The Spring Nando's Opening and Media Gathering

The Spring Kuching finally has its own Nando's. This is the second Nando's restaurant in Kuching and the first one was in Vivacity Megamall and I was lucky enough to get invited once again to their newest restaurant. It was a media gathering session, a pretty laid back kind of gathering where we were introduced with both the new restaurant and new menu as well.

The newest addition to the family! 

1. Sweet potato chips - I absolutely adore this one. Sweet potato as fries- genius. Especially if you have a sweet tooth just like me. And I couldnt get enough of this. Highly recommended and be prepare to order more because we did. 

 2. Red skin mashed potato - This particular mashed potato was really good. I would come back for more of this mashed potatoes. 

3. Spinach - On the other hand, I dont really like this new side. It taste rather bland and boring for me. Nevertheless, if you're trying to stay healthy or you opt for healthier option this is the perfect option. 

How brave are you for your chicken? Time to take it to the next level. I usually do mild with hot sauce but this time around, I choose hot instead. And I insist all of you to step up your game. The caramel cheese cake is not something new and I had it quite some time already at Nando's. If you're a sweet tooth person just like me, this is the dessert you should beg your friends or parents to get you some.

I had a blast at the gathering and really looking forward for more in the future. Till then.

p.s: I have exam this weekend yet I choose to procrastinate my revision to blog this instead. 

Making Bento with Ayam Brand

Ayam Brand is known for their canned products was here in Kuching on Monday (1st August 2016) and they are here on a mission! It has been 9th consecutive years Ayam Brand organized a charity campaign has benefit more than 16,100 people from 362 charity organizations.

And this time around in Kuching, Ayam Brand pitch in to help 50 charity homes across Malaysia and also Brunei with their wide range of healthy and convenient, preservative - free canned products that are adequate enough for the needs of daily needs of residents for two month. 

The Community Care 2016 held a fun hands - on  activities for the participating charity homes here in Kuching at The Coffee Factory. Participating charity homes are: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Sarawak, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society, The Green Ribbon Association, Rumah Amal Nur Murni and Salvation Army Girl’s Home. 

Children participating in this year’s campaign were introduced to Bento, a single-portion home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine that traditionally holds rice, fish, meat with pickled or cooked vegetables with fruit or other sweet item. It is usually beautifully packed in a box-shaped container and is well balanced nutritionally. Japanese people spend time and energy on a carefully prepared bento box for their spouse, child, or themselves.

Chef Loke sowing us and guiding during the bento making process.

The children learnt how to prepare four Ayam Brand™ dishes in a fun and interactive session that was specially developed to suit people of different ages and abilities; namely Mixed Fruit Salad, Baked Bean, Heart Shaped Sardine Sandwich and Tuna Onigiri under the guidance of celebrity Chef Loke from T-Garden Cooking School. 

I had the opportunity to do the bento myself and it was indeed a fun experience. It felt like I was in an art class and the chef helped me to create my very own masterpiece expect mine was tasty and edible. The kids had their share of fun as well. Everyone was smiling and us the media was having a blast. Off the record, it is such a fun way to help the community especially the participating charity homes residents. Seeing the children smile and play around is a golden moment. 

Stand Up Comedy @ The Granary Kuching

Got nothing to do on Friday the 13th? Or to afraid to go out in case of bad luck? *touchwood*

Here's the perfect solution: Head over to The Granary in Kuching for a Stand Up Comedy show to cheer up your Friday. Yeap Stand Up Comedy is here to cheer up your weekend!

Tickets are RM50 (Presale) and RM70 (At the door) so why delay? Call now and secure a seat for you as well as your family and friends. 

Line up: Sam See, Jonathon Atherton and Brian Tan. 

A Trip to Kuala Lumpur: Tune Talk MET10 Awards

The name ‘Hitz fm’ is pretty well known among Malaysians, it is believed that Hitz fm is the number 1 English Radio Station in Malaysia. And personally, Hitz fm radio is always being tuned into in my car. There was not a dull moment whenever I drive around the city or even driving to class everyday. I heard a lot about the MET10 Awards and I am so psyched to be given a chance by Astro to fly over to Kuala Lumpur, all the way from Sarawak to personally attend the MET10 Awards.

Malaysian English Top 10 Awards a.k.a MET10 Awards is a form of celebration and honouring the Malaysian English artists whom topped the Malaysian English Top 10 chart every week. MET10 charts airs every Sunday from 3pm till 4pm. It was first being introduced on 2000 and followed by the first ever MET10 Awards in 2005. After 11 years, MET10 Awards is finally back.

 

Without a doubt, the Malaysian English music industry is slowly being accepted around the globe. I was so shocked knowing that ‘Half The Man’ was actually Resh new single after he did a rebranding of himself last year. It is so good that I would sing along to it whenever it is on air. That explains how obsessed I was with ‘Half The Man’ and I was definitely rooting for Resh on that night. And I did not miss the chance to take a photo with him. Mission accomplished. If you know me, I am a shy person with a resting bitch face. But in the end, I have to pluck up all of my courage to ask Resh for a photo.

Enough with the pleasantries. Our driver picked us up from the hotel at 5.00 p.m and reached KWC Fashion Mall around 5.30 ish. I must say that the location is not the crowd’s favourite since there was not a lot of people around. One can tell a good mall depending on its crowd. The event started around 8 which is quite late. We were walking all over the StarXpo and tbh, I was literally bored af since I have nothing to do at all. But then music was playing, red carpet event started and the popcorn alongside the tarik was served. The crowd was getting a bit wild, well not that kind of festival super wild. Everyone was socialising, so that is a good sign indeed.

The performers of the night were the Kartel Crew, Paperplane Pursuit, Resh, OJ Law, Roshan Jamrock, Jason Law, Oh Chentaku, Jin Hackman, OAG, De Fam and also Kyoto Protocol. The electrifying performances were truly energetic and crowd moving. I was head banging a bit since I don’t dance; I mean come on have you ever saw a fat man dancing? You DO NOT wanna see that. Although I did dance when I was in the club (IT WAS ALCOHOL INFLUENCED)

Here are the lists of the winners that night.

Best Male Artist: OJ Law

Best Female Artist: Elizabeth Law

Best Band/Group: Tres Empire

Best Song: #SUPERGIRLS (De Fam)

Best Live Performer: Kyoto Protocol

Best Music Video: Banana (Jin Hackman)

Breakthrough Act: De Fam

Tune Talk Hall of Fame: OAG

De Fam was definitely winning big that night. The trio won two awards that night. It was the highlight of the MET10 Awards. Undeniably, the song #Supergirls is catchy, don’t mind if I do but I usually sing along to the song as well. I mean I believe that I was one of the #Supergirls. This was not my first time seeing them live so I’ve expected a lot from them. The first time was during Vivacity Megamall Opening and I was at the Nando’s opening at the same time but since the stage was so close to Nando’s, I’ve decided to delay the desserts and went off to cheer for them. It is not often we see a well choreographed song with amazing and talented singer performing it effortlessly. Back to the MET10 Awards, the trio did a performance of #Supergirls and their newest single (which I forgot what the title is, I was so excited I guess).

I had fun, but I bet the entire crowd had their share of fun as well. I really hope that there will be more MET10 Awards to come in honouring the Malaysian English artist of their efforts and their talents. Also, to have more crowds attending the awards as the attendances was quite disappointing. Nevertheless, no one can organize a party like Hitz fm do! Looking forward for more. 

A Trip to Kuala Lumpur: Juara Parodi

I’m living in a rental house with no TV and Astro. In other word, I was living under the rock with no updates on TV show or whatsoever. Replaying all of Gossip Girl series on my laptop is my source of entertainment. Once in a while, a movie in cinema is vital for me to have my share of the latest movie updates. I honestly never heard of Juara Parodi but to be given a chance by Astro to attend one of its live performance was a good opportunity for me to catch up with a bit of Malay entertainment.

Friday the 15^th, was the night were we headed over to Shah Alam Theatre to watch the performances by all of the participating artists. I had no clue or whatsoever about this show so I did not have much expectation but going into the theatre really hit me (a reality slap) that this show was a huge deal. The theme of the week was “Cinta” and the special word that has to be incorporated in the performances was “Ultraman”. It was quite funny seeing how they incorporate and fulfil the requirements needed to deliver their performance alongside the change of genre.

That night, it was the semi final week. 7 teams are still up to get into the final concert. I must say that the concept of this show is still new to me and I quite enjoy it. It was different. The 7 teams remaining was Mawi & the Loyar, Abang Face, Selamba Blur, Kobis Pedas, Righthanded, Black dot Chey and Slumber Blur. As for us, the media from Borneo, we were rooting for Mawi & the Loyar but to be disappointed in the end that they could not make it to the final.

I must say that the crowd was really wild. The supporters are definitely crazy (a good kind of crazy) about the show. What you see on screen was the polite kind of cheering version in the theatre. It was wild whenever commercial break or better yet before the show starts. They were basically doing a cheer war and I was terrified in case they kill each other or something. Just kidding.

Dato’ Zainal Abidin songs were being parody that night. It was indeed a golden moment to look at his face as the performers “destroyed” all of his songs. But in the end he came to rescue and revived his songs back to life by performing a few number of his evergreen songs.

Now back to the performances, I was quite intrigued with the performance by Selamba Blur when the genre was being changed to Ngajat. I can’t express how excited I was since oh well, I am a bit of typical Sarawakian myself.

Only 5 group get to go to the final round of Juara Parodi and they are Abang Face, Selamba Blur, Juri, Kobis Pedas, and Righthanded. Don’t forget to tune in into Astro Warna (132) or Astro Mustika HD (134) for this week final concert (Friday, 10 p.m.) and see who will win the title of Juara Parodi and bringing home the prize of RM 300,000

Konsert Era Sayang Sarawak

On the 12th of December 2015, right after Nando’s opening, I quickly hopped over to Merdeka Palace for Konsert Era Sayang Sarawak Press Conference. The press conference started a bit late, lucky for some of us since we basically had to rush over from Vivacity Megamall that day.

During the press conference, the artists performing that night introduced themselves and tell us a bit about songs that they were going to perform that night. I was quite intrigued when Nana Sheme told us that she was going to sing Hantu atau Buaya in Iban. Maybe because I was too Iban myself? Moving on, that night, 12 artists were going to perform. They are Lawa Nie Geng, Stacy, Black, Afgan, Altimet, Mal Imran, Nana Sheme, Deasy Natalina, Ir Radzi, Akim & The Majistret, Nadhar and Wani Kayrie.

The concert started at 8pm. The weather was good. The concert started with JoHaRa and also Era FM Sarawak radio announcers welcoming people to the concert.

First up was Lawa Nie Geng. They were energetic and definitely pumps up the party along with Deasy Natalina (all the way from Indonesia). The two sang 'Pasar Malam" before Deasy Natalina came on to the stage and they perform 'Aduh Aduh Sayang' and also 'Masalahku, Masalahmu'

Next was Nadhar. He is one of the up and rising Sarawakian in this music industry with his song 'Parah'

Third on the line was Ir Radzi. Also a local Sarawakian sang 'Sempurna Waktu' and 'Maafkan Aku'.

I was so mind blown by Wani Kayrie. A 15 year old girl with the voice so high that she could sing Ariana Grande’s part from Bang Bang with no problem at all! She is truly the girl we need to keep an eye on. I wonder what can this petite girl do in the future. She is well known with her single 'Jangan-Jangan'

Mal Imran was probably one of the eye candy for the audience since most of them are girl, waiting for some prince charming to serenade to them and Mal Imran killed it as well.His single  'Cinta Sukar Ditafsirkan' and 'Lepaskan Aku' did steal some spotlight in this concert. He also did a duet with Nadhar on their very own version of Sam Smith's Lay Me Down.

Altimet, the king of rap in Malaysia definitely bringing the hip to the hip hop. I could feel the vibes (insert hands up emoji) and almost sway to them songs! 'Syukur', 'Aku Tahu' and 'Jika Aku Kaya' did gave the audience some feel to it. You could never express how soulful his rap can get.

Nana Sheme was up and she knows how to rock up the concert as the crowd singing along to her famous ‘Hantu atau Buaya’ single. And also it was her first concert debut for the single ‘Boleh Blah’

Black with his high itch never fail to amaze everyone. Including yours truly.

Stacy was super pumped. I mean how can someone sing so flawless while dancing?! She did a number on 'Bosan', 'Not for Sale' and 'Gilalah'

Akim & The Majistret rocked the concert like literally. 'Mewangi', 'Obses', 'Sisaku' and also their famous 'Potret" was being performed that night.

Finally, the last and long awaited and anticipated performer of the night, Afgan. Everyone went crazy. Who could resist this good looking Indonesia with a voice of an angel? Everyone sang along to all of his song that night.

Overall, the concert was a great way for Era FM to connect and give back to its loyal listener. I had fun and I am pretty sure the people that came had fun as well. The feedback from Sarawakian is really good since there were 15,000 people attended the biggest concert yet in Sarawak.

Picture Credits: ERA FM Sarawak.

p.s: This is my first ever concert review so any deficiency on details, please forgive me.

Food Review; Nando's Kuching

Sighting of giant egg around Kuching has been reported ever since 4th of December 2015. With the #KuchingHatching and a matching font Nando’s been using for year, it is safe to say that Nando’s is finally coming to Kuching.

12th December 2015, the giant egg finally hatched after a round of chicken dance and an egg cracking by Daniel, the Chief Operating Officer of Nando’s. I was lucky enough to be invited by MilkPR and Nando’s for their special grand opening in Vivacity Megamall. As we all know, Nando’s used to be the restaurant that most Sarawakian would fly over to Peninsular or even KK to satisfy their PERi-PERi craving. Nando’s is for sure very welcome here in Sarawak.

Now, let’s get back to the opening shall we? The decoration and interior of Nando’s is very warm and cozy. Definitely suitable for all occasion, be it hanging out with friends or having family over for a meal. I was really in love with the walls. The details is pretty amazing.

First up is the appetizer. The PERi- PERi drizzle definitely compliments the hummus and the pita bread as well. It was my first time having hummus wrap with pita and I enjoy it. It was also my first time having real olives and it wasnt that bad after all. Might come back for more olives. Hew hew.

One word to describe the main dish: Mouthful. I couldnt believe my eyes seeing all of those chickens in one plate along with the side dishes. The PERi chips, PERi wedges, coleslaw, grilled veg, corn-on-the go and as well as mediterranean rice. Everything was cooked to perfection. Thumbs up to the chefs! I was in love with the hot PERi - PERi chicken. It has some kick in it to kick start a good meal.

I was so full and then the dessert comes out. I was definitely happy knowing that Chocolate Crunch Roll was being served.

I had fun during the opening, MilkPR definitely knows how to throw a good opening party indeed. And guess what, I won a prize for answering one of the quiz! Currently I am obssesed with my goodie bag! And thank you once again MilkPR and Nando’s for the invitation!

Dont forget to head over to Nando’s for your PERi-PERi fix at Vivacity Megamall.