Please Vote for me!

Vote for your favourite photo..Here are the shortlisted pictures in the Malaysia Airlines Quick Getaways Asean contest. Remember, just by voting, you too, can win a holiday.From a train ride along the famous River Kwai and rubbing noses with King Jayavarman VII at Angkor Wat to a victorious climb to the peak of Mt Kinabalu and the streets of Bali, the experiences encapsulated in these photographs speak a thousand words.

The five photographs were shortlisted from over 700 entries submitted for the first round of Malaysia Airlines’ “Let’s Go Now!” contest themed, Quick Asean Getaways. The photos were selected based on creativity, originality and relevance to the theme.The five will be in the running to win a 4D/3N Malaysia Airlines holiday package to Bangkok, courtesy of MAS holidays. To top it off, if the winner is a MasterCard cardholder, RM1,500 spending money will be thrown in as part of the prize, courtesy of MasterCard.But only one photograph with the most votes will win.It is now time to cast your vote for your favourite photo on-line. And remember, voters can win too!If you can correctly identify and vote for the winning photographs for all six rounds of the “Let’s Go Now” contest, you stand a chance to win a 5D/4N holiday package for two to Sydney, Australia.For those who have missed out on the first round of the Malaysia Airlines “Let’s Go Now” contest, don’t worry, just look out for the next theme: “Great Australian Journeys” and send in your best shot and captivating captions of your unique experiences in Australia.There are five more holiday packages to international destinations to be won, so watch this space!* More details at http://www.thestar.com.my/letsgonowmh

*courtesy from thestaronline

"Catching up with an old friend doesn't need a specific time or place, and that includes road peddler. Spontaneity is always welcome. Listen to their folk stories and enjoy some freshly peeled fruits."

So please vote for my snapshot....V.Umadevi from Pahang...thanks a million! http://www.thestar.com.my/letsgonowmh

Secrets of Minahasa, North Sulawesi

[170409-190409] Making Air Asia as my favorite brand has permitted me to witness and explore some hidden secrets of the ASEAN world. That includes a lot of research that lead to a heck of an experience. The news about eruption and earthquake alert around Indonesia few days before has just raised my inquisitiveness level raise few steps higher.

I am on a mission to promote North Sulawesi because I believe the distinctive deep secrets, exotic delights and richness in nature are definitely going to add some spices to my life.

As I stepped my foot on the land of North Sulawesi, little did I thought it will be a VIP treatment escapade weekend. And as promised by Charlie (the owner of Highland Resort & Spa, Tomohon), he will try to make the best out of the 3D2N trip. I was searching high & low through online for homestay or guesthouse, then I found about Highland Resort & Spa, Tomohon. I manage to get really special and (I think) the best rate ever with the hospitality and friendliness given.

My only disappointment was unable to trek to the peak of Mount Lokon. The heavy downpour since we arrived and the unstable condition of the volcanic mountain that might be active anytime have deterred my enthusiasm…slightly…. But all that was alleviated by the following:

The staggering beauty of Tomohon (the city of flowers), the active volcanic Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu that smoked its substance rebelliously, the distinctively changing colours of Lake Linow, witnessing the smallest monkey (Tarsius) in the world, stepping on a land where the soil are on top indentation, passing by the picturesque lust of greenery, discover the pitch dark Japanese cave, taste the best malabar, looking up at Asia's tallest statue of Jesus Christ, being welcomed by their friendly people, abundance heritage and culture is totally phenomenal.

The Farmer & A Breathtaking Countryside..

One of active volcanic mountain - Mount Lokon

Distinctive flowers ready to blossom

Happy Easter

Tomohon (aka City of Flowers)

Lake Linow (changing colours lake)

The Fishing Village

Asia's Tallest & 2nd Tallest in the World of Jesus Statue

The one & only Buddhist pagoda in Manado

The smallest monkey in the world, weight :117gm-134gm & 4-6 inch (15cm) in height [Tarsius]

Only at Minahasa Jungle Market (Saturdays morning) - dog, pig, pyhton, wild rats etc are for sale..to be cooked and eaten

The timeless solitude of Manado is surrounded by mountainous area that caressing each other passionately. The waving clouds are just a gesture of peace and tranquility. It also has an interesting history, where in 1844 earthquakes leveled the lands of Manado and the town was completed re-designed by the Dutch. Today its coastline is lined with shopping malls and the town is made up of a majority of the Minahasa ethnic group.

If you think Manado is only famous as one of the world’s top ten dive spot, think again…you might be missing more than you could imagine of. So what are you waiting for…make a space for yourself even for short weekend trips that definitely will leave you crave for more. Well, at least I know I did…

I would like to thank a bunch to Charlie, his staffs – Maikal, Alex, Modi, Uncle Fred, Alam Spa and the friendly people of Manado that make this trip an unforgettable journey!.

Kinilow Jaga VI Tomohon, Minahasa 95362 North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Phone: (+62) 431 353333/353888
Fax: (+62) 431 353777
website: http://www.highlandresort.info/

Photoshoot of Jit, Jane and their princess, Sonia

110409 - Bukit Antarabangsa. Woke up early that Saturday for a photoshoot of Jit's family potrait. The cab driver wasnt familiar with the street name so there we go turning round n round. Anyway at last upon reaching their nice big house, my job begun. Jit and Jane has dedicated themselves to market Unit Trust as their profesion. Together they achieved tremendous result over the years and being the top is definately due to continuous hard work, trust and effort. They wanted to capture all of their achievement in pictures for their perusal. Thanks to Grace for introducing me for the task. As Jane was preparing herself, I was searching for the right spot to shoot all their trophy, plague and award recognition. It was kind of ease for me as I know both Jane and Jit since I started my current job. Their one and only pride of joy, Sonia came down dressed in her best white dress. She is such a darling and my Rebel (camera) just love her. So here you are, presenting Born Rich Champions...

Angelic little Sonia

Jit Singh and his leading lady, Jane Yue

Jit, Sonia Jane and their trophy, plague as well as award recognition

Sonia said shuuuu

Sonia with her Papa

Sonia with her mummy

Their achievement

Standing proudly

All of us can achieve what we dream for as long we have a dream AND MAKE IT HAPPEN! Signing off for my next adventure....

Cherry Blossom

pic taken at Sapa, Hanoi

It was not supposed to hurt, but it did

Is the cherry really blossom?

I guess it does...eventually.

The Innocence Faces I'll Remember

If you think you are poor..think again

If you think you are suffering..think again

If you think you are starving..think again

If you think you are homeless..think again

And if all this 'IF's are gone, you might just get rid of the thinking...

The Long Path

pic taken on the way to Lao Chai village, Hanoi

The long path will enventually find it's way

So have a great Wednesday!

Inexorable

pic taken at Lao Chai village, Hanoi

It's frustrating to believe

It's painful to feel

It's depressing to encounter

Release me from this inexorable dungeon

Dark Cloud Phase

pict of terrace paddy field at Ta Van village, Hanoi

Heated even though it's shady

Disturbed when i thought it was calm,

The dark cloud phase is here to stay

Crawling not moved

I wish sunrise will emerge again

Moment of Inspiration

pic taken in Lao Chai Village, Sapa, Hanoi

my playground is here

my soul is capture

my life is written

as the moment of inspiration

one of my favorites, Devi da Lil DeviL

Part of IndoChina...

17-220209 Embarked on a journey that capture my heart deeply with the breathtaking contour of paddy fields, the innocent faces of young children blanketed by their warm dyed clothes, the soothing melody by the creature of the mountain, the cold air that kiss my cheeks in the morning of world natural heritage, the gigantic milestone protruding from the sea, the everlasting serene of tranquility and peace that pierce my soul so artistically that I feel my tears almost burst into cells of happiness. Honestly, it’s indescribable …I just felt it. I breathe the air of unimaginable guilt that I wish it would stay as long as it could. The reviving journey was so pleasant that surprisingly I wasn’t easily exhausted even though my running low stamina might just go poof anytime at the end of the village.

The breathtaking Sapa

Ta Van Village with Black H'mong tribes crossing the bridge

Hanoi City

Hanoi CityWorld Natural Heritage -Ha long BayFrom the peak view

It’s too beautiful with the cool fresh weather, the smiling peach tree flaunt proudly, the bubbly running piglets, the hypnotizing image was surreal that I really have to blink my eyes and pinch myself…is this what the tribe of H’mong been seeing every single day in their life the minute they woke up from sleep? Well..for them it could be just another day but for me it another day in paradise. But of course all this natural beauty sometime are swept away by the poverty and the way of life over here. Coz my heart sink everytime I see young kids with running nose, barefooted and starving come close to me and just paint a smile on their face. The capture of their faces is still fresh in my memory bank. We could only offer some biscuits that we bought along the way. The way they indulge the pieces was so heartwarming. It feels like how we manage to eat KFC 25 years ago.

It's a Deep feelingBut I manage to bring back all this priceless moment and keep it safe on my mind. I retrieve what I deserve to have on that hills of Sapa. And I’m glad that I have the chance to feel it.

If you are interested to visit these places in Hanoi, you may contact :

APTTRAVEL
Ad: 32 Hang Vai str – Hoan – Kiem – Hanoi
Tel: 8438295489 hotline: 84912216063
http://www.hanoiapthotel.com/

adios!

Pick Your Moment

pic taken at Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam

Pick your moment, indulge the comfort

Neo's Buffet Steamboat

060209 For those of you that on the lookout to find really nice buffet steamboat WITHOUT costing a bomb in your pocket around wangsa maju, look no further...with buffet style that have varieties of seafood, seafood balls, vegie PLUS BBQ. yup you got it right..the steamboat come together with BBQ service. further more it is HALAL and they come with 2 flavours of soup - chicken and tom yam. was lucky enuff to 'dine' in that day as they serve this really yummy and crispy fried oyster+egg. This special dish does not serve daily. Staff are friendly and efficient, the owner are courteous too. 2nd time here..earlier the price was RM21.90. mind you that the seafood are serve fresh so be careful if you saw some clams peeping out from its shell. Hrmmm...all this for RM19.90...i dont think so you will be bothered to complain anything. I rest my case with their 6 choices of ice-cream...Located at Seksyen 2..Neo's Buffet steamboat can be contacted at : 03-4149 8885.

the fresh seafood..stingray, crabs, clams, bamboo clams, prawn etci am alive...ready to be BBQi love this...either BBQ / steamthe owner..sorry forgot his name...the decor seafood ballsfresh green and noodles..hehehe...this was my favorite dish..scoop it out from the oyster and place it on the crunchy salad..wrapped it and woila...its smoking...burp..hardly could move..senget picture...hahahaha