New beginnings in Taipei

Since the end of August, my family and I have moved to Taipei due to work. So slowly as we settle down, I will be exploring and writing more about my findings here. With that, I hope that will continue to have more writeups, as I do notice there aren't many English food blogs here! Cheers!

Homedec @ SPICE Penang 4-6 October 2013

Went to Homedec last weekend and its always an interesting place to visit. Not having any particular agenda, I just went around while trying to see if there are anything that stands out and my goal would be to add these to my blog.

So this time round, as I was pretty much free on that weekend, I went there on 2 occasions, and ended up buying an aircon cleaning kit. Was about to buy some LED lights but then figured I will do those next year. Anyway, do have a look at some of the displays which I found more interesting. Also only included those that actually allowed me to take photographs. I still can't understand some exhibitors who still do not allow photos. I mean come on, people already see what you have, yet thinking you can keep it a secret? Well, too bad then, I won't even mention about you then :p

Cheers!

Dreamponds had a very strategic location being right at the entrance! I found their instant pond pretty neat and the best part is that there is no filters where they use the undergravel to do all the cleaning work. Downside is the initial cost and also the yearly maintenance. Interesting as the package will sell you whatever they have on display, including the fish and potted plants. Great for those looking to try a pond out

Their demo featured a pair of terrapins, which is suppose to show how clean the water is, as it will usually stink discolor the water very quickly with these guys

Ninetology U9 Series Launch @ 1881 Chong Tian Hotel Penang

Ninetology I must say is currently aggressively marketing their products and now with their U9 series, its starting to really make an impact. Recently the company hosted their launch in Penang and I believe that they managed to have one heck of a venue by choosing 1881 Chong Tian Hotel! The hotel is a heritage reborn and probably Ninetology shares the same belief that they will be here to stay in the smart phone business.

Being a ASEAN product, they are targeting some primary areas of focus which is to have performance and usability at an affordable price.

It was a pretty exciting launching with all their latest models on display and all the media personnel were able to have some hands on time with it. Besides that, there were also games and quizzes with 3 lucky winners that day walking home with their new smart phones. Its really was a blast of a launch and hopefully I will be getting my hands on one of these phones for a review soon! For now, check out the pictures. Credits also to the hotel for hosting the event with some very good food for the night!

The venue, 1881 Chong Tian Hotel, Jalan Pintal Tali, Penang

 All ready for the launch

BRINGING NINETOLOGY ONTO THE NEXT UPSCALE LEVEL

In conjunction with Malaysia’s 56th Independence Day, Ninetology Malaysia has officially launched its Flagship Touch Point at Plaza Low Yat, Malaysia’s Largest IT Lifestyle Mall, on 30 August 2013. With a concept like no other, Ninetology’s Flagship Touch Point offers consumers an experiential touch point for today’s lifestyles and culture as well as a product showcase. At the Flagship Touch Point, not only would the Ninetology products be showcased, it’s a place where consumers can learn how to use a smartphone to enhance their lifestyles and interests. The flagship Touch Point will serve as a youth and culture training hub to spread the urbanite culture that is cultivated by Ninetology. The Ninetology smartphones are not just communication tools, but a device that can advance one’s social visibility, thus opening doors to more opportunities. Eight more Flagship Touch Points within the Klang Valley will be opened this year with another nine outlets scheduled within Malaysia by next year. The Ninetology’s Flagship Touch Point is opened from 10.00am to 10.00pm daily.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to launch the first Flagship Touch Point. Gracing the ceremony were the management team of Ninetology Malaysia comprising of Sean Ng (Chief Executive Officer), Marco Beh (Chief Operations Officer), Shian (Chief Finance Officer), Vijian Chan (Chief Marketing Officer), and Eddy Tay (Head of Channel); Michael Lee (General Manager, Property Management and Operations of Plaza Low Yat), and celebrities such as Z-Chen, Iqwal Hafiz, and Sasi the Don.

Pre-Registration of MySuperVIP card ~ Grab them now!!!

With so many deals happening all around us, its always good to know that creative companies are still developing more ways for the benefit of the consumers. Thus in Penang we now have MySuperVIP, which is a company that gives more rewards and bonus to consumers for their shopping through loyalty card system. You will be able to collect reward points from every spending on our participating outlets and exchange for cash vouchers.

MySuperVIP card is also a loyalty card that will help consumers to get rewarded whenever they introduce MySuperVIP cards to their friends and family.For every reward points collected by your friends and families, you can obtain extra 15% reward points from MySuperVIP. Therefore you could get more extra rewards when you introduce more friends to register for MySuperVIP cards.

See guide below on how to register, make sure to have the sponsor ID included!

MySuperVIP cards are now available in all MySuperVIP’s participating outlets around Penang.

MySuperVIP cards are now free for registration with limited stocks only!

Make a move now and get a MySuperVIP card today! 

Check out the list of outlets below!!

If you failed to get your MySuperVIP in any of our participating outlets, please contact MySuperVIP via email info@mysupervip.com or enquiry through our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mysupervip

You may also call our customer hotline at 016-4283204

As their slogan goes : “Enjoy VIP Lifestyle”

Gartien Pineapple Cakes Mid Autumn Festival Limited Edition Packaging Launch!

I have been an avid fan of Gartien Pineapple Cakes and have previously blog about it and for this coming Mid Autumn Festival, Gartien has collaborated with Penang based artist Ms Li Jynn to create a limited edition packaging for this delectable Pineapple Cake.

The original artwork was created by Ms Li Jynn for civet cat awareness and it was based upon during the night of Mid Autumn Festival, the civet cats are planning a feast of Freedom! Thus it is hope that Gartien will be able to bring everyone a great feast this coming Mid Autumn Festival and celebrated with joys, with Gartien. This is why, with Gartien, you get a little piece of Penang to bring home too!

The limited edition packaging was launched at Kafe Goh Kaki and it was a cheery atmosphere with a bunch of great MC's, happening spokes person and of course the creators of Gartien and also the artist herself! Guests were invited of course to try out the Pineapple Cakes and of course the highlight was the unique packaging. I understand that there is probably about only less than 2000 boxes of this available thus hurry to grab one box today at Gartien's showroom at 68 Lorong Macalister! To avoid disappointment, do call +604-2290068 to make your reservations.

 Check out the very unique packaging! Its a great gift for Mid Autumn Festival

E&O Hotel ~ A Weekend Getaway staying at the Victory Annexe Corner Suite

Since March 2013, the Victory Annexe wing of the E&O Hotel in Penang has been opened and I really have to thank my lucky stars that I was invited to a weekend at their corner suites with my lovely family. The very mention of E&O will have people equating superior top notch service and classiness all bundled as a neat package. When I got to know that I will be staying at E&O Hotel for the very first time, I couldn't sleep waiting for the very weekend where we will have a family getaway. Even though its still in Penang, but I can say that after checking in to the hotel, there really isn't any need to leave! 

Being a 5 star hotel, expect all the amenities like their beautiful infinity pool looking over the Straits of Malacca or the many restaurants that are available. There is Sarkies Corner and the Planters Lounge which is located at the new wing of the hotel. Then there is also a fully equipped gym room and I'm just waiting for their up and coming Spa to be completed. Besides these perks, the E&O Hotel management really wanted to highlight the history and significance of the hotel and thus, there is a mini "time machine", alright, its a mini museum, that relates the many wonderful and colorful journeys that they hotel has been through, as well as their many distinguished guests! There are families who continue to visit the hotel for over 3 generations, which I personally found amazing. 

As I took so much photos, I will focus my blogs about the hotel into a few parts, especially when it comes to the food. This post is very much about the Corner Suite, which measures over 120 square meters (yes you read it right). Basically its as large as the apartment I'm staying in and it feels just amazing walking into such a well detailed room. Thus, do read on to have a look at this place, which I have to stress, its all about the details!

When you step into the room, you just go WOW! 

Eastin Hotel Penang, Buka Puasa Dinner ~ Sharing is Caring

Its now the month of Ramadan and I guess for everyone, its a time to reflect and also of course for those foodies, its like a month long of food paradise with all those Ramadan Bazaars hawking some of those delectable once in a year food items.

On the 12 of July 2013, I was thankful and very happy to be invited to join Eastin Hotel Penang for their Buka Puasa Dinner Celebrations. Now, there is your typical dinners but what sets this dinner apart is that the staff of Eastin Hotel Penang took their time, and put in alot of effort to share it with the less fortunate! I enjoy food reviews, but I just love it when it has added meaning to it. This year, Eastin Hotel Penang is celebrating it with the orphanage childrens from Rumah Jagaan Nasyiatul Aisyah all the way from Balik Pulau. Its one thing to invite someone, but when the team at Eastin planned, arranged and even sacrificed their time for this, my hats of to them! I really had a good time, and I sure these less fortunate felt all the love on this very night!

Frankly, I so happy to be writing about this that in some ways, I felt that the food was secondary for the night. When someone is happy and feeling joyous, the sharing environment you are in, everything just taste nicer doesn't it. I'm sure it was like sugar coating for those children, and I can feel their excitement in the air! Ah bliss! I do hope to see Eastin Hotel Penang continuing this very honourable tradition and just before I forget, the staff actually also made a very handsome donation in kind as well as presented goodie bags to the kids! Well done I say again (not sure how many times I repeated this!). This is exactly why I have my blog named as such, TheLifeIsGood when you have the right company.

So, back to the Ramadan Buffet spread. At RM85++ and running the entire month of Ramadan, this buffet to me is a steal. Its probably one of the most authentic of Ramadan Buffets available and I was really surprised to see the number of items being served. From the many unique curry dishes (there was ostrich and rabbit meat) and some very traditional rice with herbs which was just wonderfully flavored. 

Then there is the whole roasted lamb, grilled fish with sambal and their signature, Gearbox Soup! Besides these specials, they did not skimp on other items and had fresh oysters, pasembur and even their signature smoked duck breast! I mean, with so much to choose from, the list goes on. Thus scroll through this post and get your saliva drooling. Cheers!

Candy for the young and old. Well its for the chocolate fondue

Georgetown Festival 2013 ~ Penang

Its been a fabulous month of celebrations in Penang for the Georgetown Festival 2013 and my family and I stopped by on the 6th of July, on the eve of the anniversary to have a look at some of the festivities. It was a crowded night at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and Armenian Street and the crowd was awesome!

We reach about 10pm and there was still a huge crowd and it was time for the street performance of the various cultural groups. We witness the amazing lion dance as well as the Indian traditional dance troupe and it was amazing as one performance was happening right after another.

This post is just some of the pictures of the place, and the 7th of July is the last day of the month long celebration and if you have never been there, don't miss out. The events are all happening around Armenian Street so do check it out! There is lots of information booth and volunteers around so don't worry if you don't know where to go! Also check out their website http://georgetownfestival.com/

One of the best lion dance performance I have seen!

DRB-Hicom Autofest 2013 ~ SPICE, Penang

Well, even though I like cars and wish I could afford some nice ride, I'm not exactly like a diehard car fanatic who would travel all the way to Bangkok to attend the Auto Show there, even though I heard its pretty darn good. Well, it so happens that this weekend in Penang, @ SPICE or PISA, DRB-Hicom was having an Autofest and since this place is like only 10 minutes from where I live, I said what the heck, lets have a look at what they have to offer.

From the advertisements, I could have more or less guessed that this was more like a car roadshow for them to sell cars to prospective buyers, and true enough it really was. I have to say though, it was pretty nice where they have dedicated area for the buyers to close the deal, and sign the papers, or get their cars evaluated for a trade-in. It was sort of a one stop for your car purchase and it was done in the privacy of these dedicated area and not just on the show floor itself.

Well, a few booth caught my attention which was the Mitsubishi, Lotus, Audi, Volkswagen and Can-AM. I was also expecting to see lots of latest cars and models but sadly, it was like walking into a typical showroom with lots of often seen cars and sales personnel. Well, I guess thats why its called an Autofest and not a car show so, no complains la. Anyway, I would give the award of best cars on display probably to Lotus as they did bring all their models here and the award for best models (ladies) to Volkswagen! Too bad I didn't get their picture, as they were the only booth with decent models, so abit shy to ask la.

But finally, I think they really planned it pretty well to include lots of family aspect into this Autofest as the children will definitely be entertained as there were clowns and buskers all over the place to hand out balloons and gifts to children. There is even a inflatable playground area at the upper concourse just for kids to play around which I found to be really generous of the organizers (its all free for the kids)

All in all, pretty good job to DRB-Hicom for this event. I didn't get to ride on a Lotus though, even though it was advertised as such. Hopefully in their next event!

Mitsubishi ASX

NEW YORK 2013 ~ Views from the car

These are just random shots from the car while I was at the back seat!

Just unplanned shots for the sake of it

Croods was on the big screen while I was in New York

 Thats the junction of 5th and East 42nd St!

H-Artistry Meet the Artist Session @ G Hotel Penang

As a preview to the H-Artistry event, I was lucky enough to get to meet up with the performing artist on the morning before the actual performance at G Hotel Penang. They were 24 Herbs, Andy Murphy and Nicole Chen! Its really a pretty awesome opportunity to get to meet these people up close and I do thank the organizers and invites from them! Keep em up y'all!

Here are just some pics from the event itself.

Group photo

“Experiencing Differences with The Youth’s Spirit” - by Ninetology

On the 10th April 2013 at Grand Dorsett Hotel, there was a pretty awesome unveiling of collaboration between Ninetology, Tune Talk and Qualcomm. In this event, there were many things which makes it unique such as a Lamborghini Gallardo on display, plenty of event models, massage chairs to sooth the aches of participants and moreover, masseurs from Relax Time www.relaxtime.com.my on hand to give a hands on massage!


Some of the highlights of the event as below :

·         Unveiling of Pearl Mini under the theme “Experiencing Differences with The Youth’s Spirit”

·         Pearl Mini will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon platform

·         Pearl Mini will be packaged with Tune Talk’s prepaid service:

The packaged plan include RM50 FREE Talktime (comes preloaded with SIM) and RM100 Airtime Rebate (RM10 x 10). To get this rebate, one needs only to reload RM20 or more in any denominations each month. For more information on the Tune Buddies SIM pack, visit http://www.tunetalk.com/my/services/tunebuddies.

·         Announcement of Pearl Mini’s availability starting from third week of April and is sold at all Ninetology and Tune Talk retail outlets nationwide at a recommended retail price (RRP) of RM399

·         Announcement of branding and marketing direction via Malaysia’s largest Basketball Tournament, Ninetology All Star 2013, organised by XBallerto encourage more youths to be fit and healthy.  This tournament shall take place from May till November 2013. Details of this tournament can be found at www.xballer.com.

·         CSR: Ninetology also presented a GOLD Cheque worth RM50,000 to Yayasan Bakti Khidmat Masyarakat Malaysia (YBKMM), Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia (RM30,000) and Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah (PPKKCTM) (RM10,000) as part of its on-going corporate social responsibility initiatives

Also for more information about Pearl Mini, go to 

http://ninetology.com/malaysia/products_smartphones_pearlmini_details.html

And the Outlook Pure, go to 

http://ninetology.com/malaysia/products_tablets_outlook_pure_details.html

Do check out the pictures too ya!

H-Artistry Penang @ SPICE Coming 25 May 2013

I'm sure many have heard of the H-Artistry events over the past 6 years and this year, its kicking off the party in style on the 25th May 2013 at the newly refurbished SPICE (Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) or formerly known as PISA! This years party will elevate party goers to a super clubbing experience that they have not experience where the party starts as soon as revelers enter!
Some might ask, what does the H means and its non other than Hennessy of course. The H-Artistry is part of their global Art of Mixing events and this event at SPICE will feature Hennessy's Mixing Bar with their 4 trailblazers namely the signature Hennessy V.S.O.P. long drinks : Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger and Hennessy Soda.

Besides this, world class performers will be showcasing their talents, with acts by 24HERBS (廿四味) – HIP HOP – HONG KONG, ANDY MURPHY – ELECTRONICA – AUSTRALIA, NICOLE CHEN – DANCE – SINGAPORE and ALEX ASQUARED – INDIE / DISCO / DANCE – KUALA LUMPUR (OPENING ACT).

Thus, don't wait any longer.Access to the event is by invitation only and its getting an invite is by visiting one of the H-Artistry Ambassadors station at the below locations and participating in the ongoing Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle promotions where each bottle will be entitled to 2 invites while 2 bottles purchased will be entitled to 5 invites!

Lets get going!

Cuvee @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Nueve @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Soho @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

M2 @ Penang Times Square – B2, Entertainment City, Penang Times Square, 10150 Penang.

SOJU ROOM @ Penang Times Square – B2, Entertainment City, Penang Times Square, 10150 Penang.

ROOM @ Autocity – JuruAutocity, Jalan Perusahaan, Highway Auto-city, Perai, Penang.

More information can be obtained at www.h-artistry.com.my

Do check out some pictures from past H-Artistry events as well as the featured acts. Also, don't drink & drive and Hennessy advocates responsible drinking, and taxi services can be pre-arrange for this event!

NEW YORK 2013 ~ Bowling Green

I guess besides Wall Street, Bowling Green is probably one of the most popular of tourist spots in lower Manhattan. I'm not talking about going bowling but this is where the famous bull statue is which is so famously photograph the world over. So yes, I became a 100% tourist and also took photos too!

Do check out what the area surrounding this place has to offer.

Me and the bull. So many tourist around I had to share the bull for the photo

NEW YORK 2013 ~ Wall Street

From the port, its time to head to one of the place which I have longed to go to while in New York. The target, Wall Street! It was only about 10 minutes walk away and the weather was slightly cold but at least you do not work up a sweat. I guess its just symbolic that you get to visit one of the biggest financial district in the world and I guess non is as famous as this place!

NEW YORK 2013 ~ South Sea Port

This is the South Sea Port on the Lower South East of Manhattan. Its a very nice place with some big sailing ships. Too bad the ships were not having their mast up else it would really look like pirate ships. You can get cruises around Manhattan, to the Statue of Liberty or just around Manhattan itself. Its just a nice windy place to enjoy the view and the many ferries going pass this place! Enjoy the photos

Thats the big ship!

NEW YORK 2013 ~ Strolling to South Seaport from Chinatown

So after breakfast, its time to stroll around and the target destination is Wall Street and the Bull! Thus this is more about the sights which I saw as I started to walk to Wall Street. Enjoy!

NEW YORK 2013 ~ Subways to Chinatown

Being the scrooge, to get into Manhattan, I was informed that the parking would be killing thus I parked at Elmhurst, 73rd Street, and the took the subway from Jackson Heights. Well, apparently the parkings which are at the housing areas are free thus we saved abit from the parking in downtown Manhattan, but that didn't save my legs from the tiring endless walking! Well, but I guess it was interesting, and an advise to all those planning to drive to Manhattan for a day trip, then try to make it a Sunday as all street parking is free on Sunday, thus that will save you a bunch!

Do read on ya

The subway as we reached near Chinatown! Noticed that there are no safety barriers of any sort and most of the subway here are really old. Do watch out especially when there are lots of people as you don't want to end up on the tracks.

 Exited the Subway!

Hennessy V.S.O.P KYRIOS Party DJ's

Hennessy V.S.O.P KYRIOS Parties are really a great place to chill for the night as they feature some of the most happening DJs in town and even guests DJs from overseas! I would just like to share this blog post about 2 groups of DJs which are Mr Nasty & Guru Guru as well as B.A.T.E!
These DJ's are the privilege few and they were interviewed by Hennessy V.S.O.P about KYRIOS!
Thus do check out the links below for some insights about them.

Guarding Your Codes with Hennessy V.S.O.P KYRIOS : Mr Nasty & GuruGuru

http://youtu.be/3ltEuf1HAnw

Guarding Your Codes with Hennessy V.S.O.P KYRIOS : B.A.T.E. (Brain And The Eye)

http://youtu.be/A7o3uijZS-Y