INSIGHT CRIZ

FIRST EVER OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION 2012 AT GURNEY PLAZA PENANG

Written by crizlai on Oct 21st, 2012 | Filed under: event

On 19-20 October 2012, Gurney Plaza Penang held its first Oktoberfest celebration at the al fresco area of the mall, together with partners Euro Deli Biergarten, Carlsberg, Erdinger Urweisse and König Ludwig. It was after all a “Vernügen für Alle” meaning “Fun for All” in German event for all the participants. Other than merry making with lots of porky dishes and beers, among the activities and games held during the 2 days event included arm wrestling competition, sausage eating contest, Chicken Dance and more. Everyone present was treated to a great band performance by a group who called themselves “Mad Sally” from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They were an AWESOME crowd puller lot and they got everyone on their party shoes all night long.

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The event was officially opened by Mr. Peter Chan, Marketing Communications Manager of Gurney Plaza and Mr. Ivan Yap, Euro Deli Biergarten Outlet Manager. According to Mr. Peter Chan, the Oktoberfest in Gurney Plaza was not about feasting and drinking, it was also in part of their ongoing programs to let Malaysians experience the culture and tradition of different countries, Bavarian’s as for this event.

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The Oktoberfest vouchers were sold at RM100 each (instead of RM190) at Euro Deli Biergarten with complimentary of a 1 liter of beer, one beer refill, a limited edition of the Oktoberfest ceramic mug and choice of food of either Pork Burger with Mango Chutney, Emmenthaler Bratwurst with Long John Bread or BBQ Roast Chicken. All food items would come with a scoop of Sauerkraut and Potato Salad.

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You might want to have a peep at the Oktoberfest girls showing the steps on how to dance the Chicken Dance in the video below~ 😛

The winners for the Chicken Dance walked away with cash prizes and beers.

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Everyone had a great time during the event.

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PINKTOBER 2012 IN AID OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AT HARD ROCK HOTEL PENANG

Written by crizlai on Oct 7th, 2012 | Filed under: event, penang

In line with the 13-year anniversary of Hard Rock International’s support of a search for a cure to breast cancer, Hard Rock Hotel Penang yesterday held its 4th PINKTOBER in a fun and playful way for its fans. All the proceeds from the fundraising event would be channeled to the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, Penang, to create awareness for breast cancer.

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A silent auction was also held with jewelries sponsored by Venessa Diamonds and hotel stays from HPL Hotels & Resorts to generate funds for the hospital. Some of the fundraising items included an Italian design 18K gold pendant, a pearl necklace, various hotel stays at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Pattaya & Maldives, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam & Singapore, Casa Del Mar Langkawi, Casa Del Rio Melaka, dinners, limited edition gold record, autographs and more.

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Three units of Seaview Deluxe rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Penang would be decked in complete pink during the whole month of October 2012 with a 300-thread count pink 100% Egyptian cotton sheet set, the Hard Rock’s ladies honeycomb cotton pink bathrobe and a limited edition of 2012 Pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness Pin. The room as shown in the setup at the lobby of Hard Rock Hotel Penang (Of course the lady within would not be inclusive~ LOL!) would be priced at RM590++ per room, inclusive breakfast for two. 25% of the room rate would benefit the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital to support breast cancer research. Check out more of the hotel’s Go Pink Package at their website. Do be reminded that this offer would only be available throughout October 2012. Book “a bed for a cure” today~ 🙂

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One of the main highlights of the night included a live performance by Nylon Pink, an Asian-American pop-rock female band from USA. They have been called as one of Los Angeles’s sexiest and glitziest bands in the States. The band members comprised of lead vocalist Kaila Yu, bassist Kit.E.Katt, lead guitarist Kiki Wongo, drummer Jamie Scoles and keyboardist DJ Shy. Not only were they hot and sexy in the performances, they are also known in the fashion and lifestyle world for their line of jewelries and clothing product known as Hello Drama Designs. Aww… I’m beginning to love the band even more, don’t you love that pinky Kit.E. Katt? Meow~ Purr~ 😛

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The performance must be so interesting and exciting that our Mr. Sam Ong got himself onto the floor for more great angle shots~ Haha!

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Here’s a short video of one of their performances.

Yours truly had the opportunity to hug the celebrities during the event~ Haha! 😛 (From left: DJ Shy, Jamie Scoles, Me, Kaila Yu, Kiki Wongo and Kit.E.Katt). Gosh! I forgot to take a personal shot with my pinky “Katt”~ **soft purr in sadness** 😛

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Another highlight of the night included a lingerie and swimsuit fashion show by Amber Chia’s models, sponsored by Annebra Collection. I don’t think I would have to elaborate more on the photos right? The photos would speak louder than thousand words~ **blink blink** 😛

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In case still shots are not enough for you, you might want to have a peep at the finale~ 🙂

The fundraising event ended with Nylon Pink members autographed on their original guitar and presented to Mr. John Primmer, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Penang, for the hotel’s latest original artiste collection.

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BUKA PUASA DINNER CELEBRATION WITH ORPHANAGE CHILDREN FROM MAAHAD TAHFIZ AL-QURAN DAN PENGAJIAN ISLAM (ANAK YATIM) DARUL TAHZIB @ EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

Written by crizlai on Jul 27th, 2012 | Filed under: event, penang

The Eastin Hotel Penang has successfully carried out its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by sharing its successes with the community during the fasting month of Ramadan for the third consecutive year. This year, about 25 orphanage children from Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran dan Pengajian Islam (Anak Yatim) Darul Tahzib, Teluk Kumbar, Penang, have the privileges to join the management for a delectable buka puasa buffet dinner at the Swez Brasserie on 25 July 2012 recently. Other than receiving goodie bags courtesy from Eastin Hotel Penang, the orphanage received RM1173.00 collected amongst the staff as donation. Eastin Hotel Penang General Manager, Ms Mary Ann Harris was happy to have all the children presence during a photography session. Thanks to the Eastin Hotel Penang team for putting up such a memorable Ramadan Buffet Dinner for all the orphanage children.

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The amount of dishes served during the Ramadan Buffet Dinner was humongous. There was the hawker section serving dishes such as Roasted Whole Lamb, Roasted Whole Turkey, Shawarma with Stuffed Pita Bread, Gear Box Soup, Bubur Lambuk and Ice Kacang with condiments whereas the Action Counter had Popiah, Seafood Grill Corner and Laksa Johor.

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The selections at the Salad Bar were impressive as well. There were Tomato, Carrot, Cucumber, Corn Kernel, Onion Ring, Marinated Olives, Lettuce served with Thousand Islands Dressing, French Dressing, Italian Dressing, Pesto Dressing and Vinaigrette Dressing with Condiments. There were also the Mushroom Salad, Kerabu Sotong, Jelatah (Pineapple & Cucumber Salad), Kerabu Ayam, Turkey Ham Salad, Egg Mayo Salad, Kerabu Udang, Hummus, Ulam-ulaman, Tempeh, Sambal Belacan, Sambal Cincaluk, Sambal Acar Buah, Acar Rampai, Sambal Ikan Bilis, Sambal Ikan Masin, Telur Masin, Keropok Ikan, Keropok Lekor, Keropok Udang, Ketupat, Lemang, Serunding Ayam, 5 types of Jeruk (pickles), Buah Kurma Madu Yusut Taiyoob, Fresh Oysters, Tiger Prawns, Scallops, Mussels, and Assorted Cold Cuts such as Smoked Duck, Turkey Ham & Chicken Ham.

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The Soup Section consisted of Clam Chowder, Sup Ayam Berempah, Bread Roll and Butter.

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The Curry & Hot Dishes Sections were also superb. It had Beef Rendang, Ikan Keli Masak Berlada, Gulai Udang Nenas, Sotong Kari Lemak, Bergedil Sayur, Kari Ikan, Ekor Lembu Masak Merah, Spanish Omelette, Lobster Thermidor, Baked Fish with Spices, Curry Beef with Bamboo Shoot, Ayam Kampung Masak Lemak, Pajeri Nenas, Lamb Green Curry, Stir Fried Bamboo Clam with Black Bean Sauce, Braised Beancurd with Seafood, Belacan Fried Chicken, Assorted Vegetable, Nasi Minyak and Steamed White Rice.

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The Dessert Section was also remarkably mouth watering. They have a chocolate fountain with skews of dried fruits & marshmallows, Local Seasonal Whole Fruits, Assorted Fruits Platter, Assorted French Pastry, Whole Cakes, Coffee Mousse, Bubur Jagung Dengan Sagu, Bread Pudding and Local Kuih.

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Beverage Section consisted of Air Bandung, Soya Milk with Cincau, Mata Kucing, Teh Tarik, Kopi Tarik, Ice Cream, Coffee and Tea.

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Come and enjoy the vast spread of authentic style Ramadan Buffet Dinner at Swez Brasserie @ Eastin Hotel Penang. Adult would be at RM85++/pax while child would be at RM43++/pax. For MAYBANKARD, VISA, CIMB, UOB and CitiBank card members, you can enjoy 15% discount for the Ramadan Buffet Dinner from 6.30pm – 10.00pm daily (21 July – 18 August, 2012).

Eastin Hotel, Penang is located just next to Queensbay Mall. If you are coming from Georgetown towards Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone via Bayan Lepas Expressway, do watch out for the Pulau Jerejak signboard (leading to Pulau Jerejak jetty). Ignore the turning and drive on to the next left junction. Turn left into Jalan Aziz Ibrahim and drive on until you a roundabout. Turn 3 o’ clock and drive on until you see a big Eastin Hotel signboard at the first right junction. Turn right and drive on. Park your car at the basement car park. Take a lift to the third floor and you would see the Grand Ballroom where the charity event would be held.

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Name: EASTIN HOTEL PENANG
Address: 1 Solok Bayan Indah, Queens Bay, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 604-612 1128, 604-612 1138
Business Hours: 6.30pm-10.00pm (Ramadan Buffet Dinner only)
Promotion Date: 21 July 2012 – 18 August 2012
GPS: 5.33643, 100.306345

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THE FIRST EVER PENANG INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART 2012

Written by crizlai on Jul 7th, 2012 | Filed under: event, vacation

The Penang State Tourism, supported by Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP) and Penang Tourist Guide Association (PTGA), recently held the first ever Penang International Travel Mart 2012 (Penang ITM) over a period of 3 days from 4-6 July 2012. With buyers from 13 countries across the world, namely from Australia, Cambodia, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam and of course our Malaysian counterparts, it was a unique opportunity for the local travel trade to meet, network and showcase their products for the international travel industries. On top of that, visitors were able to have the in depth experience to explore George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. This year, “Culture, Food and Heritage” has been chosen as the theme as it truly captures the essence of Penang and has always been the main factor that has drawn travelers worldwide.

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With centuries old of unique history and heritage from the various ethnicities that had settled here, Penang of course has the reputation of being the “Food Paradise of Asia” amongst the gourmets throughout the world. Visitors were treated with a variety of sumptuous dishes for dinner at the Penang Equatorial Hotel on Thursday night. The dinner was graced by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Lim Guan Eng, Penang State Exco for Tourism Development & Culture, YB Danny Law Keng Hiang, MATTA President, Dato’ Mohd Khalid Harun, MAH (Penang Chapter) Chairman, Ms. Mary Ann Harris and a few dignitaries.

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After a short speech by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Lim Guan Eng, buyers from the various countries were presented with a customized souvenir in the shape of our Penang ferry. There were some performances by a traditional dance group and the hotel’s house band.

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We were treated with a buffet dinner thereafter with dishes that included CNNGo’s world #7 ranking assam laksa, oh chean (oyster omelette), chili crabs, char koay teow, roasted whole lamb with nasi briyani, chicken & lamb satay, pure sugar cane juice, ice kacang, sup kambing, roti Bengali, boneless tandoori chicken, beef strip loin steak, grilled tiger prawns, grilled red snapper with fresh dill sauce, grilled herbed vegetables, corn on cob, baked Idaho potatoes with condiments, golden phoenix fried rice, gado gado, sotong kangkung, taukua sumbat, German style potato salad, a selections of fresh greens with different dressings, cucumber salad with minted yoghurt and an array of local and Western desserts plus fresh fruits.

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AN EYE OPENING VISIT TO PERFECT FOOD MANUFACTURING SDN BHD AT ALOR GAJAH @ MALACCA

Written by crizlai on May 24th, 2012 | Filed under: blog, bloggers, event, gathering, product, production, vacation

I’m sure the name Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. might not ring a bell in the minds of many consumers but the name “Julie’s” would. The company is actually behind all the Julie’s biscuits products sold in more than 60 countries throughout the world. During the recent “A Date with Bloggers in Melaka” event organized by 1asiafoodguide.com and bestmelakaguide.com, we had “A Date with Julie’s”. Romantic isn’t it? Well, it was as we got up close and personal with Julie’s production processes. LOL! Foreign bloggers from Singapore and Philippines joined the Malaysian bloggers team from as far as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru gathered under one common roof for the first time to have a better understanding on the mission and vision of this biscuit manufacturing organization. The company’s motto “Baked with Love” says it all as they sincerely did share out their lovely bakes from the heart~ 🙂

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From a humble beginning more than 3 decades ago, the brand Julie’s has today become a well known household brand by winning many distinctive awards such as the Superbrands Award, Putra Award and Asia Excellence Brand Award, to name some. Throughout the years, the company has also received numerous certifications such as the ISO 1901:2000 (design, modeling, manufacture and delivery of products & services), HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points), HACCP (Ministry of Health), OHSAS 18001 (British Standard for Occupational Hazard & Safety Management Systems), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO 22000 (interactive communication, system management, prerequisite programs & HACCP principles) and the latest being the HALAL (permissible food based on Islamic law) certification.

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After a short briefing on the company’s profile by Mr. Ng Teng Chai, General Manager of Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (Julie’s) and staff, we were then taken on a tour to the production line. As there was a rule against any recording in the production room, I’m sorry to say that there would not be any photos available here to share out but I’ll try my best to get every detail in here as possible. As food safety and hygiene are extremely important in their daily operations, we were required to dress up with protective gears from head to toe. This is one of the standards set to ascertain all activities carried out within the premises have the required quality and safety at all stages from primary production through processing, storage and distribution prior to reaching the consumers. Even with the “bathing cap” to prevent hair droppings, mouth piece to prevent unnecessary bacteria, below knee covered overcoats and shoe covers to prevent foreign matters, we were also required to wash our hands with anti micro-organisms hand lotion and rolled with adhesive tape prior to entering the production room. Upon entering the room, we were again asked to sanitize our hands with some antiseptic lotion. That’s how serious Julie’s is in hygiene to ensure their food safety.

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Here’s a group shot of the future “operation room surgeons and nurses”. LOL!

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Upon entering the production room, you can feel the intense humidity from the long line of conveyor belt baking ovens. We were shown all the stages of producing the aromatic biscuits, from ingredients weighing, mixing, fermentation, forming, baking, cooling, metal detection, sandwiching, wrapping, weight checking, cartooning and right up to storage. Thereafter, the end products would be dispatched to respective retailers before being sold to consumers. Below is the summarized overview of the whole procedures.

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The end products would look like these little packages with crunchy biscuits inside. In the production of these biscuits, no preservatives have been added. Only permissible natural colorings have been added and these colorings are ten folds costlier than artificial coloring. Anything displayed on the shelves for more than 9 months would be taken back to ensure the freshness of all Julie’s products. Rejected products would not be resold on the market place, resulting in roughly a million ringgit worth of product being destroyed yearly.

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Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (Julie’s) produces 4 types of biscuits, namely crackers, sandwiches, wafer rolls and assorted biscuits in tins. You can purchase any of these products practically off the shelves in any of the leading supermarkets, hypermarkets or even grocery stores throughout the world. More varieties such as the upcoming productions of Sultana Biscuits would be available soon. Do keep a look out for the launching.

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On top of their “Aloha” principle in instilling a clean and harmonious working environment, Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (Julie’s) also carries out their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by sharing their successes with the community by executing their “Share the Love” campaign frequently. Apart from rewarding those “unsung heroes” with some little tokens of appreciation for working at odd hours or days to have a better living, they also have many sponsorships and charity drives to help out those underprivileged society. It’s all about friendship and solidarity in expressing “LOVE” as one entity in humanity. Some of their achievements and events can be viewed at their official website.

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After a brief lunch at the cafeteria, we adjourned to the main entrance of the factory and took a group shot of the Julie’s management with “A Date with Bloggers in Melaka” participants.

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Eventually, we had to bid farewell to the management of Julie’s with Mr. Ng Teng Chai, General Manager of Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (Julie’s) personally handed out some giveaways for our memorable visit to the factory.

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Coincidentally, I have a true story to share out here. I’m a pet lover and I owned 5 cats at home now. Johann L was the latest stray cat to be adopted into the J Family Kitties on 10 May 2012, barely 9 days away from my trip with “A Date with Bloggers in Melaka”. He was all run down with injuries sustained from some dog bites and is still recovering from those bad wounds. I can’t leave him there to fend for himself right? Our first encounter was with Julie’s and he loves the biscuits ever since. No doubt human food would not suit animals for a long period of time, but I still do pamper him with small bits of the biscuits from time to time as it was that moment of fate that brought us together. What a lucky fella! 🙂

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Lastly, I would like to thank to Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (Julie’s) for sponsoring the event as well as giving us the first hand opportunity to witness the production line.

Name: JULIE’S @ PERFECT FOOD MANUFACTURING SDN. BHD.
Address:
AG 6876 Jalan Industri 4, Kawasan Perindustrian Alor Gajah,
78000 Alor Gajah, Malaysia.
Contact: 606-556 1401
GPS: 2.361314, 102.20007
Website: http://www.julies.com.my

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