Organized by Food Digest, Celebrity Chef Chen Hong had a conference to meet up with the media and food bloggers. The location was at G Hotel.

The organizer had proudly invited several VIPs to the conference, which were Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development and Culture, YB Danny Law and Food Digest Managing Editor, Tracy Lau.

YB Danny Law had proudly mentioned that Yahoo has listed Penang as one of the Top 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die. One of the main reasons Penang has been chosen is due to its unique fusion of cultures and flavors.

As for Celebrity Chef Chen Hong himself, he mentioned that he has always wanted to visit Penang as there are many good food around. As he mentioned he used to try out the good food at Gurney Drive only and most of the time, waiting for good food is the most difficult time. Therefore, this time he is looking somewhere further where quality of food is the priority and popularity is secondary.

As for Food Digest Managing Editor Tracy Lau, it is their honor to workout with Chen Hong and hope this would be a great success.

The MC of the day were English-speaking Sarah Jamil of Food Digest and Mandarin-speaking Jacgy Chan of Foodtok.

YB Danny Law handed over the token of appreciation to Chen Hong.

The group photo by all the celebrities. From left, Chef Billy Ng Yih Lee (runner-up of 8TV’s Hot Chef Season One) and Chef Park Tae Yeong (from Korea).

Of course, this one is me. Not any famous celebrity, instead just an ordinary food lover.

Very interesting and impressive food illustration shown to me  by Chef Park Tae Yeong. If for me I would rather snap photos than draw by hand. :)

This event is organized by Penang food portal, FoodTok and GG, the Food Digest and Sky Publisher. The organizers will be bringing Chef Chen Hong to some of the recommended food spots in Penang, while playing judge to some of the most famous hawkers and restaurants in Penang. For those who would like to catch Chen Hong’s whereabouts on his journey to find great food between 10 June 2011 and 12 June 2011, you may try your luck from as far as Batu Ferringhi, Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus until the heart of George Town. For more information you can visit Food Digest official site at www.twitter.com/myfooddigest.

The CSL launching  event was held at the new wing of Gurney Plaza. Although it was very crowded on that Saturday afternoon, coincidently, there was another launching event by Maxis on its iPhone 4 at the centre court of old wing, which had diverted some of the crowd.

The CSL launch for this round was on the Spice Mi700 DroidPad and Mi300 smart phone. Both are running on Android platform which has the second largest user market after iPhone.

All the bloggers were busy filling in the registration form for the event.

The counter which displayed the Spice Mi700 Droidpad and Mi300 phone.

During the midst of the event, the CSL Android mascot was seen walking around the CSL booth to entertain the visitors.

CSL Android was showing the victory sign during his walks.

The group photo of all the bloggers.

Zoom in to the bloggers on the left.

Zoom in to the bloggers on the right.

The grand prize showcase by CSL staff. So how to be the luck winner?

The winner of the Spice Mi700 DroidPad would have 2 dots of black eyes on the Android mascot on the brocher found in the goodie bag.

The lucky winner of the CSL DroidPad is no other than my wife Therefore, I have the chance to use it as well.

Some of the attrractive features on the DroidPad:

Two years later, although “Babi Guling” still remains an incomplete mission, at least now I have the chance to try out the traditional massage and spa back in Penang. This place may be frequently patronized by the rich “tai-tai’s (women)” staying around in the middle-upper class precinct in Tanjung Bungah, however it may only be once in a bluemoon for a normal guy like me.

Thanks to Penang.CC who helped to arrange this invited review so that I get the chance to try out this exclusive retreat.

It is neither easy nor difficult to trace this place, unless you are familiar with Tanjung Bungah area. If you drive from town area via Jalan Tanjung Bungah, you will see Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel is on your right and you will reach a traffic junction. Take the left turn to Tanjung Bungah Park (which is the road name). After that make a right turn and keep driving for another 30 meters. You will see Danai Spa is on your right.

Danai Spa, the nature inspired concept is undoubtedly very Balinese Style.

Upon stepping into the garden you will feel the soft gentle breeze brushed over your face and make you feel refreshed. There were birds chirping softly in the background and crickets chirping on rhythmically. The pond with Japanese Koi fish complements the place with a very calming and spiritual sensing.

A nice Buddha head sculpture displayed on the counter.

The common seating area for Manicure and Facial Therapy.

The manicure and nail polisher sets.

The changing room for ladies or couples. By the way, this place is a healthy retreat centre and no “hanky panky” stuff.

The robe for gentlemen.

The Balinese style robe for ladies.

We were invited to try on their special promotion package - ”Christmas Romance Package”. The spa session kicked off with foot reflexology, in which they will cleanse and massage your feet and legs.

After a refreshing and some ‘tickling’ moments in foot reflexology, we were guided to the Rainfall Pool. The gentle streaming of cooling water imitates the idea of pouring rain which will give you a delightful and fun experience.

It is especially designed for people who are seeking for a cooling of body temperature and it might be slightly cold for locals.

If you couldn’t get enough of bathing experience from the Rainfall pool, you may have extra showering done below. They are actually prepared for customers to clean their body before entering the jacuzzi.

Here comes the outdoor jacuzzi. Of all the relaxation techniques that people use, one of the most enduring ones is the power of heat. Warm water baths are used during Roman times to help relax and heal people. Today, jacuzzi uses the power of heat in therapeutic settings which have many benefits linked to its use.

The outdoor jacuzzi.

After the list of therapies that we had gone through, the main course of the session is the 90 minutes Danai Signature Massage (with Vitality Massage Oil by Pevonia).

There are many rooms for you to choose from to have your massage done. The Balinese Style has a rustic, Asian-inspired feel. For those who likes Balinese, this is the perfect couple room for you and your partner.

The following is the Moroccan Style, which has been made popular by the vogue of Riads renovation in Marrakech. I personally feel that this room has a Greek touch. This is also a couple room.

If you prefer to have some privacy, there is a single room available too in Oriental Style.

The English Style is another single room for your massage therapy session.

Due to we were not convenient to bring our cameras to the massage rooms, I will briefly describe the progress instead.

For the massage session, the Vitality Massage Oil used smells like lemon grass and it is known to have the function of detoxing and healing. The massage technique is excellent and the strength is moderate. You may request for stronger or lighter massage strength, depending on your personal preference.

After the massage, we had a body scrub session. There are choices of Pure Rose Body Scrub and Honey Milk Body Scrub. The smell of Honey Milk is very ‘delicious’, just like butter cookie smell.

Next was the Basic Facial Massage or Pure Rose Bath Soak which then end the session.

Overall, the whole spa session is very relaxing and rejuvenating. It is a great place to get away after our busy lifestyle. However, it pays to enjoy this experience.

Below is the package promotion:

Christmas Romance package
90 minutes Danai Signature Massage (with Vitality Massage Oil by Pevonia)
30 minutes Pure Rose Body Glow
15 minutes Pure Rose Bath Soak
1X 30mL Pure Rose Body Scrub

for 1 couple only RM468 (Christmas promotion)
Usual Price RM670

Operation hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (7 days a week)
Contact: 04-899 0899
Address:103, Tanjung Bungah Park, 11200 Penang.
GPS: 5° 46′ 32.84″ N, 100° 30′ 09.53″ E

(Stefanie Chuah, Miss Malaysia/World 2009, Runner Up)

However, there is a break away which can fulfill all the requirements above.  Packing up a few dresses which include your swimwears, prepare RM180 for the ticket and heading to Pulau Payar.

There are only 2 places that able to depart to Pulau Payar, one is Langkawi and the other one is Swettenham Pier, near Penang port.

It is indeed quite a long journey to depart from Penang port to Pulau Payar. The duration of travel takes approximately 2 1/2 hours. My advice, prepare some snacks and breakfast for your journey would be a wise choice.

Instead of sleeping during the whole journey, you can always walk to the deck of the boat to have a wonderful view back to Penang. What a beautiful island, from far.

If you are feeling tried after watching scenery, you can always take a short nap during the journey. Remember to beware of your outlook, someone is dripping saliva when sleeping.

The boat will drop you at the Pulau Payar platform upon arriving. The platform is quite big and stable.

At the side of the platform, you are allowed to snorkelling within the safety range to enjoy underwater coral and fish.

Fishes gathering around you once you step into the water. This underwater pictures are contributed by Waco Chan.

We were told by the safety guards that they always see naked ladies swimming at the island nearby, which I am very doubtful of.

There is also an underwater observation on the platform that allows you to enjoy the underwater world if you are not used to snorkelling.

There are many fishes under the sea which I am not sure of the species too.

There was also a mermaid who followed us to Pulau Payar for the modeling photo shooting session. Her name is Stefanie Chua, the winner of Miss Malaysia/World 2009 Runner Up.

Special thanks to Patrick Soon, the owner of Studio Moon Spell for the great arrangement so that I have the chance to brush up my shooting skill.

After first half, lunch was served at 12:30pm. There were 20 over varieties of food available to choose from. Anyway the taste of some of the dishes still have room for improvement.

After the lunch break, the second half session was to Pulau Payar Marine Park, to reach there we were taken a ride on a small motor boat.

The surrounding of the beach was very clean and picturesque.

You can see through the sea bed with its crystal clear sea water.

In fact, you can see dozens of fish swimming by.

The only drawback at this place is they have stopped the shark feeding session. As the life guard claimed there were too many casualties and also accidents happened. This program needs to be terminated. Therefore, not much sharks can be seen around nowadays.

Overall, this is a great place to relax and get away from the bustle city. There are many species of fish around and it was very comfortable to walk under the soft white sand beach. Other than the quality of the food that needs to be improved, the rest is up to standard.

 The card has grown fungus in my wallet for nearly half a year until recently I saw it while I was sorting out the receipts and garbage in my wallet. This card was flashing right into my eyes as if it was telling me that it had been left out for quite a while. Instead of being cheated once, why not I try out the fine dinning at Parkroyal Penang since there is nothing much they can cheat me this time.

Arriving at Parkroyal Penang, with my camera taking the photo without flash. It seems like quite blur, but it is worse with flash.

The surrounding inside the hotel lobby.

The pool site, where no one is swimming at this time. 

Antique vase display, not sure which dynasty is it from?

Opium, which has been replaced by weed and ecstasy pills these days.

The hotel has placed aroma theraphy lamps at every corner even near the lobby and also inside the restaurant to make you feel relaxed like at home and also to boost your appetite.

Arriving at Tiffins Restaurant located at level 1 of the hotel. Once you are out from the elevator you will be welcomed by warm greetings from the restaurant staffs. 

The layout of the restaurant which has been arranged with glasses of white and red wine.

The Tiffins’s Menu, do not open this until you are prepared for the worst on the pricing. 

Gosh… the appetiser already cost RM38 and the choices of main course range from RM50 – RM80. Set Dinner starts from RM99++ per pax. 

If you are a fan for Japanese’s steak, Wagyu beef is available here and the pricing is RM225 per 200gm. :p

The bread is served after we have ordered our food.

The candle light also contain the ingredients of aroma theraphy.

Olive oil and 2-in-1 ketchup bottle.

There is a choice of sparkling water and sterilised water, and we chose sparkling water which turned out to be exclusively from Perrier…(RM17 per bottle, aiks!)

The display at the counter with the stove behind it.

Mini appetiser is provided free of charge to you even if you didn’t order for the set meal.

The red and the white wine which I don’t dare to order.

Chicken slices appetiser.

Abalone slices appetiser.

Master is teaching the apprentice on how to grill a good steak. (May the force be with the steak.)

The Grilled Sirloin Beef which I have ordered. It’s prepared in Medium rare without toppings yet.

The Grilled Rib Eye Beef with black pepper sauce.

The Grilled Sirloin Beef with red wine sauce.

The preparation of the beef is just nice where it really met the medium rare level. The juiciness of the stick and also the tenderness of the meat were still kept fresh without over-cooked. Having it with the red wine sauce is an excellent combination.

For the dessert, I have ordered the Warm Banana Strudel. It is actually bananas wrapped in crispy skin made from flour, and it actually tasted like biscuit. Serving together with the dish is haagen-dazs ice cream.

The whole meal cost us about RM200 but with Prestige card, we are having a discount of 50% on the food and 20% on the beverages. For those who want to enjoy quality lifestyle but have limited budget, this is a way to get it.

Editor’s Review (5 Stars Rank):

Taste
Price
Food Presentation
Service
Overall

This month is the Chinese Lunar 7th month and it is also known as ”The Hungry Ghost Month”. As legend believes during this month all the spiritual “things” will be let lose and free to walk in our world. Therefore, the percentage of bumping into them is higher. In this post I am going to share with you all the DOs and DONTs during this month and also some pictures of the celebration. For those who want to overcome “spiritual” meets and also for those that don’t believe precaution is better than cure, this will be a good guideline.

Avoiding standing under the tree or under the bus stop during night time.
Usually it is dark and cold under the tree shade and bus stop. It is believed that these “things” will usually rest under that kind of condition. If you are “good” luck that day, it will follow you back home.

Manicure, do not use dark or black color
Ladies, if you love paiting your nails and frequently visit the manicure center, please choose light colour coat for your nails during this period. this is because only dead people will have dark-coloured nails. If you have that color they might think that you are one of them.

Do not step or kick the praying items and temporary altar by the roadside. 
During the Lunar 7th month, there will be a lot of praying items and temporary altars placed by the roadside and these are all meant for the “thing”. If you accidentally stepped on them, it is better that you apologise to them. Else if you get them angry I am not sure what they can do.

Do not place your kid on the altar/offering table when visiting or praying to these sites.
As there was a case where a mother took her child to this event, the kid’s shoe dropped while the mother was handling some offerings. The mother placed the kid on the altar to pick up the shoe from the floor. After she got the shoe, the whole kid had turned into blank color and passed away.

I have been reading articles and also hearing my friends talking about Malaysia’s tallest 大士爷 (Leader of All The Hungry Ghost). It is located at Bukit Mertajam market area. I have always wanted to pay a visit but had no chance until last Saturday. I was lost in getting to the exact place until I called a friend for guidance. It tooks me additional 1/2 hour to get to the place. Anyway, I am so glad when I managed to arrive to the destination.

The tallest hungry ghost leader is located next to a very old Chinese temple. In front of the temple there are Chinese opera stages setup for this festival.

This is the front entrance of the old-aged temple. However, the temple is so well-maintained where the colour of the dragon carvings still looks new on the pillar.

The stalls which sell various offerings look exactly like the one at Goddess of Mercy temple in Penang Island. 

The view inside the temple.

There is a Chinese ancient hat and also a wooden puppet placed on the main altar.

The wooden puppet looks like a kid where there are some cash notes in his pocket. I think by praying to this kid, he will bring prosperity to you.

Another one is the Chinese ancient hat, this hat is the one usually worn by the champion scholar back in Chinese history. Therefore, this will help those preparing for exam.

Just beside the temple, we can see the Malaysia tallest 大士爷 (Leader of All The Hungry Ghost). Even it was afternoon time at 3pm there were still so many believers praying to the god.

There are a lot of people hoping to place their large (龙香) dragon joss sticks here as it is believed that by doing so they believe their business will gett better. Only those joss sticks of standard height can be placed here and everyday the temple only allows 200 dragon joss sticks to be placed. A lot of people have booked for a slot since several months ago.

Check out the urn and also the candle holders here. They are fully loaded and the temple helpers will have to clear up every now and then to make way for later ones.

The Chinese writing of “好兄弟公”(Good brothers) is actually referring to that “thing”. 

The offerings presented by the believers.

This is only the beginning, there are more to come later at night. 

This is the tallest 大士爷 (Leader of All The Hungry Ghost) in Malaysia. The purpose of building this hungry ghost leader is to take care and monitor of all the hungry ghosts there so that they will not bother with the people when they did their offering. This hungry ghost leader is made of paper and will be burnt off at the end of the 7th month.

The paper offerings and hell notes that will be burnt together with the hungry ghost leader.

The shops nearby the main altar are required to stop for business for the whole month as this is a requirement.

This uncle will ring the bell when you made a donation. This is to let the people and also the “thing” knows that you have made some offering.

The tallest hungry ghost leader will be burnt in front of this store every year.

One of the KFC outlets in the old town of Bukit Mertajam.

I have just been to a seminar today, it’s about an effective communication. All the while I thought effective communication is about soft skills and to understand what the customers want. However, after this course I really know that effective communication covers more than these. Now only I get to know that to effectively communicate with customers, first of all we need to understand his characteristic before we proceed to knowing his needs. As knowing his characteristic we can tune ourselves to their communcation channel.

Eventually, our fingerprint is actually mapped to our personal identification and this is called Dermatoglyphics. This means by reading your finger or palm prints, we can know that what kind of person you are. According to the Master, this study is actually scientifically proven.

For example, look at your left thumb and this is related to communication and networking skill. There are 4 types of main characteristics.

SA type, System Oriented – This type of person will do things according to steps and systems. He/she will not be easily influenced by other people. Small talks and weather condition will never make any changes to his decision making. When dealing with these type of people, you need to be straight to the point and talk techinically. 

UL types, People Oriented – These type of people love to talk a lot. They have a lot of friends, and they love to mix around. They will try to be a good person that will not hurt other people. They are not easy to turn other people down. This type of characteristic is more suitable to handle human resourses post or human relations. They are not suitable to become sales person as they are not easy to close sales.

SW types, Goal Oriented – This type of people are very result driven. Everything they do, there is a purpose. Dealing with this type of person you have to tell them what is their benefit and how much is their cut. Usually this type of person will be very impatient. Questions, weather and family condition will not work for them as well. At times this type of people are so straight forward that they didn’t even know that they had hurt someone during the conversation.

CPW, Multi-Tasking Oriented – This type of people can be at anytime and anywhere. They can know every single person in the neighbourhood. Their characteristic can fluctuate very much, when they are very passionate with something they can focus on that without sleep. If they don’t what something, they will try to avoid or ignore that thing. They are not a good decision maker, everything will be ok for them. Dealing with this type of girlfriend or boyfriend, the other party need to give opinion and final decision. 

 After understanding the 4 main types of Dermatoglyphics, which group are you in? I find it’s very true to me, is it acurate to you too? Please give some feedback so that I can let the master know too.

You won’t believe that some of the greatest people in history like Plato, Shakespeare, Newton, Hugo, Beethoven, Lincoln and Einstein had practiced The Secret before. For me, it took me 6 months to really dig up more about The Secret. I was told by many people about Law Of Attraction by Anthony Robbins that it is very powerful and you have to believe in it. It’s like the Law Of Gravity that will not fail to apply on anything in this universe.

I didn’t really believe in it until I met a very successful businessman that is practising and reminding me about The Secret again. He told me, in order for you to get success you have to always feel good and visualise all the things that you want in life.  The more detailed you visualise, the nearer you are to your goal. Anyway, feeling good and visualising about your success is good but do not be too overwhelmed as eventually this will make things worse.

After getting these advices, I decided to draw up a visual board of what I want in life and below is one of my dreams, a multimillion ringgit condo – The Cove. This is the first time I have visited this condo as it belongs to one of my customers. I was there to fix his wireless access.

The view from the condo which stands up to 3o floors and more and each floor only has a single unit.

The entrance to one of the blocks.

The walk way and the park.

The swimming pool

The view from the master bedroom.

Decoration inside the master bedroom

Even the bathroom also has its own Jacuzzi and Sauna room

The hall way and the living room

Even the size of the kitchen is bigger than my hall and living room. 

The walkway to the guest rooms

Each of the guest room has a Plasma TV.

For those who wants success, hope that these pictures will help you on attracting your dream house. If this is not the type of dream house that you wish, then you need to find other pictures and hang it somewhere so that you can move toward to your goal.