Day 3 - Northern Thailand

So back to my travelogue, day 3 in Northern Thailand.

During my stay in Thailand, I am having a rather healthy body clock. Slept around 11PM and woke up 8ish every day. Unlike my days in Malaysia & Hong Kong. I can't sleep last night until 4AM, crazy. That is the problem when you live in big city where the city never sleeps, filled with entertainments.

OK, let's not sway away from the main agenda here. On day 3, woke up at my usual 8ish. Showered and my host decided to bring me to the "Assistant Head of Village" house. In other words if the head of village is President, then this guy would be the VP. Before that, we went for the Thai laksa again as breakfast, then on her motorbike we traveled to our destination.

Arriving at the house, there were many people there already. The guys would be busy making man-made fireworks while the ladies will do preparation for the prayers in celebration of mid-autumn.

Knowing that I am a no-help to them, I just kaypoh kaypoh look see look see only, ample of food and beer throughout. This continues until about 4PM. Then head back home for a shower and quick rest anticipating for the big night.

Waking up, my host already prepared home-cooked stuff for me. While I am doing my dinner, she was busy decorating the exterior of the house with lanterns, it had been a long long time since I seen lanterns hanging around the house - very warm feeling :)

After dinner, dressed up a bit, we proceeded to the temple. I did not take much pictures there as its weird because it seems that I am the only one snapping pictures. Most of the pictures taken was along my journey to the temple. There was a stage where performances will be held. Girls in their traditional costumes from different tribes performed. My host told me some even sing Burmese songs as most of the people in Northern Thailand are Burmese immigrants escaped to Thailand during the tribe-wars in Burma many years ago. Fireworks & chanting can be heard. Many people also bought the big big lantern, where you make a wish, stick it on the lantern and let it rise to the air (this can be seen in Malaysia as well) but I have never seen so many lanterns being released at a go, the sighting was simply amazing but too bad I was too captivated that I did not take a shot of it. As the crowd grew larger, we decided to leave the place as some kids were tagging along with us.

As we were walking along the stretch to the temple, people are enjoying singing, dancing & boozing regardless of age, size, gender or race (it looked a bit like San Pedro celebration in Melaka). I even danced with aunties and strangers, they will buy you beer even if they do not know you, it was really a warm feeling. There is also a corner where girls with fair complexion will dressed up in traditional costumes, they do allow you to dance with them but with a small fee of 10 Baht. Nice! Imagine the Malaysian girls charging RM1 for a dance in the club, it will never happen, Malaysian girls at times act too high class (majority but not all) :P

We ended the night boozing till wee hours at the VP house. He was really happy as this is the first time a man like me from foreign country goes to his house and celebrate with him. Thanks Pip Uun!

To be continue - Day 4.

ps: I spotted a brand new factory outlet at the mall near the place I am staying in Hong Kong, check it out here.

LG Blog Launch

I am all glad that it turned out good. Thanks to the Nuffies especially Robb who had been great assistance to make this launch party a successful one. I had just updated the Life's Good blog, uploaded some pictures onto Facebook LG Malaysia Fan Club. I will compile & upload all the photos onto Facebook once I got hold from our agency.

My special thanks to all Nuffnangers who really dressed up for the launch party. Hats off to you guys! Thanks to the corporate clients who also decorated this very first corporate blog launch in Malaysia. LG Life's Good blog now will be officially on all LG marketing collaterals and many more surprises for the online community!

Time for me to take a good rest after weeks of planning & coordinating this launch. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all Buddhists a Happy Wesak Day and to all mommies, Happy Mother's Day!

Hins Moving Magical Concert Live in Malaysia

Thanks to Jazzy Group & my friend Alan, I had the chance to experience the performance of this new rising star Hins Cheung. The invitation came a bit late and I am glad that I did not reject it. It was one of the best concerts that I had attended so far. Very strong and good vocal although I am not very familiar with his songs. Very talented indeed. And he has Malay fans too :)







And it was also my first time in the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands. There were 7 of us attended the concert and we bumped into our ex-colleagues Elaine & Sheryl up there. Thanks to Alan who drove me & Stephen up. Thanks for the ride brother!





After the concert we went to Starbucks and by the time we reached home, it was already 3AM. Tired but it was really a very worthwhile concert. Way to go Hins! Enjoy the video taken with my digicam, not very clear and pretty poor audio :)

Gong Hei Fatt Choy in Melaka

Apology for the no-show for the past few days. I am still in Melaka and will only be back this coming Sunday. How's my Chinese New Year like back in my hometown and what I did...

1. Lots of junk food, drinks & loh sang...



2. My house is the only house in my taman that is not affected by the recession. I am not boasting, the neighborhood been pretty quiet this year. The pictures are the evidence :)







3. Drink, drink & drink. I am talking about alcoholic drinks here. Although the fridge are filled up with beers, stouts & wines, plus I have like 3 dozens of Hennessy, I rarely drink at home, we prefer to go somewhere happening like this new club, Arena. Or sometimes we drink at Sports Bar. After drinking then we would have lepak at the mamak till bout 4-5am.



4. Gamble - blackjack, chor tai dee, gin rummy, ngau. You name it, we have it. This year been pretty bad start for me though. I stopped at RM800 deficit this year. Eight lucky number mar.



5. Visiting. I got to admit I hate visiting, especially relatives houses. I am not close to all my relatives, be it my dad or my mom's side. Mostly are pretenders and meeting up normally will be like a battle of comparing their sons & daughters achievement. So I rather stay home and I know many of my relatives branded me as anti-social, I do not care and proudly accept those special title for me. The only person that I will visit is my grandparents. I had been close to them since my childhood time. Everytime, grandma will asked bout my girlfriend, where is my ex-gf now, etc. When grandma sees me, I can always see tears of joy in her face which touches me as well. Grandpa this year been weaker, I hope everything goes well. I really do...



Okie, quick & short post. Hope you guys do not mind.

Happy Chinese New Year. And to the Hokkiens, Happy Pai Thee Khong ya!

Counting Down To CNY

Despite the unpleasant start, things were alright for the past few first weeks of 2009. Although everyone is discussing about the recession and the economic crisis, it perhaps had affected the retailing industry but as far as ongoing project is concern, I had been busy submitting tenders & quotations. Just crossing fingers that everything will turns out well. There are many competitors in the market now, price is no longer the only tool to win bid & project, but those who can create value to the business which is important.

Talking about creating value, I am pretty upset with one FMCG company who has been a hypocrite in a way. I shall blog about it soon and hope the brand or product manager of this company will be more sensitive when running competition for bloggers. Another day for this.

And what's new in 2009 for me? I picked up golf, it had been a week since I played. Just cannot get enough of it. Thanks to a buddy who kind enough to give me a few Irons and I had invested on a glove, shoes & a weekend bag. Been playing almost everyday and hope to lose some weight this year. My doctor sounded not too happy when he examined me early this year. I gained about 10KG for the past 2 years. So, this year I decide to have quality & healthy lifestyle - reduce drinking, more golfing, get off from office earlier & perhaps swimming. Swimming will be possible once I conclude my condominium deal.

Now counting down to Chinese New Year (CNY), I had done a bit of clothing shopping during my trip to HK and adding to that, I had quick shopping in One Utama yesterday. Got tops & slacks for myself and Polo Tee for both mom & dad and my youngest brother. Am looking forward to the long one week holidays where I will spend with my family in Malacca and going for a quick breakaways to Indonesia.

That's the quick update for now. An early Gong Xi Fa Cai to all. See you peeps soon.

Adios 2008 - Mikemmery's Review

Today is the last day of 2008. Like any other years before, I look back of what I had been through and recap here, cherish the good memories and learn from the unpleasant ones. So here is my 2008 summary;

Career

In 2007, I was designated as the Asst. Product Manager in my current company LG Electronics. Due to certain circumstances, I requested for a transfer late 2007 and the company set up a new department for me to handle. 2008, I officially head the Business Development department. Ups & downs throughout the year, the best achievement this year would be the product placement in KLIA, 200 plus LCD screens. In terms of career growth, I had a few calls from competitors in my industry, I did gave a serious thought to it as I had been with the same company for many years now but finally decided to see through the difficult recession years to come.

Family

Not much changes. I had been going back to my hometown, Melaka pretty frequently. At least once a month, if not more. Mom been busy at the shop, at times she would say she wanna rest but since each and every of my siblings are scattered around, she would be bored to stay at home though. Dad as his usual self, had been bad in managing his work stress but overall this year it had been a happy year for him. At his age of 54, he's learning well on the internet. Bought him a wireless modem and besides his weekly football news, he would check on my blog once in a blue moon. Oh ya, my younger brother got married in November. The first in the family, it was a first time to all of us in the family.

Friends

Being single, you need friends. Out of those hundreds of friends, there are handful that you can really count on. Be it their companion or their presence when you needed them the most. My network had expanded tremendously. Blogger friends, clients & customers who eventually became my friends and we hang out together, drinking friends, facebook friends, friends I met during my oversea trips and the list can go on & on. And I wanna take this opportunity to thank you peeps for being there always. Let's rock 2009!

Love

Early of the year, I thought I opened up my heart for someone. She disappointed me a lot, during months of courtship and eventually a very low profile one month relationship, I tried to cherish the good moments. I did during these few months opened up my heart to love again. Well, I still feel I made the right decision to call it off. It is better early than later. I met a lot of new female friends but not many I felt the chemistry. The second half of this year, I had been keeping close touch with my ex, somehow on my past very few posts, I still miss her but conscious mind telling to move on.

Traveling

The country I visited most this year is Hong Kong. Three times in total this year. Besides Hong Kong, I visited Macao twice and stayed in the much talked about casino resort, The Venetian. Been to Thailand twice this year as well. Then as for domestically, been to Cameron, Ipoh, many times to Melaka tour guiding other friends, Kuala Selangor & Sabah. In 2009, confirmed destination for me so far is Thailand in Jan 09, Langkawi in Feb 09, China in Oct 09 & Hong Kong in Nov 09.

Economy

Everyone is talking about recession but our government are still optimistic about next year. I am not that confident though. In a way, I am glad I am still employed. I think this will be one of the worst recession cycle that I will need to pull through. My policy, stay in job & create value.

Movies

The best movie this year, I would award it to Ip Man. Quantum of Solace was a letdown. The Dark Knight is awesome too thanks to Heath Ledger but perhaps being Chinese I am a bit bias to award it to Ip Man.

Music

Age really got caught up with me. I do not enjoy listening to fast tempo songs. I no longer tune to Hitz.fm, my No.1 station now is Lite & Easy followed by Mix.fm. No particular songs I like this year but I learn to appreciate jazz these days.

Sports

Not treble but it is a Double. The Devils did it again. My favorite F1 team lost out though. And on Malaysian sports scene... sigh... just a silver, you will be honored a Datuk. Imagine how many Datuks & Tan Sris it will be if it is enforced in China. Those tidak apa attitude... sigh...

Financially

Improved a lot since the last 2 years. Tone down a lot on my impulse buying & shopping. Unlike those days where I will buy gadgets and landed myself in debts. Spent more on traveling this year and thanks to a friend (he is reading this) who had helped me during my bad days in the previous years. For the first time too, I have the urge to get a house on my own. Probably it will be in 2009.

Figurehead

This year I would award it to the respectable Barrack Obama, the first black president of United States of America. Malaysia? I give up!

Flip-flopper

This time around, let it be Anwar Ibrahim. His plan to takeover sounded like Chipsmore cookies, now you see it, now you don't!

Blog of the Year

Shadowfox! Do I need to say more? Check it out yourself here.

Hmm... the time now is 6PM. I can go on and on the list but time is really limited. Reaching the big 30 this year, unlike those younger years, where I would be eagerly joining the countdown sessions in the clubs, parties, boozing. But tonight I opted for a quieter outing. Going for a movie with my best friend and a colleague & his wife.

Happy New Year to all Mikemmery's readers. I love you all!

GUINNESS® Gastronomic Workshop

Back in office this morning, I received my very first birthday greeting card from the GUINNESS® team. Creatively crafted my name on the pint of GUINNESS® Draught. Thanks GUINNESS® team and last Friday I attended the exclusive GUINNESS® Gastronomic Workshop and here's the update.



Held in Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur. I reached there sharp at 4.30PM and wandering around looking for familiar faces. As this is an event by invitation, I am lucky to bump into the owner of the joint I frequented, Sanook Dine|Lounge|Club, Ben.



Attending GUINNESS® event meaning we get to enjoy bottomless pints of GUINNESS® Draught. Meeting & mingling around with some bar owners and GAB staff, I had already finished about 3 full pints in less than 30 minutes time.



The GUINNESS® team had a bar counter set up in the ballroom itself and when the workshop finally started, everyone had their pint in hand while enjoying the workshop just like me.



The Gastronomic Workshop was conducted by the Chef in Black, Emmanuel Stroobant. Perhaps he is a familiar face on the Asian Food Channel in Astro. He is also famous for his GUINNESS® inspired signature dishes.



There are also a number of prominent bloggers who attended the workshop. The first blogger that I bumped into that evening was KY from KYspeaks.com. Friendly and we chatted a bit too. And he can cook!



Ringo of Cheeserland was there too. She managed to put her broadsmile when my camera flashed at her. And Ringo cooks too!



And what I really wonder now is that KennySia can cook too!?? Uhh... I don't know, he seems like he is in a league of his own, perhaps of his celebrity status in the blogosphere. He was there with his gf, Samantha Poh. Definitely not the chirpy Kennysia that I know of.



Ok, enough about the bloggers. Now back to the main objective of this GUINNESS® Gastronomic workshop, the food tasting time... kekekeke


Tuna Tar Tar Taco with GUINNESS® - try imagine the taste - tuna with GUINNESS®


Main Course - Kakuni Style Braised Chicken with GUINNESS®, Fresh Herb Risotto and GUINNESS® Poached Oyster - the crispy chicken skin with GUINNESS® bittersweet taste with the yummy risotto rice and GUINNESS® oyster sauce. Damn nice can?


Finally the dessert, I need not elaborate more, The GUINNESS® ice-cream. I am not an ice cream fan but this is the best ice cream ever.

Just right after the food tasting sessions, we again adjourned for dinner with a lot a lot of GUINNESS® Draught. A lot as in really a lot. Great evening with Great food and the Greatness of GUINNESS®. Heavenly!!!

Check out the upcoming event this coming Wednesday, it is a gathering for all GUINNESS® Draught fans and RSVP from Facebook. Please also note that this event was created by fans of GUINNESS® and is not related to GAB. It is not a GAB event, so drinking damage at our own pocket :)

Join us now at Facebook if you are GUINNESS® Draught fan living in Malaysia. Join us here.

Reach For GREATNESS - Exclusive Invitation By GUINNESS®

Today started like a normal routine day and the GUINNESS® brand team really brightened up my day today.

I am one of the lucky 10 winners for the GUINNESS® Gastronomic Workshop in Mandarin Oriental tomorrow. Besides enjoying limitless pints of GUINNESS® Draught, we will be served by the Chef in Black. Men in Black I know lar, but Chef in Black? Hmm... interesting.

Shall be back with more photos & details of the event for my blog readers and also my Facebook group fans for GUINNESS® Draught exclusively for Malaysians only so if you are one, join us here.

I AM OVERJOYED!!!!!!!!

Milestone

I achieved the 500 posts since I started blogging more than 3 years ago. This blog had been a part of my life. When I was younger, I did not believe in journal or diary writing. I discovered blogging from a few buddies with the intention to update what's happening and what's not in my life for my friends' reading pleasure. It was like 2-3 posts a month back then.

I became active after my breakup back in 2006. The need to adapt to my new life then strengthen my bonding with this blog. Writing what's in me, my feelings, it did help me on my road to recovery. And at the same time, kind words from readers and consolation from them kept me going. Thanks.

Remaining single till now, at times when I am lonely and empty, my blog had been the greatest companion. When I am free, I never fail to update this blog. No matter how busy I am, I tried to slot 30 minutes or so a day to write here. Only when physically I am exhausted from my day commitments, then I will call it another day.

Quite a busy Saturday for me today. I will be attending two events/functions today. To those who will be in Mid Valley today, I will be there at 4PM giving out prizes for the My Life, My Way video blogging contest. Then later at night, I will be attending the Hennessy Artistry at Orange Club special invitation for sponsors. So if you guys/gals are pimping these events, do say hello ya.

Till then, happy weekend to all and enjoy this beautifully written song I put up for all.

Two Less Lonely People In The World - Air Supply



I was down, my dreams were wearin thin
When you're lost, where do you begin?
My heart always seemed to drift from day to day
Looking for the love that never came my way.

Then you smiled, and I reached out to you
I could tell you were lonely too
One look and it all began for you and me
The moment that we touched, I knew that there would be...

(Chorus)
Two less lonely people in the world
And it's gonna be fine
Out of all the people in the world
I just can't believe you're mine
In my life where everything was wrong
Somethin finally went right
Now there's two less lonely people in the world tonight

Just to think of what I might have missed
Looking back, how did I exist?
I dreamed, still I never thought I'd come this far
But miracles come true. I know cuz here we are.

CHORUS

Tonight I fell in love with you
And all the things I never knew
Seemed to come to me somehow
Baby love is here and now there's...

Two less lonely people in the world
And it's gonna be fine
Out of all the people in the world
I just can't believe you're mine
In my live where everything was wrong
Somethin finally went right
Now there's two less lonely people
Two less lonely people
Two less lonely people in the world tonight

Sanook Dine|Club|Lounge

Today I am going to introduce you a new joint that I frequent a lot lately, Sanook Dine|Club|Lounge at Plaza Kelana Jaya. Don't ask me what Sanook means, it sounded a bit of Thai to me.

I am a bit choosy on the venue of my happy hour session with my buddies, we want nice environment, cheap booze, easy listening music & reasonably nice finger food. Sanook is located at the all new Plaza Kelana Jaya, to give a better picture of the location, please find the map below. It is right behind the now demolished Kelana Jaya Seafood Restaurant along the LDP.

Talking about affordable booze. My buddies know that I am not a beer fan, I never like beer, any beer for that reason. I am more of a Draught Guinness fan. And before the promotion ends, a perfect full pint of Guinness in Sanook now is only RM16++ and if you enjoy Kilkenny a full pint is about RM18++ now (happy hour ends at 9.30PM). Reasonable innit? I am not too sure about the happy hour rate for beer, but beer price is about the same everywhere, RM30plus, the promo is buy one jug free one mug.

And if you love single malt whisky like I do, check out their Singleton & Macallan pricing, one of the most affordable in town. Get wasted by the lakeside with fountains.

As for the food, so far all my buddies commented that their food is pretty nice & tasty. They serve from Western to Chinese ala carte and once in a while, there will be surprise menu on that particular day.



And while having my session there last night, I bumped into someone from GAB who told me that Sanook will be one of the few outlets in Selangor that will be hosting the new season of Tiger FC. There will be some activities there during matchday, it prompted me to start an event in Facebook for the upcoming clash of the titans match on 13th September 2008, the Kops versus the Devils. Up to date, 15 people already confirmed their attendance, if you are on Facebook, click on the event invitation here and RSVP.

So wear your jerseys and let's see who gonna kick whose ass that night. Be there early and be entertained with a giant 12ft x 9ft projector screen and 7 units of LG 42" LCD TV. Let's pray the weather is on our side :)

Alternatively you can call and make your reservations and oh ya, if you have a minimum of 4 pax and above in a group, there is pick up service available within a certain radius from the joint. Do check out....

Sanook Dine|Club|Lounge
Block C-06-G/1/2 Plaza Kelana Jaya, SS7/13A,
47301 Kelana Jaya,
Petaling Jaya.
Tel: +603-7877 3636
email: ben@sanook.com.my

Malaysian Drama Is More Interesting Than TVB Drama

2008 saw a new time high in Malaysia's political scene. 8th March 2008, the political tsunami finally taught the ever-arrogant BN a lesson. Though the BN still ruling the country by a simple majority, it seems that the Dollah government does not seem to know how to please the people. We were slapped with a 41% petrol price hike (it's still seriously painful to most of us) then come this July a 18% increase of electricity for residence, in which earlier this year Najib brushed off news of price hike in petrol, this indicates that Ministers also human, they do LIE. Our PM also lied, making the tag team of Dollah-Najib Liar Liar. Then we have SAPP issue. More interestingly, read this following article, to believe or not to believe, totally up to you. So much more drama to watch and I cannot wait till the finale.







Sorry for the non-update for the past few days, there is no other reason than work that is keeping me away from other personal stuff. Got to also accompany my girlfriend friend. This morning slept at 4AM, went to this new nightclub in PJ, The Vivo Club (you know those club with overpriced Swing & with GROs sitting with you), blardy tired and sleepy now.

Today after work will be away for Mahjong and over the weekend I participated in some game organized by the Mix.FM Roadrunner team, I won the premiere screening for Run Fatboy Run.





Signing off for now. Though market is bad, I wonder why the corporate sales side (my department) is doing so well. It must be me... AHEM AHEM... must be I am a damn good strategist *perasan*

Back to work now... DUH?!?!?