The Life Of An Ordinary Guy

Big mollusk

2009-10-13T22:56:00.004+08:00

Yesterday my dad received a package from Singapore, he opened it up and it was this.

That is one of the biggest cuttle fish I have seen, I am not a big fan of mollusk so I guess I will leave it to what ever my folks are going to do with it. It is really big, bigger than those sotong you see in town.

A year older

2009-10-07T22:24:00.002+08:00

Last month on 24.09.09, I turned a year older. I got a lovely surprise from my colleagues, which I did not see it coming. I thought it was pretty creative to use the donuts instead of the traditional cake, as homer would say "mmmmm donuts"

After that, Me and Eric went for a dinner at Miri Cafe. I had roast pork, while Eric had the mixed grill. The roast pork was made with perfection, tender and juicy on the inside and compliments well with the chef's secret sauce. What is better to finish off a dinner with a rich chocolate mousse, I find it amusing that most of friends did not believe me that I had always kept my b'day celebrations very simple.

52nd Merdeka celebration

2009-09-01T20:10:00.006+08:00

I going to be very honest, usually on Merdeka night I am not very keen to be out. First, the roads will be infest by the pesky little Mat rempits who thinks they are cool by raving their bikes. I think it would be better to see them crash land into the drain, that would be something to talk about.

The clubbing scene is almost hopeless, I was ready to call it the quits. Thanks to the guys from Victoria, all hope is not lost. Victoria club plays music genre from R & B to Reggaeton, Electro, house, hard trance, you name it. Any genre from those are better than the crappy FT music, it was a pretty awesome night. The special guest DJ of night is Matt Chino, all the way Kota Kinabalu. I love set, it was very good.So awesome that I did not even sleep the whole till the night, it left me feeling zombified the next few days but it was a very fun night.

School Reunion

2009-08-21T20:49:00.005+08:00

Last weekend I attended my ex high school 80th anniversary dinner, most of my class & school were not around to attend the dinner. However, the few of us are still able to meet up for the dinner. It has been 8 years since we all leave high school, most of us still look pretty much the same. One of my friend who has been in the same kindergarten, primary and secondary was there too. Two of the ladies were from the same primary school and we did not even knew each other back then till high school.

Let me introduce my ex school & class mates.

This is Kang Yang, We were both in the same kindy, primary school class but still the same high school. We shared some good times and memories, it has been a while already.

This is Su Moi, we were both in the same primary school but never knew each other. I only got to know her during high school, we were in the same class for two years.

This is Amy, who happen to be in the same primary school as me but never knew each other back then. I only got to know her during high school, that time she has already left Miri to overseas with her family.

This is Fiona, we were only classmates for a year.

This is Alex, who was my school mate. I remember buying warcraft 2 and red alert from him, which I have no idea did those disc went.

This is Aderina, I did not really know her and ever talked to her back in high school. I only get to know her better after leaving school, funny isn't it?

This is Eddie, we was my school mate too. Now we both happen to be using DSLR and photographers, such a small world.

This is Evonne, my Junior during high school.

This is boss SK, we were in the same class during form 4 to 5. Back then our relationship was like George W Bush and Sadam Hussein, there was not a single day we can talk properly. But now it's alright, we're still very good friends and keeping contact.

After the dinner, it was the after party at club Victoria east wood valley. I arrived there a bit late because I had to pick my friend up, not long everyone left and I ended up with a bucket beers.

It was a great to catch up with the mates, even though some of us are around Miri we hardly meet up. I guest it is time that we should keep in touch and meet up more often.

Many thanks to Eddie for the photos, since I did not bring my camera that night.

Lost in translation

2009-08-12T22:49:00.005+08:00

What are the chances of you getting lost in translation? I would say chances are pretty high when you abroad a country where little people speak English, like Thailand or China for instance. I have seen a couple of the mistranslated menu from Mandarin to English, believe me you would have your guys bursting out when you read it.

Sometimes it makes you wonder how did they get such horrific translation? I believe they literally translate the words directly. A simple three word Mandarin can actually mean something else, thus it cannot be translate directly. A couple of days ago, I was playing around the google translator. I saw some Chinese menu, I decided to use the translator and see what comes out of it.

Here are a couple of translation by google translator.

彩蝶京烧羊枝骨( Pan fried lamb rack with honey sauce)
Translation: Beijing sheep butterflies burning sticks of bone

明火高汤斗昌鱼 (Steamed Pomfret with superior sauce)
Translation: Chang fire fighting fish stock

家乡红烧婆仔参 ( Braised sea cucumber with Oyster Sauce)
Translation: Aberdeen home braised po Participation

凤液蟹底粗针翅: Braised shark's fin with crab meat & chicken soup
Translation: Fung at the end of liquid crab fin

脆皮港式吊烧鸡: Fried Crispy Chicken
Translation: Hong Kong-style crispy-skin chicken hanging

什锦时蔬钵飘香: Stir fried vegetables in Yam Basket
Translation: Fragrance when mixed vegetable bowl

Those guys who used google translator, are in serious need of help.

Chinese & Indonesian food

2009-07-27T22:54:00.003+08:00

A month ago, I brought my dad to Imperial restaurant to celebrate Father's day. We had this, three hot cold appetizers, Asparagus and steamed green snapper with choy boh. I find the Chinese appetizer is almost a must before the feast, but not for me I just ordered because I have no idea what to have. I liked the green snapper, the soft flesh of the fish compliments the crispy choy boh for the taste. I am glad that me pappy likes it.

A couple of weeks after that, I patronized restaurant muara for their famous Nasi lalapan. I have tried the lalapan there, the sambal that makes the food taste brilliant and numbs your lips and tongue at the end of the meal. It made me sweat bullets during the meal, I had the Keli(catfish) since not many places actually serve that fish. I had doubts on the fish, because of the well known reputation for having the freshwater or fish food stench. It does not have it at all, excellent work.

The place is so freaking pack that you have wait for at least 20 minutes to get your served on the table, however I am not going back there to eat anymore. It is not because of the bad service or bad tasting food, trust me almost everything fine. It was some very disturbing information given to me, which has made me strike the restaurant off my list.

The best sales person ever

2009-07-15T21:32:00.006+08:00

I have encounter something that is rather amusing, ever since I have received my first credit card. Desperate time calls for desperate measure, people are selling out personal information these freaking annoying scam syndicate bastards. I received a call recently from this lady, saying out my Chinese name and telling me they are going to send a free air ticket and some sort of membership. How on earth did I get a ticket without participating in any stupid contest? nice try.

However today I received another call, it was another one of this scam thing. It was a guy speaking in Malay, he was asking whether I would like to get some membership or credit card. I cannot really remember because I did not pay complete attention to that bastard, I tried telling him off because I have a heavy commitment which is the truth. Half of my salary is used to pay the dues, which leaves me very little to use. Anyway back to the point. the asshole called again. I tried using the bad reception trick to get rid of him, guess what did he do?

My colleagues thought that I was insulted his sms, but no I find it the most hilarious encounter I have ever had. You want someone buy your product, but the customer rejects you and you go say something to the customer? Wow, Where did he go to school? who is the one that taught him this pathetic skills? I also want to learn.

Dear Nincompoop, If you ever wanted to seal deal. Don't ever lose your temper and don't ever say something like that to your potential or non potential clients. If you are trying to tell me that you are miserable with that job and desperate to get a sale , that is not the way. Because I myself is in the sales & marketing, I can tell you in any desperate situtation, I will never ever say such things to the clients directly. No wonder you are such a bad sales person and besides that is why you suck, even if I tell you that I am not interested in what ever you are trying to sell to me, would you stop? I don't think so right? so why don't you go take a vacation to "Uranus".

Anyway here is the imbeciles number +60162130852, feel free to call him if you want to get some interesting products or probably get an insult from him.

Just shots

2009-06-28T23:08:00.005+08:00

These are just some shots the surroundings, I procrastinated a little on the posting.

The Sago worm experience

2009-06-26T15:22:00.003+08:00

Most of us are disgusted by the creepy crawlies that are around us, in some parts of the world it is consider food or delicacy. Right here in Sarawak, our local delicacy the Sago worm. I have been hearing about it, never actually seen the real thing before. A friend who bought some cooked sago worms back from Mukah, an opportunity not to be missed. The worm actually tasted pretty much like meat jerky or ba kua(those meat you eat during Chinese new year). Pretty good, no need to get freaked out. It actually taste quite nice, it is rich in protein as I heard.

Njoy The Beach

2009-06-24T22:45:00.002+08:00

A couple of weeks back I attended Njoy the beach party at luak esplanade, great music by great DJs. If you missed out on the previous one, do not worry about it. Because this Saturday night is the Enjoy the beach party 2 at Luak esplanade from 05:30pm onwards till late, why you may ask? if you like music and the beach, it is definitely a place to go and a good place to meet people and to dance under the stars with the sea breeze. Do remember, the party free. No entrance fee or what so ever, of course drinks are own personal accounts. So I hope to see you guys there this sat, check out the DJ line up and photos below from the previous party.

DJ Lineup:

6:00pm DJ Jimmy Roll (R & B) - Brunei
7:00pm DJ DK (Electro House) - Brunei
8:00pm DJ G Krol (Tribal House) - Brunei
9:00pm DJ Fiesta (Tribal Tech House) - Miri
10:00pm DJ Matt (Electro House) - Miri
11:00pm DJ Alim Morphine (Electro progressive) - Brunei
12:00am DJ Syake VS DJ Zeno (Trance/ Tech Trance) - Brunei
01:00am DJ Cbell J (Tech Dance / Hard Dance) - Miri
02:00am DJ Midnight (Hard Tech/hardstyle) - Melbourne

Happy birthday Miri

2009-06-08T21:51:00.004+08:00

Last month on the 20th of May, it was the day Miri the town was declared a city. The city council organized a couple of activities for the celebration, one of it includes the fireworks. I thought the pyro makers are getting more and more creative this days, like how they make the Olympic ring fireworks. They actually make a love shape firework, how cool is that?

Party tonight

2009-05-31T13:17:00.002+08:00

Since tomorrow and Tuesday is Gawai (harvest festival) there is nothing to do? Since I am not doing anything tonight and I feel like going to the beach tonight. Tonight, Njoy:The Beach. a beach party session with 5 DJs from miri and Brunei at The Luak Esplanade on 31.05.2009 from 5:00pm onwards till late. The best part that it's FREE, no tickets, no cover charge. If you are thirsty, there are stalls selling drinks. See you guys tonight and please do not overdress, you are not attending a cocktail party. It is a beach party, remember.

Cheers

Miri Jazz Festival Part 2

2009-05-26T21:50:00.006+08:00

It's the part two of the jazz festival, after the Bombay Baja brass band performed it was time for John Kaizan from Japan. He is not Japanese though, but he has been living there for long time. Most of the band members are from different continents around the world, while one is Japanese. I find their music much more suitable for the rainforest instead of the Jazz, but it does have minor jazz tunes in it. After that it was time for crazy photos, the photos that really cannot make it at all.

Last performance of the night, Alamode who came all the way from down under Sydney Australia. I love the performance and the music from this band, a six piece jazz funk powerhouse has definitely kept the crowd entertained and wanting more from them.

stay tune for part 3.

Bintulu Busines trip

2009-05-19T21:24:00.004+08:00

Last month I was at Bintulu for a business trip, I did not really went around to explore the place since I was tied up with work. However, there is always time for food right? I had my lunch at the coffee house where I stayed, Imperial suites Bintulu.

I love the satled fish fried rice, it is one of the best fried rice I had. The usual fried rice is always sticky and mashed up, but this one the rice is not mashed and not sticky. That is how fried rice should be, unlike the ones here *ugh*

The squid was crispy and sweet, I like after taste of this dish. I do notice a lot of eating outlet uses salted egg to create new recipes. The rest of the food was nice, too bad the fried rice here is not as good as the one there.

Miri Jazz Fest Part 1

2009-05-13T21:34:00.004+08:00

Every year at times like this, bands from across the nations gather here in Miri for one purpose. The Miri International Jazz festival, proudly organized by the Sarawak tourism board and not to forget the main sponsor Astro and of course one of the sponsors is Heineken which my favorite beer and screeching loud whenever Jezza mentioned their name. I was accompanied by two of my friends who came all the from cat city, Diana and Irene came just for the event. After been harassed by the clowns, we meet up Arthur, Kroll and Nikki.

The first performance of the night is double take from Sabah, Malaysia. The singer Mia, her voice has been describe "sultry" they made no mistake when that statement was made. She has a exceptional vocal talent and powerful. While her partner, Roger has been describe as the wizard on the guitar. It is no wonder he is the wizard after seeing him strum the guitar with the speed and accuracy, he is able to make the guitar sounded two guitar was playing at the same time. They duo played some mainstream music, but with jazz tunes that made it worthy of listening.

The second performance is a band who came all the way from the land who eats fish and chips, who loves beers, and saying "blimey". The bombay Baja Brass band, from London. Who taught the audience to a simple bollywood dance by screwing the light bulb and patting something with the other hand. I had the thoughts that this was going to be the typical marching band kind of music, I was wrong. Their music was infused with Indian melodies and tunes, the band have made the audience doing the light bulb dance.

Edited: I just notice that this is my 400th post, *Woot*

Brunei Trip Finale

2009-04-29T22:09:00.004+08:00

I have procrastinated a bit on updating my blog, so here it is the final post of the Brunei trip. I cannot really remember where was the place I had lunch, but the food was pretty good. Sometimes the food does not look that appealing but the taste is good.

While dinner, we decided have it at traders cafe which was just down where we stayed. The food is pretty good, it was time to call it a day and get ready to drive down to Miri.

The next days seems pretty good, wrong again. I was given the wrong direction and it send me on a wild goose chase, the petrol was running low and I was on panic mode. Because in Brunei Malaysian cannot simply go to any petrol station to fill up, only certain petrol station are authorized to do so which I find it a total bull crap.

Before searching for food, I decided to meet up with Aliff an old friend of mine whom I have not seen in ages. We had lunch at Cheez next to the mall, I had the baked cheese rice while Aliff had the curry chicken rice. It was really good meeting up with Aliff, later on I found petrol after getting the wrong directions again but I found my way back home safely.

Kok Chee Restaurant

2009-04-12T01:09:00.003+08:00

Last weekend it was Curtin university's graduation day, one my cousin has finally graduated. My uncle and aunt dropped by, we had a small family gathering diner at Kok Chee restaurant. Kok chee restaurant is one of the pioneer of hotel Chinese restaurant in Miri, back in the old days there weren't many hotels in Miri, and Park hotel was one of the earliest. The restaurant is very well know for their quality taste of Chinese food, until today it is still one of the preferred choice of dinning for many Mirians especially the senior citizens.

Cousin Michelle, Melissa and their boy friends were fashionably late. No further explanation needed for that, their arrival time was just right on cue whereby the food has just been served.

First we have the suckling pig, crispy, crunchy and juicy. The pig is roasted with method that made the skin very crispy, yet retaining the moisture in the meat which made it a sinfully tasty meal.

This is my first time tasting kampung chicken being barbecued, the typical way of enjoying the chicken is usually cooked in a broth. Kampung chicken is known to be the leanest poultry with very less fat than the commercial fatten farmed chicken since it is always on the run from the butchers, which why it looked very small. The aromatic smell and flavor of the charred chicken was splendid! a definite recommendation by yours truly.

Food was plentiful, making us super bloated like an overfed goldfish who is ready to burst. Mucho gracias to Uncle Ricky and congrats again to Cousin Michelle on her graduation. No Idea where is Park hotel? here is the address

Park Hotel
Jalan Raja, P.O. Box 443, Miri, 98007 Sarawak.

Brunei Day 2

2009-04-06T16:12:00.006+08:00

It's the day 2 of the travel fair, I cannot really go anywhere since I have a booth to take care of. So this post is all about food

Lunch at Jollibee at the mall Gadong.

The food is pretty good for a Filipino franchised fast food outlet. I had the champ meal, which is something similar to a big mac, while my colleague had the chicken rice meal.

After the exhibition we went back to the hotel, chill a bit then it's time to go find food. Dinner at Sing U Mee somewhere near Traders Inn, the food taste great but the portion is freaking small. We had spinach with oyster sauce, bah ku teh, and fried rice with Butter milk pork.

I saw this very nice looking toilet on display from the shop next to where we eat, it seems to be suitable for bachelors I think.

Sarawak Travel Fair in Brunei

2009-03-31T21:35:00.004+08:00

Last weekend I was in Brunei for the Sarawak travel fair organized by the Malaysian Tourism board and Sarawak Tourism board, this is the second I attended the fair and of course before heading there, we need to have breakfast. We had Kolok mee at the Pujut 7 coffee shop, the noodles is nice. Last year I went there for a day trip, this time I spent the weekend there.

This year, the fair was officiated by YB Datuk Michael Manyin Anak Jawong, Sarawak Minister of Urban Development and Tourism & His Excellency Dato'Ku Jaafar Ku Shaarim, the Malaysian High Commissioner and follow by a culture performance. around 1:00pm with some twist and turn searching for the hotel I am staying. After all that, I went for lunch with my colleague and waiting for the VIPs to arrive to officiate the fair.

After all that, I met up with uncle Eugene and Aunt Helen. They brought me for dinner, where to? you have guest it, escapade sushi! I heart you! sedap I tell you.

P/s: Don't ask me where and which company I work for, as I would like to keep it as a privacy. If you already know just keep it to yourself.Any comments revealing where I work will be deleted.

Wong Kok at Pavilion

2009-03-24T21:55:00.004+08:00

On my last day of KL trip, I decided to go pavilion to buy mooks! yes I heart mooks, even before I go KL I have already made plans to get it. Before getting my stuff, I met up with an awesome photographer and a blogger who needs no introduction.

Photo courtesy from Smashpop

We met up at Wong Kok at Pavilion for a drink, after that I met up with Joe, Kennedy and Pearl. Why not much photos? because my poor compact digital camera broke down since the first day in Kl so no photos *sob sob*till then, no idea when is my next trip to KL.

My Sunday Dinner

2009-03-22T21:00:00.002+08:00

I had some left over lamb shoulders in the fridge, I decided to turn it into this

So what did you have for dinner on a lazy Sunday night?

Notice

2009-03-18T22:48:00.002+08:00

Hello guys, if you notice that there are some minor changes on the links column. First of all, I removed some of the links there. Why? because, some of it is inactive for a long long long time and two, if it's private that requires invite which nobody can read, I do not see a reason of putting it there. Very sorry and please don't take it too seriously. Cheers!

Working glamourously?

2009-03-17T20:53:00.004+08:00

Now and days, with the technology so advance you see students working on their assignment with very much ease. Compared to my time back in those days, we do not even have the privilege of doing assignments in a fancy food outlet. Where did we do our assignments? we did it at our friends home or the kopitiam.

Eric needed my laptop to do his assignment at where you may ask? at starbucks. I was just curious that you could have done the same thing at home with your own computer, oh well I guess a cup of coffee would get you going. I had my affoghato or what ever you call it, while Mr Eric have his Corn beef in Focaccia bread. It was seriously good! I guess it was the Focaccia, in the end he could not finish his work *sigh*

Sucker for limited edition

2009-03-16T19:50:00.003+08:00

I admit that I can be a real sucker for the word"limited edition" the magic two words that will whip up a mayhem. But you have to admit that strategy works very well in the retail world, the item is of course nevertheless spanking nice and cool. Last month When I was in KL, I saw this in Isetan supermarket. I remember seeing it in FHM, so being the sucker that I am and I bought it.

It's Evian's annual limited edition bottles, I only managed to collect three of it including this one. Now and days, celebrity would collaborate with almost any agencies or anyone to create the hype which will reward their pay cheque handsomely. If you ask me what is so special about this? it is just evian mineral water right? Yes and I like the bottles the designs they came out with is unique and it is a join collaboration with Jean paul Gaultier, no who he is? click here.

Best Internet Service

2009-03-14T22:55:00.004+08:00

Most of the hotels in Malaysia provides internet service, even some of the kopitiams provide internet service. It is rather convenient to have it, rather than having your guests walking miles away just to go online. Last month when I was in KL, the hotel I stayed provides internet services (Since it's a 5 star hotel). Without knowing anything I happily plugged in my laptop to the port in the room, but I failed to connect with no reasons. The next day I went down to the lobby to go online, I had problem again(I'm a bit left behind with tech) so I got the assistance of the reception to connect, I happily surfed the net to check my mails, facebook and etc for a few minutes.

When I checked out, the lady at the counter asked did I used the net. I said "yes" wondering why would they ask, when they handed me the bill my eye balls almost popped out of my skull. I was charged RM60.00 for internet, I can pay for my home internet connection for 1 month. Even in Sarawak, 5 star hotels do not charge for the internet. It was a culture shock moment for me, I learned my lesson not to simply use the net at any hotels in KL and always asked before using.