Welcome back readers! Its been a very long while isn't it? My apologies as I've been quite pack lately. As some of you might know, I've started with my studies with Open University earlier this year and balancing work, my lifestyle,assignments and studies at the same time is not an easy task. Due to that also, my home based garage is closed as I can no longer commit to it. 

Alright, back to the main topic! last week, on the 27th April 2017, I was fortunate enough to be invited by Pullman Miri Waterfront under Sarawak Bloggers to attend a masterclass with Chef Desmond Chia together with a few bloggers and members of the press at Pullman Private Kitchen area.

When I first arrived at Pullman Miri Waterfront that day, I didn't know what to expect. I was thinking is this like the TV shows I usually watched? Gordon Ramsey Pullman Edition? I have no clue what was about to happen. But thank goodness not long after that, some familiar faces arrived at the hotel lobby. None other than my fellow bloggers, LadyBird, Pei Pei, Judith and Elena. Not long after that, the man behind all this invitation, Abang Joe photobombed us.

We then proceed to the private kitchen are, where we were given a media kit, a hat and a apron. Chef Gabriel did a brief introduction about what was about to happen before Chef Desmond took over. Not too long after that, all the participants started to gather around the kitchen island and soon after that we started our session with the making of Xiao Loong Bao. 

p/s: i think almost all the photo used does not belong to me as i was busy making some food.. :D

After all that fun dim sum making session, we were asked to sit down while waiting for our Xiao Loong Bao to be steamed cooked and of course after that is the eating session.  Our dumpling might not look as good but it was definitely delicious and juicy.

The second lesson was on how to make hand pulled noodles. I had the honor to be asked to "pull and stretched " the noodle and i kid you not, it was hard work. Chef Desmond demonstrated on how to stretched the noodle and when i did mine, instead of bouncing up and down, mine went in circles.

According to Chef Desmond, its best to use a marble top table during the making of the noodle as the marble top table helps maintaining the ideal temperature for the noodle and it is also important to use alkaline water during the making of the dough.

Hand Pulled Noodles
Hong Kong Flour - 600gm
Ice Water - 300gm
Salt - 5gm
Alkaline Water - 50gm

Xiao Loong Bao Skin
High Protein flour - 600gm
Low Protein flour - 600gm
Ice Water - 600gm

Chicken Stock Jelly
Chicken Stock - 600gm
Agar Agar Powder - 10gm
Salt - 11gm
Chicken Seasoning - 16gm
Sugar - 12gm

Filling
Chicken meat - 600gm
Salt - 7gm
Chicken Seasoning - 11gm
Sugar - 16gm
Potato Starch - 11gm
Ginger - 10gm
Spring Onion - 10gm
Chicken Stock Jelly - 600gm

Seems like a lot of fun yah? If you are intrested to join any of the masterclass, Chef Desmond will be in Pullman Miri Waterfront for about a month. Gather your friends, give Pullman Miri Waterfront a call at  +6085323888 to secure a spot. Price will range from Rm80++/pax.

Do checkout what my fellow bloggers have to say and their experience during the masterclass

http://www.awomandiary.com/

https://elenaaradia.wordpress.com/

http://peipei87.blogspot.my/

Great news from TGV Cinemas MovieClub!

 

TGV Cinemas, one of Malaysia’s leading exhibitor and multiplex cinema operators is celebrating the first anniversary of theTGV Cinemas MovieClub.

Since the launch, TGV Cinemas MovieClub , members from all walks of life who have enjoyed a variety of rewards such as exclusive offers, invitations to movie premieres, MovieMoney and members-only advance ticketing privileges.

 As part of the celebration, TGV Cinemas MovieClub have dedicated a commemorative montage of its member’s best moments as a gesture to thank them for their continuous support.

Members who have shared their pictures can view the video at http://tgv.com.my/promotions/promos/tgv-movieclub-anniversary-celebration


In addition to that, existing members will enjoy a variety of offers which includes the following:

·         Soft Drink at RM1 valid till 30 September 2015

·         Screening passes up for grabs from 17-30 September 2015!

·         Surprise giveaways for members on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays valid till 30 September 2015

·         Buy 1 Free 1 from Juice Works valid till 30 November 2015


As for new members, who sign-up during the anniversary month, will not only receive Welcome (two complimentary movie tickets and regular popcorn set) and Birthday Freebies (two complimentary movie tickets and regular popcorn set) but they will also receive an additional one movie pass from 17 September to 30 September 2015.

AUGUST AWESOME OFFERS

Inside Out tumbler and new popcorn flavours awaits you in TGV Cinemas

This month, TGV Cinemas is introducing a new combo set in conjunction with Disney / Pixar’s Inside Out. For only RM22.90, movie lovers can purchase a regular popcorn set and get an exclusive Inside Out tumbler. But what makes this tumbler so unique is that it’s lenticular, which means as you tilt the cup, you will get a different image! Available in all TGV Cinemas location nationwide from August 20, 2015.

But that’s not all… No movie session in TGV Cinemas would be complete without our new popcorn flavours! – Magic Masala and Aloha Coconut. 

Great news Marvel’s Fant4stic fans! TGV Cinemas has revealed an exclusive Fant4stic TGV Cinemas MovieClub Card. A must-have for card collectors, the MovieClub cards features the four key characters in the movie. Current MovieClub members can replace their current card for only RM5 whilst new members joining, will automatically get the card!

Wait… there’s more!

You can also enjoy the upcoming Marvel action movie with the latest limited edition Fant4stic 32oz tumbler! Priced at only RM22.90, customers will receive a regular popcorn and a soft drink (of your choice) in the exclusive tumbler. 

Fant4stic is a reboot of Marvel's original and longest-running superhero team which centres on the lives of four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in drastic ways. Their lives are irrevocably upended and the team must learn to work together and harness their overwhelming new abilities to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy. The film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Reg E. Cathey and Tim Blake Nelson.

Movie opens in TGV Cinemas nationwide on August 8.

The Fant4stic TGV Cinemas MovieClub card and Tumbler Combo is available in all TGV Cinemas locations.

Hurry, while stocks last!

For more information or to get your tickets, visit www.tgv.com.my or follow TGV Cinemas on Facebook, Twitter, Instragram and LINE. 

So movie goers? what are you waiting for? Get yours today!

Welcome back dear readers! Apologies for the no update as I was occupied with some other stuffs lately. This was suppose to be posted last week but unfortunately, TMNUT Screamyx has been giving me issues for almost 2 weeks.

Alright! back to the main agenda. Most of us (Mirians) are aware that TGV Cinemas has recently opened in Permaisuri Imperial City Mall(PICM) and on the 12th March 2015, I was invited, together with a few more fellow bloggers, to the official grand opening ceremony. This historic opening marks TGV Cinemas' first cinema in East Malaysia.








The official launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Sports and Communications Sarawak, Yang Berbahagia Lawrence Lai, Mayor of Miri City Council, Mr Ling Chiong Sing, Chief Executive Director of Boulevard Group of Companies, Mr Don Yew Hoon, Chief Executive Officer of Boulevard Group of Companies and Mr Gerald V. Dibbayawan, Chief Executive Officer of TGV Cinemas.

TGV Cinema in PICM has eight cinema halls with a total of 1263 Seats. All halls are fitted with the state-of-the art Dolby Digital sound system and Christie® CP2220 digital cinema projector system that generates sharper and brighter 2D and 3D images. It is also capable of playing high-frame-rate(HFR) which is also suitable of action packed movies. 

Shortly after the press conference, we were invited for the premiere of Disney Animation blockbuster "Cinderella" which coincides with the grand opening.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Miss Nandini, PR Executive of TGV Cinemas and Sarawak Bloggers for this opportunity and it was a wonderful experience (That was my first time going to TGV Cinema-car too low had to park at Imperial Mall >.<)

Before I end this post, do check out what my fellow bloggers have to say about the grand opening of TGV Cinema Permaisuri Imperial City Mall.

* Fabian

* *Elena Aradia

** *Pei Pei

****Ladybird

So I was driving to Miri Airport after work yesterday to settle some stuff when I realized the sudden drop of voltage in my car. Thank goodness for NRG Volt Meter that I've installed in my car (transferred from the my previous Iswara) I continued to monitor the voltage of my car. As it was getting darker due to the rainy season,I turned on my headlights and once again, my car CD player (Head Unit) was off,my lights was dim and my wiper was slower then usual. At first I thought it was due to the rain, my alternator belting got wet and I thought the belting must have slipped causing the voltage drop.

A few times the head unit went off but I couldn't be bothered by it as my mind set was "belting wet, must have slipped"  but that issue didn't really went off my head till I consulted my fellow friends, the Lutong Drag Crew on symptoms of a faulty alternator. They told me what are the symptoms they've experienced before and those were the exactly same symptoms I'm experiencing. One thing I didn't take note of during my observation earlier that day was the voltage would go up following my engine RPM (revolutions per-minute). The harder I rev the engine, the higher the voltage will go.

So with all the symptoms I've experienced, I was sure that its time to change my alternator. Since today is a Sunday, I was doubting that most workshops are opened but I was sure that the parts shop is still open until 3 pm. I did some reading on how to replace the alternator and after dropping my parents off, went to get a replacement alternator. This was my first time replacing the alternator on my own. If you are not confident, please let the workshop do it for you. As for my case, most workshop was closed and I'm trying to save a few ringgits on workmanship. :D

In this post, I would like to share with you, how to replace your alternator.

Tools Needed:

1.  Spanner (Size 8,12 and 14) *depending on car make and model. Here I'm referring to a 1999 Proton Satria GTI (engine code 4g93)
   
2. Floor Jack
3. Jack stand
4. Gloves (optional)

First things first, locate the position of the alternator. 

Once you located the position of the alternator, remove the battery terminals/heads. (always remove the battery terminals when working on fuel or electrical parts of the car.) Then proceed to raise the car using floor jacks. Once you raised your car to the desired height (for easy access), place a floor jack underneath the car to support it. 

Installation of the new alternator was pretty straight forward like taking it off, except its done in reverse. Once you've put everything back on, reconnected the wiring's, start the engine and what i did was, turn the radio on, headlamps and aircond and monitor the voltage through the volt meter.So far so good, no voltage drop. The normal voltage should be 12V plus (before you start the car), 13V ~ 14V with your engine running. Don't forget the adjust the belting tensioner by turning the tensioner bold clockwise *depending on car make and model). 

So the it is, a DIY session for the weekend. A new rebuildable alternator for my ride, a new experience gained and roughly RM80 saved on the workmanship. :D

Were you there at the 2nd edition of Asia Music Festival? No? You have no idea what you've missed people! This was my 2nd time covering this event and here I am, sharing with you,my dear readers, my experience.

Before the actual event starts, strolled along the EastWood Valley Musical Corridor and watching the visitors getting their tattos. I was so tempted to get a tattoo but I've told myself, wait till I gain more weight and if i were to do a tattoo, it would have a meaning to me. Something that really impacted my life and it would be there as a constant reminder. (Checkout the slide show above. *pictures taken on day 1 and 2).

The evening started off with DrumCall. A group of percussionist mostly based in Kuching,Sarawak beating the beat out of their instruments. It was a slow start at first but not long after that, you can see visitors starts storming the front stage and dancing little by little following the rhythm of the drums. 

In between the band performances, the crowd was entertained by one of the best DJ's in the industry, with at least 20 years of experience, once crowned as the Malaysian DJ Champion for 3 years in a row, DJ RoundHead. From Old Skool Hip Hip to the latest hits on the decks. That kept the crowd grovin'.He even did some frestylin'. As seen on the picture above, Dj RoundHead taking the crowd to a whole new level of frestylin' emcee.

Second up on stage was Pisco from Taiwan. How did they got their name? PIano + Disco = Pisco.. What I love about this band? The the lead guitarist and bassist was a girl! The bassist, probably the cutest bassist I've ever seen,with her bob cut hair style, small sized girl-next-door look can really slap that bass. Who would have known that this Apple App Editor by day, a turn into a badas* chick at night. Not to miss the lead guitarist, if you've seen through the slide show I've made, is purely rocker chick but still cute at the same time.

The third band that was performing that night was Masia One from Singapore. The first band that played reggae which got the crowd really grovin'. I mean, how can you not move to Reggae? Honestly, based on her autobiography, I was expecting her to perform more Hip Hop based genre but I had fun listening to her as well. It shows that Masia One has really developed into a multi-genre artist.

This band was one of the bands that I looked forward see performing on the first night. Pancake80 from the Philippines and they didn't disappoint me. The vocalist was very versatile with her notes and they played my all time favorite song which was Cryin' by BonJovi. The lead vocalist plays the harmonica and guess what? Their guitarist looks like Jacoby Shaddix (PapaRoach vocalist) too. :D. 

This was the last band that was performing night. A band that was no longer a stranger in our local music scene. SalamMusik from Kuala Lumpur.

Misaluvi and Motion Family was the opening act for Day 2. Although this group doesn't sing or play any musical instrument, the energy they brought with them was definitely there. Not much I can say about this group as we, the Sarawak Bloggers was busy taking our group picture during the performance. Sorrrrrryyy.....

Next up was SoulMate all the way from India. Being the 2nd performer up for the night, bringing blues rock genre was really soothing after the energetic performance by Misaluvi & Motion Family. Tipriti, the female vocalist/guitarist is considered one of the finest female singers to have emerged from the North East India, paired with Wallang, who is considered one of the respected blues guitarist of India, you know they're gonna make your heart skips a beat with their performance. I personally fell in love with Tipriti's soulful voice. They really know their music well.

This one here, is a proof that music knows no language. Retrospect from Thailand.Although they sang mostly/if not all, in Thai language, it didn't stop the crowd from jumping around rocking to their music. I have to say that this band, was the cherry on top of the cake.

MAD August!! I love this band! Somehow they remind me a lot of one particular Hong Kong Band, Beyond. MAD August stands for Make A Difference and August was included in the band's name because the band was formed in August. They performed a few of their singles and did a cover of Nirvana's Song, Smells Like Teen Spirit.. Two of the band members got tattoo-ed earlier that day at the tattoo expo too.

The last band to perform that night was Ras Muhamad representing Indonesia. Known as the Indonesian Reggae Ambassador, Ras didnt disappoint the crowd that night. From the start of his performance till the end, you can see the dance floor was packed. Towards the end of the performance, they did an impromptu performance with Masia One and Salamusik. 

Need I say more? Let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Well, that was one of the best events I've attended so far.  Before I end this post, I would like to thank Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) for the opportunity, the performers, my fellow Sarawak Bloggers, members of media from all over the world, and the volunteers who made this all possible. I kid you knot, I'm already looking forward to the next event by them.

If you wish to read more on the event coverage, below are the links of my fellow bloggers who covered the event as well.

Abang Joe
Elena Aradia
Miss Alvy
Cik Reyyana
Fabian
Pei Pei
LadyBird Eileen


Pictures?
You can find them Here
Or  if you want to see the pictures taken by the official photographer, Andy Kho, below are the links.
*Note : Please take note that all pictures, be it taken by me or anybody else, if you wish to use them, please give credits to the owner of the pictures.

Asia Music Festival Day 1 By Andy Kho
Asia MUsic Festival Day 2 By Andy Kho

MIRI – Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, the venue of Asia Music Festival will offer free shuttle bus service to the event venue on both festival days Friday 3rd October and Saturday 4th October.

 

Shuttle bus service operated by the Eastwood Valley will be made available free to shuttle festival attendees to Asia Music Festival or just to reach their golf club and hotel property located at Jalan Miri by-Pass. According to Rebecca Wong, Eastwood Valley’s Director of Marketing, shuttle bus will leave Eastwood Valley every hour from 5:00pm until 9:00pm. This bus will drop off and pick up at the Boulevard Shopping Complex (entrance next to KFC), Imperial Shopping Mall (lobby entrance of the hotel) and Bintang Mega Mall (mall main entrance, near Coffee Bean).

 

The first schedule that runs from Eastwood Valley at 5:00pm will first reach Boulevard Shopping Complex approximately around 5:15pm, then Imperial Shopping Mall around 5:30pm and Bintang Mega Mall around 5:45pm. The shuttle bus will then return to Eastwood Valley and will continue its service for 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm and 9:00pm before returning to Eastwood Valley at around 10:00pm.

 

The major purpose of this service is to provide easy access to festival goers to attend the 2 day festival and at the same time to ease traffic congestion at the venue. 

 

The festival organizer, Sarawak Tourism Board who is promoting “greening the festival” program is also encouraging festival goers to use this free shuttle service to reach the venue while reducing the carbon foot print. “Festival goers are encouraged to help and put into practice the greening effort as their small but worthy contribution to save the environment” says Dato’ Rashid Khan, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board.

 

At the inaugural event last year, the event drew more than 3,000 people over the 2 days of the festival. The 2nd edition of Asia Music Festival this weekend will feature artists from Asian countries namely from India, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

 

The festival will also add a DJ gig into this year’s program by featuring  Malaysian famous DJ Roundhead who will be playing an array of famous dance music at the post-festival late show on both nights which will last until 2:00am. Festival gates open at 5:00pm both Friday and Saturday.

 

Other than music, the festival will also incorporate a range of Asian food namely from Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, India, Malaysia and more. The Festival will continue to feature a tattoo exhibition which has attracted more tattoo experts this year from Indonesia and Philippines. 

 

Entry tickets to Asia Music Festival is currently on pre-sale offer at only RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18). Visit the website www.asiamusicfestival.net to purchase online. Tickets also available at Visitors Information Centre in Miri (+6 085-434180), Kuching (+6 082-423600) and Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale tickets are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

KUCHING – The Asia Music Festival will be featuring DJ gig for the first time this year by adding the Malaysian famous DJ Roundhead into the program. DJ Roundhead will be playing at the post-festival late show on both Friday and Saturday night, 3rd and 4th October. He will also be playing a huge array of famous dance music during a break between each bands both nights.

Performing as a DJ for with at least 20 years experience, DJ Roundhead was once crowned as the ‘Malaysia DJ Champion’ 3 years in a row when he entered the Malaysian DJ Championship competition from 1995-1997.

When he was in high school, he would work part-time jobs during the weekend just to blow it all away on CD's and records. That made him the "go-to-guy" when it came to house parties from high school all the way to college. Roundhead would bring his own player and set up his own mini console and rock the crowd at the party. Only after college he join a company during the 90's called Clubworld Entertainment that supplied DJ's to entertainment outlets around Malaysia, where then only he started his professional career.

Among his best moment is representing Malaysia in the Rotterdam Love Parade in the Netherlands for a crowd of 10,000 strong on a 34 wheel trailer while proudly flying the Malaysian flag in front of his console. He played as a DJ residency in Melbourne, Australia for a year before returning to Malaysia and is currently attached to TraxxFM in Kuala Lumpur.

The major challenge for any real DJ is being able to perform under pressure. The most interesting bit is studying the crowd earlier before any performance without undermining their expectations of entertainment. According to Roundhead, a real DJ can tell if a record or a song is going to be a hit or a dance floor filler. Knowledge is the key for everything.

Asia Music Festival now in its second year will bring again the very best eclectic mix of live music together for one mind-blowing weekend in Miri, Sarawak. The inaugural festival last year saw incredible performances from headliners from Asian region as far as India, Thailand and Korea. With the main goal to develop the brand of Asia Music Festival to be an iconic music festival of mixed genre in the Asian Region, the festival has recorded around 3000 music fans attending the first edition of the festival last year.

Asia Music Festival will also incorporate a range of Asian food as well as tattoo exhibition so there will be something for everyone. The festival will start at 5:00pm daily with a tattoo exhibition as well as food and village mart. Stage performance will begin at 7:30pm until midnight, followed by the DJ set with DJ Roundhead until 2:00am.

Eight international bands has been confirmed for this year’s festival. Get your tickets now at a pre-sale price, only RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) at www.asiamusicfestival.net . Tickets also on sale at Visitors Information Centre in Kuching (+6 082-423600), Miri (+6 085-434180) and Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale tickets are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.