My KL Trip !

I went down to KL last Saturday after work and spent a night in Royal Bintang Hotel (compliments from my former boss, Mr Leo Kuscher, GM). My main purpose was to shop and also to have a tattoo done on my leg. Take a look at the slides and you'll see that I have had a butterfly done near my ankle (cost me RM250 !) .... I must admit that it was really, really painful ... what to do, no PAIN, no GAIN !

Cheers to a "Happy & Successful New Year 2008" !

X'mas Party at Northam Hotel

It's ho, ho, ho again .... but this time, it's at The Northam Hotel with all in S&M and Finance. At lunch time today, we celebrated our Christmas Party followed by Christmas Exchange of Gifts. I have received an elegant looking Parker Ball Pen at the party ....

Other gifts that I have received this X'mas !

Hello Miss ... Another Korean Series

Yes ! Within the last 1 1/2 days (Saturday afternoon till Sunday at 11.00am) I have finished this 16-episode Korean Romantic Comedy drama called "Hello Miss". It's a very light heartening drama with many funny scenes ....

Synopsis : Lee Su-ha (played by Lee Da-hae) inherited the historical home, Hwa Ahn Dang, of the Je-an Lee clan after her father left for Seoul with another woman years ago and her mother died last year of stomach cancer. That is when her dual life began as the head of the nearly-ruined clan as she refused to give up on the Hwa Ahn Dang. But one day she meets Hwang Dong-kyu (played by Lee Ji-hoon), who asks her to sell the Hwa Ahn Dang to him by any means. Dong-kyu is the grandson of a servant who 50 years ago ran away from the Hwa Ahn Dang after stealing its cow and a bale of rice. But after much bickering, Su-ha and Dong-kyu end up falling in love with each other.

X'mas Party by Gurney's S&M Team

Ho, ho, ho ... it's our Christmas Party ! We celebrated yesterday immediately after work at 1.00pm with a small makan - makan and exchange of gifts. I have received a cute pair of "wedding bears" from Ee Lynn, one of my colleagues ....

A Souvenir from Japan

My General Manager who is also my boss, Mr FC Chong had just returned from his annual trip with his family. This year, he went to "The Land of the Rising Sun", Japan for a 7D/6N trip. Before he left, I told him to get me a Kimono clad Japanese Doll and guess what, he really did came back with a beautiful Kimono clad Geisha Doll. Take a look a the photo that I have taken on the doll and tell me what do you think ....

Beautiful or what ???

My New Toys !

This month, I've decided to pamper myself by getting a Christmas present ... after a long thought, I decided to get a black colour iPod Nano 3rd Generation and a Sharp I-Elegance, a music system made for iPod. It all started with my good friends Soo Theng and Dennis owning one each ... so I can't beat them, I've decided to join them instead. Right now, we are all in the same music world ... hehehehehehehe .... *wink*

Check these out !!!

Wanna B Enchanted ?

Last evening, I went to watch a 7.10pm Walt Disney production called Enchanted starred by a very manly looking actor, named Patrick Dempsey and pitch perfect performance by Amy Adams. It's a classic Disney fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in a story about a fairytale princess from the past who is thrust into present-day by an evil queen.

Soon after her arrival, Princess Giselle begins to change her views on life and love after meeting a handsome lawyer.

I find this film to be so charming, innocent, funny, and fun. Overall, I enjoyed myself and I was smiling and laughing through out every minute of it.

Goong @ Princess Hours

If you love Korean dramas, then you should be watching Princess Hour @ Goong. It's a 24 episodes romantic comedy drama ...

The story about Chae-gyeong, an ordinary art high school student. One day, she received a totally unexpected news that, based on her grandfather’s will, she must marry the unemotional Crown Prince Lee Shin who attends the same high school. Free-spirited Chae-gyeong resists the proposal, but reluctantly marries him to help her debt-ridden family. As she struggles to adapt herself to the proper manners and royal duties of palace life and to her disagreeable husband, Lee Shin’s sentimental cousin and second-in-line to the throne Yul steps into her life. She feels like she can rely on Yul to help her, but can’t help worrying about her haughty, cold-hearted husband.

To help bridge this gap, the senior members of the royal family take some special measures to get them to spend the night together. Along the way, you will encounter numerous delightful episodes among the cute and lively Chae-gyeong, the cold heartthrob Lee Shin, the handsome, down-to-earth Yul, the perfect ballerina Hyo- rin who just can’t get over Lee Shin, and all the other members of the royal family.

Like any other Korean dramas, their ending is a happy one with both prince and princess got along very well and very much in love with each other ...

Loads of Fun @ Genting Highlands

Last weekend, I went to Genting Highlands for a 2D/1N short getaway with my friends and colleagues. There were 7 on us who went in a hired van. On the way there, near Bukit Merah, the #&*#&@! van broke down due to no water in the radiator. We have only managed to arrive at Genting Highlands at 11.30pm, after 9 hours of travelling !

On the way back from Genting Highlands, the stupid van's air-conditioned broke down. Can you imagine that we had to rely on the wind from outside our van ??? We stopped at Ipoh to eat everyone's all time favorite ... "Ipoh Hor Fun and Taugeh Steamed Chicken". That was really good and yummy. Arrived back home at 9.30pm ... Our trip had been interesting and I have enjoyed it very much with my colleagues and friends.

Happy Birthday Siew Hong !

Ms Ong Siew Hong's Birthday is supposed to be 8 December but then, Aunty (Siew Hong's mum) decided to celebrate her Birthday earlier (Wed, 5 Dec) because she will be joining us to Genting Highlands on the same day. Aunty cooked for her Nyonya Lam Mee, Roti Jala with Chicken Curry , Loh Bak and Nyonya Spring Roll.

I was honoured to be invited to celebrate Siew Hong's Birthday at her house, joined by her friends, Serene and Chi Son. For dessert, Aunty made Bubur Pulut Hitam with santan. Serene bought Siew Hong a lovely Hagan Dazz Ice Cream Birthday cake.

Nyonya Kerabu Bee Hoon

Today, Aunty (Siew Hong's mum) made Nyonya Kerabu Bee Hoon from sambal belacan, bee hoon, udang kering, taukua goreng, coconut kerisik, prawns, etc. Once again, I was invited to lunch at her house. It was "Simply Delicious", hot, hot, spicy and tasty.

The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince

I have watched many, many Korean Drama series especially those with romantic comedy element. Last night, at almost 1.00am, I have managed to finish "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince, a 17 episode drama.

The drama synopsis ...

The life of Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye) is not easy; she works many jobs to pay off debts and even gave up her feminine image. Choi Han Kyul (Gong Yoo) is the heir of a big food company, but his grandmother wants him to settle down, so she arranged many dates for him. After Eun Chan bumped into Han Kyul and was mistaken for a boy, Han Kyul decided to hire Eun Chan to be his gay lover in order to avoid the arranged dates. Desperately in need of money, Eun Chan had no choice but to accept. Han Kyul's grandmother also made Han Kyul in charge of a filthy coffee shop in danger of being bankrupt. Eun Chan begged to work at the coffee shop, and not long after, feelings start to spark, except, how would Han Kyul accept his "homosexuality"?

For those who likes Korean Dramas, I would strongly recommend that you watch this drama ... believe you me, this is one of the best drama that I have ever watched !

Seafood at "Ah Ean", Batu Kawan

Friday, 23 November 2007, almost all from S&M team from The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences decided to drive to Batu Kawan for a seafood dinner at Ah Ean's place. With 9 dishes and Fried Ice Cream as dessert, the total dinner cost came up to only RM169.00 only. What a deal .... Really Cheap & Good !!!

From clockwise : Nicole, Sheryn, Kim, Lynn, Nurdiana, Me,
Ravi and Jessica

The Best Thai Chicken Laksa Lemak

Today, my colleague who is also a friend from The Northam All Suite, Penang, by the name of Ms Ong Siew Hong has kindly invited Michelle Koay and me to her house during lunch hour to savour her Nyonya mum's Homecook Thai Chicken Laksa Lemak. The ingredients are similar to our Penang Asam Laksa except that this Thai Laksa is cooked using chicken meat to substitute for fish. The other extra ingredient used is "Kiam Chye" @ Salted Vegetable which actually made this laksa unique in it's taste.

I must say that this is the best Thai Laksa that I have ever eaten. Yum, yum, it was so delicious that I ended up having two big bowls of it. Ahyo, come to think of it, my Totalife Diet is down the drain today because of my greedy craving for the laksa !

Thank you Siew Hong for the invitation and I look forward to be invited again to sample your mum's Nyonya Lam Mee which I also made to understand that it is her speciality.

Totalife 12th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, 17 November till Sunday, 18 November 2007, as a qualified DO, I was given a FREE ticket to attend Totalife 12th Anniversary Majestic Celebration at Genting Highlands. A total of 130 of us departed from Penang on Saturday at approximately 7.30am and with 3 stops in between, we have managed to arrive Genting Highlands at 3.00pm to check-in at First World Hotel.


At 6.30pm, we all assembled at Genting International Convention Centre, Grand Ballroom where the Majestic Celebration was held. Many awards and cash bonuses were given out to their Achievers of many different levels. A slimming contest was also held with the contestants who have managed to shed- off 30kgs and above. The main highlight for that evening was a live performance by Elaine Kang who has sung a number of oldies such as River of Babylon, Hero, Celebration and many others.

A trip to Genting Highlands would not be complete without a visit to their casino. I have taken this opportunity to check-out their new slot machines and have heavily invested in their 2 cents machines !!!

We departed for Penang on Sunday at 4.00pm and by the time I arrived back home, it was already 11.30pm. The trip has been an eye-opener for me ... witnessing how much Totalife has helped it's members to lose weight and gained back their curves. I am very convince that I also can have those curves if I controlled my eating habit.

All the Best to Huan Lin

Wednesday, 14 November 2007, my sales team members from The Northam, All Suite and I decided to throw a Farewell Dinner for our colleague, Mr Loo Huan Lin, Sales Coordinator. Huan Lin had tendered his resignation to pursue his studies for a Master Degree in Communications. Golden BBQ Steamboat Restaurant located at Nagore Road was the chosen venue to celebrate Huan Lin's farewell. The food varieties were great and the price was reasonable i.e. at only RM19.90 nett per person, we had unlimited food from the buffetline.

Here's to Huan Lin, we all wish him all the very best of luck and success in his future undertakings.

Stardust ... The Magical Adventure

Monday, 12 November 2007, I invited Soo Theng and Nanthini to join me for a movie and Soo Theng suggested that we watched "Stardust". Stardust begins in a sleeping English Village of Wall, so named for the cobblestone wall that has, for eons, kept the villagers safely apart from the supernatural parallel universe that lies just on the other side.

A young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) tries to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna Miller), the beautiful but cold object of his desire, by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. His journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his odyssey, Tristan finds the star, which has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. Lord Stormhold's (Peter O'Toole) three living sons not to mention the ghosts of their four dead brothers all need the star as they vie for the throne. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who needs the star to make her young again. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, encountering a pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro) and a shady trader named Ferdy the Fence (Ricky Gervais) along the way, his quest changes. He must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love ...


All well, ends well, of course, this fairytale ends with both Tristan and Yvaine settling down and they both ruled The Kingdom of Stormhold for 80 years ....

A combination of Grand Adventure, Magical Effects and Romping Sense of Fun ....

Introducing The Yeap Family

Sunday, 11 November 2007, I decided to update my Family Tree ... and not forgetting our "Extended Family" in my blog. Take a look to see how cute they all are ....

Our Family Tree : Brother, me and sister-in-law

Our Extended Family : All the woh-woh and miow-miow

3rd Quarter Celebration @ The Northam

Tuesday, 6 November 2007, The Northam, All Suite has organised their 3rd Quarter Service Excellent Award and Birthday Celebration for those who were born on the month of August, September and October.

My only reason to attend this celebration is to go for the "makan-makan" (he ! he ! he !). Some of the food from the high tea are Fried Mee Mamak, Quiche Lorraine, Curry Puff, Chicken Lobak, Fruit Tartlettes, Chocolate Cake, Mini Samosa, Fried Chicken, Fruit Skewers and many others ....

Photos taken at East & West, venue for the celebration

The celebration ended at approximately 5.15pm.

Short Shopping Spree (3-S)

Friday night, 26 October (immediately after work @ 7.30pm) to Sunday almost midnight, 28 October 2007, we (Soo Theng, Nanthini and I) were away to the capital city of Malaysia. Soo Theng's main trip purpose is to attend their "class of 89" reunion dinner at One World Hotel while our (Nanthini & I) main purpose is to shop, shop and shop.

On the way to KL, we have actually stopped at Ipoh to have the famous "Ngah Choi Kai and Ipoh Hor Fun" in Loh Wong Kopi Tiam. We arrived at Traders Hotel, KL just as the clock striked midnight.

Taken from "3-S"

The next morning, we went to "The Pavillion" the latest shopping mall at Bukit Bintang area and I must say that this is one of the biggest mall in Kuala Lumpur with many different Anchor Tenants from many different brands. After "heavy" shopping, we headed back to the hotel for a short rest before heading to Estee Soo's condo to drop off Soo Theng.

Soo Theng and Estee went to their reunion dinner while, Nanthini and I went to 1-Utama to continue our shopping. Later, after we all returned to hotel at about 10.15pm, Nanthini joined her sister, Shanthini and hubby, Jegan and friends at Sky Bar and they were later joined by Soo Theng and Estee.

Sunday morning, we all continued shopping at KLCC before going to IKEA for more shopping in the afternoon. At about 7.30pm, we headed home to Penang and reached back to the island at approximately 11.30pm. We have all truly enjoyed our "3-S" .... Short Shopping Spree.

Until the next one .. most probably just before Christmas ..... :-)

October Babies

Tuesday, 23 October 2007 at 5.30pm, Michelle and I decided to throw a little Birthday party for all our "October Babies" in Northam Hotel's Sales & Marketing Department ... Loh Sze Chin on 14th, Jack Soo on 16th, Nina Tan on 20th, Ong Lay Sim & Lilian Ooi on 25th and Loo Huan Lin on 31st.

Right pix fm R to L : Nina, Lay Sim, Jack, Lilian,
Sze Chin & Huan Lin

Well, to all the Birthday Babies ... I wish you all, a Happy Birthday and many happy returns on your special day !

Hari Raya Rumah Terbuka

Friday, 19 October 2007, a Hari Raya Open House at Lelawati Mansor's apartment in Tanjung Tokong for a makan-makan (dinner with Nasi Minyak and many lovely dishes) followed by a personalised house tour on her beautifully renovated apartment.

At Lela's apartment ...

Sunday, 21 October 2007, another Hari Raya Open House and this time, at Aida Rashid's apartment in Tanjung Tokong for a lunch (Fried Bee Hoon, Beef Seruding, Ketupat and Kuah Kacang).

At Aida's apartment ...

Specially to Lela and Aida, thank you so much for inviting me to your apartments to celebrate Hari Raya with you and your family.

Me So Blur !

Monday, 15 October 2007 @ 3.30pm, I decided to upgrade my Nokia model N70 to Nokia model N73-I with Music Edition.

After I have shopped around at Prangin Mall to look for the best deal, I decided to buy from Super One Zero One simply because their offer is very attractive i.e. at only RM1,200. By trade-in my N70 at RM600, I only have to top up another RM600. This is really a fabulous deal and I immediately, accepted it.

Being so excited and happy, I have actually overlooked by not checking to see if all my address book from N70 was transferred to the new N73. Can you imagine ? When I finally needed make a call from my phone on that night, I realised that there were no contact details at all ! I panicked and called up the salesman but I could not get him.

The following morning, I quickly went back to the shop to request for my N70 and was told that they have sold it off on the same night itself. I was devastated and at the same time, upset at myself for being so careless ! Now, I have to now start from scratch by building a new address book for my new phone. What to do ? This is the price that I have to pay for being so careless !

Investment at Genting Highlands !

Sunday, 14 October 2007, my Brother, Jeremy made an impromptu suggestion that we go up to Genting Highlands to try our luck with Uncle Lim Goh Tong. I seconded the idea and we decided to drag our aunty to tag along ....

Guess what ? We all ended up investing our money with Genting Highlands' Monte Carlo Casino for our future visits ...

Chicken Chop a'la Chef Dennis

Wednesday, 10 October 2007, Brother Dennis was on his off day and had volunteered to cook for all his sisters (Soo Theng, Nanthini, Angeline and me). There he was, in the afternoon went to Cold Storage to buy the ingredients for Chicken Chop and Spaghetti.

Spaghetti & Chicken Chop a'la Chef Dennis

By the time we all arrived at Dennis's apartment at approximately 8.30pm, the dinner was already ready. I must say that the Chicken Chop is one of the best that I have ever eaten reason being the deepfried chicken breast were very tender and juicy compared to outside Western Food stalls !

Here's to "Chef Dennis", thank you for taking the time to cook for all of us ... it's really nice to come back to a homecook meal especially after a long day at work ... In the meantime, we are all looking forward to the next one ..... in the not too distant future ...

A short break to Ko Samui !

Wednesday to Friday i.e. 3 to 5 October 2007, Dennis, Soo Theng and I decided to take a short break to Ko Samui. Although it was a short holiday, we have actually maximised our time by lining up many exciting activities and making sure that not a minute is wasted. Take a look at the slides and you will see how much fun we had at Ko Samui.

Above all, I have enjoyed this trip very much with my good friends; Soo Theng and Dennis. It's a pity that Nanthini is not able to join us this time ... but, I am sure she will come with us on our next holiday trip... Until the next one ...

Two Piece Swim Suit ?

Monday, 1 October 2007 .... two days prior to our trip to Ko Samui, both Dennis and Soo Theng have encouraged me to invest in a swim suit. There I am, immediately after work at 7.00pm, I went to Arena, a shop selling swimming suits for both men and ladies in Gurney Plaza.

After trying out many different types of swimming suits, I have decided to settle for this two-piece one from Australia called Sun Seeker. Although, I know for the fact that I may not have the guts to wear it out in the open, I still buy it ... who know, I may changed my mind later. Talking about that, this sky blue swim suit actually cost me RM248.90 !

Aunty Chan's 80th Birthday !

Sunday, 30 September 2007, We (brother, wife and I) were invited to celebrate my aunty's 80th Grand Birthday at "Sesame Soy", a fine dining Chinese Restaurant in The G Hotel. The restaurant's decoration is very modern with elegant looking cutleries and chinaware but for a traveller who does not know the type of cuisine served by Sesame Soy would think that this is a Western or Fusion Restaurant.

Well, the service was rather excellent for both food and beverages from the time we were seated until we left the restaurant. Food presentation was nice and impressive but the food portioning was way too little ... At the rate that we are paying i.e. RM88 nett per person, I thought that the food portioning was actually meant for a food tasting/sampling instead !

Nevertheless, I have enjoyed the company of all present. Here's to wishing Aunty Chan, a Very Happy Birthday, full of blessings and happiness !

Day Trip to Sungai Petani !

Sunday, 30 September 2007, all three of us (Dennis, Nanthini and I) travelled down from Penang to Sungai Petani to "Sei Kow", Soo Theng hubby's Choo Char shop. By the time we arrived at SP, it was almost 1.00pm and Soo Theng was already awaiting for us at the shop. Jimmy, Soo Theng's hubby had arranged a few signature dishes for us such as Seo Bak, Char Siew, Sambal Prawns & Squids, Fried Omelette, Steamed Fish and Chilli Padi Pork accompanied by steamed rice (specially done in individual silver container). The food was simply delicious and we were all so "puas" with our indulgence ! Yummy, yummy !

We adjourned to "Seventeen" a cafe in SP's new township (near Tesco) for a drink and also browsing internet for images of our trip to Ko Samui this Wednesday, 3 October 2007. Speaking about Ko Samui, all three of us (Dennis, Soo Theng and I) are very excited and are looking forward to our adventure ! So, stay tune for the next update on our trip to Ko Samui.

We all headed home at 4.00pm and reached Penang at about 5.30pm.

Jam Packed Saturday !

Saturday, 29 September 2007, it's Nuzul Al Quran Public Holiday ... Unfortunately, for me, I have to work because this is the only PH that my hotel does not recognise ... In the afternoon, I went to my nail salon to "lepak" with friends like Nanthini and Lyn who came over to chit chat while having their manicure and pedicure done.

Later, we (Nanthini and I) rushed to the 7th street market to buy the ingredients for Tau Yew Bak (Dark Soya Sauce Pork) and Fried Bee Hoon with can Guilong Pork. Went back to my house for a quick shower and while waiting for me, Nanthini got to know Puffy, my persian cat better.

Arrived at Dennis' s place, cooked Tau Yew Bak and Fried Bee Hoon. Dennis could not come back on time, so we ended up eating with Angeline.

We both went to Red Box Gurney Plaza to join both Aw Eng Liang @ The Purple Rain Rocker and Lyn Teh. Dennis came later to join us in the karaoke and we all had sensational time until almost 4.00am !

Chuck & Larry .. a Couple ???

Thursday, 27 September 2007, Dennis was on his off day. After sending his Hong Kong friend to the airport, he invited me for lunch. We (Dennis, Ravi Firdaus and me) had Nyonya lunch at Nyonya Breeze, Abu Siti Lane. After lunch, we adjourned to Old Town Cafe, New World for our White Coffee and Hemut milk tea.

We went back to work after our coffee and tea, while Dennis went for his hair cut at Gurney Plaza. Dennis called me from there to ask if we wanted to join him to watch "I now pronounced you Chuck & Larry", a comedy movie at 7.10pm. In the end, only Soo Theng and me joined Dennis because Nanthini had to finish her 2008 Budget for manning.

Chuck & Larry is about two good friends, Chuck Levine and Larry Valentine who are firefighters. Victims of circumstance, Chuck has to claim Larry to be his domestic partner on some city forms in order to beat some procedural red tape. They think it will be easy because nobody will ever know. After Chuck agrees, the two men go to Niagara Falls to get married, and Chuck moves in with Larry and his unsuspecting kids. However, an official becomes suspicious, and the new couple's arrangement goes from confidential to front-page news. Forced to improvise as love-struck newlyweds, Chuck and Larry must now fumble through a charade of domestic bliss under one roof. After surviving their mandatory honeymoon and dodging the threat of exposure, the well-intentioned conmen discover that sticking together in times of crisis is what truly makes a family.

All three of us liked the comedy very much ... definitely most suitable for those who need to a good laugh after a long day at work !

We had coffee at Starbucks Gurney Plaza, later joined by Nanthini. After coffee, we went for our Hokkien Mee Supper with extra "Oink Oink" @ Seo Bak and pork balls at Hot Wok. It was so yummy !!! We called off the evening at approximately 12.30am.

Mid Autumn Festival !

Friday, 21 September 2007, I had my dinner with Michelle Koay at Taipan Fins, The Northam, All Suite ... After a wonderful dinner, we were invited to sample some of our homemade mooncakes which come in different types of fillings, from chocolate to coffee flavour to green tea and the traditional ones such as lotus paste and red bean. The one that captures my attention is our signature mooncake in the shape of a pig ... oink ! oink !

Marriage Proposal ? Ya Right !!!

Friday, 21 September 2007, my colleague Bob, our Recreation Manager came to our office. He saw this beautiful hand bouquet from Front Office to my GM lying on the Executive Secretary's desk which was meant to be a Get Well gift because of his slip disc. Bob, being Bob, a mischievous, fun and loving guy in our hotel "borrowed" this bouquet to "propose" to me on his knees ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Look at how funny we were !!!

Aunty Rosemary's Visit !

Wednesday & Thursday, 19 & 20 September 2007, Aunty Rosemary came to Penang after her holiday in Japan. This time, Aunty Rosemary's trip is short i.e. 2N/3D trip .. but it was a very fruitful trip for aunty. We had a wonderful Seafood Dinner hosted by aunty at Ocean Green Restaurant on the 1st night and an 8-course special Chinese Dinner at White Beach Restaurant hosted by See Kim aunty for the 2nd night.

Friday, 21 September 2007, we (brother and wife, See Kim aunty, Anne and me) sent aunty to the Penang International Airport for her flight to Singapore on MH653 at 1.15pm. Here's wishing aunty a pleasant trip to Singapore for her 1 week stay before departing back to Sydney, Australia.