Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Watsons Move Your Body Zumba Party 2016 @ Sunway Lagoon

What is better than dancing your heart out? Dancing your heart out with more than 5000 people at a beach party! This is one event that I look forward to yearly. As a health initiative, Asia's leading health and beauty retailer takes exercise to the next level by injecting utter coolness in the event at Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach. They made it a glow-in-the-dark themed Zumba this year. People are literally glowing in health!
Watsons Move Your Body Zumba
For those who take exercise as a chore, Watsons Zumba Party will change your perception of exercise forever! Watsons showed their commitment in quality by inviting international Zumba instructor David Velez all the way from Columbia (where Zumba originated) and Michael Thomas from Australia for the event. Enroll once, and you will get addicted like yours truely.

5 reasons why I look forward to Watsons Zumba Party:

1. Music is dope! 
To begin with, Zumba does not even feel like exercise. It is dancing all the way. Everyone has a little dancer inside of them. The beats, amplified by fantastic sound system just get every cell in your body moving. Your foot will start tapping and your head will start nodding without you knowing it. Before long, you already have your hands in the air!

Zumba Instructor David Velez from Columbia the origin of Zumba
Theme: Glow in the Dark 

The sea of people literally glowing in health
Move, dance, repeat and occasionally, selfie!
2. Great space and ventilation at Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach
Those who have not been must be thinking that it would be stuffy and hot with lots of encounter with sweaty humans. Well, sweaty is true but people tend to make space at the event. There was no need to crowd the front as  screens were sufficient for people to look at at every corner. And there was plenty of air to dry off your sweat as the surf beach is equipped with powerful fans.
Instructor David Velez moving the crowd
Coolness in my glowing glasses
Screens aplenty so that you can get moving from every corner of the beach
The glowing dancers on stage
3. Face painting and freebies
The Zumba started at 8pm and lasted for approximately 90 minutes. You do not have to dance for the whole 90 minutes. Just dance to what you can cope with and the rest of the time can be used to collect freebies! Some of Watsons' participating brands that evening were Blackmores, Brands, Bausch & Lomb, Kinohimitsu and Redoxon. That is what a backpack is for. Want more fun? Draw the Zumba spirit from face painting!
Games for you to win freebies
Face painting to elevate the spirit
Freebies!
4. It is suitable for EVERYONE
If you think, Zumba is only for ladies, you are missing out on great time with the rest of the population. Men were seen aplenty at the event and they did not seem any less manly. Groups of friends were spotted rekindling connections at this event. The young and old of all races were brought together by Zumba. 
Group of friends rekindle through zumba
A fun and healthy event for family. Get them starting early

Age is not an excuse. The ladies are even accessorized with chinking belly dancing belts
The event made it in to the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Participation for Glow in the Dark Zumba
5. The party continues after Zumba
Good music just fuels the night. After Zumba, top DJ like Jakeman & Skeletor, Leng Yein, Chuckies & Whackboi and H3 were on the table spinning beats that kept our limbs excited. Four gigantic balloons were rolled out to pump up the fun.
DJ Leng Yein spinning the table
Had a glowing good time!
The party continued with non-stop zumba hitz spin by top DJ line including Jakeman & Skeletor, Leng Yein, Chukiess & Whackboi and H3
A medal to prove that I Zumba-ed all night long!
Remember

See you at the next Watsons Zumba Party in 2017!

For more information, visit www.watsons.com.my/moveyourbody


Monday, October 24, 2016

Be Beautiful with Worthy Book Ladies Edition 2016-2017

I understand, sisters. They always say that there are no ugly women, only lazy ones. But, we know very well that nowadays laziness is no the only thing that cause us to sigh when it comes to prettifying ourselves. Just take a look at the price tags out there! And then, Worthy Book came along. This time, its exclusively for us ladies. 
Worthy Book Ladies Edition will excite you about beauty all over again
Worthy Book Ladies Edition is a compilation of coupons and vouchers focusing on beauty, fashion, wellness and health. My eyes definitely grew wide as I flip through pages of goodies! At only RM25, this book leads you to a more beautiful self while you save more than RM30,000 worth of freebies and discounts. Worthy Book collaborates with some of the most sought after brands to bring the best of shopping to you. Let me show you what I mean.
Worthy Book Ladies Edition lets you save more than RM30,000 worth of freebies and vouchers at only RM25 per book
Things I like about the Worthy Book Ladies Edition:
  1. Genuine offers with no catch- If it is stated that there is a discount, there will be a discount. However, do glance through the validity of the voucher. Some are available only in participating outlets
  2. It is indexed well- Something that I absolutely love about this book is that it is indexed not only according to category, but also area and shopping mall and states so that you do not have scrutinize the book for a deal.
  3. Its size- This book is small enough to easily fit in any shopping bag. I ALWAYS bring it along so that I don't miss out on any freebies!
  4. It covers a wide range of women's needs- From jewelry to clothes to SPAs, I cannot think of anything that this book has missed out on giving what women adore. It deserves its title as Women Edition well. 
  5. Great gift- If this was to be a gift, it is not only a book but a present of jewelry, clothes, make up and more! It can also turn into a good men's reference book of gift ideas that are kind to their wallets.
Young Hearts Nightie
As my nighties have served me well with the most comfortable slumber, some have already passed their prime time. So off I went shopping for some cute pajamas.
Young Hearts a fun loving and young spirited brand of lingerie
40% off for bras
Bought this cute nightie for myself. Orignal price RM89.90
20% off the bill RM18.00 saved


Himalaya
The face gives the most important first impression. There is no better way to use the discount tickets than to stock up on my personal favourite Himalaya product to keep my face clear and radiating.
Himalaya offers some great value vouchers
Stocked up on my favourite Himalaya product at original price of RM31.70
20% off the bill RM6.35 saved


Christy Ng Shoes
As usual, women will never get enough of shoes shoes shoes! Christy Ng is one of the featured brands in Worthy Book and it led me straight to my latest pair- a black peep-toe boots at original price of RM150.
Christy Ng shoes

Shoes are one of women's best adornments
RM50 cash voucher saved RM50


My shopping is still on going. The vouchers in this book is valid until June 2017. My next targets will be:
  • Naquirkee bag using the 50% off voucher
  • OPI nail polish using Buy 2 Free 1 voucher
  • Borneo Pearls earings using RM28 voucher
  • Jatomi Fitness unlimited access of the club using FREE 7 days pass voucher

Happy shopping and stay beautiful with Worthy Book Ladies Edition 2016-2017

Worthy Book Ladies Edition 2016-2017
Available at MPH, Times, Kinokuniya, MyNews.com, Popular, Borders and 7Eleven
Check out the Food edition at http://www.worthybook.my
https://www.facebook.com/worthybook

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Treasures of Kuala Terengganu

"Dah makang?"
"Dah...makang ikang tadi"
"Bagi kopok lekor se!"
Visit Terengganu 2017 awaits you!
Terengganu, a state that I will always hold close to my heart. I lived here during my tenure as an offshore engineer and have grown to love this place as my second home. To start with, the locals have big hearts and wide smiles that will warm anyone with their camaraderie. Coming back here as a visitor not only made me reminisce the good old times but also unearthed the pride to introduce some beautiful places of Kuala Terengganu that impressed me all over again.

1. Pantai Kemasik
Pantai Kemasik is a beach just next to Kijal. Dwellers are mostly fishermen. Here, you will be exposed to the reality of fishermen's life. Modest wooden houses in a village that lacks amenities and stalls that seem collapsible at a gust of wind. The better houses would most probably be properties of the middle men. Amid the reality, the good news is that you can get fresh fish right from the sea at a much cheaper price. Other than that, a picnic on this pristine beach is another thing you can do...fish and squid BBQ maybe?
Fresh fish brought straight from sea
People come here to get good seafood deals
During monsoon, fishermen will repair nets
Less fishing activity due to the inclement weather Nov-Mar
My Kemaman friends and I used to have picnics on this beach. It is still as beautiful as I remembered it to be.
Pantai Kemasik
24200, Jalan Seberang Kemasik
24210 Kemasik
Terengganu


 2. Noor Arfa Batik Factory
Batik is a traditional technique used by the Malays to design cloth. Batik cloth is a trademark of the East Coast states and Terengganu a famous producer. The technique cleverly uses wax to manipulate the colours and designs on the cloth. In this factory, you will witness the 2 techniques used to decorate a cloth. There is no two exact batik at anytime if the the batik is authentic because they are drawn by hand. The price of batik is justified as once piece can take up to 4 days to make.
Noor Arfa Craft Complex
Traditional tools used for batik printing and some still used till today
Molten wax that has resin and colour
Batik blok/ terup (Block printing) using motives made of iron and aluminium
The patterns can be formed by repeating, mirroring, rotating the motives to the maker's creativity
Batik canting (Free hand drawing)
Usually inspiration from flora, fauna, geometry and abstract art are adopted for patterns
Cloths are soaked in sodium silicate for 8 hours to fixate the colour
Weaving songket
The songket is usually 2 3/4m in length and usually priced up to a minimum of RM1000
Its price is vindicated due to the complexity of this technique. One day, the weaver can only complete 3-4 inches of songket, which makes the songket require up to 1 month to complete!
Usually gold or silver threads are intertwined to give a majestic feel to the cloth.
Weaving with daun mengkuang
The traditional woven baskets that we see in our grandmother's house is a great mesh of art
A myriad of colours and patterns to choose from
My mini batik- before colouring
Customers can also be occupied with DIY activity to get a feel of how colouring a batik is like.
Working intently on my masterpiece
Tadaa! E-Wen's batik
No one piece of batik is the same. This butterfly piece feels breezy and comfortable
Also remember to visit their little petting zoo at Noor Arfa Funland

Noor Arfa Craft Complex
Lot 4153, Kawasan Perindustrian Chendering,
21080 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu

Tel: 09-617 9700/ 9701


3. Kampung Cina
The visit to Kampung Cina is a colourful affair and have exceeded my expectations as a Chinese settlement. In this state which has 95% of its population being Malay, China Town is well appreciated as a tourist spot and most importantly as a historical treasure. This town is declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations UNESCO. Grants are given to finance the preservation of the pre-colonial heritage. 
Lai lai! Welcome to Kampung Cina Terengganu
Take a close look at the buildings here. It may be what you find in China itself as the settlers from China built in the late 19th century. This area is a labyrinth of little alleys. It is always exciting to find out what the next alley is about. My favourites are the most colourful ones. Also, the murals on the walls near the main road by the Terengganu River are also a really picturesque scene.
Old town that still fascinates
These buildings are built in the late 19th century. The architecture is an authentic heritage of what the settlers have brought from China
Only here can you find such antiquated beauty
Snap away with charming structures like this- the wedding trishaw
Although Chinese, we are still impressed by the Chinese settlement that exists so harmoniously in a state that has a Malay population of 95%
Find this alley which provides lots of shade on a hot afternoon
Alleys with children's art pieces for nature conservation awareness
Find the padlock alley to immortalize your love 
The alley with delightfully painted walls
These are back alleys of actual homes. Extremely lovely and cute with coloured bricks and lots of vegetation
Search for the Turtle Alley to commemorate one of Terengganu's icons- the turtle
On the way out, do look out for creative murals
Shame at the sight of the rubbish though
The Bunga Raya decorated with shattered glass is at the far end
Red havoc that incurs anger..grrrrr
Do not be surprised that this old town is keeping up with social media
"When the caterpillar thought its life was over, it became a butterfly"-Barbara Howett
My heart's a stereo
A little bit of reggae around the corner...literally
Sponge Bob (very) Square Pants!
I have never seen a more interesting electric hub
Captivated by the charm of Kampung Cina

Kampung Cina
Jalan Kampung Cina
20100 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu


4. Pasar Payang
Just next to China Town is the famous Pasar Payang (central market). A quick way to get a feel of the local culture is to visit this market where you can get local food, batik, traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. I would recommend buying their keropok (dried crackers) and their chili sauce. The keropok from here is thinner and has more fish. Also, this is the place to stock up on those souvenirs. However, please do remember NOT TO BUY TURTLE EGGS.
Locals selling food
Seafood products like keropok lekor and some Terengganu staples are found here
The upper floor is where you can get batik apparels 

Pasar Payang
Jalan Kampung Daik, Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
Opening hours: 8:30am-6pm (closed on Fridays)


 5. Crystal Mosque
When in Terengganu, do not miss the chance to immerse in the religion that is the nuts and bolts of its people. The Crystal Mosque is not only a grand structure made from steel, glass and crystal, it is a smart mosque with facilities like wifi connection and electronic Quran. The Mosque is seated with aplomb in the Taman Tamadun Islam (Islamic Heritage Park) on a man-made island called Pulau Wan Man. Surrounded by water, this place radiates a calm and relaxing feeling. I found myself appreciating the designs of the building that is nuanced by the religion.
A grand structure made of steel, glass and crystal
Appreciation of Islam is not limited to Muslims
To enter, visitors have to be decently dressed, covering the head, hands and legs.
Hijabs, abayas and scarfs are available at the entrance of the building. Having that said, do remember to dress appropriately as a sign of respect to the place
Large crystal chandelier at the main prayer hall
This mosque is also IT savvy with built in IT infrastructure like the wifi connection and the electronic Quran
At night, the mosque will come alive with a colourful display of lights
Such a grandeur is the pride of Terengganu 

Masjid Kristal
Pulau Wan Man, 21000 Kuala Terengganu
Tel: 09-627 1111
Opening hours: Monday- Thursday 10am-7pm, 
Friday- Sunday, school and public holidays 9am-7pm with break time 11.30am-2.30pm

Next, check out where to stay here and what to eat here in Terengganu!