The Islamic month of Ramadhan represents a month of fasting, blessings, forgiveness and charity for Muslims around the world. In this spirit, the Curve has joined forces with social enterprise Simply Cookies on their quest to empower single mothers whilst celebrating a joyous festive season with their children.

The five-week long collaboration between the Curve and Simply Cookies marks a first-of-its-kind initiative for the mall, as it provides the social enterprise with a platform to reach out to mall goers with their variety of products.

In conjunction with the official launch of the Curves Raya campaign, Ahlan wa Sahlan to the Sheikhs Manor, the Curve was delighted to welcome the management of Simply Cookies along with the social enterprises partner, Persatuan Wanita Bersatu Berwawasan Malaysia (PWBBM), a womens support organisation also dedicated to lending aid to the single mothers community through providing basic necessities, financial advice and more. As special guests, 11 single mothers from PWBBM and their children were feted by the mall for a wonderful buka puasa treat. Singer-songwriter, actress and model Ziana Zain was also a guest of honour at the event.

Upon their arrival at the mall, the guests were ushered into the malls Centre Court which had been transformed to highlight the wonders of classic Islamic architecture. The shades of turquoise, white and blue used for the décor along with a customized water feature and intricate geometric design elements can be likened to a beautiful Sheikhs mansion. Mesmerised by the immersive ambience, the guests were seen eagerly anticipating the activities in store for them.

Kicking off the evening was the stunning Dance of Ahlan Wa Sahlan performance by a group of talented dancers dressed in eye-catching costumes. The great dynamics between each dance move and the catchy beats ignited the thrill of Ramadhan amongst the audience.

Encik Jazmi Kamarudin, General Manager of the Curve, said, It is a time-honoured tradition for us at the Curve to give back to society. Over the years, we have worked with many organisations, but this partnership with Simply Cookies is a new and exciting venture for us. More than just having them over at our mall for a treat, we are also delighted to lend our support to their cause by providing them with free retail space to operate their cookie booth for five weekends.”

“Through this partnership, we hope both the organisation and the mothers will be able to raise more funds that will not only strengthen their financial positions, but also give them the Hari Raya Aidilfitri they truly deserve. It has also been great having both Simply Cookies, the single mothers of PWBBM and their children here at our Raya campaign launch as special guests, and we hope they enjoyed their day with us as well,” concluded Encik Jazmi.
The mothers and their children were pleasantly surprised when they received Raya packets from the Curve and goodie bags courtesy of Pesona Warisan, Nusantara Creations, La Divine and Waarna. The mothers also walked away with a highly coveted Ziana Zains World shawl and an additional Raya packet from the songstress herself. The guests then adjourned to Ah Tuan Ee for a scrumptious buka puasa meal. 
Taking place from May 26 to June 27, 2017, the Curves Raya campaign will see the mall buzzing with interesting performances and activities. These include the live dance musical, Gambus Raya performance and Khat Art Workshop happening on weekends and public holidays. Shoppers can also catch Jazzy Raya performances on Friday nights.

This Raya, shoppers who spend RM200 and above in a maximum of two receipts are entitled to exclusive Raya Gift Packets, while those who spend RM450 and above in a maximum of two receipts will take home with them a Festive Plate Set. All redemptions are subject to terms and conditions and are available while stocks last.

Visitors to the Curve are also encouraged to support Simply Cookies by visiting their booth located on the Ground Floor along the Street (facing Starbucks Coffee), open every Friday to Sunday throughout the duration of the campaign.

To find out more, contact the Curves Customer Care Officers at 03-7710 6868 or visit www.thecurve.com.my or the Curves Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theCurveShoppingMall.

It’s early of June 2017 as of writing and May and June usually marks the midterm holidays for most schools in Malaysia. Yes. School’s out and I’m really excited about it. Why? Well, maybe some parents who are working a 9 to 5 job detests school holidays as they need to make arrangements to accomodate their children while they are at work and plan a vacation and stuff to keep their children from feeling bored, but being a freelancer, I love school holidays very much. It means I get to hangout with my son more and we get to do more fun things together instead of being in a boring routine loop.

As per our family tradition, I usually make a point to plan an eco-escapade and get close to nature during school holidays but this time around the midterm school holiday coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and therefore, tough outdoor activities that requires exertion are definitely out of question since my family and I are also observing Ramadan. So, instead of getting ourselves into some jungle misadventure again, we headed over to Resorts World Genting during the first week of holiday, as plenty of exciting things are going on up there during the school holiday; mainly the Genting International Children’s Festival.

Upon arrival at SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, a carnival-like atmosphere were abuzz and we were entertained by a brass band ensemble’s performances.The ensemble performed two songs at each of their designated light stop in SkyAvenue.

Genting International Children’s Festival 2017: Liveband Performance

Uploaded by K Network Media on 2017-05-29.

Live band performing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. Their performances was pretty cool and lively, and not having enough, my family and I went abit crazy and followed the band around in SkyAvenue to enjoy their performance at each of their stops.

Genting International Children’s Festival 2017- Anime Characters Walkaround

Uploaded by K Network Media on 2017-05-29.

Initially, I thought that was all but I was completely wrong as just after the brass band ensemble made their exit, we spotted anime cosplayers coming out for meet and greet and entertain the kids. I’m a huge fan of anime. Characters spotted in the cosplayer’s entourage; Sailormoon, Dragonball characters, Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist characters, St.Seiya, One Piece character, Suicide Squad character and Disney prince and princesses.

Spotting Sailormoon and Dragonball characters is where my nuts practically went off the bolt. I’m a huge fan of these two anime series and behaving more like a school kid myself rather than someone’s mother, I chased after the cosplayers with my husband and son in tow for some pictures.

And of course, what Ellie wants, Ellie gets. And here’s yours truly with her all time favourite heroine, Sailormoon. Yup. That’s a Moon Stick I was holding. It’s Sailormoon’s weapon. But of course, mine was actually just a monopod that I bought months back from Jonker Street in Melaka.

Who strikes a better Sailormoon pose? Me or her?

From left: Vocaloid Hatsune Miku and Chun Li from Street Fighter.

Some other anime characters spotted: Naruto from Naruto Shippuden, Luffy from One Piece, St. Seiya and Alphonse Eldric from Fullmetal Alchemist.

Joker and Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad.

Dragonball characters. From left: Son Goku, Freeza and Piccolo.

Here’s a pic of me with Piccolo

My son and Piccolo

My husband doing his Dragonball power up pose as Freeza watches on.

Being an avid anime fan, being able to meet and greet the characters is quite an exciting experience and almost a childhood dream come true. If you or your kids are an anime fan as well, you might want to check out the Genting International Children’s Festival. The Genting International Children’s Festival 2017 will be ongoing from 27 May to 11 June 2017. But if you are not, there are plenty other activities during the festival you can keep your eyes peel on.

Below is the schedule for your reference:

Cheers & Pom
Venue: Level 1, SkyAvenue
Time: 12noon, 2pm, 6pm and 8pm daily

Storyland: Cosplay Meet & Greet
Venue: Level 2, SkyAvenue
Time: 1pm, 3pm, 7pm and 9pm daily

Street Beats: Brass Ensemble
Venue: Level 3, SkyAvenue
Time: 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm daily

Paradise: Forest Fairies Ballet Dance
Venue: First World Rainforest, and Boulevard’s Parade at Genting Grand Open Car Park
Time: 1pm, 3pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm daily

For more information on ongoing events at Resorts World Genting, call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com

Being a hopeless romantic, I love all things romance, especially novelisation of a romantic story. When I was a teenager, I spent much of my time reading romance fiction, much to my parents’ chagrin. I had my head in the clouds with Mills&Boon and Harlequin Roamnce, but heading to adulthood, my taste in reading somewhat changed and broaden into military and action category where the stories tends to be more on the complicated and intriguing if not darker side. The actions weaved in the stories intrigue me.

I have plenty of favourite authors whose masterpieces now lays on my bookshelf but among the well known and respectable one that tops my list is Jin Yong a.k.a Louis Cha. Jin Yong is a Chinese writer who authored a series of WuXia fiction. Jin Yong’s novels are written in Chinese, a language that I am illiterate in but his work are legendary enough that plenty of translators in the book industry translated his novels into English, making it readable for those who cannot read his books in their original language. Among the notable work that I love is the Condor Trilogy; The Arching Heroes (射鵰英雄傳), The Return Of Condor Heroes (神雕侠侣) and The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (倚天屠龍記).

WuXia which literally means “martial heroes”, is a genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China. Although WuXia is traditionally a form of literature, its popularity has caused it to spread to diverse art forms such as Chinese opera, manhua, films, television series and video games. It forms part of popular culture in many Chinese-speaking communities around the world.

I have always thought that I will only be able to enjoy the Chinese martial art story strictly via novels and TV series, but Fate has other thing on her mind and I was given a chance to witness martial art drama live, on stage through ‘Soul of Shaolin’ theatrical show.

Among the oldest institutionalised styles of Chinese martial arts, Shaolin kung fu is second to none in terms of beauty and artistry. And kung fu enthusiasts would be delighted to know that this magnificent martial art form will be on full display at Resorts World Genting.

Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story takes centre stage from 28 May to 26 June 2017. This critically acclaimed show earned a nomination at the 63rd Tony Awards in 2009, and has held more than 500 performances worldwide in such countries as the US, Australia, Italy, Norway, India, Korea, Turkey, Macau, Hong Kong, and Turkey. When it opened at Marquis Theater on Broadway in January 2009, all its seven performances were sold out and Jan 15 was promptly proclaimed China on Broadway Day by New York City.

Here’s sharing with you all about it.

Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story is a stirring portrait of the life of a Shaolin monk.

The tale begins with a woman who is forced to abandon her son when she finds herself pursued by a group of bandits.

The woman hides her child among tall grass before jumping off a cliff in her effort to evade capture.

The child is later found by Na Luo, a Shaolin kung fu monk, who also picks up a piece of broken jade he finds near the former.

Na Luo and the child

Na Luo taking care of the child

Years go by, and the child, named Hui Guang, grows strong and healthy raised and taught by Na Luo and also Miao Xing, the abbot of Shaolin Temple.

Hui Guang while growing up

A scene during Hui Guang’s growing up years

Hui Guang, all grown up.

An interesting act in Soul of Shaolin

Playful little monks in action

Heart-stopping scene being performed

Hui Guang’s past is not hidden from him; the truth is revealed to him, along with the piece of jade.

Depressed upon learning about his tragic past, Hui Guang gets drunk and ends up provoking other monks.

Mother and son’s longing for each other being portrayed.

Hui Guang, wallowing in his emotions by drinking and getting drunk.

He is then punished by Miao Xing who places him in a cave known as Bodhidharma.

As it turns out, Hui Guang learns about being a paragon of virtue that it is the real soul of Shaolin.

The story continues with him later crossing paths with his mother. Still out looking for her son, she once again finds herself in trouble when she runs into some ruffians. Hui Guang and Na Luo come to her aid, and while fighting off the hoodlums, the former loses his piece of broken jade. When his mother comes upon it later, she searches for him at his temple.

Mother and son are reunited and both wish to leave the temple to begin life anew. Unfortunately, temple rules dictate that a monk that wishes to leave, must fight his way out.

Now, I won’t spoil your experience watching this Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story by telling you what happened next, but I promise you that these are real Shaolin Kungfu we’re talking about. During the show you will get to see real Shaolin monks performing REAL Shaolin kungfu moves with no fillers or eye tricks.

It is not only action packed but filled with emotional scenes and moral values as well. Beautifully artistic and filled with emotions, Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story will keep you on the edge of your seat and is highly recommended and a must watch for all martial art lovers and enthusiasts. It draws you into the world that you could have never imagine exists and will leave you breathless.

Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story will be held at Genting International Showroom at 9pm or 4pm*, from 28 May to 26 June 2017. There will be two shows at 4pm and 9pm on 24 June. A total of 22 shows are scheduled, with each screening lasting 90 minutes (with 10 minutes intermission).

Tickets for Soul of Shaolin: The Story of Hui Guang are priced at RM156 (VIP), RM126 (PS1), RM96 (PS2). GRC (Genting Rewards Card) members enjoy a 10% discount.

For more information, call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com

Tourism Selangor (TSSB) showcases its travel packages and connects businesses from the state of Selangor, Malaysia and Korea in a B2C session at Hanatour International Travel Show 2017, in Korea from 8 until 11 June 2017. The event will be held in Kintex Exhibition Center, South Korea as Tourism Selangor is participating for the first time in the South Korea’s largest travel expo. 

Tourism Selangor’s booth at Kintex Exhibition Center this year features Cyberview Resort and Spa, Cyberjaya to promote their special packages in accommodations and award spa. There were more than 1000 exhibition booths last year, attracting more than 95,000 visitors in four days, which the number is expected to increase this year. 

Tourism Selangor has also officially tied up with Hanatour Company in launching its special tour packages during the exhibition. Aiming to increase arrivals in the upcoming years, Korea is a renowned destination for Malaysians, while Tourism Selangor has welcomed millions of tourists from Korea into both Selangor and Malaysia. Last year, South Korea ranked at number 4 out of all Eastern Asia countries, with the total number of 43,755 tourists from January until December in 2016.

From the fascinating fireflies colonies at Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor to the world class shopping centers, Asia’s best entertainment and theme parks, there are many more attractions in Selangor that needs to be showcased to the people of the world. Others include Batu Caves, the iconic Indian temple, award winning themepark, Sunway Lagoon and golf packages.

The new packages also emphasizes on a number of new products that have emerged rapidly. These products such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, Mah Meri Cultural Village in Carey Island, Homestay Banghuris & Haji Dorani, the renowned Royal Klang Heritage Walk, as well as a number of its newest tourist-friendly shopping malls are forecasted to become a hit for Korean tourists. Bookings for the tours to these attractions can be made through Hanatour Travel Agencies available during the exhibition or via their website.

“Koreans are loyal tourists to Malaysia and we are concerned about tourism demand from South Korea. There are several tourist destinations in the state which have a potential to be included in package tours such as Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan and Sabak Bernam. It is going to be a fully customized and curated tour, guests would be picked up at their doorsteps (hotel) and the tour guides, activities, refreshments and meals are included in the package,” said Madam Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din, The General Manager of Tourism Selangor.

“The development of tourism into Selangor as far as Korean tourist arrivals did not depend solely on Hanatour being the “General Sales Agent” for all Korean market. It was the concerted efforts of all licensed local and Korean agents, Tourism Malaysia, airlines and the hotel and accommodation providers among others,” she added.

Discover Selangor is a benchmark for Tourism Selangor in promoting new and old products that have not garnered much attention, thus highlighting and promoting them to the public as well as the tourism market, domestically and abroad. The accompanying ‘Heart of Malaysia’ is used as a slogan to strengthen the current promotional campaign, specifically indicating Selangor state as a hub for transportation, development, investment, business, education, medicine and others – where it all begins and centered in the Selangor state.

I’m a shophaholic. Shopping always makes me feel much happier after a long and stressful day at work. Being a believer of retail therapy, I can always be seen shopping or window shopping around at malls in Kuala Lumpur. One mall that tops the list as my favourite lurk is Sungei Wang.

Why Sungei Wang…and not other malls in Kuala Lumpur? Well, Sungei Wang may be a mall with 40 years of history and is almost ancient in comparison to othet mushrooming malls in Kuala Lumpur, but Sungei Wang have much to offer in terms of goods and shopping experience. And a bonus? Almost everything in Sungei Wang is affordable, be it clothings, gadgets or toys; giving much more value to your Ringgit. Apart from that, Sungei Wang is easily accessible via public transport as well.

Anyway, it’s Ramadan as of writing, and Sungei Wang is all geared up for the upcoming Eid celebration. Instead of having something nostalgic and melancholy this year, Sungei Wang is all about cuteness, heartwarming and fun for Eid this year. Themed ‘Jom Raya Bersama Miao&WafuPafu’, the mall is decorated with the characters from the comic-blog Miao&WafuPafu. Miao&WafuPafu bespoke the story of Miao’s adventure and misadventures with his pets hamster, an incarnate from a devil and an angel.

Sungei Wang Jom Raya Bersama Miao&WafuPafu Launching

Uploaded by K Network Media on 2017-05-31.

Video: The launching of ‘Jom Raya Bersama Miao&WafuPafu’. Speech by Ms. Yuen May Chee, Sungei Wang Complex Manager.

From left: Creator of Miao&WafuPafu Mr. Jian Goh, Guest Artist Najwa Latif and Ms. Yuen May Chee, Sungei Wang Complex Manager

The unveiling of ‘Jom Raya Bersama Miao&WafuPafu’ where everything practically screams cuteness. The lifesize characters from Miao&WafuPafu is scattered around in Sungei Wang Plaza.

Joget Performance at Jom Raya Bersama Miao&WafuPafu Launching at Sungei Wang

Uploaded by K Network Media on 2017-05-31.

Dance performance during the launching

Najwa Latif performing ‘Sahabat’ at Jom Raya Bersama Miao&Wafu Pafu Launching, Sungei Wang

Uploaded by K Network Media on 2017-05-31.

Special appearance by Najwa Latif, who performed some of her hit songs.

The Grand Launch were also attended by the adorable children from Rumah Kebajikan Baitul Hidayah.

Me and Miao&WafuPafu character.

Definitely instagram-worthy, I must say.

And speaking of instagram, Miao&WafuPafu Raya Packets is up for grabs. All you need to do is just take a photo of yourselves with one of Miao&WafuPafu characters in Sungei Wang, upload it on FB/instagram with the hashtag #SungeiWang and stand a chance to win Miao&WafuPafu Limited Edition Raya Packets. Alternatively, simply spend RM100 in accumulative receipts and redeem the Miao&WafuPafu Limited Edition Raya Packets.

Apart from the raya packet there’s limited edition Miao&WafuPafu mug to be brought home as well. Simply count all the Miao&WafuPafu characters scattered around in Sungei Wang. First 30 who gets the answer correctly gets to bring the mug home.

Starting from 15 June til 31 August the Malaysia Mega Sale will be ongoing at Sungei Wang with discounts up to 70% mall wide, so head over and shop to your heart content.

Psst: You might even bump into me in Sungei Wang, so do say hi if you happen to see me there.

For latest information about the events and promotions at Sungei Wang, kindly visit: https://facebook.com/sungeiwangplaza/

Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian Association of Hotels(MAH)Selangor Chapter collaborated together and organized a”Majlis Buka Puasa with the elders of Rumah Jagaan dan Rawatan Orang Tua Al-Ikhlas and children from Rumah Nur Sakinah Around 20 elderly people from Rumah Jagaan dan Rawatan orang Tua Al-Ikhlas in Puchong and 30 children aged between 4 to 15 years from Rumah Nur Sakinah in Subang were specially invited to partake in a”Berbuka Puasa”which was held at Swez Brasserie on the 29 of May from 6

This initiative is held in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan is to ensure we have not forgotten the underprivileged and less fortunate individuals. It was also part of Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility Programme(CSR) in giving back to the community while sharing the spirit of Ramadan together with the elderly and children. The”berbuka puasa” session was attended by Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur staff and management together with their General Manager, Ms. Jane Suppiah and other representatives and Board of Members from the said Chapter.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated twinkling-ketupar lights, tiki torches and other decorations with was attired in traditonal costumes and associated with Ramadan: related festive songs were played throughout the evening to create the mood and enhance the celebration. Buffet was served right after the Iftar Doa’.

Everyone enjoyed the buffet and the children also showcased their talents by performing dances and songs for all those present. Ms. Suppiah mentioned that”it is part of the hotel’s annual charity event to give back to society especially to the less fortunate and underprivileged. This time, with the support of MAH Selangor Chapter, this event was even more special and we are glad to be able to bring cheer and support to two different homes of different generations”. We look forward to many more occasions to working together said Ms. Suppiah.

Donations and contributions such as groceries including cooking oil, rice, eggs, flour, coffee powder, other food supplements, daily necessities such as diapers and so on were generously contributed by the hotel’s staff and management and MAH team. Contributions in terms of monetary also were collected for both the homes.

Goodies being distributed to the representatives of each homes.

The elders and children were happy to receive the goods after feasting on the sumptuous food and later a group photo was taken. It was indeed a perfect way to share the spirit of the holy month while sharing quality time with everyone