Cinemas : Relics of Kuantan

Reading the article on cinemas by stomach of chaos here and here, I decided to delve a little into the memory lane of Kuantan and highlight the heydays of cinemas before the advent of Cineplexes and illegal VCDs/DVDs. Then, the only form of entertainment besides the telly at home would be a night out at the cinemas. Friends would make appointments to meet up, grab a few snack food and watch as the movie played. Families would bring everyone along and sit down for the hours it takes for it to run as the toddler bawls out for all to hear. Cinemas were the social locale for many during the 80s to 90s yet economic measures state that they cannot last. One hit was the wide spread sale of VHS, VCDs and of late DVDs that made for cheap entertainment at home. The second was the new concept of cleaner, more technologically advanced and confortable cineplexes that made the cinemas unpallatable. Culturally too cinema going became less of an appeal with more upcoming entertainment such as discos, bar hopping, and shopping. Closing down, many cinemas are either left derelict or were converted to different uses.

Rex Cinema

The Rex cinema was situated along Jalan Besar. It was popular because it was near to most places being in the heart of town, the KFC was just a few stores away, bus terminal was just a walk across and countless supermarkets made this area the hub of the town. It was no surprise that the Rex was one of the more visited cinemas in Kuantan. The only problem was parking, often a commodity that is hard to come by especially if there’s a particularly good show on. With limited space in the front of the cinema, people resorted to park all around the back lane that crisscrossed the area. The Rex mostly showed the latest Hollywood fares as well as movies churned out from Hong Kong. Hand painted posters would be hanging from its two large billboards out front. Popcorn, sliced fresh fruits, candy and assorted junk food would be sold at the concession stand. The seating were hard and would often cause your posterior to ache after an hour, the floor was sticky with the cumulative grime and muck, the screen scratchy and sound system was ancient. But it gave hours of entertainment for everyone as the days of pirated VCDs were yet to come. It has now gone the way of classic cinemas, and has been taken over and converted into a furniture store.

Teruntum Cinema

Teruntum was the main hangout/makeout place in Kuantan for years. As Kompleks Teruntum was the only major shopping mall in the town, everyone was there. It was also situated strategically in the center of town just off Jalan Mahkota and with the convenience of the only underground carpark in the city, people flock there. No matter that the place was dark and cramp with selection of stores that leave you wanting, it was the only happening place with an A&W outlet and the only exhibition space until the more recent Megamall and Kuantan Parade open shop. Teruntum Cinema was located on the highest shopping floor, it had two cinemas and as with the Rex, the usual assortment of concession stands, ticketing booth and cinema atmosphere you’d expect from the olden variety. Two large billboards would be showing off the current film and movies shown are Hollywood flicks, Hong Kong movies and Tamil shows. Now with the decline of Teruntum Complex, the cinema has followed suite, a large for sale/rent sign hangs from its “Now Showing” slot outside and till today no takers have come forth.

Golden Screens Cinema

Golden was a major competitor to the other cinemas and was situated along Jalan Bukit Ubi. It offered better seating, 3 different cinema screens (thus more shows can be shown for the duration), better quality concession stands and of course was the only one with Dolby Digital Surround sound at that time. A lot of the Hong Kong films were shown here especially the likes of Jackie Chan, Chow Sing Chi, the Hui brothers, Raymond Wong and others of their time. Parking was a major problem as the lot in front of the cinema was a small one, once parked those late comers can expect a long wait as the earlier parkers try to maneuver out of the only exit to the place. GSC is the only cinema to survive but the old block has been abandoned to develop a new Cineplex at Berjaya Megamall. The old building has been converted into a nightclub and pool hall.

There were 2 other cinemas in Kuantan that were operational in the past, both now defunct. I can’t recall their names as they were not too popular with the masses even during the heydays of cinema. One was situated in an empty lot near Teruntum Complex, off Jalan Mahkota and near my mum’s office of H.Y.Lee and Hee. It didn’t have much of a success, focusing more on gaining the patronage of the Chinese and Indian by screening Chinese and Tamil movies. The building is still there and has thus been turned into a furniture mall. The other was situated off Jalan Besar, in the business district and banking row, somewhere about Lot 66 restaurant. It has been through several management changes and in the end also ended up as being converted into a nightclub. If anyone remembers the name of these two cinemas or recalls some forgotten cinema I’ve forgotten to mention do inform me about it. Today only one cinema is operational and it is GSC at Berjaya Megamall, all traditional cinemas have been converted for other uses and defunct.

Forgotten1

Forgotten 2

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Back to classes

It’s Monday and for the first time in many weeks I’m forced to wake up at the ungodly hour of 6a.m. to be ready for studies. Yup it’s the first day of my masters program and what a "treat", the pasca siswazah department of UMS has scheduled a whole week of talks on such “interesting” topics like research methodology, statistical analysis, proposal writing, sampling methods and other more topics that threatens to send my eyelids into an involuntary closing to fall into the deep pits of sleep. Yup after months of relief from having to attend lectures, I’m back in the student’s seat. Today about 37 of us science students (several which I found were stay backers from my graduation batch) had to take a seat in the conference room at the School of Economics (SPE) and was bound for an endless talk from 8a.m. to 4p.m. Ah the memories of having to catch the hourly bus, packed to the brim with undergrads (I wish I had my own car!) and having to walk under the hot Sabah sun from the bus stop to the place.

The only saving grace is that they actually fed us not once, not twice but three times in between the various sessions. Lo and behold the spread was surprisingly good unlike the horrid food served on most functions by our university Golden Café (must be because several professors were the ones giving the talk). Several kuihs, coffee and tea, nice hot rice with chicken curry, assorted vegetables, karipap, cakes and fresh slice papaya.

Well it was nice with the airconditioning on full blast and comfy cushion seating but after being droned on by my old Sejarah pembentukan Malaysia professor who kept on repeating how he suffered eating ubi kaya throughout the whole Japanese occupation for the entire semester it was bland to the point of boredom. My next door seater, Adeplhy Peter was nodding off and threatened to slump into me. At least the next speaker, Prof Perumal from the medical faculty was better off and at least made some interesting points and jokes. Yet I still had my trusty book (currently The Last Juror by John Grisham) to while away the time until the end. Ho hum, four more days of the same treatment before actual lab work and countless meetings with my supervisor next week. Must remember to grab a cubicle from the exiting master students so there’s a place to jack in my laptop and sleep during the lull.

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i-gizmo challenge : Book

Religious text

Religious text being displayed in the heroes museum, Kuantan, Pahang, 2004.

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Iris Chang’s passing

Iris Chang 1968 – 2004

It came quite as a shock to me yesterday when I was surfing the blogs and chanced upon Akuma’s to read about the passing of an author whom I’ve avidly followed. It’s sudden as the news of her suicide eluded my reading in the local dailies on November 11th. I’m referring to Iris Chang, author of the books; The Chinese in America : A narrative history, The Rape of Nanking and Thread of the Silkworm. I’ve read two of her books and found them to be a fascinating research into China. As of now, her official web site is shutdown and is displaying a black background with her obituary.

The Rape of Nanking chronicles the Japanese military campaign to take Nanking from the Nationalists led by Chang Kai Sheik during WWII. After a long fought battle, the city was overtaken and the frustrated Japanese military, aiming to get revenge and to punish the citizens for their resistance carried out a spree of killing, looting and raping on its unarmed citizens. The Japanese government has never admitted to the event ever occurring and Iris’s book set out to portray living accounts of the events that followed the fall of the city. Her book was well received and made known the atrocities that occurred to the effect that several off-spin accounts have been published since such as “The good German of Nanking” which tells about the accounts of a German officer, John Rabe that seek to help the citizens of Nanking during this brutal period as in the footsteps of ‘Schindler’s List”. It’s not a pretty picture and the atrocities captured and narrated could send shivers down anyone’s spine. Yet if it happened and was never owned up and forgotten to time, it’s a sad fate to the countless Chinese in Nanking, the writing of this book brings about their plight and suffering and the hope that the perpetrators will one day be punished.

She also wrote about the Chinese diasporas in the Americas in ‘The Chinese in America”, how they were treated and how they overcame every hardship heaped upon them in the foreign land called ‘gum san’ or gold mountain as America was viewed by the Chinese. She charts the Chinese progress throughout the ages from the early railroad days where coolies helped built the Transcontinental railroad to the upcoming of Chinese surge in obtaining places in prestigious institutions of learning and the modern day success story of various Chinese American descendents. Her narrative about the effects of these immigrants who left behind families to find work in a foreign land and how this affected those living in China and the new comers who soon abandoned their ancestral home to call America their own is easy to read and is concise. How were they treated, how did they fare, how they have adapted and how they are at present. A whole cultural and historical experience of the Chinese that now has spread to the globe.

Her passing has been attributed to suicide with a gunshot to her head in her vehicle out in a lonely countryside. Before this, it was mentioned that she was suffering from depression but foul play has yet to be ruled out. For what it is worth, the literary world has lost a talented author and her passing will be noted. Her contributions in making known to the world about Nanking is her greatest legacy and will continue to fuel debate on the Japanese’s role in Asia during WWII.

Links:
Iris Chang's home page
San Francisco chronicles
BBC News
Metroactive

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Save the Zoo!

Animal show

It might seem strange that our National Zoo or Zoo Negara, one of the earliest and best known zoological institution in the country is not actually managed by the government. The Zoo ever since 1963 has grown into quite a reputable zoo to say the least although the various challenges faced throughout the years such as development encircling the site and demands from certain quarters to relocate the zoo to a different site and to redevelop the prime property it is currently sited on. I’ve always been fascinated with Zoo Negara ever since I first stepped into it’s main gate when just a toddler, hours running around with my cousins and dad and being fascinated by the various animal's antics, eating lunch at the crowded KFC eatery (now defunct), riding the train ride around the grounds, watching the birds congregate at the lake and enjoying the daily shows put on by the resident animals like the seals, elephants and parrots. Recently development of new attractions such as the savannah exhibit and primate area really adds a lot to the zoo. Thus it is sad to hear that without further funding and support by the government and contributors the Zoo may not see another five years. Already exhibits such as the aquarium has been closed due to costs in upgrading and stocking the tanks with fishes.

Beset by a lack of funds to develop the area, feed the countless animals here (many are of rare species on the verge of extinction) and pay its staff, the Zoo has resorted to the last option available, a plea to surrender management to the government. The very same one that wanted to demolish the site and relocate every animal there (despite the cost and trauma) to a site off Gombak or Putrajaya which thankfully never happened. Zoo Negara has been entrenched in Malaysian psyche ever since many of us were young, many of us have at least visited the site once and despite the setbacks the society has done a very good job in providing educational exhibits, natural enclosure emulating the animal’s habitat and offering a place close to the hustle and bustle of Kl for families to enjoy a weekend at the zoo.

It’ll be a sad day if the Zoo was forced to be closed and it has my vote to the government to help save this fine institution and maybe even allow the Malaysian Zoological Society a hand in continuing managing the Zoo. The Society has done so much and has to the best of their ability finance, manage and operate a great zoo. Despite the development, Zoo Negara is strategically placed to allow easy access for people to visit, provide a green lung for the area and is an important migratory and resting ground for birds of all kind. I may be guilty in not helping contribute money to help defer the cost of running of the zoo but I never ever miss a chance to visit and pay the RM10 entrance fees to visit the animals and help in part. So to the government, consider the offer, help save our living heritage of a zoo and let kids for generations enjoy the wonders for years to come.

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Laura’s Gift : With Love

Components for Laura's present;

• Something needed
• Something naughty
• Something yummy
• Something cute
• Something soothing
• Something sweet
• Something sentimental

I couldn't really decide which one item best to give to Laura when out shopping the other day for her Birthday, had my eye out for several items and in the end decided to give a boxful of LOVE to her for her 22nd year.

First
Something to hold everything in. She had a thing lately for cute boxes and figure this will add one more to her collection of teddy bear motif boxes in her room. Easy and neat, no messy wrapping (I suck at it) and holds everything well, a gift in itself.

Gift 1

Something needed
This is my main component and the actual gift for my dear. She has been with a puny 64Mb pendrive for ages and lately been nagging about the need for some space (don’t misunderstand hehe). Well so voila, got her a new 256Mb handydrive. At first thought I’d get her a 128Mb one but scouting the prices, the leap from 128 to 256 wasn’t that much and thus the purchase. I’ll bet she’ll find this useful.

Gift 2

Something naughty
A little bit of fun in me here as a good humor as should any good couple have. There was a sale at FOS with lots of woman lingerie and though there were other more skimpy ones (one got me wondering if it was a piece of cloth with three strings attached) so as not to be walloped on the head too severely got her this more conservative one haha. Was really gungho about the care bear motif g-string but would be killed if I ever got that haha.

Gift 3

Something yummy
Laura has a thing for Famous Amos and chocolates. It was a tie to decide which to get her either a bag of yummy Amos or her favourite Sabah Chocolates. Since the place I was looking about didn’t allow much selection for chocs, Amos won. Bet she’ll finish this little bag in an instant.

Gift 4

Something cute
This little fella caught my eye and is my vote for cutest beany baby in the Kk Toy Store. Okay so Laura was crazy over the LotR Faramir action figure but can’t get it here so cute is always good. She’s a little over the head I the cute department so I try to be as cute as possible, all times :D

Gift 5

Something soothing
She loves a good massage and can never get enough of mine to the point my poor thumbs and fingers ache in protest but for her the pain is worth it. Thus this little cutesy note for a year of unlimited massage. Adrian can attest to how good a massage I can give when the muscles are screaming bloody murder.

Gift 6

Something sweet
What’s love without roses. Ok so people have been making jokes that I’m presenting someone with the reproductive organ of a vegetative plant, but in the end flowers are nice. Roses, 2 colours, 2 stalks [the next person who comments that I am kiam siap (stingy) in not getting more will see my fist in their groin] for her 22nd birthday.

Gift 7

Something sentimental
Cards are a must, it seems every major occasion and festive time, Memory Lane or Hallmark will be getting oodles of cash from me because I can’t resist a good card for someone. Took quite a few hours pouring through the various selection to get one that’s just right, but managed that.

Gift 8

And the last but most essential component:

ME!

Hope she'll love it:)
The Result

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Strike and strike out

Today I found out two things in life.

One, Kota Kinabalu does not allow much in terms of choices for people who are big and tall. Today boarding the bus to town turned out to be an ordeal. University term has started and most of the public transport that comes from UMS's direction would undoubtedly be full of students going to town as that is their only mode of transport unless they are rich enough to afford their own wheels. Got onto a mini bus that reminded me so much of the days of the pink hell roaders from Kl's past. Beside the fact that the bus was packed with about 40 people and the walkway was already jammed packed, the conducter ushered us in and screamed for the passengers to make way in that sardine can. Without a choice, Laura and I crammed into the tight space where there isn't even room to squirm around in. The first thing I noticed was that the ceiling was actually lower than my entire height! I groaned at the fact that I had to bend my body to the point of a contortionist to fit in and every bump the bus went over threatens to make the bump on my head grow ever bigger. My frame also makes me an exceptional lane jammer as the walkway between seats are just centimeters apart and when the conductor moves to the back, I'm crushing the person I'm next to and also in too close a bodily contact with the conduxtor.At least it was still better than the time I had to board a boat in Semporna, bent my body 90 degrees to get in and when I straightened caught the hard beam of the boat's room square in my forehead! I've never seen so pretty and numerous stars during daytime in my entire life before this.

Shopping is not also easy, a trip to get new sneakers from the local retailers can turn into a whole city hunt for the item I want. Why? Because the stock they have in the stores (even for national brands such as Bata) don't have anything to rival my size 10 feet, the most they'll go is 8 or on rare occasions a size 9. Thus I learnt that locals here a more of the short, petite and small framed variety compared to my 175 cm, 35 inch girth and size 10 feet. Getting clothes that will allow me to move about comfortably is also a chore as the shoulder cuts are often too narrow for my broad shoulder. Oh well, maybe it's a good thing that this week a local shoe company will be conducting a survey for UMS students to determine their average feet sizes, maybe in the near future my gigantic feet will find comfortable foot wear. I recalled going for two months without proper sandals and had to make do with a pair of thongs until I could head back to Kl and get a pair.

The second thing I found out today was the sheer joy of accomplishing something. It doesn't have to be a grand achievement, saving the world, get promoted or win a contest. But the simple fact that a little event can brighten your day considerably is proof that happiness is yours to determine and not brought on by others. I went bowling with Laura and for the first time in my whole bowling experience, I managed a strike! Ok so it's not that great a feat as some of the more 'profesional' bowlers out there would critique, but after so many gutter balls and below 20 scores, getting this one single strike really made my day. What's more it came after a disparing first play where I only managed to down 40 odd pins, and the strike finally came at the last throw on the second game and gave me for the first time again a bowling score of 96 pins. Yup after there I was just beaming :)

So there two little story of my life today, it's Laura's birthday tomorrow and I'm planning to throw her the gift at midnight tonight! To find out what she received, tune in tomorrow ;) Hopefully it'll be like my bowling today and STRIKE! and not strike out :D

On a smaller note : Signed and paid for my Masters registeration today, it's confirmed I'm stuck here for at least another 2 years!

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Photo Friday : Prosperity

Prosperious? Not!

"To get rich is glorious"

Deng Xiao Peng

Not everyone suceeds in the race towards wealth. Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 2003.

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Theme thursday : Round

Going in circles

Advertising signage at 1 Utama shopping center, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 2004.

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Surprise birthday shopping

Firstly, Laura if you’re reading this, eyes off ;)

Just kidding I’m not going to spill what I’m going to buy for you on the 27th, at least until that day is over and you get hold of it :D

Buying presents can be a hassle for some people, certain number of guys will say that it’s just taxing to the point of being grueling. Spend hours walking from store to store, appraising, judging, evaluating, comparing prices, buying, shop for card, go through thousands of mushy ones to find the oh so perfect card, buy wrapping paper, get entangled in a mess while trying to wrap it, clean up and you’re done! But if I may say so it’s always easier for a guy to get something for a girl than it is the other way round. Why? Well the consumer market is quite geared up to offer a multitude of choices for the female shopper, the usual retinue would be cosmetics, clothes, soft toy, candy or cute trinkets departments. These will be the largest floor space takers in any malls and walking by to choose something special for the one you love will be a day long jaunt unless of course you’ve been looking the year round for that special something. For guys it can be a bit hard, besides electronics or menswear (which some of us will reply, “you bought me clothes??!!”), what else is there?

How do you find a great gift for your girlfriend? Well you first would have to know her likes and wants and if you don’t you’d better be careful of a head knocking from her or to witness her disappointed face. Discreet enquiries are good hint finders, while window shopping or mall hopping, just browse through with your girl and make subtle questions to judge her appeal. “Dear isn’t that dress good on you? Try it on and see if it fits. Wow you look great, how do you feel in it? Price too much, oh well maybe you’ll be lucky one of these days and it’ll just appear in your lap” Ta dah discreet and complimentary and oh the look when she sees that on her special day. A gift does not always have to be expensive, what’s more important that it’d be personal, usable and brings about a sentimental value that can be appreciative. If you’re handy with your hands and mind, why not try making something? Ready made gifts are not always good or pleasing, if you’re able to come up with something that is unique all the better. Plus you’ll be sure that there is no other gift quite like it in the world.

Valentines gift

My valentines day gift to Laura last year

Tired of buying gifts? Why not surprise your loved ones with an experience on her birthday? She’s the adventurous type, buy a trip and travel together for the day or bring her to the beach and pop up a diving experience. Its novel and she’d never expect it. Surprise parties are always good but hard to execute with the need for extreme secrecy, good actors and lots of planning but it would be worth it. Careful that she doesn’t think you’ve forgotten about her birthday before the big surprise! Be a romantic, don’t just give a gift, give her the whole course that you feel she deserves. Start the day with breakfast in bed, serving her a nice spread meal you personally made. Next plan a day out, enjoy a drive somewhere or a nice walk at the nearby park. Spend quality time talking and doing what you both enjoy. Recollect old times and together dream of what’s to come in future. Come back to the surprise of a dozen delivered roses addressed to her. Dress up for dinner and go somewhere exclusive. Tell her price is no object for the night. End the day with drinks and a nice movie. That’ll sure perk someone’s day up :)

Don’t be stingy, if you’re low on cash then consider how to make the best use of what you have but still make your special someone feel that you did all you can to make it a memorable day. It doesn’t always have to be expensive restaurants or costly gifts. She’ll be equally enthralled if she realizes you took the time and effort for her, no matter how small a gesture. If you can cook, save a bit by whipping up a storm and have a nice candlelight dinner at your place. No car to travel to places? A nice walk at the nearby park and lying on the grass to watch the stars in enjoyable (careful of mosquitoes). Movies too expensive? Get a cheap DVD, pop it in the player, dim the lights and share a bottle of soft drinks and snacks. Poetry, don't knock it and say that it's for sissy guys. It's personal, endearing and shows that side of you that she never knew. Gotta thank my English tuition teacher, Ms Jane Lim for that! Treating her doesn’t involve oodles of money and the day would be as special, just the two of you. Love on a budget is the catchword!

I’ve made up my mind what to get Laura already and secretly this morning as she is at class, I’ll sneak out to town and get the stuff I need for that day. As for the day itself, well got a few tricks up my sleeves;) Hope she’ll like it. Onwards to Shop!!!!!

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1 year license renewal period? NOT!

Hallway

A hallway of the session court in Kuala Lumpur on a weekend, quite without trials.

The recent news on reforming the traffic police sure bring about some bad taste in my mouth. I’m all for a more efficient and clean cop force but some of the implemented or suggested ideas does not make any sense at all. The first was the decision to slap a compound fine of RM300 on the spot for offences such as speeding, overtaking on double lines and using the emergency lane. Though it provides a means to elevate the incidence of bribery so prevalent now, it does have its kinks. One is that not many people especially us students bring along that much cash with us when we drive. Does it mean we have to fork out every last cent to pay as down payment and rush to the bank and withdraw the rest to pay the fine? Or does it mean we’ll have to call a parental guardian to come and pick us up and pay for the fine? I can just hear it “Dad, can you come pick me up by the corner of Main street?” “My license is being held by this nice datuk and he wants his cash before I can go on.” Don’t mention that this is giving the policeman too much power to become judge, jury and executioner with no avenue to plead your case. Besides not preventing bribery, the urge to get out of being issued a summon and bribing the police to look the other way would be higher. I've been apprehended too many times while driving on the Karak Highway by the police that argued I went over the speed limit of 70 km/h (which is absurd since it is 90km/h) and not allowed to argue.

Yesterday, the Star came out with a report that a plan would be mooted to put into effect a one year dateline to renew driver’s license in a bid to foil summon skippers. First of all, my grouse would be it would be impractical, the majority of law abiding citizens that never even skips a ticket payment would be inconvenienced beyond belief by a need to go to the Road and Transport Department (RTD) on a yearly basis to renew our right to drive. I’m studying in Kk and the nearest office is like way off in Penampang which cannot be reached without transport (of which I have none here) and the time it’ll take to process it, who has the time? I usually head back to my hometown during semester breaks and with wheels courtesy of my dad to get it done. Here, with classes and a lack of transport how do they expect people to complete the process, am I doomed to drive without a valid license? For those going overseas, I wonder if it’ll affect them tremendously. If the police wants to get traffic offense dodgers, give them the power to drag them to court from their homes, don’t involve us. I like my five year renewal option, it’s gives me the convenience I need without much of the bother to go through the bureaucratic process too often. Note make the process easier and maybe I'll consider a 2 to 3 year renewal period palatable

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Incoming storm

And the sky opened up into the heavens

Continuing a theme inspired by GraceShu, Sixthseal and Moksha

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Chinese wedding dinner facts

An addition to the posting started by iblogme.

Dinners would most often be held in posh setting is they can be afforded, hotel restaurants are the usual venues but may also take place in more specialized diners. The rich can most probably afford to book a whole dining room in some exclusive hotel and accommodate their extended families. The more face you wish to project, the more expensive the wedding dinner will be, usually setting back the couple’s families a good deal off.

Malaysian time would be in effect, if the invitation states to come at 7 p.m., give it an hour or two before you actually arrive. People unfamiliar with this would often arrive before or at the appointed time to be faced with an empty hall where preparations are still being made. The only souls that would be present is the couple's parents and those appointed to oversee preparations. The stream of guests would only be coming in an hour later than officially stated. Being early might benefit that would could sneak in and take a swig at the alcohol before anyone arrives. Punctuality should not be taken into account in Malaysian functions, being late is a norm and you should adjust your time zone appropriately.

Usually, people you never ever meet daily or even in your lifetime would suddenly be in attendance. Not inviting a relative no matter how remote might signify you're 'kiam siap' (stingy) or unable to afford to host such a grand affair, a very big loss of face. Suddenly cousins thrice remove are found sitting next to you and you don't even remember ever seeing them in your whole life. Odd and ends from your family tree would scuttle from the nook and crannies they are found in during most of your life just to attend your dinner.

A front counter would be situated in front of the restaurant whereby trusted relatives (usually the fiercest and persistant ladies are employed) apprehend to guests and 'politely' demand 'ang pow' (packets of money) for their attendance. Amount is based on how far you're related to the person with immediate relatives going as high as RM1000 (if rich), but a minimum of RM100 is the norm, it's also based on how many party you are bringing along, the more there are eating the higher you should pay. Often takings would cover all the expensive dinner and the married couple would profit as well. Give accordingly to your status or if can even more as a below par contribution will be forever remembered and gossip circles in the family would label you for life.

People in attendance would be dressed to the brim to show off to the others how well they are. When you see the kids normally slack and under groomed, today would turn out to be magazine cover poster child (after much cajoling and threats from the mum). Suits or at least formal wear is the norm. Teenagers would be in the utmost fashion to dazzle the competition and most certainly the immediate family of the groom has an image to live up to. Wedding dinners cum fashion extravaganza even if it’s just for a meal.

The yam char (toasting) ceremony is a must before the ceremony ends. The bride and groom will go from table to table and everyone there in the hall would suddenly take their alcoholic imbuement and raise their glasses to the air. Someone would start to pull his voice into a long yyyyyyaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmm.......sseeennngggg [correction thanks to Papi] (takes about a minute or two) while everyone is in the toasting position and then down their respective beverages. Even if there's no occasion to toast, people would do so to get as much of the liquor as they can as it's provided by the host. Drinks should be stocked well less rowdy drinkers can’t get anymore and make a scene.

Seating arrangements are usually first by the bride and groom and their immediate family table in the front. The others are either set by family but usually there's a table or two reserved for children and a luckless adult would have to mind the rowdy and restless kids. Teenagers who are near adulthood would have to contend with seating with the small kids and would fume because it's as if they are not mature enough but plus side is they get to swipe the food which the smaller kids cannot down in large quantities. Hierarchical seating positions exist with the more important guests at the front and the undesirables near the exit.

Be prepared for at least a minimum of 10 courses, a standard for all weddings; sequences would follow (but not necessarily limited to) as four seasons (a platter of cold cuts and fried tit bits to symbolize the four different seasonal platters), roasted chicken, shark fin soup (or more popular nowadays is the pseudo shark fin soup, more environmentally friendly), stir fried vegetables, steam fish in sauce, roasted piglet with crispy skin, basket of yam with stir fried vegetables and groundnuts, fried savoury rice and lastly is dessert (often longan and jelly, crushed peanut soup with Chinese pancakes, herbal drink or fresh fruits). Expect to go away with overstuffed belly.

By the 5 or 6 dish, people would be stuff and would go to socialize, men would usually head to another table and offer drinks to friends, woman folk would mingle and children would be running around. This is a good time to also go 'keh poh' (nose about) the married couple and to chat them up as well as the required photo taking. Lots of wasted food will be the order of the day as the last few dishes would usually be untouched.

Photo taking is a must, a professional photographer would usually be hired or the very least, a capable relative with the gear to do the job would be pressed into service to record the marital bliss dinner; events that is a must to record include the yam char ceremony, cutting of the cake by the couple, family portraits and table by table photos. With the new digital camera revolution, expect almost everyone there trying to be a professional photographer as well. Warning bride and bridegroom may end up blinded after the festivities.

The end of the meal does not mark the end of the occasion, long after, everyone would be around mingling away and socialize. This may stretch to quite some time and surpass many hours. Might be the only time family members ever get to settle down in large groups to chat each other up.

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TAR Marine Park : Manukan Island

Manukan beach

Manukan is the second largest of the islands in the park and also houses the most facilities of any other islands within. Its convenience lies in the fact that the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is just a few miles off the coast of Kk town and is readily accessible from the town jetty. Line up, get a ticket booking for a boat, state your pickup time and pay the park fees and you’re off. The first time on a speed boat riding the waves is an experience not to be missed more so if the sea is particularly rough with high waves and you’re in for the ride of your life, bumping off the waves and getting soaked. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the island from the jetty.

People density : 3/5
Manukan will be one of the more packed islands among the 5 open to visitors. Seems everyone is attracted here mainly due to the concentration of activity centers to be found. Even on normal days, finding space to put your stuff or getting a bench seat would be difficult unless you’re one of the early birds. On certain weekends, you’ll be in a bit of a jam when trying to cross the jetty as people would often be there waiting for their ride or admiring the various fishes congregating by the pier to grab a bite of morsel thrown by the tourists. Beach real estate is also quickly up for grabs as on real busy days you’ll find yourself relegated to the more rocky shores instead of prime beach front.

Cleanliness : 3/5
The park is serviced by beach crews on a daily basis. Early in the morning the beach would be raked clean and cleared of all rubbish and you’ll be amazed. Yet with high visitor density here, the place will soon be a bit run down courtesy of reckless beach users who never think before discarding rubbish wherever they choose. Overall, facilities for rubbish are well provided and the toilets are clean for use. Large groups of parties or function being held there would cause litter to pile up until cleaned up.

Scenery : 4/5
Scenery is good, the beach front offers a clear view of the other outlying islands such as Sapi and Sulug as well as a clear view of the whole of Kota Kinabalu town proper. On clear days, Mt. Kinabalu would be visible to the naked eye for all to behold. Beach is grown with pine trees, providing needed shade and aesthetics. A nature trail around the island can be used by the more adventurous. Fishes are used to human presence and are not shy to swim close to the jetty to catch a morsel to eat, you’ll usually be able to spot various species swimming in large school even as you disembark. Surprisingly for it’s distance from town, conditions in the park remain pristine.

Fish school

Water : 3/5
Water quality is dependent on the season. Monsoon and heavy rainstorm would usually cause sedimentation of the sea and thus reduce visibility. Yet on most occasions the sea would be glistening blue and with a pair of goggles, a snorkeler can catch great views of the various corals and sea life near shore. There is nothing more exciting than having a rainbow fish zip by you as you go by. Temperature is usually balmy by undercurrents might give odd sensation as you pass by varying cold and warm streams as the thermocline is quite stark here.

Facilities : 4/5
The islands is one of the most developed to cater to the tourism industry. Facilities such as hotel accommodations are available for those inclined to stay overnight. A restaurant caters to those who feel puckish and prices though pricey is still affordable to the average person. Shacks and stalls sells snacks and ice cream, rentals for life vests, snorkel, fins, rubber tubing and rafts are easily found. For those not inclined to swim in the sea, a swimming pool can be utilized. Toilet facilities and showers are clean and cheap. Also found here is a small museum dedicated to conservation and marine facts.

Sand : 3/5
Not the most perfect of sands but still ideal for beach use. Most of the coast stretch is fine grained sand with shells littering the surface and thus provide good terrain for sun seekers or those intent to have a game or two on the beach. The narrow strip ensures that you won’t have to go too far away from the grounds to reach the sea. Other parts of the island are mainly rocky coasts but have some very peculiar cubic formation that bears a look.

Pocket sensitivity : 4/5
Visiting the Park is quite affordable to many. Besides the boat ride and park fees, expenses for other matters are low. Food is readily purchased and prices are fair while rental for equipment and activities are okay. If you want to save, you can always bring along your own packed food that can be purchased beforehand or bring along a spread for a picnic. Other than that the sea and the sand are free for your pleasure.

Activities : 5/5
Activity planners abound here and can readily set you up with anything you wish. Water sports enthusiasts can cheer as kayaking, banana boat rides, swimming, diving and jet skis can be arranged. For picnickers and group parties, there is no where better than at the beach. Those packing lunches and intend on having their fill of sun and surf can rest assured they’ll have a ball. Beach nets, balls, seating and tables are made available for use and barbeque pits can be rented. For hotel guests not wishing for a swim in the sea, relaxing on the veranda, swimming in the pool or just having a nice bite in the restaurant is a good way to relax. Diving in Sabah is cheap, equipment rental and trip can be as low as RM100 for 3 dives anywhere around the park and Manukan has some good spots to enjoy the corals. For non-divers, fear not, the shallow and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and you’ll still catch glimpses of corals or handle the ever abundant sea cucumbers here.

Overall : 3/5
A great place to bring the family to or to enjoy a day out with friends. The vicinity to town is a great plus as access is easy and cheap. No need to travel long distances to enjoy a good piece of beach. The crowd might turn some people off but is still acceptable and there’s still space for a lot of people. Nice sun, great scenery and endless fun if you deign.

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First sight

Ever wonder how it feels like to wake up and be deprived of your sight and hearing? To many it would be a shock, a loss of senses that you depend on to define your world and life, to make sense of your surroundings and to interpret objects, people and places. To be without these two senses would leave you crippled.

So I wouldn’t know what it would be like for my pups if they were to open their eyes and ears, to be suddenly endowed with the gift of sight and sound. Would it be frightening, so many new inputs from what they are used to, how does the brain make sense of it all? Will they ever adjust to these new wonders?

Going by smell and feel all this while, how would the world look to them now that they can see and hear? Would the same tit they have seen suckling over the past week be the same tit when viewed through the eyes for the first time? It may seem the same, the same texture as the mouth clamps onto it, the same warm nourishing milk that fills the tummy, the same smell that lured a newly born pup to its first meal, yet viewing it at first sight, would it truly be the same?

It might take them a while to understand that they are exactly where they have been all this while as they were born into the world. Yet the capacity to learn and absorb new information is by nature instinct. It’s a whole new world for them to explore.

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Karambunai beach

Few people besides the international cast of hotel guests who stay at the Nexus Karambunai Resort would know about the great beach stretch hidden away just a distance off Kk. It is quite a journey and one not made easily without personal transport as it is quite far off from most major roads and is without public transport access. Well that’s one reason it is called a five star resort, only those that can afford it can enjoy it. But this is not so, even if the resort is locked away from most of our scantly pockets, the beach is still public property and can be enjoyed by all who can reach this haven. Here’s my rating of the beach affront Nexus Karambunai Resort:

People density : 5/5
With so secluded a place, very few people actually venture to the beach except for the hotel guests doing their sun tanning and water activities. No crowded beaches where everyone is vying for prime space. Just find a spot, stake your claim and rest assured no one will disturb you from your rest and relaxation. Mostly consisting of the hotel patrons enjoying the beach and going about their way, no large family with children running amuck or loud busybody vendors to distract you from what you’re currently immersed in.

Cleanliness : 5/5
One of the perks of having a 5 star hotel beside the beach is the 5 star beach cleaning crew that goes along with the territory. Tired of finding litter spoiling the choice spot? Kids digging in the sand and finding rubbish and plastic instead? The poor hermit crab having to use a soda can instead of a shell as a home? Look no further, you’ll not find a piece of junk around unless you are the culprit. Pristine beach stretch, combed every morning to give it the even finish and maintenance is daylong.

Scenery : 4/5
Surrounded at the back by interlocking greenery filed hills, beautiful cove with clear water, straight stretch of white sandy beaches, fir lined stretches, luxurious hotel accommodations nearby, a no brainer. Perfect piece of paradise for those unable to afford a trip to Sipadan, it’s a tropical beach like no other. Though the sunset is obscured by the hills, the evenings here is nonetheless great, sky turns into various hues and a serene view is observed, fall asleep as the cool breeze fans you into dreamland. The hotel is well decorated too!

Water : 3/5
Clean and clear of debris, yet still not as pristine. Water is of a clear hue yet hampered by small amounts of sedimentation. Temperature ranges from a cool shiver to warm fuzziness depending on the weather. Great waves and an unbroken coastline make up for these shortcomings.

Facilities : 5/5
The place has the works! Swimming pool (just act as if you’re a guest and they won’t know the difference), horseback riding, massage shed, towel shack, snack bar, restaurants, toilets, baths, beach equipment rental etc. Anything your heart desire you can have for a price.

Sand : 3/5
Not exactly white and powdery but still clean with great grain texture for making sandcastles. High tide will still leave you plenty of sandy stretches to delve in and you can still wade chest deep a few feet away from shore.

Pocket sensitivity : 2/5
Can you say ouch ouch ouch!? Not exactly a cheap place to be, with a 5 star price list to boot. Expect nothing below RM10 if you desire to dine here. A pita bread I had cost me RM29 and drinks wow, Nestle Manggo Freeze came to about RM12. So if you’re coming be prepared and bring along all those snack foods you need from your local cheap convenience store. On the other hand the beach and bath rooms are free.

Activities : 4/5
Lots to do here but main thing to look forward for is the beach itself, sun, surf and sunburns! The water is great, the straight coastline makes for great waves that rush onto shore in huge heaps and you can body surf to your pleasure. Facilities here also allow you to rent a skiff to sail, kayaks to ride the waves, floats to just relax on and chairs to sun yourself to a crisp. Dryer pursuits include fine dining, horseback riding and sun bathing.

Overall : 4/5
It’s scenic, private, clean and happening place. Environment is one of the best Sabah can offer and if you so desire the comfort of luxury, Nexus is just a step away. It's a good place for some serious rest and relaxation for those fed up with the hustle bustle jostling in the crowded city area. Hit the surf!

Beach stretch

Sand and sea for miles without the sight of litter.

Hotel block

The ocean view block taken from the garden area.

Riding the waves

The small sail boat breaking through the myraid waves to reach the sea.

Beach ball

Guests playing a round of beach ball with the facilities provided by the hotel at the beach.

Riding lessons

A guide leading a pair of kids on a horse ride along the beach.

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