Fun, Friends, Food & Further

2012-01-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!!!

Have a good holiday, may the new year brings good health, happiness and abundant blessings!!!

2011-12-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

MasterChef Malaysia Audition

I've got a "pass" to move to the next stage in MasterChef Malaysia

Hello blog, it's been a very long time since I last logged in and thank God that I still remember the password.

With the MasterChef Malaysia season 1 being popularly aired on national TV, i thought it would be appropriate for me to have the luxury of reminiscing the MasterChef Malaysia audition that I went through this year and the making of my signature dish--"sexy pants" during the cookoff.

Let me took you a few steps back to how all these came about. I love cooking (like duh?!!!) and when I cook, I usually cook more that what my husband and I could consume, so I always bring the surplus to work and share with my colleagues. Being kind and loving, they always praise and rave about the food I bring to work, which is big boost to my culinary skills. And when it comes to cooking, recipes and food, they will always associate them to me, which is so complimentary!

So one fine day, my colleague, the IT expert, Ramli said he heard the announcement of MasterChef Malaysia audition in JB and he thought of me immediately; at the same moment, the other coordinator, Ms Cruz, said she heard the exact same advertisement and had the exact same thought. Of course, they instantly Googled to get more scoop about the audition and even printed the application form for me.

Other colleagues also "coached" me on my language proficiency, gave me a crush course to salvage my very broken Bahasa Malaysia (the programme is in Bahasa Malaysia), "pushed" me into joining the competition and literally "filled in" the 20-pages (I think) application form for MasterChef Malaysia. At that time, I was still debating whether or not I should go for it. So I posted this dilemma on the FB, with 50+likes and many comments, my confidence was boosted and I went for it.

The next task is to decide on a signature dish that I think that represents who I am and that I have mastered the most. I prefer baking to cooking and Adrian always raves about the frangipane (Dannish ground almond cake that I add in mixed dried fruit), he's been calling them "sexy pants".

On the day of the audition, I brought the signature dish of "sexy pants" to Hotel Selesa JB, where the audition was held. Arriving in the evening, I was probably the last person for the audition but I got an auspicious no. of 3030.

Check out No. 3030 candidate for MasterChef Malaysia!!!

Given only 5 minutes to plate my dish before meeting the judges, I carefully place one piece of the "sexy pants" on the plate I brought from home, dusted with icing sugar and topped it whimsically with a maraschino cherry.

There were two rounds of audition, first is the tasting by panel of chef judges--Chef Zubir, Chef Johari (aka Papa Joe) and a lady judge (forgot her name) and the second is a panel of Astro production team judges--Executive Producer, Copywriter and Director (Jason and others).

I made a few blunder during the audition, the most prominent being pencuci mulut (dessert). Out of the anxiety of speaking in Bahasa, I kept saying pencuci muka (facial cleanser) during the audition and I could almost see the judges cracked up in laughter. They must have been really amused by my responses that they gave me a "pass" to progress to the cookout .

During the cookout on the next day, the candidates who made it to the cookout had to prepare and cook the signature in 60 minutes, so I had to strategize the cooking accordingly. Instead of making the whole cake which takes 30 - 40 minutes of baking, I made the "sexy pants" in cupcake sizes to cut down the cooking time and boy, it made my life easier which I had additional time making a cranberry compote and freshly whipped cream to compliment it.

While waiting for my turn to prepare the signature dish on the day of cookout.

After 60 minutes of cookout, all candidates had to stop cooking. My best friend probably wouldn't believe it (because I am usually slow in the kitchen) but I made 10 cupcakes with compote and cream in 50 minutes, which made me the second candidate serving my dish to the judges.

Whipping up fresh cream using a hand-held electric whisk my hubby gave me as birthday gift this year (photo extracted from MasterChef Malaysia official website).

When I wheeled "sexy pants" in a trolley to the judging room, I had to plate my dish in front of them while answering some grueling questions (actually more like amusing them with my Bahasa). But they must have loved my food or Bahasa proficiency (or lack thereof) that I have been selected to the top 40!!!!!

In any decision making, one gains some and looses some. Much to my friends' disappointment, I didn't sign the agreement letter to compete in the Top 40 for a few reasons, but I keep telling everyone that talented people will shine in anywhere they are, right?

My signature dish--"sexy pants" (frangipane) 3-way (prune, mixed fruit and chocolate chip) with cranberry compote and fresh cream (photo extracted from MasterChef Malaysia official website).

2011-04-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

I HEART British Fashion

The royal wedding of the century between Prince William and Ms Kate is around the corner, and the entire world is waiting anxiously to witness the avant-garde matrimony of this lovely and sweet couple walking down the aisle together, after dating for seven years (coincidentally, it's exactly how long my husband and I had dated before we tied the knot, LOL).

I am always mesmerized and inspired by the elegant sense of fashion that the future princess of England--Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, popularly known as Kate, possesses. Everything about her exudes royal elegance and she carries herself so effortlessly.

Despite the fact that luxurious brand couturiers constantly send Kate their runway pieces and would be honoured to have their masterpieces dressed by Kate and photographed by paparazzi's around the world. Deep down, Kate is a true British fashion lover/supporter.

Ahem... so I did a bit of research and guess what Kate wore on her 21st birthday??? Topshop!!!! It's like "HELLO William, you should put a ring on this gal, STAT!!!!". There is so much to say about this future princess who has the world of designer clothings to choose from, but had chosen to dress herself in local fashion mass-market label.

Her support for British fashion world has melted and won the hearts of many. In my humble opinion, Kate is one of those people who can look great in any thing. She can probably dress in a sack and make the outfit her own Kate-esque style. Did I mention that that dress that she wore was sold out in Topshops worldwide within split seconds?

As a novice fashion lover, I ooh and ahh each time I admire at the photographs of the royal engagement. While the world focused on the vintage engagement ring (which Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana) that deserves a parade, I fell and am still falling in love the that gorgeous Issa blue chiffon satin dress that Kate wore and millions of ladies out there were just excited as I was, when the engagement photos were released.

Designed a London-based (of course!) designer Daniella Helayel, the dress has captured the attention of every princess-wanna-be (like myself) was then carbon-copied by high- and mass-fashion designers all over.

If you love British fashion as much as I do, there are a few Brit fashion "it" ladies who can be your inspiration. Other than Kate, my top three favorites include:

1. Alexa Chung

2. Kate Moss

3. Sienna Miller

Can you spot what do these bombshells have in common (besides nationality) in these photos???? Mulberry handbags!!!!!

Pssst... just between you and me, ok? If you want to own this fabulous must-have British designer handbag without burning a hole in your purse, you can sign up at www.nuyou.com.my to stand a chance to win a Mulberry Bayswater in Oak. Nu You (girlfriend in English) magazine is generously giving away this fabulous leather handbag, in timeless classic colour of oak, to reward their readers and commemorate their 18th anniversary.

Dear Nu You, can I please please please please be the lucky reader???? I will be sure to be your BFF!!!!

Imagine yourself cladding this iconic arm candy and dress to the nines as a princess (like Kate) and it wouldn't hurt to throw in a complete package of eye-candy husband like William either, ha!

2011-04-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

Good Friday

While many people are on public holiday because of Good Friday/Easter weekend. I am working my rear end off to run and complete the clinical exams for 96 students.

By 6:00 pm, I was already exhausted and I didn't want to continue straining my eyes further tabulating the final marks. Instead, I want to welcome the beginning of Sabbath by remembering how our Saviour sacrificed Himself to save all mankind on this very sacred day, thousands of years ago.

I don't celebrate Easter, but for those who celebrate it, have a good Easter weekend and Shabbat shalom!

2011-04-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Food Print

Dear readers and lurkers of my blog. It has been eon years since I last left my thoughts on this blog. Thank you for your tireless support and I hope you continue to support this blog and many other related links because I am working on a small project that I am very excited about and I just can't wait to get back to blogging.

The project is food-tography. As you know, I am an avid foodie who loves cooking, eating and capturing the best moment of my and other chefs' culinary repertoires. Recently, I have received a long-waited birthday gift, a DSLR and I have been exploring the various aspects of taking scrumptious food photos through the camera.

So, please stay tuned and look up for my little project entitled "Food Print" on Facebook and this blog, I promise I will give my very best to produce photos that will whet your appetite. Until then, bon appetit!

2010-08-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

Photo Journal Winner

I know I know, it has been ages since I last jotted down something in this blog. This should have been posted a while ago but it's better be late than never, no?

Anyhow, ladies and gentlemen, it's my pure pleasure to announce the winner of A-Level Photo Journal 2010 Contest (drum rolls please)... it's none other than our Foa Chee Yi. Round of applause for Chee Yi!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a winner, Chee Yi gets RM 80 worth of MPH voucher and the voucher is still with me, I shall pass it to him when I drop by Sunway College JB (before it expires).

Anyway, congratulations Chee Yi! Job well-done! Hope to see you at the college or else where soon :D

Chee Yi's Photo Journal "My Best Math Companion"

2010-06-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

Holiday Much Needed

Unlike most of my academic colleagues who have been nicely enjoying their mid-year holidays, I've just leaped over to the administrative side of the education institute, hence I have no break at all this June, which is unusual and it s****!

Gosh... I feel like I have yet had a break for the first half of year 2010. It would have been nice to have a weekend escapade from work and city and just have some me-time of doing nothing. Perhaps I should have checked in to a nice hotel in Singapore and have bed and breakfast.

Oooooo... speaking of bed and breakfast, pancake with strawberry and fresh whipped cream will be DIVINE!!!

Dream on.

2010-04-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

Via: Online Schools

2009-11-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

The (Drag) Queens Who Stole the Show

This year's halloween was like no other. Like every year, I allowed my students to dress up for this creepy festival.

A bunch of boys wowed me with their feminine sides by flaunting summer dresses, evening gowns and pencil skirts.

To surprise me, they intentionally came to class "fashionably" late and then made their grand entrance by strutting their 'thang' and I could almost hear the song "Pretty Woman" playing at the back of my head.

Needless to say, the entire class bursted into laughter because these "she-male" students were completely different from their macho selves. They were so natural that I wonder what are their sources of reference. But it's so refreshing to see them doing the dare and let their hair (or lack thereof) down for this Halloween. Undoubtedly, it's one of my BEST Halloween dress-ups EVER!

And here we go, allow me to introduce these beauties. Please hold your applause until the very end.

Sizzling Ze-ssica Alba

Hottie Be-Yusof Knowles

Talented Xian-dria Xi Ooi

Wonder woman Wooi-Nona Ryder Keong

Party-loving Paul-is Hilton

Amazingly gorgeous, Andy-riana Lima

Mesmerizing Mithran Monroe

Foxy Mark-gan Fox

Last but definitely not the least, astonishing Ashed-wara Rai

Plus many others who dressed up for Halloween this year.

2009-08-14T06:16:00.001-07:00

Fly Away

365 km south-bound. Few steps away from reality, one step closer to LOVE.

Happy Holidays!

2009-07-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

Belated Thanksgiving Feast

Roasted herb and lemon stuffed "turkey" (chicken)

Like this post, my masak-masak friends (Sheila, Chin Yin and Sim) had our thanksgiving feast in March... which was in a nutshell--way overdue.

Though you may say that we Malaysians can have our food around the clock at any time of the day. So can we celebrate the feast of roasted turkey (or chicken) in this case, any time according to our own calendar. The dinner was scheduled in the evening of 28th March 2009 in conjunction with the Earth Hour Malaysia.

Orthodox or lack thereof, we had prepared all dishes for this feast the way it has always been--slow, enjoyable and full of natural goodness to be thankful for. Now, let's just cut all the chase and look at the menu, shall we?

Rustic five mushrooms soup as starter.

For starter, we had rustic mushroom soup with fresh garden salad. Forget about the Italian 3 mushrooms soup, we used 5 variety of mushrooms--button, brown, oyster, enoki and shiitake cooked in chicken broth and then blended into country style soup with mushroom chunks. Chin Yin, the salad expert, prepared visually-pleasing salad (mix greens and top with cottage cheese) that was not only good to see but even better to consume.

The fresh garden salad was not only colourful but was crisp and fresh in every bite.

Then, the beautiful farfalline (far-FALL-lay) pasta with spring vegetables was served as pre-entrée. Hands down to Sheila because pasta dishes are always her expertise. Sim on the other hand was busy mashing up the cooked potatoes resulting in creamy and savoury mashed potato.

Sheila's famous farfalline cooked to al dante as always.

A Sim made this mountain of mashed potato that was so good that we almost licked the serving bowl.

The lead role of the feast was none other than--tadaaaaaa the "turkey" (chicken). We roasted chicken instead of the traditional turkey because the latter is much bigger and more difficult to cook bird, so we let it slide. The stuffing recipe was a combination of Jamie Oliver's and Sheila's + Chin Yin's. It was roasted for longer than we expected but the final product was gorgeous and succulent none the less (pictured above).

This time around I was busy at work, so the ladies cut me some slack and let me prepare the dessert instead. When it comes to thanksgiving dinner dessert, most people would opt for pumpkin pie or anything cranberry and pumpkin-y. But I was never good at observing the tradition. My mantra is "shop locally eat seasonally" . So the first fruit that comes to my mind when I think of exquisite tropical fruit and a spring-y fare was dragon fruit. So, I decided to make Italian panna cotta with a tropical twist topping--dragon fruit with lime zest.

Panna cotta was made with mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese) and whipping cream, topped with freshly grated dragon fruit and lime zest. I was thankful that it turned out great and people were asking for second serving.

Italian dessert with tropical twist--panna cotta with dragon fruit and lime zest.

After chomping away the feast for two hours, we observed the earth hour we all pledged. Instead of staying in a house of no electricity, we all went out for a breezy stroll and we were all thankful for the goodness that the earth has to offer. It is about time that we human being paying the due respect of mother earth by conserving the environment.

2009-07-26T00:31:00.001-07:00

SK II Photography Competition 2007

Photo with SK II spoke person, Fauziah Latiff.

This post may be a bit old but I have to keep my promise to unveil the answer to my previous post and so here it is. I hope you are reading, JL.

Well, I took some cam-whoring photo shots with a SK II product to participate in the "SK II -- My Constant Companion" Photography Competition in August 2007. And guess what? I won the first-runner up prizes which include some real cash (can't remember RM800 or RM1000) and loads of SK II products.

The award ceremony took place at Isetan Garden and it was a celebrity-studded event where local media, artistes and fashion designers such as Fauziah Latiff, Charmaine Poh and the like made their appearance.

I was very very honoured and excited to be first-runner-up in this contest and despite teaching for almost 9 years now I still had stage fright sharing my story and photography in public. But it was all good. I wanted to thank my lovely hubby for being my plus one to the event and also snapping these precious photos.

This experience has given me a big boost of confidence and has encouraged me to pursue my passion into photography and I hope to share more beautiful photos in the years to come.

Sharing my SK II story and photography

I was pretty nervous speaking in public... :P

Receiving the prize from Fauziah... it was surreal!

Fauziah, the winners and Isetan Garden manager

2009-07-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Lemon and Dragon Fruit Cupcakes

It is said that the kitchen is the best place for a foodie's eureka, I couldn't have agreed more! Two weeks ago, I was enjoying some "me" moment with a juicy and succulent organic dragon fruit and while I was scooping the flesh from the exotic-looking mega-magenta fruit, I saw a fresh lemon sitting on the kitchen counter.

And then I suddenly had a eureka moment--how about a sweet treat with those dynamic duo--lemon and dragon fruit??? The lemon will give the cake an oomph while the dragon fruit would give the treat its natural moist and sweetness.

Lovely pink swirl effect after the dragon fruit is folded into the batter.

Without much hesitation, I whipped up a basic cake mixture and folded those fabulous duo into the batter before hitting the oven. The result is--vibrant colour and ultra moist cake that goes perfectly with an afternoon tea.

My focus group members (aka people whom I shared my latest invention with, all right, all right, my culinary guinea pigs) all gave a thumbs up for this pretty treat. I simply can't wait to whip up yet another batch of these gems!

2009-05-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Tenji in Mont' Kiara

I always believe in better be late than never, so even though this post is two months old but I still think it's worthwhile to post it despite the fact that it is way overdue.

My dear sister was in town during the March holiday and we had decided to pig out in this Japanese buffet restaurant highly recommended by my brother and sister-in-law--Tenji.

Located in Mont' Kiara's latest shopping haven, Solaris, Tenji is a newly-established Japanese buffet restaurant on the first floor of the mall. It is located opposite another hip restaurant--Schocolat.

Tenji is located on the first floor of Solaris, right above Cold Storage, opposite Schocolat.

Tenji's wide-scale build-up luxes up the restaurant's ambience. And you have the choice of dining in ind00r or outdoor. The alfresco view overlooks the city's major highways. I bet the night view is impeccable!

Alfresco view overlooking the major highways.

Upon arrival, we were received by polite receptionists who are dressed in kimonos. We were then ushered to the indoor dining area which is surrounded islands of food, which are mostly Japanese. But there are also some Western and Asian. We sat by the dessert bar because the dessert looked enticing.

Personally, my sister and I are 60% satisfied with the service and quality of food. I definitely recommend the sashimi, tepanyaki, Chinese steamed pomfrets and fresh young coconut juice. Much to my disappointment, the dessert was nothing to shout about, except the Häagen-Dazs macadamia nut ice-cream.

We paid about RM50++ per pax for lunch. It was quite reasonable for the variety and quality of food. So we have had yet again another gastronomic pig-out adventure.

Reception area

'Outdoor' dining area

Islands of food

The ramen/udon island
For starter, I had fresh seaweed salad. Very fresh and yummy!

Fresh oyster with lemon. My sister's favorite!

The sushi island

The western food island

Salmon sashimi--probably the freshest I have yet tried.

Young coconut juice, sweet and refreshing!!!
.Shiitake mushroom tepanyaki

Steamed herbal chicken

Oishi sushi!!!

Chocolate fountain!!!Now you can understand why we couldn't resist sitting next to the dessert bar???

They have the look but the taste is another story...

Thanks for the gastronomic adventure, sis!!! I love ya, muak muak!!

2009-03-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Mid-term...

That time of the year when most students think I am a "guru sekolah yang garang" (ferocious school teacher)... LOL!

2009-03-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

海角七号情信第四封

傍晚，已經進入了日本海
白天我頭痛欲裂
可恨的濃霧
阻擋了我一整個白天的視線
而現在的星光真美
記得你才是中學一年級小女生時
就膽敢以天狗食月的農村傳說
來挑戰我月蝕的天文理論嗎？
再說一件不怕你挑戰的理論
你知道我們現在所看到的星光
是自幾億光年遠的星球上
所發射過來的嗎？
哇，幾億光年發射出來的光
我們現在才看到
幾億光年的台灣島和日本島
又是什麼樣子呢？
山還是山，海還是海
卻不見了人
我想再多看幾眼星空
在這什麼都善變的人世間裡
我想看一下永恆
遇見了要往台灣避冬的烏魚群
我把對你的相思寄放在其中的一隻
希望你的漁人父親可以捕獲
友子，儘管他的氣味辛酸
你也一定要嚐一口
你會明白…
我不是拋棄你，我是捨不得你
我在眾人熟睡的甲板上反覆低喃
我不是拋棄你，我是捨不得你

夕方、日本海に出た。
昼間は頭が割れそうに痛い。
今日は濃い霧がたちこめ、昼の間、僕の視界を遮った。
でも、今は星がとても綺麗だ。
覚えてる？
君はまだ中学一年生だった頃、
天狗が月を食う農村の伝説を引っ張り出して、月食の天文理論に挑戦したね。
君に教えておきたい理論がもう一つある。
君は、今見ている星の光が、数億光年の彼方にある星から放たれてるって知ってるかい？
わぁ～、
数億光年前に放たれた光が、今僕たちの目に届いているんだ。
数億年前、台湾と日本は一体どんな様子だったろう。
山は山、
海は海。
でも、そこには誰もいない。
僕は星空が見たくなった。
虚ろやすいこの世で、永遠が見たくなったんだ。

台湾で冬を越すライギョの群れを見たよ。
僕はこの思いを一匹に託そう。
漁師をしている君の父親が、捕まえてくれることを願って。
友子。悲しい味がしても食べておくれ。
君には分かるはず。
君を捨てたのではなく、泣く泣く手放したということを。
皆が寝ている甲板で、低く何度も繰り返す。
捨てたのではなく、泣く泣く手放したんだと。

2009-03-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Just for Laughs

Laura and I had so much fun taking these photos for the use of Literacy Test assignment . It took us almost an hour to get the right frame and feel and we wondered if the students would take just as much time to complete the assignment.

The assignment was to write a news report article based on the picture entitled "CIMP Math Teachers Have It All: Beauty, Brains... and Talent" Though I must admit it's dreadful marking 70 scripts of English essays but I had so much dose of laughter reading the news articles students wrote, even though I was only on my fifth.

I will share some interesting articles with you later, but in the mean time... I need to get more juste pour rire... LOL!

2009-03-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Dae Sa Kwan (day-sa-kooan)

Impressive menu cover

Adrian had just completed his thesis this weekend. To reward his hard work and celebrate the completion of his dissertation, I have decided to bring him to this Korean restaurant, highly recommended by my Korean student, Jessie Lee, a while ago.

Like most Korean restaurants, Dae Sa Kwan is a family-run business located in Sri Hartamas. Even though I don't know why it is named "embassy" in Korean but this BBQ haven has become a favorite family-get-together eatary for the Korean community in Klang Valley.

Usually, Adrian and I go to other Korean restaurants in Bangsar and Sri Hartamas to fix our Korean cuisine crave, but since it was a holiday and I have always wanted to try this restaurant since the donkey years, we've decided to give this a shot!

Since there were only two of us, we only ordered two dishes. As usual, Adrian ordered his all-time favorite beef bu-gol-gi (BBQ beef with onion and mushroom) and as a Cantonese, I've always enjoyed soup dish, so I ordered ginseng chicken soup.

The food serving size in Dae Sa Kwan is rather big for its price. The meal started off with typical Korean side dishes, which has always been one of the highlights of Korean meals. To me, their side dishes are well done with fresh ingredients.

Arrays of Korean side dishes which are not pleasing on the eyes but comforting in the tummy.

Some side dishes served on that day include:Korean national dish nappy cabbage kimchi--a must-have in every household in Korea

stir-fry mushroom with capsicum
One of my favorites--soy-bean sprout stir-fried with sesame oil
Green beans with sesame seeds
Actually, I haven't quite figured this out but it tasted like julienne veggies covered with breadcrumbs
Another kimchi variation--daikon kimchi

The serving size of the main dishes, in my opinion, is rather big--giving us bang for the bucks we pay. The ginseng chicken soup has subtle ginseng taste and the wholesomeness of chicken stuffed with glutanious rice. The soup compliments the meal so well. Then the beef bul-go-gi, which is equally scrumptious! The beef is well-seasoned with vibrant flavour and the tenderness is unbeatable!

Ginseng chicken soup is one of the best I have tried. We love the thrill of digging in the chicken to get the glutanious rice. What a way to start the main dishe??!!

Oh-so-tender beef bul-go-gi. A must try for beef lovers. It's simply heavenly to be eaten with the condiment shown in the next photo.

Fresh salad leaves are used to wrap the bul-go-gi with other condiments such as fermented bean paste, chopped green chili and garlic in half cloves (top bo bottom).

2009-02-23T06:07:00.001-08:00

Me & My SK-II

SHOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????

I know, I know, I know you probably can't believe that I modeled in a SK II advertisement. Back then... yes, I looked much different than now (as seen in the ad), sigh...

It was shot 1.5107322 years ago when I was having my vain pot and cam whoring moment... but little did I realize that these cheeky photo shots actually earned me something worthwhile... hehehe

Can you guess what was that? Leave your answer in the comment and I shall reveal the answer... well, shortly.

2009-02-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

CIMP Self Defense Workshop (for Females only)

If you have yet signed up for this workshop, the closing date is coming week! I can't wait to learn a few self-defense techniques. In my opinion, this is one of the most useful programmes for girls these days. I am pretty sure that I can get some photos from other students, stay tuned for more exciting post-modem photos from the workshop!

But for the time being, I can perhaps anticipate some of these skills to be used in my classes...watch out boys, YATAAA!!!!

2009-02-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Joyeuse St. Valentin!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. I don't usually celebrate this commercialized but none the less tres romantic day with my valentine but surprisingly, this year I receive a few sweet gestures from my current and ex-students.

You know who you are and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for brightening my weekend with your thoughts.

This is a pleasant surprise from Narymama! Love the little note that came with it :D

Sweets for the sweet tooth :P

Love the cute box... and things in it [wink]!

2009-02-07T03:40:00.000-08:00

海角七号情信第三封

多希望這時有暴風
把我淹沒在這台灣與日本間的海域
這樣我就不必為了我的懦弱負責

友子
才幾天的航行
海風所帶來的哭聲已讓我蒼老許多
我不願離開甲板，也不願睡覺
我心裡已經做好盤算
一旦讓我著陸
我將一輩子不願再看見大海
海風啊，為何總是帶來哭聲呢？
愛人哭、嫁人哭、生孩子哭
想著你未來可能的幸福我總是會哭
只是我的淚水
總是在湧出前就被海風吹乾
湧不出淚水的哭泣，讓我更蒼老了
可惡的風
可惡的月光
可惡的海

十二月的海總是帶著憤怒
我承受著恥辱和悔恨的臭味
陪同不安靜地晃盪
不明白我到底是歸鄉
還是離鄉！

強風が吹いて、
台湾と日本の間の海に、
僕を沈めてくれれば良いのに
そうすれば、
臆病な自分を持て余さずに済むのに

友子、たっだ数日の航海で
僕はすっかり老け込んでしまった
潮風がつれてくる泣き声を聞いて
甲板から離れたくない
寝たくもない
僕の心は決まった
陸に着いたら
一生、海を見ないおこう
潮風よ
なぜ、泣き声をつれてやって来る
人を愛して泣く
嫁いで泣く
子供を生んで泣く
君の幸せな未来図を想像して
涙が出そうになる
でも、僕の涙は潮風に吹かれて
あふれる前に乾いてしまう
涙を出さずに泣いて
僕は、また老け込んだ
憎らしい風
憎らしい月の光
憎らしい海

12月の海はどこか怒っている
恥辱と悔恨に耐え
さわがしい揺れを伴いながら
僕が向かっているのは故郷なのか
それとも、故郷を後にしているのか

2009-02-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

To quit or not to quit?

This has been probably the WORST week EVER! College resumed on Monday after CNY and I have NOT really been in the pinkest of health--food poisoning on Monday followed by severe URTI and excessive coughing at night which led to influenza, drastic weight loss.

Like Adrian said, "medical services and prescription are so EXPENSIVE, that's why poor people can't afford to get sick". Yes, with my teacher paycheck, I maybe able to pay for those services but it's the time I can't afford to lose. Some time I wish I students could understand why I dragged myself out of bed to work every day despite the MC.

Nope, it's not that I wanted to infect them with the viral flu, nor to prove that I am physically strong.

I had to work every day this week because time is ticking and I can't afford to get behind in class. There will be a major test next week and I just can't compromise on time loss. But this week, students have flocked to my office after class/school for consultation that I have forgotten to take my medication and lunch/dinner.

My family has been very worried about me. They understand the stake of me teaching a brand new course this semester and they have been extremely supportive, but it breaks their hearts to see how this sickness has tormented me this long. Adrian, my prime care giver/physician, was so upset with what I've done to myself, yesterday he said: Yvonne, please get good rest and recover soon or re-evaluate the priorities of your job. After all, not every student would appreciate things you've done and sacrifices you've made for them.

It got me thinking... why have I always put my job before my own health? Have I gone too far? To quit or not to quit? That is the question I am pondering...

But for now, I am sorry, Adrian! I promise you, I will take good care of myself and get well soon!

2009-01-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

Happy 牛 Year

Thank you very much for your tireless support. Have an ox-traordinary year ahead!!!

2009-01-14T07:15:00.001-08:00

海角七号情信第二封

第三天。
該怎麼克制自己不去想你
你是南方艷陽下成長的學生
我是從飄雪的北方渡洋過海的老師
我們是這麼的不同
為何卻會如此的相愛
我懷念艷陽…我懷念熱風…
我猶有記憶你被紅蟻惹毛的樣子
我知道我不該嘲笑你
但你踩著紅蟻的樣子真美
像踩著一種奇幻的舞步
憤怒、強烈又帶著輕挑的嬉笑…
友子，我就是那時愛上你的…

三日目。
どうして君のことを思わないでいられよう。
君は南国の眩しい太陽の下で育った学生。
僕は雪の舞う北から海を渡ってきた教師。
僕らはこんなにも違うのに、何故こうも惹かれあうのか？
あの眩しい太陽が懐かしい。
暑い風が懐かしい。
まだ覚えているよ。
君が赤蟻に腹を立てる様子。
笑っちゃいけないって分かってた。
でも、赤蟻を踏む様子がとても綺麗で、
不思議なステップを踏みながら、踊っているようで、
怒った身振り、激しく軽やかな笑い声。
友子。
その時、僕は恋に落ちたんだ。

2009-01-11T23:07:00.001-08:00

Will I Survive???

Back to my arithmatic root this semester

Phew! I survived my first week day of college (at least the first 3 days) teaching my first love--mathematics. I am kinda excited to teach the new math course of calculus and vectors but deep down, I really miss the creative elements and flexibility in business courses. I am trying to strike a balance between the two courses but we'll see.

Since I am going to use mainly my right cerebrum this semester, when you hear me speaking in sentences that don't spell words, you have to forgive me... LOL!

The million dollar question is... would I be able to survive a semester of teaching and communicating mainly in languages from planets Descarte, Pythagoras and Euler?

Gloria Gaynor's tune plays in my head. Go figure!

2009-01-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you!

It's that time of the year that I am getting wiser (ok, ok and older) but I insist to remain as eternally 18 in soul :P

This year, I received the most birthday wishes on Facebook , via MSN and even from work even though my birthday fell on the very first day of work. Unlike the in previous years, a few ex-students have decided to throw me a birthday party.

Thanks to Alexis and Nickie, I had a really great birthday dinner at a hot and peppery steamboat restaurant highly recommended by Alexis. They also managed to invite other ex-students like Daphne and Cindy as well as the good-looking Jason of whom I met for the first time (he's such sweetheart and girls, he's still single and available).

As a spicy food lover, I have been wanting to try this Chinese style hot and peppery steamboat for a long long time and finally, I have made my pilgrimage to this oh-so-popular steamboat restaurant.

The restaurant has three types of soup--clear, Thai tomyam and Chinese style hot and peppery and the food served is buffet style, but boy, I must they have a wide variety. Everything was so so so good.

And then, towards the end of the dinner, the girls surprised me with a birthday cake which I kinda figured something was fishy in the middle of the dinner. But the gesture was extremely sweet. Who could resist ultra-moist chocolate mousse cake that ends the dinner with a sweet note?

Thank you, girls and everybody else who remembered my birthday. I am very thankful and truly blessed that you are part of my life.

Alexis, my ex-student and the co-organizer of the dinner party!!!
Nickie, another ex-student and co-organizer of the dinner party!!! Good-looking Jason, he's been so thoughtful throughout the dinner.

Ipoh Leng loi, Daphne and her "ngoi yan", Cindy. The latter is still single, boys!!!

Thanks for the great dinner!!! I had a blast catching up with you :D
Hot and peppery soup and clear soup.
Wide selection of greens...meat, poultry and seafood

2009-01-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

海角七号情信第一封

1945年12月25日。
友子，太陽已經完全沒入了海面
我真的已經完全看不見台灣島了
你還站在那裡等我嗎？
友子
請原諒我這個懦弱的男人
從來不敢承認我們兩人的相愛
我甚至已經忘記
我是如何迷上那個不照規定理髮
而惹得我大發雷霆的女孩了
友子
你固執不講理、愛玩愛流行
我卻如此受不住的迷戀你
只是好不容易你畢業了
我們卻戰敗了
我是戰敗國的子民
貴族的驕傲瞬間墮落為犯人的枷
我只是個窮教師
為何要揹負一個民族的罪
時代的宿命是時代的罪過
我只是個窮教師
我愛你，卻必須放棄你

1945年12月25日。
友子、太陽がすっかり海に沈んだ。これで、本当に台湾島が見えなくなってしまった。
君はまだあそこに立っているのかい？

友子、
許しておくれ、この臆病な僕を。
二人のことを決して認めなかった僕を。
どんなふうに、君に惹かれるんだったっけ。
君は髪型の規則も破るし、よく僕を怒らせる子だったね。

友子。
君は意地張りで、新しい物好きで、でも、どうしょうもないぐらい君に恋をしてしまった。
だけど、君がやっと卒業した時、僕たちは、戦争に敗れた。
僕は敗戦国の国民だ。
貴族のように傲慢だった僕たちは、一瞬にして、罪人のくび枷を科せられた。
貧しい一教師の僕が、どうして民族の罪を背負えよう？
時代の宿命は時代の罪。
そして、僕は貧しい教師に過ぎない。
君を愛していても、諦めなければならなかった。

2009-01-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

海角七号 Cape No. 7

真爱真的能跨越时空吗？

这名字有点儿像航海故事的台湾的本土电影，<海角七号>轰动了电影界。因为超爱看非主流电影，从去年我就久仰这一部戏，而且非常期盼它在大马的放映。

今天，我拉着只喜欢看动作片的老公一起到电影院去看这电影(你可想象他有多么的无奈)。虽然我们迟到，却没有阻挡我对海角“浪潮”的热爱。

正如许多对这电影评语，<海角七号>的确非常台客，并且拥有浓厚的台湾乡土气息，这也是我喜欢非主流电影的因素。但是，最吸引我(还有其他女性)的地方，莫过于那未曾寄出的情书。作者细腻的描述其内心世界的挣扎，相信任何在感情路上有过波折的人，都能够深深感受到作者的心境。

在此，我会把这七封情信一一的“寄”给你们，一星期一封，刊登在这部落格里。因为这些情信是在世界大战之后一名日本籍老师写给他深爱的台湾籍女生，所以有中日文对照。

希望所有的情人都能像片中男女主角一样终成眷属。

This Taiwanese movie entitled “Cape No. 7” that has taken the movie industry by storm. As a non-mainstream movie junkie, I have been anticipating this movie since last year and was looking forward to its screening in Malaysia.

Today, I dragged my hardcore action pack movie lover hubby to the cinema to watch this movie (you can imagine his helplessness). Though we were late for the movie, it did not impede my love for this movie.

As commented by movie critics, “Cape No. 7” is extremely Taiwanese and packed with rich culture of the locales, this is perhaps the reason I love non-mainstream movies. However, the thing that attracts me (and other female viewers) the most is none other than the seven love letters that were yet been mailed. They were so beautifully written that anybody who had been though ups and downs in relationships would be able to relate to the writer’s feelings.

Hence, I will be “mailing” all these love letters to you, one letter a week, on this blog. Since they were written by a Japanese teacher to his beloved Taiwanese girl after World War II, the letters are in both Mandarin and Japanese translations.

I wish all you love birds out there have sweet and happy endings like the leading characters in the movie.

2008-12-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

School's out! I'm on vacation.

Hopefully, I'll be back in time for next semester...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-05T06:36:00.001-08:00

Hallow'een 2008

creepy crawly spidey lollies (gosh, it's tongue-twisting)

I have no idea since when that I fell for Hallow'een dress-ups, but I've made it a class tradition for my students to dress up for this spooktecular day. I am not sure about them, but as usual I had loads of fun that day.

Unlike what Garry suggested, I ain't naughty nurse this year, neither was Adrian a naughty doctor. Can you tell what I dressed up as based on the pictures? Hint: Somebody kawaii (in my opinion).

I usually don't post pictures of my students on my personal blog, but because a lot of students are returning next sem and I cannot add them as friends on Facebook just yet, so I figured it would only be as a crime of passion to have students' pictures on my blog... LOL

Bronson's vampire look is very classy... the man behind the mask is Albara and the rest are Waleed the pirate, Jessica and BubblesLove your Afro-hair, Aiman!!! Cheerleader Jo Ling with Zheng Ling and Asrar.I think the bleeding skull is Ahmad and scary movie face is Sharon with Esther and Wendy.
Dexter-wannabe Yusra, I-never-smoke Yasir with Red Devil Ken and Michelle.
BBB4M01 '08 hallow'een group pix

Aren't you scary, Arash?!!
Somehow red is THE colour for Hallow'een
Ooo... I kinda like this photo--Lynette and Hong Yan

David??? Siong Wen and (Chien) Wen Wen :D
Awesomely masked Nadia with Ali and KentSikandar, lovely fairy Evelyn with red horn Andrew and Ammar
What's with the mouth, Chien Chien??? Good disguise, Hong Yan, Arash and Sufiyanu!CK and Rosan are the thorns among the rose (Sherly)
Where did you get that cool hat, Suet Fong? Perhaps Lynette and Theyab can tell me.
Say cheeze...More say cheeze....

BBB4M04 '08 hallow'een group pix

Talking about Jimmy the death note, mask of Zoro Hong Lam, the joker Jungling & Andre
I-know-who-is Danial, Samir, Xun and Tshui Ting
Nice hat, Christy, errr... is that Dede? and we-love-your-accent Truong
Guess who est moi?
Einas, Jeremy, phantom of the Opera Qi Qi & toxic gas-masked Fandy
Teredee, Chui Ying, Sayuri and pre-Shin-Chan William!!!

Scary Nadia, sad How Keat, kitty Sonia and boy, aren't-you-scary CEO Mohsen!!!

Another clue: like Kira in Death Note, me was also a manga character BBB4M05 '08 hallow'een group pix

2008-11-24T18:55:00.001-08:00

Marking in Progress...

Tuned in to music while marking... disturb at your own risk.

2008-11-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

How can anyone resist durian?

I love durian and always wonder how could anybody resist the aromatic, sweet and creamy king of fruits. After all, it wouldn't be hailed as king for nothing. Here are some reasons why durians are lovable:

Durian brings a smile to your face.

Durian is breathtakingly beautiful.

Durian smells aaaaaaaaawesome!!!

Durian makes its grand entrance in most parties.

Let me show you how to indulge in durian...

First, put it close to your nose and smell it.

Secondly, take a closer look at it and see the true colour and type of durian- D24, cat mountain king, tupai-ridden, kampung or ...

Lastly, put it in your mouth and let the aromatic and creamy fruit melts your worries away.

More reasons to love durians

Durian is great to share with friends and family!

Durian is so enviable and admirable by homo sapiens!

Opening durian shows off your physical strength and skills.

Durian can do the unthinkable with people you love (or hate)... hehe!

Durian can be eaten with rice... suuurrdap!!!

Durian is harmless!!!

Durian is a masterpiece of God.

We love durians!

2008-09-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Partying with the Housewives

Hot from the oven--homemade coffee-flavored Mexican (aka Roti Boy) buns!

People said good things are worth the wait and distance. I couldn't have agreed more.

Lian Toh (my co-worker at the college) and I have been talking about getting together to cook up a storm since end of last year, but things have not been materialized due to the clash of our schedules. So, when we found out that we shared a common holiday, we immediately set that day as potluck party with her housewife/homemaker friends in Cheras.

Since I don't live in that area, I had to travel a bit to meet them, but it was all worthwhile because these housewives/homemakers are extremely warm, friendly and hospitable. I fell in love with them immediately because of their unpretentious characters and great sense of humour.

Meet the housewives-- except Lian Toh and me

I was also very honoured to be invited by Lian Toh, the hostess of the party, to cook in her newly-renovated kitchen. It was spacious, clean, inviting and well-equipped with kitchen tools I have been eyeing on for ages. Most importantly, she is so very generous to share her Penang (or Assam) laksa recipe with me.

All of us brought our specialties to the party. I made Thai green curry the night before and brought over to Lian Toh's on the day of the party, so I could concentrate on cooking assam laksa. It was complicated but FUN... will share the recipe on my food blog with you next time.

There were eight of us at the party, including children (unfortunately, I haven't had any) that will make... about 20 of us? Besides cooking assam laksa, one of the ladies, Foong, who is an avid baker, demonstrated the making and baking of Rotiboy Mexican coffee flavour buns. According to her, it takes 3 hours from start to finish to make a bread... Wow... it's such a long time. So store-bought bread suddenly does not sound so bad after all, huh?

Here's how to make Rotiboy bread (the short version):

Let the mini dough (weighs about 45 g each) rise for 50 minutes

Put butter cubes in the center of each rised dough and wait for another 40 minutes

Pipe the coffee flavour topping on each bun

Put them in baking trays and bake for 15 minutes @ 170 degree Celsius

Enjoy Rotiboy bread while they are hot from the oven! It is so good that kids (and adults) just love them!

But a firm believer and lover of homemade food, I strongly believe that nothing beats the taste of homely wholesomeness. This is why I enjoy the company of my new found friends so much. Yes, they have different areas of dominance compared to working women like Lian Toh and myself, but their contributions to their family and society are none the less significant than ours.

Most of all, because they are veteran cooks, all of the dishes they brought to the party were so delectable and finger-licking GREAT! Not all food are pictured as I was too busy chomping away... hehe

Here's Lian Toh's homemade assam laksa, so good that it beats
SS2 pasar malam's !

Ah Xia's veggie wrap, it's her Hakka specialty

My Thai green curry chicken

Sally's specialties--herbal tea eggs

This nostalgic scene reminds me of the home party my mum used to host at home.

Xia, Sally and Lian Toh

2008-08-26T03:27:00.001-07:00

Bravo to China!

The much-anticipated Beijing Olympic has come to an end! There goes my potato-couching weeks whereby I literally stuck in front of the TV watching Astro's 11 channels BOB (Beijing Olympics Broadcasting) non-stop.

My favorite events include diving (synchronized and individual, both 10 m and 3 m), artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, track and field and swimming.

Guo Jing Jing and Wu Min Xia are China's impeccable Diving Divas!
(photo credit: sportsphoto.cn)

Record-breaking gold medalist--Michael Phelps from US is the swimming legend winning 8 gold medals in Beijing Olympics! (Photo credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill)

Russian gymnast, 21-year-old Evgeniya Kanaeva, won the Gymnastics Rhythmic Individual All-around gold medal. This is her graceful pose with the apparatus. What a beauty!
(Photo credit: Xinhua)

Like most people, I was totally in awe with the spectacular opening ceremony on 8th August 2008 (what an auspicious date!) directed by Chinese director, Zhang Yi Mou. The 3 hours ceremony is like a movie infused with rich Chinese history of culture and breathtaking fireworks. Bravo!

Awesome Beijing (bird nest) Stadium and breathtaking fireworks!

Not to mention super kawaii Olympic mascots--BeiBei, JingJing, HuanHuan, YingYing, NiNi which is cleverly read as "Beijing Welcomes You" in one Mandarin syllabus. What a brilliant creation!

BeiBei (the fish), JingJing (the panda), HuanHuan (the Child of fire), YingYing (the antelope) and NiNi (the swallow) are the official Beijing Olympics Mascots (Fuwa)!

Congratulations to China for harvesting 51 gold medals leaving her runner-up rival, United States with 36 gold medals.

There's a Chinese saying that goes: one minute of on-stage performance but off-stage 10 years of practising/rehearsing. It is so easy for the audience or spectators to judge the performance of these athletes but their victories came with much rigorous physical training and discipline. They endured sports injuries that tag with daily training. I take my hat off to these athletes who challenge not only themselves but the human physical limits.

Olympics is the most-anticipated sports event ever because of its mythological origin from ancient Greece and the ultimate goal of uniting human race through sports. Indeed, it's One World, One Dream!

2008-08-09T09:53:00.001-07:00

, Farewell Dinner @ ME (My Elephant)

One of my best friends, Irene, who came from Canada to visit Romona and I. Although she had just left Malaysia about a week ago, the memory of her stay is still fresh in my mind.

Her stay in Malaysia is considered short and sweet! Although she was just in the country for less than 1o days, we manged to squeeze in some exciting itinerary for her.

We drove back to Muar for the mouth-watering local delights such as otak-otak, Hainanese chicken rice, o-chien (oyster omelette's) etc; did pilates and hot yoga @ the gym; grab some irresistible deals @ the mall (after all, it's not Malaysia Mega Sale for nothin').

The night before she left, our ka che, Romona, took us to this hole-in-a-wall restaurant in Section 17--My Elephant for Irene's farewell dinner. It was such a meaningful dinner as we indulged in fine Thai cuisines while reminisce the 9 days we spent together.

(left to right) Tai ka che, Romona, bride-to-be, Irene and me!

Most importantly, we salut to our bride-to-be, Irene, who will be married to Ken in October. Unfortunately, Romona and I won't be able to make it to her wedding in Canada. But we wish her a very blissful married life with lots of children, so here's to her and Ken, cheers!

The restaurant has simple interior design but the ambiance is surprisingly conducive and relaxing.

The restaurant is packed with patrons even before dusk!

Red + Thai jasmine steamed rice , a healthier version of Thai staple diet.
How can one miss the rich and fragrant green curry?

This is called paku, one of the jungle green (I guess because it's wild fern??!)

They have five types of Tom Yam, this is the original tom yam kai (chicken).

Signature dish, snow fish--sole fish coated with sea salt and baked (not fried) to perfection! Excellent with special mint sweet chilli sauce.

2008-08-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

OL Lunch #1 -- Organic Salad

Lunch for an OL (office lady) is usually outside the office area in a cafe, restaurant or anywhere but in the office. Well, not for me!

Ever since I've moved into my new office, I have been pretty much "lunching" in my own office. It's quite ironic considering the fact that I am a foodie who absolutely love food.

Due to the piling assignments and test papers (my students give me... sigh), I have my work lunch in the office while marking them. Hence, it may not be a bad idea to post a series of OL lunch with variety.

The first OL lunch for today is organic salad which is high in fiber, low in calorie and pleasing to the eyes (thanks to its vibrant colours).

To get the recipe, check out OL Organic Salad on my food blog.

2008-07-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

F~R~A~M~E~S

Klang Valley’s gastronomic scene is getting more and more exciting thanks to the ever-mushrooming restaurant business. Vincent (an ex-CIMP student) introduced me to this new and sleek concept-café style restaurant in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI) called FRAMES.

This café restaurant is strategically on the ground floor of TTDI Plaza. It is hard to miss it if you pass by the plaza because the light blue neon tubes that carve “FRAMES” beam bright enough to get your attention.

Although the café restaurant has just celebrated its one-month birthday, FRAMES has attracted a consistent clientele from the neighbourhood and celebrity such Daphne Iking and Marion Caunter, just to name a few.

I would consider the ambience chic and cozy with soft lightings and minimalist decors. As I stepped into the restaurant, I was immediately mesmerized by the artsy fartsy photos all framed and aesthetically arranged on the walls. I was told that the photos are shot by some of the photography enthusiasts and are ready for sale.

Cozy and inviting ambience!

The artsy fartsy framed photos!

And now comes the most important and exciting (to me, anyway) part of the restaurant--the glorious food. FRAMES serves very unique fusion of Euro-Asian cuisines that have served their justice to the authenticity. Generous serving size of the dishes gives more bangs for the bucks! So, ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce some of the gastronomic highlights of FRAMES:

The Menu

A wide array of cocktails and mocktails to quench your thirst and soothe your souls!

Fried calimari with special dipping sauce!

Mushroom Mascarpone--pasta lover must-try!

Mushroom Mascarpone—button, shiitake and oyster mushroom creamy mascarpone sauce served with generous pile of al dante spaghetti. To tantalize the taste bud further, the pasta was tossed with grated parmesan cheese and lightly roasted chopped walnuts for extra texture finish touch.

Nasi Ayam Percik--traditionally sensational!

Nasi Ayam Percik—Gigantic drumstick cooked with Asian herbs and topped with spicy sauce. Great combination of salted egg with ulam (finely chopped raw Asian beans and herbs like four-angled beans, long beans) and lekors (fried mackerel chips) served with steamed rice.

Beef Burger--retro extraordinaire!

Beef Burger— Juicy beef patty grilled according to your preference, accompanied with tropical pineapple ring and grilled mushroom of this house. It's served with lots of fries and fresh garden salad.

Frank and Paratha--charming duo!

Frank and Paratha: No, they are NOT the names of two hot dudes, it’s the name of a fusion dish—grilled sausage with melted cheddar cheese sandwiched in pan-fried roti paratha. The side-dishes include grilled chicken and fresh garden salad.

The irresistable dark chocolate mousse!

Dark Chocolate Mousse: ice-cream-like texture dark chocolate mouse that melts in your mouth. Word has it that this sugar fix converts the non-chocolate lover at first bite!!!

I was just there last week and I can't wait to go back again with my makan gang this week. Stay tuned for more gastronomic adventures!!!

2008-06-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

My Very First Baking Class

This is my favorite--pomegranate cheesecake... truly exquisite!

A month ago, I had the opportunity to attend my first ever baking class organized by the Malaysian Women's Weekly. There were 30 participants from all walks of life who came to the class with various expectations, but I went to the class with much excitement since it's my very first experience baking with other experts. So, I thought it was a baking demonstration by the award-winning pastry chef--Chef Raimi Ahamad, and maybe if I was lucky enough, I could sample some of his masterpieces.

The baking gurus--Chef Raimi and his team of pastry chefs

To my very own surprise, there were much more in store for me than I ever expected. We had to do EVERYTHING from scratch using the most basic baking tool--a whisk!

We were teamed up with two other participants to bake three different types of cakes--Chocolate Mud Cake, Pomegranate Cheesecake and Dried Mixed Fruit Fragipane. So, 10 teams of 3 members baked 3 cakes, so you do the math!

Here are the other baking-enthusiasts!

It was a very fun experience because I had the BEST teammates ever--Kak Zurina and Maslina. Kak Zurina is a well-respected physician while Maslina is a very sweet and nice homemaker. So, we formed Team 1 which I secretly called it the "Dream Team".

My Dream Team members--Kak Zurina (left) and Maslina (right)

We learned various techniques of baking and the type of ingredients and consistency of the batter would result in different types of cake. My arm was sore for the entire weekend due to the constant beating of eggs. Imagine we had to beat 10 egg whites into meringue using a whisk. But the end results are impeccable! Our chocolate mud cake turned out to be the best as the cake didn't overflow or dent. Thanks to the help and guidance from the assistant chefs. And then we dressed the mud cake with a rich layer of chocolate ganache and fresh fruit.

I am not kidding, beating eggs is hard work! Did you notice my arm is buffer now?

Since each team baked 3 cakes and there were three of us, we took back 1/3 of each cake to share with our family and loved ones. Personally, my favorite is the cheesecake but dried fruit fragipane has now become Adrian's most favorite cake because he's always a fruit cake mania. And I've made it at home once since the baking class as per requested by him.

I would like to thank the organizer, The Malaysian Women's Weekly, the sponsor, Electrolux and all the pastry chefs @ KL Crowne Plaza for the wonderful afternoon and memorable baking experience.

Baking is all about beating (the eggs)...

Cutting (the dried fruit)...

Decorating... and...

Sharing the fun and great food with family and friends.

Trolley full of cake batters ready to be baked!

The new cookbook of MWW was also launched during the baking class.

Proud "mothers" with their precious baby chocolate mud cake!

Our chocolate mud cake had been baked to perfection!!!

Dressing the mud cake with a layer of rich chocolate ganache

Tada... check out this ultra-rich chocolate beauty!!!

Dried Fruit Fragipane--Adrian's fave!

All 30 good cakes were displayed on the counter top for our admiration (and salivation).

2008-06-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

My Hyper-genic Moments

This semester, the students have voted me to be the most hyper lecturer. Don't ask me why... I have no single clue about how I bagged that award (go ask Mr. TMC and Mr. Mark Shim); but for the voters out there, if you really want some of my hyperactivity in action, here you go, all 14 shots of my hyper-genic moments! And no, I do not think I am hyperactive...

Here are my really hyper-genic moments!

2008-05-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Beets

I think beet is a very much misunderstood root vegetable, mostly because of its appearance. As a beet lover, I am here to make a defence.

I love beets in just about any kind of dishes--freshly squeeze beet & apple juice, roasted sliced beet, potatoe and tapioca with fresh rosemary and maginificent beet and edamamme salad. I mean, how often do you see a vegetable this versatile?

Tomorrow, I am going to use this root beauty to make one of my favorite soups--Russian Borscht Besides this magenta magic, I will be using other organic ingredients like potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, green bell pepper, tomatoes and fresh dill weed.

It costed me a bomb to assemble these organic produces but it will definitely enhance the wholesomeness of the soup. Hopefully, it will turn out great! Can't wait!

2008-05-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

All You Need is Thyme (and Time)

Over the years, my friends keep asking me what's the secret ingredient to good Italian food or spaghetti sauce, for that matter? Though I am a food lover sans PhD in food science, years of cooking has taught me some lessons here and there.

For me, personally, good Italian tomato sauce requires fresh thyme. Which is why I have just cooked a pot of pasta sauce with generous amount of fresh thyme and hints of Italian herbs to balance the taste.

Try cooking this simple pasta sauce yourself, check out Angel Hair Pasta with Italian Tomato Sauce.

2008-04-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Faces behind Food Fair

Yes, it is over!!! After 2.67102 months of planning, 8.931 hours of meetings among the organizing committee, 46 emails flying between computer hubs, 156 phone incoming and outgoing telephone calls, over 50 student helpers' commitment and 13 hours of continuous sales over the course of two days, the end result is...

RM6212 raised for Taman Megah Handicapped & Disabled Children's Home.

A big round of applause to everybody from front-line sales team, decoration artists, vendor/food contributors (mainly parents, students, staff and friends) to the hundreds of supporters from Sun-U.

There are just way too many people I need to express my gratitude to, instead of putting them in words, I would like to unveil... the faces behind CIMP Charity Food Fair!!! Due to the limited availability of our talented photographer, Dr. Zdenek, some faces are not covered here but your dedication and involvement are much appreciated!

The many faces behind CIMP Charity Food Fair

Once again, we did it!!!

As a food lover, I always love to encapsulate the enticing pictures of the spread of food served during food fair, here are some to whet your appetite for the, well, next food fair... LOL!!!

Highlights from the sweet station--homemade muffins and chocolate chip cookies.Two of my favorite from savoury station--Puan Dzura's Asian-style macaroni and Korean kimchi pancake.The heart-shaped jam cookies (right bottom corner) are really awesome... Fadwa's parents made them... they are probably the best cookies I've tried. I wonder if I could get the recipe (hint! hint!) :P

2008-04-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

CIMP Charity Food Fair

Yet another highlights of CIMP activities -- CIMP Charity Food Fair!

Thanks to the constant hard work and dedication of Ms Evelyn Wong, Dr. Sharlene Lee and Ms Janie Chan, CIMP parents, students and teachers are doing their bits of the community service by channeling their culinary interests into humanitarian work.

This has always been my favorite event of the semester not because of the spectacular spread of food featured, but more of the fact that charity unites people.

Indeed, in our ever so busy life that we tend to ignore the dire need of the unprevileged but focus on life's littlest flaws.

My first visit to the Taman Megah Handicapped and Disabled Children's Home was simply surreal. First, little boy opened the gate and welcomed me with a smile and slight shyness and then some of the children walked towards me wanting some companionship and attention.

There was a sudden emotion surge in my heart as I pondered why these children that had so little to be thankful for but have so much love and joy to cherish. It triggered my water works when the stories of these children's unfolded.

I left the Center with a lesson that we have so much more be thankful for if we could overlook some of the slightest imperfection in each of us.

CIMP Charity Food Fair benefits the Taman Megah Handicapped and Disabled Children's Home as the Center expands its capacity to shelter more underpriviledged children.

This charity event will be held at Sunway University College Cafeteria on 23rd and 24th April 2008, please share your bit of social philantrophy with us.

2007-12-24T05:57:00.000-08:00

On the Bride Side

December 16, 2007 is a very special day in my life. I married my best friend and soul mate, Adrian Chuah.

It was a day forecasted to be wet and rainy, but much to everyone's surprise, there was not even a droplet of rain. God is awesome! I really wish I could seize the time and let the day pass by slowly so I could enjoy every single moment of it. Things went by so quickly that there was hardly any room for me (or Adrian) to take a breather.

All I could recall was that it was a beautiful day, every thing was pleasant and lovely. The morning commenced with the picking up the bride. Adrian had to overcome all the hurdles preset by my sisters (chee muis) with his team of brothers (heng tais). It didn't really hit me that it was the wedding day until he handed the beautiful bridal bouquet to me. It was the most beautiful flowers I have ever received. Then the traditional Chinese tea ceremony ended the morning session of the wedding. The day continued with church wedding in the evening and followed by banquet dinner.

I can't really recall every single detail of my wedding nor do I have more wedding pictures to share just yet; but I clearly remember that somebody who was brave enough to hold another person's hands and had exchanged his wedding vow with her before the LORD. Looking on the bride side of life, they probably will not only be walking down the aisle together, but to love and support each other through thicks and thins of life.

(pictures are courtesy of Sok Kem, my ever so talented ex-housemate)

2007-11-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Bravo!

A HUGE thank you to those who have supported the CIMP Charity Food Fair. We've raised RM5,100 for Positive Living Foundation Malaysia, a non-for-profit organization supporting single mothers and children living with HIV/AIDS.

The campaign intended not only to raise funds for the beneficiaries, but also to create HIV/AIDS awareness among the students.

Everyone worked so hard for this campaign and thank you so much for giving me words of encouragement throughout the week. A lot of people commented that it's a rare sight that CIMP students from diversed groups,nationalities worked so perfectly together in the charitable event. I must say I cannot be any more proud of you all, you have been so awesome!!!

I would like to thank all the vendors--Brickfield's , Bangkok Kitchen in USJ 11, Auntie Yanni--Indonesian food caterer and many others, including parents who have been supportive in baking and delivering food.

I've definitely learn a precious lesson from this event--charity binds people together!

A job well done! Kudos to everyone who was involved!

Scrumptious pandan chicken wingSpecial shrimps

Sambal fried tenggiri--it was so good that people still rave about it until today :D
Mouth-watering white chocolate cherry squares made by Ms Litman

Marshmallow chocolate fudge prepared by myself

2007-11-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

CIMP Charity Food Fair

Previously known as the CIMP Bake Sale but the event has been renamed as the above because of the "menu" expension.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, we manage to secure a wide variety of food for each day. What was originally planned as the bake goodies has now become a gastronomic galore serving food from savoury to sweet.

Details of this food fair:
Venue: Sun-U cafeteria
Date: Nov 12 ~ 16, Monday ~ Thursday
Time: 10:30 ~ 3:30 pm

I must thank a very talented young lady, Toto. Because of her creativity and commitment, these fabulous posters promoting this event and the awareness of AIDS will be seen around campus next week.

So, let's work together to fight the disease and show our love to those who are in dire needs. Love heals HIV/AIDS!

2007-10-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

CIMP Bake Sale

This week, I managed to go through my collection of recipes to decide what I might be baking for the CIMP bake sale from Nov 12 to 16 (Monday to Friday).

The bake sale aims to raise fund for children with AIDS, it's something I have been meaning to do ever since the AIDS awareness walk. It's a very meaningful cause and I hope everyone can support this event.

The booth will be set up at the cafeteria throughout the week. Do drop by to check us out!!!!

So, here's the "finalists" in my repertoire that I would prioritise in my to-bake list. If the pictures of the sweets below whet your appetite, then don't forget to drop by and support us :D.

Oreo cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser

Vanilla cupcake with strawberry rainbow rice icing (I imitated this from Delish)

Marshmallow chocolate fudge might make a come-back by popular demands.

2007-10-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Every Woman's Right to PUMA

Forget about Crocs, these PUMA flats are the most comfortable shoes in the world!!!!

I am never a fan of PUMA because their products are too "rough and unfeminine" but this sport apparels brand caught my attention when one of my students, Stephanie, wore her chili red PUMA flats to my class on the second week of class. I drooled with admiration.

As someone who's vertically-challenged [ahem], I never really love flats until they have been coming around as must-have accessories for the trendy dolly look; and so I thought I should give them a try, after all, I should never judge a pair a shoes by their heights.

The first pair of ballerina flats that I bought was the hot pink flats I bought in Singapore last year. And I told myself that they will be the last pair of flats I am going to own. After seeing Stephanie's Puma flats, I can't help but thinking about buying that very same pair of flats to match my outfits.

The litmus test to my desire for Puma shoes was to try out the shoes on my own. If they are too tight or unflattering, I would walk out of the store without looking back; if they can be moulded into my feet comfortably, I would take them home right away. The result was latter, and so I have my very first pair of PUMA shoes in my shoe rack now.

The moral of this experience includes:
1. Never judge anything until you've tried them, especially shoes!!!
2. Every woman has a right to shoes, including those of PUMA's

So, go PUMA!!!!

2007-08-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Love Heals HIV/AIDS

A group picture with Johnson & Johnson Managing Director and the bravest and the most loving children in the world

Jenny, Jolin and Lung Lung are going to be so proud of me.

When I assigned the corporate social responsibility project, I never thought I would be a part of the results of my students' research. Last weekend, I did.

Nancy and I joined the 2007 Johnson & Johnson HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk in Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Being funky and adventurous teachers that we are, we participated in the fancy dress competition of the walk and decided to dressed as medical profession duo.

Nancy and myself dressed up in our medical outfit to spread the message of love.

Since it was a HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, we decided to spread the word, not the virus by conveying the message of "LOVE HEALS HIV/AIDS". The theme of the doctor and nurse dress-ups are to remind the public that every member of the society--children, students, working adults and seniors can shower a little love to HIV/AIDS patients. We know AIDS is non-curable at the moment, but remember LOVE eases and heals even the most chronic suffering in the world.

When Nancy and I completed our walk, we were very honoured to be announced the winners of the fancy dress category. But the most memorable momerable moment was when a group of 10 children came to thank us. They kissed our hands, and hugged us... and little were we aware that they were the HIV-infected children until Johnson & Johnson MD told us so.

Tears filled our eyes and rolled down our cheeks as we learned the situations of these children. We had done nothing to help them ease the pain, but they showed so much of gratitude for the tiniest effort we did. It is however comforting to learn that they have not been completely isolated from the society; in fact, they have been assimilated into the mainstream public school system.

Amelia shared a warm moment with us

It was definitely a love feast. I believe that I've learned so much from these children and I applaud them for their bravery and will to fight the illness. We may not be AIDS research scientists, or medical doctors or nurse who can directly contribute to curing the illness or hold an AIDS patience's hands as he/she fights the torment, but a showing them a little love is the least we could do, wouldn't you agree?

We marched down Dataran Merdeka with other participants professing the message of LOVE.

We were so honoured to be announced the winners of fancy dress!!!

Sunway University College LOVE embassadors--Mr. Chan, Nancy, Yvonne and Meng Wai

Other participants were infected by our message of LOVE!!!

2007-07-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

The End of My Joyous Holiday

I once saw a fridge magnet that says "Three reasons I LOVE teaching... June, July and August". Being an edutainer, I'm in 101% agreement with it. In my case, there are only two reasons, June and December.

As the semester break has come to the end of it, it's really hard to drag my lazy bones which have been sinking in the sofa and beach bench back to work. So I thought I should recap things that I have done in the last month.

1. Photography
Well, first off, I have embarked on the new dimensions of photography... thought I am still a beginner in this area but I have hooked on the joy of seeing what I can captured with my 5-year-old digital camera. Let me tell ya, it's AMAZING!!!

Picture of mimosa flower when I was trekking in FRIM.

Evening view that I managed to capture from my balcony using the new photographic skills I learned.

2. Cooking

Then, I also tried a few recipes which I have piled up in my "must-try-recipe" list. And I managed to try some of them. Also, read up a few more cookbooks. With my newly-acquired photographical skills, I can now capture my collection of repertoire through a lens.Mexican avocado dip, Guacamole, an exotic and addictive dip that compliment chips.

All-time favorite tiny chocolate cookies that I have made again and again.

I explored my culinary adventure with this Japanese curry... it's oishi!

One of the cookbooks I have read and I am totally in love with... new way of cooking with the twist of green tea.

3. Visit Bali
For the last bit of the break, I had the opportunity to travel in Bali... oh the tropical island with such amazing mix of culture and heritage. I had a pleasant time and would defintely go back again.

Beautiful Balinese dancer and her graceful dance moves.Totally tranquil scenery of paddy field in Ubud, Bali.

4. A brand new blog--Yvonne's Famous Recipes
It's sort of like my e-collection of recipes that I would like to share with the gourmands and just anybody who loves cooking and eating like myself..

Check out my new blog at http://epicureanyvonne.blogspot.com or Yvonne's Famous Recipes

So yes, when reality hits and that I have to get back to work soon, all the fun things that I had done in the past month should be sufficient to carry me through the next new adventure, the next journey and even the next reason I teach.

2007-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Malaysian Women's Weekly (July issue)

Wow... I can't believe it!!!! To my very surprise... my chocolate walnut fudge recipe is published in the July issue of the Malaysian Women's Weekly.

As usual, I faithfully picked up the magazine from the Indian magazine stall, and being a gourmand, I flipped to the recipe section featured in the magazine first before reading the magazine cover to cover. When I checked out the Reader Recipe (on page 168), I was shocked to see my very own recipe printed in this section!!!!

Personally, I really LOVE this recipe, it is so easy and yummy that it's almost fail-proof. I made the fudge in numerous occations--class parties, potlucks, fund-raising bake sale... you name it, and I always receive rave reviews!!! Therefore, I submitted this recipe (which is a while ago) to the publisher but had minimal expectation that it would be chosen... and guess what??? It did!!!

I will publish this recipe in my all-new recipe blog, Yvonne's Famous Recipes and I hope you can try this recipe and don't forget to share your culinary experience and maybe even the fudge with me.

2007-06-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

!!!bOWlinG BoNaNZa!!!

School's out! Let's go bowling!!!

At the end of each semester, students always take the initiative to organize a class party. Why? Simply because it's the last time they get to chill with their cool classmates and wise teacher (ahem). This semester is no exception.

Thanks to Adrian and Daniel who made the reservation at Sunway Mega Bowling Alley that we managed to have a wonderful bowling bonanza! It was a very very effective way to de-stress and take the pressure of the exam off from the students.

I had lots of FUN and I hope the student did too. From the bottom of my heart, I hope the photos and memories of the IB class and the party will always be with the students.

Students: Bring it on, Miss! We are all geared for it!
All right, boyz and gals, let Ms Woi show you how to strike!
Kiki: Ha! Miss... you maybe the IB guru, but I am the bowling cikgu! Hiak! Hiak!

Jimmy: Miss, why don't we have a competition?
Chandra: I second Jim's idea!
Kervin: Yeah, I third that!

Ms Woi: All right, the game is on!

Kiki: I can do anything better than you, Ms Woi!

Now, let's introduce the teams...

Team A: The fun and fearless - Imam, Jonny Lo, Fiz and Stephanie

Team B: The cool dudes - Kiki, Madiono, Arie and AndreasTeam C: Ms Woi's dream team - Jimmy, Chandra, Adrian and Ms Woi (wait a minute, Daniel is not supposed to be in our team... TRAITOR!!!)

Team D: The peace guys - Adith, Kervin, Daniel (again) and Jonhny (also check out Adith's like-I-care pose, LOL)

Ok, everybody! On the mark, get set, BOWL!!!!!!!!

Imam: Hehe, miss... I've told you I am a born bowler!

Jonny: Hey, I ain't bad at all! Chandra: Arrrrgghh.... why am I a left-hander????

Kiki: Haha... Miss, can you calculate the velocity of the ball given the initial velocity of 5 m/s??

Chandra: So, who can tell which one of us will have the higher probability of winning the game?

At the end of the day, my students have found a new interest besides IB--BOWLING!!!!!!!!!

Hurray! Everybody is bowling champion!

2007-05-30T07:59:00.001-07:00

Beard Papa's

Now that the semester is over, I finally have more time to hit the mall and pick up food that I've always been craving for, such as Beard Papa's cream puffs.

Beard Papa's may sound odd for bakery, but people who have tried these cream puffs would thumb up to them because they are simply heavenly. The puffs resemble the French choux pastry shell which are crusty on the outside but silky soft on the inside. Then these freshly baked babies are pumped with whipped cream custard and dusted with icing sugar before serving. The vanilla flavored custard is my favorite because you can still see the vanila beans in the custard, which is certainly to die for.

Based in Osaka, Japan, Beard Papa's has more than 650 outlets around the world. The outlets in Malaysia have only vanilla and chocolate flavored custard; but some of the ones in Japan and US range from green tea organic sesame.

So, Beard Papa's cream puff anybody?

Convenient individual wrap allows you to savour the puff anywhere, anytime.
Each freshly baked puff is filled with custard and dusted with icing sugar... hmmm... delicious!!!
How can you say NO to this creamy baby??!!

2007-05-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

ぐるなび

Read as wa-shoku, means Japanese cuisine. Indeed, the ladies had their second themed masak-masak and makan gathering again @ Chin Yin's. The theme is of course--Ko-Jap (Korean and Japanese). This time, the participants increased. We had 10 people at the feast, but unfortunately, not everybody is in the picture.

Without further a do, let's dig in! Itadakimashi!

Tempura: deep fried oyster mushroomSoba noodle!

Teriyaki chicken

Doesn't this look like unagi (eel)? Nope, this is 100% vegetarian dish of fried shitake mushroom strips with ketchup and soy sauce.

To whet your appetite further, we had the complete sushi platter!

Sheila's famous omelette

Chin Yin's new creation--refreshing carrot and cucumber salad!

Kimchi Jjigae (preserved cabbage soup)

Teriyaki fish!Matcha (Japanese green tea) jello with lime

2007-01-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

Yum Seng to Chin Yin and Hong Chun!

The newly weds--Chin Yin and Hong Chun

Seriously, I have discovered a new hypothesis for wedding patterns. If I were to collect the data of the weddings in 2006 and plot a mathematical model of the number of weddings that I have been invited to throughout the year, I am pretty sure that it would have been an increasing exponential growth model, because of the gradual increase of the weddings that took place as 2006 is approaching to the end. And of the five weekends in December 2006, I have had attended four weekends of weddings.

All right, jokes aside. I must admit that attending wedding reception is just as much as an emotional roller-coaster that the couples had to go through in the preparation of their big day. What dress to wear? What type of shoes to match? Are they colour-coordinating? What type of make-up? Naturally matte? Soft earth-toned? Sexy smoky? Then the hand bag... and the questions go on and on.

Sometimes, I wonder, are the dresses and accessories that we put on more important than our presence itself? or rather, how much should we give in the ang-pow (red packet) more important the blessings we give to the newly weds? Whatever the answer is, a genuine classmate reunion at a wedding dinner worths more than all the Prada and Jimmy Choo we are able to put on ourselves. Because we were there to celebrate a classmate's union with her heavenly-made soul mate--Chin Yin and Hong Chun.

Of all the dinners I have attended, this one topped them all. This is because I had the 'honour' to be seated next to my Convent Secondary School 5 Science 1 monitor, Soo Wee Wee. If Chin Yin is the #1 hostess of the dinner, Wee Wee should be the #2. Wee Wee was busy making everybody felt at home--'taking attendance' (especially those late-comers), serving tea, cracking jokes, updating us on the news and whereabouts of our MIA classmates; and not to forget her very own expertise--teasing the newly-weds.

One thing which we normally wouldn't do at any wedding dinner but this one is singing birthday songs followed by a long-breath of 'yum seng' to our birthday gals in the month of December--Vivian and Sim.

I would say the two tables of Convent gals were the noisiest of all. People surrounded us probably thought that we were a bunch of drunk ladies, but none of us was sober. We were just high in spirit in the joyous union of the couple, sanc the spirit; like the good old Chinese saying:

酒不醉人人自醉

Be it conscious or sober, I would like to congratulate Chin Yin and Hong Chun! May your marriage be like Martini, that may be stirred but never shaken! Yum Seng!
The maids of honour, aka, "chee mui" (sisters) of Chin Yin who welcomed the arrival of the couple!Chin Yin and Hong Chun 's Kodak moment in cutting the cake!Another Kodak moment of champagne pouring!
Convent gals table 1: Shiau Min, Sim, Wee Wee, Swee Geok, Yvonne (myself), Sock Ling and Sheila

Our monitor, Soo Wee Wee aka the hostess #2
Wee Wee is showing off her tea pouring skill
Convent gals table 2: Genevieve, Vivian and spouse, Boon Hwee (assistant monitor) and Sheu Ying
Shiu Min and me with the ladies of Convent gals table 2
All of us and the newly-weds' 'yum seng' team!
A perfect portrait of FUN, FRIENDS, FOOD & MORE!

2006-12-03T04:16:00.000-08:00

It's A Baby Shower!!!!

I know it's a little late... but it's better than never (at least it is posted before little Owen is born, ha!). Yes, a few of us threw a baby shower party for Romona and her going-to-be-born-soon baby-boy--Owen, sometime in October.

It was one of those very personal party with only the seven of us from CIMP (Manny, Lisa, Elsa, Beth, Mark, Ranee and myself) and Pauline (Romona's close friend). It took us about a week to plan this party and it was meant to be a surprise party. The plan was that Romona would be having dinner at Manny's in the evening after shopping with Pauline at Sunway Pyramid. Pauline was supposed to keep her in the mall while the rest of us tried to get everything (deco, food and gifts) prepared right after school.

After much delay--about 34 phone calls and 87 SMSs later, Romona and Pauline showed up at the door and the rest of us hid behind the door, in the kitchen and living room. "SURPRISE!!!!!!" was how we greeted the mother-to-be. Indeed, she was surprised to see the extra few of us and the feast we've prepared for her--cheese and chocolate dishes! Every thing was carefully prepared and bought by us and nothing could go wrong with cheese and chocolate... they were simply DELISH!!!!!!!

Pauline was very kind and thoughtful to pick up a thermal flusk and some maternal and pampering gift vouchers. They were presented to Romona after dinner. As for after-dinner entertainment, Manny gave us a glimpse of what was it like for a man to be pregnant and Mark shared with us his thought of being included in an exclusive event such as baby shower.

Surprise!!!!!!!!

The mom-to-be looked very good at her seventh-month pregnancy!

Pauline and Romona
Mark and Beth were admiring at the ultrasound picture of little Owen.
Elsa's famous salsa for the tortilla chips!
cheese platter (cheddar, blue and mini babybels) with grapes and crackers!

Brandy R. is going to be so proud of me--special potato baked casserole!

Ranee's chocolate fondue with fresh fruits.
Beth's baked brie (topped with walnuts and raisins)
Cheese and chocolate feast!

Romona: Thermal flusk! I've been eyeing on one of these for a long time.
Gift vouchers from L'occitane!
Romona is carefully reading the card!

Can you believe this is homemade? Pauline's ever-so-delicious oreo cheesecake.

Mark is serving everyone chocolate and cheese cheesecake from SR.Manny: Who said man cannot be pregnant? Can you tell if mine is a boy or a girl? (He put a pomelo under his shirt)Manny: I am 'disecting' the 'baby' (pomelo) now!

Romona: Little Owen and I would like to thank my wonderful friends and colleagues for the baby shower party! Merci beaucoup!

2006-09-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

Thai Feast at Chin Yin's

Even though Malaysians have always been pampered with the luxury of around-the-clock eateries--hawker centers, restaurants and mamak stalls; more and more people prefer dining in, cooking wholesome meals and entertaining guests with gourmet dinners at home.

My girlfriends and myself are no exception to that. Unlike Sex and the City icon, Carrie Bradshaw, who claimed to use her oven only for storage, we decided to take the roles that most ladies dread and be Martha Stewarts in our kitchens. Simply put, we are frequently having dinners and get-together in one another's home, and most importantly everyone will make a dish or two according to the theme of the dinner.

Chin Yin was very excited to announce the theme of our first dinner--Thai. With twenty odd emails circulating in the past few weeks, everyone confirmed the dishes prepared and we finally met at Chin Yin's with our wholesome versions of Thai famous dishes--Thai salad, pineapple fried rice, chicken meatball with peanut sauce, tom yam soup and green curry.

Everyone was indulging in the meal while exchanging notes on ways to improve culinary skills. We also caught up with one another in our work, life, politics and relationships. The late-comer had to, well... wash dishes and doggie-bag all the leftover home. On that evening, Sheila had the "honor" to accomplish both tasks.

So ladies, let's get our cutleries and cooking utensils ready for yet another soiree of fun, food and friends!!!

Participants of the Thai feast (left to right): Sheila, Chin Yin, myself, Sim and Hong Jun, aka the photographer!!!

Cheers to the host and hostess du "soir": Hong Jun and Chin Yin

Smiley Sim is flooded with compliments for her version of wholesome tom yam soup!

Finger licking delicious chicken meatballs with peanut sauce (not in the picture), a gourmet creation of Chin Yin.

Refreshing appetizer: Hong Jun's version of ever-famous Long Po Thai salad
My contribution to the dinner: Thai green curry, c'est bon!
Sim's tom yam soup!!! Rated thumbs-up by all!!!
Yet another surprise by Chin Yin, pineapple fried rice. 10/10 for presentation and taste!!!

2006-09-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Community Service at Emmanuel Praise Children's Home

One fine Saturday afternoon, a bunch of CIMP students and myself performed a Samaritan act at an orphanage home--Emmanuel Praise Children's Home. We helped this newly established organization with their utter needs--cleaning up the kitchen and storeroom. Located near Old Town, Petaling Jaya, the place is home to the 15 orphanages and abused children from different parts of Malaysia.

The 11 of us met at SYUC front foyer, to my surprise, for the first time, the students (well, at least most of them) were punctual for the appointment, except the brothers (ahem... you know who) were about 10 minutes late. They did have the excuse to be inpunctual though, they were driving in Malaysia for the very first time!!!!!! Bravo to them both!!!

I must say that the team was very strong, hardworking and diversified. There were five Malaysians, two Indonesians, two Eritreans, one Iranian and one Yemenese. We were so united despite cultural and language barriers.

Before heading to the orphanage, we stopped by Seksyen11 for "makan" . Fueling ourselves with delicious Indian banana leaf briyani rice at the Grand City, everyone learnt a little bit about the Indian culture: eating with hands, folding the banana leaf inwards means the meal is good and that "nandri" means thank you. It was probably one of the BEST briyani rice that I have had in a long time.

We reached the destination right on time and without further a do, everybody stepped up to his/her role in cleaning up the kitchen and storeroom. The girls voluntarily worked in the kitchen while the boys exercised their muscles in the storeroom. After hours of cleaning, scrubbing, mopping, and rearranging and tallying inventories, we took a short break. The manager of the orphanage home, Mr. Michael Christopher, was very thoughtful. He bought us some cold drink to quench our thirsts!

By the time all the tasks had been accomplished, everyone deserved a pat on his/her shoulder because the storeroom seemed to have gone through a complete make-over with all the inventories properly arranged and kitchen was spick and span that it almost looked brand new.

The only regret was that the orphans were all asleep by the time we had done our work and that we did not get to meet and play with them. However, it was a very good experience for the students and myself. Whether or not we got to meet and mingle with the orphans was secondary because to serve the community, even in the tiniest measure, is already the biggest reward. Once again, I must congratulate the team on their job well done!

Banana leaf briyani rice!!!

Yo-yo Wei and Kuroush

Nisita, Linda and Yean May

Thamer, Munir and Khalid

Fanny and Tommy

The boys were in charge of rearranging the inventories in the storeroom

Munir: Let me show you the bicepts I have been working on!

Tommy: Nothing is too heavy for me. I can lift it all by myself.

Ms. Woi, this is called team work!

Yo-yo Wei: Careful, don't spill the oil!

Khalid: Haha, I never knew working in the storeroom can be so fun!

Linda: First of all, remove the stuffs from the shelves

Nisita and Yean May: Ms. Woi, don't we look domesticated in the kitchen???

Yean May, Fanny, Nisita: Scrub, scrub, scrub, let us scrub! Whaaaaaaaaaa!!!! There is a wiggly worm!!!

Linda: Hehe, I am using a baby t-shirt to wipe the shelf, isn't it cute?

Check it out! The kitchen is spick and span now!
Five hundred and thirty-two packets, five hundred... errrr... how many are there again??? Grrrr... let's count again... one, two, three....

Voila! The storeroom with a brand new make-over look.

We are the team!

Homemade rocky road chocolate fudge to reward the ever hardworking team members!!!

2006-08-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

In Celebration of the New Devadas

The newly weds: Ruben and Lisa Devadas

August 26, 2006 was a big day for Ruben and Lisa! It was the day they celebrated their joy of matrimony with their loved ones. The evening reception was held at Saujana Golf Resort in Subang Jaya.

The dinner was not only a reunion for the newly weds' families, friends and co-workers but also a get-to-gather for the CIMPians. People came from near and afar to celebrate this special occasion with the newly weds. The buffet dinner served was a unique fusion of eastern and western cuisine.

The event was short and sweet but word has it that some of the people (Rani and the company) were partying till dawn the next day! No matter how the evening was ended, we sincerely wish Lisa (the new member of the Devadas) happily married ever after, mazel tov!

Say Cheeeeeeezzzzzzeeeee!!!

The ladies: hey, let's take a picture!

The ladies: smile!

The ladies: What?!!! Picture already taken? We weren't ready yet?

Congratulations from Lisa's ex- and current officemates!

Myself, Lisa and Romona

Happy couple #1: Mani and Selvan (who just got married 4 months ago)

Happy couple #2: Romona and Andre (who are expecting a baby)

Happy couple #3: Karen and Barry

Happy couple # 4: Mark and Dian

Happy couple # 5: Adrian and Yvonne (my beau and me)

The gorgeous and elegant ladies: Romona and Pauline

Elsa, Rani and Manny

Steven, Adrian, Yvonne and Mani

Bearing blessings we travel afar from CIMP

Phew! After all the mingling and photo-taking, I finally get to enjoy the dinner

Lisa is waving goodbye to her guests.

2006-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cookout at Romona's

Romona invited us for a cookout lunch today!!! Her honourable guests include Manny, Alex (Manny's sidekick) and myself. To make the freshest Vietnamese spring rolls and soba, we bought the ingredients from Taman Tun Dr. Ismail market and Bangsar Village Grocer. And then, we headed back to her apartment to prepare a feast of Vietnamese/Japanese fusion lunch!

The meal was prepared in the collaborative work of the four of us. Romona prepared the mouth-watering cold soba despite her injured toes, Manny and Alex were the "leave dryer and cutter" of the day and I was the overall supervisor of the boys (haha!)

Even though Manny accidentally flattened the baby romaine lettuce and mixed the greens and herbs in a bowl, the meal was very well done and everyone had a GREAT time.

Soak the ingredients: Thai basil, corriander, mint, baby romaine lettuce and scallion (spring onion)
Romona is 5 months pregnant, doesn't she look gorgeous!!!!!!!

Manny: Ops, I did it again! I just flattened yet another piece of the baby romaine...

Alex: Slowly but surely, I will finish cutting the turnips, just don't rush me, Yvonne!!!!!
Romona is making the soba.

Voila, the beautifully cleaned, prepared and assembled meal! Vietnamese spring rolls ingredients and cold soba!!!!
Main ingredients for Vietnamese spring rolls: julienne fish "crab meat", turnip, mango, avocado and cucumber.

Manny's creation--"hunt-for-your-own-herb" bowl, aka, find the veggie/herb you want from the pile of greens.

Soba-licious! Hmmmm....Oishi!

The hostess and her guests of honor...... are going to......

be the "hungry ghosts"!!!!!!

Manny: Let me show you the "proper" way of making a spring roll.. first, wet the rice paper using a brush, then put all the ingredients onto the soft rice paper, after that...

Ahhh.... this hongkin' roll can't fit into my mouth, I should have calculated the amount of ingredients in the roll using differential calculus!!!

2006-08-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Yummy Roasted Duck Rice!!!!!!!!

Little Bodhi: I love roasted duck rice!!!

CIMP is on term break, so a few of us--myself, the Mah's (Don, Bern & little Bodhi) who came back from Canada to visit, Steven Tan, Sean and Ee Von (ex-CIMP students) decided to lunch at the famous "engineer duck" shop in Paramount--Sunrise yesterday.

Despite the lazy afternoon heat, people were lining up outside the shop, patiently waiting to be seated. Thanks to Sean and Ee Von who managed to get us a table that we didn't have to wait in the sun. The shop opens at 11"30 am but the roasted ducks are usually sold out before 2 pm.

Bodhi is such a good baby, even though the heat was killing everyone, but he sat quietly, observing everyone at the table. He sure loved duck rice though, for an 18-month old boy, he finished half of the plate of duck rice--more than I can eat sometimes.

It was a GREEEEAAAT meal! The roasted ducks were so scrumptious--the flesh was juicy and tender but the skin was roasted to perfection--crispy and crunchyily melt in your mouth... yummmmmm!!!!!

All in all, the meal was of good food with great company!

The Mah's

The Paramount boy, Sean and Seksyen 17 gal, Ee Von (ex-CIMPians)

The crispy skin roasted duck and fried onion with iceberg lettuce

2006-08-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Yes!!! It's Possible!!!
The Tan's (Charmaine, Felix and Khai Ling Tan) who have made it all possible

To my dear friends who are in North America who may be craving for some Asian greens, there are other ways to get them besides buying them from the specialty stores or Asian markets. Yes, it is true!!!

I could not believe it until my green-fingered friends, Khai Ling and Felix, who live in the northwest of America showed me that they managed to plant long beans, red Asian spinach, kang kung, red chili, okra and lemongrass in their backyard this summer. Therefore, nothing is impossible, my friends, with some seeds from Malaysia, summer gardening, water and lots of love... voila!!!

So, hold your breath as you behold the pictures of their awesome harvest this summer--the Asian beauties!!!!!!!

The emerald green long beans (kacang panjang) are such beauties!!!!

Long beans on the plant. Aren't they gorgeous?

These red Asian spinach (bayam merah) are actually bigger and nicer than the ones I get from the market in Malaysia.

These Japanese cucumbers (timun or kyuri) are very tasty and crunchy, they are perfect for sandwich, salad or even on its own.

Water convolvulus (kang kung or eng chai) is very popular in Malaysia but this is the first time I see them in North America.

These red chilies (cili merah) look like roses among the thorns.

Check out the glorious sunflower (bunga matahari), it looks too good to be real!

Lemongrass (serai) is one of the main ingredients for authentic Thai food and curry.

Okra/lady's finger (bendi) on the plant, I have no idea that the tips point upward.

A close-up okra, yummy... anybody for curry tonight?

Tribute to the Leaving Canadian Colleague

2006-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the time of the year when we say "bon voyage" and "goodbye" to our Canadian friends, eh!

Some of them embark on new journeys in life, settle down in Canada; but lo and behold, they will very soon start teaching like all of us here at Sunway, haha!

Thankfully, I managed to do something fun--travelling and karaoke session, at last, with some of them before they "balik kampung".

Jason, Paule and myself in Tioman Island (top)

Jason, our new singing sensation. Bravo! Bravo! (left)

The lovely couple, Steve and Brandy! (right)

The organizational behaviour gurus, aka, the golden boy and gal -- J & J (Jennifer & Justine)

Everybody's favorite cheerleaders--Ranee and Paule, who live their lives to the fullest! Be CAREFUL, ladies and gentlemen because their cheerfulness are contagious!!!!!!!!

Belly dancing with the divas--Ranee, Jen, Paule and Aimee (left to right). It was FUN!!!!!!

Thanks to technological wonders today that we can enjoy instantaneous modes of communication like emails, blogs and MSN despite being miles away and oceans apart.

I would like to dedicate this very first blog of mine to two very special, fun, charming and charismatic French Canadians, Jason Dupuis and Paule Rodrigue, who have taught me so much about the different perspectives in life. Merci beaucoup, mon amie!

Jason, don't you miss the fun of teasing me??? "Stop it, Jason!!!" sounds familiar, eh?

The grafitti that Jason left on my car before he departed from Malaysia (what a NICE gesture)!!!!!!