Ramadhan in Sarawak is distinctively special

As a Sarawakian, I admit that I do take somethings for granted about my state and its people that at some point of life, it takes an outsider, or rather a non-Sarawakian to tell me how special my state is.

This was the case when I met with the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching's (BCCK) Executive Director, Dr Mohamadon (Dr Don) last week.

To be honest, a text message from Mike regarding myself being called for a meeting with his Dr Don was indeed very puzzling because people like me (ordinary people-bah), don't get courtesy calls such as this one.

There was a brief sense of anxiety over it all when I was waiting in the BCCK admin office to meet Dr Don, and as I was showed to Dr Don's office, I was all over the place (at least my mind was) due to nervousness.

[caption id="attachment_466" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The BCCK Ramadhan buffet where Dr Don saw something special[/caption]

Anyway, what turned out to be a brief meeting and sharing session proved to be something worthy to blog about because Dr Don was eager to tell me how Sarawak touched his heart this Ramadhan.

The things Dr Don shared were ordinary yet aptly precise, and it did make me even prouder to be called a Sarawakian.

Among the many things he shared, one was something I've never actually noticed until he mentioned it, and this was regarding the month of Ramadhan, and how we Sarawakians treat our Muslim friends during the fasting month.

According to Dr Don, he was very touched when he went to the BCCK Ramadhan buffet (which you can read about here) last weekend because he observed something very special.

Like I said, I always thought it was something ordinary, but he felt otherwise.

[caption id="attachment_464" align="aligncenter" width="500"] A non-Muslim girl taking her buffet at BCCK Ramdhan Buffet[/caption]

The thing which I'm referring to here is the fact that us non-Muslims in Sarawak will consciously wait for the announcement that fasting for the day has ended, before we actually start eating, despite the fact we have already had our food taken from the buffet.

I'm not sure if you do it too, but I also find myself doing the same thing when I attend events held with a majority of Muslim friends. The latest was at a well known hotel in Kuching, where my friend and I (my firend was a Chinese) sat with a Muslim friend at the buffet table, but decided to wait for the beat of the Bedok (a traditional drum in Sarawak which is beat to signal the end of fasting for the day) before we ate. This was despite both of us already having our food and drinks all in front of us, and the fact that our Muslim friend actually asked us to eat first.

[caption id="attachment_465" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Muslim girls breaking their fast[/caption]

Anyway, I told Dr Don that I actually thought similar action happened in the Peninsular Malaysia, but he was quick to say it didn't happen as well as in Sarawak.

His answer made my nose bulge a bit.

I mean, Sarawak is known to be well praised by many for being the best concept of 1Malaysia, but then, to hear it personally from someone who is not actively involved in politics, and is not even a Sarawakian, makes it HUGE!

[caption id="attachment_463" align="aligncenter" width="500"] A photo with Dr Don at his office at BCCK[/caption]

As we talked more, Dr Don revealed of his fear that Sarawakians will change in attitude as time goes by, but his praises over the people of Sarawak for being hospitable and respectful of other races and religions was very evident in most of his words.

With my next appointment due in 20 minutes, I had to excuse myself from the meeting, but Dr Don's words about Sarawak surely made me smile of pride.

It goes "Kuching or Sarawak in general has changed so much physically in the past 20 years, but the essence of its people has not".

Anything you'd like to say about his statement?

Planning the Proposal – “Because life was never meant to be lived alone”

I bet it's been figured out already after my previous post. Last night at about 830PM, I proposed to someone special, known to the world as Coffee Girl at a place I think we both feel nostalgic, known as Starbucks Kuching International Airport (KIA).

The gesture, or more aptly known as 'the proposal' marks a new chapter in my life because after 30 years, I am working on one of the biggest projects ever in my life, which is to end my single life.

It was not easy trying to keep everything under wraps because I spend a lot of time with my 'otter-half', and things almost slipped out when my mum, who joined my sister, Dinah and I on a movie, asked "So when is the big day and have you planned it out?" - It was not her fault, because she didn't know. (Tip #1: Always tell mum!)

Oh... that was indeed a panicking moment for me because it would have screwed all the plans. Thankfully, Dinah didn't really hear the question, and choose to ignore it, despite knowing there was something I didn't want her to know after I abruptly stopped mum from asking more.

As days passed, I made arrangements to go meet her father in the village on the first of Ramadhan, because I had a holiday. It was sort of a surprise visit plan to ask for Dinah's fatherly consent for me to propose because I think asking for her dad's approval would be a proper gesture. - Unfortunately, my 'otter-half' decided to take a holiday as well on that day, so the plan blew up in smokes. (Tip #2: Never ever tell you are on a holiday if you have a secret plan like this)

Prior to this also, plans were also drawn up to make this proposal happen at Starbucks KIA.

Why Starbucks you must ask, kan?

Well, for starters, it was where we first met (there were so many other times, but this was where it all happened), and it was also the first Starbucks Caramel macchiato she had. (Tip #3: Find somewhere special)

Knowing I had a few friends in Starbucks, I pulled some strings and asked for their favor, and a huge thank you really goes out to Ezam, Mus, Alin, Andrew and all the Starbucks crew at KIA for helping out. They did everything superbly! (Tip #4: Find special people!)

[caption id="attachment_443" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The spot, coincidentally the same spot where we first drank coffee together.[/caption]

The game plan by this point was to order a cup of caramel macchiato, and propose upon giving it to her as doodles of 'Will you marry me' were shown on the cup, but there was a problem. I wanted it to be documented.

[caption id="attachment_445" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Doodles by Starbucks KIA for the occasion =)[/caption]

That's where Mike came in. A real buddy whom I can trust to keep things to himself, this bro went "What's happening next Wednesday again?" when I told him to keep the whole plan to himself. (Tip #5: Always get a good cameraman/friend to help document it all)

I was tempted to invite friends for the huge day, but decided it would be difficult to keep it secret if there was a sudden number of my friends at KIA. - I mean, who the hell goes all the way to KIA on a Wednesday night for no apparent reason? I'm very sure Dinah would smell somethings up. (Tip #6: The less people know about it, the bigger the surprise)

So on the day, I wore my usual attire (probably wore something a bit better) and brought Dinah out for dinner. Despite being full, I made an excuse to go to KIA because "I was still hungry, and I wanted Starbucks, and it only could be found at KIA". (Tip #7: Go a day as usual)

Butterflies were indeed in my tummy as I almost puked on the way. I was already full due to dinner, but the thought of what I'd do next sent nervous vibes to my tummy.

Lucky I managed to control my cool, and we head on straight to KIA, parking illegally nearby Starbucks.

As we walked in, I waved to Mike whom I've planted there since 8AM (this mate was also early!), and asked Dinah to stay with him. She did so without suspecting anything =P

Walked over to the counter, and Ahmad was all smiles while handing me the custom made cup, while the whole team wished me 'good luck'.

Walked over then to the sofas where Mike and Dinah was, knelt down to have this recorded. (Mind you, I was all over the place!)

Well, it wasn't as perfect as I imagined, because the nervous cells inside of me got the best of me, but I am very happy she said YES!

[caption id="attachment_444" align="aligncenter" width="500"] There you have it. The ring and the cup. The cup probably would cost more than the ring now... at least for both of us.[/caption]

I know, the whole proposal wasn't as grand as others, but I'm not really good in mastering grand stuff. Anyway, to everyone who sent their congratulatory messages, thank you =)

"It’s because I believe life is not meant to be lived alone. No matter how many friends and relatives you have, there is nothing like having someone to grow old with and to be there for you no matter what." - JUNE H.L.WONG

p/s: The tips are not meant to show I'm an expert. It's just what I drew up, and figure, hey, you might want to learn a few things. I know many of those reading this can do much better!

Over a memorable caramel macchiato

A few months ago, the bros and I had a midnight discussion at a 'drinking party'. There was quite a lot that we talked about, but one topic I guess was quite 'heavy'.

It was in regards to the future, and what do you see in it.

I'll skip the detailed discussion, since we have a 'bro-code' to not talk about these 'sharing' sessions. Nonetheless, the image below will say a lot about what the future brings to me.

While some may question, and others might be all negative about it, I think otherwise because, it is for me, a sure thing.  Never had I been so sure about a person in my life.

When you are reading this post, I bet the whole thing has been done, and documented, and more things may, or may not be in the process of removing the 'I' in my life.

Tell you more, when it's over, but for now, wish me luck, because it will be over a 'caramel macchiato', with the help people at Starbucks, Kuching, which has been simply amazing!

BCCK Ramadhan Buffet gets more difficult to beat

I want to try something different in my write-up about BCCK's Ramadhan buffet this year. I am not sure how you will accept it, but there must be different ways to write a food review, particularly about BCCK's which has been simply 'the buffet to beat' every Ramadhan. Maybe I'll focus less on the food. We'll see how this post goes by. Hope you read on.

[caption id="attachment_414" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Simple, yet impressive setting at BCCK's Ramadhan buffet[/caption]

Well, like previous years, this year I was again invited to do a 'food tasting' session at BCCK. When it comes to BCCK, you could expect things to get really grand, because that's how they love doing it. BIG, HUGE and IN FULL STYLE.

Their Ramadhan buffet is no exception. Occupying one huge hall, with not less than 70 different dishes, and ample places to seat like a King, the BCCK Ramadhan buffet would delight anyone whom was willing to pay RM75 per person.

[caption id="attachment_427" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Chef Saiful from Kelantan. Also a die hard Kelantan FA fan. Gomo Kelante Gomo![/caption]

To add flavor this year, a new chef has taken over the kitchen at BCCK, and his promise to make things happen for BCCK is evident when in less than 12 days, he has made the annual BCCK Ramdhan buffet bigger and more glorious. I was there yesterday to see and taste the whole thing, and he has my votes.

But let me start with the less pleasing things about the buffet which was themed 'Balik Kampung'. Well, despite the theme, the sambal belacan which originates from the village didn't have the 'umphh!' I was hoping for as it seemed lacking in belacan (shrimp paste) and chilies.

[caption id="attachment_422" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The jelly dish umai was not to my liking. Maybe you'd suggest otherwise =)[/caption]

The 'jelly fish umai' was also not up to my standards because it tasted, well... a little tasteless, and the Beef Masala was quite difficult to bite for my liking.

However, the disappointments over the buffet stops there because the rest was just free flowing goodness of food!

[caption id="attachment_421" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Signature whole roast lamb.- Imagine how it tasted! Uuoohhh!![/caption]

I started off with their signature whole roasted lamb, and the dish didn't disappoint me. This year, black pepper sauce made its way to the dish, and it was perfect! For those intending to watch your cholesterol levels, well... hard luck for you mates, because this is one dish that would make you return to BCCK, or at least make you make return to the 'roasted lamb' stall!

[caption id="attachment_419" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Beef Masala looking good, but I thought it was tough[/caption]

With such a huge amount of selections, I had problems deciding of what I wanted to eat next, but soon decided a good plate of white rice with a mixture of different types of hot food and appetizers would be just nice.

Among the few notable dishes that made its way to my plate was one of the 5 types of 'Kerabu'. Normally, I'd decide not to give 'Kerabu' a try, but this time, I felt it's about time I did, and hell yeah to the 'Kerabu' served!

[caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="500"] This kerabu got my vote. Sour yet lovely.[/caption]

For a person who just loves sour food, this was really wonderful as an appetizer. It was sour, and the taste of the vege was evident. My only dismay was that it was not spicy enough, but then I guess if it was, I'd be the only one eating it.

A local favorite 'tempoyak' was also served, and I found it just like the ones you have in the village. I think Irene was proof that the 'tempoyak' was really good because she kept talking about how nice it was.

[caption id="attachment_428" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Poached prawns on ice. Those at my table said it was fresh and delicious.[/caption]

The poached prawn on ice also proved to be a hit with the prawns fast disappearing every time it was reloaded, although I must admit, I didn't try this dish personally due to 'a thing' I have for cold served seafood.

[caption id="attachment_418" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mee Hoon Siam isn't exactly your ordinary fried mee hoon once you have it. Seconds is assured.[/caption]

I did however try out the Fried Mee Hoon Siam and Stirred Fried Siew Pak Choy with Garlic, which were equally delicious. The Pak Choy in particular retained its original vege juice, hence making it crunchy upon every bite. Love it this way!

[caption id="attachment_425" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Muscles  Au Gratin curry style - Looks yucky when viewed real live, but taste heavenly![/caption]

Then there's the Mussel Au Gratin curry style. This dish confused me because it had lemon, looked like 'a lemon based' dish, but then proved to have this creamy curry taste which was simply delightful. I don't think I could express properly how it taste, because I am still confused if it should be called 'curry', but then, this was goooooddd!!

[caption id="attachment_416" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Didn't spot any 'Petai' in this Udang Goreng Berkunyi dengan Petai dish[/caption]

My second round of dishes came with less filling food with the Udang Goreng Berkunyit dengan Petai (I just realized 'dengan Petai). It was good, but I don't remember any 'Petai' in it. Probably I didn't scoop deep enough, or the 'Petai' was shredded to small micro pieces. You tell me when you go there to 'Buka Puasa'.

[caption id="attachment_417" align="aligncenter" width="500"] An option for lamb: Grilled lamb with Rosemary sauce.[/caption]

Also had 'Grilled Lamb with Rosemary Sauce' which is like the little brother of the roasted whole lamb because it was simply perfect and tender, but in no way able to defeat the whole roast lambs seductiveness. Probably I felt that way because I was quite full, but yeah, it does take a lot to beat the whole roast lamb (and why am I still talking about the whole roast lamb?)

BCCK also serves the best Shawarma in the city, and this time around, the Shawarma got extra big - as in 'Ang Moh' palm size big!

[caption id="attachment_426" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Like the buffet, the Shawarma got bigger![/caption]

Tell you, the Shawarma could easily be voted second if I were to rate the best dishes that night, but it fell a bit short behind the 'Vegetarian Shark's fin soup' which I thought was flawless. A tip for the Shawarma; ask for more mayo and sauce.

[caption id="attachment_415" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Shark Fin's soup - Never thought I'd be eating this pricey dish.[/caption]

Well, my tummy was already 'uber' full by then, and I just slightly managed to squeeze in two scoops of ice cream, and a surprisingly delicious 'cucur udang' from another two of the many stalls available at the buffet, before summing up the evening with a delicious Coconut Pudding.

[caption id="attachment_424" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The queue at the food table. Notice the steam from the food. Served hot bah![/caption]

But I tell you honestly, this years buffet was far better than last years', and I think was also better than the 2011 edition I also had a privileged to go for. The selections were amazing, and the quality BCCK had retained over the years just makes it probably the best buffets in in my books, not only for Ramadhan.

[caption id="attachment_413" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Indie stores outside the Great Hall. More tenants this time, making it livelier.[/caption]

The decoration was also impressive, and the indie stalls outside the great hall just added more colour to the whole dining experience.

With that said, dail 082-392889 to book your spot at BCCK's Ramadhan buffet which comes alive everyday during this fasting month from 630PM-10PM.

I'm returning for seconds, mark my word.

You want to smell something awesome? - Try fermented pork

Hey, I'm seriously out of ideas and imagination for a blog post, but I've got something from my moms village last week, and its something I highly recommend.

Health issues aside, the thing you see below will make you salivate so hard, you'd be running to the rice pot so that you can bask your tongue in this one of a kind Dayak dish.

The item is popularly known as 'Kauk Doot', or 'Fermented Pork', and it goes well with lime and those small tiny chilies, known locally as 'cili padi'.

I bet by now those of you knowing how t taste are already salivating! - Yep, that's how powerful it is!

And the best part is, if you fry it with some oil, you'd get your whole housing area all exotically smelly, with some cursing you because you just made them hungry.

So, want to smell something really awesome, this is it!

The Lone Ranger: There's something wrong with that horse

The Lone Ranger brings me back to the years when I was a kid, probably between the age of 3 to 12. I can't exactly remember everything about this classic cartoon, but seeing it making its way to the silver screen does ring some bells.

I couldn't the whole cartoon, but this video I found on Youtube was somewhat the closest what was the theme opening of the famous cartoon series.

Geez... somehow just watching that intro video made me feel 'ancient'.

But anyway, the movie 'Lone Ranger' was one delightful affair to say the least. In one sentence, I'd say that it's "a typical Johnny Depp movie where his antic funny expressions play a huge role in making the movie enjoyable to watch."

[caption id="attachment_391" align="aligncenter" width="500"] This was one funny scene when Tonto tried to persuade the horse to go for a brother he prefers.[/caption]

While the movie wasn't entirely flawless, it managed to keep everyone grinning well through the movie with smart yet quip lines from both the Lone Ranger himself (acted by Armie Hammer) and Tonto (Johnny Depp), with the white horse making things very interesting with its 'out of the ordinary' actions.

The movie itself isn't really action packed, and the story line was was clear and straight forward for those not familiar with the cartoon series.

[caption id="attachment_389" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The trademark pose of the Lone Ranger. This was also a funny scene.[/caption]

Nonetheless, I had a slight reservation of how the 'lone ranger' was portrayed because unlike the carton I remember, he seemed overshadowed by Tonto in this movie - but of course since it's Johnny Depp playing Tonto.

I also had a feeling that the directors rushed the final scenes of the movie, in which John Reid (The Lone Ranger) was suddenly able to do complicated cowboy skills with much ease - all despite him being portrayed as 'a city lawyer' in the first few scenes.

[caption id="attachment_390" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Not bad for a poster, but make sure you listen carefully to the conversation, or you'll be missing out.[/caption]

But despite that all, the movie is pleasing enough to not let you complain, making me wonder why I saw some people say the movie was 'boring'. - Probably they couldn't read between the lines.

#TwtUpKCH & #DGWWWOW Awards: It's not me, it's us

I've been getting a lot of these silly grins on my face lately, because life has been 'ottersome'!

While work is getting heavier to handle, the personal part of living has been nothing short of amazing with good things I never expected to happen, happening.

One of these few moments was yesterday, when an event I help co-organize, known as "Tweet-Up Kuching @ #TwtUpKCH" was awarded 'Social Media Gathering of the Year' at the DiGi WWWOW Awards, which is an award like the 'Grammy Awards' for social media in Malaysia.

The congratulations over the win indeed poured in, as soon as it was made know that #TwtUpKCH won the award, and many were quick to congratulate me for the success.

[caption id="attachment_378" align="aligncenter" width="499"] An image of the actual plaque awarded. - Photo by Robin Wong[/caption]

Thank you really for the congratulatory messages everyone, but really... I don't deserve it alone. There was a lot of people equally involved in making the event a huge success and we too need to congratulate them.

The way I see it, everyone did something for #TwtUpKCH, even the naysayers and those 'negative-doubtful and critical' people. Those of you who didn't come, but tweeted about #TwtUpKCH also helped us, and what more to say the those coming and making the event happening. You guys were key to the success.

You see, while one may say they contributed close to zero to the event's success, I would hugely beg to differ because a small contribution really goes a long way. - Talk to me personally, and I'll gladly explain.

But anyways, I would personally like to thank Fazli (@fazlitaufek) and Fahriee (@riizad) who were really instrumental in making #TwtUpKCH happen. Without both their efforts, we wouldn't have #TwtUpKCH at all.

[caption id="attachment_75" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Fueled by passion. The committee of #TwtUpKCH which volunteered for the event.[/caption]

A huge amount of gratitude also goes to the main committee; Chuah Kee Man (@keemanxp), Alysa Farima Man (@alysafarima), Ahmad Faizul Fazree (@thisispejul), Dabush Kamaruddin (@dabushkamarudin), Marissa Edwin (@MarissaEdwin), Nurul A’in Mohiddin (@eulmohiddin), Rodney Scott (@rodznocturne), Noor Azimah Mohd Jamil (@cik_zmah) and Mohd Dzulfiqkhar Bin Ali Mohamad (@Dzulfiqkhar) whom sacrificed their time, money and effort for the event. Without their hard efforts, the event would be also a 'no go'.

[caption id="attachment_23" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ehem... ;P[/caption]

Special thanks also goes out to my 'otter half', Dinah (@dnahsam) whom was more than supportive of the whole idea, and understood the times I had to commit myself to the event more than I could towards her. - They say behind a great man, there's always a lady. Well, I have mine in Dinah.

Also, great massive thank you goes to Robin Wong, who represented me at the awards ceremony. Truth is, we won't be winning if he didn't go.

Also, the sponsors. Wow! You trusted us by backing the event, so really, Thank you!

...and to everyone who tweeted, came to the event, said good or bad things about the event... THANK YOU!

[caption id="attachment_74" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Friends make Sarawak Bloggers possible[/caption]

You know, we made the event happen, YOU all made it happening!

#TwtUpKCH as 'Social Media Gathering of the Year' 2013 made a clear statement that the Cat City, and Kuching people, are an awesome bunch! - Hats off to you!

Four Points Ramadan buffet: Great value for great food

I have every reason to love the month of Ramadan, and it has everything to do with food. This year, Four Points by Sheraton had given me an insight of what's on the menu for the holy month, and I can say I am excited to just talk about it!

Now, Four Points isn't really a stranger in Kuching or the world, as they have over 155 hotels in nearly 30 countries.

The difference however is that not many seem to note of Four Points Kuching's Ramadan buffet, so it was indeed something interesting to see what they had to offer in comparison to their rivals in town which I had visited in previous years.

[caption id="attachment_370" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The chef and staff of Four Points in front of the roasted lamb.[/caption]

The Ramadan buffet this year is themed 'Balik Kampung' and it couldn't be more apt with Four Points taking extra effort to introduce more local dishes in their menu this time around which includes a huge range of sambals, local delicacies and Sarawak umai ikan.

Unfortunately however, during the food tasting event I was invited to attend last Tuesday, they left out the 'sambals', but promised it would make an appearance during the month of Ramadan.

For an absolute sambal lover like me, it was a bit of a disappointment, but luckily, there was more to check out such as fresh tiger prawns, scallops, bubur pedas and many more.

With tonnes of food available for my picking, I was indeed spoil of choices, so I wouldn't be able to tell you about everything served. Also do note that I'm more traditional in my food selection, and I am not in any way an expert in food tasting.

Breaking my own tradition at buffets, I decided to go for the wonderful assortments of appetizers with the Midin shrimp salad and ais krim soda sirap bandung becoming the first things I ate/drank at the event.

The cold Midin shrimp salad surprised me as its chilled nature gave the usually 'blacan mixed' fern a refreshing taste to my enjoyment, despite myself being not a huge fan of cold dishes.

[caption id="attachment_367" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Midin shrimp salad - A cold dish which surprised me. (Pardon the image, lighting was not that good for photography purposes)[/caption]

What came next was simply large quantities of Asian delights with the signature Cantonese style fried noodles and specially made chicken rice making its way to my plate, together with Baby Kailan cooked in oyster sauce and squids which seemed to be cooked with onions and sauce.

[caption id="attachment_362" align="aligncenter" width="500"] My plate of Asian goodies which was really filling.[/caption]

The obvious feast on my plate did look a little messy, but I would recommend the chicken rice and Cantonese style fried noodles as they were almost superb!  The noodles in particular was allowed to excrete it's original flavor, hence making the little soup accompanying the noodles simply perfect!

Also making its way to my plate was the roast lamb or in full length name, Roast Arabic whole lamb with Basmati rice.

[caption id="attachment_365" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Whole roasted lamb withBasmati arabic rice[/caption]

Full praises would go to the Basmati rice which I found to be good even when eaten by itself, and the lamb was tender enough for my liking. Despite the fact that this dish wasn't on Four Points signature dish list, I'd recommend it with some spicy black pepper sauce.

Another thing I felt Four Points did right was the Indonesian bakso soup.

I have eaten bakso before, and the meat balls and soup were extremely salty for my liking.  However, the one served by Four Points was indeed just nice with the meat balls popping softly, right as my teeth crushed it in my mouth.  Tender meat balls indeed!

[caption id="attachment_369" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Beef Serunding Rendang Pizza - I'd eat this alone if it was served hot. Delicious![/caption]

With my tummy almost filled, I went for a slice of 'Beef Serunding Redang pizza' which I think would be excellent served hot/warm. The slice I had was rather cold, but that didn't deter the good taste it had.  Interestingly, if I recall correctly, this is the only restaurant/hotel offering pizza for their Ramadan buffet in Kuching.

Another dish which came highly recommended by the polite staff at The Eatery, was the signature Arabic Baklava.  This sweet dish tasted almost like 'moon cake' but its crispy nature gave it a slight edge over any other desserts I could think off.  It was simply delicious, I just had to go for seconds despite my full tummy.

[caption id="attachment_368" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Arabic Baklava - This was superb. Fitting for desserts.[/caption]

With the watch already striking a good 830PM, I made my way to the loaded dessert area and scooped some ice cream, knowing I would not be able to stuff myself with the assortment of cakes and cendol available.

That was my last dish of the night, and my 'not so fitting' pants were proof that I just had a feast.

To say the least, the Ramadan buffet by Four Points was indeed surprising given the large selection of dishes, and the quality presented by each dish I had.

On top of that, I was amazed by The Eatery, which was the restaurant serving the buffet, as it was very spacious hence allowing me to walk with ease while selecting my choice of food.

For those wanting to try out the 'Balik Kampung Ramadan Feast @ The Eatery, be prepared to pay RM80 nett per adult pax.

I'd strongly advice you to book your seats in advance shall you decide to give the buffet a try as I was told some do tend to get disappointed when they decide to walk in at the very last minute.  For bookings and more information on the buffet, as well as to know about a special Ramadan meeting package, do call +082280880.

 

Robotics in PSKPP Sarawak 2013

Among the education staff in Malaysia, Pesta Sukan Dan Kebudayaan Perkhidmatan Pelajaran (PSKPP) is not something foreign, but for those not in the service, it’s a definitely something new.
[caption id="attachment_355" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The mighty robot of A06 which, well... didn't impress much.[/caption]
The whole concept of PSKPP is about bonding, and what more better a way to create a bond than to go for a competition, although results may not be as important as many think.

Last week, I have the privileged to go for my third PSKPP, representing Kuching, a division I work in.

For the past two years, I joined under a board game known as Scrabble, but this year was different as the organizers of this year’s PSKPP decided that they wouldn’t fare well in the game, and hence the decision to drop it.
[caption id="attachment_356" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Team Bintulu fared extremely well in Robotics. They scored first place.[/caption]
Fortunately for me, I was asked to be the trainer for another game called ‘Robotics’, which was introduced by the host for the very first time this year in the festival history.

To be frank, I wasn't pleased to be nominated as the trainer for the sport, but then again, it proved to be a blessing in disguise as I just had to go to Bintulu to represent my division (since the words ‘Robotics’ scared everyone away).
[caption id="attachment_354" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Third place team with manager and spare driver.[/caption]
My team which consist of two individuals (one had to drop out after she was not given leave to attend), managed to grab third spot thanks to some very last minute training, and the help of Azli a trainer from Sasbadi.

Awards aside, the most important part of the competition was achieved, with us making new friends among our education staff, and making next year’s PSKPP something to look forward too.

However, I’d love to take part in Scrabble again next year because the game is more fun than robotics in so many ways, and the people which are very keen in playing the game make the whole game even more interesting.