Serenity In Motion

Tasty Route to RasaMas - New Outlet at Larkin Terminal

2007-11-23T17:20:00.000-08:00

RasaMas - which means Golden Taste in Malay, the language of Malaysia is conceptualised by QSR/KFC Group. The new outlet at Larkin Bus Terminal serves authentic Malaysian cuisine in such elegant settings. I made my stopover during my daily trip back home to Kluang on my way back from work in Johor Bahru. When you dine here, not only are your tastebuds tickled by the myriad of specialties, you also experience a liberal dose of intrinsic tapestry of busy life at Larkin Central where people are on the run to catch their buses and cabs apart from shopping at the available shoplots. I was informed that their authentic specialties and elaborate decor have garnered compliments from patrons.

You could savour a cuppa or have a formal dining in an enclosed area or an open-air area designated for smokers and casual patrons. It also draws office executives after work. With its tagline of "Once is not Enough", RasaMas is a dining experience to be savoured which is facilitated by 16 restaurants chains all over Malaysia that offer full table service with halal (food that is permissible according to Islamic law) menu.

The tasteful decor was designed with more than just food in mind. The catchy lightings and delicious posters are an attraction. In fact that was the reasons that entice me to join the crowd.

RasaMas specialties are Honey Prime Roast, Pepper Prime Roast, Pepper Roasted Chicken, Traditional Chicken Rice, Ayam Percik Chicken Rice (Spicy Barbecued Chicken from East Coast of Malaysia) and Drummet Set. The roasted spice marinade gave it a distinguishable taste. Each mouthful of the delicacy reveals an intermingling of spicy and meaty nuances. One can hardly miss the sharp peppery overtones and aromatic spice flavour. The menu is ideal for reviving jaded palates. Grilled chicken is available as an alternative for non-beef eaters. The meal could be complemented with memorable assortment of dessert. Sipping freshly brewed black coffee could succinctly captures the vibrant environment of the place.

My pickings for the day was the Chicken Rice which stimulates the palate with spicy grilled chicken, crunchy strips of cucumber with a refreshing sweet and hot sauce and tasty piquant chicken soup. The rich and buttery taste rice will have ardent rice lovers clamouring for repeat helpings. Complemented by other menu, the combination proves irresistable. Some menus are the interpretation of Malaysian delight.

An opinion coined by a manager of the QSR Group during one of my casual meetings with him, RasaMas need to focus on something different such as catering service niche market for corporate events and private parties since its dishes are popular among customers. As for me I would want to see a Made-to-Order Fusion creations as an alternative. Well, guys I am soooo hungry now that I could even eat a hippo. Writing this jalan-jalan cari makan experince made my tastebud working overtime. Ciao!

Wonderful Getaway at Orchard Golf and Country Resort

2007-11-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

Orchard Golf and Country Resort (OGCR) has provided a wonderful getaway to my family as we are the members of the resort. A close proximity to the resort is a criteria of choosing the hideaway spot. OGCR is a great alternative especially during boom years of golf resorts in mid 1990's. My friend from Singapore also signed up at this club as it offers a package. The scenic golf resort has 18 holes, par 72. Stretched at Km19, Jalan Kota Tinggi/Kulai, Kulai, Johor, the resort is standing amidst natural surroundings of tropical rainforest, plantation and orchards. It is also sheltered majestically near Gunung Pulai.

The OGCR captures the spirit of peaceful, fresh-air hilly living in a private golf club environment. Besides the resort own elaborate recreational activities, the area abounds with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. OGCR has also add the adventure with hiking, backpacking and camping at nearby forested mountain.

In addition to golfing, we enjoy lounging at the restaurant, wadding in the pool, steam up in the spa and sweat out in the gymnasium. I also love to jog in the surrounding area and was once chased by a roundish, black wild boar. That's an unexpected thrill.

Feelings of serenity just by watching the landscape.

True to its name, the landscape is laced with coconut trees and local fruit trees. The undulating rolling terraine, fresh water ponds and sand bunkers are blissful sights. During fruit season, golfers are rewarded with bountiful fruits in season.

Colours of Deepavali

2007-11-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Deepavali bazaar at Jalan Ungku Puan, Johor Bahru.

Garlands of flowers hanging and lining up the walkway.

Pigeons feeding time early in the morning.

At nite the temple is brightly lit up with line of bulbs which created the festive mood.

Deepavali goodies for the pickings.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated by Hindus on Thursday 8 November 2007, and Malaysian Indians are already thronging special markets in Little Indias all over the country to pick up items such as delicacies and sarees. The event exhibit the unique aspects of the Indian community in Malaysia. I was walking along Jalan Ungku Puan Johor Bahru where there was a Deepavali Bazaar and love to witness the splendor of colour at the brightly lit special market which attracts hundreds of shoppers every night and offers an array of colourful festive items. Shoppers are spoilt for choice in selecting special items such as greeting cards, colourful traditional clothes and decorative items. Snacks galore are everywhere with kacang putih, sweetmeat and cookies stalls doing a roaring business. My childhood experience of having Indian neighbours makes me appreciate delicacies such as jelabi, palgova, laddu, balusha mysorpak, halua and choc koa many of whom serve these delicacies at their open houses. Early in the morning they generously sent trays of Deepavali goodies. Those food was laden with ghee, lots of sugar and milk and my favourite was the laddu and murukku.

I also fancy the metal bangles with hanging bells and ornaments which are in striking colours and hues. The colourful sarees also entice me especially the one with traditional looks and appeals. Stalls selling Indian garments, food and ornaments line both sides of the road. Traditional dances and Kolam competition will also be held at Persada Convention Centre in Johor Bahru on 4 November 2007. Festive mood is in the air!

Balik Kampung for Hari Raya Celebration

2007-10-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

My noisy relatives catching up with the latest happenings and of the family at the Rumah Ibu (Main House).
The Gamin, Kuala Pilah open house has a strong support and good participation. Sad to say I only recognised 90% of my distant relatives.
A surprise reunion with my second cousin who made a fortune in Australia and lost for more than 10 years, with a twist of emotional story. Every guest be it male or female shed tears. I remember him as a cute boy. Hari Raya is for bridging the lost gap & extend our forgiveness.

A cute and chubby baby with a relative.

My adorable nephew & nieces resting at the stairways decorated with old glazed tiles.

My son wearing a Baju Melayu with a songket sampin at my mum-in law's house

It has been 2 weeks into festival of Aidilfitri, popularly known as Hari Raya in Malaysia. The joyous month falls on Syawal month of the Islamic calendar. I guess it's not too late to post on this occassion as it is celebrated for a month in Malaysia, no doubt it's not being celebrated full swing each day as life is getting more mundane. It is a meaningful occassion for the Muslims as it signifies a personal triumph and a victory of self-restraint and abstinence symbolising purification and renewal after a month of fasting in Ramadhan. Urbanites make their pilgrimage to their hometowns, popularly known as balik kampung. My family and I spent our moment in my ancestors home and mum's weekend home in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. Celebrating in a kampung (village) environment is more magical and my family has been sharing the joyous moment in the kampung the past 6 years instead of at my parents house in Seremban, a city in Negeri Sembilan. Prior to that we were in Muar, Johor at my in-laws home.

My family members started the day by congregating in the mosque early in the morning for the Hari Raya Puasa prayers. Everyone put on the traditional Malay clothes and for the ladies the garb could either be baju kurung or baju kebaya with each family having their own theme.... we were into yellow this year. Asking for forgiveness from the elderly is a touchy moment through salam (handshake) with us recalling the full year's misdeeds and wrongdoings to be wiped out. Kids too have their field day in collecting duit raya (money gifts in small envelops). My mum-in-law is good in feasting us with tasty Malay delicacies which are mainly found during Hari Raya such as authentic ketupat (rice wrapped in coconut leaves weaved casings), rendang (beef/chicken spicy dishes), peanuts sauce, lodeh (mixed vegetables cooked in coconut milk), chicken curry, etc. I missed the aromatic lemang cooking event at the Kuala Pilah home as I was only there on second Hari Raya. Lemang is a Minangkabau delicacy that is glutinous rice cooked in bamboo. It takes at least 8 hours to cook lemang via burning in firewoods. Most houses are decorated with oil lamps illuminating the gardens and lighting up the dark skys. They are normally lacing up the garden after the third week of fasting month of Ramadhan.

For this Hari Raya what amaze me is the lighting up of Meriam Buluh (home made cannon by using Calcium Carbide stuff in a hollow pipe). The sound is so loud and perhaps that's why the city videographer who was me displayed a spontaneous reaction. Those guys in the video are from technical background namely engineer, engineering students, technical teacher, technicians.... Hmmm they seem to have the applicative fun. The Meriam Buluh, fireworks, fire crackers and sparklers added the aura of Hari Raya and there seems a competitive battle ground in between the sub-kampung.

My kampung has a scenic beauty and the famous Petronas Hari Raya "Burung Murai" commercial and other movies were shot there. I will make a special posting of my (grandma's) kampung in the future. The traditional house on stilts stand regally on a hill and surrounded by lush trees. My family in Kuala Pilah had an open house to our extended family. We slaughtered 2 goats which are reared at the backyard of the traditional kampung home. I am dumbfounded by the linkages of my own extended family tree. My family network are the kind who loves to bridge the gap between the many generations of the family tree branches..... horizontally and vertically. With the intricate connection, a long lost relative's son whose mum is about my age called me Uwan (Grandma). Ouch!. It's the rank and file. Overall, 2 days in the kampung but felt like a lifetime.

Please view the Meriam Buluh video below with the volume on as you could hear the sound effect :-)

Home Made Hari Raya Cookies, Anyone?

2007-10-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

Double Chocolate Cookies

Serunding Mini Popia

Honey Cornflakes Cup

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Almond Cookies

"Semprit" Thousand Thousand

My favourite Jam Tart

My friend was asking me whether I will be baking cookies this Hari Raya, Malay term for festive season Eid Ul-Fitr. I said, "Definetly, I would". I find baking cookies therapeutic.... the feelings are indescribable. Since time is an essence to me as a busy mum, I baked cookies during weekends. My kids and I did the ingredients look out the week earlier. I made some modification to the recipes with each cookie type, I made three equal portions for my family, my mum's and mum-in-law's. Earlier years I felt turned down when the cookies I bought regardless of its good looks, taste rancid and spoilt. Raison d'etre ..... I bake my own cookies. Put aside the presentation, my kids said it taste yummy. Hopefully, the limited edition will still be around during Hari Raya. Over years I have been experimenting to get the right taste and texture. My kids little hands are handy except for few accidents such as cookies turn topsy turvy while cooling off. Helping out mum baking since I was small, helps a great deal. So kids, don't worry about the mess ... the experience that counts. Love to see their joy while mixing the ingredients. Besides, feel great that the kitchen smells like bakery. To all my relatives and Muslim friends "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri & maaf zahir batin".

My first family residence at Bryn Mawr Apartment, Chicago

2007-10-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Situated across the street from each other, Bryn Mawr Apartment is a finely detailed building epitomised the rapid growth and expansion of Chicago in the 1920s and the commercial development of Bryn Mawr Avenue and surrounded by Edgewater community. We stayed there when we first started our family life and continue to live on for three years. Apart from relatively close in proximity to my University, the rate was also reasonable being situated near the sub-urban of Chicago.

The buildings' extensive use of terra cotta

exemplifies Chicago's love affair with this versatile building material after the Great Fire of 1871, especially its decorative applications. The 8-storey apartment is clad in rich green and cream terra cotta and features Egyptian-like art deco designs. Three of my friends who studied in the Art Institute of Chicago also stayed in the apartment, which is perhaps a testimony of its nice architecture. The building is designated as a Chicago Landmark on 20 January 1999.

The building is situated near Edgewater, a north Chicago, Illinois community seven miles north of downtown bordering the neighbourhood of Roger Park to the north, Uptown to the south, Lincoln Square to the west and south and West Ridge to the northwest. As one of Chicago's 77 community areas, Edgewater is bounded by Foster on the south, Devon on the north, Ravenswood on the west and Lake Michigan on the east. It has the highest population density of any of the neighbourhoods in Chicago. Edgewater contains several beaches that we enjoyed in the warm month. My hubby, baby and me always strolled and sometimes had BBQ with friends near Lake Michigan Beach. We could breath life in Chicago as The Windy City.

Edgewater was first developed around the 1890s as a summer home for Chicago's elite. It boasts a skyline of apartment buildings, condominium, shopping complexes and mid-rise homes.The high rise condominiums were also known to have large numbers of retired and elderly persons, many lived on fixed income. The prices are more affordable than Lake Shore Drive addresses further south. They are nice people and always bedazzled by my baby Nabila and many loved to play with her. They would say.... "Ohhh she looks very oriental. Look at her nice black hairs". Most of them had grey and blonde hairs.

The place is close to the MRT elevated train station of Bryn Mawr. Conditions has begun to improve and there has been a large influx of residents. The area is a colorful community with apart from Caucasians, new residents from Yugoslavia, Mexican, Pakistani, Bosnian etc have also made their way. My girl started to pick up Spanish words as she has few friends who she played with at the corridor of the apartment. Chicago is well known for accepting new, thriving enclaves of ethnicities in the past centuries. The new settlement of Europeans is a modern revival of that tradition. Americans, young hipsters, new parents, first-time homeowners, students and many more call Bryn Mawr home. I love watching the colorful and fast moving life from my window. Chicago really sharpen my survival skill in staying in a metropolitant city. My unforgettable encounter was being approached by a pick pocket rogue, but he probably has to learn to be a better thief. Other encounter was getting on a crossroad with drug dealers who use a woman as a ransom at 3.00 am. She was being strangled by a rowdy guy and at a gun-point. She pointed at me who was watching the scene from my apartment's window, maybe to get herself free. The guy looked up at me who was just few meters up and loosen his grip on the poor girl. I swear I never look out the window again like in safe Malaysia, then. When I went to my night classes I felt erratic that I was being followed. It took me few weeks to pass through those traumatic episode. On other occassion, I also heard gun shot near me while i was feeding my baby who was lying in a cradle, at the windy and scenic back stairways. Wow! If I can survive in Chicago, I can surely survive anywhere else in the world. It really taught me to be street smart.

Johor International Furniture Fair

2007-09-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

The fair creates my interest as few years ago I did have experience working in a company which manufacture and market furniture which was mainly rubberwood for local and export markets. So off I went to the brand new Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru on 20 September 2007 which was the venue of the fair to view the products on display and understand the in-thing in the furniture production industry. When I was there it was Saturday and mostly the visitors were from the public especially so with the upcoming Hari Raya, Malay term for the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr. I would rate overall the furniture are tasteful and meet international standards in terms of quality and design. Covering an exhibition space of 70,000 sq ft, the fair showcased a comprehensive selection of new products, designs, styles, concepts of around 380 booths. The fair displayed a wide line of related items such as household/outdoor/office furniture, furnishing items, building materials, household appliances, kitchen utensils, landscaping, bathroom accessories, lighting etc. It was the biggest furniture fair in Johor thus far.

Malaysia exported RM6 billion worth of furniture last year which was mainly wooden furniture, of which Johor produced 45% of the country's furniture. Most of Johor furniture factories are located in Muar, Kluang and Johor Bahru. 90% of Malaysian-made furniture were exported to United States, Britain and United Arab Emirates and each country has its own furniture design and style preference. The export value will increase over years as demand is building up due to commendable Malaysia-made furniture and increasing world population. In Asia, Malaysia stands out as second to China in furniture production. However, Malaysia cater to medium-end market while China targets the lower-end market. Malaysia manufacturers need to focus on high-end market and emphasise on value-added manufacturing with more creative and innovative design. Thus, Malaysia needs to shift from Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) to Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) to stay competitive in the global arena. The manufacturers need to outline its strategic planning to resusitate furniture industry according to value chain. In future, perhaps, furniture manufacturers should consider establishing joint ventures and acquisitions (M&As) to expand and counteract the stiff competition of export market. Furniture industry is plagued by several requirements by importing countries to adhere to several sustainable and environmental guidelines and producers need to mitigate by using planted species such as rubberwood, golden teak, sentang and acacia. Supply chain links between downstream and upstream activities need to be enhanced while benchmarking against better competitors. Local furniture manufacturers have to view options of shifting from local raw materials to imported sawn timber such as oak and pine. With competition from low cost producers like China and Vietnam, local players must improve their product range by manufacturing high-end furniture to capture a bigger export market.

Fallen Heroes

2007-09-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

I was passing through Felda Inas, Kota Tinggi, Johor yesterday when I witnessed this interesting phenomenon whereby immature young oil palm trees grow side by side with fallen matured trees which is waiting for decomposition.... that's why I call it fallen heroes. Most of the oil palm plantations in the south west Johor area are in the state of replanting and that explains why a number of palm oil mills in the vicinity are facing shortage of crop and affected its utilisation rate. The government agency that manage the oil palm estates in this picture is FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) under its land development scheme.

At macro level, the declining contribution to world palm oil output is partly attributed to the lower production due to the increase in the aged oil palm trees. It is important that old palms, which are less economic to maintain be replanted, hence ensuring a continuous productive Malaysian oil palm industry. Normally, the age of oil palm economically suitable for replanting is 25 years. Generally, oil palm reaches its peak yield of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) between the 6th and 12th year after planting. Thereafter, the yield gradually decreases which erodes profit margin of plantation companies.

Replanting program of oil palm are undertaken through a systematic replanting plan and should incorporate the usage of high quality seeds for better future yield and improved technology and management system.

Malaysia has banned open burning of old oil palm biomass during replanting. The most widely adopted zero burn techniques of replanting oil palms in Malaysia are currently the "chipped and windrow" and "underplanting" methods. Planters have to wary about the breeding of Oryctes rhinocerous beetles which are serious pests in immature young palms. Almost entire palms are pulverised into fine pieces and spread widely over the entire field and the root mass dug up. The new clearing methods reduced the fallow period, facilitated replanting and the subsequent field upkeep work, improved the utilisation of nutrients released by the decomposing palm biomass by the newly replanted palms. The methods of clearing old oil palms for replanting are environmentally less polluting and also improve the sustainability of oil palm plantations. If you are to drive along Kluang-Johor Bahru route, you will see oil palms fringing the roadsides whereby mostly are under replanting stage.

Holy Ramadan Bazaar Spread

2007-09-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

The holy Islamic month of Ramadan 1428 is here beginning 13 September 2007. Many Ramadan bazaars woo the crowd with their buka puasa (breaking fast) spread. While some families cook their meals for breaking fast, it has become the norm for people to buy meals offered at various Ramadan food outlets. With the endless variety of main and desserts, it is not surprising that many non-Muslims also make a beeline for the Ramadan delicacies for their dinner.

Other than the vast array of delicious dishes, some of which are only offered during the fasting month, the atmosphere unique to Ramadan are also a pulling factor. I opt for traditional, healthy, home-cooked dishes such as ayam percik (spicy chicken), murtabak (thin dough filled with minced meat), laksa penang (noodles), ikan bakar (grilled fish), rojak mamak (Indian salad) and kepala ikan asam pedas (hot spicy fish head). The bazaar i went the first day of Ramadan in Kluang, Johor offered more than 1,000 dishes. The sky and the depth of your pocket are your limits to savour the gastronomic feast. We are spoilt for choice and free to change the menu daily. Besides local delicacies, international dishes such as kebab, sushi nagiri, mini pizza, burgers and hotdogs are also sold. I will definetly savour the Ramadan Bazaar food today and try a new menu.

Malaysian Budget 2008 - 13 Goodie Bags

2007-09-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

1. Corporate Joy

Corporate tax to be further lowered by 1% to 26% for 2008

2 . Home Sweet Home

EPF members can use savings to offset monthly repayments
Scheme to enable people to own better homes
RM9.6 billion will be made available for the scheme
50% stamp duty exemption on ownership transfer up to maximum of RM2,000.

3. Housing for All

RM50 million fund to guarantee housing loans taken by those without fixed income
RM381 million for low-cost housing programmes
RM887 million to build quarters for civil servants.

4 & 5. Free Education

Textbook Loan Scheme to be extended to all pupils
5.7 million pupils to benefit compared with 4.5 million currently
Annual fee for primary and secondary schools abolished
Examination fee for Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia abolished

6. I. T. Knowledge the Key

Import duty and sales tax waived on broadband equipment and consumer access devices
Companies to enjoy tax deduction on computers and broadband subscription given to employees
Employees receiving such benefits in kind exempted from tax

7. C.O.LA. Cheer for Scholarship Holders

Cost of living allowance (Cola) for scholarship to be increased by between 23% - 84%
Scholarship holders overseas to get 97% increase in Cola

8. Lifelong Learning

Tax relief of RM5,000 for all postgraduate studies
Human resource Development Fund can be used for Master's and Doctoral studies.
Construction industrial Development Board to set aside RM100 million to train 50,000 workers under the Masterskills Training Programme

9. Biotechnology

RM236 million to provide infrastructure and technological facilities
Bionexus-status companies to be allowed to use laboratories and research facilities at local universities.

10. Efficient Transportation System

RM12 billion for Kuala Lumpur and Penang over 4 years
Road and rail improvements in Sabah and Sarawak

11. Help for Single Mothers

RM782 million to help women, especially single mothers
Project include skills training
RM10 million to NGOs to train housewives in baby and childcare as a business

12. Senior Citizens

RM2 billion bond for those aged 55 and without permanent jobs
Maximum limit RM50,000 per person
Maturity period of 3 years
5% return per annum
Higher allowance of RM300 (previously RM200) for needy senior citizens from 1 Jan 2008

13. Joy for Teachers

Special education teachers' monthly allowance to go up to RM250 from RM100
Graduate substitute teachers' allowance goes up to RM150 per day (previously RM85)
Allowance of RM60 per hour for degree holders, RM50 for diploma holders to teach Mandarin or Tamil.

Invalueable Experience at International Palm Oil Congress (PIPOC) 2007

2007-09-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Mingling and exchanging of ideas with movers and shakers of the palm oil industry from all over the world is an invalueable experience to me. Apart from this, moving between conference halls to get the best applicable topics demanded my stamina and perserverence. It reminded me of my good old college days in a foreign university. We were the master of our module and courses. That's an interesting experience I encountered during attending Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) International Palm Oil Congress (PIPOC) held on 26 to 30 August 2007 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. PIPOC is the premier oil palm/palm oil (some still confused of the interchange of the words) biennial conference in the world; a platform for interaction for the innovations, challenges and latest developments of the oil palm/palm oil industry to be discussed and an opportunity all views to be heard.

I signed up for Agriculture, Biotechnology & Sustainability conference module but there were other modules which were equally tasteful to me such as Chemistry &amp;amp;amp; Technology; Oleo and Specialty Chemicals; Product Development & Nutrition and Economics & Marketing. Thus, that ended me being a nomad. Well, worth the effort to maximise the knowledge on this interesting subject. The crux of the conference was "food or fuel"? The industry is facing balancing act to feed the people or feeding the sprouting bio-diesel mills all over the world. Malaysia palm oil industry put itself squarely on the map as a key interlocutor in discussing on sustainability of palm oil as a renewable energy source. Campaign waged against palm oil has created negative publicity for palm oil forcing food manufacturers to switch to hydrogenated oils. Bio-diesel and bio-diversity agenda are being used to win consumers heart shadowed by pressure by greenpeace movement. Bio-fuels run the risk of protectionism in advanced countries such as Europe. A strong and coherent broad-based engagements in the industry will ensure that sustainability-related directives will not become a barrier for Malaysian palm oil exports. Rountable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has also take shape to keep the palm oil industry stay abreast and marketable to foreign countries. This has been done without compromising on the bottomline of plantation companies.

Profound Quotes

2007-09-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." - Henry David Thoreau

"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibilty for changing them - Denis Waitley (Author of The Psychology of Winning)

"The most successful people in our society think the furthest into the future. They are willing to make sacrifices in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long-term". Brian Tracy

"If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they may have planned for you? Not much." - Jim Rohn

"20 years from now you will be more dissapointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream and discover." Mark Twain

Seems Vision is the ability to see with your mind what others miss with their eyes. Imagine (if you can) living your life at the fullest like:

Having enough money so you never have to worry about money again
Living in the place of your likings
Spending more quality time with family and friends
Pursuing your hobbies and passions
Enjoying the luxuries that life has to offer - travel, designer clothes etc etc

Yoga Asana for Health

2007-09-03T00:37:00.000-07:00

Too often we spend our days racing to catch up, growing frustrated at delays, and worrying obsessively about the future. Instead, we can choose to shift our attitude, to still our minds, to transform our everyday challenges into opportunities for growth, gratitude and joy.

One of the ways is to do yoga and concentrate on our breathing which could help us to create inner peace. Building on the practice of mindful breathing, we could have our quiet moment and bring serenity to the rest of our lives. Whether you are stuck while driving in a rush hour traffic, facing looming deadlines, stuck in a long check-out lines, or struggling with relationships, you will learn to encounter each moment as it comes. You will be happy, secure, serene in the knowlege that life is unfolding the way it should. All stress, anxiety, distress and health problems will be encountered.

One of my favourite passtimes is yoga. Yoga Asanas (position) would definetly increase flexibility of the body and freeing all the energy blocks, help to loose excess flab, massaging the internal organs of the body and help to treat several health disorders. My favourite yoga retreat place is the mountain top as the air is fresh with so much oxygen and the birds and insects chirppings create the aura which will help the mind to relax and mitigate metabolic disorder. I use to have acute migraine and for the last many years I manage to overcome it by regularly doing Yoga Asanas.

My First Preview of a Hotel - Legend Hotel Kuala Lumpur

2007-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

The whole nation was preparing on the epicenter of the action happening in Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital of Malaysia. Yes, when I was in the city, Malaysia will be celebrating a Merdeka Jubilee of 50 years. I stayed at Legend Hotel, Crest Room which is strategically located in the centre of KL, in the heart of its commercial and financial districts. It stands adjacent to a huge shopping complex, The Mall and across the Putra World Trade Centre convention complex. As a corporate traveller, I find the well equipped Business Centre offers a comprehensive range of services. Just before I settle the day, I did lite shopping at the mall next door without hassle and any concern of my security and safety. My three mornings were graced with sumptuous and multi ethnic breakfasts at Di-Atas Brasserie. From the balcony at 16 th floor, I could visualise the Kuala Lumpur skyline including KLCC twin tower. The scenery is breathtaking. Not forgetting the huge standard room which is well equipped. I guess the hotel is suited for leisure, business and convention.

Best Coffee in Malaysia, my hometown Kluang

2007-08-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

When in Kluang forget about cappucino, mocha, expresso or any other type of coffee. My favourite hang out place, Kluang Rail Coffee's specialty is its brewed homemade coffee. During my childhood days, I was raised in the neighbourhood at Jalan Omar. It is one place where a discerning coffee drinker could taste real coffee. Its reputation for the best coffee has kept the premise which was located at Kluang Railway Station canteen, muscle up since it opened its doors in 1938. The brown and cream colour timber structure is a reminiscence of colonial architecture which blends with the railway station of 90 years. Looking at the long queue and crowds of patrons sipping their hot coffee while reading their papers, it is obvious that business has not slowed down.

Tastefully decorated with nostalgic pictures, magazines and paper clippings on the wall, the coffeeshop is a place for a cuppa. It can accomodate more than 100 people but back by fast service. I love to savour its toasted or steamed bun with homemade thick and rich kaya.... The toast is crispy on the outside and soft inside with slabs of butter. Another favourite is the nasi lemak (rice cook in coconut milk) with lovely sambal (chilli with shrimp paste) wrapped in banana leaves, mee siam (rice vermicilli), currypuff and ever wonder... even the half boiled eggs taste superb. The aroma of ground coffee is so strong that it hits you when a cup is placed in front of you. Besides the shop also sell ready made coffee, grounded coffee beans in packets at RM8 per pack and kaya at RM3.50 per container.

If you are lucky, you could see express trains stop by while savouring your cuppa. Some passangers took the opportunity on the 2 minutes stop to order take-away coffee. Born and raised in an area where train halt, I have always been fascinated with the romance of chucking locomotives and shunting coaches. They were music to my ears which I don't get to hear any longer these days.

Customers who walk into Kluang Rail Coffee always leave the cafe with satisfied look on their faces. Many regular patrons drop by before they start the day to jumpstart their days.....The special taste and aroma just wakes you up. Some people would just travel many kilometers to satisfy their cravings. When there was not much option then, my cousin did travel from Kuala Lumpur to have a cuppa. Amazing!!! There have been many attractive branches and other coffee outlets but to my family, friends and me, there is nothing like Kluang Rail Coffee which is located at the railway station. Even the other new Kluang Rail Coffee could't beat it. They have other branches at One Utama, Ikano, Tesco, Ampang, Tesco Malacca, Taman Istana in Ipoh, Kotaraya, Johor Bahru and latest in the club is Jalan Manggis, Kluang.

Traditional Bread Making in Johor Bahru

2007-08-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

I love experiencing the sights and feel the vibes as I walk down in Johor Bahru street down memory lane. Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor state in Peninsular Malaysia. In the midst of modern Johor Bahru and sprouting new bakeries, stash in a Jalan Trus is a traditional bread making shop. The bakery which use firewoods to bake releases aromatic smell of freshly baked fluffy and crispy breads which flatter the tastebud. Walking down the street wouldn't resist your temptation to try the loafs. Apart from traditional loafs, there are numerous varieties namely red bean bun, kaya bun and otak-otak buns. It combines traditional elements of breadmaking and the varieties currently in demand. The bread makes a delightful snacks if pair with piping hot cup of traditional coffee which will leave lingering cravings. Have a bite !!!

Gunung Lambak, my Favourite Retreat

2007-08-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

My favourite passtime is venturing into one of world's oldest rainforest, Gunung (Mountain) Lambak, which is 8 minutes drive from my home. This recreational forest is my favourite spot which is located 3 km from Kluang town, Johor and has two mountain peaks of 1,200 meters each and covered with lucious rainforest. It provides exciting challenge as I love seeking hardcore adventure..... It's just in my blood. Immersing myself in the forest evokes all kinds of peacefulness as I delve into the ravines, spring water and slippery rocky mountains which demanded stamina and heavy undergrowth area while enthrail by the floral and fauna. The challenges just build my fighting spirit in my daily life. The serene and unspoilt environment is a far cry from the fascinating extreme life of busy and bustling Johor Bahru where I work. Almost every weekend I look forward to capture the peak and fancy the enchanting tropical rainforest. Sometimes, when I get edgy in life, I will just sit and splash myself at the icy cold waterfall. It just kills the pain away. I met many friends during my mountaineering stint... be it professionals or man on the street, from all walks of life and it just makes my life whole and looking at life in a broader perspective. It provides a good networking avenue too. I will definetly capture the peak again this weekend. Gunung Lambak Ahoy!!! Picture: Courtesy of Steve Lim

Here I am.....

2007-08-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

We encounter distrust of highly paid people who work behind computer screens doing something that don't look productive work. Paper shufflers are doing better than managers; traders are doing better than entrepeneurs; arbitrageurs are doing better than accumulators; the clever are doing better than the solid; and behind all that.... the individuals are more powerful than the states. So why I blog? I feel that I need to speak my opinion freely without any barriers as long as I dont betray the Rule of Law and inviolability of the Constitution and understand Fundamental Liberties, Nation Building and social justice. Don't you think that we must "restore the ancient truths" that growing, making, managing and inventing things should have higher status, more honour and greater rewards?

How Serenity in Motion started...... My long lost best friend who suddenly appears in my life after 10 years suggested that I set up a blog. Is he God sent in the midst of me encountering difficulty in my life? Hmmmm Well, I use to write official reports of my company as I am working in a public listed company of the main board of Bursa Malaysia (a stock exchange of Malaysia). In fact, few years back my report was shortlisted as Top 20 in the National Annual Corporate Report Awards of Malaysia. During the time, there were 1,100 listed companies. I was thinking, why don't I capitalise on my strength and talent towards the goodness of mankind. So what you think? Meanwhile, I will inject personal flavour in my blog so as the net-izens who browse my blog will feel that they have known me for years and understand my likings, who I am, what are my values and what are the causes i fight for. Enjoy reading!!!