Sweet Like Chocolate

Weekly Photography Challenge: My Addiction

2011-08-23T21:14:00.003+10:00

My addiction? DESSERT! I'll never feel satisfied if I don't end my meal with dessert. It's definitely a nice treat for my sweet tooth :)

Weekly Photography Challenge: Negative Space

2011-06-25T21:30:00.003+10:00

Negative space is that space that is around the main subject in an image. This is a photo taken at a charity play two years ago, where the money from the sold items and tickets are donated to the orphanages, nursery homes and to help the needs.

I didn't know such technique (Incorporating negative space into images) exists in photography until I read a post by Darren Rowse.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T20:02:00.002+10:00

People often neglect the importance of a father in our lives. Although he is a man of a few words, he is a man who silently encourage us to pursue our dreams. If it wasn't for my dad, I wouldn't have come this far.

I'd like to dedicate this song "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban to my beloved daddy and all the fathers out there. Happy Father's Day! ^^

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;

Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;

But when you come and I am filled with wonder,

Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

VIBRANT Color: Weekly Photography Challenge

2011-03-21T01:59:00.002+11:00

"Red Tulips". This photo was taken at Tesselaar Tulip Festival, Melbourne and it's one of my favorites.

Romance: DPS Weekly Photography Challenge

2011-02-13T22:36:00.000+11:00

Took this shot when I was on a holiday in Gold Coast. I spotted this couple lying on the shore at Surfer's Paradise.

Read more about the Weekly Photography Challenge.

Where I Live: DPS Weekly Photography Challenge

2011-02-13T16:55:00.005+11:00

Last week's DPS photography challenge is to take and share an image that shows something about where I live.

So, I searched everywhere in my photo archive and stumbled upon this shot that I took at Cenang Beach, my favourite place in where I live - Langkawi Island.

I brought my siblings and cousins to the beach that afternoon and they came up with the "jumping photos" idea. We had so much fun trying to get it right and this shot was the best.

Unlike cities in Malaysia such as KL and Penang, Langkawi is more relaxing and carefree, a place where I call home no matter where I go :)

Let's Boogie Away!

2011-02-13T02:35:00.002+11:00

Posing outside admin's office.

I know, New Year has long passed but 2011 started with pleasant things and unforgettable events. One of them being the Retro Nite Party, where the Sales and Marketing team was assigned to wear big colourful hair, back-to-70's outfits and surprise the guests at Feast as a teaser.

While walking down the stairs leading to Feast, heads turned simultaneously. But the air of awkwardness and embarrassment gradually faded as we talked to curious guests, posed for the camera, and fooled around. It wasn't easy, though. The wig made my scalp itch!

Posing with guests.

Guests started to flow in to the poolside.

As the evening drew near, associates with designated tasks headed to the foyer outside Chime and poolside to help out - preparing food, setting up the tables, ushering the guests and so on. As for myself, I was the photographer of the event.

A girl having her caricature done by an artist.

The year-end gala dinner wasn't just a dinner, it included fun-filled activities like Drum Workshop, Petting Zoo, Tattoo Corner, Caricatures and clown.

Me and my fun colleagues.

The Finance department was there to help too, although they're have so much work to finish during year-end.

The F & B team.

HR team (expect for Zaini, who is from Finance).

Dessert corner.

Guests were started to fill the place.

The legendary guitarist.

Dance performances.

John Ting and his family.

Gala dinner.

Live performance by the band.

Live performances by Imuda.

Games for the kids.

Long stay guests.

A few seconds before the clock stroke 12 midnight, the countdown began and everyone cheered to the arrival of 2011. Fireworks lit up the starry sky, "The Final Countdown" played in the background, hugs and wishes were passed on among the associates and guests.

Happy New Year!

Passing the Cheers at Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort

2011-01-11T23:21:00.001+11:00

It isn't Christmas without Christmas tree, mistletoe, presents and of course Santa Claus. This year, Jai, the Security Manager had been voted to be Santa (for the second time in two years in a row) and I had been chosen to be Santarina.

When I heard the news, I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry. Laugh because it's something exciting to look forward to. Cry because I was too shy to approach guests, give candies to kids and wish everyone "Merry Christmas" in a Santarina outfit.

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort was decorated with boughs of holly, Christmas trees, ornaments, wreaths and snowflakes. The cheery Christmas songs played in the background gradually built up the festive mood that hung in the air for days.

I love Christmas Day as it's celebrated without religious and class boundaries. No matter how you celebrate the day - be it spiritually, traditionally or just for fun, it's a day to be thankful for.

Good food and great company of friends and family should not be missed on such a special day. On Christmas' Eve, the resort was full of Christmas-spirited guests from all around the world.

A few happy guests joined us behind the kitchen.

Alongside with Mr. Kumar (General Manager), a few of the associates, John Ting and his family.

A couple posing with Santa Claus.

A group photo with guests and associates at Feast.

A photo with a family in front of our giant Christmas tree.

A photo with a family at Captain's Grill.

Associates who were helping at Spice Trader took the opportunity between work to pose for a photo too.

Lucky Santa.

Selva and Azimin joined in.

As midnight drew near, I changed my Santarina blouse into a plain white tank top and joined my friends at Chime, where the real excitements were about to begin.

When the clock stroke twelve midnight, the countdown ended and everyone cheered to the arrival of 2011's Christmas. That's not the end of the night yet! We continue the party till we got sober. Haha! Well, not all of us :P

I hope I'm not too late to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Photography Project 365: Day 365

2010-12-31T20:39:00.002+11:00

My retro look on New Year's Eve.

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2010-12-30T07:38:00.002+11:00

Flower ball makes the whole wedding look like you're in fairytale land.

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2010-12-29T19:36:00.002+11:00

A very romantic wedding setup for Olly and Lyd's big day.

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2010-12-28T07:55:00.003+11:00

Spicy california maki.

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2010-12-27T07:48:00.002+11:00

Seafood chowder.

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2010-12-26T07:47:00.001+11:00

VIP amenities in guest room.

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2010-12-25T21:44:00.002+11:00

White Christmas part at Chime.

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2010-12-24T07:43:00.001+11:00

Hayley's doing her monster face.

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2010-12-23T07:41:00.001+11:00

Chef Kent cutting fresh sushi made by himself. Superb!

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2010-12-22T10:42:00.001+11:00

Perfect Balance - a concoction of kiwi fruits and rambutan.

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2010-12-21T07:38:00.002+11:00

Simple, yet elegant setup for a private dinner at Captain's Grill.

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2010-12-20T07:44:00.002+11:00

Red theme private dinner setup at the pool deck.

Photography Project 365: Day 355

2010-12-19T15:26:00.004+11:00

This isn't goodbye, Fandy!

Photography Project 365: Day 354

2010-12-18T07:40:00.002+11:00

Gifts for the guests. It's very thoughtful.

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2010-12-17T07:36:00.002+11:00

Finger food outside Chime. There's a cocktail party going on.

Photography Project 365: Day 352

2010-12-16T07:34:00.003+11:00

‎"Dining is and always was a great artistic opportunity." ~ Frank Lloyd Wright

Photography Project 365: Day 351

2010-12-15T07:17:00.004+11:00

Hayley is making her signature monster face.

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2010-12-14T07:51:00.003+11:00

Green Asparagus, Lime and White Balsamic Vodka Martini.

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2010-12-13T07:47:00.002+11:00

The elegant and cozy Seasonal Tastes Restaurant at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.

Photography Project 365: Day 348

2010-12-12T07:41:00.002+11:00

I love the warn buns served at Sun Cafe.

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2010-12-11T07:45:00.003+11:00

The Brasserie, by the beach.

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2010-12-10T07:38:00.003+11:00

Bread served in a basket with olive oil and salt. Very Italian.

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2010-12-09T07:36:00.002+11:00

Beautiful napkin with frangipani.

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2010-12-08T07:35:00.004+11:00

Fendy Ria in action.

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2010-12-07T13:52:00.003+11:00

Ladies, line up and have your photos taken.

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2010-12-06T08:04:00.003+11:00

Hayley, the luckiest baby on earth.

Photography Project 365: Day 341

2010-12-05T07:54:00.003+11:00

That's me using Fendy's camera. Looks cool, eh?

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2010-12-04T07:57:00.003+11:00

Festive cakes. Yummm~

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2010-12-03T10:38:00.003+11:00

Happy family.

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2010-12-02T10:31:00.002+11:00

Shikin and Kak Noy.

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2010-12-01T10:12:00.001+11:00

Kenny and Baby Hayley.

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2010-11-30T07:00:00.003+11:00

Chew Ling and Lee To (again...)

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2010-11-29T07:50:00.001+11:00

Chew Ling and Lee To.

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2010-11-28T07:34:00.002+11:00

Lee To.

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2010-11-27T09:58:00.001+11:00

A cute little girl watched me taking photos before she posed for me.

Photography Project 365: Day 332

2010-11-26T07:48:00.001+11:00

Lee To and her in-laws.

Moving On for the Better

2010-11-26T01:59:00.006+11:00

Have you ever felt so stressed at work that you just want to run away? I mean like pack-my-bags-and-get-out-of-here kind of run. For real.

I have...When I was with my previous company. Before I thought I had entirely gone nuts, I deserted my work (but not mentally), took a day off and came back to Langkawi to take a breather. I decided to just take a short getaway with Wei Tze at Rebak Island Resort, a Taj Hotel located on another small island called Pulau Rebak.

I didn't bring my camera along. All I needed was a break from everything so that I was able to start fresh in full force after my short holiday.

However, I couldn't stop thinking about work even if I kept telling myself about the purpose of being on that secluded island. I had my laptop on all the time, checked my emails that continuously flowed into my mailbox but guiltily realized that I couldn't help much to lessen the burden bore by my colleagues.

Some of you may wonder...I'm lucky to be offered a good job after I tendered my resignation letter!

I realized the importance of family and friends, the significance of everyday life of being surrounded by the love and warmth of those I care. As the saying goes : "Love makes the world go round". It's their love that makes my life ever so meaningful that I couldn't ask for a better one.

I've realized, I've learned, I've discovered and I moved on for the better. I'm lucky to say that I'm happy with where I am now :) Thanks to those who have given me support and care throughout my time in Penang. If it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't have the courage to get out of my comfort zone and make that sudden decision.

Well, I guess sometimes aggressive readiness can lead to unforeseen fruits.

Photography Project 365: Day 331

2010-11-25T07:47:00.001+11:00

Irene and Lee To.

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2010-11-24T07:38:00.004+11:00

A happy-go-lucky friend of mine.

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2010-11-23T07:46:00.003+11:00

Jia Huey and Irene.

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2010-11-22T07:27:00.003+11:00

Rock and Lee To.

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2010-11-21T08:27:00.002+11:00

The beautiful Grand Ballroom.

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2010-11-20T08:35:00.002+11:00

HR team.

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2010-11-19T07:25:00.003+11:00

Kak Nab all smiling :)

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2010-11-18T07:29:00.003+11:00

Happy family.

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2010-11-17T09:00:00.001+11:00

Love this candid shot.

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2010-11-16T07:10:00.003+11:00

Straight up!

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2010-11-15T07:41:00.004+11:00

Lastly, Kak Noy joined the fun. She just couldn't resist it :)

Jade Restaurant, The Best Chinese Restaurant I've Been

2010-11-14T23:23:00.007+11:00

Something strange happened today - Words are flowing into my head like white water. I have always been reminding myself about writing the last part of my Medan trip, and words just got in the way. But today, I'm going to unload them before it's overflowed.

On the first day we arrived at our hotel, we walk passed Jade Restaurant, a restaurant that was claimed to be the best in town. Standing outside the half opened door, we were intrigued by the interior AND the signboard displaying the Peking Duck promotion. We decided to dine in on that very night.

The restaurant was tastefully decorated with pots and tea cups on asymmetric shelves, lanterns and a long stretch of chandelier, with a touch of elegance.

We chose to have jasmine tea, that was served in stilted tea cups. The tea was subtly sweet, perfect choice for someone who preferred tea with a little sweetness without adding any sugar.

Chicken Ginseng Soup

We started off with some Chicken Ginseng Soup, which was recommended the waitress who took our orders. It was infused with so much goodness from the meat, chinese herbs and seasonings that I drank till the last drop.

Butter Prawns

I'm not a big fan of prawns, especially those are not de-shelled before being cooked. I just hate going through all the peeling work while enjoying my food. But when this dish was placed in front of me, I didn't mind if my fingers were going to be messy or if I had to choke on the shell before downing the prawns. The smell of curry and butter was the first to fill my nostrils before I set eyes on the dish. I've gotta say, this was a really good stuff! Deep-fried to golden brown perfection, and completed with crunches to the bites and irresistible curry aroma - this dish had my vote.

Sizzling Tofu with Minced Meat

Wei Tze orders sizzling tofu most of the time we eat out at chinese restaurants, it's no exception at this one too. Although it's a common tofu dish, it came fully loaded on a hot sizzling plate with chopped mushroom, minced meat, and silky tofu blocks. I found the taste a little mild but it was a wholesome dish.

We decided to try Peking Duck. It's my first time savouring an authentic Peking Duck dish. The cook skillfully performed in front of us by slicing the skin off the duck.

Peking Duck

Then, he gently rolled the crispy duck skin up in thin pancakes along with spring onions and a spread of sweet bean sauce. It's truly authentic, indeed.

And the remaining of the duck meat? We had it stir-fried with spring onions and ginger.

Stir-Fried Duck with Spring Onions & Ginger

It was not bad. I thought that this way of cooking the duck meat would retain its natural fragrant and it did.

Lemon Sorbet

Time for dessert! Wei Tze wanted to try the Lemon Sorbet, which was also recommended by the waitress. It was beautifully presented on carved ice, in half dragonfruit. It was refreshing and very unique.

Triple Delights

I like variety, that's why I went for this dessert that came with soy bean pudding, sweet corn cake and red bean cake. None of them was sweet but it had very distinguished flavours that got me wanting for more.

The food at Jade Restaurant was so good that we wanted to try other items on the menu, and we went back on the second night of our stay.

Grilled Eel Fried Rice

I have a soft spot for grilled eel and fried rice. That night I ordered both that came in a dish. I was impressed the way the fried rice was compressed into three cylinder shapes that was being put together to look like a cloverleaf.

Assorted Steamed Eggs

We were curious to try this so we ordered it. I was a little surprised when this dish was served - four egg shells lined on a bed of salt and each contained steamed eggs with different fillings or toppings. The first one was with century eggs, the second with salted eggs, the third was simply with light soy sauce, and the last was filled with scallops. It was really special!

Claypot Lamb

As a mutton lover, Wei Tze decided on Claypot lamb. Thickly sliced lamb was cooked over slow fire in a black claypot with other ingredients like carrots, mushrooms and dried tofu.

Steamed Snapper

I ordered steamed fish as I was craving for fish. It was very fresh! You can tell by the whitish colour of the flesh. But the sauce was tasteless.

Mango Pudding

I went for Mango Pudding as dessert as I missed it since the last time I had one back in Melbourne. Resting on a bed of nicely cut watermelon and contemporarily presented, this was one hell of a great mango pudding! It was pleasant to the sight and smooth to the taste.

Mango Sago Cream

From the menu, it didn't give a clear picture of how the dessert was served. So, we ordered another dessert to try - Mango Sago Cream (Coincidentally, another dessert that had mango). It came with cream that was made of mango, filled with sago and pomelo bits. Oh, not to forget the vanilla ice cream that went really well with the slightly sourish mango cream. A perfect delight to end our dinner.

No doubt, Jade Restaurant was the best in town and it's the best Chinese restaurant I've ever been. Both dinners cost less than RM400 and I think it's all worthwhile as everything was excellent - The food, service, interior and ambience.

Photography Project 365: Day 320

2010-11-14T11:19:00.004+11:00

And then, they switched to another spot.

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2010-11-13T09:34:00.004+11:00

And Steph joined in...

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2010-11-12T07:37:00.003+11:00

Fendy reminds me of Charlie Chaplin. LOL

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2010-11-12T07:29:00.003+11:00

Power ranger in action?

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2010-11-11T02:25:00.004+11:00

Me and two lovely ladies :)

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2010-11-10T07:22:00.002+11:00

Wishing my director Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

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2010-11-09T08:14:00.003+11:00

Crazy Sales & Marketing team ^^

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2010-11-08T08:05:00.001+11:00

*Smooch smooch*

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2010-11-07T08:53:00.002+11:00

How cute Hayley is ^^

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2010-11-06T07:43:00.003+11:00

My first time in modern Baju Kebaya.

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2010-11-06T07:37:00.004+11:00

Speechless... =_='''

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2010-11-05T07:30:00.002+11:00

Fendi kena bullied by 2 girls.

Photography Project 365: Day 308

2010-11-04T07:22:00.002+11:00

Not-so-camera-shy Sales team.

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2010-11-03T03:15:00.002+11:00

Lee Fong and Shikin.

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2010-11-02T08:01:00.001+11:00

Fendi Ria and Ms. Lee.

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2010-11-01T08:21:00.005+11:00

Indy, giggling shyly.

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2010-10-31T08:32:00.003+11:00

All smiling, except Din. Probably we interrupted his meal.

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2010-10-30T09:44:00.003+11:00

Kak Noy and Steph's adorable baby girl, Hayley.

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2010-10-29T09:23:00.002+11:00

Ms. Lee, Mat Rock and Maley.

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2010-10-28T09:04:00.003+11:00

Families of the associates.

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2010-10-27T08:51:00.003+11:00

Open House, held in SLBR's grand ballroom.

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2010-10-26T07:25:00.001+11:00

Three lovely ladies in my office. Don't they look stunning in Baju Kebaya/Baju Kurung?

Photography Project 365: Day 298

2010-10-25T07:14:00.003+11:00

My superior - Kak Noy, the Director of Sales. A funny, loving and chatty lady whom you'll grow to like.

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2010-10-24T07:08:00.002+11:00

Kenny - All smiles although working hard.

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2010-10-23T07:22:00.003+11:00

Ibu ayam and anak ayam. LOL

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2010-10-22T07:31:00.003+11:00

Shikin, a sexy and young-at-heart girl in my office. I love her sarcastic humour, it always cracks me.

Photography Project 365: Day 294

2010-10-21T07:25:00.003+11:00

Fendy, a happy-go-lucky guy in my office. Always teases female friends and colleagues. But it won't be fun without him around.

Photography Project 365: Day 293

2010-10-20T08:19:00.003+11:00

Lee Fong, an easygoing and cheeky girl in my office. She's a treasure to work with.

Photography Project 365: Day 292

2010-10-19T08:02:00.003+11:00

I forgot what this is called, but I remember the chef said that it was an indian food. It's quite rich with spices with a hint of coconut milk.

Photography Project 365: Day 291

2010-10-18T00:58:00.003+11:00

Chicken rendang - made from Chicken slowly cooked in coconut milk, spices and sometimes toasted coconut paste for several hours until almost all the liquid is gone, allowing the meat to absorb the spicy condiments.

Photography Project 365: Day 290

2010-10-17T10:54:00.001+11:00

Lodeh - a stew of vegetables cooked in a lightly spiced coconut milk gravy.

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2010-10-16T07:47:00.003+11:00

Malay style ox tail soup.

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2010-10-15T07:59:00.001+11:00

Vil's (my ex-colleague at Schawk) desk before we moved to a new cell.

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2010-10-14T07:47:00.003+11:00

Steamed chicken, served in bamboo basket. It's really salty. I had to drink a lot of tea to wash down the salt.

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2010-10-13T08:15:00.001+11:00

Mabo tofu.

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2010-10-12T08:01:00.003+11:00

Da Ban Chinese Restaurant's signature fish dish. It's claimed to have infused with herbal ingredients that are very good for health.

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2010-10-11T07:47:00.002+11:00

Seasoned seaweed as appetizer.

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2010-10-10T07:36:00.002+11:00

The interior of Da Ban Chinese Restaurant. This place serves authentic Chinese dishes which you can hardly find at any restaurants in Malaysia.

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2010-10-09T08:06:00.003+11:00

Sesame seeds coated tofu. Exotic!

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2010-10-08T08:01:00.002+11:00

One of my favourite sushi rolls served at TAO.

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2010-10-07T07:44:00.003+11:00

A really big portion of steak that comes with garlic bread and mashed potatoes.

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2010-10-06T08:18:00.003+11:00

In memories of my second fake tattoo.

Photography Project 365: Day 278

2010-10-05T07:58:00.003+11:00

Crispy nachos served with salsa sauce and melted cheese. Simply delicious!