai Langkawi for sight seeing. This hotel certainly not strict to strangers getting into their premises. Unlike “The Datai Langkawi”, where we got questioned by the security guard before we could enter the resort. I wouldn’t blame them for the tight security. I suppose, its a luxury resort.

As I know, Awana Porto Malai Langkawi has many Yachts parked around its sea. That would make it a nice sea scenery to me.  Ooppss….I wouldn’t say sea, it should be Lagoon. Anyway, a couple of nice shots would be prefect for me. A quiet and cosy resort too. Apart from enjoying the nice view, we decided to have our dinner there at Boardwalk Cafe.

Too bad..ain’t any sunset shots here.. Perhaps, I need should a night here and wake up much earlier to view the sun rise.

The night view. The tall white tower is the light house.

photo stolen from Hung

The Starters. Of salads and dressing.

An array of food trays.

Fried Yellow Mee

Long Beans

Fried Chili Fish Fillet – best dish!

***My deepest apology to you..for forgetting all the names for the dishes above***

DESSERT TIME! Unfortunately, there were not much choices. *sigh*

Chocolate Brownie with Walnut.

Chocolate Cake

Food : 2.5/5 (The food selections and taste did not satisfied me. Food are pretty normal too)

Service : 3/5

Ambiance : 3.5/5

Awana Porto Malai Langkawi
Tanjung Malai,
07000 Langkawi
Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Telephone: (604) 955 5111
Facsimile: (604) 955 5222

Friends, Langkawi, MALAYSIA, Memories, Travel

Snorkeling at Pulau Payar Marine Park (My Memorable Experience)

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During my Langkawi trip, there were several packages offered by the local agencies once we stepped into the airport. E.g; Island Tour, Mangrove Tour/Geopark Cruise,  Island Hopping, Yachting/ Fishing Trip and Pulau Payar Marine Park (Snorkeling). Each comes with different price of course.

However, we decided to get the package of Pulau Payar Marine Park (Snorkeling). After some price negotiation, we were offered at the price of RM115/ person (actual price shown = RM200/person). See….there’s always PROs when you are in a big group. You can nego for a better price.

Pulau Payar Marine Park (Snorkeling) package consist of return transfer, snorkeling gears, life jacket, packed lunch, free PA coverage, air conditioned catamaran. From beginning to the end of the journey + snorkeling duration is 6 hours.

Floating Reef Platform

Floating Reef Platform is designed for those who does not want to wet their bodies but still want to enjoy the marine life here. It is a platform called Coral Langkawi which is moored off Pulau Payar. Measuring 49 m by 15 m, you will have to book a package tour in order to have the privilege of using it. It has a tunnel shape chamber at the bottom of the platform 10 feet below the sea. There are also boats which have glass bottom for you to see the marine life and corals as you move along the coral gardens. This platform is also equipped with a snack bar, a dining area and a sunbathing area. (Price shown = RM320/person)

I got very excited as our boat approaches the beach we were designated to. It was my first encounter on clean & clear sea water.

Aren’t these views are beautiful??

When I saw these school of fishes under the clear water, I got even more excited. Like a small kid* Can’t wait to dive in.

whatcha think about my new beach dress? ^^ (BEFORE)

a short briefing was given

(AFTER) I’m all ready!

Alex; ready with his gears too

Chung, Alex, Myself & Jiaqi

Attracted so many fishes by just some pieces of biscuit crumbs I brought. Initially the packet of biscuit was for myself, but it ended up, used to feed the fishes. In another word, to bait the fish! *giggles*

Baby Shark feeding was a memorable experience to me too. You can actually see some baby sharks swim pass you while you were snorkeling.

The packed lunch that was provided –  what’s more you can expect.

It wouldn’t be more fun without a group of friends.

At that moment; I really wish I had this camera with me. No doubt my DSLR can do wonders. But when it comes to water stuff, its a NO NO. Unless I get a waterproof camera case.

**now, I’m looking forward to go for another sun & sea – wish wish**


Friends, Langkawi, MALAYSIA, Travel

Langkawi Cable Car

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I must say, if you are planning to go Langkawi, this Langkawi Cable Car ride is really worth visiting! Because, over here you can enjoy spectacular views of Langkawi island. The price per entry is at RM30.

Perhaps; here are some brief info about this place.

Langkawi cable car is located on the southwest coast of Langkawi island. There are 3 stations along the cable car line, i.e. Base, Middle and Top Station. The cable car ride will bring you all the way up to about 708 meters above sea level. This journey covers a total distance of 2.2 km linking the Base Station at the foothill of Machinchang mountain to Top Station at the mountain summit.

During the cable car ride, you can really enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding lush green rainforests, the Telaga Tujuh waterfall, the ocean and some of the pristine islands that make up the Langkawi Island cluster. As you approach the Middle Station, look out for the unique rock formations which dated back to about 450 million years old.

From the Top Station, which stands at 708m above sea level – holds two viewing platforms that allows for an amazing view that goes right up to southern Thailand. If you want to get a birds eye view of the whole island and enjoy the very best scenery that Langkawi island could offer then the cable car is the place that you must visit.

What amazed me the most, was the Curve Hanging Bridge
(Latest attraction at Langkawi Cable Car is a 125m curve platform, pedestrian bridge across a deep chasm linking Top Station with Machincang mountain range. Open to public on 27th February 2005. It won a few recognition awards for this incredible design.)

It was an eye opening experience to me.  I felt proud to the person whom actually designs the bridge and also the workers who’ve constructed it. It was a tough job I suppose. **salutes**

at the entrance

the breathtaking view from cable car

a cheeky pose of me with Alex

this shot was taken at mid platform (@652.5 Meter Above Sea Level)

the opposite view of Curve Hanging Bridge

top view

To get across to the Curve Hanging Bridge, you will have to climb some steps.(for about 10 minutes). Warn you, these steps are quite steep and the risers of each steps are quite high too.

Alex & Me

*the satisfaction look of me* so difficult to reach here..must take lotsa photos

Please visit the website for more details—> LANGKAWI CABLE CAR