10 Things You Should Know About Coffee

Coffee is a unique beverage in that you either love it or you hate it. Some people swear by it as a means to wake up in the morning. Others drink coffee throughout the day to keep them going. However, whether you love it or hate it, there are some things that you may not know about coffee. Here are some interesting facts for you to ponder.

Know Your Coffee

Terima Kasih IBU: Be Part of Special Olympics Great Movement by P&G and Mydin

(L-R) Datuk Muhammad Feisol Hassan, President of Special Olympics Malaysia; Ms. Ellie Xie, Country CEO of P&G Malaysia and Singapore; Dehveyann a/l Soma Sundharem Kumar, swimmer; Zaim Abu Hirzan Bin Zaidan, bowler; YBhg. Datuk Wira (Dr.) Haji Ameer Ali Bin Mydin; Managing Director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd; Datin Wira (Dr.) Hajah Siti Hawa and Ms. Julia Koh Bee Choo, Senior Manager, Client Service Group, Media Prima Berhad

I feel proud for all the special children achievement in sport. The smile on their faces when competing and the pride beaming from them when they receive recognition for their achievement is truly priceless. 

Terima Kasih IBU di atas Sokongan Kejayaan Saya is a special movement for Special Olympics athletes. P&G and MYDIN rolling out a fundraising campaign to support our national athletes’ participation in the 1st Asia Pacific Special Olympics Games in Newcastle, Australia. 

Bowler, Zaim Abu Hirzan Bin Zaidan and Swimmer, Dehveyann a/l Soma Sundharem Kumar 

Swimmer Dehveyann a/l Soma Sundharem Kumar and bowler Zaim Abu Hirzan Bin Zaidan
sharing their excitement about being part of Special Olympics sports

Everyone deserves a chance at a happy and purposeful life. Yet, people with intellectual disabilities face doubt, barriers, and low expectations. For many children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is the only place where they feel like champions. The ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to offer people with intellectual disabilities a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition – Datuk Muhammad Feisol Hassan, President of Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM).

Passionate in advocating a worthy cause, professional tenpin bowler Shalin Zulkifli, badminton coach Mohamad Razif Mohd Sidek and former national football player Datuk Santokh Singh too making appearance at the launch. (L-R) Datuk Muhammad Feisol Hassan, President of Special Olympics Malaysia; Mohamad Razif Mohd Sidek; Ms. Ellie Xie, Country CEO of P&G Malaysia and Singapore; Shalin Zuklifi; YBhg. Datuk Wira (Dr.) Haji Ameer Ali Bin Mydin; Managing Director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd; Datin Wira (Dr.) Hajah Siti Hawa; Datuk Santokh Singh and Ms. Julia Koh Bee Choo, Senior Manager, Client Service Group, Media Prima Berhad

14 year old Dehveyann was born with Down syndrome, a condition typically associated with delay in cognitive ability and physical growth, however this strong – willed boy is proving to all that the only limitation in anyone is the limit they set on themselves and for Dehveyann, the sky seems to be the limit. A confident swimmer and a hardworking athlete, Dehveyann is given a chance to represent Malaysia in the 1st Asia Pacific Special Olympics Games in Australia.

Professional tenpin bowler Shalin Zuklifi was happy to pledge her commitment to

support the special athlete bowlers with a motivational sports clinic to help

in their preparation for the big game

P&G through its CSR programme, Open Minds, has touched the lives of more than 10,000 children with learning disabilities to date. Through a two-month nationwide partnership campaign, P&G and MYDIN aim to raise funds in support of our national athletes’ participation in the 1st Asia Pacific Special Olympics Games in Newcastle, Australia.

Be part of Special Olympics great movement to help improve the lives 

of people with intellectual disabilities through the

Starting from today until 15 April 2013, we can help reach out to the special athletes by just spending a minimum of RM 10 on P&G range of products at participating MYDIN store. The campaign raises funds from sales of designated P&G products like Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Rejoice, Herbal Essences, Olay, Gillette, Oral-B, Downy, Ambi-Pur, Whisper, Febreze, Bonux, Dynamo and Fab. Your generosity enables Special Olympics to provide sports training, competitions, and programs that benefit athletes, their families and their communities. 

Samsung Fourth South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan Forum 2013 Discover the World of Possibilities

Depth of innovation demonstrated by the company’s monumental UHD TV, Premium F8000 LED TV, “Made for Asia” refrigerator and new Wobble Washer, NX300 Camera and 45mm 2D/3D lens and Series 7 Chronos PC. Samsung’s complete portfolio will be on display at the Samsung South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan Forum in Ballroom 2 at the Mulia Hotel in Jakarta. 

Samsung Fourth South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan Forum 2013 Discover the World of Possibilities

AEON Shift to Asia Strategy Welcoming New Employees Simultaneously in 5 ASEAN Countries, AEON Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia

AEON welcome 300 new employees simultaneously at major cities in five ASEAN countries namely Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia to share with all new employees about AEON’s unchanging “customer first” philosophy, which has been fostered for over 250 years since its founding.  

In its Medium-term Management Plan (covering fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2013), Aeon positions the shift to the Asian market as one of the key facets of the Group-wide common strategy. All Aeon Group companies are combining their efforts to implement measures to achieve growth in China and the ASEAN region. Presently, Aeon is operating approximately 2,300 stores in the formats of SC (shopping center), GMS (general merchandize store), SM (supermarket), HP (hypermarket) and CVS (convenience store) in these areas.

Aeon currently has 9.4 million card members in China and the ASEAN region. Plus Aeon plans to open new SCs in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2014. In order to further promote the “Shift to Asia” strategy, Aeon placing more emphasis on recruiting people who have both local mindsets and global perspectives.

Girard Perregaux & Asia Society Honor Basketball Player Yao Ming At Annual Gala Dinner

Iconic luxury watchmaker Girard-Perregaux and Asia Society Southern California (ASSC) partnered up last night in at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel to honor legendary basketball personality Yao Ming at its 2013 Annual Gala.

Yao Ming is an eight-time All-Star center with the Houston Rockets and played on three PRC Olympic basketball teams.  He is a veritable Ambassador of the sport on behalf of China.  In 2011, Yao became the founder and proprietor of Yao Family Wines, which brings to China and the world one of the finest Cabernets from Napa Valley.  He is also a giant in the philanthropic world not only through his Foundation but also through partnering with the Special Olympics and WildAid in its quest to prevent the eradication of sharks and African elephants.  

Yao Ming was the recipient of the Asia Society's "Visionary of the Year" award, which Girard-Perregaux is honoring by presenting him with a “Yao Ming” Chrono Hawk timepiece during the evening. The watch features a Manufacture chronograph automatic movement housed in a 44 mm stainless steel case.  This special timepiece also features Yao Ming’s special symbol embossed in vivid red on the rubber strap and transferred on the sapphire caseback. Girard-Perregaux only created two watches of this design: one to honor Yao Ming and the second, which was later on auctioned during the evening for $16,000.

We are very proud to honor such an iconic basketball star as Yao Ming”, said Jean-Marc Bories, International sales Director for Girard-Perregaux. “Not only does he represent the best in the sport of basketball, but he also represents the best of humanity, through his important work with the Special Olympics and WildAid”.

In addition to the above, Girard-Perregaux presented a Girard-Perregaux 1966 full calendar to another basketball icon, Steve Nash, for his strong philanthropic work through the Steve Nash Foundation, which dedicates itself to providing underserved children with fundamentals for their health and education.

In addition, ASSC also presented the 2013 “Asian American Leader of the Year” award to John Chiang, California State Controller, for his strong leadership and stewardship in supporting the State of California.  As the State’s chief fiscal officer, John Chiang brings extensive experience and fiscal leadership to the State Controller’s Office. Chiang was first elected to the Board of Equalization in 1998 where he served two terms, including three years as chair. He began his career as a tax law specialist with the Internal Revenue Service and previously served as an attorney in the State Controller’s Office.  The son of immigrant parents, Chiang graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Finance. He received his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.  Chiang and his wife, Terry Chi, live in Torrance, California.

Hakata IPPUDO Malaysia at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 一風堂

Hakata IPPUDO Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

IPPUDO is finally in Malaysia! Hakata IPPUDO is a Japanese ramen chain restaurant famous for its Shiromaru and Akamaru ramen. Hakata IPPUDO ramen is originated from Hakata, Fukuoka distric in Kyushu, Japan. By the way, IPPUDO in Japanese means “one wind hall”. I was invited to first Hakata IPPUDO outlet in Malaysia pre-opening night for food tasting. On that evening, after I had my bowl of Kara-men at Hakata IPPUDO at Pavilion KL, I was blown away to Fukuoka Japan hehehe…

We started with some appetizers and side dishes then followed by our main of course the ramen!

Karaka-men Ramen

Karaka-men Ramen RM28

I decide to choose Kara-men it’s the spicier choice, original tonkutsu broth with spicy miso and ground pork. The soup is quite light and not too oily. The ramen is springy and the sweetness and aroma of the tonkatsu broth is ichiban, satisfied. The level of spiciness in Kara-men is mild, I had to add some chilli flakes. I shall visit again for the Akamaru Shinaji and I am going to add Chashu and Onsen Tamago (poached egg).

Shiromaru Motoaji Ramen 

Shiromaru Motoaji Ramen RM26

This is the classic Hakata style ramen, anything original can never go wrong. IPPUDO's original tonkotsu broth, white or sort of milky colour served with ultra-thin noodles, bean sprouts, kikurage and spring onions. I heard that this soup base is made from pork bones and simmered for many hours.

Akamaru Shinaji Ramen

Akamaru Shinaji Ramen RM28

This Akamaru Shinaji seems to be the favourite. It’s more refined and modern style ramen. IPPUDO’s original tonkatsu broth enhanced with special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil served with thin noodles, belly chashu, kikurage and spring onions.

Appetizers and Side Dishes

Goma Q

Goma Q 

Sliced Japanese cucumber with sesame and some chilly flakes. The Japanese cucumber is fresh, crunchy and light.  

Crispy Corn

Crispy Corn

For lighter bite, you may try on the smoky flavoured deep-fried young corn with seaweed seasoning. Crisp and addictive, it was an excellent pick-me-up if you were looking for something tasty and healthy to nibble on.

Curry Cheese Haru Maki 

Curry Cheese Haru Maki 

This is crispy and creamy curry spring rolls is so addictive, ah must eat it when its still hot and don’t forget to dip a little bit of that mustard sauce.

Pork Bun

Pork Bun 

Steamed fluffy bun with braised pork and a little spread of IPPUDO’s special sauce, tender sweet pork slice and crisp lettuce.

Spicy Shrimp Mayo

Spicy Shrimp Mayo

Lightly battered and deep fried prawn with homemade spicy mayonnaise dip. I like the spicy mayonnaise that give the deep fried prawn some kick.

Hakata Style Soup Gyoza

Hakata Style Soup Gyoza

This Hakata Style Soup Gyoza in pork broth added with ginger and has 5 pieces of homemade gyoza / dumplings. The soup really warmed up my stomach.    

I like the modest and modern ramen outlet especially the wall decoration using soup spoon and bowl. The waiter and waitress are quite attentive and friendly. Hakata IPPUDO ramen is available in many countries such as Japan (origin), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, New York City - USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul - South Korea, Taipei - Taiwan, Sydney – Australia and Shanghai – China. 

Non Halal

Location:-

Hakata IPPUDO Kuala Lumpur

Lot C4.07.00, Connection Level 4, Pavilion KL,

No 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia

Tel: +603-2110 6233

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun (11am – 11pm)

IPPUDO Malaysia Website http://www.ippudo.com.my

IPPUDO Malaysia Facebook http://www.facebook.com/IppudoMalaysia

Be Free in New Crocs Beach Line Collection

Crocs Beach Line Collection 

The new Crocs boat shoes looks relax and at the same time has some touch of chic and stylish. Crocs is proving yet again that they are the go-to beach shoe for the whole family. The classic deck shoe takes it most fun and practical form yet for Crocs Beach Line. With bright colors and a lightweight, airy feel, you can walk in comfort and wear in style for any occasion. This collection brings the freedom of sailing to your feet for whatever adventures you have that day. Liberate your feet in comfortable boat shoes with Crocs Beach Line Collection.

Featuring a sipped rubber outsole for extra grip and traction, Crocs Beach Line features the unbeatable comfort of CrosliteTM material. With functional laces for a closer fit, these shoes are so lightweight, they float – a truly liberating feel. 

For him: Great for active, go-getting guys, the Crocs Beach Line Boat Shoe (RM249) is perfect for any of life’s adventure. The fun, adventurous style combined with the fresh, airy feel will give feet the sensation of being on a boat.

For her: The Crocs Beach Line Boat Shoe (RM249) comes in a range of colors for whatever the occasion. Practical and fun, the nautical look is effortlessly stylish and will have her feeling good all day.

For the kids: Kids can play all day long in Crocs Beach Line Boat Shoe   with no problem if they get wet or dirty. Available in both Children (RM139 - up) and Junior (RM169 - down) sizes, their classic look makes them suitable for smarter occasions as well as playtime.

BRAND’S Take the Lead Campaign and New Ambassador Michael Wong

When I was teenage, my mon use to give me a bottle of BRAND’S Essence of Chicken before I go for my exam or whenever I burned midnight oil the day before the exam. Now, I need to stay Focus, Alert and Sharp everyday at work and play; again BRAND’S Essence of Chicken comes in handy.

Mr.Koh Joo Siang, Michael Wong & Ms. Carmen Liew at the Launch of 

BRAND'S Take the Lead Campaign

BRAND’S Challenge the Nation to Take The Lead. This new campaign demonstrate the lighter perspective of going through life with a mentally alert mind to strive for better performance, thus Take the Lead in work as well as play. “To exceed one’s targets and conquer challenges, one needs to stay focused and think sharp even under immense pressure. And this is the core idea of Take The Lead,” said Cerebos Malaysia’s Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Koh Joo Siang during the launch at the Camp 5 climbing facility in 1 Utama Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya.

Michael Wong Guang Liang, BRAND’s new ambassador

Take the Lead campaign will feature BRAND’s new ambassador, Michael Wong Guang Liang. A familiar name in the entertainment industry, especially among the Chinese community, Michael is a multiple award winning singer and composer who had early in his career challenged himself to broaden his horizons beyond Malaysia. Since his debut in 1993, he has built his fame around the region and has gone on to perform concerts in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia and Los Angeles while expanding into the acting industry.

Studies conducted by Universiti Putra Malaysia’s faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences show conclusive results that consuming BRAND’S Essence of Chicken over 14 consecutive days improves memory and mental concentration levels significantly.

Redzuan and Putri completed Take the Lead Challenge

Missyblurkit completed Take the Lead Challenge

Pen Merah completed Take the Lead Challenge

Available in leading pharmacies, supermarkets, hypermarkets and traditional medicine shops, BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken retails at RM25.90 and RM39.90 respectively for its 42gm or 70gm sized 6-bottle packs, while the value for money 14+1 bottle pack is priced at RM77.90.

For more product information,

visit BRAND’S Smart Living Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BrandsSmartLiving

call BRAND’S Customer Care Line at 1-300-228-300

Nur Fazura, Colgate Optic White Brand Ambassador Shares Her Ultimate Beauty Secret

Without a doubt, bright white smiles are the perfect accessory to any outfit or look, as seen on Nur Fazura and models at the fashionable launch of Colgate Optic White

   

Colgate Optic White is the latest beauty must-have, experience one shade whiter teeth after just one week. Amidst a sea of red and white and exciting party air, Nur Fazura, one of Malaysia’s most stylish and beautiful stars revealed the secret to her bright white smile at the fashionable launch of Colgate Optic White last Saturday.

Colgate Optic White is the latest beauty must-have that promises one shade whiter teeth after just one week. With whitening accelerators that remove stains and polish teeth surface, Optic White is the answer to achieving the best accessory for any fashionable outfit a bright white smile.

The beautiful FAZURA is the brand ambassador of Colgate Optic White,
the latest beauty must- have for bright, white smiles

Nur Fazura, Colgate Optic White brand ambassador, talked about a dazzling white smile as her most important style asset: “Always being in front of the camera and in the public eye, my smile is one of the first things that people notice about me. This is why I take extra care to have not just a smile, but a bright white smile that completes any look or outfit I have.”

Fazura, Colgate Optic White Brand Ambassador and Chris Pikounis,
Marketing Director of Colgate-Palmolive Marketing Sdn Bhd

“A beautiful, white smile speaks so much about personality, confidence, even how you value something as basic as caring for your teeth. Even if you have a stylish outfit or flawless make-up, having discoloured teeth is impossible to disguise and can take away the effort you put into looking beautiful,” she explained.

“Colgate Optic White is now part of my beauty kit. It is the only beauty essential I need to keep my smile bright and white. I have been using it and it really works!” she added excitedly.

Aside from the toothpaste, the Optic White line comes complete with the Colgate 360° Optic White toothbrush with whitening cups and spiral-shaped polishing bristles that help remove surface stains and clean hard-to-reach areas for a full white smile. There is also the Colgate Optic White mouthwash with a special formula that helps maintain the natural whiteness of teeth while giving long-lasting fresh breath.

With Colgate Optic White, experience one shade whiter teeth after just one week

Colgate Optic White is now available in leading retailers and pharmacies nationwide at the recommended retail selling price of RM 5.90/12.90 for the 40gm and 100gm toothpaste, RM 12.90 for toothbrush and RM 8.90/20.90 for the 250ml and 750ml mouthwash.

Aroma Necklace is not an Ordinary Piece of Accessories

Some of you might have notice that I am wearing this long chain with a love pendant. Well, its actually the Aroma Necklace.  This is not a ordinary piece of accessories. The love shaped pendant can be open up and inside there is an Aroma Glass Ball. This Aroma Glass Ball comes in different colours so I can change it to suit my mood. I can pump in different types of Essential Oil in to this ball. So, I can have aromatherapy with me where ever I go, helps to comfort, invigorates and soothes me depends on the essential oil that I use. Different essential oil have different functions.

The Aroma Necklace comes with 1 Aroma Glass Ball
exclude the Alqvimia Essential Oil and Pump

Open Heart Shaped Aroma Necklace 

Aroma Glass Ball 

  

There are a few colors of Aroma Glass Ball available. You can purchase the additional glass ball at RM 30 each. The Aroma Necklace material is stainless steel. The chain length is 11.5 inches (exclude the pendant). Each Aroma Necklace selling at RM200 comes with an aroma glass ball and essential oil pump (exclude the essential oil). The Alqvimia Essential Oil is sold separately. All these are available at Heavenly Spa, Taipan USJ.

Stay tune for my review about this Aroma Necklace with different types of Alqvimia Essential Oil coming up soon…

Locations:

Heavenly Spa, USJ

25, Jalan USJ 10/1F, Taipan Subang Jaya,

47620 Selangor, Malaysia

Tel: 03-5632 3600

Operating Hours:  

Mon - Fri: 10am – 8pm

Sat - Sun: 9am – 6pm