Recognition Award Night

Recently Badan Promosi Pelancongan Melaka, a state government body in charge of Tourism Promotions in Melaka organised an Award & Recognition Night cum Dialogue Session with the Right Honorable Chief Minister Of Melaka Datuk Seri Mohd.Ali Rustam on matters pertaining to Melaka and Tourism.

Attended visibly by all the leading tourism related private businessmen and associated governmental directors the dialogue session culminated with an award presentation for yours truly honoring my contribution as Nominated Judge for the state level Cleanliness & Green Technology Drive.

The session was made more eventful as my eldest son was there to watch his father awarded the recognition by the CM. Utheya made time off from his busy schedule to drive me there and stay throughout the ceremony and award presentation, much to my delight.

Receiving the recognition cert from the Chief Minister of Malacca

Event held in City Bayview Hotel BallRoom with Cheok- MCA State Treasurer & Nazri- CEO of  MenaraTaming Sari amongst guests

A few days later, my wife and I were invited by the Etican Foundation Director Seelan E. Ramasamy to Muar to dine in honor of his inauguration into the Rotary Commitee for that state. 

Accompanying us on that night were his special guests Clarice, Angie and Kids and his own family members and friends.

The night's event was made more special with the attendance of past Director General Datuk Latiff Saruggi who was happy to catch up with us and add to our merriment in the evening's delights.

Eid UL-Fitri Festivities, Melaka

 After a month long fasting spree, muslims world wide will be celebrating the Hari Raya Puasa or Eid ul Fitri celebrations after the new baby moon is sighted on Shawal.

In Malaysia this day falls on a Sunday this year and thus Monday & Tuesday too will be National Holidays.

Many non-Muslims like us all over this country take this golden opportunity to either travel, visit our loved ones back home or enjoy the long unencumbered weekend of leisure with late breakfasts followed by a refreshingly jolly afternoon siesta like Michelle and I do at home, sweet home, with nary a care or worry.

My sister Malini and her family drove down from Ipoh to visit us this Raya, which makes mummy very happy. Though the whole journey from Ipoh only takes around 5 hours, it does feel nice to get a visit from them and see Nivasini (their first born) during these extended holidays.

On the first day of Hari Raya, it is customary that I visit the home of my good buddy Tuan Hj. Moidu at breakfast to celebrate with him and his family members the start of the day with well wishes, exchange of salaam and forgiveness for the trespass (if any) of the earlier year and partake together in happiness of the bountiful breakfast spread that he gladly puts forth. 

As the President of Kimma (Melaka branch) & owner of many beriani restaurants throughout the peninsula; not to mention a giant amongst the Penang and Melaka Antique Industry, it is a humbling experience to me and my family to be counted as a close friend by him even though we only knew each other  7-8 years ago.

Moidu's Cherubic Grand Children

The breakfast spread

Hari Raya Sweets and Cakes

Lemang, Rendang and sweets for the best memories !

Ketupat & Honey Roasted Chicken

This year is also special because an old friend of ours- Nathan is back in Melaka, for good with his family and he is celebrating his maiden Hari Raya in his new house here. 

He's bought a lovely semi detached unit located on a hilly terrain in Bkt Katil that is very beautiful and is very spacious. Back in Melaka after a 15 year hiatus, this friend and I go way back.... our friendship starting in the late 80's; back when we were working as part time waiters in Beaufort Hotel & Resort in Melaka. He's gone on to mould himself as a very successful Bee Farm consultant and manufacturer these days with a beautiful family of three.

Nathan's House in Bkt Katil

Bobby Selvarajah

Nathan entertaining his guests

The  tres amigos together again.

Hacienda Evenings @ Casa Del Rio Melaka

There is a place in Melaka, called Hotel Casa del Rio; where striking Mediterranean architecture enlivens your senses. Located by the river bank along the affable Melaka river's end , you will be transported to another world while serenaded by the lilting chirps of all kinds of birds coming home to roost amongst the large trees here;sitting down to dine by the patio of this Hotel as you watch and listen as the day turns down for the night.

Encouraged by the tinkling sweet sounds emanating from the ivory tunes of the Dining Room's piano, you begin to wonder at the subtle changes in temperature and scenery as evening turns to dusk and things start to quiet down along the river banks. The river bank is indeed a glorious location for serenity and peaceful walks right smack amongst the chitter chatter of the town and it's horrible traffic.

Michelle and I were hosted to the Hotels Ramadhan break of fast dinner buffet thanks to the beautiful ladies in the sales team of CDR. Sales officer Nellie made sure we were comfortable and our table nicely located by the river's inviting and wispy waters edge for our evening dining pleasure when we arrived, much to our immense pleasure.

It doesn't take long to relax & acclimatize to the subdued tones and very romantic feel of this Fine Dining Restaurant.  

As our eyes skirted along the water's edge, off the Qi inspired river's end, watching the slowly abating  evening heat while frangipanis and bougainvillea scents perfume the air, the call to break the day's fast serenaded across the water from the nearby mosques.

The Hotels high ceilings, wide walkways, arches and open wrought iron barriers and ballustrate's capture breezes in an otherwise sweltering town. Stone washed walls, dark wood trimmings, and floor to ceiling windows are adorned with tiles, lamps and vibrant paintings. Hues of deep blue, turquoise and ochre add splashes of colour to the warm wooden furniture and salmon washed walls. 
The colonnades seem to whisper holiday, relaxation and fun.

With a delectable spread of an all Asian inspired menu before us , Michelle and I were lost in the tranquil scenery of the Dining Room enjoying a plate of their very best Beriani rice with lamb satay and yogurt dip, serenaded by the jazzy piano music played out seemingly only for our mutual entertainment and pleasure though there were a good many tables other than ours !.

It was a good half hour before we even contemplated moving to the next buffet course located inside the Dining Room, as the whole Fine Dining experience moved us to a melancholic stupor. This place.....
It reminds one of how the maharajah's ought to have lived ages ago

Privilege, private and a tad pricey ! A small price to pay nowdays for a few hours of luxurious escape.

 A quick cursory walk to Jonker Street nearby was deemed necessary given that beautiful meal we just had.

                    An extraordinary evening of pleasure and fine dining !

Ramadhan Style Meeting & Feasting

 Naza Hotel hosted gracefully the latest Malacca Tourism Association monthly meet this Ramadhan month with a meeting package and complimentary Dinner for 16 of the members & their wife's.

With most items on our meeting agenda agreed with and motions passed for some corporate service responsibility events to compliment this holy and generous month; the smooth flow of the meeting was a good start for the camaraderie that was yet to come with the breaking of Fast with our muslim brothers and sisters.

Michelle was also happily able to join in for dinner with us on the main table as she has a ToastMasters meet later at 8.30pm in another location.With Madelina and Latefah joining us , she had a few rounds of the buffet with them, much to everyone's enjoyment.

Good Food, Pleasant Crowd, Great Times !