Hi-5 Dreamy Adventure with Enrich Junior Malaysia Airlines Berhad

1-2-3-4 - Hi-5! If you have heard of this chime before you are either parent with kids or have nieces, nephews, cousins that most probably have heard and sang with the team of 5 very energetic host on TV Program or via live show in Malaysia.

Today, I would like to share a good news brought to you by Malaysia Airline Berhad (MAB) Enrich Junior Programme partnership with one of the world most anticipated children musical tour - The Hi-5 House of Dreams Live in Concert tour.

This provide a good opportunity for us to look back and cherish the precious moments spent together with our loved one. I was told that Hi-5 performers will be bringing you through a journey through jungles, fairy gardens, underwater, even outerspace and of course into the world of dreams come true. Imagination, as they say, are endless power. 

Hi-5 and Enrich Junior Programme, will bring our the inner child in you and journey into the most exciting "slumber party" of the year. The zestful and lively showcase by the Hi-5 team of dynamic interactive casts is sure to captivate the hearts of many, adults included!

Did you know that the #EnrichJunior Programme was introduced to reward young Enrich members since 2014? It was conceptualized to ensure that not only will you experience a #EnrichUrLife experience; your little ones will also be treated to a fun-filled yet knowledgeable experience! Find out more about #EnrichJunior here.

Win Tickets to the Hi-5 Concert!

Now, how would you feel if I tell you that you can win 4-VIP tickets worth RM1,216 for you and your family to meet the Hi-5 crew... and I’ve got you covered with these step-by-step guides:

In order to win the contest, You WILL NEED TO (and please follow the instructions below):

Step 1: Post a video of your child singing a Hi-5 song OR Name your child’s favorite Hi-5 song and character (extra brownie points if it is a video!). Please provide the link to the video either on Facebook or Youtube or any media sharing sites, I will view this and will rank it!

Step 2: Caption it with a simple sentence, “I deserve to win these tickets because...” (in 20 words or less)

Step 3: Post it in the comment section below in my blog and your Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), please use the hashtag #todayishere, #malaysiaairlines, #EnrichUrLife, #EnrichJunior when posting in social media. Please provide link to the sharing in the comment box below

Now, if you by any chance do not want to go through the trouble of trying to win the tickets, all you need to do to enjoy a 10% discount is to be an Enrich members with promo code - enrich10, for any Hi-5 House of Dreams Tour in Malaysia 2015 tickets purchased.

Winner announcement for the contest will be made on my social media Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TriStupeSBR

Terms & Conditions
1. Contest period lasts from 11- 23 November 2015.
2. The final selection of winners is subject to the approval from Malaysia Airlines.
3. Winners are chosen based on the most creative submission. The contestants’ stand a higher chance of winning should they post a video of their child dancing or singing to Hi-5 songs.
4. Winners will be announced on my Facebook Page no earlier than 28 November 2015.
5. The winners will require collecting the prize tickets from RallyBuzz at the IPG Mediabrands office from 30 November - 9 December 2015.

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Ironman Malaysia :Trek Speed Concept At Bargain

It is no secret that many Ironman competitors will sometimes sell off their bike after the one race (Ironman distance) for reason such as "I had enough" or "one time suffering is enough" or "I am too tired to bring this back home" or even "rewarding myself with a sweeter ride".

It is normal to really see a full spec bike dished out at a bargain. 

Now how about if i tell you that a few, potentially more Trek Speed Concept or TSC will be up for sale at almost 40% off after Ironman Langkawi? These bikes are full spec TT ready and only been used ONCE (aka the Ironman Malaysia).

And it look as awesome as this...

I am not kidding that the above TSC is for sale after Ironman Malaysia (yes, I am repeatig myself as I can't believe more so after looking at the "for sale" price)

Here are the specs provided by Trek Concept Store Malaysia

Colors
Bright Silver/Black

Frameset
Frame
Alpha Red Aluminum, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube design, SC Speed Box & Bento Box compatible

Fork
Bontrager Race Lite E2 Tri Speed Concept, carbon, SpeedTrap compatible
Sizes
SM, MD, LG, XL

Wheels
Bontrager SSR 

Tires
Bontrager R1, 700x23c

Drivetrain
Shifters
SRAM 500 TT, bar end control, 10 speed

Front derailleur
SRAM Apex

Rear derailleur
SRAM Apex
Crank

SRAM Apex, 50/34

Cassette
SRAM PG-1050 11-28, 10 speed

Pedals
n/a

Components
Saddle
Vision AeroMax Tri, chromoly rails
Seatpost
Bontrager Speed Concept Race X Lite, carbon, +/-10mm offset

Handlebar
Bontrager Race Bullhorn w/Race Lite clip-ons

Stem
Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm

Headset
Integrated, sealed bearings, 1" top, 1-1/8" bottom

Brakeset
Alloy dual-pivot front brake; chainstay-mounted rear brake w/Bontrager Race Lite aero levers

The Bargain
The above complete dished out bike will cost RM7,300.00 brand new. However for this event, Trek will be offering this at RM4,300.00.

Bike is first come first serve basis and you can negotiate with the Trek team on site for payment terms, handling charges (to send back to KL for you to pick it up later?) and good old Malaysian "boleh kurang lagi" bargain. (Can it be cheaper bargain).

I am told that Trek Concept Store will be opened in Kota Damansara in a few days time and perhaps that would be a good opportunity to go check out what they have to offer too. 

Stay tuned for more.

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The New Hugo Red

I was recently invited to attend a launch of a men's fragrance by Hugo Boss but could not make it due to weekend family commitment. Since the write up is already done (press release), I find no reason to help promote this. After all, i wish for a complimentary bottle of this Hugo Red ;-)

According to HUGO Fragrances ambassador, Jared Leto, “Pushing boundaries is important for everyone – that’s when you find the greatest reward, the biggest breakthrough”. Making predictable choices or reverting to well-trodden patterns of behavior stifles your creativity – it’s when you challenge yourself that the most original ideas and performances happen. HUGO Fragrances is once again raising the bar for innovation with its latest perfume for men, HUGO Red. Launching in April 2013 this dynamic fragrance features an unexpected blend of contrasting ingredients that inspires men to break with convention and unleash their unique creativity.
2013 also marks the 20th anniversary of HUGO, a brand that has always striven to challenge traditional rules and ideals. Embodying an avant-garde yet confident style, the HUGO collections take an innovative and unconventional approach to fashion, delivering progressive looks with a contemporary attitude. HUGO Fragrances has always shared this attitude and the new HUGO Red is a perfect example of the brand’s creative and experimental spirit. Following in the footsteps of the iconic HUGO Man – a global bestseller for almost two decades – and its hugely successful follow-up, HUGO Just Different, HUGO Red is destined to become another perfume classic for men.
HUGO Red – The Face
The 2011 launch of HUGO Just Different marked the signing of acclaimed musician, music video director and film actor, Jared Leto, as the face of HUGO Fragrances. A modern icon of originality, he is renowned for his extraordinary creativity and unique talent, making him a natural fit with the HUGO brand and the HUGO Red concept. In his own words, “I think creativity and pushing boundaries go hand in hand, and originality comes from individuals who are willing to take chances, to bet on themselves”.
Thriving on pressure, Jared Leto sees life as both a journey and an adventure, actively seeking out new and innovative experiences to ensure he is constantly evolving and pushing himself to reach new heights. “People sometimes think of pressure as having negative connotations but I think it can be a great motivator to take control and define who you are. When you face a challenge it’s important to keep pushing yourself so you can learn and grow, and I always feel glad I did when I come out the other side.” Jared Leto
HUGO Red – The Fragrance
“An innovative scent requires an innovative source of inspiration and HUGO Red is a great example of this. We wanted to create a perfume for men that captures the idea of pushing boundaries and to achieve this we found an unexpected parallel with the behavior of cold and hot metal. The result of our creation is a contemporary blend of contrasting ingredients, full of cold and hot tension that stimulates the wearer and leaves him feeling energized and ready to challenge himself.”
Will Andrews, P&G Fragrance Creation Team
Accordingly, the HUGO Red fragrance is built around two contrasting accords: the ‘Solid Chill’ accord and the ‘Liquid Heat’ accord, which reflect the different facets of cold and hot metal.
The ‘Solid Chill’ accord combines grapefruit in the top note with rhubarb in the heart note to create a bitter fresh accord with a metallic accent that simulates the underlying strength of solid metal. While the ‘Liquid Heat’ accord is characterized by cedarwood and hot amber that blend together in the dry-down to convey the heat and fluidity of red-hot metal.
The transition between the two states of metal illustrates the idea of adapting under intense pressure; of going beyond natural limits to create something new and unique.
HUGO Red – Line-up

• Eau de Toilette 75 ml RM202
• Eau de Toilette 150 ml RM291
• Shower Gel 200 ml RM85
• Deodorant Stick 75 ml RM85
• Deodorant Spray 150 ml RM85

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Sharp’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

Sharp Corporation was founded and incorporated in 1912. This year, they are celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Most of us would be familiar with the Sharp brand as provider of electrical instruments and home appliances. However, not many know that Sharp started NOT as an electronic company.
Founded on September 15, 1912, A young man of 19 years old named Tokuji Hayakawa leased a house in the center of Tokyo and set himself up in business. At just 19 years of age, he started his own small metalworking shop; he went on to become the founder of Sharp Corporation.

Photo from Sharp 100th Anniversary Facebook Page. Like NOW!

Naturally inventive, Sharp started as a business to produce Belt Metal Buckle! With only 50 Yen shared among three friends, they started mass production of the belt and recovered their cost within the first month. By the end of the first year, they are 120 Yen in the black. When everyone was still relying on traditional ways of doing things, Sharp has invested in a 1horsepower machine to start mass producing their products and be ahead of competitions.

Taken from History of Sharp

Little do many know that the modern day's mechanical pencil were actually improvised by Sharp back in the 1915. The humble pencil became an iconic symbol for Sharp as they are named the Ever-Sharp Pencil, this first product marks the true genesis of Sharp Corporation. Today the Sharp name and trademark are recognized around the world -- all thanks to an ingenious refinement made to one of mankind's oldest and most valued tools, the pencil.

Photo from Sharp100years.com

From then onward, Sharp has stayed ahead of all other competitors and has made many "first". A full historical of Sharp Corporation could be read and appreciated in the Sharp Corporate website or you can simple go over to the Sharp100years.com for a learning experience.
Growing up, the brand name Sharp is as synonymous as famous Japanese brands that sell electrical appliances. I fondly recall playing with my dad's old calculator that has the print out as he was an account clerk. I definitely do not know what model that was, but i recalled it looked similar to something below.

Photo taken from MyCalcDB. Model EL8180 shown

As the Video boom came, more houses were equipped with the Video Cassette Recorder or VCR as they call it. I remember fondly how the family gathered around the Television hooked up to a Sharp VCR player to see movies. Those were the days when things were much simpler and mechanically, fixable. Even the tape counter were analog as opposed to digital where you reset the counter every time the movie starts so that in an event you stop the show and someone rewinded the video tape, you can still get back to roughly the last viewed scene just looking on the analog counter.
Much has changed since 1912 for Sharp. The 100th Year Milestone speaks volume of how the brand name and products has evolved. Visionary in their own right, Sharp has always pride itself with "making products that others want to imitate" And that is how Sharp pledges to continue making creative and high-quality products for the next 100 years. 

Tokuji Hayakawa Speech

In conjunction with the Sharp 100 Years celebration, a campaign has been launched where Sharp wants you dear readers to share your anniversary or anniversaries photos and/or videos. 

These submitted images and videos will be placed in the Sharp 100 Years website and they will be made into a work of film. The teaser to call for entry looked like the short video clip below.

The competition starts from June 16 and will end September 15, 2012. Participants will come from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, U.A.E.
Photos and Videos can be shared at the Sharp100Years.com website here.

Upon approval by the Contest Management, your photos will appear and he general public can VOTE. Winners will be judged based on the amount of "LIKE" or "VOTE" received. So, the more you post, the higher the chances your photos might be VOTED.

The prizes for this competition is superb with a chance to win a trip to West Coast, USA and Sharp fantastic products.

The wide usage of social media has been embraced by Sharp. Twitter users and Facebook users will have their field days too by hash-tagging their tweets with #Sharp100 or go over to the Facebook page set up for this event here, LIKE them and share the joy of your anniversary much like how Sharp is sharing their Sharp 100 Years Anniversary!

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Sakae Sushi New 2012 Menu

Sakae Sushi recently opened their 19th outlet in Malaysia at the spanking new Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya. It was also the location of the Review for the 2012 Menu that is being promoted by Sakae Sushi.

Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya. Photo from my Instagram

Sakae Sushi (pronounced as Saka-eh and not Sake) is situated at the Concourse of Paradigm Mall.

Between Coffee Bean and Italiannies

The event for Blogger started at 2pm and was hosted by Ms. Yew June and her team. Sakae Sushi recently unveiled its new and improved menu featuring 30 tempting new creations for their Japanese food lovers. Based on meticulous research and feedback from customers, the new menu features delicious new additions. The group of blogger were feted to nine new dishes. This review will concentrate on the nine items.

First up was the Kaisen Salad which is a tantalising fresh serving of Tuna flakes, prawns, snow crab leg (fillet) and salad in creamy goma (or sesame seed with mayo) dressing. The serving was sufficient for two person.

Could use a bit more Tuna. Otherwise, a healthy alternative. 

Next was an array of the individual offerings such as the Inari Avocado Ebi. It is succulent whole prawn mixed with delicious vegetables and salad dressing, wrapped in sweet bean curd skin.

As i am a lover of avocado, i find the serving portion of avos a bit disappointing. wished it had more.
Next was the Soft Shell Crab Maki that will excite everyone that loves soft shell crab. The crispy crab in sweet bean curd, rice and spicy mayo would make you want a second serving.

Ebi (prawn) lover should try Ebi Crepe that has whole cooked prawn wrapped in light crepe layer (made of eggs). I must say that the savoury taste with the crepe was a winner.

Touted as an intricately-designed roll of tempting grilled salmon, shrimp roe and mayo, the Sakae Blossom is a must try. I am a big lover of salmon and this roll satisfy part of my cravings.

Hana Maki is the best seller according to Sakae Sushi and it is easy to see why. With raw salmon wrapping the rice centre and topped with mayo with sprinkle of shrimp roe, Hana Maki is a winner. A serving comes in three maki and it might just not be sufficient...

Fans of Scallop will love Hotate Mentaiyaki. Half shelled scallop grilled in cod fish roe offers a tantalising experience. The large scallop was sweet and succulent and not overcooked. It would be interesting to see consistency of serving on the next visit.

The scallop i had was slightly larger than our 20sen (old coin), which was decently sized judging from the price of the dish. I believe the same scallop was used for the next dish, the Kaisen Pirikara Nabe. This dish is a serving (for two) that has prawns, cuttlefish, salmon, mushrooms, scallops and vegetable in flavourful Kimchee broth. It is served in a hot pot and perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Perhaps, this dish could serve three too, judging by how it filled my bowl. I however, did not manage to verify the amount of each items inside.

Back to the size of the scallop, here it is, compared to a 20sen. It could be larger than our 50sen coin looking at the photo again.

The last dish that was introduced to us was the Curry Udon. Essentially it is Japanese curry with wheat noodle and chicken slices. If you love your curry spicy, this will not satisfy your taste bud. Japanese curry are less pungent and perhaps slightly sweeter with a powdery texture. But the noodle was good. We were each given a serving and was told that a full dish could is a meal by itself.

The noodle texture reminds me of those homemade noodles my granma makes. Hokkien people could relate to it as those noodle made from eggs cooked in Hokkien style Egg Lorh Mee.

As a bonus, we were feted to a platter of Sakae Sushi own-made ice cream. I can only tell you they are superb. They were finished before any decent photo could be taken.

From front to back - Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, Matcha and Goma ice-cream. Mascot at the back can't be eaten.

The ice cream comes in four flavor namely the passion fruit, dragon fruit, matcha (green tea) and goma (black sesame). They price were alright though they were more of sorbet type (for Passion fruit and dragon fruit variants) of ice cream.

Always room for dessert

Some of us that has patronise Sakae Sushi would know how they leverage on technology in their outlet. The restaurant patented interactive menu that is fast and allow the customers to order directly also allows the diner to keep tab of their bill easily. In fact, they have upgraded to the Apple iPad which allows for a trendier (and up-to-date) dining experience. The interactive console acts as an advertising board for the Sakae Sushi offering as well as being a full on menu.

See only, don't try to bring back the iPad ok?

Along with these few technology advancement, Sakae Sushi has been very sensitive to the need of their loyal customers. The loyalty card, where diners could opt to become member, dine, collect points and redeem them for food. The points are as good as cash! For as little as RM20 for the membership card, one could enjoy a host of benefits.

More reasons to go, perhaps.

Taken from Sakae Sushi website here

One would agree that the most important criteria that separate a bad Japanese food with a good Japanese food is the freshness of the ingredient; and what separate the good with the superb Japanese food would be the affordability. Sakae Sushi borders at both GOOD and SUPERB with their choice ingredient and affordable priced Japanese food. I had a great time trying out the new menu and being a person watching what i eat, i could agree to the alternative carbs being served though i must ensure i burn them off later. With less processed food (such as the raw salmon and baked items), Sakae Sushi certainly offers a balanced, healthy and affordable Japanese food.

Colorful ending!

Thank you Sakae Sushi for hosting and the opportunity!

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SCKLM 2012 News Update

For those of you that had registered for the SCKLM 2012 race, be it for the fun race, the 3-different category of 10km races, the 21km or the full monty 42km, count your lucky star as the race registration is now officially closed.

I received the email below from the race organiser's PR company and it looked like a good race will be in stored come June 24! Read on!

Standard Chartered KL Marathon Closes Registrations almost TEN Weeks Ahead of Race Day

Registration closes early with target 27,000 runners signed up.

Kuala Lumpur, 23 April 2012 – Upon receiving such overwhelming response from the running community, the organisers closed registrations after reaching the targeted number of 27,000 runners by 17 April 2012, almost ten weeks ahead of the estimated closing date of 31 May.

Participants from around the country and the world will converge at Dataran Merdeka on 24 June 2012 to run for a reason at the Standard Chartered KL Marathon.

“We are truly happy and humbled by the overwhelming response from the running community, both local and abroad. To be able to close registrations almost ten weeks ahead of race day clearly shows that the Standard Chartered KL Marathon continues to be an iconic event, attracting top runners from around the world and country to compete for the largest prize in Malaysia.  On behalf of the entire organising committee I am thrilled to welcome all participants to Dataran Merdeka on 24 June 2012,” said Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd.

“Closing the registrations early definitely positions the Standard Chartered KL Marathon as the biggest and most anticipated running event in Malaysia.  Looking back on the past four years, we are proud to be the title sponsor of a landmark event that touches the lives of Malaysians as we all run for a reason.,” said Osman Morad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad.

Even though registration for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon is closed, those interested can still get involved in a variety of ways – these include:

-       Donating to ‘Run for a Cause’ – This programme is a platform for runners to compete in the race, while also giving back to the community by raising money for charity.  Donate to a registered runner today to raise money for a worthy cause.

-       Volunteers – Sign up as a volunteer. More than 2,000 persons are required to help on the big Race Day and you can be one of them! Help monitor the race route and distribute beverages and bananas to runners, among other activities throughout the race.

-       Supporters – Simply come to Dataran Merdeka on 24 June to cheer and support your friends and families during their race and enjoy yourselves at our sponsors’ booths and kids’ zone.

For more information on registering to be a volunteer for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, or donating for ‘Run for a Cause’, please visit: www.kl-marathon.com. Also, connect with other runners through the Standard Chartered KL Marathon Facebook page athttp://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon and keep up-to-date via twitter at www.twitter.com/scklmarathon

About the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012

Back for the fourth time, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon is scheduled to take place this year on 24 June 2012. The marathon aims to grow to 27,000 total participants, ranging from elite professionals to first-time amateurs. A truly international event, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon boasts participants from all over Malaysia and 45 countries.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012 continues as Malaysia’s flagship running event with top runners competing for a total of over USD 100,000 prize money.

  

About the Event Organisers

Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd

Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd is a Kuala Lumpur based company that provides strategic event management expertise for high scale sporting events. Dirigo is headed by Rainer Biemans and Gloria Ng that collectively have over 30 years in planning international sports events and managed previous Standard Chartered KL Marathons. The company was also recently signed with Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad to organise future Standard Chartered KL Marathons from 2012 to 2015. For more information on Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd, please call +603 7725 0881

Standard Chartered – leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world's most dynamic markets and earns more than 90 per cent of its profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank’s growth in recent years. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges as well as the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges in India.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, the Group offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for nearly 87,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. Standard Chartered’s heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, ‘Here for good’.

For further information please visit www.standardchartered.com. Follow Standard Chartered at www.facebook.com/standardcharteredand on Twitter @StanChart.

Standard Chartered in Malaysia

Standard Chartered Bank, a member of the Standard Chartered Group was established in Malaysia in 1875 and incorporated as Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad on 29 February 1984.  As Malaysia’s first bank, Standard Chartered leads the way through product innovation, consistent and strong growth performance and sustainability initiatives. The Bank’s two businesses - Wholesale and Consumer Banking – provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to corporates, institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals through its network of 40 branches across Malaysia.

In 2001, Standard Chartered UK established its third global technology & operations centre, Scope International, in Malaysia – the first international bank to do so in the country. Scope International provides software development, banking operations, IT support services and customer service capabilities to the Bank in up to 70 countries. It now houses the biggest software development company in the country, International Software Centre Malaysia (ISCM) and has a total workforce of more than 3,200 people.

Price Solutions Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank UK is also located in Malaysia. The company promotes and markets Standard Chartered’s financial products in Malaysia through a network of direct sales agents.

Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad’s Islamic Banking subsidiary was established in November 2008. It offers a full suite of Shariah-compliant products and services to individuals and corporates through its financial centres.

Standard Chartered employs close to 7,000 employees in all its Malaysian operations.

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RebeccaSaw.com and Ritz-Carlton Giveaway

Everyone loves freebies. So, when I saw what Rebecca offered in her blog yesterday, i had to jump in and try to win something as well. I am turning this into a blog post because i want to help promote RebeccaSaw.com blog and facebook page - not that she need any promotion (instead, i might want her to promote my blog!).
Anyway, to know more about how to win the 2 Days, 1 Night Stay at Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur in their Executive Deluxe Room, or win any other prizes being offered by Rebecca herself. Click this link to find out more : http://bit.ly/RebeccaRitzCarlton
Meanwhile, this is my entry to satisfy Task 1 to Task 3 per requested.

Task 1: Complete a slogan and must link both Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and RebeccaSaw.com

Task 2: Tag both yourself and the person you want to bring in ANY photos at Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Facebook page. We love Japanese food. Hence, the selection.

Task 3: Both involved MUST LIKE both the Pages.

And finally, post it up in Rebecca Saw Facebook page as proof that the Tasks has been completed!

And Task 4 : Post it on Rebecca Saw's FB page. This is because some FB are private! Can't see, Can't Win!

OK, now fingers crossed on winning something!

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Petronas Photography Contest

I posted about the Petronas TVC for Chinese New Year recently and mentioned that there is a photography contest. Together with the launching of the Chinese New Year Campaign is a Photography Contest themed "Reimaging Energy", in collaboration with Leica Camera AG. With prizes ranging from RM288 to RM2,000, the contest has attracted close to 2,000 entrants to submit their creative photos or even interpreting the theme of the photo contest in their own best possible photographs. 
The contest is open for all Malaysians and you may submit as many photographs as you like taken using mobile, point and shoot, and dSLR. The closing date is February 12, 2012. 
More details could be obtained at the Facebook Apps page where the rules, regulation and submission for the photographs will be done.
They say there is no bigger pleasure apart from winning the prizes from any photography contest than to have the winning photo being exhibited for public viewing. So, if you are just a casual photographer or someone that does it for hobby, even if you are a full time photographer, this is an opportunity to showcase our talent and win some money.
I have submitted my entry on my understanding of the theme and it shows a dragon, guarding the entrance of a temple. Remember to VOTE for me (if my photo/s is/are deserving!). Look out for the photo below in the Gallery!

My photo are driven by the mythical Chinese Dragon which guards the entrance of a temple in Gombak. Casted as a concrete pillar, i find it aptly representing the energy that the dragon brings - supporting the foundation of the temple and at the same time acting as the guardian to the temple.  The photo was taken with my Nikon D90 and 50mm lens. The last i checked, the photo received only 5 likes. But that is already 5 votes too many ;-) Thank you for voting!
If you have not joined the competition, hurry up! Closing date is Feb 12, 2012!

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Malaysia Airline Flash Mob

There has been some buzz over the social media that a flash mob actually took place in KLIA arrival hall that has prompted almost 850,000 views since it was posted on January 14. I was curious about it as to what the flash mob was about. Thinking it was some usual "planned" and "unexpected" everyone get together then do something silly and then disperse...I was wrong. This flash mob took almost 10 minutes!

And if you were to think it's the usual ONE off flash mob, this one actually was done as a few flash mobs at a few places around the arrival hall and it sure caught those arriving from their trip by big surprise! They managed to pull it off, though choreographed in an almost flawless manner in a string of what seems to be a continuous chain of event.

To add color to the whole event, there was a medley of songs being sung representing the four major languages that is used in our country Malaysia. Expect retro songs such as My Boyfriend's Back, Janet Jackson's Miss You Much, M Nasir's Istana Menanti and even a Hindi song!

The breaking out of songs in an “impromptu” manner is refreshing as the crew looked very well-rehearsed for a life performance. Now, it will make you wonder if the flight crews (pilots included) will one day break out in songs 30,000 feet in the sky over some oceans to surprise the passengers.

I can almost see that happening.
Meanwhile, enjoy the Official video that has received close to 850,000 view to date.

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Paisley Petals Cupcakes and Bakes

Every now and then, we will find gems in the form of passionate people that follows their heart and interest and make it into a living. We often speak about work-life balance and not many would admit and take the bigger steps to realise that dream - either at work or quitting the job and pursuing the passion.
Today, i would like to introduce Paisley Petals Cupcakes and Bakes. The owner and baker is Nanthini Retnam, which happened to be my ex-colleague's sister. I have not met her, but from her creation, she doesn't looked like she just "picked up baking". Enjoy the introduction interview with the baker herself!

TriStupe (TS) : What drives you to bake and start up Paisley Petals Cupcakes and Bakes?

Nanthini Retnam (NR) : My mom has always been my inspiration! As a kid, I loved watching her churn out all kinds of cakes and bread from her little oven. About 2 ½ years ago, I decided to pursue this passion of baking more seriously and word got round. Orders began coming in for birthdays and other special events, and that’s how Paisley Petals Cupcakes & Bakes was born.

Banana Nutter & Cappucino Cupcakes

TS: Did you have a day job before turning this passion into a home-based business? What were you trained (in college/university) as?

NR: I spent my whole college & working life in the IT environment, where I was a professional information systems engineer. It’s only recently that I decided to pursue my love for baking on a full time basis.

Cream Cheese Brownies

TS: What was the turning point that made you decide to pursue this part-time/full time?

NR: There comes a time in life when we want more. We want to wake up and say “I can’t wait to work today!” and I had come to that point in life. With the encouragement from close ones, I gained confidence to start this business and focus on it full time. And I’ve never been happier.

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes - Valentine Edition. February 14, 2012 is coming yáll!

TS: I love your logo, what was it inspired from?

NR: It was actually based on the two patterns I love most which are paisleys and flowers. A friend of mine helped design it based on my input and we came up with the logo that you now see.

TS: I was told that your cakes and baking items only uses high quality ingredients. So, can I assume no margarine to be used and minimal shortening used as well? (as i am a little more conscious about what i eat nowadays, this is just to justify me indulging into those cakes)

NR: That is true. All the things I bake are made using high quality butter, premium quality dark chocolate and all natural/pure extracts. I do not use artificial flavorings and sugar is used sparingly in most of my cakes. I have one very important rule in baking – I do not bake anything I wouldn’t eat myself.

(Editor's note : PHEW!)

The Baker's Signature Cake - Dahlias Wedding Cupcakes

TS: What type of volume (of orders) that you been receiving? I envisage you have a kitchen with an oven big enough to put a lamb inside i.e. industrial oven.

NR: Right now, as the business is still in its fledgling stage, I get about 3-4 orders per week for cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes or customized cakes. The volume increases during festive seasons. My oven is pretty much your standard size, but I’m counting on it growing along with my orders!

Cupcakes for Quirky Brown Cow Clothings Store Outlet Opening

TS: What was the strangest request you get so far, in terms of cake design or ingredient to be incorporated in?

NR: So far, there were some cute designs that I have done, nothing strange yet. But I am willing to try new things :) I think most people are really flexible when it comes to cake designs and they would rather just inform me of a theme, and the amount of people to serve, then leave the designing to me.

Red Velvet Cupcakes - CNY 2011 Theme

TS: They say you don’t put a price to a piece of art and good food, but what price range are we looking at say for Cupcakes and conventional cake? Are they charged by weight or is there a rough guideline?

NR: The pricing for my cupcakes and brownies/bars are pretty much standardized. Regular cupcakes, brownies and cheesecakes are in the range of RM40.00 – RM60.00 per set. Customized cakes start from RM150 depending on the intricacy of the design as well as the size of the cake. For customized cupcakes and wedding cakes, prices vary depending on quantity as well as design.

Classic New York  Style Mini Cheesecakes

TS: Any plans to open a physical shop in the near future?

NR: Probably, if the opportunity arises.

Customized Birthday Cakes

TS: They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, do you believe in that? And are you single and available?

NR: Yes! It is absolutely true! The men in my life have constantly expanding waistlines, and I take full responsibility for that.

(Editor's note : Guys, if you are wondering, she is taken.)

Christmas Theme Bittersweet Brownies

Bonus Question:

TS: There are so many others bakers out there doing the same business. So what would you say makes you different compared to them?

NR: I try my best to be different with both my recipes and designs. I get my inspiration from some of my favorite bakers but the end results are always my own creation. For example, my original alcohol-tinged cupcakes are very popular, as are my fruit-inspired cheesecakes. If you take a look at my menu, you’ll find many flavors that are not common at all in Malaysia, but you can be certain that they have all passed the taste-test! 

Strawberry Lime Swirl Mini Cheesecakes

So, there you go,  have been promised some baked goodies (it is in the fridge as i finish off this entry). If you are interested to get some custom-made cakes or baked goods, email Nanthini at paisleypetalscupcakes@gmail.com or you can find them in Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Paisley.Petals.Cupcakes. Go "LIKE" the page and look at the wonderful creations that will tease your tastebuds.

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