My Story

Cameron Highland Revisited

2010-10-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cameron Highland resort always appeal to me for its natural beauty, scenic landscape and cool weather. This vacation brought my family to visit the highland again since the last trip in 2006. The journey from the foot of the highland to the hill top is both long and winding. Drove up to the Highland last weekend and put up a night stay at one of the private 3 rooms fully furnished apartment at Tanah Rata, the main town of Cameron Highland. The room rate is quite reasonable at RM180 per day. The kitchen is also fully equipped with cooking utensils and the living room and bedrooms are generously spacious.

The highland cool weather is condusive for the planting of strawberry,flowers and vegatables which you cannot grow in the low land of Malaysia .Among the many fruits farm we went was the Strawberry farm where for a sum of RM20 you can pluck the fruits on your own pace but limited to 500 gram per plate.At night went to the Pasar malam ( night market ) at Brinchang, a small town just a few kilometre away from Tanah Rata. There you can find a variety of local fruits and vegetables displayed at the market. Fruits like strawberry and corns are popular to the local tourists. Later have steamboat for dinner at one of the Chinese restaurant at Tanah Rata.

Next morning visited the famous Boh Tea plantation and have breakfast at their scenic restaurant before driving back to Kuala Lumpur. It was an enjoyable and memorable trip for my family.

Vacation in Malaysia and Singapore

2010-04-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian lunch in Malacca with parents and mother in law

In front of Resort World Sentosa attractions
In front of the Singapore Merlion at Sentosa

In front of Sentosa casino entrance

With Richard at one of the leading hotel in Sentosa

Dinner gathering with parents and sister's family

Reunion gathering of old school mates at Kota Laksama,Malacca.

Qing Ming Qie at Cheng, Malacca with parent and brother.

Was back in Malaysia last month for the annual Chinese Qing Ming festival. It was home sweet home after 6 months away in Abu Dhabi. During the first week went over to Singapore with my family for vacation. Visited the Resort World in Sentosa island where the Genting casino and the Universal studio are located. The casino was opened on the first day of the lunar Chinese New Year 2010 and the Universal studio started business later on the 18th of March 2010. The studio was not fully completed. Singaporean need to pay $100 entrance fees to the casino to discourage the local from gambling. Later took the cab to Orchard road where most of the established Shopping Malls in Singapore are located.
The second week was spent in KL and Malacca. Joined my parent and brother for the Qing Ming Festival in Cheng and Bukit Jelutong in Malacca. Qing Ming Festival or Qing Ming Qie in Chinese means Grave Sweeping Day.Managed to catch up with friends and some old school mates in Malacca and KL and have dinner gatherings with relatives before flying back to Abu Dhabi.

Visit to Ibn Battuta Mall

2010-02-15T03:42:00.000-08:00

In front of the Chinese section.

Indian section at Ibn Battuta

In front of Egyptian section at Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall

Standing in front of Ibn Battuta Mall

Inside Dubai Metro train on the way to Ibn Battuta

Extensively designed teak wood ceiling finishes at Burjuman Shopping Mall

Burjuman lobby attractions.

Standing in front of Mahatma Gandhi potrait displayed at Burjuman

Burj Khalifa view from the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway

Went to the much talked about Ibn Battuta shopping mall with Yap last month. We boarded the early bus from Abu Dhabi and disembarked at Burjuman shopping mall, an exclusive elite mall in Dubai. You can find many shops offering high end branded products. The internal decoration of the mall was awe inspiring particularly on the ceiling finishes. So much teak have been used in the mall to create a cosy enviroment.
Later took the Metro train to Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall. The fares was reasonable at only 11 dirham for return journey. It will easily cost you a bomb at about 80 dirham 1 way if you take the cab as taxi fares in Dubai is much more expensive compared to Abu Dhabi.Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall is a collection of all the major country visited by the traveller.The shopping was extensively decorated to reflect the architecture beauty of that particular nation.
On the way back on the train managed to catch the picture of the just completed Burj Khalifa,currently the highest building in the world, standing at 828m high.

Winter updates from UAE

2010-01-01T01:57:00.000-08:00

Sunset in Burj Khalifa, Dubai UAE

Sunrise in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Seaview of Reem Island, Abu Dhabi UAE

In front of Deira City Center, Dubai, UAE

Mould making demonstration at Abu Dhabi Mall.

Moroccon dancer on stage performing in Abu Dhabi Mall

Abu Dhabi Police motorbike on display at Marina Mall

Aid Mubarak display at Abu Dhabi Mall

Time passed really fast and now I have spent my second winter in Abu Dhabi.Life is quite routine except for ocassional trips to Dubai and weekend shopping in the malls of Abu Dhabi.Taken some nice shots of interesting places and scenery for your viewing pleasure.

Eid Mubarak in Dubai

2009-11-29T01:24:00.000-08:00

During the recent Aid Holidays, went over to Dubai for vacation with my wife. Visited some interesting places like the Dhow Cruise, Deira City centre, Mall of the Emirates and Atlantis. Took the luxury bus service from Abu Dhabi to Dubai which cost only AED15.Upon reaching Dubai bus station, took the boat ride across the river to old Dubai. There will walk to the Dubai Chinatown where we had our lunch at one of the Chinese shop situated in Dubai Chinese Association building popularly known as Shoe City.

Joined the Dhow Cruise Dinner in the floating restaurant where Continental and Arabic buffet were served with some light music and entertainment. It was a memorable evening as the boat cruised along Dubai Creek by moonlight.

The next day took the Dubai Metro train to The Mall of the Emirates for breakfast before boarding a cab to Atlantis at Palm Jumeirah. Paid AED100 for entry to the Lost Chambers of Atlantis. It was an unforgettable themed marine experience in Ambassador Lagoon at the heart of Atlantis, 11.5 million litres of water and home to 65,000 marine animals in 22 different displays and habitats. It was really an awe-inspiring showcases of underwater world. During the construction of the resort, a complex series of passages was discovered, thought to have been buried thousands of years ago by the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

One Year in Abu Dhabi

2009-07-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Visit to Dubai Gold Souk with Yap and Yong early this month.

Drinking with friends in one of the pub in a popular hotel in Abu Dhabi

Playing badminton in one of the badminton hall in Abu Dhabi

In front of Burj Al Arab , last August , the most expensive hotel in the world.

Time passed really fast and I have spent a year in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Started to get used to the country,the people,the food and the weather here. Have learned the tough way of life away from the family and the comfort of home and nice home-cooked meal.This is the short term sacrifice we need to make for the long term financial need which we can hardly survive in Malaysia.

Just remembered vividly when I touched down in Abu Dhabi on the night of 15th July last year. It was a hot and humid summer and started work immediately the next day.It was tough. On the second day I was already faced with the accomodation problem but with the support of my colleague who managed to pool enough money to settle for the upfront of AED60,000 payment needed. In UAE you need to pay for the whole 12 months rental before you can move in.And rental of room here is extremely high. Here I pay for a little studio of 200 square feet for AED5,000 per month and in Malaysia you can get a nice luxury bungalow for that price.

Gradually I learned to be independent.I learned cooking and ironing in Abu Dhabi.Now I can prepare simple dish mostly steamed stuff whenever I cooked my rice. Transport is another problem in Abu Dhabi. Parking space is hard to find. To resolve my transport here, I invested in a bicycle for my short distant journey to the mall to do my shopping. Taxis here is hard to get during peak hour.Sometimes I take the bus service which is quite reliable and economical for my long distant journey.

I look forward after work to chat with my wife via Windows Live Messenger everyday.I try not to miss a single day communicating with her. Technology really bring me closer to my family. Just imagine we are away 7 hours by flight but we can see and hear each other so clearly. That's the beauty of technology. To pass my time after work, I subscribed to the local E-Vision channel to get the latest news and movies.

Weekend here is Friday and most Thursday night I will be drinking with my friends in one of the popular pubs in town.Most of my shopping are done on Friday, my off day. Sometimes we will travelled to Dubai for shopping and try some of the Chinese food over there for a change.

Managed to join a group of Malaysian playing badminton in one of the international school hall in Abu Dhabi. There are 4 courts in the hall and we played on Wednesday and Sunday night. Most of the Malaysian are in the construction industry but some are working as pilots in the local airline company. There is even a Malaysian embassy staff playing with us.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Malaysia

2009-02-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

P Posing in front of the hotel during our CNY stay in Malacca

2nd day of CNY at one of the leading hotel in Malacca with my angels

With my 3 angels at the St Paul Hill, Malacca

On top of the St Paul Hill with a local Eurasian guitarist performing oldies song to the tourist daily

In front of the historical A Famosa in Malacca with my angels

Friends and relatives CNY gathering at my apartment

Dinner gathering with my Condominium residents association members in KL

After a long 6 months stay in Abu Dhabi, fly back Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year with family members. Reached KL on the 16th January 2009 and on the next day went back Malacca to visit parents.The next day have a dinner gathering with my Condominium Resident association members.On the eve of CNY went back Malacca again to have the traditional reunion dinner with the parents and relatives.Visited the historical A Famosa and the St Paul Hill in Malacca on the 2nd day of CNY.Managed to catch up with most friends and relatives during the 2 weeks vacation in Malaysia.

Christmas in Abu Dhabi

2009-01-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

Thick fog surrounding the city of Abu Dhabi during one of the early morning scene.

Drinking with friends at one of the pub in Abu Dhabi

The Filipino singers and dancers performed at one of the pub in a leading hotel in Abu Dhabi

Christmas carolling during the Xmas gathering at the Cafetaria

Celebrate Christmas at one of the contractor cafetaria in Abu Dhabi

There are many holidays towards the end of the year. We have the Awal Ramadhan,Christmas and New Year day.Both Awal Ramadhan and New Year are declared holiday.However Christmas is a working day in UAE.Some private companies do give leave to their Christian staff to celebrate the ocassion.
Most shopping centre in Abu Dhabi are well decorated and lighted up for the festival.Attended a Christmas gathering organised by one of our contractor on Christmas day.Malaysian food were being served there and there were also Christmas events and songs played to entertain the guests.
Attended the New Year celebration at one of the hotel pub in the city where liqour are readily available.Scantily clads Filipinos dancers and singers performed every night at the pub where almost one third of the crowds are from Malaysia.
This year there is no fireworks display for the countdown to the new year as most of the Arab states included UAE have decided to forgo the celebration as a mark of respect for the Palestines whose land are being bombarded by the Israel.
Early morning in Abu Dhabi could be very cold and sometimes you will experienced thick fog which enveloped the city.Visibilty is so bad that some flight to Abu Dhabi airport have to be diverted.

Winter in Abu Dhabi

2008-12-19T04:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas decoration in front of Lulu Hypermarket in Al Wahda Mall

In front of Al Wahda Shopping Mall

i In front of the Malaysian embassy in UAE, Abu Dhabi.

Scene outside the Malaysian embassy during the Hari Raya Haji open house gathering.

Giant UAE flag raised up at Al Wahda Mall for the UAE National Day celebration.

Raining in Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

Time passed really fast...have spent more than 5 months in the Emirates.Winter had arrived in Abu Dhabi and it will my first winter experience in my lifetime.Before winter, rain started to fall after more than 4 months without rain and it happened immediately after the sand storm.It was really a relief to see rainfall unlike in Malaysia which is we can experience almost every month.Many sports events in Abu Dhabi was postponed due to the unexpected rainfall and some parts of Abu Dhabi roads was even flooded.

On 2nd December 2008, UAE celebrated their 37th independence day and many major shopping centre here organised special events to commemorate the occasion.In Al Wahda Mall which is within walking distance from my villa,the mall organised traditional dance show to mark the event.Streets were decorated with colourful lightings and there was a fireworks display on the eve of the national day.

Hari Raya Haji which also falls within the same week is a big occasion here.The government offices was closed for more than a week to mark the occasion. Attended the Malaysian Embassy open house last Friday and it was great to interact with so many Malaysian working here.Some came as far as Dubai to enjoy the Malaysian food here like the bungkus nasi lemak and sateh which they missed dearly. Christmas is around the corner and many Shopping Mall have put up decorations to light up the occasion.

Aid Mubarak at the Emirates

2008-10-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

Posed in front of the camel

In front of Souk Madinet at Jumeriah , Dubai.

In front of the Malaysian Embassy at Abu Dhabi, UAE

Malaysian Embassy Hari Raya open house gathering at Abu Dhabi

In front of the Land Cruisers after the sand duning drive

My wife and me with the Arabic costume

Belly dancer performing at the big stage under the clear skylit

For the first time, I am celebrating the Aid Mubarak ( Hari Raya Puasa ) and my birthday in the Emirates.My wife came down from KL for the celebrations.Aid Mubarak was celebrated one day earlier than Malaysia on 30th September.

Went over to Dubai on the 2nd day of Aid Mubarak and visited the Burj Al Arab the most expensive hotel in the world,the Mall of the Emirates and Souk Madinet at Jumeriah.On the 3rd day,we attended the Malaysian Embassy Raya open house and was served with many Malaysian food like Satey,Mee Goreng and Nasi Lemak which we miss so badly.Really enjoyed the food especially the Nasi Lemak after deprived of 2 months of Malaysian food.

On my birthday 3-10-2008, joined the half day Desert Safari tour which cost us 200 dirham each, quite a good rate I was told.A local Emiratis driver came over to pick us up at the hotel and was joined by about 10 Toyota Land Cruiser to the Safari.The first stop was at the camel farm where we were allowed to take photographs with the camels. Later we went for the drive over the sand dunes which was both thrilling and exciting and I am really impressed by the skill of the driver. Stop to watch the sunset from the dunes.

Our journey continued until we reached a traditional Arabic camp which is was quite isolated from the desert.There we were given opportunity to try a host of activities like camel riding,henna painting,wearing the traditional arabic clothings, Shisha smoking,the Arabic sweets and coffee significant to the Bedouin culture.

After sunset, a BBQ dinner was served under the starlit sky with belly dancing entertainment to ensure you have a memorable night.The desert sky was very clear and you can really gaze the twinkling stars.We were really treated the traditional Arabic hospitality with Arabic coffee and dates served as they have been served for centuries and continue to be served in the Emiratis homes today.

2nd Month in Abu Dhabi

2008-09-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Playing badminton in one of the courts at Abu Dhabi

Emirates Driving Company where all driving lesson and test are conducted

Have spent more than 2 months now in Abu Dhabi and still haven’t seen any rain yet.However the weather has improved greatly and it is now 38 degree, about Malaysian weather. Not only rain I have yet to see any dogs running around, very unusual in Malaysia.

Managed to play badminton here with my colleague and a group of Malaysian at one of the badminton hall at an international school at AD. Played on Wednesday and Sunday night same day as I played in KL.The hall is fully air-conditioned with 4 courts and is also equipped with free water dispenser.

To obtain a local driving license in UAE is not as simple as in Malaysia. It is not only costly but time consuming. Registered for my license early this month at the Emirates Driving Company at Mussafah which is about 20 minutes ride from AD. You need to get your Malaysian license translated first and get endorsement from the Malaysian embassy here. Then you need to pass your eye test before you are allowed to open a file. After this process you will have to attend for the theory class lesson which is spread over 4 days of 2 hours per day.

When you have attended all the 4 days lessons you have to pass the theory test before you are allowed to go for the road test. For all these you have to pay AED20 for the eyes test, AED100 for opening the file and AED780 for the theory class. I have passed the theory test and will be going for the road test next month. Then you need to pay for the license which is about AED250 but is valid for 10 years.Surprising road drivers in UAE drive faster than KL drivers, maybe due to the wider roads over here.Ocassionally you can witness emergency brake at the traffic lights junctions. They like to speed and then suddenly apply their brake; very uncommon in KL.Parking is another problem in the Emirates due to limited parking space. Most of the cars parked haphazardly like in KL.

Ramadhan in Abu Dhabi

2008-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

It is the first week of the holy month of Ramadan and I have spent almost 2 months in Abu Dhabi. The heat of the summer is gradually dropping to 41 degree. Observing the Ramadan month in the Emirates is different from Malaysia. All the food outlets are closed during this holy month. Non Muslims are strictly not allowed to eat in the public. We took our lunch at a designated room in the office.

Working hour at the construction site also change to observe the Ramadan month. There are 2 shifts. Morning shift is from 7am to 1pm and night shift from 8pm to 2pm.There is no site activity from 1pm to 8pm.Muslim staff at our office goes off at 3pm.There are so many free things in Abu Dhabi. Water and electricity supply to the Emiratis are free. Bus service and parking is also free to the public and there is no Income Tax over here. It is really shameful to know that with so much oil in Malaysia, we are still struggling with budget deficit ever year and nothing is free in Malaysia.

Last weekend ( Weekend over here is Friday ) went to Marina Mall with Yong.Took the free bus service from my place to the shopping mall which is located about 5km away. The French hypermarket Carrefour and Ikea are located at the mall. Only Carrefour is open during the Ramadan, Ikea will open only at 8pm.There is also a Cineplex at the mall and cinema ticket is priced at 30 dirham each which is about RM27.

Day trip to Dubai

2008-08-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Closed up view of Burj Dubai taking shape

Burj Dubai stands out among the skyscapers in Dubai

Skylines of Dubai city on the way back to Abu Dhabi

In front of Dragon Mart with Yong

Inside Souk Madinat Shopping Mall

River scene inside Souk Madinat Shopping Mall

Me at the Souk Madinat Shopping Mall river view

Me in front of the Beijing Olympics display at Dragon Mart

Me in front of the entrance of Burj Al-Arab hotel

Scene at the Abra station across the Dhow River

Time passed really fast and I have spent more than a month in Abu Dhabi. Yesterday went over to Dubai for a day trip with Yong and Poh.We took the early bus from Abu Dhabi at 8am and reached Dubai two hours later. The bus ride was quite comfortable and we passed many tall buildings which were either completed or under construction. I was told that a quarter of the world construction machineries are in Dubai, the fastest transformed city in the world. The tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai which is 162 storey high and scheduled to complete by next September 2009 is also located in Dubai, so is the most expensive hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Dubai is a city of fascinating constrasts, offering a distinctive blend of old and new. It’s where East meets West. In less than a century, under the visionary leadership of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family, it has transformed from a small fishing village into a modern city full of surprises.The first place we visited, the Abra Station where we took the boat ride across the Arabian Dhow River near the commercial district. The river cruise only cost us 1 dirham each and it took only 10 minutes to reach the other side of the city.

Board a cab to Dragon Mart which boasts to have about 3,000 shops in the Mall mostly operated by the Chinese. Took quite a number of photos at the Beijing Olympics displays at the Mart. Earlier crossed over the road where there are many blocks of apartments labeled with China and England apartments. Have our noodles at one of the restaurant run by the Chinese near the China’s apartments.Our next stop was at the most expensive hotel in the world, the towering 7 star Burj Al Arab hotel. Took quite a number of shots at the hotel entrance and the Wild Wadi water park at Jumeirah.

Went over to Souk Madinat Shopping Mall which was just a walking distance from the hotel. The shopping mall was quite traditional and they even have restaurants, bars and entertainment.Cabs ride in Dubai is more expensive than Abu Dhabi and we spend quite a lot on taxi fares. Some ride could cost more than 60 dirham. Turned back by the long quee for the bus to Abu Dhabi and decided to take cab back AD which cost us 50 dirham each.

More news from the Emirates

2008-08-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

Me with one of the Emiratis at the Mall

Me at Abu Dhabi Mall

Inside Abu Dhabi Mall

Abu Dhabi Shopping Mall

The subway where I take to go to Lulu Hypermarkets.

Lulu hypermarkets where I usually buy my Filipinos dinner

The laundry shop

My two friendly laundry assistants where I got my laundry done

The Kabus shop

The Pakistanis doing the Roti Nan type of bread called Kabus

My barber shop entrance

The barber shop where I have my haircut done for 10 dirham

Dear Comrades,

It is the beginning of August…weather had yet to reach the peak. Yesterday after our weekly dinner in one of the few Chinese Restaurants in Abu Dhabi, we went to the Gold Centre to shop at the many jewellery shops. There are also many shops selling furniture imported from Malaysia at the centre. Surprisingly there is not a single security guard at any of the gold shops while all the gold and diamond were openly displayed.Malaysian robbers will have a free time over here.

Partly due to the terrible heat over here, I need to have my haircut early and got it done in one of the Indian hair saloon for only 10 dirham. The villa I am staying is located very conveniently to the numerous groceries shops, hair saloon, and some big shopping centre like Al Wahda Mall centre and Lulu Hypermarket. Did my Window Live Messenger with my wife regularly at one of the Internet Café for only 5 Dirham per hour which is also walking distance to my villa

It hardly rains in AD and there is no drainage system in their building layout.The landscaping here are maintain green by the sprinkle system which run underground.Newspapers here are sold for 3 Dirham but their paper quality are superior with glossy finish and come with 5 sections.

News from Abu Dhabi

2008-07-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

Part of the street of Abu Dhabi

Part of the city of Abu Dhabi

Part of the skylines in Abu Dhabi

Yong posed in front of the pub with a African bouncer

My buddy from KL enjoying his beer and steak with me at one of the pub in AD

One of the old building being demolished to give way to new buildings

Dear Comrades,

10 days have passed in AD...Slowly adapting to the life and weather over here.We work halfday on Thursday and rest on Friday. In the month of Ramadhan we stop at 3pm.Attended the orientation session for new staff at our head office today.There were mixture of nationalities in Tamouh Investment, mostly from the Philiphines,India,Malaysia and Gulf nations.

Yesterday underwent the full medical check up given by the company.They even have my stool taken for examination.The dental check-up was good as it has been years I went for one since school days.The dentist adviced me to clean up my teeth deposits at the gum area and have make appointment to see him next week,We are only paying 20% of the cost.Accomodation is a big problem in Abu Dhabi.A small little studio room is going for AED5,000 per month and you need to pay 12 months upfront to get the room.Cars here are cheap and you can buy a decent used car for less than AED10k. New cars are affordable and Kia Picanto is selling at less than AED30k.Parking is free even in Shopping centre and there is no road tax over here.There are so many types of luxury cars in AD which you can't find in Malaysia.

Crime is almost zero in AD.Ladies feel safe to walk in the street at night.The punishment for crime committed is serious.You will be send to the jail before deported to your country of origin.Policemen are paid AED30K per month with housing facilities provided.The majority of the employee are either from Philpines,India,Pakistan and Gulf nations.The Pakistani are mostly taxi drivers or hard labourers,The indian operate the sundry shops and also as labourers,the Filipinos in the service industry as maids,clerical staffs,restuarants.The Gulf nation are from Egypt,Lebanons and are mostly semi-professionals.The locals hardly work as they are filthy rich and mostly as government servants and sponsors.They usually dressed in their traditional white custumes with the headwear kondura.

The construction work stop from 12noon to 3pm during the summer season.We are now experiencing the summer and weather now is touching 50 degree.The joke here is there are plenty of water in UAE even though it is a desert but no water shortage.Unlike in KL where we have plentiful of rainfall but facing water supply crises issue.Will post more photos soon.To be continue...

Update from Abu Dhabi

2008-07-17T23:42:00.000-07:00

Bahrain duty free shops during my transit to Abu Dhabi

Mr Richard Ibanez, a Filipino which I met during the 4 hours transit at Bahrain.He worked 1 year as a technician in Saudi Arabia and is leaving for Philipines for good.

Dear Comrades,Safely arrived at Abu Dhabi on 16th July 2008 local time 10.10pm via Gulf Air flight transit at Bahrain. Started working the next day for the local property developer Tamouh Investment Company LCC. Weather terribly hot at 48 degree.

Lodging is the biggest problem over here with the rental going up as high as Dirham 5,000.Our company have about 90% Malaysian with the Filipino filling up the clerical positions.Will post to you more photos from Abu Dhabi soon...

Farewell gathering with friends and relatives in KL and Malacca

2008-07-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

My colleagues, consultants and contractors at farewell lunch in a Thai Restaurant in Taman Melawati.

My Malacca buddies enjoying dinner at farewell gathering in Malacca.

My childhood friend Richard Yeo, all the way from Johore Bahru to attend the farewell

Farewell lunch with my brothers,sister and parents at New Kingdom restaurant, Melaka Raya

Lunch farewell given by my brothers and sister at New Kingdom restaurant in Malacca

Farewell dinner organised by DAP Salak South at KFC Kuchai Lama

DAP Salak South N/V Chairman Abdullah Chong ( standing brown shirt) and secretary Fong Kok Leong white shirt at KFC Kuchai Lama restaurant

It was indeed a hectic weekend with many farewell gathering organised by friends and relatives before ny departure to Abu Dhabi. On the last day of my work on 9th of July 2008, my colleague,consultants and contractor treated me to a lunch at a Thai restuarant. Later in Malacca on Saturday night my Malacca childhood friends threw a farewell dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Melaka Raya.I was really touched by my buddy Richard and Quek who came all the way from JB and KL respectively to attend the dinner.

On Sunday, my brothers and sister bought me lunch at New Kingdom restaurant at Melaka Raya.Meanwhile at night, DAP Salak South treated me Kentucky Fried Chicken at the Jalan Kuchai Lama KFC outlet. Will be leaving for Abu Dhabi on the 15th July 2008 for new job assignment.

Blood donation on 6th July 2008

2008-07-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

De Tropicana Condo Resident Association ( DTRA ) and National Blood Centre jointly organised the 8th blood donative drive at the condo Multi Purpose hall on Sunday 6th July 2008 from 10am to 4pm.The response from the public was more than the residents with 63 registered donors but only 53 qualified to donate. The next drive will be held next year January 2009.

DTRA 8th Blood Donation Drive

2008-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

De Tropicana Condo Resident Association(DTRA) and Pusat Darah Negara ( National Blood Centre) will jointly organise the 8th Blood Donation Drive as described below:

Date: 6th July 2008 ( Sunday )

Time: 10am to 4pm

Venue: De Tropicana Condominium Multi Purpose Hall
Jalan 2/116B, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama,

58200 Kuala Lumpur.
( Opposite Golden Sun Restaurant)

Dear Potential Donors:

1) Please have at least 6 hours of sleep before donating.

2) Refrain from taking alcohol 1 day before donating.

PLEASE PASS MESSAGE TO FRIENDS...

YOU GIVE...THEY LIVE...

Father's Day Celebration

2008-06-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Father's Day cake presented by my 3 angels

Father's Day celebration with my wife.

Father's Day dinner gathering with my parents and relatives in Malacca.

Went back Malacca last week to celebrate Father's Day with my father at one of the Chinese Restaurant in Melaka Baru.My brothers and sister also joined in for the annual celebration. Back in Kuala Lumpur, my daughters bought me a cake for our simple father day's celebration at home.

My Alma Mater...more photos of Malacca High School

2008-05-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

Malacca High School assembly area where we used to assemble for our Monday Negaraku song

Malacca High School field surrounded by some of the old blocks and HSOBA building.

The school hall which was built from student and public donation during my time.

My Alma Mater, Malacca High School is the second oldest school in the country after Penang Free School. I was admited to Malacca High School in the year 1975 doing my Form 1 and left school after completed my Form 5. Even though I was qualified to attend Form 6 Arts, I opted to study Building Technology at Tunku Abdul Rahman College in Kuala Lumpur.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

The lovely Mother's Day cake

My wife cutting the Mother's Day celebration cake.

My three Angels with her mum in front of the cake.

Last night we have a simple mother's day celebration at home. My three daughters bought a small cake for her mum from their own pocket money.

My Alma Mater...more photos of Banda Hilir English School

2008-05-05T01:45:00.000-07:00

The back gate of Banda Hilir English School where some of the students waited for their buses.

The school football field which still exist and the canteen at the background.

The school assembly area where we gather every Monday for the Negaraku and speeches

Banda Hilr school hall entrance which still exist.Remember watching the Mohd Ali boxing match live on TV in this hall.

I like to share with my schoolmates who were in Banda Hilr English School the inside photos of some of the school blocks and facilities. Most of the old blocks are still there while there are old blocks replaced by new buildings. However the school hall and library are still around and so is the football field.

Down Memory Lane...revisited ny Alma Mater

2008-05-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

The main block of Malacca High School.

In front of Malacca High School Guard House entrance

Myself in front of Banda Hilir English School entrance

Signboard of Banda Hilir English School.

Returned back to my Alma Mater after a lapse of more than 30 years.Went back to visit my primary school which was then called B.H.E.S Banda Hilir English School.Last left the school in the year 1974 after completed my Standard 6.Luckily the guard was kind enough to let me in to take some photos. Most of the school buildings remain intact except with new coat of paint and some minor renovation.It was located in Jalan Banda Hilir and I can still recalled we waited for our school bus at a field opposite the school.However the field is now occupied by Dataran Pahlawan, a new shopping complex.
Later went over to Malacca High School,my secondary school which was just a walking distance away from BHES.Luck was again with me when the guard allowed me in to take photographs. Walked into the school field where there was a cricket game going on.Fond memories returned as I strolled along the school.Managed to snap some photos of the school blocks,canteen,field and assembly area.

Mother's Day Celebration in Malacca

2008-05-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Group family photos taken with mum and dad after the dinner

Myself with my parents and other family members.

My mum and dad enjoying the vegatarian dinner

Went back Malacca with my family to celebrate Mother's Day with my mum and dad.My brothers and sister also came with their family members.We gather without fail every year at one of the vegetarian restaurant at Melaka Raya.Usually we will celebrate early to avoid the crowd.