Month: May 2013

Check out the Sunway Heritage Sight!

Have you ever wonder how Sunway Resort City came about?

Did you know that Sunway Resort City is a rehabilitated ex-mining land?

You could get all answers – when you drop by the Sunway Heritage Sight, at the patio outside Garden Lifestyle Café, overlooking the awesome Vuvuzela in Sunway Lagoon.

The Sunway Heritage Sight will take you down the memory lane of how it all started.

Just FYI – even as early as 1857, alluvial tin was readily accessible from a lot of river valley floors, including Bandar Sunway as it was known then.

Employing simple methods, miners produced tin as the demands increased and – here’s the awesome part – Malaya (that was how Malaysia was known back then, and before that it was Tanah Melayu) was the largest tin producer in the world.

Sunway Resort City used to be a mining field
Sunway Resort City used to be a mining field

In the olden days of mining, the palong allowed water and sluice which contained mud, sand and tin ore to flow over it, and miners would separate tin ore on the palong, which was basically a big wooden sluice box.

One of the most common methods used in the past was Gravel Pumping. The water, in this instance under hydraulic pressure, cuts into the mine face, breaking up the tin-bearing material and washing it down into the sump in which the gravel pump is situated at the bottom of the mine. The Gravel Pumping was used in rehabilitating Bandar Sunway as it is known now.

Another traditional way was the ‘mendulang’ technique. ‘Dulang’ (pan) washing is where tin gets separated from the soil by sieving it in water using a wooden conical-shaped pan.

Fast forward a bit, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, AO, the Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group had a vision and dream, in turning a 800-acre mining land into an exclusive township, now known as Sunway Resort City.

Sunway Resort City in the making
Sunway Resort City in the making

Check out his photo at the Sunway Heritage Sight, in discussion with Tan Sri Sabaruddin Chik, the former Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister (right) and a team member of the project management in 1990, at the site of the 800-acre mining land.

The Sunway Heritage Sight also offers the info on the construction of Sunway Lagoon, with pictures during its constructions, and the latest attractions it now has.

The Latest Attraction at Sunway Lagoon!
The Latest Attraction at Sunway Lagoon!

BTW, find out who officially opened the theme park – get the answer from the Sunway Heritage Sight.

The Sunway Resort City Today!
Sunway Pyramid, a beautiful sight indeed

So now, Sunway Resort City stands as the only Integrated Resort City in Malaysia with seven key components (Healthcare, Retail, Leisure, Hospitality, Education, Residential and Commercial) epitomising Sunway’s trademark “Resort Living Within A City” concept. It remains today as one of the region’s most preferred tourist destinations.

How awesome is that?

Well, what do you waiting for? Sunway Heritage Sight is open from 10am – 10pm, everyday 🙂

9 Dragons by Michael Connelly

9 Dragons by Michael Connelly

9 Dragons (2009) is a long-running series by Michael Connelly, the 15th book in the Harry Bosch series which began in 1992 revolving a detective called… yep… Harry Bosch. This is one of Connelly’s most unique writing as he wrote this American detective who knew nothing about the culture of the Chinese having to learn it in a short time to put the culprit who murdered a store owner in China Town, Los Angeles, behind bars. What started out as a determination to put the murderer behind bars ended up becoming a personal pursuit to rescue his loved one. In a race against time, will Bosch succeed to rescue both the murderer and his family?

The writings by Connelly in 9 Dragons were impressive and as an Asian, we enjoyed going through the mind of the American character while he tried to understand the Chinese culture and the notorious underground gangsters and we enjoyed how the story progressed as it described in detail especially the relationship between the main character with his work partners and also all his other relationships including his superior and his family. It was nice how we gradually found out how the main character turned out to be quite an arrogant person too.

What we didn’t like about the book was how the author kept switching from the first name, Bosch and at times Harry. While in understanding, how one character calls another determines the relationship with another, for example, calling Harry instead of Bosch mean that the character has more informal relationship with the main character, we noticed that this name switching from Bosch to Harry and back to Bosch is even mentioned in the narratives, which made the reading slightly unpleasant. We reckon the author must have a reason for that but in the mean time, before our understanding comes, it will remain as an ugly mark in the book.

Apart from that, how the author described in details the sight and scenes of Hong Kong and how the 9 Dragons came in play and its the history was one of the main highlights of the novel. We really recommend you to read this book and perhaps follow through the entire novel right from Book 1. You can see the listings of the books from here:

http://www.michaelconnelly.com/extras/series/

As for now, keep on reading and… happy reading!

You can be a super hero too!

It is the school holidays and regardless of whether you are a kid, a teenager or an adult, maybe a grandparent, who knows, there is something for your to relieve your secret childhood desire.  Get into the mood and celebrate the school holidays with the children. How about having a party with a super hero dress code? That will be lots of FUN!!!

Recently, DC Comics in Sunway Pyramid showed how it should be done by partying the super heroes’ way.

Colours super heroes on the loose!
Colours super heroes on the loose!

Can you name the characters in the pictures above? Which are your favourite one(s)?

Happy children greeting their favourite super heroes
Happy children greeting their favourite super heroes

There were lots of happy kids, who finally got to see their favourite super heroes during the reopening launch of the outlet here.

Supergirl, Superman and a happy girl
Supergirl, Superman and a happy girl

Here is super girl and super man (in his six packs) posing with an ecstatic girl

Super baby dressed to the occasion
Super baby dressed to the occasion

Even this adorable super baby followed the dress code, so, yep, you can never be too young to dress in a super hero outfit.

"Hello there, people! Do you know who I am?"
“Hello there, people! Do you know who I am?”

Do you know who is the dude in green?

Super hero dancers showing their groove
Super hero dancers showing their groove

And there were super hero dancers who burnt the floor with their hot brick dance move.

Let’s now take you around the store…

Colourful super hero outfit in DC Comics Super Heroes
Colourful super hero outfit in DC Comics Super Heroes
Spot your favourite
Spot your favourite

Very colourful merchandises of almost every super hero are available here, enough to melt your children’s heart with ecstasy.

Don't you feel like having one of those merchandises as well?
Ohhhh, happy kid! Don’t you feel like having one of those merchandises as well?

“Hoooray, mum, dad! I have a super tumbler now!”

Some of the merchandises at DC Comics Super Heroes
Some of the merchandises at DC Comics Super Heroes (some are limited edition *whistles*)

Check out some of the super hero tees that are up for sale in DC Comics Super Heroes too.

Colourful Super Hero Tees available at DC Comics Super Heroes
Colourful Super Hero Tees available at DC Comics Super Heroes

We remember whipping about in our super heroes suit from one end to another just to make our cape fly. Times have indeed changed but our superheroes that have a place in our hearts will never, ever change.
Happy School Holidays, kids and parents, grandparents, have loads of fun!!!!! Kids grow up too fast these days as did you… 😉

Also, don’t forget to catch Man of Steel, premiering on 13 June 2013. We simply can’t wait to watch our favourite super hero in action.

Location:

DC Comics Super Heroes,  F1.03

 

Outlet Highlights This Week!

seen
seen

Seen @ G1.89

Have you seen this? This beautiful outlet is previously known as ProEyes Studio now has a new look and we absolutely love it. In fact, this is the pioneer outlet that is carrying this fresh new look. Aren’t we proud? Featuring branded eye glasses such as Tag Heur, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Police, Rudy Project, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo eye wear, Karen Walker eye wear, Rolf Staffan, Preutz Design and ic! Berlin.

Miss T
Miss T

Miss T, LG2.81

Miss T is back in action and don’t you just love the bright new look and colourful products? Get great gifts for your girlfriends here, featuring pretty pillows, soft toys and bags………. lotsa, lotsa, lotsa pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty bags. Oh, girly girl, this is your stop and you know that.

Black Queen
Black Queen

Black Queen, LG2.108 & 2.109

Oh, hail, O Queen! Get enthroned and adorned with pretty jewelleries that befit you and your wardrobe. This new outlet in Marrakesh feature the prettiest adornings ranging from necklaces, bracelets to headwear that is charming and available in many varieties.

Monsters University In Cinemas 20 June & School Holiday FUN!

Guess who will be dropping by early to Sunway Pyramid?Image

Yeap!! Mike & Sulley and the whole Monsters Gang will be joining us this school holiday, with loads of activities:

These are the FUN FUN FUN things in store!
These are the FUN FUN FUN things in store!

So..when the school is OUT, the Monsters are IN!

How about having an awesome time with the Monsters from the Monsters University while picking up some safety tips that you can practise? One of the highlights for the School Holidays is….the Safety Rangers Workshop!

The Safety Rangers Workshop is tailored to provide some safety aspects and tips that young children can practise while they are in the mall. The fun mission in which the children have to go through in order to become a full-fledged Safety Ranger includes learning about escalator and lift safety, knowing the steps to take if they got separated with their parents in the mall and being safe in the car.

Join Leo & Leona in the Child Safe Shopping Campaign!
Join Leo & Leona in the Child Safe Shopping Campaign!

Come over and join us from 23 May – 9 June, and find out more for yourself! You can also visit http://www.sunwaypyramid.com for more info. See you soon!!

Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek Into Darkness

It’s no easy task remaking this second sequel of the evergreen, well-loved movie franchise especially when the standard is already set so high already in the past and fans all around the world have embraced their heroes so long ago but kudos to director J.J. Abrams who have produced other well known hits such as Mission Impossible III (2006), Super 8 (2011) and Cloverfield (2008). A job well done indeed! Watching the Star Trek series all over again have refreshed some of our long forgotten memories that made up some of our sweetest childhood experiences. For first timers, rest assured, you won’t be caught off-guard in a middle of some unknown plot, even if this is your first Star Trek movie.

In this series, after a devastating terror attack on the Enterprise, Captain Kirk (starred by Chris Pine) was determined to find the attacker to seek justice. Chris Pine from the start, was captivating and in a gentlest way, had so much of on-screen charisma that draws attention towards his screen character and it gradually grows stronger as the movie goes on. It was entertaining to watch how the comical debate between humanity and logic is constantly in the limelight as both characters – Captain Kirk and Spock (starred by Zachary John Quinto) showed their affections for each other in very different ways. What is interesting about the whole Star Trek series especially with these two central characters is that their voices sometimes reflect very much our own when we deal with threatening situations, emotions and even danger. Scotty (starred by Simon Pegg) was also a very enjoyable watch as he remained to give comedic punch lines the moment he made an appearance onscreen. We have to say that we noticed the strong British accent in his speech which gave him away just a little bit but, hey, we can’t say we don’t love him and his charming accent and jokes.

The Star Trek series, although a Sci-Fi, interestingly covers many other life issues such as relationship whether romantic relationship, friendship and even paternal relationship. This is what makes the series so popular as viewers sometimes can find themselves relating to the character’s dilemma. All in all, if you haven’t watched it yet, get off your seat quick and book a movie ticket now. We rate the Star Trek Into Darkness sky high. Five stars!

Did you enjoy the movie? How would you rate it? Don’t you think the costumes are just simply awesome? Which are your favourite characters and why?

Italian Food @ Capricciosa

Capricciosa
Capricciosa

When this Japanese-owned Italian restaurant first opened in Sunway Pyramid back in 2011 as the first flagship restaurant in the country, it was news and we wondered why. We heard that the Japanese were happy to see their home brand making it overseas, even to the Malaysian shores. It’s been almost two years now and it is still our favourite dining place and we’ll tell you why.

But first up, just a little bit of history of this restauraunt… Capricciosa was founded by award-winning chef Masaaki Honda whose love for Italian cuisines prompted him to go all the way to Italy for a loooong time to learn how to create these mouth-watering cuisines. According to the Malay Mail, Honda was the one who have educated the Japanese about experiencing the ‘al dante’ pastas – pastas that are cooked to order and not 100 per cent done, giving each bite a crunchy texture.

Capricciosa is an unassuming place, or so we thought, as we walked into an earthy and wooden interior that allowed us to settle in a comfortable ambience. The choices are many. It was difficult to decide because everything looks nice on the menu and as we smiled towards the friendly waiters and waitresses dressed in the outlet’s green signature uniform, we asked for a recommendation.

Newbies to the Capricciosa experience are recommended to go for the classics first and that includes the rice croquette, the Caesar Salad or the lasagna accompanied with any pasta on the menu that suits your liking.

Seafood Spaghetti - Mussels, calamari and tuna in tomato sauce.
Seafood Spaghetti – Mussels, calamari and tuna in tomato sauce.

What we would like to recommend to some (but not for all) – anything that has mussels in it because the mussels in Capricciosa is lip-smacking, unforgettable and… ohhhhh…. nice; fresh, not too chewy and seasoned perfectly with dressings that bring out the freshness of the seafood itself. Yummm!

Squid Ink
Squid Ink

The more adventurous ones who dare to try anything, the black squid ink pasta that will get your teeth and lips black and murky, is a must-try. Don’t ask us why, just try it first then tell us how you like your squid ink pasta. 😉

Rice Croquette (CLASSIC)
Rice Croquette (CLASSIC)

Next up, is this peculiar looking rice ball called the rice croquette. What is nice about this rice croquette is the richness of its flavours in this little bowl. It’s thick with tomato puree, enveloping its filling – rice that has cheese melted into perfection on every grain. It tastes even better when it is hot and steamy.  The not so good side of this is this is a very filling dish and it may fill up small eaters so you may not be able to try other yummy dishes here soooo… if you really want to try the best dishes here, we suggest you strategise your menu and eating portions wisely and always SHARE your food. 😉

Caesar Salad (CLASSIC)
Caesar Salad (CLASSIC)

The Caesar Salad. Of course…. salad… but why, salad? Don’t cringe at the sound of the word ‘salad’. The Capricciosa’s Caesar Salad could possibly convert you to try different salads elsewhere… cause that happened to us. We weren’t fans of salad to begin with and the Caesar Salad here changed our perspective… salads can be yummy too. As for this Capricciosa classic, we absolutely love the combination of the fresh, crispy leaves and bits of crispy savoury bread and corns and tomato and… other healthy goodness dribbled with olive oil and cheese flakes. This is another nice dish to share out with friends, family and loved ones, minus the guilt of overindulgence.

Spicy Seafood Aglio Oglio
Spicy Seafood Aglio Oglio

The pastas here are to die for. Living up to its reputation to serve only al dante pastas, you can taste the freshness in every single strand of pasta. Capricciosa has so many choices of pasta; we have to wish you luck trying to decide which to have. The clue is to go for something that you like and you can’t go wrong. We prefer the creamy pastas because it adds so much richness to the pasta and how the pasta absorbs the flavours. We like how the ingredients, which are very fresh, come together and perfect every dish. Despite its many choices, every dish has very strong characteristics. The savoury taste of most of the dishes here is best washed down with its refreshing beverages such as the Fruit Punch of the Paradise Breeze.

The desserts are quite yummy too but we’ll save that review for another time. As for now, bon appétit.

Location:

Capricciosa, OB3.LG2.2

Through the Looking Glass: Dresses

As promised, here is the entry on our series: Through the Looking Glass featuring dresses we spotted while window shopping around the mall and here are our Top 5 favourite picks. We shall let the picture do the talking…

Dorothy Perkins
Dorothy Perkins
Warehouse
Warehouse
Miss Selfridge
Miss Selfridge
Sub Concept Store
Sub Concept Store
eclipse
Elle

Some of the dresses above look sweet, lady-like, cool and trendy, great for any occasion – work, play and even on dates.

Which is your favourite dress?