A Concert of Harmony to commemorate 60 years of Thailand-Malaysia relationship

By Laura Lee

Thanks to the invitation from our Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC), I had the opportunity to attend Thailand-Malaysia @ 60: A Concert of Harmony on 20 July 2017 to celebrate the 60 years of relationships between the two countries via musical and cultural performances by well-known singers.

I have to admit I haven’t heard of our two local singers - Ernie Zakri and Syamel before. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this free concert at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia Tourism Centre in Kuala Lumpur (KL) although I had a long day.

The night’s performance started with Episode I of a video entitled Opportunity: Unity and Sustainability before Thai singer Anchuleeon Buagaew (pix below) came on stage to perform her Thai number, Game Kiat Ti Yod or "Live Your Life With Dignity".

She not only has a diva presence but a voice, which is aptly captured by Bangkok Post’s headline, Born to be heard. Also known popularly known as Auntie Gai, this 50-year-old first runner-up of The Voice Thailand’s fourth season sang beautifully “Without You” later in the night.

The other Thai artistes were Patcha Anek-Ayuwat, Pimdao Panichsamai and Ton Thanasit Chaturapush.  Pimdao sang a Malay number, “Nazam Berkasih” together with our two local singers.

Pindao on far right belting her song

Meanwhile, Patcha rendered two solo English songs, “Set fire to the rain” and “Blue Day.” According to Thai emcee Siriluck Mim Rattanawaropas (second from far right in topmost pix above), "Blue Day" was royally composed by the late King Bhumihol  Adulyadej.

Conductor Weerasak Aksornteang playing the trumpet while Patcha sang

Their acts were accompanied by the Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra representing the southern provinces of Thailand while the Thai traditional dances were performed by Bhunga Maratee from the Songkhla Rajabhat University.


 

Thai dancers

Ton Thanasit did a duet with songstress Ernie for a Malay number, Ombak Rindu. He wowed the audience when he delivered, “All of me”.

After watching Episode III Opportunity: Taste & Try, the audience were asked to close their eyes. When we opened our eyes, we were surprised with sample OTOP packs of look yee or processed tamarind candy.

OTOP stands for One Tambon (district), One Product.  A number of OTOP products were on display outside the concert hall before the programme for the night began at 8.30 pm. 

During Episode 1V of Opportunity: To Pay Respect, the audience stood up to observe a minute of silence for the much revered late Thai King Bhumihol,  who had initiated over 4,000 development projects for his people's well-being during his life time.

The four Thai singers also delivered a number together called “The King of Thailand”.

To round up the night, the Thai and Malaysian singers sang the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”.

This concert was made possible by MOTAC,  which worked with Thai counterparts from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in KL. 


The orchestra band takes its final bow with singers from both countries.

Geng Wak Long @ Dorsett Grand Subang’s Ramadhan promotion again in 2017

By Laura Lee

 

The main reason I accepted Tourism Selangor’s Ramadhan buffet promotion invitation @ Dorsett Grand Subang was when I discovered that Geng Wak Long would be performing here. I had first come across this local band from Kelantan at the Borneo World Music Exposition and Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, Sarawak a few years ago.

I heard their performance received encouraging response from the hotel’s patrons who came for its Kampung Selera themed Ramadhan buffet at Melati last year. Glad I caught them this year here. I arrived a bit late and was thus seated in the front row quite close to them but with my back facing them most of the time.

 

Despite my close proximity to the live band, their music was not too loud. I could still enjoy my buka puasa meal with the other invited bloggers and guests who had earlier made a beeline for the buffet spread. Some of them had already dug into the five-star hotel’s signature spicy rich stew-like Gearbox soup made using cattle’s bone marrow.

 

For its Enak-enak Ramadhan and Wonders of Iftar theme this year, an array of local kampung dishes as well as Middle Eastern food and desserts were served.

During our meal, we were informed that model turned actress Mazlina Hasan Nordin, more popularly known as Lana Nordin was dining here with her husband David McKienzie and daughter Gia, who is a year and five months old.

We were granted photo opportunities with her.

Lana Nordin poses for a group pix with Zaimi Shari from Tourism Selangor (far left) and two hotel staff on the far right

This was when I discovered another food section where a huge tent has been set up to accommodate more guests. This was also where the Gearbox soup station and other live action stations were located.

I headed for the Asam Pedas station after the photo shoot. You can choose mackerel, stingray or beef to go with its spicy sauce. I never knew about the beef version before. I tried it but still prefer it cooked with fish. Found the asam sauce too salty for my comfort.

On my way out from Terazza Brasserie, I stopped by the Turkish ice cream corner and asked for two scoops of its thick and chewy dondurma in strawberry and chocolate flavours. This made up for the letdown I had with my Asam Pedas dish. 

The hotel had advanced purchase vouchers at 25% discount from as early as 17 April until 5 June. It can arrange exclusive deals for larger groups for its Ramadhan promotion.  

 

Another thing is children aged between 6 and 12 years old and senior citizens get 50% off its buffer promotion during this holy month.

 

 

 

Buka Puasa & CSR programmes

By Laura Lee

The holy month of Ramadhan encourages charity, giving and sharing. It is thus not uncommon for companies or organisations to take advantage of this occasion to do their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.

The young and old, including the less fortunate and underprivileged lot, are often treated to a majlis buka puasa or breaking of fast meal. Under Tourism Selangor Ramadhan Buffet Promotion with various hoteliers, I had the opportunity to witness some of these CSR programmes.

At Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Selangor Chapter’s Majlis Buka Puasa, about 20 elderly folks from Rumah Jagaan dan Rawatan Orang Tua Al-Ikhlas and 30 children from ages four to 15 from Rumah Nur Sakinah in Subang, Selangor were invited o 29 May 2017.

The kids did a performance later in the evening after they had their meals. The hotel and the MAH team not only donated in cash but also groceries such as cooking oil, rice and other daily necessities to them.

While here I bumped into 10-year-old chef Danish Harraz with his parents whom I recently met at the Eat Travel Write Selangor International Culinary Adventure from 15-18 May 2017. Sharing the same table, we compared notes on what are some of the sumptuous spread not to be missed like this gearbox dish.

I still missed a number of them, especially those located near Swez Brasserie’s entrance, which I saw when we were departing. When I went back later for the freshly fried bawal fish in the later part of the night, what’s left are the fish heads.

This biryani lamb and the fresh bawal were highly recommended by my colleague

The restaurant’s theme this year for its buffet spread featured a number of dishes mainly from the northern states such as Kedah, Penang and Kelantan.

 

With the rising cost of living, I wouldn’t be surprised that a number of people would be tightening their belts and are more conscious about eating out to break out, especially at hotels and restaurants. You can still do that by taking advantage of some of the early bird offers.

For instance, Eastin Hotel KL priced their buffet lower at RM100 nett for adults and RM50 nett per child during the early part of Ramadhan, the last few days of the fasting month (22-23 June) and during its weekend specials on 10-11 and 17-18 June. Other times, it’s RM145 nett (adult) and RM72 (child). So, the strategy is to take advantage of these early bird and special offers.

We had selected Eastin Hotel from about a dozen hotels and restaurants that Tourism Selangor was working as we had attended its Ramadhan preview a few years ago and recalled how good its offerings were at the live action stations where various types of food are freshly prepared.

On the way out, I was attracted by the wayang kulit or shadow puppet stage, where I took some pictures with our young chef Danish Harraz Abd Hafiz. The traditional form story telling using shadow puppets are a popular form of entertainment with the states of Kedah and Kelantan, which I had the opportunity to witness on a number of occasions.

Iftar Preview @ Verandah Restaurant, Cyberview Resort & Spa

By Laura Lee

Thanks to Tourism Selangor, this year I had the opportunity to partake with my Muslim friends at least seven Iftar, a meal eaten after Maghrib which is usually around sunset during the fasting month of Ramadan.  

One of the earliest previews I did this year was Cyberview Resort & Spa’s Verandah Restaurant, which is known for its East meets West cuisine. I had selected this resort instead of another hotel in Petaling Jaya as I was recently back here for a weekend stay after its opening 20 years ago.

Although it was a long drive from my place, it was worth the effort as the restaurant has one of the best buffet spreads with its 23-stall concept offering a variety of cuisine from Malay, Chinese to Japanese, Italian and Mexican.

I  was rambang mata as there were so many choices. I ended up going for some of the local favourites and simple dishes like this stir fried vegetable or tao mew garnished with fragrant garlic.

During my recent short stay, I heard so much about its deep fried homemade crispy musang king durian rolls but didn’t have a chance to try it. Lo and behold, the first outdoor stall I came across was serving this. I went for it and had no regrets as I discovered later some of the guests had to queue for it as they are freshly prepared.

 

The stall next to it had an assortment of dim sum and steamed pau. They also have a variety of kurma or dates. I took some of that.

 

At its barbeque station, I went for its marinated lamb shoulder to go with some mushroom and black pepper sauce. Couldn’t resist having some beef satay as well when I came across its satay station.

I was told not to miss its kambing panggang golek station where the whole lamb has been marinated and roasted with fragrant spices and garlic. Took some Arab salsa to accompany the lamb but sans the Arab rice as I wanted to have room for some other food.

The butter style prawns were temptingly displayed indoors together with a variety of offerings from the Japanese station, where I went for a small piece of chicken.

I heard about its ice cream rendang. As an ice cream lover, I couldn’t resist not trying it. My verdict? It’s over rated.

I enjoyed by buffet here partly because when I entered its reception area, its staff remembered me from my recent stay and rushed to usher me into the restaurant.

The resort’s assistant director of marketing communications Sooky Au, whom I recently reconnected and the other restaurant staff whom I got to know from my staff were warm and friendly.

The spread was fantastic. Its weekend rates for the Ramadan buffet at RM100 nett per adult was a steal, especially if you are living around this parts. Its weekday rates was RM38 nett more.    

New Year: Therapy for the soul

By Laura Lee

As fleeting as my thoughts come as I begin the first day of the Chinese New Year (CNY) for the Rooster on 28 January, they are blown away by the strong wind from my nearby table fan. Thought I'll just pen them down. For posterity's sake?

Always find myself caught during period between our Chinese culture and what's real on the ground for me. It's just a norm for me for many years to continue my spring cleaning, which is a taboo for the Chinese die-hards who believe that you can't do so as you will wash away (literal translation) of your fortunes.

The spiritual part of me would reply, My blessings come from God Almighty while the logical part can't buy the idea that you cannot wash your hair on this day, clean the floor, do your laundry, cut your nails or use the scissors as it shorten your life and all the crap that comes with it.

They say procrastination is the thief of time. So be it! There must be a reason why I keep procrastinating. Simply because I dislike doing the task and to dwell deeper, why do I dislike it? It's not a comfortable feeling when you go deeper into your soul searching. You might not like to know the real reasons.

I also don't believe in making New Year resolutions. Living one day at a time suffices for me. Didn't start well on January 1? Can try again during CNY? Still cannot, console yourself that Malaysia, with its multicultural society, has many New Years in a year.

10 reasons why I enjoy visiting Desaru Fruit Farm

Pixs by Laura Lee and Anthony Tan

Our group comprising 11 Chinese bloggers and media during our DFF visit on 1 October '16

 

1.     Desaru Fruit Farm (DFF) in Kota Tinggi, Johor never fails to amaze me with its new and varied offerings each time I visit the place. During my previous visits to this award winning agro farm, it was promoting its honey products after we had our lunch.

2.     The different aspects of its tour are very educational. Among the things I learnt during this trip are wild boars love guava and jackfruit too and that the branch of the guava fruit makes a good substitute as a rotan to whip your children when they are naughty.

Find out from DFF owner's son Steve Er why visitors like to touch this ornamental 1,000-finger banana from top to bottom

3.     The activities at DFF appeal to both the young and old. The highlight of my visit this time round is the chance to try out its go-kart course. Since ours is a small group, all of us could have a go at it but there were a few non-takers. Not me this time!

       Steve, who's Desaru Fruit Farm Trading and DFF Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd director, has forewarned us to be prepared to get dirty as it is a dusty sand track.

4.     Getting Steve’s personalised attention right from our arrival to this agro farm for our lunch followed by our tour was a bonus as he is so knowledgeable and friendly.

5.  Steve and his family are very passionate in what they do. I have met his mum and dad Richard on previous trips. His mum, who turned up at the end of our tour and go-karting activity, introduced us to DFF’s latest products: its rolled love letters in two flavours, red dragonfruit and durian.
      
      We not only had the chance to sample them but were each given two plastic containers of both versions to take home as souvenir. Each container costs RM16, two at RM30 for those who are keen to buy.  

6.   DFF’s dedicated staff makes a difference to our trip experience, ensuring that everything is taken care of like ensuring that we have a bottle of chilled fruit juices to quench our thirst when we reached the herbal and organic vegetable section of its farm. I enjoyed the sourish sweet passionfruit juice unlike the fruit, which is extremely sourish, when I took it during lunch. 

Lwin Wen Li and Joanne Wee, with their passionfruit drink, enjoying the freshly plucked air jambu

 

7.   The fruits and food served here are another draw. It was a wow factor the way they have laid out the fruit fiesta to whet our appetite prior to our lunch or feast.

     
We had eight dishes and a soup, cooked as healthily as can be with the fresh produce from the farm. 
      
 The name of some of the dishes - fresh papaya chicken soup with tongkat ali (and other ingredients such as kei chee and red dates), Emperor chicken, deep fried calamari served with red dragon fruit sauce (love the sauce!), sweet and sour prawns with assorted fruits, and shredded papaya tossed with seafood and raisins - are enough to make you salivate.    

 The ingredients that made this soup so nourishing

Another unique dish is banana cooked with local spices and coconut milk but it is not my favourite. I love assam pedas but found its assam pedas stingray with passion fruit juice doesn't have the spiciness.
      
Nevertheless, it was an awesome meal supplemented by two vegetable dishes: organic pak choy and four angle beans stir fried with prawns and sotong or squids. 
 
Besides the fresh fruits, there are also the pickled fruits and fried chempedak fritter to cuci mulut. We had fresh roselle drink and cat whisker tea as beverages. The food served here is halal.

8.     DFF has different packages to suit your needs and budget. Ours was more like its Combo B package and more as this package comprises a fruit farm tour, fruit fiesta, lunch (seven dishes only) and go-kart ride. It costs RM72.10 per adult and RM63.60 per child.
     

      I would highly recommend this to really savour what DFF can offer. On the lower range, you can opt for just a tour and fruit package at RM26.50 per adult and RM21.20 a child. For a tour, lunch and fruit fiesta, it's RM58.20 and RM50.90 respectively. All rates are inclusive of 6% Goods and Services Tax and valid until end-2017.

9.  DFF is also the place to relive your childhood joys. Remember those traditional games such as the five stones and congkak challenge that you used to play when you were young.

10. DFF gives you the chance to get in touch with nature, pet and feed some animals. There is small charge for the animal feed or vegetables. 

Geozo and Emily Tang (right) feeding carrot sticks to the rabbit.

 

DFF also has a friendship bridge overlooking a koi pond near its herbs and vegetables section. Of course, we took the opportunity to have another group pix here.

Visit www.desaruff.com for more details.

 

Fang-tastic experience at LEGOLAND’s Halloween Brick-or-Treat Party Nights

Pixs by Laura Lee and Anthony Tan

LEGOLAND staff led by its interim general manager Young Pil Kim (in yellow tee) showing the LEGOLAND hand sign with the kids.
 

It’s my first time joining LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort’s Halloween Brick-or-Treat Party Nights. Started since 16 September this year, this event is held every Friday-Saturday until 29 October, which happens to be Deepavali.

We drove from Kuala Lumpur to Iskandar Puteri, Johor on 23 Sept and arrived slightly past 3pm. After checking in our luggage at LEGOLAND Hotel, we headed for LEGO Kingdom located inside its theme park where the event is held.

To find your way to LEGO Kingdom, follow these purple footprints

The event venue was decorated in Halloween theme. There were lots of pumpkins around the place and where the food is displayed. Placed on our round table where I’m having my food are cotton wool that reminds me of cob webs.

Since we missed our lunch at Market Restaurant, one of the food and beverage outlets inside the theme park, we welcome the spread at the event venue. The chefs were quite creative in decorating the food based on the Halloween theme.

Brushing my reservations aside, I tried the green looking witch finger pretzel pods but found the bread crust inside had softened.

With the speeches over, we waited anxiously for the announcement of the shortlisted candidates for the children’s best dress costume contest.

I was elated when my friend Nannie Isa’s daughter dressed like a pontianak won. I had expected her son in Manchu attire and hopping like a ghost to bag a prize too but he didn’t.

To me, the interactive Halloween Show with LEGO Frankenstein and Witch ain’t that “terror-rific.” Perhaps it’s because I’m a jaded old journalist. Anyway, such shows and the many Halloween themed activities that have been organised are meant more for the kids.

For the Brick-or-Treat this year, there are 10 pop-up huts where the kids can collect goodies from the various sponsors such as MILO, Staedler, Julie’s, Haribo and Ribena, Canon. Wish I was a kid once again when I saw what Phil’s daughter had collected.

I quite enjoy the Monster March at the start of the Party. They were playing Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

I met up with some of the characters in the Monster March when I made my out of the theme park later. I decided to join them and scare some of the people in the outdoor theme park.

During the Brick-or-Treat Party Nights, the park hours is extended to 8.30pm. Kids who come in a costume enter for free. Tomorrow is your last chance to do so!

I had wanted to don my witch hat but couldn't find it the whole nite before we set off for the trip. Ugh!

 

Visit www.LEGOLAND.my for more details.