Eric, Lia and Qistina

Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou Tour : 15 - 20 April 2011

2011-04-25T12:33:00.002+08:00

The Bund, Shanghai

The Background of Tallest Building in the World

The Beauty of the Bund

The Couple at The Bund, Shanghai

Universal Studios Singapore

2011-01-27T16:00:00.003+08:00

2011 : Qistina Goes To School

2011-01-16T10:44:00.000+08:00

Ready to go........Nervous

Finding a seat

Recess.......Nasi Lemak

Back into classroom......

Confident !

Ice-cream..............!

SDSI 2010 - Kedah is the Champions......again !

2010-12-13T04:33:00.001+08:00

My Actions at MAHA 2010

2010-12-07T12:20:00.001+08:00

QURBAN TAHUN INI

2010-11-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

Qurban tahun ini disempurnakan di Sungai Buloh Farms, berhampiran Kampong Melayu Sungai Buloh.

Aidilfitri 2010

2010-09-23T19:50:00.000+08:00

On the morning of Aidilfitri

Visit by the Afzals

Amni, Qistina & Asfarina

Twins ?

Eric, Lia & Chah

Qistina

Tisya

Zaffri

Luqman

Vietnam 2010 - Saigon Tour

2010-07-08T14:20:00.001+08:00

Heli Ride.......what an experience !

2010-06-01T13:23:00.000+08:00

Bird's Nest

2010-03-22T19:08:00.000+08:00

Forbidden City

2010-03-22T18:53:00.000+08:00

Tianamen Square

2010-03-22T18:37:00.001+08:00

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA 2010

2010-03-22T09:59:00.004+08:00

Hatyai & Songkhla.....here we come again ! Part 1

2010-02-10T19:01:00.000+08:00

After a few years, once again the Hatyai & Songkhla was on our tour. With nearly 40 pax we departed by bus from KOMADA office at 8.30 a.m. heading to Changloon for the first stop.......money changer, where I changed for 12,000 bath. Then to the Malaysian Immigration, and then the Thai border. The entry process was much harder that last time, even harder with border pass. From border we sprinted to Chekkar Restaurant.....for lunch. This restaurant is famous for its 'bawal goreng' and 'tomyam putih'. The delicacies here was just marvellous........!

The Berry Series

2010-01-14T20:27:00.009+08:00

2010 has brought me a new interest, or rather long lost interest, that is photography, thanks to my Fivers77 head-honcho MK & MP, not forgetting Norman the sifu. So armed with my StormBerry 9500, my daily out-of-office trip has an added task, that's finding a good scene to capture on the Berry and upload it to FB. So here some of the 'scene' that captured by my Berry.

2010

2010-01-04T18:52:00.008+08:00

This year's 2010 New Year celebration somehow much different for me. Apart from having to attend 2 meetings on last day of 2009, a Half A Century Dinner of STAR Fivers 77 was also awaiting at Shah Alam. But as much as I love to attend that dinner, a transport mulfunction occured, which at last brought me to Maya Hotel KL, joining thousands of revellers around KLCC and Souk, albeit 13 storey higher. So from that 13th floor balcony lounge I can really feast my eyes on the celebration below, apart from the 13th floor itself. The atmosphere was just joyous & tremendous. And as I was a photographer years before, the zest to be one again just sipped in, so there were some moments recorded on my SamCam.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-03T22:46:00.000+08:00

First January 2010 is the beginning of my 50th year of existance in this world. It seems so fast from the moment I begin to realise my existance and now I'm beginning to ponder whether another 50 is possible, only if and only if God-willing. I just cant write more..... just to wish all of you Happy New Year 2010. May Allah bless all of us, regardless of who we are.

Kedah.....the Champions of SDSI Part 1

2009-12-16T21:26:00.012+08:00

Again......it seems December is still the longest month ever, with so many 'events' lining over it. The Showcase SDSI 2009 at MITC Malacca had just concluded, with Kedah emerged as the overall champions. MADA's own drink-base Tobiar Gold came out First in the Drink category. While Zuza's Yong Tau Foo paste won the Food Category. Surprisingly the Kedah Pavilion also declared First in the pavilion competition. So, with three champions trophies, Kedah was crowned the Overall Champions that came with RM250,000 cash prize ! Congratulations to ALL who had contributed to the success.

It's already Disember..........!

2009-12-05T20:22:00.003+08:00

I took a long breath when I realised that Disember is already on the 5th day. So the year 2009 is leaving us...... so fast and with a few winks, 2010 will be here....exactly on 12:00, 1st of January 2010 (of course......). For some... Disember is year end holidays, but for me it's alway the busiest month....never ever being the holiday month. This year no less...... so many events & occassions are coming....until end of Disember. Showcase SDSI 2009 at MITC Malacca is on the 11-13 December.... but the grandest will be my daughter's wedding, which will stretch me from the middle till end of December. Oh.....what a month..... and welcome 2010 !

Batrisyia's 2nd Birthday.......on Putrajaya Tasik Cruise

2009-11-30T21:45:00.014+08:00

Well......being 'manja' is one thing, but being the daughter and grand-daughter of someone well-off will always bring the best to our granddaughter Batrisyia (mind you, I'm not the 'well-off'). So for her 2nd Birthday, the parents hosted a 'one of a kind' celebration on the Putrajaya Tasik Cruise, attended by all the closest relatives and buddies around (I'm considered lucky to be 'around'). The whole Kelah Cruise Vessel was just for us, about 30 pax, cruising the full length of the Putrajaya Lake, bypassing the beautiful night view of Putrajaya while enjoying our dinner party. The open top deck was just the best place to enjoy all the views and the slow winds accompanied. Of course the dinner and the Secret Recipe cakes was just delicious and tempting. What a lovely and enjoyable 90 minutes evening cruise cum dinner party. So..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Batrisyia and to her grandma Hjh. Rubiah too !

EID-UL QURBAN 1430 part 2

2009-11-30T20:48:00.008+08:00

On the first day of Eidul Qurban 1430, after the Eidul prayer, we were at the home of Zul's parents Haji Bacha Mydin & Rubiah. Unlike the previous Eiduls, where we were 'tapau-ed', this time we had breakfast of ever delicious Rubiah's Briyani, of course with chicken kurma & spicy prawns and the special Rubiah's tea (more of the original Indian tea). Then, the Qurban session started, with 2 mid-sized bull waiting patiently and calmly to be qurban-ed and some tears flowed.......for whatever reasons only known to the self.

EID-UL QURBAN 1430 part 1

2009-11-30T19:59:00.007+08:00

This year we celebrated Eid-ul Qurban differently.....yet again. Since last year almost all the children didn't come home for the celebration, we jumped at the invitation of Zul & Nana to celebrate the holy occasion at their house or rather Zul's parents home at Kampong Jawa, Klang. Furthermore, Zul paid for the return AirAsia flight. So, the three of us (of course Qistina tagged along) flew into LCCT on AK 5253 on Wednesday 25th November and there Zul & Tisyia already waited for us to take us to Bandar Bukit Tinggi Klang.

Vacation at Bukit Tinggi...........Klang.

2009-11-10T18:35:00.010+08:00

Kedah's Ghazal Party

2009-10-27T19:36:00.006+08:00

Mentioned Ghazal (kind of music), most people will pointed to southern Malaysia, Johore, but not many will realise that Kedah in the north also had our share of Ghazal, namely Ghazal Party. Recently, it was revived by a group of 'otai' (old-timers) from Alor Setar, precisely Kampong Tebengau, and eversince it had numerous performance invitations through out Kedah. Very recently, myself invited them to showcase their stuff at Mini MAHA Kedah 2009 organised by the Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-based Industries at Changloon (bordertown of Malaysia & Thailand). From just one afternoon show, it was extended to another, that was an evening show, and the response........... just fantastic ! Many of the older generations flock to Changloon, just to watch and maybe revived their interest in Ghazal Party. Their renditions of mixed musics of Arab, Hindi, Malay & also comedy sketches plus sponteneous dances was very well received and to the younger generations it was 'very new' tho' not originals. I salute Haji Shukri for his effort to bring back Ghazal Party................. you'll just love it !

Before One Month Sabbatical Is Over

2009-10-22T20:00:00.008+08:00

Before one month sabbatical of non-updating my blog is over, it's better I jot something down. The sabbaDtical is due to my tight schedule. Even tho there are urges to write something, I just lost for words. So today, better do some refreshing on blog.

During the off-period, many things happened, one of them my daughter Awatif endured her nightmare of PMR and her reluctance to go back to SMSAH forcing the Principal to demand her immediate return, and at least she learnt something.

On Deepavali I was at KL Sentral, so the 'kolam' was designed there, quite amazing feat. On that day, I flew AirAsia back to Alor Setar. The week before was by FireFly from Subang. It's nice to fly FireFly, at least we don't have to walk too far like at LCCT.

Now at the back of my housing area, the funfair is going on, so my lovely Qistina pestered me to visit the funfair, and of course she enjoyed very very much, and my of course my pocket holed !

Hari Raya ............... lost count of the days !

2009-09-27T11:32:00.006+08:00

Most of my holiday was spent at Alor Setar Mall..... and mostly at George Town White Coffee. But one funny thing was on Friday, out of nowhere Norlia and myself decided to watch a movie.... what?????? Yesssss a movie at Big Cineplex, Alor Setar Mall. True to the 1Malaysia concept, there were 5 movies playing, one Western, two Malays (of course, Raya time), one Cantonese and one Tamil............. at a glance we saw Kamal Hassan's movie, so without a second thought we bought the tickets....... oh my...... RM22 for two tickets!!!! So hurriedly we were ushered into the 'so dark' cineplex....... and Kamal Hassan was just about to 'show' his great.... and the movie called "Unai Pol Uruvan"............. you better go and watch it...................!

Hari Raya - Day 4

2009-09-23T16:12:00.011+08:00

Everybody is going back.............. left the 3 of us again.......... Asfarina, Ashraff & Amni stopped at GTWC for lunch.... on me of course..........! Zul, Nana, Tisya and Zaffri headed for Klang just an hour before. Surprisingly, my Fivers77 buddy Yazid Jepun also dropped-by......... with his 'still young' kids, unlike me......., I'm with 'still young' grandkids..............!

Aidilfitri Tahun Ini - Day 2 at Dr. Rocky's

2009-09-23T12:17:00.008+08:00

At the end of Day 2, my weight has gone up to 80kg......... and counting !

AIDILFITRI 1430H - Day 1

2009-09-21T00:43:00.011+08:00

Beginning of the day my weight : 78kg

Qistina at MADA's Orchid Garden

2009-09-09T20:25:00.007+08:00

During Ramadhan, I have to pick Qistina up early, that's before 5 pm. So she has to stay at our office until 6pm, and as a very active girl she is fond of playing in our office's orchid garden, just infront of the office. See how she enjoy playing....... Selamat Berpuasa....... just another 10 days !

Langkawi........again, in the rain,, heavy rain.

2009-08-29T04:00:00.004+08:00

I just dont understand, once I started going to a place, I will also repeating again and again to that place. This time is Langkawi. On 27th August at 8.00 am, we managed to jump into the ferry to Langkawi departing from Kuala Perlis to attend a meeting at 10.00 am, but my 2 friends took their leasure time and missed that ferry and also the meeting,, nevertheless they still reached Langkawi and joined the tour & shop segment. It was raining dogs & cats (or cats and dogs?) for three days and all of sudden Langkawi was flooded and a few roads were cut off. We made a tour to gauge the extend of the flooding and it's quite bad, at the end we were worried about the rough sea that might 'disturb' our journey to Kuala Perlis (very much dreadful to think of journey to Kuala Kedah), by the way we reached K-Perlis safe and sound (in fact we slept soundly thru out the journey).

Selamat Berpuasa

2009-08-21T18:23:00.008+08:00

These are some soothing pics taken yesterday at Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju. To All Muslim Friends.......... Selamat Berpuasa !

Langkawi Wildlife Park

2009-08-19T18:31:00.013+08:00

Last week I had the opportunity to be given a guided tour to Langkawi Wildlife Park. Mr. John Teoh was game enough to accommodate my Qistina and me to his park. It was such an enjoying time for both of us.......... just look at the photos here.................!

The MC at a Wedding Reception, The Regency Alor Setar

2009-08-17T19:28:00.002+08:00

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to be an emcee at a Wedding Reception at Hotel The Regency Alor Setar. The guests of 300 was very much enjoying the reception as I had to play my role as the master of the ceremony to the best possible. We had slow dance & joget lambak to spice up the evening. Selamat Pengantin Baharu to Aizad & Laila (both are attached to DCA Kuching).

Amirah Nur Qistina........... at George Town Kopitiam !

2009-08-17T12:57:00.008+08:00

During my MCs, my gd also skipped school (what a gf!) and one favourite place we spend the boredom was at George Town Kopitiam at Alor Setar Mall. Mind you, the white coffee was just fantastic and the Penang Prawn Mee is a must-have ! Marvellous ! So, just see how my Qistina posed for the album.........!

Singapore............ A Revisit, in Pictures !

2009-08-11T11:24:00.024+08:00

TV9's Apa Khabar Orang Kampong at Homestay MADA Jeruju

2009-08-10T17:47:00.012+08:00

Well...... TV9's Apa Khabar Orang Kampong at Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju was a great success. The reception of Kampong Jeruju's people just tremendous, with thousands more visitors thronged the kampong during the 2-day event. Thanks a lot TV9 for making Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju so famous, what more the live cross-overs made more people informed & connected to Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju and we at MADA and Kampong Jeruju felt it was such a great honour to be part of the programme. Thanks En. Bukh the CEO of TV9................. and not forgetting Hairol, Wan, Nurul, Kim, Aziz Desa & all the presenters, esp. Sharifah Nor, and also the artists, Akhbar, Andy Flop Poppy & his son, Alif OIAM, Ceplos, not to forget all the CREW who was working overtime to make sure the programme a great success, wait...... the lovely girls of Gadis Melayu too, oooh the sponsor Hotlink..................tahun depan kita buat lagi !

TV9's Apa Khabar Orang Kampong at Homestay Jeruju

2009-08-03T16:48:00.002+08:00

Once again, Kampong Jeruju will be under the limelight. TV9 will be hosting 'Apa Khabar Orang Kampong' which include 'Nasi Lemak Kopi O' & 'Gadis Melayu' on 7th & 8th of August at Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju. Lots of programmes has been lined-up for the two days. So guys, come over to Jeruju and enjoy yourself....... dekat di hati !

Langkawi Sales Mission to Singapore

2009-07-30T19:27:00.008+08:00

I am truly honoured to be part of the team of Langkawi Sales Mission to Singapore, initiated by MATTA Kedah Chapter and organised by LADA with cooperation of Tourism Malaysia Kedah and Singapore, and also AirAsia. The sales mission was divided into 3 sessions, namely Welcoming Dinner held at The Regent Four Seasons, the Sales Mart at Holiday Inn at the Atrium, while Bayview hosted our stay. The best part of it, MADA, or personally it's me, was given the opportunity to give a presentation (mind you, it's the only presentation during the Welcoming Dinner) titled "Singapore, Let's AgroTour with MADA" and it was well received, and my lucky draw gift was very well remembered - One Year Supply of Kedah Rice ! Well Singapore, THANKS A LOT for the warm reception through out our mission and to LADA, MATTA and Tourism Malaysia, no words can describe my utmost gratitude, terima kasih daun keladi, lain kali jemput la lagi.............!

Lia's Birthday Do at Regency

2009-07-27T03:14:00.008+08:00

Happy Birthday My Love

2009-07-15T12:01:00.002+08:00

Today, 15th of July is my beloved wife's birthday. So sad that I'm still busy in Malacca, so the celebration has to be postpone. So, be patient my love, Happy Birthday,,,,,,,, I Love U.

Smiles............... you are on 8TV !

2009-07-11T20:53:00.011+08:00

I reached home at 6.00 this morning, after started from Vistana KL at 12.30 a.m, where I just checked-in at 2.30 a.m the previous morning. What a very busy day on Friday. Attended KOTANI's Directors Meeting (btw, I was elected Honorary Secretary of KOTANI last week) at 9.00 a.m., at Bandar Tasik Selatan, then rushed to Melaka for another meeting at 3.00 p.m., then had numerous discussions at Mydin Mall, Ayer Keroh, before headed KL at 7.30 p.m. for another discussion which lasted until past midnight. What a day...................!

After breaksfast, I headed to office (even tho today is Saturday) for some urgent matters needed urgent attention.

While busy at the office, Mazlan of Jeruju Homestay called. The 8TV crew has arrived. Oh... yesss, we're having Kampong Jeruju on Discover Smiles (a reality show on 8TV) which focuses on tourism destinations. Not much choice, again I had to rush to Jeruju, arriving at the same time as the participants and just in time for the participants to meet me up for some clues and informations.

The rain was pouring heavily at Jeruju but the spirits of the participants are very high. The had to complete a few tasks and mind you, it's not easy for them. Anyway, for details please watch Discover Smiles on 8TV every Wednesday, starting 29th July 2009 and............ smiles........ we're on TV!

Al Rawsha

2009-07-01T01:59:00.007+08:00

Fancy having dinner at an Arab Restaurant? See how we enjoy the delicacies, especially Madghut Laham, Madghut Dajaj and Baqlawa at the Al-Rawsha, Jalan Ampang KL.

Fathers' Day

2009-06-21T19:16:00.005+08:00

Well....... today is Fathers' Day. So it seems every notch has a day of its own. To my children thanks for the card (.....just a card?), never mind. For every fathers I presume, don't look forward to Fathers' Day cos after all its the fathers' duty to take care of the children, not the other way round. So whether you got a present or not just don't bother, life must go on..........!

Haadyai.....again..........

2009-06-13T23:28:00.003+08:00

Haadyai Oh Haadyai................

2009-06-11T23:06:00.010+08:00

Today we day-tripted to Haadyai, Ibrahim, Gee & Yanty from Regency Alor Setar, me & my wife. We started quite late, tho we planned to depart at 7.00 a.m., but as fate destined, my car registration card was at hee office, so I have to swerved to office to collect it, but I bumped into my boss and I was IN his office until 9,30 a.m....... but at last after some minor delay at the border (immigrations, customs, and of course breakfast of 'pulut ayam'), we reached Haadyai at 11.30. After we park my Perdana at Tesco Lotus (bcos it has covered car park), we 'rent' a Tuk-Tuk for Baht300, and began our searching for Tuk-Tuk (we are actually in Haadyai with a mission..... to buy 5-10 Tuk-Tuks, no joke) and finally after a few stops we headed to see my Thai friend Haji Snong @ Raihan at his house (just behind Hansa, once famous show house in Haadyai).

.

Tobiar Gold in the news

2009-06-10T19:23:00.002+08:00

This morning, at least 3 mainstream newpaper report the visit of our Deputy Minister of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industries to the Tobiar Mango Farm, and of course the blogger was also in the picture. It has been a very busy week for me. Even tho the kiosk at the airport has been handed over to Marketing Branch, I still busy doing farm tours, the best part was having 2 busload of tourists from Singapore on Sunday, and the farm sale for that day was record-breaking. The 1,000 boxes single-order had just been delivered to Putrajaya & KL, with 200 more for Penang. Business has been very good, and tomorrow I'll be going to Haadyai, then straight to Langkawi, still for work and work and work, and it never finish..........!

FERONIKA AT KL, AT LAST..................

2009-05-29T09:23:00.004+08:00

Feronika actually the wife of my Indonesian friend Joko Santoso. They always hosted my stay at Jakarta & Bandung, and a very warm host they played. While Joko has been to KL (and Haadyai too, remember in the earlier postings) various times, Feronika never been here. So, yesterday she stepped on Malaysian soils for the first time, reaching LCCT at 11.30 am, and myself gladly stationed at the international arrival exit of LCCT to welcome her (and her fellow post-grads), but the time was a hell of rush as they were heading to UTM and LLM for visits & briefings, and later in the evening cabled-car to Genting for the retreat...... Enjoy your short stay, Feronika, and as for Joko, see you again in October.

LIFE IS ALWAYS BUSY...... AT THE AIRPORT !

2009-05-20T23:37:00.007+08:00

Again so sorry for the delay in postings. These few days I'm very busy shuttling to and fro the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport. Why airport ? Well, we're having a TobiarGold mango kiosk at the airport, selling the fresh mangoes and mango-based products such as mango cordial, mango chilli sauce, mango bottled drinks and also mango jam. The response hs been very good and people just love the smell & taste of our TobiarGold mangoes (of MA 224 variety or Chokanan). Surprisingly, the pattern of purchasing power really depends on the airlines, i.e MAS, AirAsia & Firefly (guess you all know what i mean). So we alway have to focus on MAS passangers, cos they are the better buyer, maybe due to the 'higher price of the tickets', and Sundays being the best sale day and Tuesday & Wednesday be the worst sale day, while the rest are just 'normal'. Depends on the production of the farm at Tobiar, we'll be at the A-Setar airport for the next 2 and the half months. Penang Airport might be the next sale spot. So see you all in Penang, may be early June.

Birthdays...............

2009-05-12T00:37:00.008+08:00

The time is 12.45 am, 12th May, I still awake with my laptop. By the way, happy birthday to Nana, who ia still in confinement after delivering her 2nd child, my 5th grandchild, Muhamad Safri. Qistina's 5th birthday is on 14th May, and I guess we should do the double celebration on 13th May.....! The date is still dreadful......!

The Homestay Carnival............revisited !

2009-05-07T11:41:00.004+08:00

MADA Mangoes

2009-04-28T16:27:00.005+08:00

Well, after the homestay carnival, my next promotion will be the MoA Mango Farm situated at Tobiar, Pendang. With its 18,000 trees, this farm is easily the biggest in Kedah and very well maintained by MADA. Harvesting is coming in mid-May and we are planning various activities to enhance the value of the farm, including farm visits, promotions at shopping complexs and many more.

Karnival Homestay Kedah 2009

2009-04-26T11:40:00.005+08:00

Karnival Homestay Kedah 2009 was a huge success. More than 1,000 visitors packed the small village, making it the very much congested for 3 days. On the first day, Salwa and the gang from Sahabat Zoom! Malaysia stopped-over for 5 hours at Kampong Jeruju, had lunch, played games and also a short-stay at farmers' homes. Salwa entertained with her ala-dangdut songs, while Iqwal, the new singing sensation, belted his rock and ballad songs. The best surprise was Ritchie Rachmond, the former THR deejay who hilariously partnering the blogger as MCs for the evening. What was supposed to end at 4.30pm ended 2 hours later, all due to the interest or all parties involved, the villagers, the visitors and of course, the MCs. The 2nd day started with 7-aside football and 'sepakraga tuju' in the morning, followed by the opening ceremony by Dato' Mukhriz Tun Mahathir at 5.00 pm and in later the evening another 'showtime', with various cultural performances, which included Ghazal Parti, Gendang & Serunai, Dances, and also cultural performances by various homestays. The 3rd day saw the continuation of football matches, games of congkak, and also the competitions of 'hantaran pengantin, kraftangan' & unique but tasty food delicacies. Before the closing ceremony, a local band CABAI, performed mostly rock & Thai numbers, with Dato' Othman Aziz (the man with 6 cups, football tropies, mind you) belted out his favs, Kamelia, Pamit & Biar Bulan Bicara. The carnival ended ata about 6.30 pm with everybody very much relieved and satisfied, especially Dato' Othman, Roslan Othman (Director of Tourism Malaysia Kedah) and of course the blogger myself. See you all again next year..........!

Karnival Homestay Negeri Kedah 2009

2009-04-20T10:29:00.003+08:00

For the first time, Karnival Homestay Negeri Kedah Darul Aman 2009 will be held at Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju, Jerlun, running from 23rd to 25th April. The MP for Jerlun, Dato' Mukhriz Tun Mahathir is scheduled to officiate the opening ceremony on Friday, 24th April at 5.00 pm. The Sahabat Zoom Malaysia (including Salwa) will be coming over to Kampong Jeruju on 23rd April for some cultural performance & games to boost & support the carnival, while the 7-aside football and sepakraga tuju will proceed on 24th & 25th. The Homestay Cultural Show will be on 24th evening. So lets drive into Jeruju for the carnival and enjoy all we could offer.......!

Liverpool...... what I missed !

2009-04-16T19:30:00.002+08:00

My conscience about Liverpool scoring was right, but I did not foresee about Chelsea scoring, so that's why Liverpool lost the game.........! Anyway, congratulations to all the fans of MU, Chelsea & Arsenal !

Congrats Nabil

2009-04-14T08:52:00.002+08:00

Last Disember I got a very rare opportunity to play sidekick to Nabil for a sketch at Seri Pacific Hotel KL. What was suppose just to 'guide' him to the facts for the sketch ended in me 'starred' in the whole sketch (and some said I 'overshadowed' Nabil..... ha ha ha ha ha), but anyway no doubt that Nabil wss the real star. And fittingly Nabil is the people's choice for ABPBH 2008. Congratulations Nabil......!

Liverpool & Chelsea........ simple mathematics

2009-04-12T11:00:00.004+08:00

Last night, Liverpool scored 4-0 against Blackburn. Chelsea was passed 3 goals by Bolton. So mathematically, Liverpool is able to score 3 or 4 and Chelsea is bound to let 3 or 4 goal pass them. So 3-0 or 4-1 is still possible for Liverpool against Chelsea in the Champions League this Wednesday ! Viva Liverpool !

KEDAH HOMESTAY CARNIVAL 2009

2009-04-12T10:48:00.003+08:00

For the first time, Karnival Homestay Negeri Kedah is to be held on 17 & 18 April 2009 (now its being postpone to 24 & 25 April..... sorry) at Homestay MADA Kampong Jeruju. All 7 registered homestays in Kedah (minus Langkawi) will 'berkampong' at Jeruju to participate in various activities and competitions. Among others are 7-aside football, Sepakraga Tuju, Tradisional Cuisines, Fruit Carvings and Foot Masaage. All are welcome to Homestay Kampong Jeruju.......!

NEW CABINET

2009-04-12T10:36:00.006+08:00

So sorry again for late postings. The new cabinet has shown the determination of the PM to rejuvenate the country. Tho not all are new faces, but the new ones of course are very surprising, not only to the rakyat, but to the chosen ones too. Anyway I'm happy that 2 ministers that I used to be MC for their functions has been elevated, TS Muhyiddin as the DPM and Dato Mustapha Mohamed is helming MITI. So I guess now I have to find my way to Dato Noh's office........!

Carnivall and Bukit Selambau

2009-04-06T18:18:00.004+08:00

This afternoon I was at Carnivall Sungai Petani, attending the launching of Community Tourism Council by the Minister of Tourism, DS Azalina Othman Said. The atmosphere was not so hot, unlike the real Bukit Selambau (just wonder, why?) Today just as busy, having meeting at 8.15, then headed to SP, rushed back to Alor Setar for 2 more meetings......, meetings, meetings and meetings ! For those voters at 2 bukits and 1 batang, happy voting........ all the best !

Nani & Luqman

2009-04-05T18:24:00.003+08:00

Bukit Gantang & Bukit Selambau

2009-04-03T15:55:00.002+08:00

Yesterday I had a rare opportunity to be at 2 bukits, Gantang & Selambau. At Bukit Gantang or Kuala Sepetang precisely, we visited the mangrove sanctuary and of course it's mee udang banjir.....!

APRIL'S NEVER FOOL

2009-04-01T08:16:00.002+08:00

Good morning. 1st April is always considered a day when fools will fall on us, but in the reality only the fools will fool themselves. During schooling days at STAR Ipoh, on this day would be a day when towels would be on the rugby posts, faces were painted, notes would be on the backs and so many other 'fools'. Fun, but no fun. So lets forgo that today is an April Fool Day, and get on with our real life........!

Bukit Selambau

2009-03-31T18:32:00.001+08:00

Today i got a meeting at Sungai Petani, the centre of Bukit Selambau by-election. The atmosphere is tremendous, the posters covered the whole town, not only BN & PR but those of Indies. Welcome to the real world of politics......!

The 4th and Fifth

2009-03-30T18:04:00.004+08:00

So sorry for the long, long delay of my postings. Since using E71, my web browse has been made easier, so less time using the laptop. Anyway, there's alot of new things happened for the last few weeks. The arrival of Muhammad Luqman Alhakim on the 23rd of March 2009 has brought a lot of joy to many. The parents of Luqman being the happiest, the sisters being the most jealous, especially Qistina, and the busiest, as usual, the grandma. Sneaking out of the office to attend to the baby, at least for the first month and the most relax one is me ! Anyway, it's the fourth grand one, so nothing much the excitement. But the fifth one just around the corner..............!

It's March 2009

2009-03-02T11:50:00.005+08:00

March 2oo9? Time really flies, and very fast indeed. Hour to hour, day to day, week to week and month to month, and of course year to year, just keep on coming and coming and coming. Least we realise that we're getting 'yearer and yearer' or older and older. We still 'thought' we are always young (at heart, may be) but in the real we are no longer young. Our children are getting married, one by one ( if you have more than one) and of course, our grandchildren keep on coming one by one (and I'm getting two more on the way, to make it five), what ? FIVE? So, just keep the stocks coming............... Allah will bless us ! I always believe that the chilren are the most precious gift from Allah. By the way, if you are not yet having a wife, please get one, or two, if you are 'able'.

I'm a 49er

2009-02-27T00:45:00.004+08:00

Today, 27th February 2009, my age has inched-up to 49. Luckily my wife wished me exactly at 12 midnight, otherwise I didn't realise that I've crossed 49. The year I was born, 1960 actually was a leap year, so if I was born 2 days later, my birthday would only comes once in 4 years. Anyway, happy birthday to me and to all that sharing the same date.

Happy Birthday, Awatif

2009-02-18T21:52:00.002+08:00

Today is Awatif's 15th B'day. So fast she has grown-up and 'big', but I still threat her as my little daddy's girl. So today me & Qistina visited her at SMSAH, Jenan, brought her favs, Secret Recepi's Lamb Stew & Oreo Cheese Cake (no doubt she will 'grow' further). So, Awatif, Happy 15 ! We love you.

Last Night & This Afternoon.............

2009-02-15T19:27:00.006+08:00

Last night we are at Carnivall Water Park at Sungai Petani, on the invitation of CSGCC, for Vday Dinner. We reached there quite late, at 8.15pm (the dinner was suppose to start at 7.00pm). On the compound of Carnivall the was a group of young guys selling batik shirts, and I was tempted to get one, the light purple short sleeve batik............ it's so beautiful, so I wore it for the dinner (discarding my British India linen s/s shirt). Once inside, the poolside dinner was packed with Vday's couples but for me, it's not a couple but a triple, with Qistina tagging along. So during photo shoot, Qist was tucked in the middle. The dinner was quite alright, but not that 'kenyang'. So, we made an early and quiet exit, rushed to the car and tuned to RMKedah and just in the nick of time to hear DJ Ice reading my loving-wish for my wife and played the hindi soundtrack of Mann. Thanks Ice ! Just fo fill up our stomach (Qist & me), we made a stop over at Rest Maqbul for 'supper' of nasi kandar & roti canai with teh tarik (kurang manis). Also 'full-up' the Perdana for RM85 and dashed home for a good night sleep..........., just sleep ! And............ after so many meetings and discussion in the morning, we decided to take a long 'lunch-rest' and headed for Zee Optical for our new 'sunglasess', isn't it beautiful ? Wear first, pay later...... if you satisfied, the owner told us !

Lovers Day

2009-02-14T14:03:00.003+08:00

Tho I'm not celebrating Vday, but no harm in expressing love to our loved one. So today, my wife was a heaven of surprises when a bouquet of pink roses suddenly appeared on side of the table during breakfast at Rest Zeffe. Actually on the anniversary day I purposely 'forgotten' about the flowers as Pizza Hut is the her next best love to flowers. So today, just to make surprise, I picked up the roses from next door flower shop and planted on the table while she was ordering nasi lemak at the stall. But........... as usual Qistina was in very somber mood & crying, she also wanted a flower, so again I pick another roses from the shop and presented to her and she immediately back to her usual jovial self. Happy Lovers Day to all who are still in love or going to be in love, again !

Today, Tomorrow & Saturday !

2009-02-12T19:35:00.004+08:00

Today, again my busy day. I started the day with my new 'batik' bought last week at Noor Arfa Kuala Terengganu. After sending our grand-daughter to Abim pre-school, we headed to office. There my DGM already making his morning round, and I bumped into him, after which my Director also joined him. Just after 'warmed-up' my seat for 30 minutes, my wife asked me to join her for breakfast, with her friends at Rest Zeffe. Then came my friend, the Director of Tourism Malaysia Kedah, we had b'fast and discussion on some programmes coming this month and in March (his minister is coming on the 23rd Feb. 09), after which I had to follow him to his office for 'further discussions'. At 11.00 I headed back to my office, only to clear up my desk, as the office 'wanted' to change my 23-year old table to a 'virgin' one, and of course I don't mind, but quite sad to see the table had to be dismantled in order to be able to be taken out. At 1.00 pm, again I'm off the office to Rest Sri Pumpong for lunch with TM Kedah & NST guys, another 'over the lunch' discussion on tourism (of course including AgroTourism!). At 2.00 pm, again we moved to Muzium Padi, for another meeting, also on tourism. At 4.00, I had to rush back to the office again, for another meeting with my boss, and I clocked-ot at 6.30 pm. Mind you, there are still a few guys in the office, which lead them to ask, "are we working in private sector?" The answer : YES for clock-out and NO for clock-in ! Anyway, tomorrow is my off-day but again I need to be in the office, may be on Saturday too !

Meeting at Nypha Farm, Perlis, Part 2

2009-02-11T19:30:00.004+08:00

The photos will tell you how relax having the meeting at the open air but cooling nypha farm. It help refresh you mind and body, bring more ideas and the best of all, an 'escape' from the office ! Like the song country roads by John Denver, it's really country site here at Kuala Sanglang, Perlis. Most of the folks here are either fishermen or paddy farmers or both. So their livelihood depend on the natural resources that Allah has offered, what the need to do is working, or rather working hard towards reaping all the available and abundand resources. So we just helping them to find ways of getting the resources, so that their families are taken care of, by they themselves, Insya Allah. Allah will bless us............. !

Meeting at Nypha Farm, Perlis

2009-02-11T19:10:00.003+08:00

Today a history of sort is created. An official meeting was held at Kipli's Nypha Farm. It's a way out of the four walls at the office. As to promote AgroTourism, this kind of activities should be encouraged and done. It's very cooling and fresh having the whole farm as our meeting 'room'. Can you imagine having fresh air passing over, the birds chipping away and having 'fresh nira & laksa' served. You all are welcome to Kipli's Nypha Farm, Kuala Sanglang, Perlis.

Anniversary of EricLia

2009-02-10T19:09:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, 9th February 2009, was the anniversary of Eric & Lia. It was the day that we cherished a lot, a day when both of us started our love saga (that time Waja & Perdana was not around yet). So yesterday I just left my second lap-love (this laptop, mind you) and just 'berkepit' with the first one.......! Happy Anniversary EricLia !

What A Week For Me, Part 1

2009-02-07T13:29:00.004+08:00

Sorry for the late & delayed posting. While Perak was having a 'war', last week was a my busiest of the year, todate, mind you. Starting on Friday which I did some surveying job and arrangement for my ministry's TKSU visit, then came Saturday which the entourage from the ministry started to check-in at Sungai Petani, at Cinta Sayang Golf & Country Resort to be exact, then took them to Steamboat & Grill dinner at Swiss-Inn, then back to CSGCR for 'mengaji' session, which lasted past midnight. On Sunday morning, we started our journey to the Sik District for official 'lawatan pemantauan' of the KlasSik projects, and it went beyond Sik, to Kuala Nerang for the 'House of Honey' visit. Mind you, this is pure honey, which will last you much longer, if you get me. Then we headed to Alor Star for another project's visit at Cita Utara, Pumpong (a collection centre fot MADA's traditional cookies) and then rushed back to Sungai Petani, and reached CSGSR just before Maghrib. By then, my beloved wife Lia and my lovely g'daughter Qistina had just joined me at Sungai Petani. Then, the LPP guys taken the whole entourage for dinner at Lagenda Heights. After dinner, again 'mengaji' session, and it last again well past midnight, and I just slept like a log that night. The next morning, well not really morning, at 11.00 after bid goodbye to the TKSU and the ministry's entourage, me and Lia & Qist went for lunch at Nasi Kandar Line Clear, but at Lagenda Height Sungai Petani (a branch of Penang's Line Clear). While having nasi kandar, my staff call to tell me that a division meeting scheduled at 2.30 pm, and myself duly required to attend. So, I had to rush back to the office in Alor Star and attended the meeting, which lasted until 6.00 pm !

Hatyai......... here we come, again after 4 years ! Part 3

2009-01-28T21:39:00.003+08:00

Yes.......... part 3. Visiting Hatyai again after 4 years really brought me a nostalgic feeling, why not, I used to spend a lot of days & nights there, bought almost all my wardrobe (including my wife's Wacoal), even the groceries was from Hatyai and the most unforgiving was............. buying the Thai rice, even tho' my department produced 40% of rice in Malaysia. One beautiful morning a few years back I realised, how I betrayed the country by buying the Thai rice, so I changed to Herba Ponni, an Indian rice !

Hatyai......... here we come, again after 4 years ! Part 2

2009-01-27T12:47:00.002+08:00

After 4 years, so many things to catch up, the food, the shopping and of course, the massage. So, right after checked-in at Lee Gardens Plaza at room 1611 of the 33 storey hotel, we dashed out to the streets searching for Muslim Rest, and....... there is an old familiar name Salma Rest, so we just barged in hoping to see the familiar faces, yes there were........................

Hatyai......... here we come, again after 4 years !

2009-01-27T12:18:00.004+08:00

Hatyai..... a city in Southern Thailand, bordering Kedah & Perlis. Used to be a heaven for Malaysians & Singaporeans, but due to the 'political unrest' has almost lost its glitters for funs and funs and funs. Thanks to my Jakarta friends who happen to spend their CNY holidays in KL, Alor Setar, and Hatyai, me and my wife got a chance to cross-over the border, mind you, driving a Kancil to Hatyai. The 'entry' trip was so much hassle, unlike the previous visits over four years ago. A lot of 'checking' by the Thai authorities, it took 2.5 hours from my house in Alor Setar to Hotel Lee Gardens Plaza, right in the middle city of Hatyai. And, we manage to catch Joko and his friends barely 10 minutes before their bus depart for KL (yes, Konsortium Express provide daily trips from KL to Hatyai, so convenience). Anyway at least the Indons and Malaysians we still able to meet at the Thais'. Part 2 coming...................!

At Restoran Kampong Daun, Bandung, April 2008

2009-01-22T22:00:00.002+08:00

15th January 2009, Thursday, a Batik Day

2009-01-15T19:21:00.003+08:00

Today really a miserable day for me, right from 8.00 in the morning, up to 5.15 pm. Its seems that everything need to be finished by today, why today ? To make the matter worst, my nose also giving me problems. The doctor gave me MC (or rather I asked for it), but I never get a chance to use it. I was needed at the office in the afternoon, so at last I fingered-out at 5.15pm (now we use fingerprint instead of punch-card, so you need to cut off a finger in order for someone else to clock-in for you). Now I'm back at my port, Rest Zeffe. My children grandfather was with me just now (he's 70 something), talking about his grandchildren, about his sons and also about my job, why my job ? He thought I enjoyed travel a lot as I'm in the tourism sector, but I told him tourism as a job no longer become a passion or leisure, its a compounded duty. The duty to make everybody happy and it's not necessarily will make us happy. But I have to enjoy the duty.

Kipli's Nypha Farm

2009-01-14T21:47:00.004+08:00

2009-01-14T21:42:00.000+08:00

Nypa fruticans

2009-01-12T18:28:00.002+08:00

This morning I visited Nypa fruticans farm at Kuala Sanglang, Perlis. The drinks are soooo sweeeeeet, so I just drank half glass. The farm is about 1.5 hectares with 2000 Nypa trees, 400 trees of Phyllanthus acidus and the fruits are just very tempting to taste. I'm promoting this place as a AgroTourism destination. So, do try visiting this farm, you'll feel like just paid off all your credit cards !

Longer Lunch Break

2009-01-11T12:50:00.002+08:00

Today is Sunday. For Kedah, it's a longer lunch break (just like other states on Friday) 12.15 - 2.45 pm. So, shopping or 'windowing' is top the list. Lunch usually the last item on Sunday's Lunch Break, so better call it Sunday's Shopping Break.

10th Day of 2009 & Last Thursday

2009-01-10T18:20:00.003+08:00

10th January 2009, my off-day again. This morning or rather near-afternoon, had my break-lunch at Rest Ikan Temenung Kuala Kedah (this is an icon for Kuala Kedah), famous for its Gulai Ikan Temenung and the best is, its cheap and fresh or rather fresh & cheap ! For 3 cost me just RM7, yessss, right 7 ringgit only ! With 3 plates of rice, 4 ekor ikan temenung and 1 ekor ikan merah goreng, 2 ketul to'kua, sayur+sambal belacan and 2 glass of teh ais, where can you eat for 7 ringgit ? Only at Kuala Kedah !

At 12.30 pm, pick Awatif up at SMSAH Jenan. As usual, she had a lot agendas to finish, and my money to spend. At times whenever I told her not to buy too many things, her answer just pathetic, she is the last child, so..............! What else can a father say..........!

On Thursday I had a marathon meeting at Putrajaya, starting 9 am & finished at 2pm, with 3 chairpersons and the best part was I had my BLT (breaklunchtea) at 3pm, at Precint 8 ! Then dinner at Pelita Juru at 7pm, at last reached Desa Seraya at 10pm. What a Thursday !

A Free Day between 4 Meetings

2009-01-07T17:41:00.002+08:00

Yess, that' right, today I got a free day after yesterday 2 meetings and tomorrow another 2 meetings. So, my daughter Amni join me for bfast at Vistana, then we headed down to Pavilion & Starhill, I need to renew my membership for a few privilage cards. Guess what, surprisingly YTL Platinum Plus Cards so generously giving me RM4,000 worth of gift-vouchers, to be spend at Starhill, and mostly at Pempering Level (facials, massages, menicures and lots more, just to be pampered). So apart from about a few hudreds for me, the rest will be shared by my 2 daughters and my wife. Dont know if my son need that too. May be he need more the food-vouchers, about RM1K, whoooossh ! So, thanks YTL !

2009-01-06T17:39:00.002+08:00

It's 5.40pm, just finished my 2nd meeting of the day, at Wisma Tani, Putrajaya. Not check-in yet at Vistana, it's still raining outside, the roads leading to KL will be packed and jammed, so it will take more than 1 hour to reach Vistana. Tomorrow is quite free, but got to KOTANI, ahhhhh, still a lot of work to do there..........! Thursday........ another meeting at Putrajaya.

1st day Working of 2009

2009-01-05T20:47:00.003+08:00

Ohhhhh, after 18 days in hibernation, today I started working again. What an exciting day to start, but at the same time thousands of thought playing in my mind. Where should I start my 'first day', how's office,, how am I going to start and what are the 'menu' for me today? After sending Qistina to school, I entered into my office, turning on my comp to see what are waiting, true enough, there's a meeting on the 8th of January at Putrajaya, ah, it's okay, another few days to come, then...... coming another meeting, what ? tomorrow ? 10am at RTM Angkasapuri KL, and another one at 2.30 pm, Putrajaya. So my usual hectic schedule to start rolling again....... Hello Vistana KL, here I'm coming........ again !

Early 2009 part 3

2009-01-04T18:05:00.002+08:00

6.00 pm. Again I'm at Rest Zeffe. Whooosh, just taken Qistina from Tadika ABIM, she is surely a lot happier than she was in the morning. So many of stories to tell, esp. about her new friends, a lot of them she said, food too sedappppppp (like she never tasted a more sedap food), the teachers are so kind, she reiterated and alas, she looks beautiful with her pony-tail (I thought they don't pony-tailed at ABIM, just tudung). So she is looking forward to the school tomorrow. Nana's good girl.

Early 2009 part 2

2009-01-04T11:42:00.000+08:00

Today, 11.45 am, Sunday. For us Kedahans it's a working day, but for me it's still an off-day. Today is the first day for my granddaughter Amirah Nur Qistina to start her 'schooling days'. How excited she was, not to mention so anxious on my part to send her off to Tadika ABIM Taman Purnama Alor Star. As soon as she entered her class, I start my Sunday roamings, starting to Majeed for Nasi Kambing, and then to my second home-cum-office, Rest Zeffe. With the free WiFi here I really don't need a Wimax or P1 (I'm proud to mention, it's my constant pester that the owner fix the WiFi here). By the way I spend most of my ringgit here for my food. So it befits me as their VRC (very regular client). Sorry, as for ANQ (Amirah Nur Qistina), its her playground here. Happy schooling, Qistina !

Early 2009

2009-01-03T12:01:00.000+08:00

It's 12 noon, I still having my brunch at Rest Zeffe, Alor Star, waiting for my youngest daughter to get ready to go back to SMSAH Jenan, to start her Form 3 PMR examination year. She should be focussing a lot on her studies this year, no more dreaming & complaining. Everyone in the family would love to see her successful, as she is the youngest of all. Well, good luck Awatif.

2008 & 2009

2008-12-31T17:56:00.000+08:00

The year 2008 has brought a lot of happiness and good memories, the last one being the engagement of my daughter, which will continue to the grand day of hers on the last day of May 2009. It will be grandier if its brought forward to March, but the final say is still theirs. Anyway the place is still not decided, but not to worry, it can be anywhere and anytime. The best is still her happiness, this is what you will think when you have grown up children, girl or boy alike.

Salam Maal Hijrah 1430 & Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T14:05:00.000+08:00

I'ts 2.08 pm, on the 3rd day of Hijrah 1430 and the last day of 2008. After so many thoughts, at last I got my courage to start a blog of my own. For the first posting, just to wish all of my friends (to me everyone is a friend) Salam Maal Hijrah 1430 and Happy New Year 2009. May our lives will be cherished and prosper through out the year, InsyaAllah............................!