Author: Christine Wong

Father’s day, as it is known, is celebrated to pay tribute to all the fathers of the world. In short, it is dedicated to fatherhood, the second most wonderful relationship after motherhood. While fathers do anything and everything for the betterment of their children, this day allows me to pay my sincere admiration and respect towards my daddy and all the daddies out there!

There is a unique bond of love, faith and understanding between a father and a child. My dad- my super hero! He plays an essential role in my life. Many things I have learned and many things that he has taught me. Some of the most meaningful moments in my life is the time spent with him. Father’s day is time when a daughter can thank her father for making her life a bed of roses.

My daddy is a person who is loving and kind, and often he knows what I have on my mind. He is someone who listens, suggests and defends and he is one of my best friend!

My daddy is always proud of our triumphs but when things go wrong, he is patient and helpful and strong!

In all the we do, my daddy’s love plays a part, there’s always a place for him deep in our hearts.

And each year that passes, we are even more grateful and proud just to call him our dad!

Thank you, daddy for listening and caring, for giving and sharing, but especially, for just being you!

Fathers are wonderful people, Too little understood and we do not sing their praises as often as we should.

For, somehow, Father seems to be the man who pays the bills, while Mother binds up little hurts and nurses all our ills.

And Father struggles daily to live up to “HIS IMAGE” as protector and provider and the “hero or the scrimmage”

And perhaps that is the reason we sometimes get the notion, that fathers are not subject to the thing we call emotion.

But if you look inside Dad’s heart, where no one else can see, You’ll find he’s sentimental and as “soft” as he can be…..

But he’s so busy every day in the grueling race of life, he leaves the sentimental stuff to his partner and his wife….

But Fathers are just WONDERFUL in a million different ways, and they merit loving compliments and accolade of praise.

For the only reason Dad aspires to fortune and success is to make the family proud of him and to bring them happiness.

Daddy, you are my guardian and a guide, someone that I can count on to be always by myside.

Dear all, especially all the dads out there…join and be part of the SUPER DAD virtual race! Take up the challenge and rediscover your lighter, sporty side! It will be a great time for bonding………….For more information please log in to www.marathonmy.com

Happy Father’s Day !  A sturdy, steady hand to hold to, in time of strife and stress. A true friend we can turn to when times are good or bad, one of our greatest gifts and blessings…….THE MAN THAT WE CALL DAD!

Happy Father’s Day to all the coolest dad out there!

1. The starting line is incredibly anti climatic- Uhhhh…shouldn’t we be running and not ambling forward like cows out to pastures?? LOL
   

   

   
2. There are a lot more psychopaths who want to run 21 km than you’d think!
   
3. Every sign makes you laugh or cry.
   

   
4. Drinking from a cup while running is way harder than it looks.
   

   
5. But crushing an empty cup in your fist and tossing it on the ground makes you feel like a BOSS!
6. Seeing how many non-runners come out to watch the race humbles the heck out of you.
   

   

   

   
7. The ‘runner’s high’ is a completely real thing.
   

   
   
    
8. But unfortunately, so is ‘hitting the wall’.
   
9. As tired as you feel after 21 km, the last 100 metres will give you new life.
   

   

   

   

   
10. Wearing a medal sounds cheesy, but it’s actually the coolest feeling in the world!
    

    

    

    

    Shamrock Run 2017, Cyberjaya

    

    

Embrace this reflective month of Ramadhan @ Thistle Port Dickson. Staying traditional with a heritage theme “Citarasa Kampung”- it featured a wide array of mouth-watering ‘Malaysian Favourites’ that one would associate with the holy month of Ramadhan. Set to entice your senses, the Ramadhan buffet was held at Fresh Restaurant in a backdrop replicating a kampung ambience.

Thistle Port Dickson in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan played host to 50 children and caregivers of “Yayasan Anak-Anak Yatim”, Daerah Port Dickson and also to their loyal contibutors and supporters from the Corporate and Government sectors which was held on the 29th May 2017.

Buffet connoisseurs would definitely make a beeline for the unique and special Malay dishes from different states. Dishes includes kari kepala ikan, Salai Masak Lemak Ikan Keli and the extensive spread of authentic Malay Cuisine that includes the ever popular Malay Ulam such as Kacang Botol, Ulam Raja complemented by local dressings such as Sambal Belacan, Cincaluk, Budu and Tempoyak. There are also other types of local favourites such as Nasi Dagang, Satay, Ikan Bakar, Roti Paratha, Murtabak, Nasi Ayam and many more.

To satisty the colorful taste buds of fellow Malaysian food enthusiasts, there are also a selection of International dishes such as grilled lamb, chicken and many more.

Guest are invited to experience yet another beautiful Malaysian custom with family and friends. A buka puasa dinner adventure only @ Thistle Port Dickson. Don’t miss this selection of lip-smacking traditional delicacies from all over Malaysia. This versatile function space will be donning a nostalgic kampung setting that will take diners on a trip down memort lane.

The Grilled lamb- It’s bursting with flavour and will leave you feeling satisfied. The best grilled lamb I have ever had the pleasure to eat! The cooking sauce was perfect with the blackened surfaced of the chops and the inside was moist and very tender.

Chicken Rice- The chicken rice is definitely a hidden gem as it is unusually delicious.Succulent chicken meat served with a plate of that fragrant chicken rice, which has been cooked with chicken stock and oil, form a wonderful combination that resulted in this dish being named as one of our national treasures.

Kari Kepala Ikan- To be honest, this was my first time trying out the Kari Kepala Ikan and it’s not disappointing at all! Served piping hot and trust me, once you scoop those fragrant smelling curry on top of your white rice, you will not be able to stop eating!

Murtabak- Sinful yet irresistable ultimate murtabak!

Roti Paratha- It’s absolutely delicious! It arrived piping hot and is cripsy on the outside, while fluffy on the inside. Plus, it was not oily at all, they certainly managed the heat well. Dipping it into the curry will make it taste even more heavenly.

Nasi Briyani- is a wholesome rice-based dish prepared with spices, rice (eg basmati) and meat. The popularity of this exotic dish is attributed to its aromatic flavors and distinctively rich taste.

Daging Rendang-well marinated and chunky, the beef meet itself explodes with flavour with every bite. You will probably not see chicken rendang in the same light anymore after a taste of this.

Satay-the chefs could hardly keep these coming out fast enough, since people were taking at least two handful sticks every round. It took me  three tries to get some satay. The satay kampung in particular deserves a special mention because of how tender and juicy each stick was, whilst not containing too much fats! The ratio was perfect and the sweet glistening char on each stick was most enjoyable.

Fruit/mixed Rojak and Keropok- was also an offer, two items I would ordinarily make a beeline for, but we were just too stuffed after all the curries and rice, unfortunately.

Quench your thirst as an assorted array of truly- Malaysian drinks like Teh Tarik, Air Bandung, Sirap and much much more. No meal is complete without a sweet ending and surely the desserts selection will not disappoint. Indulge in a host of local sweet such as Seri muka, Kuih lapis, ABC, Cendol and many more.

At an affordable price of RM68.00 nett for an Adult and RM38.00 nett for children ages 7 to 12 years old, the Team at Thistle Port Dickson has cooked up a gastronomic storm of mouth-watering traditional and International favourites. With more than 80 dishes available, the talented Chef Azlin and Chef Helmy promised and showcased a wide selection of dishes that emphasized on a variety of flavours and scent that had excited my palate after a long day of fasting.

Break fast with an authentic spread prepared by Thistle’s talented Chefs before you this Ramadhan with live band and music that will serenade you with traditional yet comptemporary music. You will find yourself making several trips to the buffet line because it is impossible to savour every dish in one seating.

For more information and enquiries, please contact Thistle Port Dickson at +606-648 2828 or email irene.wong@thistle.com.my

Ushering in the holy month of Ramadhan, Klana Resort Seremban rolls out their Ramadhan buffet which brings diners an array of “masakan kampung”- the kind mothers used to prepare on special occasions. The theme for the buffet is “Nostalgia Ramadhan” and many favourites can be found along the buffet line, including an impressive roast lamb (kambing golek) roasted sweet potatoes, bubur lambuk, ‘gulai kawah’, gearbox soup, lemang, satay and many more aiming to please even the most discerning tastebud.

Klana Resort Seremban will feature more than 100 of the most popular and classic Malay dishes, customarily served during Ramadhan. Diners are welcome to join the Buka Puasa buffet with the atmosphere be transformed into a Ramadhan bazaar, replicating a kampung ambience.

Aside from appreciating the spectacular set up and displays to reminisce the nostalgia of breaking fast in a traditional village setting, get your stomach ready for the main highlight of the evening- scrumptious buffet menu.

Save some room for desserts. A good selection of local kuih and western cakes, pastries and fruits to end your meal with a sweet note.

Klana Resort Seremban

Adult RM75 nett  

Senior Citizen/ Child RM38 nett

For reservations/bookings please contact:

Tel:06-766 7888 (ext 3222/3181)

Website: http://www.klana-resort.com.my

Whether you’re after a casual grazing experience or a thoroughly decadent outing, this is the place for you that can cater for your every gastronomical whim.

Walk through the buffet consisting of western salad and traditional Malaysian salad with selection of colorful kerabu, ulam-ulam and other wholesome concoctions to start off your meal on the right note. Patrons will be spoilt for choice with the variety of kerabu such as Kerabu Mangga, pucuk pegaga etc. Besides that, satay, ketupat and lemang with serunding ayam are also available.

With numerous choices available, range from Japanese to Indian, Western to Mediterranean food, taste and tradition are their ideal inspiration to reflect Tarbus Themed Buffet Dinner.

One of the highlight is the effervescent Ostrich meat. Lamb’s always a point of contention for my tastebuds. I love the rich, unique flavor and wondrous and delicious lamb, further solidifying my notion that the grill station makes just about everything better. So whether you’re a lamb lover, hater or somewhere in between, it’s worth trying it! Over at the grill station, we will be able to see chefs at work whipping up grilled prawns, fish and chicken too!

Japanese Goodies

Sushi-raw fish and seafood packed together with rice and vegetables into beautiful pieces. Each little piece is almost like an art!

Prawn tempura- Tempura is chunks of seafood and vegetables dipped in a light batter and cooked in canola and sesame oil. The end result is far less stodgy than other deep-fried food that we have in the west. Tempura is normally eaten together with a bowl of rice.

Road to India

Biryani is a well known rice dish from the Indian sub continent. It is a magnificent dish redolent of myriad spices, saffron and caramelized onions and is probably the most aromatic rice ever cooked.

Dalcha is a stew made with lentil and tamarind. Vegetables like brinjal, carrot, potato are used in cooking this dish. I would say the dalcha is almost a complete meal by itself. It’s thick consistnecy and curry leaves are well blended and authentic.

From the Chinese Wok

Among the highlights were sweet and sour crab, it was tasty and easy to chew. One piece was not enough as a few guest at my table took extra helpings. The sauce was wonderful too and the thoughts of having some warm rice to mop up the sauce did come to my mind.

Have a sweet finish to your meal with irresistable temptations found at the dessert counter. Cendol- there were some red beans, corns, cendol (the green jelly), pulut (glutinous rice) and rich coconut milk. Together, it’s a dessert from heaven. It’s not that sweet but rich in taste and textures. It’s one cold dessert, perfect during hot sunny days.

Guest can also look forward to Chef’s live action stations, where local favourite such as Char Kuey Teow, sizzling grill delights and the carvery station. Bask in the sights and sounds of an upscale market place with a traditonal Ghazal band playing harmoniously throughout the evening. Lookout for signature dishes from various states in Malaysia and countries such as Tulang rusuk, sotong sambal, chicken murtabak and many more. In addition to an authentic Malay fare, patrons can also choose from a selection of Indian, Western, Chinese and Fusion cuisines, so there is something for everyone.

Tarbus Themes Buffet Dinner @ d’Tempat Country Club

From 30 May until 22 June 2017

Selling price Adult @ RM65.00nett and child @ RM33.00nett for more information please contact 06-7922 688 or log on to http://www.dtempat.com

First thing is first….What a beautiful day for a half marathon! Congratulations to everyone out there who gave it their all today! I hope everyone had a great experience.

Next, the race pack collection and expo which was held at the KLCC which was packed even on the last day with both nervous and excited supporters. It was a bonus to pick up the race pack in record time. Somehow, from out of the blue…..I bumped into my running buddy all the way from Indonesia, Muthmainnah Amri, I met her during our run last year in Lombok International Marathon. We were excited and thrilled…We hugged and exchanged our joy and fears and happiness and then wished each other all the best and parted!

RACE DAY:

The morning of the race is always incredibly tense. As always I had butterflies in my tummy. 3.45am is a ridiculous time of day. Particurlarly on a Sunday. But today, I was awake at 3.45am and had to fully embrace the ridiculousness of it! Because today is the Standard Chartered KL Marathon- the most anticipated race of 2017….just imagine 36,000 runners……woot woot!

We took a slow walk from our hotel to Dataran Merdeka. Once 5.00am rolled around, everyone started heading to their designated pen. My hubby was in pen 3 and I was in pen 4- for 21km Honda Half Marathon, about 10,000 runners and things can get a little congested. At sharp 5.30am, we were flagged off. I waited in line for almost 12 minutes just to get to the starting line. Over the loud speaker, we could hear the race started and the elite runners began. Once we started going, I was so excited, I don’t know why I was giddy, but I just was all by myself, smiling while I was running. I was soaking up the fact of how completely blessed I am to be able to run. I can’t describe to you the feeling you get when you see the city streets blocked off for you with volunteers cheering you on. It’s the most amazing experience.

Throughout the half marathon, there were multiple things that surprised me along the route and helped me understand why runners rave about SCKL Marathon. The first mile brought the first delight-no bottlenecking! The entire course was very wide so there were no bottlenecking, a welcome change from many races I ran in Malaysia.

The second mile brought the first of many delights- water stations and porta-porties all along the routes. Due to the wide course of the water stations and isotonic stations, never got in the way and runners could easily run to one side of the road to avoid them. The volunteers at these stations were so friendly, offering support in addition to water and also first Aid and medic support.

The first several miles were great! I felt good. Breathing and legs were working together. The hills weren’t too bad, but I knew what was ahead. A gradual incline with only noticable inclines near AKLEH Highway and the Tugu Negara.

At one point, we were out running on a pretty main road in KL City. It was great to see drivers on the otherside of the road with their windows down watching us and grinning. Shouting support for people that they didn’t even know.

The route was altered slightly after that. We got to run through Tugu Negara-and iconic landmark in Malaysia which was awesome! However, the hill, how do I put this…… a nightmare! I could actually feel runners around me going “Ohhhh NOoooooooooo” as we climbed out…..But we soldiered on….After winding around through parts of Jalan Tugu Negara and Padang Merbok, I suddenly felt something shift in my body. If you’ve ever heard a runner talk about “hitting the wall” or “bonking”, that was exactly what happened! At the 18km, my body just quit on me. Then, I’d switched gears in my brain…..It’s all about mental running now! “I got this! I got this! I am not going to stop! I can do this! I can! I will!” Phew…somehow, I was able to re-focus!

20 km went by in a bit of painful blur. I was just focused on keeping my legs moving. I kept repeating my mantra…”Don’t quit! Don’t quit!”

Then at the 500 metres mark to go, I saw my fellow buddies the KLCC Runners- Thank you Matthew Barsing for being there! They were cheering, clapping, dancing and shouting for us! There is always something weird that happens in a runner’s body when you know you are approaching the finish line. There is always this weird reserve energy that comes out. You speed up and use everything you have left (you may have heard runners call this “the kick”) and that’s what happened…..

I did it! I made it! I finished it! I was ecstatic…. Tears of joys just flowed through my cheeks, while I lined up gratefully and accepted my much deserved 21 km Honda Half Marathon medal, picked up my goodie bag and went off in search of my “sole mate” my darling hubby, Segar who finished 21km Half marathon in 2 hours and 17 mins.. We didn’t hang around long. Took a few photos and headed back home.

The race organization was spot on! I have not a single bad thing to say, well maybe some school kids- cheerleaders or marching band/ choir along the lonely route would have helped motivate and push the runners. LOL….Otherwise, the water stations were exactly where they were supposed to be, the markers were sufficient, signages were really motivating and awesome, the transition from getting your medal to collecting the goodie bag was so seamless and hassle free. A huge KUDOS and congratulations dear organisers for a race well run!

With that said, good job to each and everyone of you for actually being out there running, walking or crawling! YOU ALL DID AWESOME!!

While the PBs and race medals are nice to have, running has taught me more about life than I could ever possibly imagine. It’s transformed my world- and I’m still just a beginner. When I became a “runner” something changed…not immediately…but over time. I started to see things differently, feel things in another way and grew in ways I didn’t even know I needed too.

Running changes you in ways you didn’t even know were possible. For me running made a dramatic difference in my life…How so? Well, I divulge.

• THE SPEEDING UP CAN HELP SLOW DOWN 

It is kind of natural and easy way to slow my thoughts down and help me function at a more even level. It helps align my thoughts and be stronger!

• THAT HOLDING ON CAN HELP YOU LET GO

Our everyday responsibilities can get the best of us- the-to-do list that never end, the constant demands…How do you get away from it all? How do you make time for you? For me, setting a goal or signing up for a race, helps me let go of all the other things I “should” be doing and focus on what I “needed” to do for me.

• THAT GOING ALONE IS GOOD FOR THE COLLECTIVE SOUL

I love my running partner-my hubby- Let’s just put that out there. There are many times when he holds me accountable and in fact he gives me a reason to look forward to running. That being said there is something about being out there on the open road alone. I am a mother of 3 children whom I love dearly but there are times when the only “me” time I get is when I am out on a run. Even when there is a hard day or I don’t want to go. I try to remember that the run is necessary for me to be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend and so I lace up and head out the door.

• THAT YOU CAN IN FACT RUN AWAY FROM YOUR PROBLEMS

You will be amazed, how much more you can align your thoughts and feelings after a run. Something happens out there on the road….on your own…it all calms down and yet all comes together. Life just doesn’t feel as scary after your run. You come back refreshed and adjusted.

Something happens when your feet hit the pavement…your problems seem to melt off your soles and set everything right with your soul!

Happy Running and all the best for Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2017

Mother is another name for love………

I dedicate this virtual run to my mum and all mothers, in conjunction with Mother’s Day!

I run because I can and for as long as I can and I will! Well, I know it sounds a little crazy, but here’s my story and and here’s my reason:-

Well, you see…….four years ago, my life came crashing down and it took a 360 degree turn- my sister, Joanne and I were devasted. We discovered that our mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. We truly felt like we were in the midst of a nightmare and we could not wake up. And that was the start of our huge emotional rollercoaster ride.

So, why do I run? I wanted to find myself, see what my body and mind is capable of, self-confidence, good role model for my children, sanity and of course health! So for me, it wasn’t about being skinny or to win a race, it is more a mental challenge and it has taught me to be a strong, confident person just like my mum, Eunice Philomena Beins.

I believe behind each participant or runner is a story of love, hope and courage that inspires each one of us to support to the finish line.

I dedicate this virtual run to my darling mum and all the mothers out there! We are not just running mums but we are also super mums and at times, wonder woman too…We make people wonder…..LOL!

There are a number of emotions that are attached to the finish line….There is that sense of completion, accomplishment, satisfaction, heartbreak, disappointment, elation and joy! Running in races or virtual races have a way of exposing your weaknesses while also highlighting your strenghts. The finish line may mark the end of the race, but for me, it can also mark the beginning of a longer journey ahead!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!