A Fun Day Out at Eastwood Resort and Country Club

So we all survived 21.12.2012 after all and there isn't any total blackout as rumored either. Hence, we decided to bring the kids out for a swimming session today at Eastwood Resort, Miri :) While keeping an eye on kids safety in the pool, I took 20 minutes off to complete 10 laps myself on the "Advance Lane" (to and forth) as I have not been swimming for almost a year.

Jo Art Gallery

It was no ordinary Sunday where we just lazed around but instead a day filled with lots of fun activities. After attending the World Diabetes Day at Health Promotion Centre yesterday, I decided to send the kids for arts and craft at Jo Art Gallery instead of watching dvd at home. Within two hours, they made themselves a creative christmas card (photo not shown). This gallery is more equipped with accessories and nice paintings now compared to my last visit and I must say, some paintings by local artists are truly of international quality. Do pay them a visit and be inspired (like myself). By the way, they are quite popular for their face paintings so for any corporate events or carnival you may have, do call them up.

Andy Suzuki & The Method

Honestly, I have never heard of this boy band from New York City until their recent visit to Brunei last month. Nevertheless, I have decided to get a copy of their latest album after listening to their duet with one of my favorite talented local singers Fakhrul Razi (Salahkah Aku) on youtube last week. I didn't expect the lead singer, Andy Suzuki, to sing in Malay at all. 

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with the trio in person when they made a surprise appearance during the official opening of Mr Baker's Cafeteria courtesy of Ubdfm. Andy commented that our strawberry smoothie was superb while Jason (the violinist) said the smoked beef with sauteed onions was amazing :) 

At The Top Of BOH Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands

Although I didn't get the shot I wanted (a scenery typically seen on TV) of the BOH Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands, we had a wonderful time climbing up the top of the hill for the cold chilly weather and the beautiful sunlight. I expected strong wind at the top but it was just breezing. If given a chance, I wouldn't mind to revisit this place again. 

Genting Highland Theme Park

I am more keen to take a photo of the London double decker than the boys (as you can tell from their facial expression). Photo taken on a cold chilly day and the sky was completely covered with mist.

Happy Birthday To Me

Holy cow, I am officially 36years old today. My phone has been flooded with whatsapp messages, FB timelines filled with birthday wishes not only from Brunei but friends from overseas as well. No celebration but I plan to go home early to spend the night with wife and kids. I feel like I have done a lot for this year and I am telling myself that it's probably time to slow down. Haven't been to JPMC Pool since a year ago hence, I have set myself a mission to pick it up swimming again. My birthday wish? Going for a long trip to somewhere I have never been but looks like it's not going to happen anytime soon. 

Longing For A Short Getaway!!!

Nexus Resort, Kota Kinabalu

Need Some Lights....

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us" – Alexander Graham Bell.

A' Famosa, Malaka

One of Malaka's must-visit historic spots which is located just downhill from St. Paul's Church.

St. Paul's Church, Malaka

It's gonna be a busy day tomorrow at DST Headquarter for their corporate open office as we have been engaged as one of the food caterers along with The Colony House (not sure about the actual name), Suffron, Fratini's, Zaika, Sugar & Spice, DreamCones etc. I am calling it a night in just a bit but before that, I will leave you with the following photograph which I took during a recent visit to Malaka.

"St. Paul's Church is a historic church building in Malacca, Malaysia that was originally built in 1521. It is located at the summit of St. Paul's Hill and is today part of the Malacca Museum Complex" - Wikipedia

Photo: St. Paul's Church, Malaka.

The Famous Chicken Rice Balls In Malaka

Frankly, I am not sure whether the restaurant where we had our lunch was the place that serves the best chicken rice balls in Malaka but according to the trishaw "driver" that's the right place. I like the black beans soup and the fresh coconut juice more than the rice balls :)

The restaurant is of 2 storey high but not sure whether the top floor is for residential use or dining in as well.

I noticed majority of dine-in customers, like us, ordered the chicken rice balls and stir fry cabbage. 

Just Me Delivering A Short Speech Specially For Wu Chun, Fitness Zone

1st Trishaw Experience, Malaka

We ended up being charged RM60.00 for our 1st trishaw ride although it was initially agreed at only RM15.00. Guess you just have to close one eye on this when you are on vacation. Nevertheless, we tour around the Jonkers Walk and had the famous chicken rice balls for lunch. It was fun and kids enjoyed the ride. Photo taken outside Christ Church, Malaka.

Am I Qualifed To Be A Contractor?

I have successfully completed four shop renovations this year ie from scratch till completion with one currently still ongoing. By renovation, I am referring to renovation on my own business outlets ofcourse. It was tough as there are lots of coordination with respective contractors such as the carpenter, painter, plumber, electrician, buying of paints, nails, tiles, cement, doors etc and hell, these are time consuming works. But at the end of the day, it feels good and a sense of "belongings" when you see the actual completed work.

Something To Share

Meeting The Star, Wu Chun

Photo taken during the official opening of Mr Baker's Cafeteria at Fitness Zone,  Kiulap on 27/08/2012

Wise Man Says....

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like" - Lao Tzu

Photo taken at View Point of BOH Tea Plantation, Cameron Highland.

Limousine

FIRST LIMOUSINE EXPERIENCE

Picked up by a limousine to the airport courtesy of Highlands Hotel. It's definitely a V.I.P treatment.

Water Slide at Theme Park, Genting Highlands

The Theme Park at Genting Highlands doesn't impress me in many ways seriously. For one, the service crews were rather unfriendly and can be rude sometimes. When I asked a question, I don't expect to get a reply like "I DON'T KNOW" in high pitch neither do I expect to see the crew shouting at the kids - "Ooiii" is probably the last word I would use in any circumstances. 

Nonetheless, the water slide is probably one of the rides I enjoyed most, same for the kids I guess. Ryan was extremely disappointed because he was not allowed to ride due to the minimum heights criteria. If you plan to play all the rides at the Park, be sure to get there early to avoid queues especially on the weekends. Rides worth playing includes water slide, bumper car (junior and adult), boating, antique car and pirate ship.

Sunrise in Genting Highlands

In Genting Highlands, the sun rises at around 7am. As I was too lazy to leave the hotel room that early, I just grab my camera and took the photo below from the window. The weather wasn't as cold as we have expected, the lowest temperature was probably just slightly below 21degree.

Sunset From The Sky

This is my first attempt taking sunset photo from the sky. I couldn't get a nice view from where I sat hence the following photographs. Hope I will have better luck next time. Photo taken onboard BI874, Royal Brunei Airlines.

Best Beef Brisket Noodle I've Tried In Recent Years

This has to be one of the best beef brisket noodles I've tried in recent years. Thanks Desmond for bringing us to what he claimed to be one of the very few authentic Hong Kong style restaurants in KL. Many eateries here do sell beef brisket noodle but none of them taste as good. The taste is very close to the one I used to have at my favorite HK restaurant in Perth called City Garden located at North Bridge. It's good to hear that they are still in business after more than a decade since I left Perth.

On another happy note, while making a casual conversation with the waitress during the dinner, I was unofficially informed that the plan of them opening a branch in Brunei is currently under discussion. I do hope the plan materialises as we are seriously lacking of good beef brisket noodle here. 

Nom nom nom

My long lost buddy, Desmond

Sunrise....

Woke up to a beautiful morning sunrise, view from our hotel room. Kids were up for early
breakfast at McDonald's before heading to the Theme Park.
Photo: Maxim Hotel, Genting Highland

A Clever Bee Co.

One of the companies I set up about two years ago which was rarely used. I called off the initial business plan and diverted my 100% attention to my current businesses instead as I finally realised that I only have a pair of hands. A considerably amount of money and time had been invested on logo design, stationeries and some minor equipments.  No intention to sell it off as there are some sentimental values attached to it. In time to come, the clever bee will be awakened but for now, it will remain as a sleeping bee.

Planning Another Trip Back To Manila Someday!!

Despite the crowded population, heavy traffic jams and hazy skies, I wouldn't mind to make yet another trip back to "The Paris of the East" - Manila. People there are friendly, helpful and the varieties of food are simply amazing. Communication is not so much of a problem as most Filipinos speak English but occasionally a bit of sign language helps. The City of Makati, one of the 17 cities that make Metro Manila, is a must visit place where you can buy good quality international brands, very much similar to Orchard Road in Singaopore I would say.  

This photo was taken inside our taxi when we passed by one of the provinces in Manila

Jeepney - the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. To read more about the history of Jeepney - click here

Heavy loaded overhead cable is commonly seen even at bigger city area 

Security scan before entering most hotels, shopping malls and other public areas

Not sure about the fare but I was told it is slightly higher compare to public bus

Jeepney that comes with style

In Memory of Cyber......

Cyber left us early this morning (19.07.2012). He had been with us for almost 7 years since we moved in to our current house and seeing him buried before my eyes was devastating. He was diagnosed with tick fever a couple of months ago but had since recovered after several jabs and few courses of medication. In our last visit to the clinic which was just 2 weeks ago, the vet said he looked good and had recovered fast. He even put on weight. But he started feeling unwell again yesterday morning and was gone in less than 24 hours later. It all happened too suddenly.

I used to compare Cyber with other dogs of the same breed and had always thought that he was not smart enough to listen to my commands. I got upset when he didn't listen. I got mad each time he made a mess at the garden. But after returning from my sister's house recently, I realized that he was actually quite an obedient dog. Like every other dogs, he wanted attention, companion and lots of loves. Perhaps I was not good enough to understand him better or rather my expectation of him was too much. I am not sure if he would be our last german shepherd we'd ever keep but for now, we definitely won't be having another one.

Cyber is now gone but good fond memories with him will forever stay!!!