Wear 78% Water in Your Eyes with New Generation Lenses- Biotrue ONEday Lenses

When I first heard that it has 78% water content, I cannot help but imagine that I am basically wearing liquid! I can feel bountiful freshness swashing in my head, fizzling with a rich supply of oxygen. That is how much water our cornea is made of. So is the Biotrue ONEday contact lens.

From left: Belinda Chee, host of Bella NTV7 and Nadia Heng, host of Hypptv

Our cornea is made out of 78% water

Hide No More. Be Skin Confident with Bio-Oil

Self-confidence is a feeling of being comfortable in your own skin. Skin, being our largest organ, plays a paramount role towards our self-image and self-confidence. Skin imperfections that cause scars undeniably can shake our self-image leading to lack of confidence, anxiety and a constant urge to hide the ugly side of us. For those who have been searching for skin remedies, Bio-Oil is surely not a foreign name. And the search might just stop at discovering Bio-Oil.

Bio-Oil not a foreign name

Dengue Mission Buzz in Klang Valley

We always say we protect our loved ones. How? By keeping your daughter behind your house door grill? Or by walking like a bodyguard beside your girlfriend? Danger does not always come in the form of a knife. Things as feeble as the mosquito can be just as life threatening if not more. In the first half of 2015 alone dengue cases in Malaysia rose to a staggering 66721 cases, with 165 deaths  nationwide. Each year, 10000 cases are reported in Malaysia at a cost of around USD13 million.

Launch of the Dengue Mission Buzz by Sanofi Pasteur, SC Johnson, Ministry of Health Malaysia and Malaysian Society of Infectious Disease and Chemotherapy (MSIDC)

Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear 2015

I recently had the opportunity to attend KLFWRTW2015 on 15th and 16th August 2015. Lots to see, interesting personalities and of course awesome fashion!

15th Aug 2015

My entourage with my favourite airlines

With Thanuja and Anuja Miss World Malaysia

With DJ Serena C

With Vanessa Tevi Miss Universe Malaysia 2015

With Peter Davis

With designer Apeq Khoo.
Catch his Spring/ Summer 2015 men's apparel collection in Pavillion in August 2015

With Fashion Queen Gillian Hung

With Gillian Hung

With model Soong Ai Ling

With Elaine Daly

With August Men's Chief Editor Rubin Khoo

Wtih Deborah Henry

Amber Chia

16th Aug 2015

With Jo Ma! I am your biggest fan

With Carmen Soo

Pulau Langkawi 2015

It seemed impossible for 17 years. Well, not exactly impossible but the idea lingered long enough for me to watch a baby complete his or her SPM. I last visited Langkawi when I was 14 years old. Whenever I hear of Langkawi, reminiscence of my first unchaperoned teenage trip replays. It was sweet fun but I did not step foot there again. Then one day, my traveller’s star decided to align with the moon of Ramadhan and twinkled north at Langkawi. Chose a free-spirited friend and off we went to the Jewel of Kedah.

Trips always make me elated

The ferry ride takes 2 hours at RM23 per person from Kuala Kedah jetty. The ferry can be a freezer. So remember to bundle up even though you know very well it is a sun, sea and sand affair. The 2 hour journey bought me time to wonder how much Langkawi has changed compared to my distant memory of it or alternatively, I could have just slept! Sleep...it will serve you well in the activities ahead.

Langkawi Vegetarian Restaurant

When we reached Langkawi it was time for lunch. If you are up for something out of the ordinary to build the momentum of the trip, search for Langkawi Vegetarian Restaurant. This Buddhist Society funded restaurant serves like the normal ‘chap fan’ (mixed rice) restaurants.  The best part is that there is no price for the food taken. Patrons pay back as donation put in a box. Tableware used has to be washed by us, the users. The vegetarian food comes in the form of fried rice, fried mee hoon, porridge, vegetarian meat and of course vegetables. Scoop your soup from a big pot using a huge ladle. Chinese desserts like bubur cha cha and longan drinks are also available. We found the yummy and charitable meal fun, especially the part when we did our own dishes. The restaurant is bedecked with words of wisdom and Buddhist quotes. There were two Malay ladies running the restaurant. Religious harmony right before our eyes!

A Buddhist society funded restaurant

Langkawi Vegetarian Restaurant

72, Jalan Pandak Mayah 7, 07000, Pusat Bandar Kuah, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

After all were fed and watered, we took out our free copy of Langkawi map which we picked up from the jetty. In Langkawi, it is best to go around the island with a car. Therefore, we got our own KV plated automobile and of course whipped out our shades. (All Langkawi vehicles are registered as KV) There are 36 attractions suggested in the map. If you ask me, the best place to strike out most attractions is at the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park at the north east of the island. Head towards the Langkawi Cable Car in The Oriental Village at Burau Bay for a cluster of attractions and activities.

Ready? Go!

Langkawi Art in Paradise

Langkawi Art in Paradise 3D Museum, hailed the largest 3D art museum in Malaysia and second largest in the world. Indulge yourself in the literally superficial world here. All you need is a camera and lots of imagination. If you like 3D art, this three storey-ful of hand painted scenes will satisfy your fetish. Talented local artists collaborated with 23 leading Korean painters to produce over 200 make-believe artworks.

The free sample of 3D art

Attractions at the Geopark

Sky is the limit to imagination

Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) Waterfall

Do not overlook the island’s waterfalls while frolicking in its beaches. The best waterfall is apparently the Seven Wells Waterfall just 5 minutes’ drive from the Langkawi Art in Paradise. To get to the waterfall, we had to ascend a prominently steep road by foot. Legend has it that the waterfall here is so beautiful that even fairies come to bathe in it. However, I find the waterfall’s beauty itself more enchanting. Like the name suggests there are seven intertwined natural pools fed by seven separate waterfalls from Mount Matchincang. Dip in the invigorating waters to wash away stress or just be there and let the breeze cleanse your soul. Do be careful of pick pockets and thieves as we witnessed a distressed tourist losing his unattended bag. The nearest police station is down south at Padang Matsirat.

Geared with an ice cream and great determination to reach the waterfall

The beautiful Telaga Tujuh Waterfall

Relaxing

Be more adventurous and climb higher

Durian Perangin Waterfall

One waterfall did not do justice to our enslaved life in the city. Langkawi offers plenty of waterfall opportunities. So we decided to go for another one and this time one at the west of the island. Durian Perangin Waterfall is called so because of its abundant of durians in its surrounding. The site is equipped with barbeque pits and little gazebos making it perfect for picnic. The green canopy shields the sunlight making the place cooling sans air-conditioning. (pardon the urbanite) The lower falls are great for kids to waddle in while the upper tier proffers deeper waters and stronger currents. This is a 14 tier waterfall. You will find your lungs infused with nothing but fresh air. Bring a bucket to enjoy water fights with family and friends.

Gazebos for picnic by the waterfall

Careful of durian falling

Remember to bring a bucket to boost the water fight

Wat Koh Wanararm (Langkawi Lucky Temple)

On the way out, we stopped by Wat Koh Wanararm. We had the opportunity to admire the prowess of craftsmen who carved the marble Guan Yin statue out of a cliff. It makes the Guan Yin statue all the more divine.

Guan Yin statue carved from a cliff

Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)

We wasted no time and we made our way to Dataran Lang. This is where the iconic Eagle perches while looking out at the sea. Langkawi itself means reddish brown eagle in Malay. In Malay literature Hikayat Merong Maha Wangsa, the Garuda (a mythological giant eagle) rested on these islands. Photographs back dropped by the Eagle is indeed picturesque.

Pantai Chenang

The sun was setting and what better activity to do than a romantic stroll at the beach? If you like it happening, head to Pantai Chenang, the most developed beach in Langkawi. I have long heard of it and when we finally met, I understand why she is popular. The beach is level for quite a distance while the Andaman Sea caresses the white beach. The seaside is very wide allowing it to accommodate multiple beach activities. Quaint shops, hotels and F&B are aplenty. My feet had the sand therapy they deserved, ploughing the fine sand while we strolled. We planted the tripod into the sand and had a ball time with the camera too! Enjoy sips at the Yellow Café or visit the Rice Garden Museum and Sea Aquarium which is along Pantai Chenang. If you like it quieter, try the Tanjung Rhu beach.

Duty calls for Duty Free

There are many reasons tourists fly in to Langkawi and one major reason which makes this island special is that things here are DUTY FREE and GST FREE! I took the opportunity to stock up on my beauty essentials and chocolates. What makes a party rock even more, duty free alcohol of course! In Langkawi also, do not forget to squeeze a few packets of ikan bilis (anchovies) and dried sea products into your luggage. My mother made sure I import some back to Kuala Lumpur as they are very fresh and cheap. I got mine from Kedai Guan Thong. Call me for more discounts from Kedai Guan Thong so that you can make more ikan bilis soup or sambal ikan bilis. Pile up on the calcium babeh!

Only RM3.50 woo hoo!

Make sure to stock up on ikan bilis to make soup back home

In Langkawi, do not miss out island hopping which is usually to the three popular islets Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah. Due to the weather, we had to make this the highlight of our next trip. Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Island) is known to potently help conceiving when dipped in to the water. Mortally speaking, I look forward to submerging into the fresh water lake in the middle of the Andaman Sea. Nature never fails to bedazzle me.

Other activities that we missed, which could add value to your trip:

Skytrex Adventure Park

Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri Tomb) Learn the amazing legend behind this tomb

Langkawi Permata Kedah word sign at Pantai Chenang

There will certainly be another visit to Langkawi, especially to fulfill the other undone activities. Hopefully I do not have to wait till the same baby finishes degree to step on to Langkawi again. Wait for me Reddish Brown Eagle!

A Sisterly Affair @ Sozo Japanese Cuisine, Sunway Giza

Once in a while, your sisterhood needs to be empowered. It needs to be renewed and be reinforced so that you have backing… when you are bullied- seriously! But of course other than that, it is to thank her for being such a supporter when no one else likes your FB posts, for lending you her dress for that dinner, for fetching you from Pudu back home when taxi fares double after midnight etc. What is the best way to treat your sister, cousin sister, sister-in-law? Follow my lead. 

Sozo Japanese Cuisine at Sunway Giza, Kota Damansara

I decided to fortify my sister-sister bonding by treating her to her favourite kind of food- Japanese! One-to-one, just the two of us and no other people. I took her to Sozo Japanese Restaurant for ala carte buffet dinner.  A choice that is definitely value for money with quality Japanese dishes. Let me show you why I find it the best buffet in town. (See bottom for price of buffet)

I noticed the large variety of food when I saw pages and pages of food on the menu

Order your food using the order form

Sozo Japanese Restaurant in Sunway Giza situated just next to The Beer Factory. We chose al-fresco dining as the night was cooling. The first impression I got when I was handed the menu was that it was very thick! My sister and I were spoilt for choice with pages and pages of food to choose from. To the uninitiated, ala carte buffet means you can order as much as you like from the menu, as many times as you like. There will not be a food spread as food will be dished out from the kitchen as per order. But do keep in mind, that wasted food will be charged. As our brain froze from the vast variety, we requested for recommended dishes the first round and restaurant manager Alex Tan ticked away. 

Special Soft Shell Crab Maki RM22.90

Succumbing to our gluttony, we decided not to go according to food etiquette. Therefore, appetizers did not reach first. The first dish was special soft shell crab maki. I understand that we have to cut the filling food during buffets but this one is exceptional. Soft shell crab fried to perfection rolled in sweet glutinous rice and topped with fresh mango with a hint of thousand island sauce will certainly satisfy your carb cravings without feeling too much.

Kakuni  RM17.90

Kakumi is stewed selected pork with chef's secret recipe sauce. The meat is tender while the sauce is appetizing. I savoured the remaining gravy by wiping it with the salad leaves.

Sashimi Moriawase 6 kind RM59.90

This plate of goodness is worth more than anything else in the menu. To those who has a fetish for sashimi, this cold platter will certainly blow you away. Each bite is sweet accompanied by a tingling of freshness in the mouth. The 6 sashimis are white tuna, hamachi (yellow tail), hamachi belly, maguro (tuna), salmon, prawn with a clutter of fish roe. Popping fish roe with your teeth while letting the liquid spritz the taste of the ocean in your mouth is a fantastic way to pass time. This plate is worth more than what you pay for if you buy the meal from Ensogo. 

Gyoza RM11.90

Craving for more porky dishes? The gyoza is dumpling stuffed with pork and assorted chopped vegetable and spices. It is a good filler dish to satisfy those who is full but still wants to munch. 

Oyster Aburi Carpaccio  RM12.90

This dish of fresh  oyster with special sauce adds a splash of flavour to mask the raw oyster smell while maintaining the oyster taste. This is recommended to those who are not really a fan of fresh raw oyster. A dollop of blended ginger and spring onions spices up the mouthful of delicacy. I do not recommend the Kaki Don (fried oyster) though. The batter is thick and oyster taste is totally quashed. 

Ticking my 2nd round of order

Assorted sashimi of your choce
Fresh oyster RM4.90 per piece
Fresh salmon belly RM8.80 for 8 pieces
Hamachi belly RM8.80 for 5 pieces

Of course being fans of sashimi, we will not leave until we are sated with raw fish. We delved into the menu to order assorted sashimi of our choice. The fresh raw oyster was the pearl of the dish as we slurped up the untainted ocean taste with texture so satisfying to the palate. We also savoured the richness of the salmon and hamachi (yellow tail) bellies. We were smug with our choice as the fatty part of the fish left a deep impression even after we left. I recommend their sashimis as they are fresh and sweet. This dish will redeem the price of the whole buffet even without discount. 

Chuka Wakame (Seaweed salad) and Chuka Kurage (Jellyfish salad)  RM6.00 each

We then tried the appetizers. the emerald chewy seaweed salad was fragrant with sesame oil and sprinkles of sesame. Great choice to chat over with. The Chuka Kurage on the other hand was not as appetizing as expected. It had a woody taste that I did not appeal to me. 

Ikura Cawanmushi RM11.90

The fun popping salmon roe enticed me for another round of it in a different variety. Salmon roe  in a warm eggy base is a pleasant combination. This choice leaves the mouth smacking for more. 

Maguro Aburi Teriyaki (Seared Maguro sushi)  RM7.90 per plate

To those who cannot leave a Japanese restaurant without having at least a shushi, try this tuna teriyaki which is infused with gravy that moistens the rice for a more scrumptious swallow.

Ocha Soba (Green tea cold soba)  RM18.80

The cold ocha soba was interesting as the raw quail egg has to be mixed with the dipping sauce. The dipping sauce was not cold enough and the soba was not al dente enough. One will not lose out if this dish is skipped.

Green tea and ice cream included in the buffet

The buffet includes free flow of ocha (green tea) and free flow of ice-cream 

House sake RM30

You can wash it all down with a little sake at the end or take it during the course of the meal. Sake is not included in the buffet. My sister and I enjoyed warm sake that soothed the throat and of course we continued chatting till the sake reached bottom. 

Sozo also helps organize events for special occasions

Sozo's customer service is good with smiling waiters ready to serve. The manager is friendly and is approachable enough to recommend or explain any dish.

A sisterly affair

Price of buffet per pax is RM69.90 only....and yes with all the sashimi enjoyed! We most certainly had a jolly good time during our dinner, baring all of our appetite to the free flow of food and will come back with our parents and friends. I am also sure that your search for a good foodie night matches this post.

Still worried about the cost? Fret not as Ensogo is now offering 30% off for weekday lunch and 20% off for weekday dinner. Go to Ensogo and search for ‘Sozo’ or go to www.ensogo.com.my/deals/1-2pax-ala-carte-japanese-buffet-at-sozo-japanese-restaurant-1438193950

Definitely a good buy!

Sozo Japanese Cuisine

13-G, Block A, Sunway Giza

Jalan PJU 5/14,

PJU 5 Kota Damansara,

47810 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor

Telephone: 03-6150 7128/ 6143 5128

Reservation hotline: 012-221 9774 (Alex Tan)

Facebook: facebook.com/sozocuisine

Email: sozocuisine@gmail.com